“Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett

The fact that I listened to this novel read by Meryl Streep, only heightened the enjoyment of this heartwarming story of love and hope, of all that it means to be a family, of life choices made and avoided, and of the way children view the story of their parents’ lives.  During stressful harvest time on the family-run business of a Michigan cherry farm, Lara recalls her past for her twenty-something daughters, detailing her time as an actress doing summer stock, and as the
story unfolds, not only do we learn about Peter Duke, who later became a celebrity, but we also glimpse Lara’s coming of age story, and the heart of the loving family circle she now enjoys. 41/2 Stars