Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Anniversary Party & To Keep Her From Harm; Movie: American Clown

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: The Anniversary Party & To Keep Her From Harm

Today, we are talking about the Anniversary Party by Angela Clarke. Years ago, Beth was forced to change her name and identity. Now two of her exes have died violently, and Beth is convinced it may have something to do with her past. She sets out on a quest to warn her exes and find the killer before they strike again. 

This relentlessly fast-paced, thrilling read never lets up on the tension. It is extremely exciting and keeps you wanting to turn pages. However, it is also a little disappointing. What is happening in the present is certainly shocking and horrifying. However, what happened in the past definitely isn't something that should have necessitated an entire identity change. A healthy dose of therapy probably would have sufficed. 

Also, the ending of the book is a little disappointing. True, the twist is shocking, but it also comes completely out of left field. If you love a book that you don't have a chance of guessing the ending of, you will really enjoy it. However, if you prefer a book where there's a chance you might at least figure out who did it, even if you're not 100 percent sure why, perhaps not as much. 

Today, we are recommending To Keep Her From Harm. When a mother suspects her violent ex may be engaging in inappropriate behavior with their daughter, she goes on the run with the child. The characters in this book, particularly those of the two exes, are very well drawn. Although they often engage in questionable behavior, it mostly makes sense in terms of character and their frame of reference that they behave the way they do. The characters also show impressive growth throughout the course of the story, particularly the father. However, the ending seems a little unbelievable; it feels like there's a little bit too much water under that bridge for them to end up in the place where they do. 

Movie: American Clown

Today, we are recommending American Clown. This is a documentary about the mostly lost art of clowning. Throughout the film, numerous practitioners of the art provide commentary, including some probably more well-known for their acting careers. They include Bill Irwin, John C. Reilly, and David Arquette. The participants' love for their craft shines through in every frame, making this film a heartbreaking ode to a dying craft.

And that's our view. The Anniversary Party and To Keep Her From Harm were published last week. American Clown is available now for purchase or rental digitally.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

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