What do You think about The Book Club (2003)?
Another great read by Mary Alice Monroe - who I spent a good bit of time getting to know this summer thru her novels and her Facebook page! I enjoyed this story of friendship -- five women who meet for their Book Club, but share so much more. I was glad that they were not all the best of friends and had ups and downs in their relationships. Their support for each other is supportive, without being all consuming. Five different personalities and at different stages of life kept the characters and book interesting. My favorite part of the book is when they all gather at the Lake House - I love the description, and their time there together was so special. I really wanted to jump in the pages of the book and be a part of this close, and fun group of friends.
—Kristin
3.5 stars. I really like Monroe's writing style as I find it easy to breeze along and her character's relatable. I did not think this was one of her best, but still a feel good read. Five women have been in a social book club for many years. I would not say they all are good friends, but over the years the friendships seem to slip back and forth. This is what I enjoyed. These women reminded me of friendships I have had with different women....sometimes they are the best of friends, sometimes you can't relate and other times you tolerate them more or less because of your history. You fit together, even though you go home to very different lives. I think Monroe did a wonderful job of showing how a shared history kept these women together. I also appreciated that each women was facing a change in her life, and once again I could relate. Each had a pretty major issue arise that I have either dealt with or have gone through with a good friend. The stories of each of these women were honest....and I could see how they had reached this time in their lives....and I could think of someone I know who was much like each character. (myself included) This felt a little drawn out in some places which is why it did not get a full 4 stars from me. But her stories are comfortable....relaxing....just what I need at times....just like an old friend.
—Connie
This book surrounds the lives of five friends who live in the Chicago area and have a monthly book club. The novel opens with the death of Eve's husband and the turmoil this throws into her life. Her friends attempt to rally around her and her children, but have their own strife. Annie is struggling to have a baby, Gabriella is working extra shifts to support her family after her husband loses his job, Midge, an artist is dealing with her mother moving back to Chicago and in with her, and Doris is trying to deal with her feelings of inadequacy and possible infidelity of her husband. We get to see Eve start to build a new life and possibly find a new love as she goes through the challenges of going back to work. Annie's frustrations with not having a baby threaten to break up her marriage and possibly that of another member. In the end, there are big changes for the group, but they manage to grow the cohesion between them.
—Michelle
