Book of the Week

9 years ago

Cool water : a novel / Dianne Warren
Title in U.S. - Juliet in August.

I had heard good things about this novel, but was reluctant to read it. Call me a reading snob, but I thought that it couldn't be very entertaining at all, considering it was set in rural and small town Saskatchewan. I grew up in rural Manitoba, the province next door to Saskatchewan, and life there was pretty mundane.

But I really loved this book and can definitely recommend it, partly because it was such a relief to read about ordinary, decent people struggling with regular issues like relationships and money problems. And yet it's far more than that - it takes the ordinary and shows the dignity and beauty of everyday people and events. It has humor, poignancy and some lovely scenes.

At first, it may seem that this book is comprised of short stories, but only the first short segment is pretty well stand-alone. The other sections focus on a person or group of people living in or around the town of Juliet, and their stories continue by turns in following sections. Then their lives intersect as the novel progresses.

I finally decided to read the novel because it is an entry in the Book lover's calendar for 2014 for October 11/12 (I was skipping ahead in the calendar for reading ideas). This is its entry:

"Set in a small town in Saskatchewan, this novel brings to mind the work of authors such as Annie Proulx and Richard Russo who choose familiar and even unremarkable settings and then render the residents of those places marvellously distinct and alive. Warren's characters range from an overburdened middle-aged breadwinner to a widow who just might be finding love again to a struggling farm family. The plot hums along nicely, but even more memorable is the deep and moving insight into the human condition."

...and whatever happened to Antoinette the camel?

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Comments (17)

Pieonear
9 years ago
Sounds like a book I'd like, but unfortunately I can't get it on Kindle.
alisande
9 years ago
Call me a reading snob, but I thought that it couldn't be very entertaining at all, considering it was set in rural and small town Saskatchewan. I grew up in rural Manitoba, the province next door to Saskatchewan, and life there was pretty mundane.

I was surprised to read that statement because you're a sophisticated reader, Stacey, plus I'm sure you've lived your own live with awareness. Your comments about this book confirm that it's not the setting but the people who make a story interesting. Had I stayed in New York City, I don't know that I would have lived through as much unwanted drama as I have here on this old farm on a dirt road.
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pam_25f
9 years ago
I am definitely looking for this one Stacy. Thank you!
pam_25f
9 years ago
Oh, yeah! My library has it!
stacey_mb
Original Author
9 years ago
Mammie - it's unfortunate that you can't get this book on Kindle. If you're open to reading it in print, perhaps your library has it and if they do not, they may be able to bring it in for you from another library via interlibrary loan.

Alisande - true, that often it's the people that make the story rather than the location. And actually we have some excellent writers here who celebrate local people. I appreciate your referring to me as a sophisticated reader - always music to my ears!

Pam - wonderful that your library has the book. Enjoy!
kitz_2007
9 years ago
Here's a Kindle edition of the book at Amazon.com. I'll leave the link below. Its also at Amazon.ca

Here is a link that might be useful: Amazon kindle book
Pieonear
9 years ago
Thanks, kitz. It shows it as available on Kindle on the link you posted, but I can't find how to order the Kindle version on that page. Hope I figure that out and thanks again!
Pieonear
9 years ago
Thanks, kitz. It shows it as available on Kindle on the link you posted, but I can't find how to order the Kindle version on that page. Hope I figure that out and thanks again!
alisande
9 years ago
That page says the Kindle version isn't available for purchase, Mammie. But you can get the hardcover or paperback editions for a penny + $3.99 shipping.
kitz_2007
9 years ago
Ok that's weird. Cause when I have highlighted the kindle edition to the right of it gives me the the Buy Now box. Now I am in Canada, but don't know why that would make a difference, because it is a .com site. Sorry if it will not work for you. I can't try to order it because I don't have a kindle. I use a Sony which uses the epub format.
chisue
9 years ago
Sounds interesting. Thanks. I'm ready for a new novel.
Pieonear
9 years ago
I'll keep trying because I'd really like to read it. Thanks all.
stacey_mb
Original Author
9 years ago
Mammie - fingers crossed that you find the book and that you enjoy it.
Chisue - you're welcome. Happy reading!
margaretoh
9 years ago
I am going to choose it for my book club selection for January. Our library has five copies in the system so that's wonderful. Thank you for the selection. I wrote it on the calendar so I won't forget!
Pieonear
9 years ago
Alisande, I know, but Kindle has spoiled me. :)
sudiepav
9 years ago
Just a follow up, Stacey. I finally got your previously recommended The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry on loan on my iPad from my library. What a sweet story! I thoroughly enjoyed it...loved the transformation of the main character and all the literary references. A great recommendation....many thanks!
stacey_mb
Original Author
9 years ago
Margaretoh - You're welcome. This is a good choice for a book club discussion because of the different story lines and characters. In fact, our library system has a book club kit for this book with discussions questions. The book won the Governor General's Prize for Fiction in 2010. I hope your members have an enjoyable discussion.

Sudiepav - I'm responding to your comment on the other book thread.

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