The Book Club for Troublesome Women

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you NetGalley & Harper Muse & Marie Bostwick for a copy of this amazing book.

4.5/5 stars! Wow this book actually was so binge worthy. I am obsessed with it!

I totally fell in love with this story. Both the physical book and audio reading of this book really was wonderful. One of the main reasons why I loved this book is just reading how life was for house wives back in the 60s. Life has changed drastically since then for women. As a girl who was born in the late 90s and growing up in the 21st century … just reading about the differences in eras of time is so interesting.

I loved reading and learning about each fo the different characters and how they each started to think for themselves and feel confident in who they were individually as women.

As a gal who also started a book club born out of a passion of reading, and wanting to gather with friends, it’s so fun reading about something similar. This book is PERFECT for your book club as well!

Below is the synopsis of the book ~
“Four dissatisfied sixties-era housewives form a book club turned sisterhood that will hold fast amid the turmoil of a rapidly changing world and alter the course of each of their lives. By early 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan, Viv Buschetti, and Bitsy Cobb, suburban housewives in a brand-new "planned community" in Northern Virginia, appear to have it all. The fact that "all" doesn't feel like enough leaves them feeling confused and guilty, certain the fault must lie with them. Things begin to change when they form a book club with Charlotte Gustafson--the eccentric and artsy "new neighbor" from Manhattan--and read Betty Friedan's just-released book, The Feminine Mystique. Controversial and groundbreaking, the book struck a chord with an entire generation of women, helping them realize that they weren't alone in their dissatisfactions, or their longings, lifting their eyes to new horizons of possibility and achievement. Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv are among them. But is it really the book that alters the lives of these four very different women? Or is it the bond of sisterhood that helps them find courage to confront the past, navigate turmoil in a rapidly changing world, and see themselves in a new and limitless light?”

In the Book Club for Troublesome Women, four very different women come together in a book club, only to discover how much they have in common when it comes to their struggles, hopes, and dreams. As they share their stories, they form a powerful support system that helps them navigate their individual challenges.

This book was a captivating journey back in time, offering a vivid portrayal of what life was like for women from different walks of life in the 1960's. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator truly brought the characters to life, skillfully differentiating between voices and emotions, which made the story even harder to put down.

If you're a fan of historical fiction with strong female friendships at its core, this novel is a must-read (or listen!). It effortlessly combines heartfelt storytelling with rich historical context. A solid four stars from me! Pour a "truth serum" and add to your TBR!

10/10 no notes. This book was wonderful and I didn't want to put it down.

Set in the early 1960's, we have women who call themselves the Betty's. These women are married and homemakers and mothers. As a new women comes to town, the women invite her to join their book club. She only joins if they read "The Feminine Mystique." The women decide and the book changes their lives. These women decide to stand up for their rights and be their own person. Bostwick intertwines the narrative from the different perspectives, so you really see what is going on behind the scenes in these women's lives.

I've realized that I enjoy a good historical fiction novel when it is centered around women fighting for their rights as human beings. I recommend this for everyone to read. Another hist. fic. at the top of my favorites list!!

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copies.

I *almost* DNF this because it started slow and was hard to follow the characters at first, but I am SO GLAD I DIDN'T.

The characters grow and develop and change as a result of their friendship and bond through their book club. It gives such valuable insight to the history women lived through (like not being able to open a bank account or get birth control without a man's signature), and thus sheds light on why some of our mothers/grandmothers are the way they are.

And yet, it also sheds light on how much has also stayed the same, unfortunately, and how women are still fighting the same fights. Quite frankly, it's infuriating to continue to have men make decisions for you when they will never know what it is like or what it means to be a woman. What particularly resonated with me is the emotions communicated throughout the book about loneliness and loss of autonomy, seeking a sense of purpose, and the incredible power of having strong female friendships.

Lots of nuggets of wisdom that will resonate with you as a woman, whether you are working, SAHM, old, young, and everywhere in between.

I have to say the title of this book is what initially grabbed my attention when applying for new ARCs on Netgalley. I'm coming to find that I do indeed love historical fiction if it's done right, and this book did not disappoint.

This story navigates the lives of four women in the 1960s and their trials and tribulations of being a woman during that time. The fact that they're in a book club is just an added bonus. It's a story of friendship, comradery, and their journey to find lives outside of the typical housewife stigma that was prevalent during that time. This book ignited feminine rage I didn't know existed - especially during the bank scene with Margaret.

