It’s the 22nd of the month which means it’s BOOK CLUB DAY!
I hope you are buckled up for this one.
Buckled. Up.
Here we go…
…with Book Club #29!
If you would like to read the “rules” of Shay’s Book Club and see a complete list of every book we’ve read as a group along with my personal “star” ratings, they are all RIGHT HERE.
In this blog post and in the comment section, WE WILL BE DISCUSSING SPOILERS. If you are interested in reading this book, you might not want to read below this line. In JULY’S BOOK REVIEW later this month, I will give a quick recap and let you know if I recommend the book or not, so if you haven’t read it, you might want to wait until that official BOOK REVIEW because there will be no spoilers and based on that, you can decide whether or not to read the book.
Anything below this though will include spoilers as everyone commenting here has already read the book.
Ready, set, here we go!
This month’s book was…
…The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett.
Okay, we have to interrupt our normal flow before we can proceed…
You guys. Something happened when I was reading this book that has never happened before.
Ever.
After 29 Book Clubs, I started this book and eleven days in, I quit it.
Quit. It.
I probably quit 5 or 6 books a year and just never mention it to you. I like to be positive and upbeat and why tell you that I started a book and decided it wasn’t for me? I just quit and move on. Well, this was the first time I’ve ever actually QUIT A BOOK CLUB BOOK. That’s the problem with Book Club. If I quit, I HAVE TO TELL YOU. Sigh.
On July 7th, I texted two of my book besties, Erika and Shanna, and told them I quit. They had VERY strong opinions about me quitting such a good book. I told them that I was 11 days in and barely making my way through because I kept falling asleep. It just wasn’t holding my attention. I just couldn’t get motivated to read it and when I did, it moved slowly and I would fall asleep. I can typically read two books in 11 days…and I was only inching through this one. I kept telling myself that I can’t quit because it’s my Book Club pick for the month, but for the love, I needed to quit.
So, I quit.
The next morning, I was talking to Shanna on the phone about it, and she was confident that I would love it if I just kept going. Finally, I said “What if I listen to it on Audible?”.
And thus, friends…I listened to my first book 🙂 .
I downloaded the app (easy enough)…
…I bought the audible version of the book and holy cow, who knew (probably all of you but not me), it synced with my Kindle!
I opened the Audible app and about gasped when…
…it said I had just about 24 hours left to listen. Agh!
This is why I’m behind on every single one of my podcasts this month.
This is why I have only watched two episodes of The Five-Star Weekend.
This Audible book has consumed me.
My four children were SO ready for me to stop listening to this book. It’s all I did. I listened while I drove. I listened while I did laundry. I listened while I walked the dogs. I listened while I cooked. I listened while I made beds, got dressed, cleaned the house, worked out, emptied the dishwasher. I listened to 23 hours and 57 minutes of this book and finished it on Monday morning, and…
🙂
I would have given it FIVE STARS had I actually read it. I feel like I had to deduct a star because I *almost* quit.
Where to begin?!
First, since this was my first Audible experience let me just say a few things:
#1: I was pleasantly surprised by the narration. I don’t think all books are done this way, but I very very much enjoyed hearing the multitude of voices in this story. There were so many very distinct characters in this book, that hearing different voices added a really fun layer I wouldn’t have had if I had read it.
#2: I am so happy that I listened to this book, but I hope I don’t *need* to listen to more. I really really love reading actual books because it’s one of the only times (maybe THE only time) I allow my brain just to do one thing. Sitting and reading and being still with a book is something I treasure. It’s truly one of my favorite ways to unwind and spend my time. I love to actually read books…BUT THAT’S JUST ME. If you are one of those people who are always interested in these books but don’t have the time, the desire, the eyesight to read books, then you should totally listen! I absolutely see the value in listening to these stories too.
Okay, what about my thoughts on the book?
I’m going to jump all over the place here because THERE WERE SO MANY CHARACTERS AND PLOT LINES, but here are some of my notes…
#1: In my opinion, this book easily had enough going on that it could have been two different books. I could have read an entire book just about Meg and another book just about Birdie. I think that might have been part of my problem at the beginning trying to read the book. I would get invested in one character’s plot and then it would switch to the other where you almost felt like you had to start all over. Once the character’s lives intersected, the back and forth became easier and more fluid, but it felt daunting at the beginning of the novel.
