Scrapbooking Novel: A Page Out of Life

I copied this from an ARTICLE on Scrapbooking.com:

————————————————
In A Page Out of Life, the art of scrapbooking becomes a backdrop that explores the experiences of several southern women as they document their lives. When frazzled mother of four Ashley Gates lets her best friend drag her to a meeting of the local scrapbook club, she’s amazed at the way old photos and mementos bring vivid color to sepia-toned memories. Among the surprisingly diverse group is Tara, a single grad student whose search for love, like her relationship with her absentee father, has only caused problems—and some funny dating stories. Then there’s Libby, a semi-retired teacher who thought she’d spend her golden years taking cooking and photography classes—not as a town pariah after her son is charged in a corporate scandal. As Ashley copes with a husband whose love for her fluctuates with her weight, she comes to depend more and more on her scrapbooking sisters. Only together can these women face earth-shattering revelations and emotionally unavailable men. “Scrapbooking is a tradition, similar to storytelling, but with a visual focus,” said author Kathleen Reid. “My goal in writing A Page Out of Life was to use weekly meetings of a scrapbooking club as a backdrop to uncover the secrets of generations of women. I am hoping that people, men and women, young and old, will relate to these characters and the unusually funny and poignant situations they experience.”
————————————–

I heard about this book awhile back on the MESSAGE BOARD at ALL MOMENTS REMEMBERED. I finally got it and have been slowly reading it over the last couple of weeks. I’m now about halfway through and, since it’s spring break and since my internet has been down a lot, I think I’ll finish it this week (so READING is what I used to do before the internet….that’s right! I remember now). NICOLE on the MB had mentioned that it started out kind of slow and it’s hard keeping track of all the characters, which is right on the money. But as you keep reading, it sorts itself out and gets more intriguing. Now, I’m really curious how things will turn out for the main character, Ashley. I have a lot in common with her (unfortunately!), so it’s an intriguing read.

I plan to write a scrapbooking novel (or more) someday so this is giving me ideas and has the wheels turning. But even if you just want a good, relaxing, scrap-related read, I would highly recommend it. I’m trying to drum up some interest in a kind of mini book club discussion at AMR but so far, no bites. Oh well. Either way, I’ll give you my final review when I’m done. If you’re interested in purchasing this book, A PAGE OUT OF LIFE by Kathleen Reid, you can get it HERE, HERE, and HERE among others. I got my copy at Barnes and Noble. Kathleen has a WEBSITE and a BLOG, if you’re interested. Happy reading!