Title: The Book Club for Troublesome Women
Author: Marie Bostwick
Rating: 4/5
Comments: I adored this. Everyone and their mother is trying to get me to read historical fiction, so I think this was a great first start. It’s set in the early 1960s, when women couldn’t even open their own bank account without their husband’s sign-off. At this time, The Feminine Mystique is published and empowers women all over the world to be more than just a housewife. Unlikely friends Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv are bonding through the novel, and the idea that the feeling of wanting more in life is shared. The four friends lean on each other while they navigate their own marriages, children, jobs, and pressures. It’s a beautiful story of perseverance and a great reminder of the importance of good friends.
Title: Middle of the Night
Author: Riley Sager
Rating: 2.5/5
Comments: Don’t read- such a waste of time. It’s about a neighborhood boy, Billy, who goes missing from a backyard tent in the middle of the night. The case goes unsolved for years, and the boy’s best friend, Ethan, has been guilt-ridden ever since. When he returns to his childhood home after 30 years, secrets are uncovered, and Ethan connects the dots. The most interesting part of the story is Ethan’s wife. The book is way too long for no reason- the ending is barely satisfying. If you want to read anything by Sager, I highly recommend Final Girls.
Title: The River is Waiting*
Author: Wally Lamb
Rating: 4.8/5
Comments: Wow. Completely heartbreaking. Due to his own actions, Corby Ledbetter finds himself in prison, leaving his wife and daughter at home. We see him navigate years in prison and all that comes with the silence, the thoughts, the what ifs, and the what’s next. As I grow to really enjoy Corby, so do others- it’s natural to gravitate towards him even though he has done this awful thing. But wow- it’s really so well-written and such a beautiful story. I don’t want to give anything else away, so just do yourself a favor and grab this one at the library ASAP.
Title: My Friends
Author: Fredrik Backman
Rating: 3.8/5
Comments: We read this for book club, and although I did not attend the discussion, I heard most members either didn’t finish it or didn’t like it. I, however, enjoyed it! It is definitely way too long, but the ending is worth it. The story is about a girl named Louisa who meets her favorite artist and is given his artwork. She then meets the artist’s friend, Ted, and the two set off on a journey to discover the meaning behind the art. Along the way, Ted tells Louisa the story of one summer with the artist and their other friends and how special they were. Right away, Ted knows that Louisa is one of them, just like the artist knew. I admire the story and how we learn how they know someone is “one of them.” How they allow space for those who don’t always fit in. How they allow space for those who have destructive upbringings. How they allow space for those who just want peace. It’s a sweet tale of love, heartbreak, and most importantly, friendship.
Title: The Women*
Author: Kristin Hannah
Rating: 5/5
Comments: Oh, how The Bookclub for Troublesome Women was just a historical fiction warm-up. To everyone who has told me to read this over the years and I did not listen, I apologize and you were right. Hannah may have single-handedly changed my opinion on HF after this one. It’s about young nurse Frankie, who understands that women can be heroes too, even in the 1960s. In her world of wealth and privilege, she dares to dream of a life few women experience by following her brother as he fights in Vietnam. I really don’t even have words to explain this one. Just read it. Read it right this second.
Title: The Outsiders
Author: S.E. Hinton
Rating: 4.5/5
Comments: Let us not forget that S.E. Hinton was only 15 years old when she wrote this book! The depth and maturity she needed to tell this classic tale are beyond impressive. I haven’t read this book since the eighth grade, but it has always held a special place in my heart, specifically the notion that “nothing gold can stay.” Rereading it was so fun, and I still had all the same feelings I had at 14. Stay gold, everyone.
Title: The Maid’s Secret (Molly the Maid, #3)
Author: Nita Prose
Rating: 3.9/5
Comments: I have very much enjoyed this series. If you’re looking for depth, don’t look here. But if you’re looking for something light-ish with likeable characters, I highly recommend this cutie little series!
Title: My Husband’s Wife
Author: Alice Feeney
Rating: 3.5/5
Comments: I think this is the first time I have ever said there are too many twists. It’s constant whiplash, but not in my favorite way. I could do without two or three of the big hitters- I don’t think they are all necessary. With that being said, I really enjoy the writing style and the characters. First, we meet Eden Fox- a mother, wife, and artist. Then we meet another Eden Fox- a mother, wife, and artist. Two wives. One husband. One story of twists, turns, and mind-blowing revelations. Then there’s Birdy, the lead investigator, who has her own laundry list of secrets and surprises. Again, I think it’s a bit too much, but that’s Feeney for ya.
Sarcastically Callie 