#2: Birdie was instantly likable. Her part was so well-written and one of the best leading characters I’ve read in a long time.
#3: Garnett Pittman was terrible. The orphanage scenes were very hard for me to read. So were the flashback scenes of when Meg was abandoned at home and starving. Not only were they just hard to read, they hit me in a soft place. Meg was 11.5 and I have an 11.5 year old that used to live in an orphanage. I don’t allow myself to think about “what ifs” often, but reading those sections of this book did often make me think “what if?”.
#4: I absolutely loved Tom. I loved him. He was such a good man and solid character, and I was crushed when he died. Crushed.
#5: Rory’s character could have been developed a bit more for me. I wanted to know more about his story, his struggles, his relationship with his mom. I just could have had “more” from that character.
#6: I loved both Mrs. Tartt and Mrs. Heidelberg. I thought they were tough on the outside but both soft on the inside. I loved that we saw progression and change in both of them as the story moved on.
#7: I really don’t think I can recall another novel with a better cast. There were just so many wonderful characters: Charlie, Flossy, Ruby, Esmeralda, the twins, Jack, Willy May, Polly, Picador, Viktoria, and on and on. I loved them all. The story needed them all. If I were ever going to listen to my first Audible, I truly can’t think of a better one to start with than this one simply because of the characters. Even my kids were impressed with the different accents and voices that were used.
#8: If I’m being honest, at first, I couldn’t figure out how the author was going to make prostitution in any way positive to this story. Somehow though, the author was able to convey the desperation and lack of choices that some women face with enough comedic relief that it just worked. There was a balance of seriousness and playfulness that I personally think was required for this book to be about how a brothel saved the day.
#9: I’m glad, in the end, that Dr. Pittman that did the right thing. I needed his character to find his voice, so I was happy that he finally stood up to Garnett.
#10: I wish there had been an epilogue. I needed one more chapter. I needed a little bit more closure from both Birdie and Meg. Even though I spent hours and hours and hours listening to this story, I could have listened to one more.
One last note, I thought the author did such a fantastic job covering so many sensitive topics. This book covered everything. Everything. But she covered it all in a way that was respectful, sensitive, and with humanity.
Whew!
I could go on and on and on.
If I would have read the darn thing, it would be a Five Star-er for sure. 😉
Alrighty, so, what’s on tap for August?
Next month, we are going to read…
…When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams.
I typically love her books, so I’m very excited to dive into this new one.
Okay, let’s chat books in the comment section!
I have a feeling you will all have A LOT to stay today.
I’ll meet you in the comments. xx
Marybeth says
I finally got back to “reading” with Libby (the library’s version of Audible), and absolutely love it! This book, in particular, was especially good to listen to, as you noted, with all the characters. It is easily the best book I’ve “read” this year with a close second being Theo of Golden. Your summation is spot on, and I agree that an epilogue would have been fantastic. I will be thinking about and recommending this book for a long time.
Elspeth Mizner says
I’ve been hesitate to start this book due to the length, but maybe the audiobook so the way to go.
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Heidi says
If I’m listening to a book, I really only want it to be around 10 hours. But I heard good things about this on Audible and went for it and am so glad I did. I actually didn’t want it to end!
Lynn says
You can speed the reading up. I start at 1.90 and once I get into the story i bump up the speed 2.0 so it only takes 1/2 the time.
Dani R. says
Well I am in “the thick of it” with a 5 and 3 year old and pregnant with baby number 3 so I always listen on audible-ha! This (and Mad Mabel) have been 2 of my favorites to listen to! I LOVED The Help and was pleasantly surprised that The Calamity Club was just as good. I’d also give it 4 stars though because it ended so abruptly. After such a long read, I thought there would be no way I’d need more but I did! Like did Flossy and Ruby make it to Chicago? Did Meg and Charlie make it to Memphis then California? Did anyone ever show back up to the Tartt’s after the club closed? Ugh I have so many questions haha. Such a great pick for this month!!
YOLANDA MCLEAN says
I agree! I needed to know just a bit more.
Christy says
I struggled at first when I realized the dance club was going to be a brothel but the desperation of the characters came through. It was truly out of desperation for survival during a difficult time, especially for single women. I also was sad when this book ended. I wanted more. An epilogue would have been perfect!
Debbie Hibbert says
Oh my goodness … where to begin! I will admit it took a bit for me to get into this book. The back and forth, of two very different characters, with two very different stories – it was hard making a connection. But I LOVED them both! Once I got going I couldn’t put it down.
