Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
What a great way to spend a Friday!
Today’s feature is The Book Club, in which Mary Alice Monroe invites you to meet five remarkable characters as she explores the power of friendship with tenderness, honesty and understanding.
Beginning: PROLOGUE (Eve of Return)
January 7, 1998
Tonight, I will return to my Book Club.
It’s been half a year since I’ve been to a meeting. The women will be kind, I know. Solicitous, perhaps even wary not to say anything that will bring to mind my tragedy. I hope I don’t see pity in their eyes. It is not pity I need now but understanding. Tender words and outstretched hands that will help me break my long isolation and rekindle the kinship with my friends.
***
Friday 56: “Don’t you see, sweetie, that’s what I’m talking about. No more excuses. Tom’s dead. Gone. You have to pick up the pieces and move forward. Not just for you, but for the children’s sake. You’re stagnant here. Going under.”
***
Synopsis: On the surface, it is a monthly book club. But for five women, it is so much more. For Eve Porter, whose husband’s sudden death cheats her of every security she had planned on, the club is a place of sanctuary. For Annie Blake, a brilliant attorney intent on starting a family late in life, it is the chance to finally let down her guard and dream of other possibilities. For Doris Bridges, it is her support group as she acknowledges her dying marriage and finds the ultimate freedom in her husband’s betrayal. For Gabriella Rivera, the “perfect” wife, mother and friend who offers support to everyone but is afraid to ask for it herself, it is a sense of community. And for Midge Kirsch, an artist who has always lived her life against the grain, it is a haven of acceptance.
They are five women from different walks of life, embracing the challenge of change. And as they share their hopes and fears and triumphs, they will hold fast to the true magic of the book club—friendship.
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I’m eager to read this book. What do you think?
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I like the sound of this one. Enjoy!
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I’m excited about it. Thanks for stopping by, Catherine.
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There is something irresistible about books featuring booklovers and this group sound as though they have lots to contend with – I do hope it is as good as the opening promises.
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Thanks, Cleo, and because it is written by Mary Alice Monroe, I am hopeful.
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Sounds like a wonderful read. I’d enjoy this one, I know. I’m reading The Square and the Tower by Niall Ferguson.
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Thanks, Bev, I love books about book lovers, and the author always keeps me engaged.
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I’m tempted…thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Lynn, I was excited to discover this book. Enjoy your pick!
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This reminds me of the Jane Austen Book Club. Enjoy!
Ronnie @ My Friday post
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Thanks, Ronnie, I loved the Jane Austen Book Club book…and the movie!
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This sounds so good. Is this the book the new movie is based on? I wanted to see the movie until I saw Jane Fonda was in it. I can’t stand her. I’d love for you and your readers to check out mine! https://tinyurl.com/LisaKsBookReviews5418
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Ha! Now I love Jane Fonda, which goes to show how we all react differently to actors.
I don’t know if this movie is based on the book…maybe after reading the book, and then seeing the movie…
There was no mention of the book when I Googled the movie.
Thanks for visiting, Lisa.
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If the book follows each character, that could be quite a juggling act for the author. Hope you enjoy it.
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Thanks, Roberta, and yes, a juggling act.
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Sounds like a great story. There are certainly a variety of people in the club. This week I have a cozy mystery – Flowers and Foul Play by Amanda Flower. Happy reading!
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I love stories about book clubs, Kathy. Enjoy your pick!
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Is this the same book I’ve seen the film advertised for? It looks great so I should definitely read the book! Here’s mine: https://myendlessshelf.weebly.com/home/the-friday-56-amid-stars-and-darkness-by-chani-lynn-feener
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I thought it might be, but the movie is based on five women who read Fifty Shades of Grey, and then joined together in the book club.
I couldn’t find any mention of the Mary Alice Monroe book in the movie description…but maybe there will be something in the movie that connects it to the book. I’m planning to read the book before seeing the movie.
Thanks for visiting, Kayleigh.
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Sounds great! Just shows how important book and book clubs are in your life. I will look out for the book.
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Thanks, Lisbeth, I do love books about bookish things, from book clubs to bookstores.
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This sounds like a really great read. Hope you enjoy it! Have an awesome weekend! 🙂
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Thanks, Ashley, I am looking forward to it.
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Ohh this one sounds intriguing!
Will check it out 🙂
Amy @ Amy’s Bookish Life
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Thanks, Amy, and I’m eager to jump into this one.
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The title alone had me sold! 🙂 Happy weekend!
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Oh, yes, I loved it from the title, too, Freda. Thanks for visiting…and for hosting.
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Sounds like a fun, light read. Enjoy!
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Thanks, Nicki, I am looking forward to it! Happy reading.
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I just felt the weight of having to ‘move forward’ from that 56 alone. Hope you enjoy your weekend!
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Thanks, Alicia, definitely a weighty challenge. Enjoy your reading!
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This sounds charming; hope you enjoy it!!
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Thanks, Jessie, I am eager to begin reading it! Happy Weekend!
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I was wondering if it was the movie that is coming out, too. I want to see that movie though I can tell the women are not like myself in a lot of ways.
Regarding this book, did it take you on an emotional roller coaster, did it have a lot of places that made you smile and were there characters that you empathized with?
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I don’t think the movie is based on this book…the setting is Chicago, in the movie, and in the book, it’s somewhere Southern.
I haven’t yet read the book…eager to start! Thanks for visiting, Blue Butterfly.
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