I really wish I could say I liked this book more than I did. The premise is great-- a perfect antidote to tradwife nonsense --but the story itself is inconsistent, both in terms of pacing and characterization.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women is set in 1963, shortly after the publication of The Feminine Mystique. A group of suburban housewives in Virginia start a book club and their first pick is Friedan's new release: a decision that will change all of their lives.

Moving through the perspectives of these women-- Margaret, Viv, Bitsy and Charlotte --Bostwick explores this very specific time and place. She covers the weird post-war housewife fixation and propaganda in America, showing how emerging consumerism benefitted from encouraging this as a "natural" role for middle class women because it sold household appliances. We see the invisible labour carried out by women, how challenging it could be to have and keep a career, and how many housewives turned to prescription drugs to cope with their six kids and stagnant lives (literally Mother's Little Helper.)

In 1963, married women couldn't open a bank account without their husband's permission (even if the money going into it was their own wage), couldn't be prescribed the pill without his signature. It was stifling just reading about it.

I also really appreciated that Bostwick acknowledged the limitations of Friedan's work. As Viv notes, her book primarily applies to middle class women with choices, whereas many other women, and men, were forced to work jobs they hate just to feed their kids.

But while all this is great, these positives are all about the message of the book and the takeaways from Betty Friedan's writing. What actually unfolded in the story was... not that much. Especially when compared to the length of the book. There were quite a lot of slow spots, good bits interspersed with more tedious stretches.

Also, I know women faced a lot of difficulties at this time, but I was disappointed that we didn't see much in the way of the promised "troublesome women." Only Charlotte really caused any trouble (and that was thanks to her brilliant daughter). It was frustrating that Bitsy and Margaret's lives only really changed as a result of their husbands' decisions; they themselves did not actually make much trouble. There was a lot of tongue-biting and easy forgiveness, and while I appreciate character growth, I did not fully buy Walt's about-turn.

Still, I read it all and made a bunch of notes, so obviously not a bad read. Charlotte's story was by far the most satisfying.

No one writes about friendship like Marie Bostwick. She captures the frustration and dreams of women in the 60s and the societal norms that block them. Margaret Ryan has a wonderful husband, children, a nice house and it should be enough, but it isn't. Starting a Book Club with two of her friends takes a turn when she meets the flamboyant Charlotte who suggests they read the book, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. Published in 1963, Friedan changed the lives of many women who yearned for more from life. Recommended for Book Clubs, many discussion points.

If you know me, you know a book about books (or a book club) will pull me in immediately. This was an enjoyable read, highlighting the struggles of women, especially in gaining respect in their own household. The Betty’s have someone for everyone, but I’m partial to Bitsy.
In the current political climate in America, this book may bring out some worries, but I’m hopeful of its empowering message.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women was interesting - not necessarily because of the content, but because the characters felt so familiar even though they're from a wildly different time than I was raised. Viv, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Margaret were all relatable in their own ways, and their personalities were so complimentary to one another. I love that they all bonded over The Feminine Mystique (maybe bonded isn't the correct word - grew together, perhaps) in a time where women were greatly marginalized. I was interested to find some things coming to the forefront that are extremely relevant in the political climate of today (such as the men having to sign off on their wives birth control pills), which helped me with the slow burn of the book. I really wanted them to shake things up, to break the stigma, and would have been glad to see them go on to be disruptors. It also really bothers me that they're all white women, which I know is a double edged sword in that time, but it can and should be done if possible. Each one of the women was rather privileged, and I wish that hadn't been the case.

The digital format of this book made it nearly impossible to read. Perhaps I'd try again with a physical copy, but I couldn't make it past more a few chapters.

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for an advanced reader copy of this book!

America in the 60s might not be too relatable for someone who lives seven seas far away from it, but I think it captures brilliantly the state of women in societies accelerating constantly to bring them down, within a cultural hegemony of making themselves the golden standard. It’s narrative is tightly woven between these four women and their lives intersecting with revolutionising their conscious abilities to fight against stereotypical roles of a house-wife, of a mother, of a woman, and to fight for freedom within different standards of equity. All the characters have distinct personalities to them, which brighten up the book and the way in which it tackles several familiar dynamics between family, identity, cultural prognosis of mental health. It is slow paced, and all the main characters are white--where we don’t get to see a diverse effects of that ‘dream’ on people of colour. It drag a bit towards the end, and to see how easily their need for freedom, success was pushed for them, the privilege still rushing through. Although it was entertaining to see how their happy endings culminated at end.

