Modern Women

20th Century #4

by Ruth Harris

Harris traces the histories of three women, their careers, lovers and husbands, along the tumultuous timelines of the '60s and '70s as they seek fame and fortune in the New York publishing and journalistic milieu.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Historical Fiction, Novels, Historical

439 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1989

About the author

Ruth Harris is a New York Times and Amazon bestselling author and a Romantic Times award winner for “best contemporary.” Ruth’s emotional, entertaining fiction has topped Amazon’s Movers and Shakers list and her highly praised novels have sold millions of copies in hard cover, paperback and ebook editions, been translated into 19 languages, sold in 30 countries, and were prominent selections of leading book clubs including the Literary Guild and the Book Of The Month Club. In their e-book editions, Ruth's novels have been featured on Ereader News Today, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Nation Daily.

Ruth writes about strong, savvy, smart and witty women who struggle to succeed and, when sometimes they don’t get what they want, they find something even better along the way. Critics have compared Ruth to Nora Ephron and Joan Didion and called her books  "brilliant," “steamy,” "stylishly written," ”richly plotted,” “first-class entertainment” and “a sure thing.” 

With her husband, Michael, Ruth indulges her wild side and writes bestselling thrillers with vivid characters, international backgrounds and compelling plots. Their thrillers have made numerous appearances in the top 3 of Kindle’s prestigious Movers & Shakers list;  in the Top 100 in the Kindle Store;  Hooked has appeared continually on three Medical bestseller lists since its publication;  #1 and #2 on two different Political bestseller lists;  #14 on the Thrillers bestseller list.

Publisher’s Weekly called Ruth's and Michael's thrillers "Slick and sexy [with] all the sure elements of a big seller written by pros who know how to tell a story.” Readers have raved, calling their books “awesome,” “gripping,” “chilling,” “a must-read,” and “a real page-turner.”

It's no surprise Ruth is a writer. Her Mom was an RN who had a trove of big-city hospital stories—some funny, some sad, some touching—and told them with great style. Her Dad loved words, word play and language (Ruth still has his collection of dictionaries) and he is remembered by those who knew him as "always reading." Ruth's paternal grandfather was noted for his extensive library and both her parents were avid readers: her Mom loved popular fiction and her Dad bought four or five newspapers every day and subscribed to what seemed to be every magazine published—from Life and Look to BusinessWeek and Organic Gardening.

As a girl, Ruth wanted to be a professional ice skater. In her teens, she wanted to be a lawyer—a summer job in a law office cured her! After college, she got a beginner's job in publishing and her career path—first as an editor and then as a writer—was set.

Reviews

[Laina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three full stories of inspiring women perfectly woven into one that encompasses any and every scenario a woman faces as they navigate the world of modern society. It examines all of the flavors of feminism from pursuing a career to being a working mom, from being a devoted wife to chasing the next best fling, from being a loving mother to putting off having children. All scenarios are examined and brought to life as the characters struggle to maintain their identity while also trying to find their place in the world.

This book was written in 1989 but unfortunately in 2023 still holds relevance as women continue to fight for their place in society outside of the home. The author does a great job of taking the point of view of bringing power to women without the negative connotation that 'men are horrible' that some forms of feminism try to portray. Instead, it is an honest account of the struggle of merging two completely different ways of functioning into one, modern, women included, society.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read 3/4 of this one. I debated whether to assign one star or two - there were interesting parts, but the reading just became too tedious to continue.

[mariamiilits · Rating 2 out of 5]

sellel olid oma head aspektid ja ma kindlalt ei ütleks, et see oli halb raamat. aga seda oli raske lugeda 20 aastase eesti naisena 21. sajandis. lisaks veel kolme erineva karakteri jälgimine samaaegselt oli liiga palju minu jaoks (+ veel miljoni uue karakteri lisandumist).. aga sellel oli potentsiaali. ja ma ei ütleks, et naise elu oleks liialt palju muutunud praeguseks.