If you liked the book Lessons in Chemistry then you will likely love this one as well!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, Harper Muse, and Marie Bostwick for allowing me to read this audiobook ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. It's 1963 and four women find each other through a happenstance book club. Margaret, the main character, who was raised mainly by a single mother who worked long hours in a factory in WWII and is now raising her own family wants to befriend a seemingly glamorous new neighbor. In hopes to entice her new neighbor, Charlotte, she invites her to a book club she hasn't quite started yet. When Charlotte scoffs at Margot's suggested first title, Charlotte challenges her with a suggestion of her own. The "Feminine Mystique" as the club's first read.

The reading of this first book begins the formation of a lifetime bond of friendship through the highs and lows of life. The "The Feminine Mystique" causes each of the women to examine themselves individually and the societal restrictions placed upon them. The story highlights the specific struggles of American feminism in the 60's when the push was to keep women in the home and out of the workplace. These women all come together and learn how to encourage and fight for each other while they fight for themselves in marriage, independence and employment.

I absolutely loved this story. I found it empowering and heartwarming. The story is a true reminder of the importance of friendship and the impact it can have on our success. A true reminder that women do so much better when we build each other up.

In the early 1960s, four housewives decide to form a book club and read The Feminine Mystique which ends up slowly chipping away at their idea of what womanhood looks like. Living in Virginia suburbs, these women at first glance think they have truly “made it” and have everything they could possibly want - a husband and a home and children to look after. But underneath it all, this book club helps them realize they are not alone in their dissatisfactions with life and desires for more meaning beyond traditional homemaking.

This tender story is about friendship, longing, and personal growth. A heartwarming read especially during Women’s History Month. I found myself rooting for these four women the whole time, especially Bitsy who had lost out on the chance to attend veterinary school and finish college. I loved how they supported and rallied around one another despite their personal differences. The only thing is that naturally being in a wealthier middle-class suburban area, these were privileged white women and we only got one character of color for a brief moment. I wish we had a little more diversity, but I suppose this was an accurate depiction of this sort of neighborhood at that time so I don’t fault the author for that.

Overall a sweet, character-driven novel about female friendship that I enjoyed, and I definitely recommend the audiobook version! Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Marie Bostwick for a digital advance copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

I could not love this book more than I do. Imagine a gang of 1963 housewives getting together, forming a book club, and a book changes their outlook on everything. I fell in love with every single character and simply did not want this to end. I kept picturing this as a movie or limited series. Right now, it is my favorite book of 2025.

3.5/5 stars
The narration was great and the characters’ voices felt authentic to their styles.
A very interesting premise. I liked the setting and the subtle details that seem to stick very true to the time period. The characters have bursts of progress in their storylines which kept it interesting. I would’ve liked to know more about Earlene and her world. While the pacing was not the best for me, I enjoyed the book overall.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

I loved this story of four housewives from different backgrounds and statuses who join together to form a bookclub. We then follow them through their ups and downs during the year of 1963.
All the lead characters had worthy storylines and reflected the different issues that women faced at the time. An eye opening read that highlights the frustrations and many limitations that were imposed on women at the time.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollinsFocus for this ARC.

Gloria Steinem. Betty Friedan. Shirley Chisholm. All women who plowed through the politics of the 1960s in order to help women find their voice, their passion, their power... their place in society, beyond the home. Add to that list Margaret Ryan. You don't know her yet, but once you read The Book Club for Troublesome Women, you won't be able to forget her.

Four upper-middle class suburban housewives in 1960s Virginia live perfectly mundane, 1960s lives. They cook for their husbands, take care of the house, take care of the kids, and outwardly, are perfectly poised women of the decade. Until they aren't. The newest member of the suburban community, Charlotte, brings a new layer of life to the women's group, drawing the reader into the group to the point where a fifth chair is needed for the book club meetings.

Dealing with the masculine mindset of the decade, each woman faces her own personal challenges as they grow beyond the everyday housewife and into incredible women you won't forget. A solid 4.5 stars!

this is a very well written book and when i got to the end, i found myself tearing up and smiling at how much i knew these women and felt about them.

this is a white woman story, by nature, but there’s a lot of small gems in here one can take and transform for themselves. around this time, it’s hard to relate as a black woman especially during times of sitins, segregation and harming of the black body (history, not in this book) so it was hard to really sympathize with these women of that time. especially when other people were going through a lot.

and then i have to remember that that’s negating the fact that there are other ways to hear voices. and this was a good and small way to hear and understand voices. i will say, i wish there was more about the change for not just housewives, but more mentioning of black women during this time as well. we get a small gem here and there but not too many. overall, a pretty good read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for the early read in exchange for my honest review.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick is set in 1963 against the backdrop of the civil rights movement and the shifting landscape of women's rights. The story follows four suburban housewives—Margaret, Viv, Bitsy, and Charlotte—who form a book club to explore literature challenging societal norms. Beginning with Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique, they examine women's societal roles and the cultural expectations of the 1960s, inspiring them to imagine new life paths.

