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The No-Kids Club
At almost forty, Clare Donoghue is living child-free and loving it. Then her boyfriend says he wants kids, breaking off their promising relationship. And it’s not just one by one, her formerly carefree friends are swallowed up in a nonstop cycle of play dates and baby groups. So Clare decides it’s time for people who don’t have children to band together. And so the No-Kids Club is born. As the group comes together—Anna, who’s seeking something to jumpstart a stale marriage, and Poppy, desperate for a family but unable to conceive—Clare’s hoping to make the most of the childless life with her new friends. Will the No-Kids Club be Clare’s route to happiness, or will single life lose its sparkle? Clare is faced with a tough decision and surprises herself along the way. Replete with Roland’s hallmark sassiness and humour, The No-Kids Club is an uplifting, moving, and highly entertaining page-turner.
252 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2013
17 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Talli Roland
19 books302 followersTalli Roland writes fun, romantic fiction. Born and raised in Canada, Talli now lives in London, where she savours the great cultural life (coffee and wine).
Despite training as a journalist, Talli soon found she preferred making up her own stories--complete with happy endings. Talli's debut novel The Hating Game was short-listed for Best Romantic Read at the UK's Festival of Romance, while her second, Watching Willow Watts, was selected as an Amazon Customer Favourite. Her novels have also been chosen as top books of the year by industry review websites and have been bestsellers in Britain and the United States.
To learn more about Talli, go to www.talliroland.com or follow Talli on Twitter: @talliroland. Talli blogs at talliroland.blogspot.com.
Despite training as a journalist, Talli soon found she preferred making up her own stories--complete with happy endings. Talli's debut novel The Hating Game was short-listed for Best Romantic Read at the UK's Festival of Romance, while her second, Watching Willow Watts, was selected as an Amazon Customer Favourite. Her novels have also been chosen as top books of the year by industry review websites and have been bestsellers in Britain and the United States.
To learn more about Talli, go to www.talliroland.com or follow Talli on Twitter: @talliroland. Talli blogs at talliroland.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 8, 2014
This was an entertaining light read. Just a shame it fell back on the popular view that all women secretly want a baby (and cannot possibly live a happy and fulfilled life otherwise), if only they can overcome the terrible barrier that is stopping them wanting or having one... urgh.
July 17, 2015
After reading this flimsy chick lit novel, I am disappointed in the inability of the plot and characters to thoughtfully portray childless-by-choice/ infertility issues. It was another sappy round of characters working unbelievably through their hang ups and then having or adopting a baby. Dumb, simplistic, and insulting to those who live with childless-by-choice/ infertility issues.
February 15, 2015
Of course, a woman can't just not want children, she has to be afraid and damaged because her mother abandoned her. And of course,
Bah humbug!
Bah humbug!
August 30, 2014
Definitely not for those that embrace the child free lifestyle. Unless of course you want to read yet another book where the goal in life is to become a parent.
July 29, 2014
I really disliked that the whole beginning of this book criticizes the stereotype that women should want to have kids...but then doesn't allow the main character to stick to her beliefs about having children. It seems like the end result is that she didn't really know what she wanted which, to me, just takes away from the meaning of the book
May 29, 2014
So refreshing to read a book with a storyline that doesn't seem to have been done before (that I've ever seen)! Clare is nearly 40 and doesn't want kids, and is sick of being judged by people around her so she starts the No-Kids Club. The story of the three women who meet at the club is lovely - I loved the way they each seemed to find what they really wanted in life through their attendance at the club, and how what they realised they wanted wasn't necessarily what they originally thought.
March 8, 2015
Review: I love the fact that women who don't want children, not because they can't have them or because they don't have a partner are now being written about, therefore I love the premise behind this book. I really liked the structure as well. Three people with their own lives and issues coming to get her to the No Kids Club all for different reasons and all hoping to get something out of it and becoming friends. This was a totally heart-warming, lovely read that also made you think and carried you along right the way to the end!
I loved Clare's character the most, I think because she was an incredibly hard-working woman as well as someone who didn't want children in her life and so I could really relate to her and loved seeing her represented in this book! I was drawn to ann because I felt sorry for her and because I wanted everything to go right for her. Of course I identified with poppy too because she was a school teacher although I was occasionally jealous that she seemd to actually have time to breathe and eat as well as be at work!
The storyline isn't just about whether someone wants a family or not, it is about these three women and their place in modern society. Over the course of the book you get to see them grow as women, get to see them change and become more accepting of themselves and their choices, it was just a real feel-good read but challenging at the same time. As I have already said, this was a fairly fast paced book, I listened to this on audiobook and it was an enjoyable listen but to anyone looking to pick this up in its ebook form, I really recommend that this goes on your TBR now.
I loved Clare's character the most, I think because she was an incredibly hard-working woman as well as someone who didn't want children in her life and so I could really relate to her and loved seeing her represented in this book! I was drawn to ann because I felt sorry for her and because I wanted everything to go right for her. Of course I identified with poppy too because she was a school teacher although I was occasionally jealous that she seemd to actually have time to breathe and eat as well as be at work!
The storyline isn't just about whether someone wants a family or not, it is about these three women and their place in modern society. Over the course of the book you get to see them grow as women, get to see them change and become more accepting of themselves and their choices, it was just a real feel-good read but challenging at the same time. As I have already said, this was a fairly fast paced book, I listened to this on audiobook and it was an enjoyable listen but to anyone looking to pick this up in its ebook form, I really recommend that this goes on your TBR now.
August 13, 2016
Also posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Talli Roland is a well known British chick-lit author (despite being born and raised in Canada) and is a twitter icon! She's one of the nicest, warmest authors I had the chance to interact on twitter and though I should be talking about the book in this review (don't worry, I'll get to that part too), I can't help but praise her wonderful personality and the fact she's always so gracious to her fans.
Having said that, no wonder she writes beautiful, warm stories, full of charm and optimism. I remember, my hands literally shaking when I snatched my review copy from NetGalley, I really was excited to read this having a strong feeling I will see Talli in a bit different light, still funny but more mature. And I was not wrong! This book, despite being chick lit and having many LOL moments, deals with quite an interesting subject and a very hard one too. If you follow Talli on twitter, you'll see she's blessed with a little boy, baby TR, who's the cutest little thing ever! So, knowing she's LOCO for her boy, I was kind of surprised she decided to choose this subject for her novel, to speak about women who don't want to have kids.
Now, this is not the first time I've read about this, years ago I read Emily Giffin's 'Baby Proof' and remember really feeling disconnected to Claudia (Emily Giffin's MC), so I won't lie, as much as I was thrilled to read 'The No-Kids Club' I was a bit weary too. It's not that I was suspicious of Talli's writing skills or sense of humor, but I do know myself pretty well (that's what happens when you're in your mid 30's) and I ADORE kids. I live for them, I breathe for them, there's nothing in the world I wouldn't do for them. Naturally, I'm a parent and honestly, though there are good days and bad days, I always wanted to be a mother and have as many kids as I can.
But,unlike Emily Giffin's 'Baby Proof' and her MC Claudia, I actually felt the connection with Clare and her reasons for not wanting kids. I don't know, it could be the fact I read Emily's book years ago, and I have changed since then. But honestly, I doubt I've changed that much. What seems more logical to me is that Clare and how she was portrayed by Talli made me realize I can love kids and yet respect those who don't want them. I absolutely loved Clare and if she was real I'd definitely want to be friends with her.
But oh, something about the plot. Clare is an ER doctor and in a relationship with Edward. They seem very happy together until Edward pulls the issue of kids once again and tells Clare he wants to have kids after all. Now don't go judging Clare beforehand, Edward was perfectly aware Clare didn't want kids and he was even fine with that. She was honest and her reasons seemed solid enough to me. But, people change, their interests change with time, so I can't say I blamed even Edward for his sudden need to become a parent.
