I LOVED Mrs. Everything. @jenniferweinerwrites did an exceptional job at making Jo and Bethie each feel like individuals with their own voice, and I grew to love each of them. I especially loved that her characters weren’t perfect, which leant another level of realism to the book. Mrs. Everything showed both the glamour and the hardships of growing up as young women in the 1950’s-1980’s, and it was SO lovely.

I really wanted to like this book. It was my timeframe - growing up in the 50's and 60's so I expected to be able to identify with the characters. I didn't. I guess I saw some people who would have fit these personas, but they weren't me.

I felt like the author had a check list of all the subjects she wanted to cover - -
Strict 1950's mother - check
"funny" uncle - check
Lesbian daughter - check
Hippie/druggie daughter - check
It was all just so predictable to me and felt stiff and unnatural.

I'm not saying this is a bad book - it isn't - it just wasn't for me and I was disappointed by that.

Mrs. Everything is a tale of two sisters, how circumstances fray their bond, and how they come together again. While Jennifer Weiner calls this her most ambitious work, I call it her best.

Sisters Bethie and Jo could not be more different. Bethie is pretty and popular. Jo doesn’t care about clothes or fashion, loves sports, and never seems to earn her mother’s approval. A childhood spent in 1950’s suburban Detroit leads to college in the 60’s and a time of civil rights, protests and experimentation. Their lives take dramatically different paths and their choices shape their lives in unexpected ways.

I was completely captivated by this story. Weiner breathed life into these characters and I felt as if I were experiencing every heartache, every joy, and every turn in the road with Bethie and Jo. From complicated family dynamics, to disordered eating, drug use, sex and marriage, these women struggled to find their way, both separately and apart. I sympathized with Jo who struggled for her mother’s approval and acceptance and who spent years hiding her true self. And my heart ached for Bethie who spent years running from her past.

They lived through times of tremendous upheaval – the Viet Nam war, civil rights, women’s rights – and the roles of women changed over the years. They were redefining what it meant to be a woman in a changing world, while still being constrained by societal expectations, and with the knowledge that change comes slowly and there were still barriers to overcome. Their choices were so often colored by, and limited to, the options available at that time. They were alternately each other’s strongest supporter and harshest critic, proving that the author understands the complicated relationship shared by sisters.

Spanning more than six decades, Weiner has delivered a powerful story of sisterhood – both familial and that of all women. She strikes the perfect balance of telling Jo and Bethie’s stories while shining a light on the limitations, expectations, tragedies and triumphs of women over the past 60-70 years. Never preachy or political, but instead intensely readable, Mrs. Everything has skyrocketed to one of my favorite reads of 2019.

Beyond a doubt one of the best books of 2019. The first sentence in this book story grabs you right away, the character development is superb, the detail in the writing, the imagery is excellent. The plot weaves in and out . and Jo and Bethie's lives move in so many unexpected directions. It was a great journey!

Validating on so many levels. This sweeping novel spans three generations in the lifetime of sisters Jo and Bethie Kaufman. It begins in the fifties and follows the lives of the two very different girls down two very different paths. This is a story about women. Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and lovers - how we build each other up and tear each other down and how we ALL struggle with finding our place and discovering who we are.

I was very surprised to see several reviewers saying that they felt like the novel went on a bit too long and that parts 6-8 were unnecessary. I adored every page and parts 6-8 were probably my favorite and definitely pushed this book over the top into the 5 star category which is not something I dole out lightly.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Unputdownable-ness: High
Ugly Cry Potential: High
LOL: Low
Character Development: Amazing
Originality: High
Quality of Writing: Great
Intellectual Depth: Medium-High
Emotionally Trying/Hard to Read: Medium

Mrs. Everything is a very good read. Written about a time when so many paths were just opening for women, the relationship and lives of Jo and Bethie made for interesting reading.

Like so many people, Jo and Bethie dealt with ups and downs, times when one would sacrifice for the other and times when they really pushed against social mores. The give and take between the characters and their relationship with their mother added an extra layer of angst to this story that was already filled with struggle.

