The Irresistible Henry House: A Captivating Novel for Book Clubs & Literary Fiction Lovers - Perfect for Reading Retreats & Book Discussions

I didn't know such a thing as "Practice Baby" existed back in the 50's, so when I started reading this book I thought the author simply made that up. Until I finished the book I read the note on the back then I know about the practice baby, which is actually what inspired the author to write this novel. I think I really love this book, even though it was a bit boring in the beginning. But it got better about one third through, full of simple yet unforgettable events and incidents that just gripped my heart and I just couldn't put down the book. What kept me reading on is I wanted to know what would happen to Henry in the end, a boy was raised by half a dozen practice mothers and grew up at a practice baby house, which evidently contributed to his inability to love and trust as he grew up from little boy into adolescence and to adulthood, his always hidden self-center and protective personality, his vulnerability to connect with people and unable to commit in relationship. And yet we could also feel Henry's sincerity and continuous efforts to want to embrace others, his neediness to be loved and taken care of, his longing to be acknowledged and recognized. Not only Henry, I also felt for other characters deeply in the story - Henry's practice mother Martha, who has wanted nothing but love in return from Henry all her life, even on her deathbed; Henry's real mother, Betty, who chose to give birth to Henry but in the end deserted him; Henry's distant grandfather, Henry's thought to be true love Peace (a practice baby as well), and his lifetime and only true friend, Mary Jane. The author created simple and yet powerful characters through out the book and you just felt they are playing their lives vividly in front of you like a movie as you read on. The unforgettable events simply dragged you into the story line and made you wonder many different life choices and their consequences. It's a book that makes you think and ponder, to stop and look at your own life, as what's missing and what's more to attain. It's a book can't be missed.