So, they break up and Clare decides to start her No-Kids Club where childless people (for whatever reasons) can hang out and enjoy themselves without being judged. At the beginning, there are only couple of members, and they seem to be in the club for different reasons, but I loved the fact Clare wasn't giving up.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and I had so much fun reading it. It was fun and yet challenging and honestly, I didn't expect to fall for Clare so much. But I did, and it's all Talli's fault. Her beautiful, charming, refreshing writing and her optimism that shines through the pages. A bit dark theme, considered a taboo by many authors, but Talli managed to turn in into a wonderful, uberfun story that will keep you glued to its pages. Wonderful read for parents, singles...everyone. There's a bit for each of you and that's maybe the best thing about this book. Get it, read it, enjoy it!
July 11, 2014
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway! So, first, thank you for that!
This isn't normally the book that I would pick up and read, but I thought it would be a fun summer-read that would give my brain a break from my normal repertoire of books (philosophical, religious, sociological books). It was a relatively quick, chick-lit read with an emphasis on childlessness, if that's interesting to you. Personally, I was hoping it would be more entertaining (at the very least some humor or mishaps). However, it seemed flat to me.
The 3 main characters all have different motivations for joining the club and while they're stories reflected slightly different perspectives on childlessness (which I appreciated) they all had, in my opinion, very similar issues.
Clare - The founder and stereotypical "I don't want children!" career-oriented women. Her story was painfully predictable and therefore, boring. I also feel like she had no other personality at all other than not wanting kids. In real life this lady should have created a club based on some kind of interest or hobby (I guess she doesn't have any) instead of childlessness. I mean how can you get annoyed when your club on childlessness talks about why you're childlessness? She was not particularly likeable and I found myself rolling my eyes at her negativity and lack of self-awareness.
Anna - The bored housewife who dotes on her husband who doesn't appreciate her. This woman was frustrating to me. Just talk to your husband! I feel like all of her issues could have been avoided if she had just had a conversation with her husband. But no, instead she has to portray the stereotypical submissive housewife who only feels like she can talk to the man she married after a near-catastrophic event. I know some women can relate to this, but I just couldn't. Yeah, my husband plays video games all the time too, but when I want him to do something I at least talk to him about it.
Poppy - The woman who is obsessed with pregnancy and determined even if it means countless IVF treatments that ultimately aren't working. Ok, I understand that having your own biological child is very important to some people and they will go to great lengths to get it. This lady took it too far. I think I generally have a problem when men / husbands are reduced only to their reproductive purposes. Let me rephrase that. I have a problem when either men or women are reduced only to their reproductive organs. In this case, the IVF-loving wife would give up everything (including her relationship with her husband apparently) to be pregnant. Morally, I think that's wrong. Here again we see another case where the wife wouldn't talk to her husband. Come to think of it all the characters wouldn't talk to their partners...and they wonder why they have problems!
I felt like stories were boring and predictable with not a whole lot of entertaining quality to it, but without a whole lot of substance either. I wish the author had given the characters more of a dynamic personality. I mean each of them literally only had one side of their personality show being summed up as desperate. Everyone was so stereotypical and one-faceted that I just stopped caring. Luckily the book wasn't too long, so it only took a couple of days for me to get through. I will say, I did find that the pace picked up after the beginning (which was dreadfully slow to me), so I was able to enjoy it a little more towards the end.
All that aside, I do like the general message the author has about the different perspectives of childlessness and how not all women who don't have or want children look the same. I think that's an important message to get out. I just wish the message was presented in a way that was more engaging.
This isn't normally the book that I would pick up and read, but I thought it would be a fun summer-read that would give my brain a break from my normal repertoire of books (philosophical, religious, sociological books). It was a relatively quick, chick-lit read with an emphasis on childlessness, if that's interesting to you. Personally, I was hoping it would be more entertaining (at the very least some humor or mishaps). However, it seemed flat to me.
The 3 main characters all have different motivations for joining the club and while they're stories reflected slightly different perspectives on childlessness (which I appreciated) they all had, in my opinion, very similar issues.
Clare - The founder and stereotypical "I don't want children!" career-oriented women. Her story was painfully predictable and therefore, boring. I also feel like she had no other personality at all other than not wanting kids. In real life this lady should have created a club based on some kind of interest or hobby (I guess she doesn't have any) instead of childlessness. I mean how can you get annoyed when your club on childlessness talks about why you're childlessness? She was not particularly likeable and I found myself rolling my eyes at her negativity and lack of self-awareness.
Anna - The bored housewife who dotes on her husband who doesn't appreciate her. This woman was frustrating to me. Just talk to your husband! I feel like all of her issues could have been avoided if she had just had a conversation with her husband. But no, instead she has to portray the stereotypical submissive housewife who only feels like she can talk to the man she married after a near-catastrophic event. I know some women can relate to this, but I just couldn't. Yeah, my husband plays video games all the time too, but when I want him to do something I at least talk to him about it.
Poppy - The woman who is obsessed with pregnancy and determined even if it means countless IVF treatments that ultimately aren't working. Ok, I understand that having your own biological child is very important to some people and they will go to great lengths to get it. This lady took it too far. I think I generally have a problem when men / husbands are reduced only to their reproductive purposes. Let me rephrase that. I have a problem when either men or women are reduced only to their reproductive organs. In this case, the IVF-loving wife would give up everything (including her relationship with her husband apparently) to be pregnant. Morally, I think that's wrong. Here again we see another case where the wife wouldn't talk to her husband. Come to think of it all the characters wouldn't talk to their partners...and they wonder why they have problems!
I felt like stories were boring and predictable with not a whole lot of entertaining quality to it, but without a whole lot of substance either. I wish the author had given the characters more of a dynamic personality. I mean each of them literally only had one side of their personality show being summed up as desperate. Everyone was so stereotypical and one-faceted that I just stopped caring. Luckily the book wasn't too long, so it only took a couple of days for me to get through. I will say, I did find that the pace picked up after the beginning (which was dreadfully slow to me), so I was able to enjoy it a little more towards the end.
All that aside, I do like the general message the author has about the different perspectives of childlessness and how not all women who don't have or want children look the same. I think that's an important message to get out. I just wish the message was presented in a way that was more engaging.
June 4, 2014
After reading a few traumatic books it's nice to curl up once again with a novel by Talli Roland.
It's like putting on a comfy pair of slippers. Talli's books always have twists and turns but at the end you're guaranteed a happy ending and sometimes in life a happy ending is just what we need.
Clare feels isolated from her friends who are all talking about babies, especially since her boyfriend Edward has up and left her. Clare can't believe that Edward is not on the same page as her where babies are concerned but she just not cut out to have children and she is sure there must be many more people in her position. The No- Kids Club gets off to a slow start with only two other girls showing up. Anna and Poppy both want to join but for very different reasons.
I immediately feel I know these woman as I am drawn into their lives.
Anna and her husband Michael agree that they don't want children in their lives but Michael seems more happy playing computer games than paying attention to his wife. I really didn't like Michael and wanted to give Anna a shake as she ran around after him and accepted him ignoring her needs.
Poppy was becoming obsessed by babies and falling pregnant and does something which her husband Alistair will count as an ultimate betrayal.
My favourite character was Clare. I loved her family, her dad and step mum were lovely but there was something in her past that Clare would have to come to terms with before she could face her future.
The mysterious Nicholas wants to join the club, could he be the kind of man Clare is looking for? Nicholas was too slick and smart for my liking and I didn't take to him at all even although he seemed nice enough.
