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The Oys & Joys
Life has its...
Peaks & valleys
Rain & rainbows
Oys & Joys
Sometimes, when you reach the back side of middle age, the past and the secrets it harbors collides with the present. And the crossroads between choosing action or forever facing regret becomes a defining moment.
Meet the Oys & Joys—Lizzie, Grace, Sassie and Ruby—baby boomers tied together with the strength, love and trust of their steel-laced friendships. Primed to revitalize lost dreams, shed useless baggage and check items off their Bubble Bath Bucket Lists, they aren't prepared for the decades old betrayal they uncover and the heartbreaking consequences that put their friendships to the ultimate test.
Four women, four friends of the heart and soul, who define their moment by revisiting their past to embrace their future.
"The Oys & Joys defines the challenges facing the boomer generation today through the eyes of four unforgettable women. The current electrifying every page is that everyone, at any age, has the power to change her life."
–Gloria Feldt, Cofounder, Take The Lead, author, No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power
"These women engage the reader from the first page, gave me a warm-hearted cry at the end and a roller coaster ride in-between. Loved it!" --Jan Gillespie
“A fantastic characterization of female relationships.” --Carlee Cook
"This author’s insight into the subtleties of friendships rings true and with such emotion, I wept and laughed with every character. I couldn’t put down and never guessed the totally unexpected twist at the end." -- Teri Sayegh
Peaks & valleys
Rain & rainbows
Oys & Joys
Sometimes, when you reach the back side of middle age, the past and the secrets it harbors collides with the present. And the crossroads between choosing action or forever facing regret becomes a defining moment.
Meet the Oys & Joys—Lizzie, Grace, Sassie and Ruby—baby boomers tied together with the strength, love and trust of their steel-laced friendships. Primed to revitalize lost dreams, shed useless baggage and check items off their Bubble Bath Bucket Lists, they aren't prepared for the decades old betrayal they uncover and the heartbreaking consequences that put their friendships to the ultimate test.
Four women, four friends of the heart and soul, who define their moment by revisiting their past to embrace their future.
"The Oys & Joys defines the challenges facing the boomer generation today through the eyes of four unforgettable women. The current electrifying every page is that everyone, at any age, has the power to change her life."
–Gloria Feldt, Cofounder, Take The Lead, author, No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power
"These women engage the reader from the first page, gave me a warm-hearted cry at the end and a roller coaster ride in-between. Loved it!" --Jan Gillespie
“A fantastic characterization of female relationships.” --Carlee Cook
"This author’s insight into the subtleties of friendships rings true and with such emotion, I wept and laughed with every character. I couldn’t put down and never guessed the totally unexpected twist at the end." -- Teri Sayegh
315 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2016
93 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 13, 2017
I have to admit to having this book on my kindle for a while and kept putting off reading it. Eventually I had the time and space to open it up. After reading the first few chapters I nearly gave up, but having an hour or so to spare a day or so later I carried on. I am so glad I did. By the middle of the book I could hardly put it down and the last few chapters, I read so quickly as to find out what happens.
One of my main likes for the story is that it is about a group or women friends all in their 50/60s. this gives a great prospective on life and life's happenings. the way they depend on each other and huddle up for conferences about problems is lovely. It makes you feel part of the group. The twists and turns and the intrigue of the plot itself makes it nearly into a whodunit cozy mystery, but the story of companionship and that each has their own history and secrets that they have not yet indulges, no matter how good a friend they all are. It is a true fact that no body completely knows another person, there is also a segment that is kept hidden. I truly liked this book.
So why did I struggle at the beginning? I think it was because of all the different woman and characters involved.. each chapter is dedicated to one of the main four character POV, but during the chapters it sometime became unclear as to who was speaking. Especially as I found some narration did not start on new lines. But once I accepted this and spent a bit of time making sure I knew who was talking this book came alive.
One of my main likes for the story is that it is about a group or women friends all in their 50/60s. this gives a great prospective on life and life's happenings. the way they depend on each other and huddle up for conferences about problems is lovely. It makes you feel part of the group. The twists and turns and the intrigue of the plot itself makes it nearly into a whodunit cozy mystery, but the story of companionship and that each has their own history and secrets that they have not yet indulges, no matter how good a friend they all are. It is a true fact that no body completely knows another person, there is also a segment that is kept hidden. I truly liked this book.
So why did I struggle at the beginning? I think it was because of all the different woman and characters involved.. each chapter is dedicated to one of the main four character POV, but during the chapters it sometime became unclear as to who was speaking. Especially as I found some narration did not start on new lines. But once I accepted this and spent a bit of time making sure I knew who was talking this book came alive.
