The Book Club for Troublesome Women
It's 1963, and Margaret Ryan seems to have it all. She's got a husband, three kids, a station wagon, and a picture-perfect home in a Virginia suburb. On paper, her life is the American dream. So why does it feel so hollow?
Everything shifts when the bold and mysterious Charlotte moves into the neighborhood. Margaret invites her, along with neighbors Viv and Bitsy, to join a brand-new book club. Charlotte has one condition: they must read something that matters. Her pick? Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique.
Over vodka stingers and honest conversation, these four women begin sharing secrets they've never spoken aloud. They name themselves the Bettys, and their little club becomes a lifeline. Each woman carries her own burden, from stifling marriages to abandoned dreams to impossible expectations.
As the most turbulent year in modern American history unfolds around them, the Bettys hold fast through tears, laughter, and fierce arguments. What starts as a simple reading group becomes something far more powerful.
New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick delivers a warm, witty, and deeply moving novel about sisterhood, self-worth, and the courage it takes to want more. Perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry and The Women.
Your book club needs this book. Trust me.
Interesting Facts
Set in 1963 Virginia: The story unfolds in Concordia, a meticulously planned Northern Virginia suburb so new that the saplings are still taking root. The shops, library, and church all opened on the same day the first residents moved in.
Betty Friedan Sparks Everything: The women choose The Feminine Mystique as their first book club selection. This controversial bestseller becomes the catalyst that transforms their lives and awakens them to their own dissatisfaction.
Four Very Different Women: Margaret is a writer at heart, Charlotte is a wealthy rebel, Viv is a former nurse and mother of six, and Bitsy is an academically thwarted young newlywed. Despite their differences, they all share a secret longing for more.
They Call Themselves The Bettys: The group nicknames themselves after Betty Friedan, honoring the author who gave voice to their unspoken frustrations. This playful name becomes a badge of their growing solidarity and courage.
Vodka Stingers Loosen Tongues: Charlotte mixes bright green cocktails she calls "Truth Serum" at the first meeting. These vodka stingers help the initially hesitant women open up and share their real feelings.
USA Today Bestseller Status: The book became a USA Today bestseller and a Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance bestseller. It was also selected by multiple book clubs including the Brenda Novak Book Group and The Girlfriend Book Club.
Marie Bostwick Has Written Over Twenty Books: The author is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling writer whose novels have been translated into fourteen languages. Her 2009 book A Thread of Truth was an Indie Next Notable pick.
A Quilting Connection: Bostwick is known for her popular Cobbled Court Quilt series, which reflects her lifelong love of quilting. She engages in quilting, painting, and piano playing to feed her creativity.
Companion Book Club Kit Available: Readers can download a free Book Club Party Kit from the author's website. It includes 1960s cocktail recipes, discussion questions, a musical playlist, and book-themed food ideas.
Margaret Gets A Writing Job: The protagonist lands a columnist position at A Woman's Place magazine after entering an essay contest. Her husband is furious she has less time for his needs, and her pay is below minimum wage.
Historical Accuracy Resonates: The novel depicts real restrictions women faced in 1963. Viv cannot get birth control without her husband's permission, and women needed male approval to open bank accounts or make major decisions.
The Group Is Also Read: One of the books the club reads together is Mary McCarthy's The Group. The novel explores multiple books that shaped the women's consciousness during this pivotal year.
Published By Harper Muse: The book was released on April 22, 2025, by Harper Muse, an imprint of HarperCollins Focus. It received a starred review from Library Journal praising its exploration of women's historical roles.
Quotes
"There are countless good and right ways to be a woman and only two wrong. The first is to insist that your way is ‘the’ way, the only way. The second is to buy into that nonsense and to spend your life limping along an aimless path in shoes that will never fit." - Margaret Ryan
"Nothing. I like it too. It’s just that sometimes the people here can be a bit . . ." - Margaret Ryan
"You shouldn’t be listening to what people say. Or repeating it. Anyway, Charlotte’s not an oddball. She’s just different, artistic, a freethinker. Heaven knows we could use a few more of those in Concordia." - Margaret Ryan
"Margaret liked that her daughter knew her own mind and wasn’t afraid to speak it. It was an underappreciated quality in women, one that often faded." - Marie Bostwick
"If women stuck up for one another the way men do, this would be a very different world." - Marie Bostwick
"When you grow up, I hope you have a daughter that’s as fresh as you are. Then you’ll know." - Margaret's mother
"I just joined a book club. Maybe I’ll find friends there. We’re reading The Feminine Mystique. It’s interesting." - Bitsy
"It’s always a little scary, isn’t it? Getting to know new people, letting them get to know you? So, yes. I am a little nervous. But also excited." - Margaret Ryan
"Just because a person isn’t hungry doesn’t mean something’s wrong. I’m saving my appetite for the book club, that’s all." - Viv
"Acquaintances abound, but true friendships are rare and worth waiting for." - Marie Bostwick
"who’ll take you as you are and stand by you no matter what. Acquaintances abound, but true friendships are rare and worth waiting for." - Katherine
"And controversial. I like these women already." - Mrs. Graham
Ratings & Reviews
What do you think?
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.