In my opinion this is Talli's best book so far and I think her writing has grown so much over her last few books. I'm also hoping that there might be a sequel to this book sometime as I would love to follow the lives of Clare, Anna and Poppy.
June 16, 2014
Sooo... I read it in one sitting (actually in one go, since it was a two-way subway ride, but you catch my drift), because it kept me interested to the end, and that's something. Still, it left me with the feeling that if only the main character hadn't been such a textbook one, (issues with her own mom, not very sure about her beliefs), the book could actually make a better case for the women who may just be fine leading their own lives as they are, and being great human beings, caring, nurturing, not hating children or anything, not having family issues, just, well, fine as they are.
That is what attracted me to the book in the first place, because it is such a difficult topic - everyone has an opinion, don't they? usually about other people's lives. And as a person who has been married for 8 years and listens to the question 'soooo, when r u having children?' one too many times, I was curious to know if it would be treated as the stereotype.
Truth be told, there are more characters in the story: Poppy, who struggles with the concept of having her own biological son versus adopting, and Anna, who most of the time seems to be having an iddylic relationship on her own instead of with her husband. Still... I finished and stared at my kindle for a while, thinking, Was that it? What did I expect? Isn't it good that it's making me think anyway? I can't comment on the ending because it is a huge spoiler, but I did feel like yelling juuuust a little bit.
That is what attracted me to the book in the first place, because it is such a difficult topic - everyone has an opinion, don't they? usually about other people's lives. And as a person who has been married for 8 years and listens to the question 'soooo, when r u having children?' one too many times, I was curious to know if it would be treated as the stereotype.
Truth be told, there are more characters in the story: Poppy, who struggles with the concept of having her own biological son versus adopting, and Anna, who most of the time seems to be having an iddylic relationship on her own instead of with her husband. Still... I finished and stared at my kindle for a while, thinking, Was that it? What did I expect? Isn't it good that it's making me think anyway? I can't comment on the ending because it is a huge spoiler, but I did feel like yelling juuuust a little bit.
December 29, 2015
A good idea with potential... But the writing is too light, the themes only superficially explored. I had hoped for insight into the child-free lifestyle... But instead I got lots about pregnancy and Ivf, nothing new at all.
February 1, 2015
I liked it
August 22, 2014
It was ok, but it was very predictable even by chick lit standards and some if not all of the main characters where hard to like.
Probably more of a 2.5 rating from me.
Probably more of a 2.5 rating from me.
November 19, 2015
Adored this book. Loved the plot and the fact the members of the No Kids Club came from all areas of the 'no kids' sector. Brilliantly funny and heart-warming. Highly recommended!
June 27, 2018
I was so excited to find a book about a woman not wanting to have kids and tired of always having to endure the kid stuff in conversations with friends and other adults who have them. I related to Clare and how she felt right away. The other two women initially in the No Kids Club I didn't like, even though character development was fine for them. After chapter 3 or 4 when Clare was always feeling a bit nauseous, I knew what was up right away, but wanted to see where it would end. Unfortunately it turned out to be another book about how a woman gets pregnant, gets back together with the baby daddy and lives happily ever after. The No Kids Club turned out to be a book all about kids and how women 'need' to have a child. All of the three main characters that were part of the initial No Kids Club wind up with children, or elude to heading in that direction.
April 3, 2021
I’m actually insulted by this book. 25% of women don’t have kids these days, but women who don’t have kids are pretty much ignored and invisible in media and a lot of society. I thought this might actually be a book acknowledging their existence, and, shock horror, accepting it, but no! The happy ending in this book is a child. It’s the only way for a female to be happy apparently. We really need to stop hammering that message into each other’s skulls because those people who can’t have kids, or never get the chance, or truly don’t want them, are brainwashed into believing there is something wrong with their lives. And get fed up with the rest of the world believing there is something wrong with them. I didn’t finish this book, it made me angry! I get that it’s just meant to be a bit of light entertainment, but it struck a nerve with me. Obviously!
September 18, 2017
This book was really disappointing. It was so obvious that Clare was pregnant, and the abrupt collapse/repair of Poppy and Anna's relationships was just too far-fetched.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2018
Entertaining but the characters didn’t feel very fleshed out.
June 3, 2014
I have waited for a new Talli Roland's book with a great anticipation, as it is not a secret that I really enjoy her writing style and the stories she creates in her books. This particular one, The No - Kids Club, was one that I really couldn't wait to read as the subject of this is - as usual in Talli's book - refreshing and not so often used in the books.
Clare, an ER doctor, doesn't plan children, it's simply not in her life - plan, and is tired of people who can only talk about children in the smallest details. She has just ended a very promising relationship with Edward, who - although Clare was very clear at the beginning and he accepted this what she said - has suggested a baby. She comes up with an idea of creating a club for people who feel there is much more to life than only children and so the No - Kids Club sees the light of day.
At the beginning there are two other members of the club, Anna and Poppy, who both join the club because of very different reasons. Anna is a housewife, working half - time and taking care about her house and her husband, who is interested only in his XBox and violent games. Poppy is a teacher who is unable to conceive and who has four rounds of IVF behind her. Although so different, all come to the club meetings once a week to talk about all but children, nappies, colics. Maybe they are not the best friends yet but they find themselves comfortable in each other company and start to form a friendship.
I find Talli's writing totally engaging and I was hooked by this story. It is a new, refreshing idea for me, and while we read many books where the babies are in the centre, where everything runs round in circles over the children, here we have a totally different approach.
I liked the three main characters from the beginning and I find that their differences were like a kind of magnetism and attracted me to them. All of the women had their own problems which Talli could precisely and interestingly describe and I have felt for all of them. I could understand Clare's point of view and the fact that she didn't want children, but I could also understand Poppy and I suffered together with her, when she was so desperate to have a baby, when she must have decided how much will it cost her (emotionally) to get what she yearns for. Anna was perhaps the weakest character in the book, but although there were moments that I wanted to shake her really hard and send her alone on her trip to Italy, she was also brilliantly written.
When I was not a mother yet, I was exactly like Clare. I didn't like children and couldn't understand all those feelings of awe and delight at babies, toddlers, and was never one to patiently hear mothers talking only about their children. Although I am a... teacher, ha, ha:) I liked my students but thought am never going to have children. Well, times and perspectives change:)
I was really curious how Talli is going to write about a subject that still is a kind of taboo and people who decide consciously to live without children are still treated in a funny, kind of ostracism way. Let's be honest, having children is still being perceived as a must, as a duty. Well, I always say: live and let live and I have never condemned people who want to live their lives without children, no matter what reasons they have.
I have imagined the club taking the first plan in the book, wanted to hear more about it, its actions, and those what I got was a little too less for me. The story concentrates more on our three main characters and their environment, and although I have missed more from the club and its development, the stories of the three woman were very well considered and beautifully described. All of the woman attended the club because of her reason but all of them had found what they were looking for.
As always I have found this what I was looking for in Talli's book. She's really one of the brightest stars among the chick - lit authors and her views of the world that she's creating is like a breath of fresh air. She writes original, fresh stories that always touch the nerve and is not afraid to speak about difficult topics. I would say, way to go, Talli and would recommend recommend this book.
Copy received in exchange for a review.
Clare, an ER doctor, doesn't plan children, it's simply not in her life - plan, and is tired of people who can only talk about children in the smallest details. She has just ended a very promising relationship with Edward, who - although Clare was very clear at the beginning and he accepted this what she said - has suggested a baby. She comes up with an idea of creating a club for people who feel there is much more to life than only children and so the No - Kids Club sees the light of day.
