The Book Club for Troublesome Women
$0.00
Related Products
“This is a novel about ambitious women and the mentors that inspired them to excellence . . . Bostwick carves an unforgettable path for her characters.”—Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Good Left Undone
Margaret Ryan never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution in her buttoned-up suburb.
By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman’s dream. She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia—one of Northern Virginia’s most exclusive and picturesque suburbs. She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman’s Place—a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy. On paper, she has it all. So why doesn’t that feel like enough?
Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia’s newest and most intriguing resident. As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte’s orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women—Bitsy and Viv—to the inaugural meeting. As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they’d been sold isn’t all roses and sunshine—and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments—and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a humorous, thought provoking, and nostalgic romp through one pivotal and tumultuous American year—as well as an ode to self-discovery, persistence, and the power of sisterhood.
Ginger Russell –
Back to the 60s
For some reason, I was expecting this to be a different kind of story; however, it was entertaining and inspiring. It is 1963, and the 4 main characters have just moved into a new subdivision. They form a book club, starting with Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, which sets the tone for the rest of the book. Because I am old enough to have lived during this era, I can say that this story reminded me a great deal of the novels that were popular during the 60s and 70s, with each character having her own story as well as her interaction with the other three. These women are subjected to the same prejudices that affected all women during that time period, from husbands to families to bosses. I thoroughly enjoyed taking a “step back” and commiserating with them, as in “been there, done that.” It is an enjoyable book and a page turner.
Momof3 –
A Different Time
After reading the summary my first thought was is this another anti men women’s lib story? I was pleasantly surprised! It’s wonderful historical fiction set in the 1960’s and focuses on 4 suburban women who start a book club to read Betty Friedan’s A Feminine’ Mystique. The readers will learn about the limitations on women during that time period, unless you lived them. Then you already know! They realize they all want something more from life but aren’t sure what that might be or how to achieve it. For some it meant a total and complete disruption of life as they knew it. But for others they were happy with their spouses and family life but just needed to add to that dream. I enjoyed the characters too. We’ve come a long way and this story reflects that.
Brie –
I’m in my mid-50s and want to change my life…this book is one of the jump starts I needed!
This is a must read as a reminder of women that paved the way to where we are now. These were your suburban housewives in the early 60s that came from different experiences and were told to marry ‘well’, have children and keep a nice home. This edict didn’t consider each woman, her strengths, her drive, her energy or her voice. Through a book club, these women went through their own journeys and formed a bond and changed their worlds for them, their families and their and our future. Great, great read!
Kevin H. –
I felt like I knew these women!
The stories of these women reminded me of my college days and the years immediately following. The stories were real, the expectations for women were just starting to expand and it was a time of “I am women here me roar” while also working as a teacher or a nurse, the only fields beyond secretarial that were broadly expected of women. Then of course, motherhood with all its joys and struggles were always women’s first priority. I did not want to finish this book, these women felt like friends and the book read like a drop in on very interesting lives.
NYCMomma –
Inspiring Read
Marie Bostwick’s novel, The Book Club for Troublesome Women, is a historical fiction novel that takes place in 1963 suburban Virginia – just right outside of our nation’s capital. Four women gather in their new subdivision to discuss Betty Friedan’s book, The Feminine Mystique. Not everyone finishes each of the assigned books – but they do share their thoughts on the concepts of life as women in the 1960s. Each women brings something different to the discussion, Viv is a happily married former army nurse with 6 children and one more on the way. Charlotte is an aspiring artist from a wealthy family. Margaret is a housewife trying to find her purpose, and Bitsy is a young wife trying to conceive a child but with aspirations to be come a veterinarian. The women call themselves The Betty’s. Through the novel we watch their friendship go beyond the book club – as each member of the book club grows and evolves after their first meeting – and experiences the ups and downs of regular life.The character development is phenomenal and the historical details were on point. The concept of friendship and purpose that women seek still ring true today. I highly recommend this book as an inspirational read to women everywhere seeking out their purpose.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Kathryn Wolf –
Excellent book!
I purchased “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” because I loved the title and consider myself a rather troublesome woman as well. I was immediately captivated by the story, the fully developed characters, the snappy dialogue, all of it. I wish I’d written it myself. This one gets an honored spot in my personal library!
G. Suetterlein –
If you enjoy escapism, this may be the book for you.
Although I thought the book was well-written, the subject was one that I have read hundreds of times before. Characters were well developed and interesting, but it did not differentiate itself for me in any meaningful way. It was relatable in that it is the story of women everywhere. I prefer a book that stimulates my imagination and pulls me in, and this did not do that for me. I might recommend it just for a light reading book with the intent to escape. The theme of women supporting women is a universal theme that all women can appreciate.
BPescitelli –
Whew!
I am a Marie fan. This one started so slow, I almost put it down.Glad I didn’t. It is good to be reminded that women did not always enjoy what we take for granted today. Yes, we are not where we can be, but progress has been made, us being made, one situation at a time.Thank you for a good story.