As they engage in discussions, the women confront personal challenges: Charlotte navigates a toxic marriage, while Bitsy seeks self-worth amidst societal pressures. The book club becomes a supportive space where they form strong bonds and empower each other to pursue their desires and aspirations.

I loved how the author gave each woman their own story and voice. Although the story started a bit slow, I couldn't put it down once their lives began to intertwine! I have been on a historical fiction kick lately, and this one didn't disappoint!

Quotes I loved:
"You know what Eleanor Roosevelt used to say: "A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong it is until it's in hot water."
"You can have it all, just not all at the same time."
"Things have a way of working out when and how they're meant to. Youll see."
"Acquaintances abound, but true friendships are rare and worth waiting for."
"It is a man's world. And there's not a thing we can do about it"

The premise of dissatisfied housewives caught my eye immediately. However the story felt too inconsistent at time which ruined my overall experience. The narrator was great, I have no bad word to say about the listening experience, the cadence was enjoyable. What I enjoyed the most was the author's take on Feminine Mystique and its limitations. The whole story just evolved too slow for my liking, it was missing the drive, the special cherry on top to give it more than three stars.

The character development was exceptional, and I found myself deeply invested in the story by the halfway point. However, I am not awarding a 5-star rating, as I felt the narrative truly gained momentum only after this point. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed every character in the story.

I was drawn to this book initially for the title, and enjoyed the audiobook so much! The book is set in in 1963 over 8 months, beginning with the release of The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, and ending with the November assassination of JFK. The release of The Feminine Mystique prompts a neighborhood book club among the housewives. There are so many topics covered in this story around gender roles & expectations of women in 1960s suburban America, and it was sooo interesteing and tragic (at times) to read. We see the story from four different POVs of the women in the book club, and there is a satisfying epilouge to tie it all up. I really appreciate the level of detailed writing that goes into historical fiction novels, and this one is no exception. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for this audo ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A friendship develops between women who are struggling with various issues back in the 50’s. Housewives, who aren't just satisfied with being homemakers and mothers. They are ok with that but want more out of their lives. When they first start the book club they are strangers but through the books, bonding and growing together they find a special friendship that helps them all. Each woman has a different struggle and each one wants to encourage and help the other. They are no longer just a book club they are stronger and going after their own goals and aspirations while maintaining their self, families and what is right for them. Well written by Marie Bostwick
I read the book and listened to the audio. I prefer the audio for the narrator, Lisa Flanagan did an amazing job of depth of feelings in her voice and you felt the struggle and frustrations. The story is heartfelt and gives you a look into what women had to go through back in the 50s if they wanted more than a husband and children. Many wanted that and a career which was not the norm in those days. It was slowly evolving. Truly a good book to show awareness on how life for women evolved to choices opening slowly for them in work and career opportunities.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the eARC and audio version of The Book Club for Troublesome Women. I do recommend this book as a good read it's informative accurate and heartfelt. This is my honest opinion.

After reading the first 30 pages of this book, I did not expect to like it. It was weird reading that the time I grew up in is now considered Historical Fiction. I was actually fifteen in 1963 but still...
I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself liking the book quite a lot. The four women kept reminding me of Sex in the City but a very different generation. They had that care and affection and loyalty one to the other.
I thought the comparison and assessment of why the women in The Group (Mary McCarthy) didn't have happy endings was spot on. Friendship and connection works. The women were well flushed out and the husbands, though taking back seats, welded their power.

I think this is a good book to read to learn about the 50s. As unbelievable as it is and how much things have changed and how much they haven't.
It's a quick read and captures true current events and the impact on these women.

A beautifully written story about a group of women who start the kind of book club I would like for myself. The start was I little slow, but it wasn't long before I was completely pulled in by the truly compelling characters.

BOOK REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an ARC of “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” from @netgalley to review. These are my honest opinions.

“The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick is a thought provoking novel that touches on controversial social, political, cultural, and economic issues – ones that were prevalent in the 60s, during which the book is set, but also still exist now in 2025, although perhaps in more subtle ways. The oppression of women is nothing new, and readers will have the opportunity to see glimpses of what this looked like for previous generations while getting lost in the detail-rich imagery that the book provides. Bostwick’s writing beautifully captures the essence of the 1960s, like travelling back in time and getting lost in the stories of these fascinating women.

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