Four women who live just outside of Washington DC in the early 1960's become friends, united by being in a book club where they first read Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique. The "Betty's" become close as they go thru struggles between their traditional roles as wives and mothers while also wanting careers and passions. One is an aspiring magazine writer, one is an equine vet assistant to her husband, one is an aspiring artist from a judgmental wealthy family, and one is a former combat nurse with six kids. These four friends explore who they are and what they want out of their lives, set to the backdrop of the mid-1960's.

This was a great historical fiction book. It felt like the spirit sister to The Women by Kristin Hannah, so if you liked that one, you might like this one too. I thought the four women were great and so well written and different enough from each other that I didn't have any trouble keeping them straight (so refreshing!) I loved the rural Maryland setting and the time period, with a few touches of well-known names to help center the cultural time period. I listened to this on audio and read it and really liked both versions. They audio was great and kept the pace moving well.

I would highly recommend this historical fiction novel for readers of Kristin Hannah and Beatriz Williams. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy and audio for review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. As a woman and a full-time working mom, this book angered me, touched me and resonated with me. It was politically timely, with some deep and subversive themes that really made me think. When I finished this book, I walked away with a long reading list of books referenced in this one. What I also enjoyed about this book was its depiction of ideal female relationships—women supporting women through all odds. This was an inspiring and deep piece of historical fiction that will stick with me for a long time.

This book was an opportunity for me to review for NetGalley and I have to say - I really enjoyed this story! It was well written and definitely an eye opener to how much has and has NOT changed in society since the 40's, 50's, 60's or even 70's for women. The "Bettys" were an eclectic group that alone may not have been enough to carry a storyline as their own character, but the experiences they shared with one another helped each one to grow and learn in different ways and view life from different perspectives, which was amazing! Empowering for women AND for men, as was evident from some of the husbands in the story, who were not afraid to show the societal burden they carried as well to be someone they didn't necessarily want to be, even though it was expected from them as men of a certain era. Equality doesn't have to be a battle - based on merit instead of gender, it is amazing what each of us is capable of accomplishing! Definitely recommend! Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity!! 4.5 Stars!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7268008853

The book explores the meaning of friendships and building each other up as women. This is about housewives in the 1960’s who become closer through motherhood, community and feminism. The 1963 northern Virginia suburb setting felt super raw and real. Marie Bostwick did a phenomenal job making each woman feel real and distinct, and I was completely engrossed in their journeys. The frustration of where women were and are now is palable but also sad because as far as we have come there is so much more to go. The characters show how women during this time were marginalized and encouraged to be satisfied with motherhood and caring for their families and their homes. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters (including their fashion, recipes, daily lives and reactions to current events of the time), their individual struggles and their personal growth. There are many other historical references in the book, such as Margaret being unable to cash a check in her own name or open a bank account without her husband signing the bank card, as well as historical events surrounding JFK and Dr. Martin Luther King. The way each of the women fights for their own independence while also supporting their family and, in some cases, seeing things from their husband's perspective too makes this such an interesting read. It is not at all a book about bashing men or husbands. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher.

Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand's "Summer of '69", this is a great book about female friendships, romantic relationships, living as a woman in the 1960s, and how we all have different dreams in life.

Margaret, Viv, Bitsy, and Charlotte are all fantastic characters with vastly different stories and backgrounds, and somehow they come together to form a bookclub to discuss the newly released (and very controversial) "The Feminine Mystique". They don't know it at the time, but this will start them all on a path to becoming more comfortable in their own skins and changing their lives.

I think my true rating for this story is a 3.5 rounded up to 4, because I did really and truly enjoy this book! The characters were all enjoyable, there was enough plot and character building to keep me coming back, and I truly did care about what happened in the end. I knocked off some points for the fact that I think there was more that could be done regarding Viv and Bitsy. While they had chapters dedicated to them, Margaret was definitely the star of the story, with Charlotte taking a close second. It felt like we could have gotten a little more background from them, as well as more information about Bitsy's life in the epilogue since she's the one whom we know the least about.