At the beginning there are two other members of the club, Anna and Poppy, who both join the club because of very different reasons. Anna is a housewife, working half - time and taking care about her house and her husband, who is interested only in his XBox and violent games. Poppy is a teacher who is unable to conceive and who has four rounds of IVF behind her. Although so different, all come to the club meetings once a week to talk about all but children, nappies, colics. Maybe they are not the best friends yet but they find themselves comfortable in each other company and start to form a friendship.
I find Talli's writing totally engaging and I was hooked by this story. It is a new, refreshing idea for me, and while we read many books where the babies are in the centre, where everything runs round in circles over the children, here we have a totally different approach.
I liked the three main characters from the beginning and I find that their differences were like a kind of magnetism and attracted me to them. All of the women had their own problems which Talli could precisely and interestingly describe and I have felt for all of them. I could understand Clare's point of view and the fact that she didn't want children, but I could also understand Poppy and I suffered together with her, when she was so desperate to have a baby, when she must have decided how much will it cost her (emotionally) to get what she yearns for. Anna was perhaps the weakest character in the book, but although there were moments that I wanted to shake her really hard and send her alone on her trip to Italy, she was also brilliantly written.
When I was not a mother yet, I was exactly like Clare. I didn't like children and couldn't understand all those feelings of awe and delight at babies, toddlers, and was never one to patiently hear mothers talking only about their children. Although I am a... teacher, ha, ha:) I liked my students but thought am never going to have children. Well, times and perspectives change:)
I was really curious how Talli is going to write about a subject that still is a kind of taboo and people who decide consciously to live without children are still treated in a funny, kind of ostracism way. Let's be honest, having children is still being perceived as a must, as a duty. Well, I always say: live and let live and I have never condemned people who want to live their lives without children, no matter what reasons they have.
I have imagined the club taking the first plan in the book, wanted to hear more about it, its actions, and those what I got was a little too less for me. The story concentrates more on our three main characters and their environment, and although I have missed more from the club and its development, the stories of the three woman were very well considered and beautifully described. All of the woman attended the club because of her reason but all of them had found what they were looking for.
As always I have found this what I was looking for in Talli's book. She's really one of the brightest stars among the chick - lit authors and her views of the world that she's creating is like a breath of fresh air. She writes original, fresh stories that always touch the nerve and is not afraid to speak about difficult topics. I would say, way to go, Talli and would recommend recommend this book.
Copy received in exchange for a review.
May 22, 2014
At almost 40, Clare Donoghue is childless and she'd like it to stay that way. Her career as an Accident and Emergency doctor means that her schedule is far from child-friendly, and she's not broody like many of her friends. However many do not share her life vision and when yet another promising relationship ends because he wants kids and she doesn't, Clare decides to start The No-Kids Club, a place where childless people of any age can gather and not be subjected to talk about children all night.
What Clare isn't expecting when she founds the club is that some of the members will have such different reasons than her own for not having children. Anna is quite happy with her husband but she just doesn't have a desire for kids. Society makes her feel guilty for not being willing to procreate but, despite the fact that her marriage has grown stale and is in desperate need of a jump start, she is happy with things as they are. Poppy, an elementary school teacher, longs for a baby of her own but hasn't been successful conceiving and she will stop at absolutely nothing to try to get pregnant. When her increasingly desperate attempts to have a baby alienate her husband, she must decide at what cost she is willing to get pregnant.
These three women, childless for very different reasons, come together once a week to gather for The No-Kids Club and, despite the fact that they are very different from one another, find themselves forming a unique bond.
I became a mom at a young age and the funny thing is that I can't ever remember not wanting to be a mom! I had career aspirations as well, but somehow it felt like a given that children would be a very important part of my life. However I do realize and respect that not everyone wants children and that there are often circumstances that prevent others from having them. Some are unable to conceive, some don't meet the right partner and are unwilling to be a single parent, and others simply would rather do things other than have a child. I think that The No-Kids Club would be a success if it materialized in real life. Facebook and e-mail are inundated with pregnancy announcements and baby pictures and I can imagine that someone who is child free would find that tiresome after a short while!
I loved that Talli Roland chose to have three main characters in The No-Kids Club! I enjoy stories about different people that overlap in some way, and I especially appreciate it when the plot offers different perspectives on a common theme. Authors such as Jill Mansell and Marian Keyes, both favourites of mine, have done this successfully in some of their stories and I'm glad that I was able to add Roland's name to that list. Although Clare remained the primary main character (she was my favourite as well) adequate time is spent with the other two characters so that we get to know them and we come to care about their stories.
My only criticism is that the story ended too quickly for my liking! Even though all of the story lines ended in a way that felt complete I would not have complained if there were 100 more pages to read. I was enjoying the story that much!
In my opinion The No-Kids Club is another winner by Talli Roland! I've enjoyed her previous releases immensely and this book was no exception! It was well-written and fast-paced, and enjoyable to the very last page. My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for review!
What Clare isn't expecting when she founds the club is that some of the members will have such different reasons than her own for not having children. Anna is quite happy with her husband but she just doesn't have a desire for kids. Society makes her feel guilty for not being willing to procreate but, despite the fact that her marriage has grown stale and is in desperate need of a jump start, she is happy with things as they are. Poppy, an elementary school teacher, longs for a baby of her own but hasn't been successful conceiving and she will stop at absolutely nothing to try to get pregnant. When her increasingly desperate attempts to have a baby alienate her husband, she must decide at what cost she is willing to get pregnant.
These three women, childless for very different reasons, come together once a week to gather for The No-Kids Club and, despite the fact that they are very different from one another, find themselves forming a unique bond.
I became a mom at a young age and the funny thing is that I can't ever remember not wanting to be a mom! I had career aspirations as well, but somehow it felt like a given that children would be a very important part of my life. However I do realize and respect that not everyone wants children and that there are often circumstances that prevent others from having them. Some are unable to conceive, some don't meet the right partner and are unwilling to be a single parent, and others simply would rather do things other than have a child. I think that The No-Kids Club would be a success if it materialized in real life. Facebook and e-mail are inundated with pregnancy announcements and baby pictures and I can imagine that someone who is child free would find that tiresome after a short while!
I loved that Talli Roland chose to have three main characters in The No-Kids Club! I enjoy stories about different people that overlap in some way, and I especially appreciate it when the plot offers different perspectives on a common theme. Authors such as Jill Mansell and Marian Keyes, both favourites of mine, have done this successfully in some of their stories and I'm glad that I was able to add Roland's name to that list. Although Clare remained the primary main character (she was my favourite as well) adequate time is spent with the other two characters so that we get to know them and we come to care about their stories.
My only criticism is that the story ended too quickly for my liking! Even though all of the story lines ended in a way that felt complete I would not have complained if there were 100 more pages to read. I was enjoying the story that much!
In my opinion The No-Kids Club is another winner by Talli Roland! I've enjoyed her previous releases immensely and this book was no exception! It was well-written and fast-paced, and enjoyable to the very last page. My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy for review!
April 4, 2015
Reviewed for A Drop of Romeo.
Claire Donoghue is nearly forty and is childless but there's no need for the 'aw' moment because she loves it. It's a life decision but when once again a relationship ends because her boyfriend is not on the same page as her and she realises that none of her friends are around to talk to any more due to play dates etc. When her pregnant friend, Ellie, suggests starting a 'No-Kids Club' for adults in the same situation she laughs it off until she decides that maybe it is a good idea after all? Enter Anna and Polly. Anna is looking for a way to entice her husband into making an effort and save their marriage from going completely stale whereas Polly is struggling through rounds of IVF because she's desperate to get pregnant but is 'failing'.