I believe the author captured society during the years of the book very well. So much was open to women ~ at first ~ but then the pressure of the times contributed to it seeming like an illusion at times.

If you have enjoyed Jennifer Weiner in this past, you will definitely enjoy this book.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. My thoughts in this review are my own and freely given.

Four loved the spirit of beautiful time travelling into 60's and 70's with a heartbreaking sisterhood story stars!!!

I always find the stories about siblings are really challenging concept. Mostly if they are from same gender, they have more issues like jealousy , not to completely understand each other, turning into rivals to be the most loved by their parents. Of course they love and care about each other but... yes as you can see there is always a `but` at the end of the sentence.

Jo and Bethie are really opposite of each other. One of them is tomboy, too serious, hard-worker, other none of is beautiful, popular, social. So their difference reflects the behavior of their parents. They're treating them differently as you may understand it can be the first seeds of relationship conflicts.

The sisters' story takes places over the decades and they're facing so many big struggles, fights on their lives. The choices they made change them completely. They found themselves in other life forms they didn't dream for themselves.

They are dealing with so many big problems force them to grow early such as cancer, death, rape, horrible marriages, racial problems, drug issues, betrayal, political matters! Sometimes I wanted to yell at the author, "Please show some mercy on your characters! I know they're not flawless! They can make mistakes. But they also need to breathe to continue their story!"

Sometimes too much drama they suffered depressed me but mostly I loved the slow burn storytelling and smartly kindly developed characters, their emotional bond, the realistic approach of siblings.
As a summary, it was not the best book that I've read lately on this year but it's one of the good ones!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Jennifer Weiner for the opportunity to read and review her latest book. You always know that you'll get a good read with this author - typically lighter fare. Not so with this novel - this would be the perfect book club book because every topic affects women and there are going to be so many differing opinions on so many of these topics. Plus it's a very nostalgic ride - 4.5 stars!

Jo and Bethie grew up in the 1950s in Detroit in a typical family home environment. Jo was a tomboy and always clashed with her mother's ideal of the perfect lady. Bethie fit that mold more and was interested in fashion, beauty and boys. We follow the sisters through the decades as they grow and evolve into much different beings than they could have imagined. And they are living through tumultuous times - the Vietnam War, women's rights, racial segregation, abortion, all the way up to the Me Too movement of today.

While you may not agree with the politics, all women can relate to the struggles faced in trying to be true to everyone's idea of the perfect woman and her place in the world. Great read!

This book is 100 percent perfect. Seriously though. The story is just the story of two sisters and their whole lives. However, it's also so much more than that. It's about losing your way, and finding it again, it's about being your true self. It's about the journey of two sisters. I loved it.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this one. I've read most of Jennifer Weiner's books and this one is the best. By far.

Meh.


The book was certainly a stroll down memory lane. There were many instances that resonated. From a description of a suitcase "...cardboard and covered in a blue tweedy fabric [with] a stretchy pale-blue satin pocket...stitched inside" to the many growing up 50s and 60s references of things that no longer exist. Who uses the term "dungarees" anymore? The Hollywood diet.

And the whole late '60s-'70s scene. Certainly I understood all the references, but I was never engaged.

I did enjoy some of the humor--but there was not enough of it.
"My problem is that a lot of things taste as good as thin feels." And "Once Shelly had owned a collection of high-heeled shows that would have rivaled any boutique's. Now she had artiritis and flats."

Jewish sisters Bethie and Jo from 1951 to 2016. Many changes in their relationship and one another's lives. And their mother. Way too drawn out and dramatic. The book was seriously too long to wait for a payoff that didn't come. I expected much more from the author.

