The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak is a moving blend of romance, family drama, and suspense set in a small town rife with secrets and scandals. The story centers on Gia Rossi, who returns to Wakefield to care for her ailing mother after years away. Gia’s departure from her hometown followed her brave decision to report a beloved teacher for misconduct, a choice that left the community divided and Gia ostracized. Now, back in the place that caused her so much pain, Gia must navigate unresolved tensions, her sister Margot’s mysterious disappearance, and the weight of her past.

The novel shines in its portrayal of complex familial and community relationships. Gia’s reconciliation with her family and growing sense of self-worth are heartwarming, while Margot’s dangerous situation adds an edge of suspense that keeps readers invested. The romance subplot, though messy and understated, complements the emotional depth of Gia’s journey. Themes of resilience, standing up for oneself, and finding support in unexpected places resonate strongly throughout the narrative.

While the title suggests a focus on banned books, this element is only tangentially explored, with minimal impact on the plot. Despite this, the book captivates with its heartfelt storytelling, compelling characters, and a richly drawn small-town setting. A touching and suspenseful read, perfect for fans of emotional contemporary fiction.

I am in two minds about this book as I come to write the book review the first thing I want to address is the title can be a bit misleading. Yes, there were talks and a session of The Banned Books Club where they read Stephen King's Cujo and it talked a little about how the group came to be formed. That was it - I assumed with the title that it would be a book about books and book club, maybe each chapter talking about a banned book but nope, this book was more of a family going through a hard time and coming together in the face of tragic circumstances and getting the courage to stand up and be the person that they had read in books that were banned. The type of person who in the face of injustice gets knocked down but gets back up again. We have our two main sisters Gia and Margot. Gia left the town when she was young and never returned as she was caught up in a #MeToo case He Said/ She Said case with her English teacher. Margot's husband is an abuser and also having an affair with his high school girlfriend, she has been trying to get the courage up to leave him with her two sons and when his hunting trip comes up, will she take her opportunity to disappear? Meanwhile, Gia's and Margot's mother is dying of Breast Cancer. This is a book of two sisters coming back and finally facing their problems and issues and being brave enough to face it head-on and get out on the other side. If you love women's fiction with a bit of edge, then check out Brenda Novak's The Banned Books Club.

Aaah this was a lovely read. Loved the drama, the setting and Gia. Well done! Brenda Novak's books are always a joy to read!

I received a free copy from NetGalley. The title is a little misleading but the novel is interesting and worth the read.

3.5 stars

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak is for anyone who wants to read about empowered women. Gia left home after she accused a beloved high school teacher of a sexual assault. She returns home to be with her dying mom and face the community that didn’t believe her. Gia’s sister, Margot, is in an emotionally abusive marriage and finally decides to take matters into her own hands and leave her husband. Throw in a very complicated romance and you have the makings of a very emotional book.

The author did a nice job of writing compelling storylines and creating fleshed out characters. Unfortunately, the title didn’t accurately describe the book. The “Banned Books Club” was such a minor aspect of this book. No banned books were actually discussed, and the club was only used to originally bring together two main characters. Even the cover conveys a cutesy storyline, which this book was anything but. Don’t be fooled.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love Brenda Novak's books and this one was well-plotted though intense at times. I put it down midway through but was happy to pick it back up and finish it a few weeks later. Complex characters dealing with real life.
Thanks for my copy!

As an avid reader, I love books about books, but this wasn't that. With a focus on abuse of may kinds with some mystery and romance thrown in, The Banned Books Club was a book about family and small town drama much more than about any book club and the rating reflects my opinion of that.

While I enjoyed this book as I was reading it, I’m not sure this a book that will stick with me as a super memorable book. The characters were likable and the plot line was a big slow.

How can you not love anything Brenda Novak writes? This book gave me all the feels in all the right places and even had me searching for any other books of hers that I haven't read yet!

