Barney's Online Book Club -- January 2010 Discussion

Welcome to the fifth discussion post of Barney's Online Book Club. This month we are discussing The House on Tradd Street by Karen White. Below are some questions to start the discussion but feel free to raise your own in the comments section. Please note that the questions and comments may include spoilers -- so read at your own risk!

Let the discussion begin!

1. How much do you think Melanie's upbringing played in creating the person she becomes?

2. How did you feel about Melanie's relationship with her parents? Melanie begrudgingly gives her father a second chance, but refuses to do the same thing for her mother. Do you feel this was fair?

3. Melanie and her best friend are complete opposites. Do you think that their opposite personalities attracted them to each other?

4. In the beginning, Melanie hates old houses. Was her transformation into a home owner realistic? What was the role of the ghosts in helping her love her new home?

5. What was your overall impression of the book? Will you read the sequel?

Barney's Online Book Club -- January Discussion Reminder

A quick reminder -- Barney's Online Book Club discussion of The House on Tradd Street will take place this Sunday, January 24th. All are welcome to participate!

Review -- The House on Tradd Street

The House on Tradd Street
by Karen White
Published by New American Library, 2008
329 pages

Summary: Melanie inherits an old historical house filled with secrets. The only problem is that she hates old houses and the ghosts that haunt the house want her to solve an old mystery. With the help of family, friends, and a possible love interest, Melanie begins to restore the house and bring closure to the past.

Review: Karen White writes a fun detective story with a paranormal twist. Melanie is an obsessive compulsive perfectionist whose is unable to come to terms with her complicated childhood. She is an interesting character whose heart comes across the page, making her a heroine you can root for. The mystery unfolds nicely, keeping the reader entertained and guessing. I wasn't really impressed with the romantic portions of the book as Melanie stumbles to choose the right guy for her. The reader easily can see the villain of the book, whereas it takes the main character too long to connect the dots. Rating: *** out of 5

*** Barney's Online Book Club will be discussing The House on Tradd Street on Sunday, January 24th. All are welcome to join us!