The Book Club

Rating:
Summary: Oh No, Not Again...
Review: "The Book Club," another dreary and cliched "middle-aged women discover that life is not a bowl of cherries" novel, is part Elizabeth Berg (the dreadful "Pull of the Moon" comes to mind) and Patricia Gaffney's "The Saving Graces," with some other tried-and-true "women's fiction" thrown in for good measure.

I know Monroe can do better, because I have read and enjoyed other books she has written. And I WANT to like her books, because I like her as an author; I like the part of her that seems to appear in her books. But try as I might, I could not like this book--there were simply too many groaners.

For example: the "perfect housewife" who suddenly realizes her husband has been unfaithful throughout their marriage--so escapes to lie naked on the grass and "find herself" (straight from the above-mentioned "Pull of the Moon"--I kept wondering if bugs were walking on her private parts? Do you HAVE to be naked on the grass to find yourself?)

And...high-powered career woman used to controlling every part of her life suddenly finds she cannot get pregnant--thus losing control. Argh! And...suddenly widowed, a grieving wife goes through her husband's effects and finds a picture of another woman.

The one possibly interesting thread, one of the women very tentatively coming out of the closet, is as tentatively mentioned, and never explored again for the rest of the novel. That would have been a departure that could have added some originality to the tale. But it was not to be.

OK. That's enough, and none of the above is a spoiler. Monroe seems to be a dear person, so I wish her well and will not tell you not to read this book. But be warned. You have read it a thousand times before, and you will read it a thousand times again until this particular genre lays its weary head to rest.

Rating:
Summary: Warm relationship drama
Review:

Over the years, the five Riverton, Illinois women have shared more than just the book club started back in 1983. As the five club members enter middle age, crisis strikes each of them.

Eve Porter's world crashes when she receives the call from the San Diego hospital informing her that her husband suffered a deadly heart attack. The secure world she and her teenage children lived in ended with Tom's death.

At forty-three, attorney Annie Blake deeply feels the shock of Tom's abrupt death. Annie wants her spouse John's baby now, but has problems becoming pregnant.

Doris Bridges knows her marriage is dying as her spouse failed to attend Tom's funeral even though they have been friends of the couple for over fifteen years. She thinks he spent the time with his latest girl friend.

Everyone loves the dependable Gabby, who always listens to their problems. However, Gabby is unable to cry on anyone's shoulders. However, with her beloved husband Fernado just laid off his job, she worries about the future for them and their four children. Midge Kirsch feels lonely even among her four friends. Worse, she dreads the thought that her intimidating mother plans to move in with her.

THE BOOK CLUB is an interesting relationship drama that will remind readers of The Big Chill. The five subplots converge into an interesting story line that prescribes a big dosage of friendship in order to fully live one's life. Except for Eve, none of the other characters seem fully developed to completely understand their motives and concerns though the author eloquently tells their stories. However, fans of relationship dramas starring an intriguing ensemble cast will take great pleasure from Mary Alice Monroe's warm tale.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: What a find...
Review: A beautifully written story about the lives of women today. Each character offers a unique perspective to the ever-changing role of women in relationships today. Highly recommended...plot twists that kept me coming back!

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: As the weather gets colder, this is the perfect fall book to curl up with and enjoy. Monroe's characters are skillfully crafted and the book is guarenteed to hit close to everyone's heart. I rarely recommend books...this one is amazing!

Rating:
Summary: Characters that stay with you.
Review: I couldn't put this book down - the characters stay with you long after the book is finished!!! You Go Girl!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful.
Review: I enjoyed this book for many reasons, but the main one was the books they discussed, and how they (the characters) brought up the characters in the classics. I've read most of the books they talked about, but not Pride and Predjudice. I'm excited to read about Emma. And I agreed with them about Mrs Pontillier...there has to be a better way. I would like to be a part of that book club!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful story of friendship!
Review: I enjoyed this book immensely! I loved the character development and the relationships as they evolve throughout the book. The friendship depicted in it made me realize that we should never take our friendships for granted. Like a garden, friendships need tending, love and time to grow! I wanted to curl up with a hot cup of tea, a blanket and this book until I was done with it.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written book of women & friendships, and life!
Review: I found this book by accident, the only one there. Belonging to a "book club" as well,I thought this would be an interesting read. Yes it certainly was. All other books had been put aside while I met each character with their most personal thoughts, problems of life and how they emerged upon handling them and how their love of each other deepened. I hated to leave them behind, however they will remain with me for a long while, especially Doris, her strength a marvel to them all. Go Girl! The Epilogue summed up my feeling quite well about this book and life in general, and yes life is grand!

Rating:
Summary: Memorable
Review: I HATED TO SEE IT END! I wanted to go on reading about Doris, Anne, Eve, Midge & their self discoveries. I would think you would identify with one of the women or know someone like them (the devoted wife "blind" to her husband's philandering, the "pleaser" like Gabriella). I got to know and love them and miss them already!

Especially inspirational was Doris' realization that her husband wasn't worth her time. He basically uses her as an excellent "hostess" but gradually she realizes she is worth much more. You can feel the lady growing by leaps and bounds and changing into someone to admire.

Excellent use of classic books to parrallel the lessons the women are learning in real life.

Rating:
Summary: Memorable
Review: I HATED TO SEE IT END! I wanted to go on reading about Doris, Anne, Eve, Midge & their self discoveries. I would think you would identify with one of the women or know someone like them (the devoted wife "blind" to her husband's philandering, the "pleaser" like Gabriella). I got to know and love them and miss them already!

Especially inspirational was Doris' realization that her husband wasn't worth her time. He basically uses her as an excellent "hostess" but gradually she realizes she is worth much more. You can feel the lady growing by leaps and bounds and changing into someone to admire.

Excellent use of classic books to parrallel the lessons the women are learning in real life.