Each woman had her individual storyline and you could imagine how they felt. You could understand Claire's emotions as she battled against women that believe their sole existence in life is to create children. You could feel Polly's devastation as yet another IVF treatment failed and her husband suggested adoption while she struggles as a primary school teacher helping her pupil's create Mother's Day cards and gifts while knowing that she'll never receive her own. You feel Anna's struggle as she tries to bring the spark back into her marriage with Michael while he would rather sit in front of the television playing his video games. Roland has showed the reader that outside the fairytale endings, there are more realistic lifestyles and obstacles that a couple must contend with to finally achieve their happy ever after.
Now I will be completely honest with you and admit that I bought this book when it cropped up in my inbox as an Amazon recommendation simply because it spoke to me from Claire's point of view. Yes, I may not be forty years old but I have – for now at least – made the life decision that I am happy without children and I was simply over the moon to see this book sitting there. It was completely different from the usual chick lit novels that would show a woman reaching forty and hearing the biological clock so thinking that she needed to find love so that she could have a child as soon as possible. However, I have to admit that Roland let me down a little bit because by the end of the book Claire was pregnant and her opinions shifted majorly but that did not stop me from reading on.
Despite feeling slightly let down by Claire's pregnancy, I was still addicted to this novel and could not put it down. I found myself reading it all in one go as I was desperate to find out what happened to our three protagonists in their own individual lives. If you're looking for a quick easy read with a unique plot then this is the novel for you.
Claire Donoghue is nearly forty and is childless but there's no need for the 'aw' moment because she loves it. It's a life decision but when once again a relationship ends because her boyfriend is not on the same page as her and she realises that none of her friends are around to talk to any more due to play dates etc. When her pregnant friend, Ellie, suggests starting a 'No-Kids Club' for adults in the same situation she laughs it off until she decides that maybe it is a good idea after all? Enter Anna and Polly. Anna is looking for a way to entice her husband into making an effort and save their marriage from going completely stale whereas Polly is struggling through rounds of IVF because she's desperate to get pregnant but is 'failing'.
Each woman had her individual storyline and you could imagine how they felt. You could understand Claire's emotions as she battled against women that believe their sole existence in life is to create children. You could feel Polly's devastation as yet another IVF treatment failed and her husband suggested adoption while she struggles as a primary school teacher helping her pupil's create Mother's Day cards and gifts while knowing that she'll never receive her own. You feel Anna's struggle as she tries to bring the spark back into her marriage with Michael while he would rather sit in front of the television playing his video games. Roland has showed the reader that outside the fairytale endings, there are more realistic lifestyles and obstacles that a couple must contend with to finally achieve their happy ever after.
Now I will be completely honest with you and admit that I bought this book when it cropped up in my inbox as an Amazon recommendation simply because it spoke to me from Claire's point of view. Yes, I may not be forty years old but I have – for now at least – made the life decision that I am happy without children and I was simply over the moon to see this book sitting there. It was completely different from the usual chick lit novels that would show a woman reaching forty and hearing the biological clock so thinking that she needed to find love so that she could have a child as soon as possible. However, I have to admit that Roland let me down a little bit because by the end of the book Claire was pregnant and her opinions shifted majorly but that did not stop me from reading on.
Despite feeling slightly let down by Claire's pregnancy, I was still addicted to this novel and could not put it down. I found myself reading it all in one go as I was desperate to find out what happened to our three protagonists in their own individual lives. If you're looking for a quick easy read with a unique plot then this is the novel for you.
January 9, 2015
Review for A Drop of Romeo
Claire Donoghue is nearly forty and is childless but there's no need for the 'aw' moment because she loves it. It's a life decision but when once again a relationship ends because her boyfriend is not on the same page as her and she realises that none of her friends are around to talk to any more due to play dates etc. When her pregnant friend, Ellie, suggests starting a 'No-Kids Club' for adults in the same situation she laughs it off until she decides that maybe it is a good idea after all? Enter Anna and Polly. Anna is looking for a way to entice her husband into making an effort and save their marriage from going completely stale whereas Polly is struggling through rounds of IVF because she's desperate to get pregnant but is 'failing'.
Each woman had her individual storyline and you could imagine how they felt. You could understand Claire's emotions as she battled against women that believe their sole existence in life is to create children. You could feel Polly's devastation as yet another IVF treatment failed and her husband suggested adoption while she struggles as a primary school teacher helping her pupil's create Mother's Day cards and gifts while knowing that she'll never receive her own. You feel Anna's struggle as she tries to bring the spark back into her marriage with Michael while he would rather sit in front of the television playing his video games. Roland has showed the reader that outside the fairytale endings, there are more realistic lifestyles and obstacles that a couple must contend with to finally achieve their happy ever after.
Now I will be completely honest with you and admit that I bought this book when it cropped up in my inbox as an Amazon recommendation simply because it spoke to me from Claire's point of view. Yes, I may not be forty years old but I have – for now at least – made the life decision that I am happy without children and I was simply over the moon to see this book sitting there. It was completely different from the usual chick lit novels that would show a woman reaching forty and hearing the biological clock so thinking that she needed to find love so that she could have a child as soon as possible. However, I have to admit that Roland let me down a little bit because by the end of the book Claire was pregnant and her opinions shifted majorly but that did not stop me from reading on.
Despite feeling slightly let down by Claire's pregnancy, I was still addicted to this novel and could not put it down. I found myself reading it all in one go as I was desperate to find out what happened to our three protagonists in their own individual lives. If you're looking for a quick easy read with a unique plot then this is the novel for you.
Claire Donoghue is nearly forty and is childless but there's no need for the 'aw' moment because she loves it. It's a life decision but when once again a relationship ends because her boyfriend is not on the same page as her and she realises that none of her friends are around to talk to any more due to play dates etc. When her pregnant friend, Ellie, suggests starting a 'No-Kids Club' for adults in the same situation she laughs it off until she decides that maybe it is a good idea after all? Enter Anna and Polly. Anna is looking for a way to entice her husband into making an effort and save their marriage from going completely stale whereas Polly is struggling through rounds of IVF because she's desperate to get pregnant but is 'failing'.
Each woman had her individual storyline and you could imagine how they felt. You could understand Claire's emotions as she battled against women that believe their sole existence in life is to create children. You could feel Polly's devastation as yet another IVF treatment failed and her husband suggested adoption while she struggles as a primary school teacher helping her pupil's create Mother's Day cards and gifts while knowing that she'll never receive her own. You feel Anna's struggle as she tries to bring the spark back into her marriage with Michael while he would rather sit in front of the television playing his video games. Roland has showed the reader that outside the fairytale endings, there are more realistic lifestyles and obstacles that a couple must contend with to finally achieve their happy ever after.
Now I will be completely honest with you and admit that I bought this book when it cropped up in my inbox as an Amazon recommendation simply because it spoke to me from Claire's point of view. Yes, I may not be forty years old but I have – for now at least – made the life decision that I am happy without children and I was simply over the moon to see this book sitting there. It was completely different from the usual chick lit novels that would show a woman reaching forty and hearing the biological clock so thinking that she needed to find love so that she could have a child as soon as possible. However, I have to admit that Roland let me down a little bit because by the end of the book Claire was pregnant and her opinions shifted majorly but that did not stop me from reading on.
Despite feeling slightly let down by Claire's pregnancy, I was still addicted to this novel and could not put it down. I found myself reading it all in one go as I was desperate to find out what happened to our three protagonists in their own individual lives. If you're looking for a quick easy read with a unique plot then this is the novel for you.
June 7, 2014
Talli Roland did it again! After "Build A Man" and "Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts", I enjoyed them both very much, this is my third Talli Roland book and I totally fell in love with it. She writes really refreshing and makes serious subjects so not-serious. That's why I love her writing. Having or not-having children is a very serious decision to make, you are never quite ready, but when you are on the boat, there is no getting down.
