Description:
USA TODAY BESTSELLER · SOUTHERN INDIE BESTSELLER · A BRENDA NOVAK BOOK GROUP PICK · GLOSS BOOK CLUB PICK · THE GIRLFRIEND BOOK CLUB PICK · A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2025 (SheReads) · Margaret never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution, for that matter in this bold and plucky novel from New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick.
"Ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry." --Library Journal, starred review
"Readers will cheer." --Kirkus
"Perfect for those who love book club, nostalgia for the 1960s, and stories of female friendship." --Booklist
"A feel-good beach read with . . . elements that spark a revolution." --Southern Review of Books
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.
Review
'Bostwick's latest is ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus's LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, Kristin Hannah's THE WOMEN, or Kate Quinn's THE BRIAR CLUB, which explore the historical roles of women and the challenges they faced within a society structured to define and limit their roles in and out of the home.' -- Library Journal Starred Review
'In THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN, the talented Marie Bostwick says this, 'Acquaintances abound, but true friendships are rare and worth waiting for,' capturing the essence, and the heart, of this story. If you love stories about friendships, strong women, the 60s, and the power of the written word, this is the book for you.' -- Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, author of EVERY MOMENT SINCE
'Marie Bostwick's latest novel, THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN, comes at a time when escape is needed without detaching from reality . . . a feel-good beach read with substance, a sweet, tangy, and smooth complement to the strong, briny elements that spark a revolution.' -- Southern Review of Books
'No one writes female friendship like the luminous Marie Bostwick. When a group of friends decide to read Betty Friedan's blockbuster, THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE, the words on the page serve as a rally cry to action for Margaret, Viv, Bitsy, and Charlotte. Long before women were recognized for their contributions and talents, Bostwick carves an unforgettable path for her characters in THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN. At its heart, this is a novel about ambitious women and the mentors that inspired them to excellence. This story is a time capsule of what was, which shows us who we are today.' -- Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE
About the Author
Marie Bostwick is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than twenty works of uplifting contemporary and historical fiction. Translated into a dozen languages, Marie’s novels are beloved by readers across the globe. Her 2009 book, A Thread of Truth, was an “Indie Next Notable” pick. Three of her books were published as Reader's Digest “Select Editions.” Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Connect with her online at mariebostwick.com; Facebook: @mariebostwick; Instagram: @mariebostwick; Pinterest: @fiercelymarie
Reviews:
Friendship of neighbors
Wonderful characters and great insight to what real life was like for a group of neighbors in the early 60s. Each friend in their bookclub has a unique story to share. Made me think a lot about my own mother and grandmother navigating that time. Hopes, dreams, disappointments, motherhood, marriage and friendship. I loved this book.
Life In The Sixties
The time is the 1960's and the place is a Virginia suburb of Washington, DC. The suburb is full of stay-at-home moms, men who worked grueling careers and tons of expectations. Men were to work and support the family. Women were to stay at home, cleaning and watching the children and making a home. The man was the undisputed head of the household. Women couldn't open a bank account or buy a car by themselves but had to have their husband's permission and signature.Four women get tired of the usual gossipy coffee klatches and decide to start a book club. Margaret has three children and wants to be a writer. As far as she has gotten is a household tip column in a women's magazine. Bitsy is just married. She wanted to be a veterinarian but had to settle for marrying one instead. Viv has six children and another on the way. She was a nurse during the War and would love to restart her career. Charlotte is the outrider. She comes from money and has designer clothes. Her two children are almost grown and her husband spends his life working for her father and cheating on her every chance he gets. Charlotte spends her time painting although she isn't sure she has enough talent to make it. She is the one who chooses the first book, Betty Freidan's The Feminine Mystique.As the women read the book and discuss it's ideas, they start to change. They form a support group and each one starts to go after her dreams It isn't an easy road but they are committed to making changes and not living the stultifying life they have been dealt. Things change in their lives, some changes positive, some negative but whatever happens they have each other.Marie Bostwick is an American author and has written over twenty books, most in the women's fiction genre. This is my first book by her but I enjoyed it quite a lot and will be looking for more of her work. I was in elementary school in this time period so this is the story of my mother's generation. I remember how little support there was when she decided to go back to teaching; she couldn't drive and still had to handle all the cooking and cleaning. I was a young adult in the 1970's and I do remember having to be married to get the birth control pill and having a man at the car dealership tell me I needed to bring my husband if I wanted to buy a car. Things have changed quite a bit and I hope younger women read this book and see where their freedoms started and how strong women had to be in order to claim their own rights to live lives they dreamed of. This book is recommended for women's fiction readers.
Humor, Hurt, & Heartfelt
Surprisingly good. I really enjoyed this book. It has humor and is a book that I will remember. It takes place in social and historic times of the early 60s. Although, it was a coming of time for women, it didn't bash men. It just revealed truth and struggles each had in uncertain times. Read it.
