I will read anything Cheryl Strayed writes. She just gets the human condition. I’ve been a fan since Wild, but her Dear Sugar writing is where she really shines. This is a short story about how she helps her mother-in-law through her final days. Under the best of circumstances this would be difficult. But her relationship with her mother-in-law has always been complicated with Cheryl never really knowing where she stood. Strayed explores these complexities and wonders if she can make peace with this woman who has at times both embraced her and pushed her away. In her final days on this earth, can she be a comfort to this woman who has been hard to love?

Another memoir, short but sweet, that hits me in all the feels. Strayed never fails to knock the wind out of my lungs and make my eyes sting with tears. Her writing is gorgeous, her point of view deep and profound. She spills herself all over the pages and each paragraph has something that a reader can relate to during the read. Even though it was short, I loved it and it it hit home in an uncomfortable way.

I knew this book was going to hit some complex emotions when I saw the author was Cheryl Strayed. I think she masterfully confided in us about the highs and lows of her relationship with her mother-in-law, while also leaving space for us to understand this is just her side of the story. Plus also coming to terms with the end of that relationship occurring at a time when she’s also having to help care for her mother-in-law, a complicated situation in itself. A short memoir that is bound to get you in your feels.

Two Women Walk into a Bar is a poignant short memoir by Cheryl Strayed that delves into her complex relationship with her mother-in-law, Joan. The narrative begins with their first meeting in a bar, where Strayed, then a 27-year-old waitress, anxiously anticipates Joan's arrival. Over the ensuing two decades, their relationship is marked by both affection and tension. As Joan faces a terminal illness, Strayed reflects on their shared experiences, misunderstandings, and the deepening connection that emerges during Joan's final days.

Strayed's candid and introspective writing offers a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, love, and reconciliation. Her ability to capture the nuances of human relationships makes this memoir both relatable and moving.

This short memoir is recommended for readers who appreciate intimate reflections on familial relationships and end-of-life experiences.

Her MIL reminds me of my least favorite grandmother & I do not think I could’ve attended her death bed with the same grace & care.

Thank you Net Galley & to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Two Women Walk Into a Bar by Cheryl Strayed!

Two Women Walk Into a Bar is a lovely short story focusing on the author's relationship with her mother-in-law. Highly recommended for fans of Cheryl Strayed's writing or those seeking thoughtful works about the relationships between mothers (in law) and daughters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Given my absolute adoration of Cheryl Strayed and everything she does, I was so excited to receive an ARC of this short story, TWO WOMEN WALK INTO A BAR, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher, Amazon Original Stories.

This story is a quick read but it packs an emotional punch, which is no surprise as a Strayed fan. Her writing never ceases to captivate and delight! TWO WOMEN WALK INTO A BAR depicts Strayed's experience with her mother in law toward the end of her life. I found myself smiling, laughing, and crying throughout. A really enjoyable read, particularly for fans of Strayed's other work.

Very well written story! A fast poignant read with interesting topics.

Thank you NetGalley and Cheryl Strayed!

This was a quick and easy read and while readable, it was not exceptional by any means. I was hoping for something a little more insightful coming from Strayed as insight seems to be Strayed's MO, but what I got was nothing more than a perfectly mediocre story. I blame the format as short stories are not generally my forte, but this just left me wanting more so it wasn't awful. 3.5 stars

I did not request this book nor did I ever receive it. I'm sorry for the confusion but wanted to give that feedback. thank you

Made me reflect on my relationship with my mother in law. Very sweet memoir.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Two Women Walk In A Bar was very touching. It's a memoir about the author and her Mother In Law. After many years of a mediocre relationship, Cheryl learns about past and her upbringing. Very emotional.

This was a good insight into the complicated relationship between a daughter and mother in law. I don’t think I’d ever reread it but it gave me a lot of emotions during the short read

This was a great book! I very much enjoyed it and I look forward to reading the author’s next work! Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.

Ever since WILD came out, I have been a fan of Cheryl Strayed. Wild was personal and heavy at times but an amazing story of rebuilding yourself after tragedy. This book is another memoir but a very short one. It's all about family and the secrets we keep.

Enjoyed this glimpse into a daughter/mother in law relationship. It was touching and makes you think about your own family ties. Absolutely adore Cheryl Strayed.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for this e-copy to read and review!

Two Women Walk Into a Bar is a wonderfully moving and well written personal essay about the complicated relationship between the author and her mother-in-law.

It's no secret that Cheryl Strayed is an exceptionally talented author. Her book Wild remains one of my favourite and most recommended memoirs to date.

I imagine it is no easy feat to craft a 30 page essay so powerful, heartbreaking and funny that it has the ability to leave a lasting and profound impact on the reader, but that is exactly what Strayed managed to do here. Her effortless writing and sensitive subject matter really got to me and I found myself tearing up near the end.

I highly recommend this relatable and touching quick read.

Cheryl Strayed is an amazing writer — there's no explanation needed.
In this novella, she takes on the relationship dynamic between her mother-in-law and herself...and it is peppered with humor and observation that is so unique to Strayed.
It goes on to show that you can find something meaningful in your relationships with people who are so very different from you...her writing validates and verbalises so many emotions that otherwise seem frivolous or indescribable.

A beautiful essay from Cheryl Strayed about first meeting her mother-in-law and then saying goodbye as she passed away. Cheryl has a way with words and describing emotions so succinctly that cuts through any fluff or awkwardness. She faces the truth head on and shares from a place of love. Highly recommend this latest writing from Cheryl Strayed.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.