More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen

This was a compelling read; hard to put down, which is rare in a contemporary novel that isn’t a thriller or a mystery. It left me smiling, if a bit wistful. That said, this book isn’t for everyone. Content includes dementia, infertility, family secrets, and cancer.

Why was this a good read for me, with all those topics covered? This novel also has memorable characters that I cared about, humor, a happy marriage, friendship, good scenery, and alpacas. Alpacas are pretty charming!

Polly teaches high school English in a private school for girls in New York City. After a short and unhappy first marriage, Polly is happily married to Mark. Mark is kind, supportive, and is a zoo veterinarian. Polly meets three friends 9 or 10 times a year for an unusual book club. The four women agree to buy the buy, but not to read it. No, I don’t get it, but money does not appear to be an issue for any of these women. Her friend Sarah has a city apartment and a house in Connecticut with gorgeous gardens. Sarah becomes friends with Mark’s mother Lou when their house needs renovation.

Polly’s dad has dementia and has moved to a posh memory care facility, and her mother is a judge. Polly is her father’s favorite child, but her brother doesn’t hold it against her. Some of Polly’s students and former students are featured, along with another teen. There are brief poetry quotations, and references to famous women novelists.

Brenda