Mrs. Everything spans over several decades, following Bethie and Jo, two sisters born after the 2nd world war, living their childhood in Detroit.
Tackling many important subjects, the story follows Jo a little more closely than Bethie, but they both have their chapters, and we follow their lives rather closely, even without being with them all the time.
Changes in society, from civil rights to LGBT rights, to women's rights, the story really touched me deeply. All the trials and tribulations women have to deal with in their daily lives were depicted, and most importantly were the relationships between sisters, and between mothers and daughters.
Mrs. Everything was a story I savored over several days, the writing brought some kind of melancholy to my heart, and I was filled with tenderness (and sometimes rage - on behalf of) for the characters.
Weiner managed to bring the decades of the past to life, and she also made her characters very well rounded out.

Jennifer Weiner is always a good "go-to" author. I've never been let down by one of her books and this latest one did not disappoint. Told in Weiner's usual style of multiple character POV, this story spans decades and tells the story of the Kaufman sisters - Jo and Beth. Starting from when they were children, and ending when their families are fully grown, this story is relevant and timely. It spans the 1950s-today and covers everything from Vietnam to abortion legality to protests and same sex equality. I was instantly drawn in and couldn't put the book down. Anxious to see what time period would be covered next and whose life would take a turn, this was an instant 4 star read for me and I would recommend it!

Mrs. Everything is....Everything. Everything follows Jo and Bethie Kaufman through childhood and to their coming of age as adults. What does it mean to be a woman growing up in different eras? Or growing up in a world with racial tensions or one that is not always accepting of same gender relationships?

One of the themes that I enjoyed so much through all the tragedies and trauma is that even if we feel lost with who we are from time to time, we always come back to ourselves again and again. Readers will enjoy this book of women through the eras exploring what it means to be a woman.

https://booksheartwine.com/mrs-everything-by-jennifer-weiner/

I loved Mrs. Everything! This should be a big summer read for 2019. The book follows two sisters from the 1950’s until a future date 2020. The book touches on many controversial topics but it did not feel like the author was covering every social issue just to get another one in the book. Sisters, Jo and Bethie , were likable characters. I was interested in where life would take them next. I was also rooting for them to come out ahead in life. Mrs. Everything would be a good beach read if you want a book with more substance than a romance this summer. Enjoy the journey.

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner did not stand out in any specific way. I found it similar to many other books I have read. The characters and issues were stereotypical of the time period, including the beautiful wild child, the homosexual, interracial marriage, worrying about what the neighbors think, it was a quick beach read, but did not pull me in,

I was not expecting the emotional punch that I would receive while reading this book. I always enjoy family sagas and the relationship between two sisters/siblings, and this book was no exception. I loved the glimpse of modern American history that we got while journeying with the Kaufman sisters from the 1950s to 2022. This was a beautiful story about coming-of-age, getting lost and discovering and accepting yourself, finding and losing love, building a life, motherhood, and a poignant look at the role of women in society throughout the decades.

Told in alternating chapters between Jo and Bethie, Weiner's prose and style was simple and easy to read but immersive. I often found myself transported to the different periods of history, standing beside Jo or Bethie, while they were picketing or getting high at a party or standing on the porch of a commune. I enjoyed how Weiner incorporated key events in America's history into the story. You're thrown into the center of the narrative from the start.

Jo was the tomboy and rebel who didn't conform to her mother's or society's idea of how a lady should look/act. She was more comfortable in a shirt and trousers, playing sports and being active. Bethie was the opposite of Jo; she was the sweet darling, the natural beauty with a charming voice. She was the good girl and it seemed almost certain that their lives would follow the paths they'd been on as children, with Jo traveling the world and living as a free spirit, and Bethie settling down and becoming a mum. But then tragic things start happening to both sisters, and we see how one loses herself, only to learn how to embrace her past and "come out new", while the other struggled to hide her sexual orientation, but found and then lost love, and decided to settle for normal. I honestly loved both sisters and my heart would break at all the tragedies that would befall them, and it would soar whenever either one of them triumphed. I don't think I necessarily related to either one of them more, but I realize I'm probably a bit more like Jo than Bethie.