I also really liked almost all of the characters. I really liked Tom and was so sad when he died (and the terrible part leading up to that). Of course I couldn’t stand his awful wife! And, Garnett Pittman was beyond words terrible. Fortunately Dr. Pittman sort of redeemed himself at the end, and in no way did I guess it was him who kept parking out in front of Mrs. Tartt’s house. Several things were easy enough to figure out ahead, but that one had me stumped.
I would have appreciated a bit more of the Rory story as well. His actions were such a large part of what the book was about, yet we really didn’t get to know him.
And YES to an epilogue! It really felt like it was needed.
I’m glad you found a way to get through it, Shay. All in all I loved this book and it definitely gets 5⭐’s from me.
Becky says
I have read many book club books, but did not read this month’s pick. Though I have seen rave reviews online.
I am also just getting into Audible, more so for my 12 year old daughter. She wanted me to buy a book she was reading for school that she was having hard time getting into. Now she likes to listen to a book on her Alexa as she is getting ready for bed. This summer I started listening to a book while I clean and go walking. I still have a hard time counting that as a book I have “read” on my GoodReads account.
Emilee says
I quit this book after about a week, too. The exact same thing happened to me – I just kept falling asleep! 🤣 You’ve inspired me to try downloading it, so I’ll give it a try.
Mix and Match Mama says
Listen to this one on Audible! It became a brand new book for me.
jennibell says
All I’ve heard is how wonderful the audio version is. I listen to so.many.books, I wish this would have been one of them. I was invested in the story immediately and, because it was a library new release, was on a quick timeline to finish it. Glad you liked it in the end 🙂
Christy says
It started a little slow for me too, but I was listening and reading, so this helped. I love audiobooks, especially while I’m going for long walks and doing chores around the house. Many of them do have different voices for different characters and I’ve even listened to some books by looking up the narrator because I’ve enjoyed their reading so much. This one was also a 4 star for me-simply because I thought it was too many stories in one book.
Brandi says
I had a hard time getting into it too… I’ve been telling people, you just have to get through the first 100 pages, then you will love it!
I loved Birdie and was so happy that Jack wanted to be with her even when he found out the truth. He seemed like a special man!
Toni :0) says
I don’t normally comment on book club but this was our extra pick for the book club I’m in and was reading it at the same time as yours. I LOVED this book. 5 Stars from me and I also loved Tom and actually cried when he died. My heart was broken for Meg.
So many great lines in this book. Couple favs.
Flossy “Sisters like Birdie don’t come a dime a dozen. So from now on, until the day you die, I want you to treat her like nothing short of the Queen of darn England. And if you don’t, you’re gonna wake up balder than Daddy Warbucks. If place gets busted cause you didn’t do job then I’ll tell whole town you’re a prostitute too.”Hahahahaha. Those girls were funny as heck.
“Tom was the best color around here.” I am so tired of the wrong damn people winning all the time.”
I did not like Mrs. Garnett one bit. So glad Dr. Pittman stood up to her for once.
Overall, felt the book could have been a bit shorter but for those who struggle reading it, I tell them to keep going! So good!!
Laura Grillo says
I love a good audiobook, especially for a longer book or a book I’m struggling with a bit. I like going back and forth between a physical copy and the audiobook. This was one of the best audiobook narrations I’ve ever listened to. The narrators were outstanding! Flossy and Ruby alone were so good! Loved the book and agree I wanted an epilogue! 5 stars!
Katrina Goodman says
I started listening to Calamity Club this week because someone said the narration was well done. I bought When You Loved Me at Nantucket Bookworks last Monday, so I could read it on the beach! I finished it at home in Texas a couple days ago. I enjoyed it!
Brittany S says
Someone posted on Facebook that it took her 15 years to publish a book after The Help. My thought was… It took me 15 years to get through this book. Ha! I wanted to quit but pushed through. It was brutal to read, but I loved the story. I think it could have been 200 pages shorter.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just lol!
Arika says
I have all the thoughts. First, I am SO GLAD you listened to audio. I typically will have the same book on my kindle and on audio and toggle back and forth – read while I can, listen while I’m in the car, etc. Like you, I just could not get engaged with the kindle. but that might be partly because I started on audio and could not go back. Once you hear Meg’s voice, it’s over. But the actor who voiced Birdie was just as amazing… she did so many voices and dialects. Talent!
