In The Book Club for Troublesome Women, Marie Bostwick transports us back to 1963, when four women decide that a suburban life of casseroles and conforming to their husbands’ every whim just isn’t cutting it. And what better way to shake things up than to start a book club, with Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique as their fiery inaugural read? These four housewives—Margaret, Charlotte, Viv, and Bitsy—who become known as “The Bettys,” are in for a wild ride that’s about as rebellious as you could get in the ’60s without burning your bra.

The Bettys begin as typical housewives of their time, navigating strict gender roles and overbearing husbands. But a few chapters into Friedan’s masterpiece, they’re hit with the shocking realization that maybe, just maybe, life shouldn’t revolve around ironing shirts and packing lunchboxes. As they dive into the world of second-wave feminism, each woman finds herself questioning everything, from birth control (that their husbands need to “approve”) to their access to bank accounts (also only possible with hubby’s signature). You know, real liberation vibes.

What follows is a blend of personal awakening and the chaos that comes from housewives growing a spine. Margaret, for instance, goes from perfect PTA mom to questioning why she ever traded her dreams for a “weekly allowance.” Charlotte, the artsy New Yorker of the group, practically hands out permission slips for rebellion and becomes the de facto feminist icon of the group, though still at war with her own controlling father. They even try to walk a mile in their husbands’ loafers—minus the golf outings and unchecked authority.

If the book’s focus on themes of independence, societal expectations, and female friendship sounds uplifting, that’s because it is. However, Bostwick doesn’t go light on the reality check. The sheer absurdity of having to fight for birth control or needing a signature to cash a check is enough to make you laugh, cry, or both. Sure, the “neatly wrapped up” happy endings might feel a bit idealistic, but hey, it’s nice to imagine that breaking free from patriarchy can occasionally come with a nice little bow.

Ultimately, The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a celebration of women who, despite being cast as side characters in their own lives, find their voices through the radical notion of reading a book. Bostwick blends nostalgia with an edgy critique of the ‘60s, showing us just how “troublesome” women can be with a little nudge—and the right book. So, if you’ve ever fantasized about rebelling against the patriarchy, one cocktail hour at a time, consider joining The Bettys.

This was such an empowering read about four women in the 1960s who start a book club. Their first pick? ‘The Feminine Mystique’ by Betty Friedan. This book lights a fire in them, pushing them to question the societal structures that confine them and to imagine a life beyond the role of a housewife.

As they each set out to pursue more, I found myself inspired to do the same. What stood out most was how their friendship and unwavering support for one another became the true catalyst behind their growth. Their bond gave me Sex and the City vibes—only for housewives in the 60s.

I was rooting for every one of these ladies as they collectively took bold steps to overcome the restrictive patriarchy of their time. Marie’s writing style was powerful and passionate, though I thought some parts could have been a bit more streamlined—especially toward the end. Still, this is a wonderful story about the power of female friendship, books, and ambition.

You’ll love these women. I’m still processing it myself, but I’d recommend it to every ambitious woman navigating a man’s world.

P.S. I’ve made a mental note to pick up The Feminine Mystique for myself!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from @harpermusebooks and @netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

4.5 stars

I just finished this book with tears in my eyes, so frustrated with our country after last week’s election and the glaring realization of how little advancement there’s been for women since 1963.

This is an inspiring story of the power of books to change lives. It's the tale of four suburban women in 1963, nicknamed The Bettys, who become fast friends after reading Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique. Each of them took lessons from the book as how to find meaning in the narrow and confining gender roles of the time period. I liked how each of them took a different path to fulfillment.

There were a few times when I felt like the story got off course and delved into unimportant minutia. I did enjoy the "cameos" from real-life historical figures like Katherine Graham of the Washington Post, White House correspondent Helen Thomas, and none other than Jackie Kennedy. Overall, though, it was powerful and eye-opening.

This book is inspiring me to start my own group of Bettys - a book club for women who are frustrated by how much has changed for women, and at the same time, so little. That glass ceiling is still firmly in place.

Thank you to Harper Collins Muse for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

This is my kind of historical fiction! The cast of characters in The Book Club for Troublesome Women captured my heart and kept me turning the pages. This is the kind of book that you have to set aside when you finish and just let it sit with you for a while. I reacted similarly when I read Lessons in Chemistry, Remarkably Bright Creatures, The Personal Librarian, and Frozen River. All of which are some of my favorite books. This is a great book club book and one I think lots of readers will enjoy.

We’re back in the 1960s when 4 neighbors form a book club. Their first book is The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan so they call themselves The Bettys. The women are all very different but soon form a bond, seeing each other through life situations. It was fun reading the 60s references.