"We lose ourselves," she repeated, forming each word with care, "but we find our way back" Wasn't that the story of her life? Wasn't that the story of Bethie's? You make the wrong choices, you make mistakes, you disappear for a decade, you marry the wrong man. You get hurt. You lose sight of who you are, or of who you want to be, and then you remember, and if you're lucky you have sisters or friends who remind you when you forget your best intentions. You come back to yourself, again and again. you try, and fail, and try again, and fail again.

Within the first 30% of the novel, Jo and Bethie already go through so much hardship that was so heartbreaking, but everything that happened to them throughout their lifetime was also completely believable. It was nothing spectacular in the sense that it's a story that women have experienced and can relate to, which made this an even more powerful read. Although it explores important issues about the role of women in society, it doesn't feel preachy or like Weiner is trying to push a message down your throat. It's very well-woven into the storyline and comes to play an important role in the latter part of the sisters' lives. Even for an Asian woman such as myself, I found I could relate to some of their experiences, and a lot of what is discussed in this book. This story is so relevant to the social climate of today with the #metoo movement and rising feminism (not only in America but slowly worldwide too) and I think it'll resonate with a lot of women who read it.

I'm giving this 4 stars because although I didn't feel that any part of the story was unnecessary, I thought the middle lagged just a little, and the end chapters felt a bit rushed. I thought we missed a key part of one of the main characters' growth, even in her later years of life, as it related to her sexuality and her family. I was a little surprised that Weiner didn't go into this, as I think it was a pretty big deal for her character, and was a little disappointed because it glossed over it and made everything feel too neatly wrapped up. Still, this had a very touching ending and although I'm a crier in general, I didn't think I would be with this book, but I was definitely proven wrong because I was crying hard at the end.

Overall, I really enjoyed Mrs. Everything and I'm so glad that one of the ladies in my group read chats mentioned that this was available to "Read Now" on NetGalley because otherwise I probably would've missed it. This was my first book by Jennifer Weiner and I really enjoyed her writing, so I'm looking forward to reading more of what she has written. Fabulous book!

Looking for the perfect beach read this summer? Well look no further. This latest offering from Jennifer Weiner is just the thing for lounging with your toes in the sand. Actually, that's exactly where I started it and finished it two days later. It was that good!
Bethie and Jo, Jo and Bethie. Sisters. Such a complicated word full of implications. Their lives have not been easy, and their relationship has not been ideal. But they've always been there for each other through a multitude of tragedies and dramas.
Over the course of their lifetimes, their paths crisscross back and forth between what they dreamed for themselves and what reality gives them. Each sister finds herself at odds with what she'd imagined for her life. There are struggles with sexuality, childhood traumas, family deaths, difficult and overbearing parents, lost loves, and so much more.
This book is so much. It's a reflection on changing times as we begin in 1950's era Detroit and end in the year 2016. Society changes, both a lot and not so very much at the same time. It's a tale of family, whatever that may be. I found myself pulled in from the very first page. When the journey came to an end, I was at a loss. Definitely five stars!

Wow! So many emotions with this book! I think every woman young and old should read it. I was impressed with how well Jennifer brought awareness to so many social issues without making it overly political. I related to all the female characters (except at one point or another whether I agreed with them or not, she really gave so much perspective on everyone's different battles and weaved all the different lives of the characters together so well. If you haven't already done it you need to add this book to your TBR, also this would be amazing for book clubs!

Wow! So many emotions with this book! I think every woman young and old should read it. I was impressed with how well Jennifer brought awareness to so many social issues without making it overly political. I related to all the female characters (except at one point or another whether I agreed with them or not, she really gave so much perspective on everyone's different battles and weaved all the different lives of the characters together so well. If you haven't already done it you need to add this book to your TBR, also this would be amazing for book clubs!

I had high expectations for this book, but unfortunately it fell a bit flat for me. Don't get me wrong it is still a book I enjoyed and would recommend to others, but I felt that it lacked some of the finer details that would have given this book such depth and texture.