1963 - Seen Through The Lives of Suburban Book Club
Although "The Betty's" book club is ostensibly formed around Betty Friedan's groundbreaking book, this isn't a feminist read. It's history as seen through 4 well-educated suburban DC women ranging in age from 22-42 whose daily lives are thwarted by being unable to open a bank account or get birth control without consent of their husbands or even get a part time "jobette" much less being paid the same as their male counterparts. The women are interesting, friendship abounds between them, & they're easy to root for. 1 of the 4 husbands is a stereotype, but he's easily dispatched. The writing seems to be more YA than adult and the last chapter is unnecessary - somewhat like a college "Class News after 40 years" - when the focus had been on the women's choices in 1963. The unusual "letter to readers" from the author is odd & off-putting, but can be skipped. It's a good read, especially for those who don't know how women of all economic levels were affected by artificial rules just 1-2 generations ago.
A great, whimsical read!
Loved this book! I enjoyed the well developed characters and their unique whimsical personalities.Very enjoyable read with good historical tidbits!
inspirational and Fun
Belonging to the ‘baby boomer’ generation, it still amazes me how much has changed and how far women’s rights have advanced in my lifetime. Coming of age in the early 70’s, was a wonderful time of opportunities and growth! At 18, I got my first credit card(which I still have today with my maiden name and married name on). At 19, my first new car with loan and no co-signer required. Little did I know that would not have been possible only a few years earlier, if not for Good reads like this book to remind us that anything is possible!
Great story!
Really enjoyed the book! I already passed it on to a girlfriend
Refreshing!
The title would indicated light or humorous content -- and in many parts -- it was exactly that, but a well written and utterly believable account of the 1960s housewife. I was lucky enough to miss that experience by a bit over a decade, marveling at the generation's who survived: leaving college ambitions behind to snag a husband, receiving their weekly "allowance" from those same husbands, naive about birth control as they conceived their sixth (!) child, turning a blind eye when husbands knowingly "fooled around," wearing dresses with hose (and carrying matching purses) to attend their weekly new-to-town misfits book club. As they chain smoking cigarettes and drank mixed drinks in late afternoon, the women read the "Feminine Mystic;" each of them questioning, perhaps doubting, for the first time the lives they were supposed to be living. Inch by inch they began to stretch the boundaries of what was "acceptable" for the times. This was not a story about crazed bra-burning feminists, but an authentic look at was WAS and what now IS, in large part because of the gentle, thoughtful but then swift rebellion that took place in suburbs around the country at the time. The character development was credible, the dialogue crisp, and each of the women's outcomes caused a "you go girl!" response from the reader. Well done.
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The Book Club for Troublesome Women: A Novel
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Similar items from “20th Century”
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Visit the Harper Muse Store
The Book Club for Troublesome Women: A Novel
AED9272
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
USA TODAY BESTSELLER · SOUTHERN INDIE BESTSELLER · A BRENDA NOVAK BOOK GROUP PICK · GLOSS BOOK CLUB PICK · THE GIRLFRIEND BOOK CLUB PICK · A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2025 (SheReads) · Margaret never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution, for that matter in this bold and plucky novel from New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick.
"Ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry." --Library Journal, starred review
"Readers will cheer." --Kirkus
"Perfect for those who love book club, nostalgia for the 1960s, and stories of female friendship." --Booklist
"A feel-good beach read with . . . elements that spark a revolution." --Southern Review of Books
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.
Review
'Bostwick's latest is ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus's LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, Kristin Hannah's THE WOMEN, or Kate Quinn's THE BRIAR CLUB, which explore the historical roles of women and the challenges they faced within a society structured to define and limit their roles in and out of the home.' -- Library Journal Starred Review
'In THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN, the talented Marie Bostwick says this, 'Acquaintances abound, but true friendships are rare and worth waiting for,' capturing the essence, and the heart, of this story. If you love stories about friendships, strong women, the 60s, and the power of the written word, this is the book for you.' -- Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, author of EVERY MOMENT SINCE
'Marie Bostwick's latest novel, THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN, comes at a time when escape is needed without detaching from reality . . . a feel-good beach read with substance, a sweet, tangy, and smooth complement to the strong, briny elements that spark a revolution.' -- Southern Review of Books
'No one writes female friendship like the luminous Marie Bostwick. When a group of friends decide to read Betty Friedan's blockbuster, THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE, the words on the page serve as a rally cry to action for Margaret, Viv, Bitsy, and Charlotte. Long before women were recognized for their contributions and talents, Bostwick carves an unforgettable path for her characters in THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN. At its heart, this is a novel about ambitious women and the mentors that inspired them to excellence. This story is a time capsule of what was, which shows us who we are today.' -- Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE
About the Author
Marie Bostwick is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than twenty works of uplifting contemporary and historical fiction. Translated into a dozen languages, Marie’s novels are beloved by readers across the globe. Her 2009 book, A Thread of Truth, was an “Indie Next Notable” pick. Three of her books were published as Reader's Digest “Select Editions.” Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Connect with her online at mariebostwick.com; Facebook: @mariebostwick; Instagram: @mariebostwick; Pinterest: @fiercelymarie
Reviews:
Friendship of neighbors
Wonderful characters and great insight to what real life was like for a group of neighbors in the early 60s. Each friend in their bookclub has a unique story to share. Made me think a lot about my own mother and grandmother navigating that time. Hopes, dreams, disappointments, motherhood, marriage and friendship. I loved this book.