The story kept me interested and I like that the ending didn’t leave me hanging, but it told what had happened to the women, however, it did feel a little too perfect. Still a very good read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you for this advance copy NetGalley and publisher. The title was a bit off for me but the story rang true. It appears we as women will be reliving some of this but hope we are blessed to have similar characters to deal with.

OHHH! This is good!
I was brought back to the sixties where four wonderful friends could have been my own mother and her friends!
When women were housewives, and did not have a voice. They managed their homes and the children, but received a weekly allowance for groceries.

This story centers around four neighborhood ladies who decide to start a book club.
The very first novel they read, (The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan) creates a curiosity for each, and they start to wonder why they cannot go into the community and work to help their family and enjoy time outside of the home?
Well... why can't they?

This is a delightful, historical fiction journey that really had me rooting for these amazing women while bringing me back to my own mom's kitchen!

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @HarperMuse Books for this neat ARC and allowing me to review. Well done!

I really enjoyed this one! The name of the book reeled me in and the book delivered. I particularly liked Margaret’s character and personality. This is such an important book and so relevant. I will be recommending this one to my friends!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and what a treat it was! Set in 1963, it is story of four women, who read The Feminine Mystique in their book club, become firm friends and make their way in life. The depiction of life in the 1960 s was really interesting, with details like Margeret not being able to open a bank account in her own name without her husband’s consent. What especially impressed me was the recognition that not all women have the power to make choices, and that often this applies to men too. Walt was a gorgeous character, who acknowledged his shortcomings and tried to do his best. The idea of other women helping others to get a leg up in life was wonderful. The part about Jackie Kennedy was so moving, and the joyous ending was delightful. Many thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read this thought provoking book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the opportunity to read The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick, who cannot be surpassed in Historical Fiction writing. The characters are beautifully and fully written, each of whom possess personality all their own; complex and believable. One of the best books I've read tis year.

In "The Book Club for Troublesome Women," Marie Bostwick delivers a charming and heartfelt tale that beautifully intertwines friendship, resilience, and the power of community, women, and literature. The storyline follows four housewives in the 1960s who, despite their diverse backgrounds and personal struggles, come together to create a book club that quickly evolves into a support system for tackling life’s challenges. They call themselves "The Bettys" based on their first book choice - "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan.

While following the lives of Margaret, Charlotte, Viv, and Bitsy, I found the story so fascinating and timely for women of today. It's a red flag reminder of where we, as women, have come from, the progress made, and that the progress we see now only really occurred just a short time ago. For example - one of the housewives, Viv, goes to the doctor for her prescription of birth control pills. Her doctor refuses to give it to her without her husband there to sign off on it. I did a little research on this, as I found it to be crazy. This was indeed true up until the 1980s! It made me sick to think of it - that I would have to have my husband sign off on my prescription!

There are many other historical references in the book, such as Margaret being unable to cash a check in her own name or open a bank account without her husband signing the bank card, as well as historical events surrounding JFK and Dr. Martin Luther King. The way each of the women fights for their own independence while also supporting their family and, in some cases, seeing things from their husband's perspective too makes this such an interesting read. It is not at all a book about bashing men or husbands.

Bostwick’s vivid character development helped me connect deeply with each group member, from their insecurities to triumphs, laughter, and tears. The story explores themes of empowerment and self-discovery. It encourages the characters to embrace their imperfections and to take bold steps towards change in the role of women in the home and workplace - all of which made it a truly inspiring read to me.

As the four women navigate their respective life hurdles (like adultery, unfulfillment in marriage, divorce, and problems conceiving), they learn more about themselves and each other. I think I learned more about myself from this book as well.

Overall, "The Book Club for Troublesome Women" is a fantastic, thought-provoking book!

Thank you, #NetGalley, #MarieBostwick, and #HarperCollins, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review of #TheBookClubforTroublesomeWomen. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Marie Bostwick’s *The Book Club for Troublesome Women* resonated deeply with me. Set in the 1960s, it follows Margaret Ryan, who seems to have the American dream—a family, a home, and a stable life in suburbia. But beneath that polished exterior, she feels stifled and incomplete. Her world shifts when she meets the bold and intriguing Charlotte, inspiring Margaret to start a book club with neighbors Bitsy and Viv. Their first book, *The Feminine Mystique*, opens the floodgates to raw conversations about misogyny, societal roles, racism, and their buried dreams.

What made this story special to me is how Bostwick captures the complexity of women’s lives and the longing for “more” that so many of us feel. As a mom of six who balances family life and a business, I deeply connected with these characters' struggles to find themselves while juggling countless responsibilities. The book club becomes their sanctuary, reminding us of the power of friendship and honest conversations to inspire change.

