The Book Club

The Book Club seemed like a perfect summer beach- read, and with that title, I was sure it was a good choice. Unfortunately, this one was not one of my favorites by this author. The story had two too many characters. Gabriella and Midge never got a fully developed story- Gabriella getting the short end more than the rest- but Midge’s part was a head scratcher- awkward and vague- and didn’t add a single thing to the story.

On top of that, I struggled with some of the dated messaging. Women who dutifully stayed at home, raised children and ended up at a crossroads later in life is not necessarily a terrible character study, but it was a bit heavy handed at times and/or cliched, as well. I didn’t like Annie most of the time, though show more of course I did soften towards her as her thread developed.

Eve was the focal point of the novel. I did like the way her story played out in the end, though her daughter was almost too good to be true sometimes.

Still, the main theme of the novel wasn’t really about all the personal dramas so much as it was about friendship. Women who stepped up for each other during times of crisis, who listened and cared, forgave, and supported each other, sticking together, forging a bond that could survive whatever the future held for them.

It is hard to not to like stories like this one- especially when you couple friendships with good books. Though not as well written or emotional as other novels I’ve read by Monroe, at the end of the day, it was an absorbing story with many satisfying qualities.

Liked it but didn't love it.

3 stars show less

Five women in the Chicago suburbs meet monthly to discuss books, as well as their trials and tribulations, struggling with motherhood, the loss of a loved one, career trouble, and illness. Their friendship sustains them and the books they read feed their souls.
I did not expect to get so wrapped up in the lives of these women, whom I initially considered bored and wealthy bourgeoisie, without problems I found relatable, but I did end up caring, and rooting for each of them. Even though I still think it must be nice to have a lake home belonging to your late parents to which you can just up and stay for a month in order to “find yourself.” I also feel that there could have been more of a denouement than there was, particularly show more considering the epilogue expressly states that books are more satisfying when all the loose ends are tied up. Particularly in the case of Midge, the reader is left wondering what happens next. Still, it is a very nice example of a quintessential beach read. show less

This is one of Mary Alice Monroe's earlier books originally published in 1999 before she started writing Southern fiction. There's no ocean and no low country scenery but she still gives us a wonderful plot and well written women facing problems that their friends help them work through.

This is a book about a book club. In the beginning, they were just a book club but over time the women became best friends. The five women are
Eve - her doctor husband has just died as the novel begins and she is left with two children and no idea of how to handle bills and money.
Annie - a lawyer who is happily married and decides that she wants a baby despite the fact that she is over 40.
Doris - has poor self esteem and a husband who seems to be away show more from home more and more.
Gabriella - has to support her family after her husband loses his job.
Midge - is single and an artist but wants to fall in love.

All of the women are at a critical point in their lives and help each other get through the bad times. It is always fun to read books about the importance of women's friendships. This is a light read with everyone getting their happily ever after ending. show less

Another departure from my usual crime fiction fare.

Five women have belonged to this book club for years and the events of this story show how it is about much more than just reading books. Each of the women go through life changing events and the monthly book club provides a point of stability when all around is rocky.

The primary voice is Eve whose husband dies suddenly while he is away on a regular trip. Her life is shattered and all her security is destroyed. For some months she feels unable to meet with the Book Club but eventually finds her way back to them as a group.

The action takes place over nearly 18 months and each of the women goes through a crisis where the support of the others becomes pivotal.

A good read.

On the surface, it is a monthly book club. But for five women, it is something infinitely more precious: a lifeline to hang on to and a chance to share their hopes, fears and triumphs. There is Eve, whose husband's sudden death has turned her safe little world upside down; cheating her out of every security that she had assumed was hers. Annie is a brilliant attorney who at 43 decides to have a baby, but all the determination in the world cannot change the cold reality of nature.

Doris, forced to acknowledge her dying marriage, will find the ultimate freedom through her husband's betrayal. Gabriella, the "perfect" wife, mother and friend, is afraid to ask for support for herself even as she offers such support to those around her. show more Finally, there is Midge - an artist who has always lived her life against the grain - but she suddenly feels like a stranger to the very people who should know her the best. These five women are women in transition and as they embrace the challenge of change, they will hold fast to the true magic of their book club - friendship.

Mareena was the one who found this book for me at our local library's book sale. I was intrigued by the book's plot because I love books that delve into people's relationships and the intricacies of women's friendships. This is the first time that I read The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe and I am delighted to discover that she has written more books. I give this book an A+! and am immediately going to put Mary Alice Monroe on my TBR pile. show less

. I have vacillated between 3 and 4 stars, but since I woke up thinking of the characters this morning, I am now leaning toward 4 stars. There are places in the book which I didn't appreciate:, however, it was glossed over and not dwelt upon. BTW, this book is different from the movie. That movie was about a group of ladies who read 50 Shades of Gray. This one is not that, thank goodness.It is a group of 5 ladies, from various backgrounds. One thing I loved about this book is that each chapter began with a quote from a book. I loved how the ladies were there for each other when it counted.

Hearteningly lovely tale of betrayal, love, anger, gentle remonstrance, and friendship we all hope to find. Kindly and very clearly narrated.