Every other woman in the Mops book group hated this. I'm the only one who liked it! They thought the characters were whiny and spoiled; they "couldn't relate." I think most of them just didn't get the black humor. You weren't supposed to like these characters. It was supposed to be a social commentary of sorts, revealing some truths that were not pretty.

In NYC, a group of women friends in the same upper-class (or maybe upper-middle class) socio-economic set live out their unhappiness as they see their lives slipping into middle-age, having given up careers— or the chasing of careers in some cases—in order to be stay-home moms. Except for one, who is really happy. She's a genius who is always head-hunted and offered great jobs. (What does that say? That only really gifted smart women are happy with themselves? It helps that she had a rich husband, haha).

No, really, though. The book was cynical, true-- but I was so surprized that the other moms in the book group hated this. They couldn't relate? Some of them had given up careers. Come on, everyone's unsatisfied with their lives once in a while, or has been. I didn't totally believe their declarations, hand over heart, of "I'm happy with my choice. I can't relate at all." Maybe it's like the book says, that if you don't miss your career, maybe it doesn't miss you. (Like you weren't that great at it in the first place).

I don't mean to bash this group of moms. I think one or two "got it" but sincerely didn't like it. One of the women was turned off by the total absence of any spirituality element, that is, God, or the bigger picture, if you will. The women were very self-centered; but who of us isn't, really? And the book didn't say they were anti-spiritual, it just didn't deal with that element of life. It dealt with the day-to-day banalities and the desire for fulfillment. Which is what life is about, (at least in progressive countries). It's about figuring out what you want to pursue, what you like, making choices about what road to go down, and yes, having coffee with your friends as you make those decisions.

I loved Wolitzer's little digs at modern life. The mention of those "clichéd pinwheel wraps" that everyone gets for parties. I hate those things!! Especially the ones from Cosco! Thank you Wolitzer for shining the yuppified light on that.

This is a good book. A definite "chic" book but with literary writing. A little depressing, but the end is satisfying. I don't want to spoil the ending, but I have to say the ending really made it all good for me. I liked that the women all made choices and found their way to (happiness not the right word?) be more content with life.