Clare never considered having kids. At almost forty, she finds offended when people ask when is she going to settle. For God's sake! There has to be something else to talk about with people your age except children. So, Clare starts a club for people like her, the no-kids club. A club for men and women with a child-free life, where you can talk about anything else, do what ever you want, because you are child-free. Facebook ad is created and gathered two more women, Anna and Poppy. Anna and her husband Michael also don't want kids, and Poppy and her husband are desperately trying IVF without success. All three women have one thing in common, they all want a place where they can relax without being reminded every ten seconds of what they are missing. But the things do not come out as they planned.
Clare has chosen not to have kids. Maybe the reason lays in her own family, because her mother left her to chase her own dreams. Clare is really disappointed not being her mother's dream. She thinks that she knows what she wants, but as the story follows, she finds out that she wants those things from wrong reasons. You are never ready for what life prepares for you, so Clare finds herself in a whirlpool of certain events that will show her that life is beautiful, even if it doesn't turn out as you planned.
Anna and her husband have chosen not to have kids, but their marriage starts to look like a routine. Anna thinks that Michael is not trying enough, and he thinks that she doesn't love him any more. The No-Kids Club is a chance for Anna to spend little bit more time with her husband and bring back the sparkles in their marriage.
After several IVFs, Poppy and Alistair's life is not the same. They both desperately want children, but in vitro fertilization is exhausting and expensive. Poppy always wants "one more try", but Alistair loves her very much and is worried about her health. So when the subject of adopting a child comes out as an option, they start to argue.
Overall, The No-Kids Club is a refreshing and light read with lots of joyful and emotional moments. I loved the characters, was proud of some of their decisions, loved the plot and was very happy how the things turned out. I loved it, enjoyed it and would recommend it.
My actual rating: 4.5 / 5.
Clare never considered having kids. At almost forty, she finds offended when people ask when is she going to settle. For God's sake! There has to be something else to talk about with people your age except children. So, Clare starts a club for people like her, the no-kids club. A club for men and women with a child-free life, where you can talk about anything else, do what ever you want, because you are child-free. Facebook ad is created and gathered two more women, Anna and Poppy. Anna and her husband Michael also don't want kids, and Poppy and her husband are desperately trying IVF without success. All three women have one thing in common, they all want a place where they can relax without being reminded every ten seconds of what they are missing. But the things do not come out as they planned.
Clare has chosen not to have kids. Maybe the reason lays in her own family, because her mother left her to chase her own dreams. Clare is really disappointed not being her mother's dream. She thinks that she knows what she wants, but as the story follows, she finds out that she wants those things from wrong reasons. You are never ready for what life prepares for you, so Clare finds herself in a whirlpool of certain events that will show her that life is beautiful, even if it doesn't turn out as you planned.
Anna and her husband have chosen not to have kids, but their marriage starts to look like a routine. Anna thinks that Michael is not trying enough, and he thinks that she doesn't love him any more. The No-Kids Club is a chance for Anna to spend little bit more time with her husband and bring back the sparkles in their marriage.
After several IVFs, Poppy and Alistair's life is not the same. They both desperately want children, but in vitro fertilization is exhausting and expensive. Poppy always wants "one more try", but Alistair loves her very much and is worried about her health. So when the subject of adopting a child comes out as an option, they start to argue.
Overall, The No-Kids Club is a refreshing and light read with lots of joyful and emotional moments. I loved the characters, was proud of some of their decisions, loved the plot and was very happy how the things turned out. I loved it, enjoyed it and would recommend it.
My actual rating: 4.5 / 5.
August 15, 2014
Thirty-nine-year-old Clare is fed up of people trying to persuade her to give motherhood a try. She doesn't want children and never has done. All around her, people are having babies and, worst of all, talking about them. Clare craves conversation about non-baby topics and to be able to stay out with friends past eight o'clock without having to schedule babysitters. So she decides to set up The No-Kids Club to meet like-minded people.
Anna prides herself on her ability to run a smooth household. She and husband Michael don't want children as they are happy as they are. But are they truly happy? Anna is beginning to feel she is the only one putting any effort into their marriage and while having a baby won't fix things, she and Michael need to do something to get back on track. When she sees an advert for The No-Kids Club, she decides to give it a go.
Poppy and husband Alistair are desperate to be parents but so far their attempts at IVF have been unsuccessful. Poppy goes along to The No-Kids Club in the hope of making new friends without the heartache of hearing about adorable children and pregnancies.
The three women have very different opinions of relationships and families, but they do have one thing in common - their child-free lives.
I've been looking forward to reading The No-Kids Club and it was definitely worth the wait. I enjoyed getting to know Clare, Anna and Poppy and while I did expect them to strike up more of a bond, I did enjoy their individual stories. I felt for Poppy as the chance to carry a baby of her own slipped further and further away and while her actions weren't always the wisest, I could understand the measures that she went to. I could also understand Clare's stance on not wanting to have children and felt her frustration as society looked upon her as strange for not wanting to procreate. For me, one of the most interesting characters was Anna. She came across as a bit of a pushover, with her husband making all the decisions while Anna ran around after him and I was waiting for her to wake up and realise she was worth far more than that. I was willing her to stand up to Michael and make him realise that his behaviour was unacceptable.
I loved Talli's writing style as it had an easy flow to it and I felt like I really got to know the characters. I read the book quite quickly as it is such a fun read and I wanted to see how it would all pan out for Clare, Anna and Poppy.
I really enjoyed reading The No-Kids Club. It's a light, fun read that is perfect for some summer reading.
Anna prides herself on her ability to run a smooth household. She and husband Michael don't want children as they are happy as they are. But are they truly happy? Anna is beginning to feel she is the only one putting any effort into their marriage and while having a baby won't fix things, she and Michael need to do something to get back on track. When she sees an advert for The No-Kids Club, she decides to give it a go.
Poppy and husband Alistair are desperate to be parents but so far their attempts at IVF have been unsuccessful. Poppy goes along to The No-Kids Club in the hope of making new friends without the heartache of hearing about adorable children and pregnancies.
The three women have very different opinions of relationships and families, but they do have one thing in common - their child-free lives.
I've been looking forward to reading The No-Kids Club and it was definitely worth the wait. I enjoyed getting to know Clare, Anna and Poppy and while I did expect them to strike up more of a bond, I did enjoy their individual stories. I felt for Poppy as the chance to carry a baby of her own slipped further and further away and while her actions weren't always the wisest, I could understand the measures that she went to. I could also understand Clare's stance on not wanting to have children and felt her frustration as society looked upon her as strange for not wanting to procreate. For me, one of the most interesting characters was Anna. She came across as a bit of a pushover, with her husband making all the decisions while Anna ran around after him and I was waiting for her to wake up and realise she was worth far more than that. I was willing her to stand up to Michael and make him realise that his behaviour was unacceptable.
I loved Talli's writing style as it had an easy flow to it and I felt like I really got to know the characters. I read the book quite quickly as it is such a fun read and I wanted to see how it would all pan out for Clare, Anna and Poppy.
I really enjoyed reading The No-Kids Club. It's a light, fun read that is perfect for some summer reading.
June 2, 2014
Wow, where do i even start with my praise and love for The No-Kids Club? I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. I was hooked from the first chapter and found it hard to put down. I simply didn't want it to end, and want to know what happens next......
