We are delighted to welcome Ann Hood back to Buffalo and Larkinville. Ann will be speaking at the Larkin Square Author Series on Wednesday October 5th from 5:30 – 6:45 pm. Ann’s new novel is called The Book that Matters Most (W.W. Norton & Co., 2016).

This will be Ann’s third time speaking in Larkin Square. Back by popular request, Ann is a very engaging speaker. Her previous best sellers include the novels An Italian Wife and The Obituary Writer. She is also the editor and a contributor of two best-selling books with knitting-themed essays, The Knitting Circle and Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting.

The Book that Matters Most is an enthralling novel about love, loss, secrets, friendship, and the healing power of literature. 

The main character, Ava, has a twenty-five-year marriage that has fallen apart, and her two grown children are pursuing their own lives outside of the country. Ava joins a book group, not only for her love of reading but also out of sheer desperation for companionship. The group’s goal throughout the year is for each member to present the book that matters most to them. Ava rediscovers a mysterious book from her childhood—one that helped her through the traumas of the untimely deaths of her sister and mother. Alternating with Ava’s story is that of her troubled daughter Maggie, who, living in Paris, descends into a destructive relationship with an older man. Ava’s mission to find that book and its enigmatic author takes her on a quest that unravels the secrets of her past and offers her and Maggie the chance to remake their lives.

“This is the perfect event for a book club to attend, or just come on your own,” said Leslie Zemsky, Larkin Square Director of Fun, “Ann is a talented writer who creates characters readers connect with and care about.  Her speaking style reflects this, she is funny, engaging and thoughtful. We are delighted to welcome her back to Larkinville.”