Member's October Read/Abby

Title: Chaperone

Author: Laura Moriarty

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis – Cora Carlisle, a respectable Kansas matron, is hired by the Brooks family to accompany their daughter Louise to New York. The time is the summer of 1922. Louise has been accepted by the Denishawn dance company, a modern dance studio run by Ruth St. Denis and her husband. Cora and Louise don’t really know or respect each other at the time, but off the New York they go. Cora has an additional reason for going that she shares with no one. It seems that she was left at a New York City orphanage at a young age by her unknown parents. Later, she was placed on an Orphan Train and placed with a family in Wichita Kansas. Cora wants to find her birth family. While Louise attends class, Cora looks for her birth family. At the close of the summer, Cora returns to Wichita, while Louise goes to Philadelphia with Ruth St Denis. But this is far from the end of the story, The family that Cora returns to is far from conventional. Louise, of course, becomes the far from conventional silent movie star who torpedoes her own career rather than accept what she considers wrong treatment from Hollywood. Through Cora’s occasional contact with the Brooks family, the reader watches Louise’s progress over the years, and come to realize that Cora is less dull than one, (Louise) might think, and Louise is more conventional than one,(Cora) might think. A very well done portrait of a portion of  twentieth century America.

Abby

Abby’s Impression.- I very much enjoyed this novel. It was a great story about people who don’t get too much exposure in the historical fiction genre. The book was well researched, without being over –researched. Over researching is a pet peeve of mine, so much to the point that when I see someone mention how “well –researched” this book is, that I automatically suspect that the writing and storyline will be somewhat less than spectacular. This is not the case in Chaperone, Here the story takes the lead, and the historical facts are well placed incidentals. Hooray. I do believe this is one of the best books I have read this year. I plan to read Lulu in Hollywood, Louise’s autobiography, soon.

Librarian's words: Today's reading meeting was the very first time I sat in, listened to, and heard what Abby is: no doubt, not only is she the librarian reads the most, she also proves herself a great storyteller. Abby's ability of interpreting a written book into a fascinating told story stole a "WOW" from me though I didn't have the time to tell her so. It's a talent of hers and a gift for the reading club members. 

              The typical impression of Abby is calm, quiet, and womanly complimented by her shiny long hair. Today's Abby is much different. If there is a career change I would bet Abby could be a great teacher for she has the kindness of patience a student would appreciate, a genuine smile inviting and encouraging her students to approach her, and a sincere attitude positively welcome any inquiries, questions, even challenges. I had to sit back to straighten my back to pay my respect and put my nerves and attention at full throttle to hear what she was delivering. 

              Abby, you are not only a great reader, speaker but also a wonderfully beautiful woman. That's what I saw in you today. Thank you, dear Abby.