I enjoyed this one about two sisters, a high school past and a book club to get back at the PTA. I have to say any book that points out how bad it is to ban books as well as people getting back at the PTA is a book I most defiantly want to read.

I loved the friendship aspect of this one, as well as the unexpected romance. Two people who should be all accounts not ever be together ending up together was unexpected and fresh! I also loved the book club aspects of this one.

This book was a fantastic read! I loved it! It was my first time reading a Brenda Novak novel, and I was not disappointed. I found this book's plot and character development to be top-notch, leading to me reading it faster than I thought I would. I highly recommend it!

Thank you, Netgalley and #HTP, for this arc.

I struggled to finish this one but I think it was more me than the book. I was pretty invested the first 25-30% but I lost interest when I realized the story wasn’t going to focus on what I thought it was. Overall an enjoyable read just wasn’t what I was in the mood for at the time.

2.5⭐️ rounded to 3 for Goodreads

This was arguably one of my least favorite books of the year and I wouldn’t have finished it if it weren’t for receiving an ARC.

The writing felt juvenile to the point that the child characters were talking like adults and the adults talked like they were in a professional setting at all times. Some aspects of the story felt over-explained, while others were left at the surface level.

The title was completely misleading and Gia’s new plans in the epilogue come almost completely out of left field because the Banned Books Clubs is such a back burner plot line.

I also despise the way Brenda Novak handled the abuse both Gia and Margot face. Every reaction from the town felt victim blame-y, which is realistic, but was also extreme for this novel.

And, finally, as others have mentioned, the bouncing from character to character with no demarcation was incredibly confusing. Novak either needed to put character names when she switched perspectives or start new chapters altogether.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!

I will start by saying I really enjoyed this book once i was over 30% in, the beginning felt rushed and felt unrealistic, all in the name of giving us background. The overall plot was great once you were moving but the title/summary of this book feels misleading, this didn’t feel like an accurate representation of what you were going to get story wise. The characters were lovable and relatable, it had great elements of romance but also mystery that was well entangled and was a great overall read.

Sadly, the book titled "The Banned Books Club" by Brenda Novak has very little to do with books. It does, however, deal with serious issues such as sexual misconduct by a teacher, an illness, and marital issues. The books description itself also provides the ending. That aside, I appreciate any book that brings any attention - if just by title - to the dangers of banning books.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2024/11/the-banned-books-club.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and a publisher’s blog tour.

This was a fast paced read. I enjoyed the premises of the book and found that it was a interesting story, but I had a hard time getting entertained by it. I enjoyed the characters in the development of the author had in the book and would be interested in reading more along the lines of this authors romance

The Banned Books Club is a compelling and thought provoking novel. Although a book club is involved, the story line is much deeper. We see the main character coming back to unwillingly face a tragic past event and we feel the emotion. We feel the pain and untrusting relationships she goes through.
I found this to be very well written and highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

More than a story about a book club. In this heartbreaking but triumphant story Gia reluctantly returns home at the request of her sister to help with their terminal mother. The reason she left is an important part of the story. Her sister Margot has reasons beside needing the help for wanting her sister home. Second chances, forgiveness, reconciliation and family lend to this book's readability.

There was a lot going on in this book. An ailing mother, a sister that fled the small town due to a sexual misconduct claim years ago and a sister trying to flee a life she is tired of living. At times it was just too much.

As far as characters go, Margot was my favorite. Probably because I could relate to her story and she felt the most real to me. I didn't really connect with Gia and honestly couldn't remember her name as soon as I finished the book. As far as the other characters they were just kind of there and didn't add too much to the story.

For a book that is titled The Banned Books Club there was very little about a book club in the book. There are a few mentions of it but it doesn't really have a part in the book. Also, the book cover is a bit misleading in my opinion. It has that cute rom-com look to it and this is not what this book is. This book has serious subject material throughout.

All in all this book was an ok read. Not sure it was one I will recommend.