Becky’s Book Reviews: 54. Tree Table. Book.

Tree. Table. Book. Lois Lowry. 2024. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I am going to tell you three words. I’m choosing them at random. Listen carefully. This will be important. House. Umbrella. Apple. Remember those. I’ll explain later.

My thoughts (preview): I kept this one waiting. I have absolutely loved Lois Lowry’s work in the past. I have. Yet the title was odd–for me (though trust me, it works). The cover was not one that made me want to drop everything and read it. I wasn’t quite sure what this one was about. I thought it would likely be worth reading…at some point. Lowry’s books rarely disappoint me. 

In a way, I’m glad I waited to read it. Now I can tell EVERYONE go read this book and it will actually be available at libraries and bookstores. 

Premise/plot: What is this one about? Friendship. Friendship. Friendship. Friendship can be complex, nuanced, wonderful, perplexing. Young Sophie (our heroine) is VERY dear friends with a much older Sophie. The two have a wonderful, sparkling friendship–vibrant and delightful. Yet the older Sophie is beginning to ‘show’ her age, if you will. No matter how much young Sophie does NOT want to admit it, acknowledge it, accept it, things can’t stay the same forever. This Sophie is not Sophie’s only friend. There are others in her life that are DIFFERENT yet special. There is only ONE Sophie–irreplaceable. 

My thoughts: I purposefully kept the premise/plot on the VAGUE side. Because the JOY of this one is in the unfolding. The less you know about the specifics of the plot, the more you will enjoy the journey. You should know it is character-driven. This isn’t an action-packed novel with twists and turns. Nor is it a thriller. But for readers who LOVE character-driven novels that are ALL heart, ALL soul, written with care and beauty, this one is a must. It breaks you, in a way, but it also mends.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky’s Book Reviews