My only complaint is that I thought the book ended abruptly. I also needed a bit more closure and wrap-up on the other characters, and more on the Meg/Charlie reunion other than just those brief moments. So many amazing characters! Viktoira stole my feminist heart. I loved her character instantly, and loved how she kept coming around and stepping up to help, and standing up for women in a time where no one did. How hard it must have been to live in a time when women had few rights and limited options. These characters will stay with me for a long time. I’m sure the orphanage plot was tender for you, but I’m glad you pushed through and shared your thoughts with us.
Alison says
I agree that it needed one more chapter. I finished and immediately asked myself if I just gave this book 28 hours of my life to not even get to see how things ended up for Birdie and Meg. I know the author lead us to believe that everything worked out for both of them, but after all that I felt a little entitled to actually see it for myself. Ha!
This book took a very different turn than I was expecting. I thought there would be more overlap between Birdie and Meg. The part of the book where Birdie was working at the orphanage was my very favorite. I wish we could have seen them reconnect in some way.
Overall, I concur with your 4 stars. I’m glad I read it!
Nicole says
If you dabble in audiobooks again, I definitely recommend listening on 1.5 speed. If I listen at the standard 1.0 pace, it feels incredibly slow to me.
AJ says
I wholeheartedly agree!! There are a few narrators with Irish/English accents that make me slow down to 1.25, but I’m mostly a 1.5 speed gal!
Krista S. Steenbergen says
I loved this book so so much and I did read it. After hearing about the audiobook from so many I wish I had listened! I love books that make me think about positions I have never been in and keep me from judging the folks in those positions. So good!
R Kelly says
I also listened to this book, and was also scared when I saw that it was 24 hours and I had a deadline for my local Book Club. One of my friends suggested changing the speed of the reader, I was reluctant (I had tried it once before and just couldn’t listen to it fast) I did change the speed on this book and it was still very enjoyable.
I too wish there was an epilog or just a few more chapters!
Paige M. says
I’ve had an Audible membership for years and love that it syncs with the Kindle. I only use Audible for purposes like this. If I find a book slow to read & I’m not getting through it I’ll usually switch to Audible to see if it’s better to listen to, usually it is.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I rated it 5 starts on Goodreads because I LOVED IT!!! Typcically, with a book this long I will find parts that really could have been cut out so the book was shorter. But I needed this book to be longer! I loved some of the characters–and like you, especially Tom. Oh he was so wonderful to Meg and it really upset me when he killed himself. His wife was the worst and I hated that he protected her so much. I kept trying to figure out Garnett’s obsession with Meg and it finally made sense–she was a terrible woman. When Meg and Birdie were in the office together those days, I really hoped that Birdie would adopt Meg…I never thought her mom would still be in the picture. And like you, I wanted an epilogue to find out what happened with Meg and her mom and Birdie and Jack.
The whole time I read, I kept picturing it as a movie! I hope they adapt it into a movie!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Cindi says
I loved this book! And whether you read it or listen to it, the storyline, the characters, the author’s writing style-the book-is still the same! I’ve never listened to a book on audible, but I may just have to listen to The Calamity Club after your review. I’d love to hear the voices of the different characters! But I don’t need to listen-I give it 5 stars after reading it!
Tiffany says
I’m so glad you switched to audio. I listened to this book and loved it. I agree w all that you said in your comments. I try to do audible/kindle when I can (often borrowing on Libby). I don’t do podcasts, so listen on walks and doing jobs around home. Some books (ones w multiple characters) are better on audio IMO (like Carrie Soto is back) and I have identified one narrator that I don’t care for so avoid books by her. One helpful hint, if you do audio again, speed it up. I usually listen at 1.25 speed.
This month I’ve also read and enjoyed Lady Tremain, Yesteryear, and The List of Suspicious Things.
Suzanne Douglass says
I listened to it as well and loved all the characters and voices. But whew, it was so long and consumed my life until I finally finished. I agree with your input on the characters. I also could have had a little more wrap up of all the different characters at the end. There were also parts i think they could have cut out or summarized into shorter sections. Overall it was definitely one of those books that stayed with me.
