Federation Book Club Reads TOM LAKE, by Ann Patchett

In the early 70s, I lived on a woodsy street in the Catskills five minutes from the late, great Concord Hotel—so close I could hear their activities announcements. We were also next door to a summer theater organization called, “Tent-arena.” Thanks to reading Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett, I no longer have to wonder what a member of a theater troupe like that lives through. I’m grateful I never joined.

“Tom Lake” is not a character, but a nickname for the lake where memories are so strong that a family’s entire history is revealed during the isolation of the pandemic. This makes these daughters and parents tighter than ever. The majority of our readers loved the book for its lovely narrative prose, its depiction of theater life, the difficulties of a life of fame, and choices surrounding fame vs. the hard yet satisfying work of cherry farming in Michigan.

For audiobook lovers, this is a must-listen if for no other reason than Meryl Streep’s performance as a mother un-layering her past to her daughters. Correction: this mother doesn’t bring out her entire history. For the secrets, you’ll have to read the book.

Beth Buechler
Community Contributor

Federation Book Club meets via Zoom at 4 PM on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Contact info@thejewishfed.org with “Book Club” in the subject to get involved.

Upcoming Book Discussions (Subject to Change):

August 14: The Ship of Brides, by Jojo Moyes
September 11: Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelly Van Pelt
October 9: The Correspondent, Virginia Evans
November 13: Nightbitch, by Rachel Yoder