The Arrivals

I am pleased to welcome a new reviewer to the Great Thoughts family, my friend Stacey.  I think you will agree that we need her reviewing more books.

Here’s Stacey:

When Andrea asked me to read The Arrivals by Meg Moore, I graciously accepted! What better than a new book that enjoys a reputation of being a good read!  However, life is sometimes hectic as a mother of two and their schedule demands.  After a few nights of this book staring at me on my nightstand (and Andrea bugging me)…I caved.  I found myself engrossed into this book’s story that I, as a mother, could so relate to.  That being said here are my Great Thoughts…

I loved this book.  As I mentioned before, I was drawn into this very relatable story.  This book is the story of two empty nesters Ginny and William.  They have raised three children and are now enjoying a quiet life. However, that all quickly changes as each of their children, for one reason or the other (read the book!), move back in with them.  This book is what I would refer to as a circle of life book.  Their home is suddenly inhabited with a complete circle of life as their grown children move back.  Ginny and William are thrown back into the child rearing stage.  It made me think, child rearing, no matter how old they are, is never done.  Their wisdom rings true to each child, in each stage of life.

One of my favorite quotes from this book is when Ginny listens one night to the sounds of her quiet house as everyone is sleeping and reminisces when her children were young. 

She says, “She knew her mind, was cluttered with an ever-expanding to-do list, had already been leaping ahead to the next day and the day after that, sorting out meals and activities and carpools and all the rest of it.”  

In the end, when everyone left and Ginny and William were once again left in the quiet house Ginny says, “This is what they didn’t know about, the peace that came with having it almost finished.”

I had a hard time putting this book down.  That being said, I am going to slow down, take time to pick up a good book and read it.  I have a long time to get these kids raised and many life lessons to tackle.  I highly recommend this book to all my mom friends.  You too will enjoy!

Hachette Book Group  provided a review copy of this book for this post.  All opinions are my own.

 What are you reading and where are you going?