
Member Reviews

Wow. Jennifer Weiner did it again. The story follows Bethie and Jo, two sisters who go through life with certain beliefs that change over time. Both characters have reversals in the way they see the world.
Weiner did a beautiful job of talking about race, Vietnam, LGBTQ rights evolving, and sisterly relationships--all heavy topics--in a beautifully constructed story. Each storyline was given weight, and each character came alive with both beautiful and incredibly frustrating qualities. I'd recommend this book highly as a read that simultaneously makes the day fly by on the beach and as one that makes you think.

First, I love this author and appreciate the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley and the author/publisher for my true and unbiased opinion of this book. With so many different ways to publish books today, we are flooded with books on a daily basis which makes it hard to choose what to read next. Once again this author does not disappoint its readers. The story takes us back into a time when the world/country really began to push for some of the changes that are so blatant in our society today. Following a family of four (parents plus two very different girls) from the 1960s onward. The story delves into issues such as abortion, rape, LGBT, sexual abuse etc. and how they were portrayed or handled (covered up) in the past. If that sounds like it would be too much to take on in one story....it is not as Jennifer Weiner has a way with words to keep you coming back for more to find out how the story proceeds. I lived through that time so know that she hit the spot on every issue. Although, in my own opinion, I feel the pendulum has swung to far in solving some of these issues, the story brings into focus why the pendulum swung at all. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to have a trip to the past and a very good story at the same time.

MRS. EVERYTHING follows sisters Jo and Bethie through their lives from the 1950s to the present day as they try to find their places in the world and in each others’ lives.
We all know and love Jennifer Weiner’s romance novels, and this book has a bigger scope and a broader message than anything she’s written before. It tackles the whole of the lives of women in America - the good and the bad - and the bedrock importance of sisterhood throughout those lives. It’s hard to even write a concise review because so much happens in this book.
About halfway through this book I began to think the story felt a bit predictable and that I could see each development coming. Then I realized it feels like I already know the story because I do. Every woman you know has gone through one, many, or all of the things experienced by Bethie and Jo. Even if you were never a closeted lesbian or never had an abortion or aren’t Jewish, or whatever, there will be some aspect of their lives that you know in your own life.
I really loved how each woman thought they knew what was best for her sister and tried to guide her down that path. Sometimes they were right and sometimes they were wrong and sometimes they only understood part of the story. But they were there for each other, eventually, right down to the end.

Wow, what a book! I'm not sure what I was expecting before starting this book but it definitely wasn't what I got. This book is a family saga that follows two sisters from the 1950s to now and what a journey they have! I've read and enjoyed books by Jennifer Weiner but this story is definitely darker and deeper than the others. The story moved quickly and I was very engaged and had to know what happens next. I can see it being a good discussion book for a book club. Highly recommended!

I vividly remember reading Jennifer Weiner’s first book on the beach the summer it came out. Good in Bed seemed to mark a new era in well written women’s literature (or good chick lit), and it still is one of my favorites.
Mrs. Everything will definitely be in many beach bags this summer - it is just so good. I’d recommend buying a copy - it’s almost 500 pages so “worth it” - but also so you can share it with the women in your life.
The book follows two sisters Jo and Bethie over the course of their lives from growing up in Detroit in the 50s and 60s right up to the present day. It covers a ton of ground with regard to issues affecting women over that time period. We have come such a long way, but still so much more progress needs to be made. It was fascinating (and many times horrifying) to read about - and I loved all the pop culture references to the past (Blockbuster Video, clothing styles, TV shows, books, music, movies, cars, etc.) It was a fun book to read. I think the author took on an ambitious topic - a very socially relevant one with the #MeToo movement - and did a phenomenal job writing an interesting story with relatable characters who touch the readers’ hearts. It was a little predictable at times and possibly she tried to pack a few too many “issues” into the plot, but overall it was fantastic. I highly recommend putting this book on your summer reading list! Perfect beach read. 4.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. Mrs. Everything comes out June 11th!