Patti says
I am so happy your friend suggested for you to listen to the audible. You were able, alone with so many others to enjoy this gem on so many levels. I for one loved the book and I only listen to the audible on every book I read. I too fall asleep when reading, no matter the book. Audible to the rescue! And yes, the narrator can make or ruin a book. I give myself grace when I can only listen, so five stars for this book for me!! You described the characters perfectly! I also agree the book was cut off to abruptly. Maybe there will be a sequel?!
Jenny says
I just finished this book and I LOVED it also. It was so kind, lovely, and such a great testimony to human perseverance and humanity in general. I was so sad when the ladies left without telling Birdie bye. I laughed throughout the book and not one bit of the subject matter was funny. It was magic!
Rachael says
My jaw was on the floor when you said you quit😂On the floor. I truly loved this book, so I am very relieved that you ended up listening to the rest.
I am also new to audiobooks, and this was hands-down the best narration I’ve ever heard!
Angie says
I listened to this book as well because Hoopla had it and I could start right away vs waiting for the Kindle version to be available at the library, and I am with you on EVERYTHING. I don’t like to listen to fiction books in general, but if I was going to listen to one, this was it. I thought it was spectacular for all the reasons you listed. The narrators really took this the next level for me. And after 28 hours, I was so sad when it ended. Agree it could have used another chapter, but this was the most entertaining book I have read in a very long time!!! I loved everything about it.
Alicia says
I felt EXACTLY the same way you did about the book and my friends begged me to listen to it and I bought my first audible book as well. The narration made the book so much better, I would go back and forth between my Kindle and Audible just because I DO LOVE to READ a book. I didn’t love the ending, I got to it and felt I needed more but maybe that is the reason. My oldest son went to Ole Miss so the Oxford references were so real to me and helped me picture the 1930’s. In the end I loved the STRONG women and all the plot lines.
Mix and Match Mama says
I feel so seen! I am so happy to know that I wasn’t the only one who struggled with it but then fell in love with the Audible.
Margaret says
Oh my gosh I knew it – I told you last month that you had to read it on audible. I am just like like you and never done an audible and will continue to have a book in my hand, but was told if you’re ever going to try an audible, this is the book to do it. I was consumed as well, listening to it everywhere and loved the audible. I agree with you on all points.
I would love to see a sequel to this book and we for sure know it’s going be made into a movie someday. Happy book review day!
Alli says
I wanted to scream through my phone at you when you DNF & beg you to listen to the book that I almost DNF your blog post. 😂 I 1000% believe this book needed to be listened to & was so brilliantly narrated. This author is exceptional in character development to where I feel as through i deeply know each one. Makes me want to reread The Help. I felt every emotion reading TCC and loved and hated characters. I laughed and cried. It challenged me when I wanted to judge choices to question what I would do in that state of despair. It was 5 stars for me bc I finished it 2 weeks ago and I still am thinking about it.
****Shay I think you should incorporate 1 audio book into your monthly reading. Start with any audiobook narrated by julia whelan. She brings books to life unlike any narrator. (However TCC narration was brilliant). I think you’ll have fun with it!! (And don’t deduct points for listening— that author deserves every bit of those 5 stars no matter if it’s read or listened to).
Mix and Match Mama says
Okay, this is a really good idea! I might just start doing this. I actually love the books by Julia Whelan, so I bet I would love her narrations as well.
Polly says
I agree- Julia Whelan is the absolute best narrator in the business.
Sarah says
She is absolutely phenomenal – a top tier narrator!!
But also… once you’ve cracked the door open on audiobooks – hear me out [whispers] …Project Hail Mary.
Ginger says
I love listening to audiobooks, and this one was a definite need to listen instead of read. Others that are good to listen to are autobiographies that are read by the author. Henry Winkler, Julie Andrews, Matthew McConaughey, Ron Howard are ones who come to mind that I’m glad I listened to. I gave Calamity Club 5 stars!
Danielle says
I had the same hard time getting into this book! It was really hard in the beginning with the background. But once the plot picked up a bit, I couldn’t put it down. I’m really glad I stuck with it and even read the end notes that gave more history. A great book! (After a very slow and unsatisfying start).
Heather says
Ok, I only read the first part of your post.
I started the book a few days ago and have thought about quitting. I won’t quit and will finish it. 🙂 I will have to say it hasn’t hooked me yet. Here’s to not quitting!
Debbie Dehrer says
Absolutely loved this book. The ending definitely felt rushed. I needed more closure for the characters that I had spent so much time with! Loved Birdie and Meg instantly. They were both so well written. Definitely a five star read!!!