February 17, 2016
I agreed to read The Oys & Joys in exchange for an honest review. I received the title from Netgalley.
I found the story of Lizzie, Grace, Sassie and Ruby AKA The Oys & Joys utterly refreshing and quite unexpected. I wasn’t sure what I was going to get while reading about women who could be my mother, and what I found was hope. Let me explain. Growing older has always seemed a bit daunting and scary to me; especially since watching my family do it. Hell, my mother died at 50! So reading a book about four very vivacious women who are in the “back side of middle age”; not sick, still kicking along, even so much as having a sex life and pole dancing! It gives me hope! Hope that when I am in my 60’s, I still have a sex life for one! And, that I also can still live my life to the fullest.
I had a few issues with the story, the multiple point of view format being one. Now mind you I was reading late into the night, so this could be so totally my fault, but I would get a bit lost on who’s POV we were in. I also found that it took a bit of time for Ruby to stand out in the story for me, especially when you threw Rosie into the mix (dinner party). To be honest, when the names are so close, it gets a bit confusing. Ruby didn’t stand out in the story until Rosie became a prominent character, if that makes sense? BTW, loved that part of the story line and good for her! The only other thing I can think of, is when you have all four women together, they all seem to be speaking at once; it gets a bit discombobulated at times.
Other than those few minor things and I do mean very minor, I really enjoyed the story. I am giving The Oys & Joys 4.5 Boundless Stars.
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I found the story of Lizzie, Grace, Sassie and Ruby AKA The Oys & Joys utterly refreshing and quite unexpected. I wasn’t sure what I was going to get while reading about women who could be my mother, and what I found was hope. Let me explain. Growing older has always seemed a bit daunting and scary to me; especially since watching my family do it. Hell, my mother died at 50! So reading a book about four very vivacious women who are in the “back side of middle age”; not sick, still kicking along, even so much as having a sex life and pole dancing! It gives me hope! Hope that when I am in my 60’s, I still have a sex life for one! And, that I also can still live my life to the fullest.
I had a few issues with the story, the multiple point of view format being one. Now mind you I was reading late into the night, so this could be so totally my fault, but I would get a bit lost on who’s POV we were in. I also found that it took a bit of time for Ruby to stand out in the story for me, especially when you threw Rosie into the mix (dinner party). To be honest, when the names are so close, it gets a bit confusing. Ruby didn’t stand out in the story until Rosie became a prominent character, if that makes sense? BTW, loved that part of the story line and good for her! The only other thing I can think of, is when you have all four women together, they all seem to be speaking at once; it gets a bit discombobulated at times.
Other than those few minor things and I do mean very minor, I really enjoyed the story. I am giving The Oys & Joys 4.5 Boundless Stars.
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
October 27, 2016
Mess
This book is a complete mess. I can't believe I read three quarters of it. I really enjoy sisterhood and friendships that are forged over lifetimes, probably the reason I gave this story so much of my time.
Changing the story from four women constantly is exhausting, and it just gets muddy. I also didn't appreciate the lesbian aspect. Take my advice and pass on this one.
This book is a complete mess. I can't believe I read three quarters of it. I really enjoy sisterhood and friendships that are forged over lifetimes, probably the reason I gave this story so much of my time.
Changing the story from four women constantly is exhausting, and it just gets muddy. I also didn't appreciate the lesbian aspect. Take my advice and pass on this one.
June 7, 2016
Way too much drama!
I rarely give up on a novel once past page 100. I can't believe I dumped this after 90% but the fact is I realised I would have to 're read the entire book to try and untangle the convoluted relationships between characters. I have totally lost interest in discovering who's child belongs to whom.
It might just be my lack of interest in familial drama but this book was definitely not for me.
I rarely give up on a novel once past page 100. I can't believe I dumped this after 90% but the fact is I realised I would have to 're read the entire book to try and untangle the convoluted relationships between characters. I have totally lost interest in discovering who's child belongs to whom.
It might just be my lack of interest in familial drama but this book was definitely not for me.
February 19, 2016
**Big thanks to NetGalley and LadyLake Publishing for giving me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review**
This was unique, in a good way. It's a book about 4 friends who are in their 60s. It talks about the "wedgie" generation, as another way to call middle age. They aren't really old yet, but they aren't starting out either. I've never thought about what a challenge that is. And I liked the perspective because it's right where my mom is.
Each woman faces challenges of her age and her personal life. One is widowed, one is recently divorced, one has never been married and on is living in an emotionally abusive relationship. So each has something to work on.
