Airport book purchase, one of the best books I've read this year

In November, I was flying to England, and missed a connecting flight. Instead of arriving the next morning at 10 AM, I found myself with a six hour layover in Salt Lake City, a redeye to JFK, and then an all day flight to London. All in all it could have been much worse. But I found myself wandering aimlessly through the Delta terminal in Salt Lake City and stopping at every bookstore. Isn't there something about buying a book in an airport? It's almost as if it is a necessary part of travel, at least in my mind. I finally picked up the Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. This book has been on my wish list for quite some time and I've even seen it on the new release table at the library. However, finding it in paperback at the airport, it was obvious it was going on the trip with me.

From the start, this book grabbed me. The premise of the story is about an indigenous family that came to Maine every year to pick berries and sadly their youngest daughter disappears without a trace. I was so engrossed with the family and the love and caring between them, that saw them through multiple tragedies. The other woman in the book was Norma, and I found myself rooting for her until she finally finds her way home. Her upbringing was so traumatic and painful, that I was cheering her on. I found myself totally engrossed in all the characters struggles, pain and triumphs.

In fact, one night when I was still dealing with some jet lag, I stayed up past midnight to finish. I really cannot recommend this book enough. It is now in paperback, and I hope it finds its way into your to be read or wish list.