The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg

This book recounted the days leading up to and including a high school reunion - a 40th reunion. I did mine this year so was interested in the story. The book was amusing and had some poignant moments, and did not fall into the cliches that could have easily persented themselves.  Ms. Berg developed some characters better than others, and expressed their trepidation at seeing old friends again. The "losers" are now the winners and the popular jock who expects to be the hit of the reunion turns out to be a pathetic kind of character, trying so hard to win back his wife, who brings someone else to the reunion. There were interesting snippets that I could relate to, and I appreciated the self realization that most of the characters express as they look back on their lives, who they were and who they have become.

Every Last One by Anna Quindlen

This book was not on my "Want to Read" list or even on my radar. Not sure how I missed the reviews when it came out. Nevertheless, when I went to the Library last week to return my books, it was on the shelf with those daunting "one week only - no renewals - $1.00/day fine" books. I took it anyway, because Anna Quindlen is one of my favorites.
At the start, I loved the book and the writing. Quindlen has such a way to make characters real. I enjoyed getting to know Mary Beth and her husband and children. The story meandered, delving deeper into this family and their friends.  Hints of what is to come are subtle, but nevertheless, there between the lines in the text.
And when the "big event" happens, you are stunned, but  not shocked. I can't give any more away. I will just say, "read this book and don't put it down halfway through when you think it's getting a bit slow."