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked the best of this book was the honesty in the writing. The steady-eyed, sometimes stark look at male-female relationships that still make the world turn.
The setting is fabulous all on its own. Incorporating the raging atmosphere of the 60s and 70s, the decades take on a role of their own, sometimes becoming as important to the characters’ lives as the plot. The feminist movements, the changes in attitude that the reader sees towards women as the story progresses is astounding, and for me, who did not live through those years, a revelation.
I’m in love with the characters that fill this book. I finished reading it earlier this afternoon, and their voices are still roaming around my head. They are so vibrant and complex, so different one from the other, that there’s no way to forget any of them, or to hate any of them. They are all written with acute sensitivity, creating balanced and believable characters.
This is truly a book about women striving to find themselves and happiness, be it within the boundaries that society laid on them or outside of them. It is a story full of love and hate, of revenge and betrayal, but it is mainly about the lives of these women and the men who touched their lives. It was a joy to follow them through their lives.
I can easily recommend this book to women and men alike.

[Your Need To Read]

Check out the full review at our site
http://www.yourneedtoread.blogspot.co...

I started this book not knowing what I was getting into. Honestly, I thought it was a ”Sex in the City” from the 60’s to 80’s. What surprised me most? This was a smart story that has it all. Each woman represents a type from that era. There is the girl who goes to college to find a husband, the loud liberal feminist, the girl who wants to be the boss in a man’s world, only to go about it in a negative manner.
Then there is Owen. I imagine Owen as a schmucky George Clooney . He is a complete womanizer, yet he is an integral part in this story.
There is quite a bit of history in this story. Each chapter begins with a timetable of events that occurred in the year of these women’s lives.
The love scenes definitely descriptive, but they don’t overwhelm the story.
I enjoyed this book so much that I turned around and bought #1,2,3 and 5 of the series.
There is no reason to read them in order as each book represents a different era in history

[Christine Rebbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book I read on Kindle in shorter stretches. This book was all over the place. The subject matter certainly is interesting, particularly to those of us who were about the same age as the protagonists in the 1960's and '70's. The writing, however, is generally dreadful and shallow. I wasn't expecting great literature, but I did expect better writing, or maybe just better editing. Defects included saying the same thing over and over, or saying one thing and then later saying the complete opposite about that thing, or telling instead of showing, or telling BEFORE showing ("He would say ...", and then having him say exactly that) -- just sloppy. Not to mention it needs better proofreading -- typos are inexcusable, in my view. I would not recommend reading it. On the other hand, it probably would make a good movie or mini-series.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing old school book. It was originally published in 1989 reminds me of the book I read in my teens and 20's. Featuring 3 women all born in the early 40's and how various culturally significant events shaped their lives. These are girls who went to school thinking the ultimate goal was a M.R.S. rather than a BS or PhD. In an era when good girls just didn't really. When despite graduating from a prestigious university the only question you were asked at an interview was "Can you type" and the only jobs that were open to women were secretarial, where working after your wedding was considered bizarre.

These three women go their own ways, make names for themselves and have a lot of sex along the way.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book that compares male genitalia to a Louisville Slugger and makes me literally laugh out loud is guaranteed at least three stars.

This is the definition of a trashy, chick lit, great beach read type of book. I love stories that span decades (I get so engrossed when I know what is going to happen to the characters throughout their lives) and this book definitely fit the bill.

I've read two of Ruth Harris' books already and I can see a common theme of pop culture references used, almost excessively. I don't mind it, but just something to be aware of.

[Diane Vallere · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I had no idea that it had originally been written in 1989. My only wish (because I did love it and read it every second that I could) was that I'd discovered it back in its publication year. My 1989 self would have loved it even more. Kudos, Ruth Harris.

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern Women (Park Avenue Series, Book 4)

The advantage of Jane, Lincky, Elly and the men in their life. The story take place in the late 60s and 70s. A time when women start putting for their rights in business, home and life. Great story of coming to age.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love books about strong women...and this is one from 1963 till 1987...thru history and liberation...great read...

[Jackie Simons]

Read 12/94

[Dorothy Okray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt right at home. Brought me back to the years of my youth and the struggles of thinking, ambitious women. A good read, especially for those who spent their youth in this era.

[Annemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

A book for women of any age. I recommended it already to my daughter. Why didn't I find this book in 1989?

[Joyce Mansur · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book kept me interested. I found I could relate to the characters.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a journey back to the last third of the 20th century. The setting is New York City, before the advent of computers, the Internet and cell phones made their huge change on the world. Ruth Harris is the omniscient author whose main characters are three women, all born in 1940 or 1941. This sets up the coming of age for these 3 ladies; they are all affected by the killing of JFK. The fallout from the Kennedy murder likely becomes a catalyst for huge social change. The world abandons bouffants and prescribed gender roles, dress, and social behavior. It is the rise of hippie cult, civil rights for blacks, and protests of the Viet Nam war. Readers see how this shapes the lives and careers of these three women, as they pursue work in the writing and publishing venues.
The novel is quite a long read. It jumps from character to character. There are two notable male figures, not quite as clearly drawn as are Jane, Elly and Lincky. There is a lot of sex in the book with the staffing, publishing, agents who wrap around the lives of the 3 women. There are alot of broken relationships; there's marriage, divorce, redemption. Harris seems to have two favorite characters: Lincky and Hank Greene in an interplay threading all through the novel.
I lived through the last third of the 20th century: one thing I did enjoy is that Harris lists some of the memes and key events decade by decade in the chapter headings. At times, she even displays a year by year cultural high points. For example, the top movies of 1975. For me that was an interesting and fun nostalgia revisit. But finally, Harris seems loathe to end her work: I felt the ending dragged needlessly long. The book is dated, sure, but read it to find out how your parents or grandparents got through a hugely changing world.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

First women to start

Except for the birth years of these women who are in the tale of Modern Women, you could have been talking about the attitudes of most of us who are now labeled as Baby boomers. We came from parents who had a strict thinking about the roles of women in life but encouraged their daughters to be better educated. Unfortunately as a better educated woman, marriage and children are not the end all fulfilment of satisfaction. Those specific decades described in the book ('60's, 70's 80's) were years were the ability to earn good money was greater than cost of living. The woman of those decades broke through a lot of glass ceilings and questioned the ridged roles and salaries deemed suitable.
While I enjoyed the walk down memory lane in this novel. not all of us who lived in those times became as successful as the women in this book. I highly recommend that our current millennial young women who think that they developed #ME TOO movement, read this to see how much they are leaning on those women who came before and appreciate that as one ages, you can accept that you need to adapt yourself to be better.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book although it could have used some proofreading. The story follows three women primarily in the 60s and 70s, each of whom had skills and goals. Their lives change in big ways as they get older and find their way in the world. Sex is a major topic throughout with all of the women, although there is a brief section on Jackie Kennedy as well at the beginning. Books, writing and publishing are major topics also. In an unlikely twist, the women seem to run into rather endowed men who are great lovers.

[m8lyn☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspectives of modern women living in the 60s and 70s. Although the last 100 pages of the book were predictable, the characters still kept me engaged. The plot often times felt underwhelming, but not so much that I wanted to stop reading.

Commentary on feminism, sexuality, and identity from a historical perspective is what kept me reading this book most.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this on my kindle. I had a little trouble keeping all the characters straight. I liked the book and the insights into those years.

[Joanne Passman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Liked the characters. Humor, romance. A story of people reaching their goals and dreams. I’ve read this author before and will continue to follow her.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting walk through the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

[Liz at Fictional Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern Women tells the story of 3 women, starting from the time they were children (but moreover from the time they were young adults). While this book is not a regular genre for me, I enjoyed it quite a bit. Born in the 1970s, I didn’t get to witness some of America’s history just prior, and the stories of Jane, Elly, and Lincky gave me a perspective that history books in school just didn’t provide - the woman’s point of view. It was very interesting to see these women go through the civil rights movement, JFK’s assassination, and just being women in a time when women were undervalued compared to men.

In this book it was a few chapters for one character, and then it would move on to another. Just as I was getting comfortable with one character, it would switch. However, this wasn’t annoying or unsettling. It kept the story fresh. Yet not so much time would pass in between chapters that you were able to forget about a previous character and her story. In the beginning there were bits of crossover, but by the end it was a merge of the characters and I totally enjoyed that.

