I love this book, have read it 5-6 times but can't find anyone else who loves reading as much as I do who is willing to try it.  The first 60 pages (a hiccup, compared to the 1433 total pages of this tome! LOL) make you want to poke your eyes out in boredom.  Basically girl meets boy, he moves to town, they begin to date.  However, this is the 1800's and the history is interwoven with the stories of the main characters.  The book is full of joy and "good tears", ie. you cry along with the character.  You'll meet some unforgettable women at age 18 and follow their joys, tribulations and ups and downs through the rest of their lives.  This is on my official "hardcover" shelf.  And all 1433 pages were written by hand... not a typewriter.  I hope someone else loves this too!

I started to read this book, but it didn't hold my interest.  I don't know how far I got before I gave up on it.

I love this one too, have read it maybe 3 to 4 times.  In fact it's probably time for a reread.  Anne Gordon is one of my fictional heroines.  I think about how she coped when the tough times come up in my life.  I agree the beginning is an effort, but the book is worth it.  It's also an inspiration that this was a lifelong project of the author and she did get to see it published before she died at about age 90 I think. 

Well I've only read it once, and it was years ago, but I do remember loving it. I also remember a couple friends asking if I was nuts when they saw how many pages it had.

I read this book a few months ago and I liked it alot. I gave it to a friend and it is still on her TBR pile.

My Mom loved this book.  I still have her old, dog-eared copy. :*)

I had this book years and years ago, and back then I would plow through anything with hope.  I just couldn't manage this one.  But I hung on to the book for maybe 25 years, hoping to go back to it.  I finally donated it.  Broke my heart because I really did want to give it a chance, and I love long books.  The history of the author is just amazing, and to think, she wrote it from a nursing home.  And back then, those places are not as upwardly-thinking as today.

KristinF.............I loved it too!  It was like a journey that you didn't want to end.......they don't write them like this anymore!  I intend to read it again soon.  I even bought the hardcover to preserve it!

JaneJ

A lady in an airport told me about this book and said it was great.  It's also based in Xenia, Ohio I think and I grew up in Dayton.  I started reading it about a year ago but never got past page 20 or so.  Maybe I'll tackle it this year.

Who is the author of this book?  I wouldn't mind trying to get this book.  This sounds like a book I just might like.

I'm doing this from memory, Renee.  Helen Hoover Santmeyer.  I think.

Here you go Renee: http://www.paperbackswap.com/book/details/9780425077047-And+Ladies+of+the+Club

Thanks for your help.  I ordered it last night.  It may take me awhile to read it though.  I can only read a few pages a night .  It's hard to get time to read with school and work.

I'm so excited some of you are trying this book!  I hope you love it as much as I do. 

Susan C. - sometimes in rough times I"ll actually think back to Anne Gordon and the note and how she "pulled up her big girl panties". 

And yes, HHS was 88 and nearly blind when she finished the last couple of chapters.

The book And Ladies of the Club is on my bookshelf. Please order it. It is in mint-condition, a paperback. The author's name is Helen Hooven Santmyer.

I too, tried to read this book years ago...I was a teenager at the time, and a true book worm. I didn't get half way through, but I'm more patient now! I'm so inspired hearing how wonderful it is from all of you folks that I'm going to go read it ASAP! Thanks for the recommendation! :) Peace~Brigid

I read this book years ago and almost gave up on it-ho hum!  But I stuck with it, and  have been SOOO glad I did!  It turned out to be a fantastic book! 

The size is daunting, but the book was so good you are sorry to see it end.  I felt so sorry for Miss Pinney!  That part really made me cry.  I also loved how all the chapters started out-with a list of the members and some notes...this book is well worth sticking to! 

I was so thrilled to find a nice HC copy at my Sal. Army store for only .50! 

Kristen, Thank you for you PM.  Reading this thread has me rereading the book.  It really is a good winter book.  To begin with this time I'm appreciating the way she weaves all the major issues of the day into the personal lives of the characters.  The best kind of historical fiction.  Also I can use a dose of Anne's fortitude right now. 

I just ordered this book to give it a try.  I love long books like this and this book sounds like something I would really love.  I can't wait until it comes!!!!

I have this in paperback on my shelf also.  I haven't read it yet, but it's also at my local library so if anyone wants to order it...here you go.  I do plan on reading it in the near future though.  I'm glad to hear the good reviews.

OK, this is my first time checking out the forum and I was so excited to see this thread!

It's one of my all time favorite books - I've read it several times.   I believe the author did not publish it til she was in her 70s or 80s, if I'm not mistaken.

One of my all time favorites!!  The first time I tried to read it, I gave up after about 70 pages, but the next time I was determined to stick with it.  I'm so glad I did.  It was great!

Yes, I adore this book!  I got a hardback in great condition for $1 at a local book sale.  I read it immediately and passed it on to my mom.  She loved it and passed it on to my granddad.  I think it's still making the rounds in our family.  I'm not sure where it is at this point, but whenever (if) I get my hands on it again, I'll have to re-read it. 

Good to see someone else likes this book as much as I did. May have to reread after I finish the current book I'm reading.

  He is 15 in advanced literature, yet he says he hates to read and does it only when told to. He is PDD and has an IEP and was told in class to read Night by Elie Wiesel. He finished it before the class did because it was so interesting. The same with 1984--he's reading way ahead to see how they end and this is a boy who thinks books generally suck.  Also he like motivational speakers who write books. He generally  dislikes intensely fiction books because of his PDD.  Can anyone, especially those who have taught kids like him, suggest other books he might like? The rest of his family is readers and he's a sometime reader. I need either nonfiction books or books that read like nonfiction.

                                                Kathy

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