Mrs. Everything: A Novel

Jennifer Weiner

Jun 2019 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

In this instant New York Times bestseller and “multigenerational narrative that’s nothing short of brilliant” (People), two sisters’ lives from the 1950s to the present are explored as they struggle to find their places—and be true to themselves—in a rapidly evolving world from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner.

Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise.

Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.

But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after?

In “her most sprawling and intensely personal novel to date” (Entertainment Weekly), Jennifer Weiner tells a “simply unputdownable” (Good Housekeeping) story of two sisters who, with their different dreams and different paths, offer answers to the question: How should a woman be in the world?

Ratings and reviews

Not the uplifting summer read I was lead to believe it would be after reading a review of the title, provided by one of my fellow book club members. After the introduction, I wasn't sure I could read it at all, given I'd just lost a friend to cancer. After six chapters, I wondered how much more angst, strife, and depression the author could fit into the story. (The answer was "A lot.") Emotionally raw, the plot touches on ALL of the heavy topics of the eras the story spans (except the ONE I was expecting). A great story - just not the one I was looking for.

I want to start by saying I've read every book by JW, and I've always considered her one of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, this book will be the last one I'll read from her. JW for whatever reason, felt compelled to interject her own personal beliefs into this book, without worrying about what her audience would like. And I suppose, after many successful years, she has the right. This book encourages young women to get abortions, and the ending was ruined by overt endorsements for Hillary Clinton.

I really enjoyed this novel, as I have enjoyed most of the novels from Jennifer Weiner. I loved getting to stay with these characters for most of their lives, it really does offer closure rather than just ending the story. It was a bit slow getting started, but I really enjoyed the slow burn once the plot starts moving. It is not a light-hearted beach read that I was expecting, but it hit all the right notes for me and I would highly recommend reading this novel.

About the author

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one books, including The Summer Place, That Summer, Big Summer, Mrs. Everything, In Her Shoes, Good in Bed, and a memoir in essays, Hungry Heart. She has appeared on many national television programs, including Today and Good Morning America, and her work has been published in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, among other newspapers and magazines. Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.