This novel follows two sisters throughout their lives with a changing America in the background. It explores their hopes, dreams, heartbreaks and milestones. Are they happy? Would they have done things differently? It is a saga of mothers, daughters and sisters. I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Atria Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner speaks to the heart!
This novel is truly full of emotions and love. Women who are sisters, heroes, mothers, wives, daughters, friends, and a whole bunch more!
Jo and Bethie are quite the pair of sisters that envelops this beautiful story. This story spans over their lives and the different struggles one another faces as they continue to grow. As a reader, you feel the pain that these sisters go through and you feel the joy that they go through.
I think this story will resonate with many and the lesson behind this beautiful novel was quite breathtaking. I do have to say that it was a tad longer than I had hoped which is more of a slow build but the message was truly so beautiful.
This was my first novel by Jennifer Weiner but can see why she has so many fans. This is a wonderful novel to pack in your beach bag for the summer.
Overall, 4 stars!
Thank you so much to Atria and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 6/11/19
Published to Goodreads: 5/27/19

If, after reading the blurb for this book, you think you are going to throw this one into your beach bag for a light hearted read about sisters, stop right here. That is not this book. This is a very ambitious book, spanning decades of two sisters’ lives. Tragic things happen and people make bad choices. At about the 60% mark, I realized I didn’t care enough about the characters to continue. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

This story follows the lives of two sisters from the 1950s to present day. Each sister navigates their way through issues in America, while also trying to find themselves and what type of woman they are "meant to be." This story touches on family drama, gender norms and feminism. Mrs. Everything keeps the reader wondering where each woman will head next on their life path and makes you question how one finds their place in the world and what is it that truly makes you feel fulfilled and accepted. This is a great read -- run out and grab it!

Thanks to Netgalley, I read this pre-publication. Jennifer Weiner decided to tackle historical women's fiction, covering the years from the 1950's until current. She followed two sisters, Bethie and Jo, throughout the decades. (I did wonder why the names are the same as "Little Women".) She succeeded in creating a realistic, engaging story of two women growing up in the Midwest whose lives were impacted by the societal norms of the times. The story felt both interesting and honest. As someone who has lived in the locations described, at the times described, it rang true. Weiner took the best part of her prior history of writing "chick lit"--the driving story and explored the difficult choices women make, and the impact on their families and loved ones. As the current generation was born before "women's liberation", gay marriage and Roe vs. Wade, the book is both timely and entertaining. A pleasure to read.

I received Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner as an ARC from NetGalley. I'm a fan of Jennifer Weiner and this is the best book I've read by her. Her novels are typically chick lit but this was a departure from her usual style. Mrs. Everything tells the story of two sisters, Jo & Bethie Kaufman, growing up in Detroit during the 50's. Jo & Bethie are complete opposites and their lives take very different paths but the sisters are always there for each other. I loved this story and the characters and I couldn't wait to see how their story unfolded. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of Mrs. Everything in exchange for an honest review.
I have read books by Jennifer Weiner before but none like this. I really enjoyed the novel which was of the lives of two Jewish sisters from Detroit, Jo and Bethie. I especially enjoyed the interwoven historical pieces that showed how both of these women grew up in a 50s mentality and the changes that came about in the country allowing them both to be their true selves. There were a few parts that went slow but overall I would recommend.

Over the years I have read several Jennifer Weiner books, they were all fun, girly, and total chick-lit. But this book was completely different from any that I have read. Mrs. Everything is a socially relevant book and such a great read. This book had me gasping at the real life situations, crying at the heartfelt sad moments, and cheering at the triumphs. I really enjoyed reading about Jo and Bethie through out the years and found myself wishing for more of their stories! Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for for the ARC of Mrs. Everything!

This story spans several decades, starting in 1951 and going into the future to 2022. It follows two sisters, Jo and Bethie, as they grow up experiencing a multitude of events. While their journeys are different and the sisters don’t always get along, they are there for each other when it matters.
I love Jennifer Weiner’s books and was thrilled to receive an advanced reading copy. This book is published on June 11th. This story discusses so many events in our history such as racism, sexuality, drugs, societal pressures for what a ‘normal’ woman should want, and many others. It does not take on any of these issues and try to tell you what is right. Rather it indicates how these issues were perceived at a time in history. It shows how the perceptions changed over time for some issues and remain the same for others. Jo and Bethie give insights into these times and express feelings many people faced. I think this is a book for everyone to read to help understand our past, especially as women. It is a story of the strength of women!
I give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Atria Books for a free digital version of this book to review!
I was unable to put this book down!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 5
Pace: 5
Plot development: 5
Characters: 5
Enjoyability: 5
Ease of Reading: 5
Overall rating: 5 out of 5