Jenny Curtis says
I requested both the audiobook and the kindle book with my Libby app and the audiobook came in first. I’m glad it did! These cast of characters really came alive in the narration. I always listen to books on 1.5-1.75 and it seemed to go by quickly for such a long book. I thought it was equal to or even better than The Help.
Kelli Crough says
Shay!!! I love this review because Me Too!! I switched to the audible version of this book and ended up giving it 5 stars for the very same reasons!! I agree the author did an excellent job at telling it like it was, sometimes w great humor! Who knew that women and children were treated like this and a law supported it?? Horrifying! Great review Shay!! Thank you!
Suzannah says
For those who loved the audio, go back and listen to The Help, even if you read it 15 years ago. Skeeter is voiced by the same woman who did Meg. And yes to the above person who suggested 1.5 speed. It feels way too slow otherwise!
Polly says
It was the narration of Meg that did it for me. That character (and the brilliant voice of the narrator) will stay with me for a long time 🩷
Jenny N says
I quit this book too because it was slow and I just couldn’t get in to it. Maybe I need to go back and listen to it on audible. I have never listed to a book and never wanted to, but maybe I should try it. 24 hours though…..uuuggh!
Jan says
I loved this book but not the length. Actually I had a hard time getting started. I think it all could have been conveyed with less words. I read it but know I’d enjoy the audio voices. The stories of women throughout history always interest me. This is one time and part of our country that wasn’t in my sphere of specific knowledge but it needed to be. I think this is an important book for that reason.
Beth says
Welcome to the world of audio books! TBH for me once my son introduced me to the Libby app (it’s connected to your local library) it was kind of hard to go back to an actual book. Plus, it’s a whole new dimension, adding in the reader’s voice. Sometimes I have a hard time listening to a book because the voice of the person reading…
Kay says
I think it’s incredibly sweet that you went through so much effort to finish it for us! We would have forgiven you if you gave up! That being said, I’m glad you did enjoy it in the end. I liked this book a lot, but not as much as her others. And I was pretty frustrated by the ending too. I would have liked just a little bit more. I agree that Birdie was an amazing character. During the time I was reading this, if I had a hard day I’d be thinking, well, if Birdie can survive a brothel I can survive this Tuesday! ;).
I prefer reading to audio but one book I thought was probably better on audio was “Theo of Golden.” I just love listening to that!d
My mind is blown that you can both read or listen to a book and Audible keeps track. Can you say more? I use apple’s “books” apps but it doesn’t sync with my kindle. I had no idea Audible allows you to choose the format? Was it easy to set up? I’m both scared and intrigued lol?!
Mix and Match Mama says
My mind was blown too! After I started listening to the book on Audible, later that day, I opened my Kindle to begin another book and next to my kindle edition of The Calamity Club, there was now a little graphic of headphones in the top corner. I tapped to re-open the book and it was now on the page where my audible had left off. My mind was blown.
Robin says
I read a lot of books , but I have to say the length of this one put me off ! Lol I was slow to start it but when I did , was immediately interested. Were their many difficult topics in the storyline ? Yes , but those years were heavy and hard for so many people . I thought she did a great job with making the characters believable and showing how they were able to get through the trials and get to the triumphs for many ! I too wish we had an epilogue or more closure . All in all , Calamity Club was a big win for Kathryn Stockett ! Hope we will see a movie made also.
YOLANDA MCLEAN says
I’m so glad you gave Audible a try! I cannot read with my eyes – I just doze off every single time. Listening has opened such reading opportunities up for me. I listen to lots of audio books and some podcasts too. I never listen at 1.0 speed. I do podcasts at at least 1.25 but most audiobooks are 2.0. I’ll reduce to 1.75 if 2.0 is too much.
I did enjoy this book and I’d rate it four stars only because there were too many stories and the wrap up felt incomplete.
Amy Azza says
I devoured this book- I could not put it down. I read it over a period of four days on vacation and it had me hooked. The richness of the characters and the details of the characters were mesmerizing. I found myself rooting for Flossy, rooting for Birdie and her love story, crying for Meg.. homerun. I wish Kathryn wrote more books, I would read them all.
