The Book Club for Troublesome Women

A Novel

De: Marie Bostwick

Narrado por: Lisa Flanagan

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.

©2025 Marie Bostwick (P)2025 Harper Muse

Reseñas de la Crítica

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)

Interesting Characters

The historical pieces involving women in the 50’s and 60’s. The characters were interesting, diverse, and believable.

we've come a long way with more progress to make.

Fantastic! I loved this story and the diverse characters that come together and form a bond as they journey through life. Books clubs are the best!

This is a must read

This is a story of unhappy women in the 1960's who become close friends and form a bookclub. the love and support given by these women direct their lives and the lives of women. I highly recommend this well written book with believable characters that you feel you could be friends with

Thought Provoking Women!

This book is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. Its themes and the road blocks the characters face are very current, despite it being set in the 1960’s. I found myself very emotional several times and incredibly connected to the characters. I could see myself and my friends in each of them at different times.
The writing is beautiful. The reader is fantastic. And I can’t recommend this book enough!

Loved it

I am a member of a book club so anytime I see a book that has a book club reference. I typically read it. This this story characters and the setting really drew me in and although I was not alive in 1963 it is a hm historical time that allowed me to live the life that I have today and for that I’m thankful. It is a great Reid and even greater listen.

Unexpectedly Good

I got this book not anticipating it to be my style. But I cried I laughed and overall enjoyed it. Just a great and easy read.

Troublesome Women is…👍🏻👍🏻

Loved the book! Characters were well developed, storyline had me hooked from chapter 1. I used the Audible version—the narrator was outstanding! If you have never used Audible, this is a good book to start with. She had me hooked. Also, I appreciated excellent writing with a nice storyline that doesn't have any foul language! (Our last book club choice was loaded with F!) Will definitely look for this author’s other books. A+!

Women’s rights in the 60’s

One of my favorite historical fiction books that I’ve ever read! I grew up in the 60’s and so much of the story reminded me of that era.

Very enjoyable

I know I like a book when I am disappointed when it is over - I enjoyed all parts of this audio book: story, characters, narration, I will definitely read more of this author.

Societal norms at that time.

I thought it was a very good book. The characters were interesting, and they dealt with oppression that even women today deal with. Highly recommend.