Life In The Sixties
The time is the 1960's and the place is a Virginia suburb of Washington, DC. The suburb is full of stay-at-home moms, men who worked grueling careers and tons of expectations. Men were to work and support the family. Women were to stay at home, cleaning and watching the children and making a home. The man was the undisputed head of the household. Women couldn't open a bank account or buy a car by themselves but had to have their husband's permission and signature.Four women get tired of the usual gossipy coffee klatches and decide to start a book club. Margaret has three children and wants to be a writer. As far as she has gotten is a household tip column in a women's magazine. Bitsy is just married. She wanted to be a veterinarian but had to settle for marrying one instead. Viv has six children and another on the way. She was a nurse during the War and would love to restart her career. Charlotte is the outrider. She comes from money and has designer clothes. Her two children are almost grown and her husband spends his life working for her father and cheating on her every chance he gets. Charlotte spends her time painting although she isn't sure she has enough talent to make it. She is the one who chooses the first book, Betty Freidan's The Feminine Mystique.As the women read the book and discuss it's ideas, they start to change. They form a support group and each one starts to go after her dreams It isn't an easy road but they are committed to making changes and not living the stultifying life they have been dealt. Things change in their lives, some changes positive, some negative but whatever happens they have each other.Marie Bostwick is an American author and has written over twenty books, most in the women's fiction genre. This is my first book by her but I enjoyed it quite a lot and will be looking for more of her work. I was in elementary school in this time period so this is the story of my mother's generation. I remember how little support there was when she decided to go back to teaching; she couldn't drive and still had to handle all the cooking and cleaning. I was a young adult in the 1970's and I do remember having to be married to get the birth control pill and having a man at the car dealership tell me I needed to bring my husband if I wanted to buy a car. Things have changed quite a bit and I hope younger women read this book and see where their freedoms started and how strong women had to be in order to claim their own rights to live lives they dreamed of. This book is recommended for women's fiction readers.
Humor, Hurt, & Heartfelt
Surprisingly good. I really enjoyed this book. It has humor and is a book that I will remember. It takes place in social and historic times of the early 60s. Although, it was a coming of time for women, it didn't bash men. It just revealed truth and struggles each had in uncertain times. Read it.
1963 - Seen Through The Lives of Suburban Book Club
Although "The Betty's" book club is ostensibly formed around Betty Friedan's groundbreaking book, this isn't a feminist read. It's history as seen through 4 well-educated suburban DC women ranging in age from 22-42 whose daily lives are thwarted by being unable to open a bank account or get birth control without consent of their husbands or even get a part time "jobette" much less being paid the same as their male counterparts. The women are interesting, friendship abounds between them, & they're easy to root for. 1 of the 4 husbands is a stereotype, but he's easily dispatched. The writing seems to be more YA than adult and the last chapter is unnecessary - somewhat like a college "Class News after 40 years" - when the focus had been on the women's choices in 1963. The unusual "letter to readers" from the author is odd & off-putting, but can be skipped. It's a good read, especially for those who don't know how women of all economic levels were affected by artificial rules just 1-2 generations ago.
A great, whimsical read!
Loved this book! I enjoyed the well developed characters and their unique whimsical personalities.Very enjoyable read with good historical tidbits!
inspirational and Fun
Belonging to the ‘baby boomer’ generation, it still amazes me how much has changed and how far women’s rights have advanced in my lifetime. Coming of age in the early 70’s, was a wonderful time of opportunities and growth! At 18, I got my first credit card(which I still have today with my maiden name and married name on). At 19, my first new car with loan and no co-signer required. Little did I know that would not have been possible only a few years earlier, if not for Good reads like this book to remind us that anything is possible!
Great story!
Really enjoyed the book! I already passed it on to a girlfriend
Refreshing!
The title would indicated light or humorous content -- and in many parts -- it was exactly that, but a well written and utterly believable account of the 1960s housewife. I was lucky enough to miss that experience by a bit over a decade, marveling at the generation's who survived: leaving college ambitions behind to snag a husband, receiving their weekly "allowance" from those same husbands, naive about birth control as they conceived their sixth (!) child, turning a blind eye when husbands knowingly "fooled around," wearing dresses with hose (and carrying matching purses) to attend their weekly new-to-town misfits book club. As they chain smoking cigarettes and drank mixed drinks in late afternoon, the women read the "Feminine Mystic;" each of them questioning, perhaps doubting, for the first time the lives they were supposed to be living. Inch by inch they began to stretch the boundaries of what was "acceptable" for the times. This was not a story about crazed bra-burning feminists, but an authentic look at was WAS and what now IS, in large part because of the gentle, thoughtful but then swift rebellion that took place in suburbs around the country at the time. The character development was credible, the dialogue crisp, and each of the women's outcomes caused a "you go girl!" response from the reader. Well done.
More from this brand
Similar items from “20th Century”
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Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1400344743