The book revolves around 3 ladies who meet when Clare, a 39 year old single lady, who is bored of all her friends having and talking about their kids, decides to set up a 'no kids club' where people can meet and talk about all things non child related. We meet Anna and Poppy who become inaugural members, each bringing their own story of why they dont have children themselves. We quickly learn about their lives and aspirations, which don't necessarily all mirror each other. As the story grows we see how they all learn from each other and how their friendships rub off on some of the decisions they make in life. We also meet Ellie, Clare's pregnant best friend who also plays a large part in the story, particularly later on.
I love that each chapter takes us into the life of one of the characters. The book is so well written I felt like I really was glimpsing into each of the characters worlds, and I grew to care about each of them very quickly. The dynamics of the relationships is brilliant and really strongly came across to me. I did feel like I wanted to protect and make each of the women happy as they each go through their own ups and downs.
Talli has a fantastic style of writing that grabs you by the shoulders and pulls you straight in. She can write with real warmth and affection for her characters and some how magically brings them to life without having to tell long back stories. It is soppy in parts and tells the story of love, family, and friendship, but also has many funny moments.
The idea to set up a club is ingenious, and if they don't already exist I can imagine them popping up all over the place once people get reading this book. I can imagine book clubs also reading this and then disappearing off to the pub after as it opens up the chance for people to feel free to get to know eachother better, without judgement over their life decisions. Acceptance is a strong theme throughout.
Now I have finished I have a book hangover and miss the characters. There feels like a sequel could easily follow to bring readers up to date about what happened next for each of the ladies. I truly loved this book and am now looking out to read Talli's other books too.
The book revolves around 3 ladies who meet when Clare, a 39 year old single lady, who is bored of all her friends having and talking about their kids, decides to set up a 'no kids club' where people can meet and talk about all things non child related. We meet Anna and Poppy who become inaugural members, each bringing their own story of why they dont have children themselves. We quickly learn about their lives and aspirations, which don't necessarily all mirror each other. As the story grows we see how they all learn from each other and how their friendships rub off on some of the decisions they make in life. We also meet Ellie, Clare's pregnant best friend who also plays a large part in the story, particularly later on.
I love that each chapter takes us into the life of one of the characters. The book is so well written I felt like I really was glimpsing into each of the characters worlds, and I grew to care about each of them very quickly. The dynamics of the relationships is brilliant and really strongly came across to me. I did feel like I wanted to protect and make each of the women happy as they each go through their own ups and downs.
Talli has a fantastic style of writing that grabs you by the shoulders and pulls you straight in. She can write with real warmth and affection for her characters and some how magically brings them to life without having to tell long back stories. It is soppy in parts and tells the story of love, family, and friendship, but also has many funny moments.
The idea to set up a club is ingenious, and if they don't already exist I can imagine them popping up all over the place once people get reading this book. I can imagine book clubs also reading this and then disappearing off to the pub after as it opens up the chance for people to feel free to get to know eachother better, without judgement over their life decisions. Acceptance is a strong theme throughout.
Now I have finished I have a book hangover and miss the characters. There feels like a sequel could easily follow to bring readers up to date about what happened next for each of the ladies. I truly loved this book and am now looking out to read Talli's other books too.
July 3, 2014
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
Talli Roland always writes a really fun and interesting story and The No-Kids Club is no exception. Her subject in this novel though felt unique, something a bit original that hasn’t been overdone and that was as refreshing as her writing skills.
Clare was strong minded in her mission to create a club for those who don’t have children- either by choice or by circumstance. (I almost wished Roland had made the club only for those who chose to not have children as that seems to be a void in the world in general- a place where people don’t ask when children are going to part of your life plan?) However, that was not the story written.
The relationship between the three women, complete strangers at the start of the club, develops entirely as it would out here in the real world. Obviously it’s really awkward at first and Clare is sometimes just itching to get away from these ladies but as the novel unfolds they slowly start to trust each other’s intentions and support each other, despite their different goals and plans in regards to kids.
Clare’s relationship with her best friend (busy career woman and about to have a baby..) was as realistic as it was charming – she was gently supportive of all Clare’s desires for her life without letting her own plans take a back seat in their conversations. I liked her immensely. I also appreciated the scenes between Clare and her ex, Edward. Their break up was so honest that it made the whole novel begin on a reassuringly straight and truthful path. You could feel how genuinely sad they both were to be finding themselves with opposite desires to parent- their break up seemed abrupt – but in reality most of us would get out as fast as possible rather than risk further heartache. You can rarely change someone’s mind when it comes to the desire for children.
I’m not sure I loved how things unfolded for Clare- part of me wished there had been another path taken by Roland? And having accepted said path I felt the whole thing wrapped up a bit too tidily given the original feelings of our protagonist. However, I loved reading The No-Kids Club and Talli Roland’s novels will always be a hit with me.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
Talli Roland always writes a really fun and interesting story and The No-Kids Club is no exception. Her subject in this novel though felt unique, something a bit original that hasn’t been overdone and that was as refreshing as her writing skills.
Clare was strong minded in her mission to create a club for those who don’t have children- either by choice or by circumstance. (I almost wished Roland had made the club only for those who chose to not have children as that seems to be a void in the world in general- a place where people don’t ask when children are going to part of your life plan?) However, that was not the story written.
The relationship between the three women, complete strangers at the start of the club, develops entirely as it would out here in the real world. Obviously it’s really awkward at first and Clare is sometimes just itching to get away from these ladies but as the novel unfolds they slowly start to trust each other’s intentions and support each other, despite their different goals and plans in regards to kids.
Clare’s relationship with her best friend (busy career woman and about to have a baby..) was as realistic as it was charming – she was gently supportive of all Clare’s desires for her life without letting her own plans take a back seat in their conversations. I liked her immensely. I also appreciated the scenes between Clare and her ex, Edward. Their break up was so honest that it made the whole novel begin on a reassuringly straight and truthful path. You could feel how genuinely sad they both were to be finding themselves with opposite desires to parent- their break up seemed abrupt – but in reality most of us would get out as fast as possible rather than risk further heartache. You can rarely change someone’s mind when it comes to the desire for children.
I’m not sure I loved how things unfolded for Clare- part of me wished there had been another path taken by Roland? And having accepted said path I felt the whole thing wrapped up a bit too tidily given the original feelings of our protagonist. However, I loved reading The No-Kids Club and Talli Roland’s novels will always be a hit with me.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
June 23, 2014
I won this book as a First Reads book here on Good Reads of course they hope that you will write a review and I always do. I found this book to be a great beach read, you can kind of finsish this book in ome long day, it's an easy read a fun story.
Clare Donoghue who is pushing forty finds that her boyfriend all of a sudden announces he wants children and that ends their fabulous relationship. Or at least what she thought was fabulous. She absolutely does not want children, I could kind of relate to Clare as I always knew I would never have children although my choices were based on my health, and I guess my background, which is what in the end has built Clare's decision also. Clare finds that all of her friends are busy with having kids and play dates and she either cant' see them or she does and they only want to talk about their lives with their children issues......she just doesn't relate well with that so she decides she is going to start a NO-Kids Club! She meets a young man who helps her by getting her on television on a Wake Up London program, and her club is off to a very promising start! The first few members though are what the book concentrates on, their lives and issues in addition to Clares. There is Poppy, a woman desparate and unable to conceive, and Anna who is trying everything she can to jump start her marriage that has gone stale. So in the end you find out if for Clare, is living child-free al it's cracked up to be? A very fun read, as i said, easy to finish in a long afternoon, I really enjoyed the book.
Here is the description as found on Good Reads: At almost forty, Clare Donoghue is living child-free and loving it.
Then her boyfriend says he wants kids, breaking off their promising relationship. And it's not just boyfriends: one by one, her formerly carefree friends are swallowed up in a nonstop cycle of play dates and baby groups. So Clare decides it's time for people who don't have children to band together. And so the No-Kids Club is born.