4.5/5 This book tells the story of two sisters from childhood until old age. I would compare the plot to one of those cartoon snowballs that grows bigger and bigger as it rolls- first it starts out slow, but as it moves on, it picks up speed and depth. These are also some of the most realistically written characters that I have read in some time. They are so flawed, their emotions so raw. There are several times when you think, oh, this will happen, then everything will turn out fine and they'll live happily ever after. But this book is more realistic; there are no happy endings here. What we get is depth and emotion, true pain and sorrow, jealousy and anger, happiness in spurts- much like real life. These are fully formed characters who, in a way, represent all of the real women out there. The women who have to fight for everything they have, make mistakes along the way, and in the end, accept that they have done all they could with what they had. In a way, the moral of this book is, despite your flaws, you are enough.

4.25 Stars
“Mrs. Everything” by Jennifer Weiner speaks to the masses. In this day and age, it is both timely and full of heart! It’s a story about connections. Women who are mothers, sisters, wives, lovers, friends, supporters, heroes and oh so much more.
Jo and Bethie are sisters and “Mrs. Everything” is their story. It takes place over the course of decades. There are trials and tribulations as each woman struggles and tries to be everything to everyone, including each other. As sisters, the relationship between Jo and Bethie is real and true. When experiencing hardship, the pain Jo and Bethie feel is palpable, as is their joy. There were times when I raised my fist in a “yes, you go girl” moment and times when my eyes were filling with tears and I just cried my little heart out.
As someone whose only sibling is a sister, this story resonated with me. My sister and I are four years apart and are very different, thus we were treated very differently by our parents, just like Jo and Bethie. Though I am the younger sister, I resonated with certain parts of Jo, the tomboy, the girl who loves jeans and who is hard working, no nonsense and serious. I am equally sure that my sister would relate to Bethie, beautiful, popular and successful. I will be sure to send my sister a copy of this book upon its release to find out for sure!
That’s the thing: “Mrs. Everything” is relatable to everyone, especially here and now - with what is going on these days. This is a story that will make you feel intensely and is one that makes you think - about what others are going through and how you can help.
I very much enjoyed reading this novel as I loved the story of Jo and Bethie. “Mrs Everything” is on the longer side and is therefore a slower read, thus it is one to be savored. This is now the third book that I’ve read by Jennifer Weiner and it is my favorite by far.!
Thank you to Ariele Friedman at Atria Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 5.26.19.
Will be published on Amazon and Twitter on 6.11.19
Excerpt to be published on Insta.

Fantastic sweeping novel of the lives of two sisters growing up in the 1950’s Detroit area. Bethie is the apple of of her moms eye growing up, and Jo never quite gets her moms approval as a tomboy. But things change as the girls navigate growing up in the turbulent time of protests, drugs, and their own sexuality. Beautiful novel that spans decades and makes you feel as if Jo and Bethie are your own sisters. I laughed and cried during this book and felt like I lost a friend when it was over. I have read all of Ms. Weiner’s books, and this one is my favorite by far.

This book was so good I didn't want it to end! I got attached to the characters and family story and really was sad when it was over. I also loved the history and of course the underlying message that this book portrayed. Buy this book when it comes out you will not be disappointed!

I loved Jennifer Weiner’s book, Good In Bed, and I loved this even more! Beautifully written, eloquent, and fun, it brought me back to my roots living in Long Island during the 1950’s. Ms. Weiner has a wonderfully descriptive writing talent, and everything in Mrs. Everything was so very clear in my mind’s eye. I fell in love with Jo, and Sarah, tended to remind me, with her unsatisfactoriousness, of my own mother and my own upbringing. I fell in love with Bethie, , who could have been me. What a book! I loved it from beginning to end. More please, Ms. Weiner! You are an incredible story teller. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the egalley in return for an honest review.