competently written women's fiction, but ultimately too breezy to really tackle any of the issues raised properly. will be a hit with the mom book club crowd

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a fun read. I loved Clover and really related to her ups and downs. The story unfolded from things happening to Clover to Clover making things happen for her. There were some slow parts and a few cringe scenes. Overall a good fun read

In Clover Hendry's Day Off, we watch as Clover -- mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and executive television producer -- takes a day off from the responsibilities and societal expectations that have been set upon her. Modeled after Ferris Bueller's Day Off, this book sees Clover through a number of humorous scenarios, like swimming in a pool while evading security and riding a lawn mower to disrupt a crazy woman's yoga session. While taking the day off, Clover uses the time to reflect, and she gradually comes to learn how to stand up for herself, both in her career and in her personal life.

This book's greatest strength was its relatability: what woman hasn't experienced the same things Clover has? Forming statements as questions so no one think you're being too assertive; paying people extra compliments so they like you; taking on extra responsibilities at work so you're "useful" -- it's safe to say that most women, like Clover, have done these things at some point in their lives.

That's why it was so gratifying to watch Clover's transformation in this book. She was so empowering! I loved the dichotomy between the action in this book: in the beginning, stuff happened to Clover, but by the end, she was the one in control, the one doing things. She stopped letting people walk all over her, and it was inspiring.

However, I think it all got to be a bit much for me. I had secondhand embarrassment (and stress) from some of her confrontations and adventures. It was hard to see her alienate her friends with her actions, even if those situations helped her grow as a person. As Clover came to do more outrageous things as the book progressed, it got more difficult to read, which wasn't that fun for me.

Also, some of the flashbacks/reflections were a little misplaced. The ones with Petroc and Maz made sense in the order of the story, but I felt that the one with Robbie came out of nowhere. It would have been nice if there were subtitles along with the chapter headings announcing that this was a rumination/wasn't set in the present day.

Overall, this is a humorous book if you don't mind some cringey scenes. I think it would be wonderful for a women's book club as there are a lot of great lessons to be learned from Clover. Thank you, Netgally and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, for the ARC!