Scarlett says
I enjoy reading books for the same reason – to be intentionally focused on one thing. So here is what I do – I listen to non-fiction books and read fiction. A lot of the non-fiction books are biographys and read by the subject. I don’t mind listening to 7 hours of Matthew McCaughney or 15 hours of Bono 😉
Julie says
It’s funny to me that you had a hard time getting into this book, because what you described was how I felt about Theo of Golden. I kept falling asleep when I read it! I finished The Calamity Club soooo much faster than Theo of Golden. 😂
Dani R. says
lol same! I wasn’t super crazy about Theo of Golden
Carol says
I borrowed the audio version on Libby. Luckily, I was able to get it right away. It was long. Very long. I listened in the car. I listened while I cleaned. I listened while I worked two puzzles, LOL. But I was mesmerized. Much of it was difficult to listen to, but I thought the character development was absolutely beautiful. It was only. my second 5-star read of the year (the first was The Correspondent). I loved it!
Debbie says
I did physically read the book and loved it; however have heard/read from so many that the Audible version is incredible. Glad you went that way. Totally agree…needed an Epilogue! Needed to hear more on how Meg was doing!
Ami says
So as a librarian, let me assure you that audiobooks are still reading. Whether you get the information from your eyes, ears, or fingertips (Braille), reading comprehension happens in the brain. If your brain zones out of the story, you still have to go back to figure out what you missed. lol
That said, I loved this book. I was concerned about the length, but I would’ve read a lot more because I loved the characters and their stories so much.
YOLANDA MCLEAN says
Woohoo! So glad to hear your perspective on audiobooks, etc. Thank you for sharing.
Robin Green says
I love listening to audible books, but could never do it if I couldn’t speed up the narrator. I listen at 1.5-1.75 and it’s perfect.
Kara says
Ok, hear me out! I love my kindle and read all books on that BUT recently I decided to pick a certain author/genre to listen to audiobooks in the car, waiting on kids.. driving to work ect. So far I have loved Charles Martin books (they are a little slow reading them but audio is great), specifically Murphy Shepard series!! I also listen to my “history” type of books like Tattooist ect. It has been a great combo! 24 hours is no joke! My longest audio so far is 16 hours!!
Stephanie Jennings says
I finally can comment on a book club! Yay! I always get my books on the libby library app, and I never can get them until long after you review them. This time, the book was available, which was totally strange considering how popular it is right now. Maybe because it was so long…
Anyway, it was my favorite book I read in a very long time!! Yes, it was long. It may have started out slower, but man I was invested in it. I loved all the characters. Birdie was hysterical! I also said I can’t believe I’m rooting for a prostitution ring to be successful, but I was!
I just absolutely loved everything about the book. I would recommend it to anyone. I can’t believe you gave it up after 11 days. Usually I have the same opinions as you do, so that shocked me. I’m glad it turned around positively for you, though.
Thanks for sharing!
Candy Poels says
1.5 speed always and you are hooked. Don’t even mind cleaning the house! Andre Agassi “Open” 6 stars since it was him sooo good!
Brittany Swain says
Once I got to a certain point in the book, I couldn’t put it down! I loved it but it did take me a minute. I was glad I was reading it on my summer break or I may not have been able to finish! I was trying to tell a friend all the deep things that were in this book and all the topics it covered and I just kept adding to my list. I never knew I would route so much for a brothel, but man I just never wanted them to get caught! I do agree that after so many pages, it just ended and I could have used a pinch more closure. I even wanted to know what happened with the Pittmans!
Darcy says
I have yet to read this book, but had very similar feelings/experience during my most recent read…”Code Name Helene”. I kept falling asleep and felt it was way too long, but I did find the overall story and characters very interesting, but wish I had read the “Author’s Note” before I started the book, or maybe just read the “Author’s Note” and the last 150 pages versus 400+ pages?!!! “The Help” is one of my very favorite books, so I will definitely be reading “The Calamity Club”, but may switch to audible if find myself having the falling asleep issue again! I keep telling myself it is due to seasonal allergies, or heaven forbid, getting older, but I’m definitely experiencing while reading or watching a show (even a good one like “Legally Blonde Elle” or “A Good Girls Guide to Murder”).
Janet says
OK, I haven’t finished this book, because I am listening to it, and it is long:)
I started reading your post just to see how many stars you gave it, and read that you quit it, and thought to myself, the audible version is great…maybe if you listened to it you would like it, and then I see you switched to audible and liked it. I will hopefully finish next week!
