Every Last One by Anna Quindlen

Mary Beth Latham, mother of three teenagers, is someone who values family and friendship. Married to an ophthalmologist, Mary Beth runs her own landscaping business. Busy to the max, Mary Beth still has time to interact with all of her family members, including Ruby’s boyfriend Kiernan.

This is the story of incredible loss. It is also the story of incredible strength and perseverance in the midst of that loss. The author begins the book by drawing the reader into the family unit. We become a part of the closeness and recognize that this family cherishes their lives. While they are not exempt from the occasional spat, they are a family that is close-knit. Then, the unthinkable happens and Mary Beth is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions, not knowing how to deal with it all. She only knows that she must be strong for her son Alex.

Quindlen has again, made us understand how one learns to cope and move on after a great tragedy. The reader becomes one with Mary Beth and we empathize with her as she sands floors, bursts into tears and becomes undone. We never fail to encourage her to move forward, utilizing all the strength she has left. A story wrought with courage and determination.

Ladybookbug!