Overall though, this was a really enjoyable book that I think most women will enjoy reading (maybe even as a bookclub pick!). Definitely give this one a try if you like women's historical fiction!

Historical fiction about a group of suburban housewives who form a book club in a "planned community" in Virginia in 1963. Margaret, Viv, Bitsy and eccentric Charlotte, a New Yorker who has recently moved into the neighbourhood, decide to get together and form a book club choosing The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan as their first read. The controversial and groundbreaking book which had just been published in February strikes a chord with the four women who each have been feeling dissatisfied and longing for more from their lives but didn't realize that there were other women who felt the same. Calling themselves 'The Bettys", the fledgling book club leads to the formation of a close friendship that provides support for each of the women over the course of the year.

This is an interesting work of historical fiction about a time when the world was rapidly changing particularly in relation to women's rights. The novel takes place over several months in 1963 leading up to the assasination of JFK and is the story of four suburban housewives trying to break free of the limitations placed on them because they were women and the challenges they faced in that regard. It's an enjoyable story about the power of books and female friendship as well as a good reminder of the progress that has been made in the past 60 years that needs to be protected in today's political climate.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 3,5/5 stars

I'm thankful to NetGalley and HarperCollins/Harper Muse for the ARC

Marie Bostwick's The Book Club for Troublesome Women introduces us to four sixties-era housewives who, in their quest for more meaningful lives, form a book club that evolves into a profound sisterhood. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, the novel delves into themes of self-discovery, persistence, and the power of female friendship.

While the narrative offers a nostalgic and thought-provoking exploration of women's roles during a pivotal era, it occasionally feels a bit forced in its portrayal of the characters' transformations. The pacing can be slow at times, allowing for deep character development, but it may test the patience of some readers. The humor and heartfelt moments are present, yet they sometimes come across as contrived.

Overall, The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a charming read that celebrates the bonds of sisterhood and the journey toward self-empowerment. However, its execution may leave some readers desiring a more organic and engaging narrative.

Just okay for me. I appreciated the time period and characterization. But it was a bit didactic and preachy.
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Harper Muse, Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for sending me an ARC and Audio-ARC of The Book Club for Troublesome Women in exchange for review.

Firstly let me just say, I absolutely adored this book and am very grateful I not only got to read it but then immediately after I finished was able to listen to the audio version as well.

This book is a wonderful combination of women of different backgrounds coming together to form a strong bond and endure life’s injustices. It’s hilarious and sad, with the perfect amount of feminine rage.

Being born in the 90s I very luckily missed this time of cruelty towards women of the 1970s. However does it really ever end? We still are fighting for our rights. Though these days we ARE able to open our own bank accounts.

The stories of each of these women being based in truth makes it feel so real. Along with the writing, I felt like I knew these women. I could picture each of them and their struggles. The narrator also did a wonderful job differentiating between voices for each of these women so if you want to read or listen to this book both ways are fantastic.

I felt on a high listening to the end of Charlottes story. It was just so good. They all took back their power in the most meaningful ways. I can’t stress how much I liked this book enough! They were all so relatable.

Thank you so much for the magnificent read!

When a book club decides to read Betty Friedan's groundbreaking The Feminine Mystique, their lives are changed forever in big ways and small. A timely novel about women's place in society.

I was drawn in by the book title and stayed for the characters!

As a book club member myself, I was intrigued to read a book on the topic. I walked away with a few book recommendations from the Bettys book club and I'm not mad about it!

Margaret, Viv, Charlotte, and Bitsy were all well-written characters and I loved watching their growth throughout the novel - both individually and as a group.

I love the 1960s as a history teacher and I enjoyed how the author wove the major events from this time period into the plot. Would definitely recommend this to my students to read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I can't recommend it enough! I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down, I finished it in a couple of days!

There aren’t enough stories about female friendships, and the Bettys are a group of women looking for their place in the world - and they found each other. A book about a rebellious, feminist-fueled book club who challenge the world around them and dare it to bend to their new perspectives was a fun story to read. It successfully highlights the struggles women faced in striking out with their own independent pursuits, and reminded the reader of the power of women who come together to build each other up. A great read!

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, the characters were well developed. I'd recommend to friends once published.