Mrs. Everything’ by Jennifer Weiner Book Reviews

Jennifer Weiner has written nearly two decades of beloved books—good in bed (2001) and In his shoes (2002) are two of his most famous, which is why it’s no surprise that his latest novel, Mrs Everything#ReadWithMC reviewers called it “the perfect end-of-summer read.”

In Mrs Everything, Weiner brilliantly documents the life of Jo and Bethie Kaufman, two Jewish sisters who grew up in Detroit, for more than 50 years. Chapters alternate between each sister’s perspective, detailing the unfiltered emotions and experiences that come with, well, life: struggling with identity and sexuality, marriage, family, happiness, grief, loss, sexual assault, and generally growing up in a world that doesn’t want you to succeed just because you’re a woman.

#ReadWithMC agreed that the beginning was a bit rough, but once you get past the first 50 pages, you won’t be able to put the book down…so keep pushing! Here, readers share their honest thoughts on Mrs Everything.

“This bold, comprehensive book spans decades, delves into issues of race and women’s rights, and breaks your heart over and over — and when it’s done, you always wish there were more. Like The goldfinch or One day, it slowly and easily reveals character growth over time. Nothing stagnates, but this change feels organic, not forced. I loved it.” —@jennyhollander

“Mrs Everything is great. Jennifer Weiner clearly has a lot of love for her characters, but doesn’t shy away from the reality of trauma or suffering. It’s all the more relevant today and should be required reading for just about everyone.” —@kjigoe

“Mrs Everything was one of the most anticipated books of the year for me, and with good reason. Jennifer Weiner managed to write a smart, relevant and incredibly timely book for women. This book was so captivating and captivating from the writing to the relationship between Jo and Bethie. This book covers many topics, including sexual assault, abortion, the death of a family member, eating disorders, and same-sex relationships, but talks about them so eloquently and meaningfully. It’s definitely not a light and easy read, but it’s an important read that every woman should take the time to read. This would be a great book club book as it offers excellent discussion. This one stuck with me for a while after reading it.” —@enw_reads

“I finished it yesterday…I wanted to like it, but it was very predictable and it dragged on at times. Although there were heartfelt moments.” —@margiepoo28

“A beautifully written story spanning decades about two sisters born in 1950s Michigan. Sisters Jo and Bethie couldn’t be more different – Jo protests for equal rights, dreams of living as a writer in New York , certain she’ll never have a husband to run her. Bethie, on the other hand, is a housewife-in-training: obsessed with her slender waist, armed with impeccable cooking skills, the boys trolling. C It’s amazing, and almost shocking, then, to watch the two sisters swap lives as they grow older. It’s a story about sisterhood, feminism, and being honest with yourself about what you want. It’s a story about regret, righting your wrongs and realizing that you can’t make everyone happy. And yet it’s a good story, it may not be for everyone: it can be a little slow at times, especially if you’re the type of reader who has need a solid plot to propel you forward. There’s no traditional plot here; there’s nothing the characters are working towards, per se, except the end of their lives, really there. But if you like a multi-generational story and are interested in how feminism has formed over the decades, this is definitely an enjoyable read.” —@elissa.reads

“The 1st Jennifer Weiner I’ve read. Perfect! Characters and thoughts not hard to follow. Swapped another book by a different author for this one. Talked to Barnes and Noble. I’m reading her biography now. Jennifer, please come to Omaha, Nebraska!” —@judymeyer9259

“This is my first experience reading a book by @jenniferweinerwrites and thanks to Mrs Everything it won’t be my last. Weiner creates authentic, relatable characters with such beauty. We follow Jo and Bethie from childhood to old age, spanning decades, to gain deep insight into their struggles with love, family, friendship, self-discovery, and fulfillment. I was completely immersed in the story and enjoyed the general concept of the book. Weiner focuses intensely on the women in the story: wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She examines the complex relationships between women and the subversion of gender norms. You won’t forget this great multi-generational saga long after you finish it.” —@shereadswithcats

“I really enjoyed reading it, it kind of Forrest Gump feel.” —@mehidable

“I absolutely loved it! As a daughter, sister and mother of a daughter. I loved it. My biggest recommendation in years. Such an informative read. Thank you @jenniferweinerwrites 💖” —@del.libby

“The best book I’ve read this summer and all year!! Bravo, Jennifer Weiner! 👏🏼👏🏼” —@alexshansalcan

“What I love about this book is how it’s split into two stories: Jo and Bethie. Even though the two are so different, I could empathize with both characters. Their stories made me realize that we all struggle and learn the lessons of There is no “right” way to adulthood and even when you are one, the growth never stops. This is one of my favorite books for summer!” —@marinaa2214

“Love Mrs Everything! A quick read despite its length. Jennifer Weiner invested me in the characters from the first chapter. I really liked that it covers a lifetime – I don’t wonder how things could have turned out. Would definitely recommend, especially for late summer.” —@danismcnally

Did you miss our August selection? As of September 1, we will read New York Times bestselling author of brother i’m dying Collection of short stories by Edwidge Danticat, Everything inside. Learn more about the book and read an exclusive interview with the author here.

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