As an avid reader, I love books about books, but this wasn't that. With a focus on abuse of may kinds with some mystery and romance thrown in, The Banned Books Club was a book about family and small town drama much more than about any book club and the rating reflects my opinion of that.

While I enjoyed this book as I was reading it, I’m not sure this a book that will stick with me as a super memorable book. The characters were likable and the plot line was a big slow.

How can you not love anything Brenda Novak writes? This book gave me all the feels in all the right places and even had me searching for any other books of hers that I haven't read yet!

I enjoyed this one about two sisters, a high school past and a book club to get back at the PTA. I have to say any book that points out how bad it is to ban books as well as people getting back at the PTA is a book I most defiantly want to read.

I loved the friendship aspect of this one, as well as the unexpected romance. Two people who should be all accounts not ever be together ending up together was unexpected and fresh! I also loved the book club aspects of this one.

This book was a fantastic read! I loved it! It was my first time reading a Brenda Novak novel, and I was not disappointed. I found this book's plot and character development to be top-notch, leading to me reading it faster than I thought I would. I highly recommend it!

Thank you, Netgalley and #HTP, for this arc.

I struggled to finish this one but I think it was more me than the book. I was pretty invested the first 25-30% but I lost interest when I realized the story wasn’t going to focus on what I thought it was. Overall an enjoyable read just wasn’t what I was in the mood for at the time.

2.5⭐️ rounded to 3 for Goodreads

This was arguably one of my least favorite books of the year and I wouldn’t have finished it if it weren’t for receiving an ARC.

The writing felt juvenile to the point that the child characters were talking like adults and the adults talked like they were in a professional setting at all times. Some aspects of the story felt over-explained, while others were left at the surface level.

The title was completely misleading and Gia’s new plans in the epilogue come almost completely out of left field because the Banned Books Clubs is such a back burner plot line.

I also despise the way Brenda Novak handled the abuse both Gia and Margot face. Every reaction from the town felt victim blame-y, which is realistic, but was also extreme for this novel.

And, finally, as others have mentioned, the bouncing from character to character with no demarcation was incredibly confusing. Novak either needed to put character names when she switched perspectives or start new chapters altogether.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!

I will start by saying I really enjoyed this book once i was over 30% in, the beginning felt rushed and felt unrealistic, all in the name of giving us background. The overall plot was great once you were moving but the title/summary of this book feels misleading, this didn’t feel like an accurate representation of what you were going to get story wise. The characters were lovable and relatable, it had great elements of romance but also mystery that was well entangled and was a great overall read.

Sadly, the book titled "The Banned Books Club" by Brenda Novak has very little to do with books. It does, however, deal with serious issues such as sexual misconduct by a teacher, an illness, and marital issues. The books description itself also provides the ending. That aside, I appreciate any book that brings any attention - if just by title - to the dangers of banning books.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2024/11/the-banned-books-club.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and a publisher’s blog tour.

This was a fast paced read. I enjoyed the premises of the book and found that it was a interesting story, but I had a hard time getting entertained by it. I enjoyed the characters in the development of the author had in the book and would be interested in reading more along the lines of this authors romance

The Banned Books Club is a compelling and thought provoking novel. Although a book club is involved, the story line is much deeper. We see the main character coming back to unwillingly face a tragic past event and we feel the emotion. We feel the pain and untrusting relationships she goes through.
I found this to be very well written and highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

More than a story about a book club. In this heartbreaking but triumphant story Gia reluctantly returns home at the request of her sister to help with their terminal mother. The reason she left is an important part of the story. Her sister Margot has reasons beside needing the help for wanting her sister home. Second chances, forgiveness, reconciliation and family lend to this book's readability.

There was a lot going on in this book. An ailing mother, a sister that fled the small town due to a sexual misconduct claim years ago and a sister trying to flee a life she is tired of living. At times it was just too much.

As far as characters go, Margot was my favorite. Probably because I could relate to her story and she felt the most real to me. I didn't really connect with Gia and honestly couldn't remember her name as soon as I finished the book. As far as the other characters they were just kind of there and didn't add too much to the story.

For a book that is titled The Banned Books Club there was very little about a book club in the book. There are a few mentions of it but it doesn't really have a part in the book. Also, the book cover is a bit misleading in my opinion. It has that cute rom-com look to it and this is not what this book is. This book has serious subject material throughout.

All in all this book was an ok read. Not sure it was one I will recommend.

I had to let this one percolate a bit before sitting down to write my review because...feelings. So many feelings. It might have a cutesy cover but there are some deeply emotional topics explored in The Banned Books Club. Topics like sexual assault, emotional (domestic) abuse, harassment, a dying parent, and physical violence.

Novak doesn't pull any punches as she delves into the messiness of these characters' lives, within their families as well as the community as a whole. Her depiction of the division within Gia's hometown, those who support her and those who hold her responsible for the "ruination" of a beloved teacher, is a reflection of small-town dynamics that rings with authenticity. So too, do the divisions within Gia's family. The author does an excellent job of peeling back the layers and exposing unexpected realities. The fear, evolution, and healing of characters and relationships is substantial, realistic, and relatable. The downfall of one particular character, justified and certainly cheer-worthy, also exposes the alive and well underbelly of privilege and the "good ole boy" network within small towns.

This book is primarily women's fiction but there is also danger, suspense, and a romance thread. Actually, two romance threads. I'm still waffling on how I feel about one of them. Let's just say, it's complicated.

While the end of the book felt a bit rushed to me, overall, The Banned Books Club is an intense, emotional story of family, community, forgiveness, healing, and new beginnings that drew me in and kept me avidly turning pages from start to finish.

Always love stories by Brenda Novak and this book was no exception. Loved the characters and all of their stories. Always makes for an interesting read, as you become more involved and more invested in them.

Loved this read! The story is well written and characters are memorable. I love the second chance aspect in the book. This book has a little bit of everything in it and is sure to please many readers!

While there is a book club in this book, that isn't the main focus.

It's actually a very emotional and heartwarming book, with romance and a lot of healing.

Gia left home years ago after a difficult situation. Her mother is dying and she agrees to return home to spend time with her and assist. It reopens some chaos but also a lot of clarification and healing.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publication for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I struggled with the pace and keeping up with the perspective switching. I just don’t think this book was for me.

What I thought would be a novel about banned books instead is a book about romance and healing.
Gia Rossi left home after college 17 years ago. When her sister asks her to come home for the winter to spend time with their dying mother Gia agrees even though it will be difficult after what forced her to leave town at the end of her senior year of high school.
Her arrival home causes chaos with many but also helps her sister who's world is falling apart.
A heart-breaking and heart-warming story.
There is a book club in this novel however it is not as prominent in the story as one might believe from the title.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.