Erika Slaughter says
It’s a good thing you changed your mind on this one because I was simply NOT understanding your negative thoughts on my beloved Calamity Club book! There were SO many things in this one….this author has such an ability to get readers to truly FEEL so much for her characters. From Birdie to Meg to Tom to Rory to Garnett…I have such strong feelings about each one because I felt like I truly KNEW them. Dare I say, I saw Jesus in these pages?! Am I the only one? The fact that these women all came from such different walks of life and looked past all of that to love each other. My goodness! I saw Jesus! The resilience of Meg, bravery of Birdie, I wanted even more of Flossy! Seriously, I could go on and on…FIVE stars from me!
Lorraine says
I agree with everything you wrote!! I listened to it and also so enjoyed the voices! The depth of characters with the number of characters was truly masterful. She is such a wonderful story teller. So glad this was a book club choice!!
Dawn Burns says
I am a big fan of Audible and listen to a lot of books while driving my teens around town. I received a copy of this book and was overwhelmed with how long it was so I downloaded the audible too…because I thought there was no way I’d make it through the book in a timely manner! However, I kept flying through the book and barely listened!
I’m with you-there were so many well-written characters and ugh, I am still sad about Tom! I did not see that coming and was heartbroken over it.
Yes, we needed a little more and I’m hoping maybe there will be a follow up!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m still sad about Tom too!
Kristine W says
I just finished it yesterday!! I typically am a pretty fast reader. This was a slow start for me. I kept going. It caught my attention finally was easier to keep reading.. It gave me a glimpse of how desperate of times people lived through & what it took to survive. I did enjoy it.
Bren says
You shared a comment about something above that I have been wanting to share here! Just not about this month’s book as I still have it in my cue to read. (Just finished You Deserve to Know and was so hooked with that one!)
I commute a good distance and love listening to books on my drive. The Correspondent is going to go down as my #1 Audible listen ever because of the LOVELY way the book was narrated by multiple people. I loved the story, and then I especially loved how the narration helped me picture the different characters so vividly in my mind! It just really hit all the marks with me and I think more so because of the beautiful narration!
Thanks for sharing, Shay. I’ll be looking forward to coming back here when I finish this month’s book to see what everyone shared about it!
Amy says
I loved this book and I really hope it will be made into a movie or series. Looking forward to the next pick. I didn’t know Beatriz Williams had a new one.
Jenn Terry says
Loved listening to this one. At least 1.5 speed- depending on character I sometimes put it over 2x speed!!!
Christa says
I wholeheartedly understand why you quit reading this book. I read for what felt like weeks only to discover that I was only 30% in. I thought hard about quitting but in the end I’m glad I didn’t. The story was so good and looking back, I’m not sure what the author would have cut to make it more readable. It seems like every part of the book was necessary but wow was I ready for a happy ending. I’m so glad I am not the only one who struggled to make it through, despite the fact that I enjoyed it in the end. Can’t wait for next month!
Jennifer Forsyth says
Shay I know you feel strongly about reading not listening to books. But if you only choose one more to listen to it should be The Correspondent. It has multiple characters who read their letters and emails to the main character. You will love listening to this book!
Erin Gobin says
Agreed!!!!
Erin Gobin says
Hi Shay! I’m late to your book club post, but had to comment on this one. I absolutely loved this book and love that you gave audiobooks a try! I love listening when I’m doing anything mundane like driving and chores. And this one was so fantastic.
I thought the author did an incredible job highlighting the struggles of women in the deep south depression era and how morality is sometimes a luxury that can’t be afforded when you’re just trying to survive.
Agree I would have liked more Rory!
Julie Lucas says
I loved this book! I too listened on audible and loved the many voices for each character. I thought it was brilliantly written and I too found myself rooting for all the “working ladies”. There were so few choices at that time for women and these women were fighters. After reading The Help, I knew I wanted to read this and when I found out it was set in Oxford, I was fully in. My daughter will be a freshman at Ole Miss this fall and it was so fun to be able to see, and also imagine what they’d look like in the 1930’s, the places around the square that are still there. I was super sad when the book ended and also could have heard a bit more about Meg and Birdie. I am hoping she decides to write a sequel!!
Shay, when we toured Ole Miss last summer, I immediately face-timed my mom because the square totally reminds me of the square in McKinney! I live in CA and my family all live in Frisco. McKinney is a must visit anytime I’m in Texas. You would LOVE Oxford! If you haven’t been, make a trip.