Across the River
Book Club Picks

Book Club Picks: Across the River

Andrealisa Rinaldi, better known as Andie, is complacent in her life. She writes for a living, although not for a newspaper she respects; she lives in NYC, across the river from her overbearing Italian family; she spends weekends at her family's summer home with her sister, even if her sister is suffering from several mental disorders which cause her to live full-time in a home; she has a boyfriend whom she likes; although he's long distance and they only see each other from time to time. Still, she's found peace, and maybe some happiness thanks to her scruffy little dog Ben, which she certainly doesn't want to give up.

Especially not to go home and "report" on a murder in her childhood town. It's been years since she and her family had to move, and going home again is a complete culture shock for Andie. She is investigating an old friend's daughter's murder, and in the prospect running into just about everyone who is anyone from her childhood.

The problem for Andie is that she's not sure who's friend or foe anymore. And it's going to take more than a few, "remember when's" to get this colorful cast of characters from her past talking...

Book Club Picks: Across the River Opinion

My husband is an Italian Jersey boy, albeit South Jersey, so I really enjoyed the nuances of the culture as described in the book. My favorite is that Andie is called by her God-given name when she's in trouble (like a long-distance boyfriend that can't seem to track her down) or being treated as a child (like from an admonishing Sister).

The mystery is bittersweet as it begins with the death of a child, a subject I always find hard to bear. But Solimini handles the subject with care, and quickly allows the reader to mourn and move on, engaging fully in the unraveling mystery. And unravel it does, for the characters. Nobody is safe from suspicion as Andie tries to uncover the truth behind the lies in her childhood home. Will she be able to solve the mystery before anyone else is killed?

PS - don't forget your Pixi Sticks!

Book Club Picks: Across the River Discussion Questions

1. Has Mickey been holding a torch for Andie all these years?
2. Why didn't Andie keep in touch with her childhood friends?
3. Do you believe everything you read in the tabloids? Why or why not?

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