As the group comes together?Anna, who's seeking something to jumpstart a stale marriage, and Poppy, desperate for a family but unable to conceive?Clare's hoping to make the most of the childless life with her new friends.
Will the No-Kids Club be Clare's route to happiness, or will the single life lose its sparkle
Clare Donoghue who is pushing forty finds that her boyfriend all of a sudden announces he wants children and that ends their fabulous relationship. Or at least what she thought was fabulous. She absolutely does not want children, I could kind of relate to Clare as I always knew I would never have children although my choices were based on my health, and I guess my background, which is what in the end has built Clare's decision also. Clare finds that all of her friends are busy with having kids and play dates and she either cant' see them or she does and they only want to talk about their lives with their children issues......she just doesn't relate well with that so she decides she is going to start a NO-Kids Club! She meets a young man who helps her by getting her on television on a Wake Up London program, and her club is off to a very promising start! The first few members though are what the book concentrates on, their lives and issues in addition to Clares. There is Poppy, a woman desparate and unable to conceive, and Anna who is trying everything she can to jump start her marriage that has gone stale. So in the end you find out if for Clare, is living child-free al it's cracked up to be? A very fun read, as i said, easy to finish in a long afternoon, I really enjoyed the book.
Here is the description as found on Good Reads: At almost forty, Clare Donoghue is living child-free and loving it.
Then her boyfriend says he wants kids, breaking off their promising relationship. And it's not just boyfriends: one by one, her formerly carefree friends are swallowed up in a nonstop cycle of play dates and baby groups. So Clare decides it's time for people who don't have children to band together. And so the No-Kids Club is born.
As the group comes together?Anna, who's seeking something to jumpstart a stale marriage, and Poppy, desperate for a family but unable to conceive?Clare's hoping to make the most of the childless life with her new friends.
Will the No-Kids Club be Clare's route to happiness, or will the single life lose its sparkle
June 5, 2014
I had never read any of Talli Roland’s books before, but when she contacted me via twitter asking if I would like to review her new book, I decided having read the blurb I would enjoy it.
Clare is almost forty, child free but in a relationship with Edward. Clare has no desire to want children, Edward on the other hand does, and with all her friends talking about babies and biological clocks Clare needs a break. She decides to set up The No Kids Club, for others like her, who do not want to have children.
To begin with Clare is thrilled that she has two members in her No Kids Club, however it is soon apparent they are there for different reasons than Clare. Anna is happily married, she is a housewife and children do not enter her and her husband’s lives. Poppy is a primary school teacher and has longed to have children with her husband Alistair, unfortunately they haven’t been able to conceive naturally and have just been through their fourth round of IVF.
I feel that many people will be able to relate to this book, those who haven’t wanted children and those who can’t. Regardless of reasons behind why you haven’t got children this club has bought these women together. I feel that sometimes it is a bit of a taboo for women to suggest they don’t want children, however it today’s society I think it is becoming more common. IT is nice that this has been addressed in this book and also that you shouldn’t tar a woman with the same brush for not having children, as you have no idea the reason why they don’t.
I enjoyed the style it was written in, in that each chapter we visited another character. I enjoyed reading about all the characters in the book; however I feel that Clare and Poppy were the strongest two. Their personalities came across well in the book. I felt the struggle that Poppy was going through and at times confusion from Clare. I also liked the mystery surrounding Nicholas; I did feel though this could have been extended a little longer. I enjoyed the fact that all the characters entered The No Kids Club thinking certain things; however they all got a lot more out of it than what they expected.
I found this to be a very quick read and kept my interest throughout. I will now be getting hold of other books by Roland. I would like to thank Talli for sending me this in exchange for an honest review.
Clare is almost forty, child free but in a relationship with Edward. Clare has no desire to want children, Edward on the other hand does, and with all her friends talking about babies and biological clocks Clare needs a break. She decides to set up The No Kids Club, for others like her, who do not want to have children.
To begin with Clare is thrilled that she has two members in her No Kids Club, however it is soon apparent they are there for different reasons than Clare. Anna is happily married, she is a housewife and children do not enter her and her husband’s lives. Poppy is a primary school teacher and has longed to have children with her husband Alistair, unfortunately they haven’t been able to conceive naturally and have just been through their fourth round of IVF.
I feel that many people will be able to relate to this book, those who haven’t wanted children and those who can’t. Regardless of reasons behind why you haven’t got children this club has bought these women together. I feel that sometimes it is a bit of a taboo for women to suggest they don’t want children, however it today’s society I think it is becoming more common. IT is nice that this has been addressed in this book and also that you shouldn’t tar a woman with the same brush for not having children, as you have no idea the reason why they don’t.
I enjoyed the style it was written in, in that each chapter we visited another character. I enjoyed reading about all the characters in the book; however I feel that Clare and Poppy were the strongest two. Their personalities came across well in the book. I felt the struggle that Poppy was going through and at times confusion from Clare. I also liked the mystery surrounding Nicholas; I did feel though this could have been extended a little longer. I enjoyed the fact that all the characters entered The No Kids Club thinking certain things; however they all got a lot more out of it than what they expected.
I found this to be a very quick read and kept my interest throughout. I will now be getting hold of other books by Roland. I would like to thank Talli for sending me this in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2014
It’s clear how Clare feels about having children from the intimate scene with boyfriend Edward – and with best friend Ellie 7 ½ months pregnant and attending all types of clubs for pregnant mums, the idea of the No-Kids Club takes shape at Ellie’s baby shower. She is determined to meet people without children in their lives.
Anna and Poppy are the first women to attend the meet up and for very different reasons.
Talli Roland’s writing always just flows so it was easy to become involved in our three women’s lives. Clare thinking she knows what she wants, Anna losing herself in her relationship and Poppy obsessed to such a degree that she can’t feel/see anything else.
I have to admit squirming while Clare was on live TV talking about how she feels not wanting children … dressed from wardrobe in clothes that just weren’t her and giving the wrong idea to the viewing public. It did give the No-Kids Club a high profile though!
I’ve enjoyed getting caught up in the character’s lives with the drama and conflict – wanting to shake Michael because he just might lose everything he takes for granted, tell Nicholas to own up, shout at Poppy that she’s going to lose everything with her lies and give Clare a hug while saying she is missing a vital link in how she feels.
The No-Kids Club tackles the subject of fertility/infertility and societal expectations brilliantly. Talli Roland shows us those tangles of emotions and misunderstandings through our characters with such realism and sensitivity.
Another great Talli Roland novel and I recommend for all romance readers.
I would like to thank the author for pre-approval via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Anna and Poppy are the first women to attend the meet up and for very different reasons.
Talli Roland’s writing always just flows so it was easy to become involved in our three women’s lives. Clare thinking she knows what she wants, Anna losing herself in her relationship and Poppy obsessed to such a degree that she can’t feel/see anything else.
I have to admit squirming while Clare was on live TV talking about how she feels not wanting children … dressed from wardrobe in clothes that just weren’t her and giving the wrong idea to the viewing public. It did give the No-Kids Club a high profile though!
I’ve enjoyed getting caught up in the character’s lives with the drama and conflict – wanting to shake Michael because he just might lose everything he takes for granted, tell Nicholas to own up, shout at Poppy that she’s going to lose everything with her lies and give Clare a hug while saying she is missing a vital link in how she feels.
The No-Kids Club tackles the subject of fertility/infertility and societal expectations brilliantly. Talli Roland shows us those tangles of emotions and misunderstandings through our characters with such realism and sensitivity.
Another great Talli Roland novel and I recommend for all romance readers.
I would like to thank the author for pre-approval via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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