This story opens with the assassination of JFK, where each of the women were and what they were doing. Much in the way we all remember where we were during 9-11. We get to peek in on what they were doing, what they were thinking, and how they and the world around them reacted when it happened. Then the story jumps backwards to give us some history and leads us up to that point and beyond.

At 38% I declared to myself that Lincky is/was my favorite character. I’m really hoping for a different outcome than what I am expecting of her. There is a scene with her and her boss, Hank Greene, where he is pounding on the door that is just full of so much emotion between the two…Affair or not, you can’t deny the passion they have for each other. I could have read a whole book just about these two. I’m crossing my fingers that their story will take the turn I am hoping for, but time will tell…

I really loved how these women were all so different, raised different, felt different, looked and acted different. But they are similar. They wanted to live differently, see differently, and be seen differently. And that is a major struggle that I feel any woman can relate to.

This is a book I really don’t want to give any spoilers away because if you look at how Lincky’s life turns out, you find out about Jane’s. And if you look at Jane’s, you know about Elly’s. You also learn about all the men that come and go in their lives, in whichever capacity they are. But the characters are very rich and full of life. You really get the feeling that you get to know them.

This story is an honest look at life. I found myself getting mad, and rejoicing, worrying that this situation or that wouldn’t work out. After it was finished, my favorite character remains Lincky. But even Lincky had faults, every character in this book did. Some of them were gigantic huge faults. But you keep living. You make the best of what you got, you get over it and you move on. Sometimes a gamble will work, sometimes it won’t. This book isn’t one success for the characters after another. They make mistakes. Some they learn from, some they don’t.

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. Especially love those who are interested in midcentury history, women and their stories, and just life in general.

[Vicky Cese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tres historias que se vuelven una.

Me encantó la propuesta de estas mujeres que rompen el molde en una época (1960 y algo)y una sociedad donde no lo tenían permitido. El no querer ser simples amas de casa. El no conformarse.
Pidiendo aumentos, puestos laborales más altos, luchando por sus derechos.

Sin embargo, el hecho de que no le pusiera más estrellas se debe a que la autora usa demasiados personajes secundarios innecesarios. Que no le aportan nada a la historia.
Ex novios y amigos de la infancia y blah blah blah.
Quizás está bueno el hecho de mencionarlos, pero no el hacer que queden taaaan grabados en la mente de los lectores porque después, o por lo menos es lo que me pasó a mí, se mezclan los nombres y se termina sin saber bien quién es quién.

Por otro lado, usa muchas referencias de la época. Lo cuál está perfecto, porque logra situarnos en el contexto en el que transcurre. Pero puede llegar a ser molesto para los que no conocen mucho sobre, por ejemplo, personajes famosos de EE.UU.

En fin, historias de mujeres que no se conformaron con ser una estadística más. Recomendable ;)

[Gwen Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent use of multiple personalities...

Ruth has an uncanny ability to bring into a story an excellent use of multiple personalities, multiple jobs for each of these personalities and to tie each one together with the others at the end...building each of these persons into an intriguing story that is hard to put down...the ups and downs throughout the story of the characters are realistic and believable... can't wait to get started on her next book...

[Dana Gaither · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sign of the time

The book was based a little before my time, but it was atypical of my impression of the 60's. Kept my interest after I recognized the women. I was confused at first.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am noticing a trend in my reading. This is about the fifth book that I read about the 60's. Each chapter starts with quotes, top ten songs, and headlines from that year. Light story about three women who came of age in the 60's.

[Wendy Dastous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

I could envision each of the characters in Modern Women. The book was fun and an easy read. I looked forward to the next chapter and really enjoyed the bit of history at the start of each chapter.

[Amy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read

It kept my attention and I loved the way the author focused on one character for a bit then another. Hearing different voices kept the pace steady and the reader engaged.

[Christine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Very different. Great characters. Seems like the author was right there watching them all. I think it's ridiculous that Goodreads makes you have a minimum of words on their review.