This book beautifully blends humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments, leaving readers hopeful and validated in their own journeys of self-discovery and resilience. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt torn between who they are and who they’re expected to be.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick is a delightful read that I can't wait to share with own book club/friends.

Friends Margaret, Viv, and Bitsy who live in a planned community in Virginia in the early 1960's and seem to have it all, but in reality they all feel guilty that the "everything" they have doesn't feel like enough. They form a book club with Charlotte, their new neighbor from New York who is eccentric, artsy, and a burgeoning feminist who introduces them to Betty Friedan's, The Feminine Mystique..

I loved every character and could find something in common with every character in this book. I cheered when they found themselves, discounted and ignored the patriarchal men who just wanted to control them, and very much enjoyed how they grew throughout the book.

As a housewife myself with no kids at home, I can understand the absolute sheer boredom that can come with it and how a book club can be a way to connect and find "your people".

I can't recommend this book highly enough and really can't wait to buy a copy when it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book tackles timely issues like misogyny, racism, and the constant judgment of women, set against the backdrop of the 1960s. The four main characters struggle with the societal norms of the time, highlighting how much control women truly had over their lives. The message, echoing President Kennedy’s quote about the rights of one being tied to the rights of all, feels especially relevant today.

However, I found the neatly wrapped-up happy endings a bit unconvincing. The characters’ resolutions seemed more a result of serendipity than hard-earned change, which made their conclusions feel less impactful compared to the raw, complex struggles portrayed. Still, the book provides an insightful look into the challenges women faced during this era.

Although this book was set 60 years ago, I could still relate to the women and story within. I am a wife and mom of 3 which I absolutely love, but I’ve always felt like I needed “more” so I also run my own small business. The struggle of keeping all of the balls in the air is real but at the end of the day, also very rewarding. Anyone in a similar position will likely enjoy this book as well. I love how the author wrapped everything up with the updates at the end!

Really like this author but for some reason I found this one a bit slow. Might just be me though. Would recommend on the author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this review!! The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick is a charming and uplifting novel that focuses on a diverse group of women who come together to form a book club. As they navigate personal challenges, their shared love of reading helps them bond and grow. The characters are well-drawn, each dealing with their own struggles, but they find strength and support in each other. The story explores themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery, with a good balance of humor and heartfelt moments. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read about the power of literature and the importance of connection.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Four friends are forever changed by reading a book, The Feminine Mystique. This is about housewives in the 1960’s who become closer through motherhood, community and feminism. Fans of uplifting historical fiction will love this book. I was cheering for Charlotte as she overcame a bad marriage and outsmarted her controlling father. I was rooting for Bitsy that she would see her worth and value. One thing that I appreciated was the acknowledgment that The Feminine Mystique was written for women of privilege who were manipulated into having a lesser role. Other women were already working multiple jobs out of necessity. These women got an “allowance” and were treated like children. It’s a book that reminds us why we read.

Thanks to @netgalley and @Harpermusebooks for the ARC. Book to be released April 22, 2025.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #TheBookClubForTroublesomeWomen

A book full of timely topics!

Apparently, President Kennedy said 'the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened' which should've been 'human' instead of 'man,' but very a theme very much alive these days with the world being on fire. This book is also about being-good-enough, misogyny, racism, women being judged, and their lack of control.

And yet... with the four main characters and their lives, struggling with all the difficulties of the 60s, I am miffed with the happy-endings. All four of them tied up in a neat bow.
These women were not that much in control of their lives, whatever made those happy-endings possible was serendipity. It was not raw nor tragic, as apparently The Feminine Mystique Betty Friedan is.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse
Pub Date: 4-22-25

Thank you @netgalley, @harpermusebooks, and @mariebostwick for this eARC.

Over several months in 1963 four women build strong bonds when they form a book club and begin to share their lives with each other.  The first book they select to read is The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan. 

Margaret, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv - forevermore to be known as The Bettys - live in a new suburban development in Northern Virginia.  Each is married. Not all have children.  Each wants more in their relationships and their lives.

I was swept up in the lives of these four women.  A story set in a time that makes me thankful I was born in 1970 - needing your husband to sign to allow you to open a bank account, needing your husband to go to your doctor appointment to approve your birth control prescription.  Only the tip of the iceberg, I know!

“I just joined a book club,” Bitsy offered. “Maybe I’ll find friends there. We’re reading The Feminine Mystique. It’s interesting."

"And controversial.” Mrs. Graham nodded appreciatively. “I like these women already.”

#thebookclubfortroublesomewomen #mariebostwick #harpercollinsfocus #netgalley