The women are all friends and stand with their one friend as her life comes crashing down around the secrets surrounding her.
It really has a great flow, and I like how it shifts from woman to woman, and it lists who the chapter is about at the beginning which keeps you from getting confused.
You really come to care about all these women. And even though the cover didn't really catch my eye, the story did. There is good writing in here, and a great flow. Sometimes it does slow down, which is why I went to 4 stars. But overall, I enjoyed myself.
This was unique, in a good way. It's a book about 4 friends who are in their 60s. It talks about the "wedgie" generation, as another way to call middle age. They aren't really old yet, but they aren't starting out either. I've never thought about what a challenge that is. And I liked the perspective because it's right where my mom is.
Each woman faces challenges of her age and her personal life. One is widowed, one is recently divorced, one has never been married and on is living in an emotionally abusive relationship. So each has something to work on.
The women are all friends and stand with their one friend as her life comes crashing down around the secrets surrounding her.
It really has a great flow, and I like how it shifts from woman to woman, and it lists who the chapter is about at the beginning which keeps you from getting confused.
You really come to care about all these women. And even though the cover didn't really catch my eye, the story did. There is good writing in here, and a great flow. Sometimes it does slow down, which is why I went to 4 stars. But overall, I enjoyed myself.
February 27, 2017
The Oys & Joys by Marcia Feldt is a mid life crisis waiting to happen, for women that is. This is a funny, witty, and sometimes bawdy book, that delves into the lives of four girlfriends. With her "wedgie" generation and "bubble bath list", Feldt maintains a sense of humor throughout this book that is not only funny, but sometimes emotionally charged when one character has to ponder the cancer diagnosis yet again. All of the women come from different backgrounds, yet are very relatable and connected to each other as friends. With well described personalities that are unique to each character, Feldt has done a great job of capturing what middle age is like for women, full of heartache, challenges and big decisions. The characters' alternate between the past and present, with plenty of secrets to go around, and forge ahead in life, because there really is no other option. Highly recommend for an entertaining, light read.
November 8, 2016
Good read!
A good story told from four different points of view. Four women who have grown up together and have shared many happy times as well as many devastating situations.
A good story told from four different points of view. Four women who have grown up together and have shared many happy times as well as many devastating situations.
March 26, 2017
Friends
Friends whose lives entwine through the years and the tears of growing old. Secrets come to the forefront and strengthen their lives
Friends whose lives entwine through the years and the tears of growing old. Secrets come to the forefront and strengthen their lives
July 11, 2017
This is a good summer time read. Light and interesting. Instead of a "bucket list," this small band of women have "bubble bath lists," in which they store their goals. It is a quick, witty read!
February 23, 2017
‘But who needs speedy, especially at our age?’
Texas author Marcia Feldt graduated UCLA, worked in Public Accounting then founded Feldt Personnel Consultants, moved into real estate for a while and now lives and writes in Austin and Lake Conroe. She has dipped into the literary field with the first of what promises to be a series of novels based on her Bubble Bath List – providing recollections insights, memories and tattling on her baby boomer generation. Her writing is at once hilarious, very contemporary, and brings into focus the conundrums that face baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) and the adjustments to social media and all that accompanies growing older into middle age surrounded by generations that find boomers obsolete – until Marcia Feldt came along.
She lists on her website (see, very with it!) some explanations of her life and how she came to write THE OYS AND JOYS, even providing a definition of ‘oy’ for those uninformed (Oy or Oy vey - terms to express exasperation, dismay, calamity or any other sense of woe. Yiddish origin but so widely used, now integrated into American colloquialisms, and in dictionaries around the world), the BBL (Bubble Bath List - a need it or/and desire it list – just sort of an updated Bucket List), and The Wedgie Generation (those on the back side of middle age that are wedged in-between the past and the future and— since closer to the epilogue than the prologue of their lives— find themselves at a crossroads between choosing action or forever facing regret).
And from that bit of background there is a bit of flavor of Marcia’s writing. She condenses her story for us – ‘Every woman buries secrets. Even from herself. Lizzie, Grace, Sassie and Ruby – They laugh together, cry together, and keep each other together through life’s Oys & Joys. Until the tragic consequences of a decades’ old betrayal threatens the trust between them. Four vividly drawn women, intimately familiar and impossible to forget, shuttle back and forth in time, between menopause and youthful heartbreak, middle-age crises and the dramas of life, death, and self-reinvention. A story of unlocking truth. Of defeating regret. Of the power of steel-laced friendships. But sometimes, the back side of middle age shoves the past, and the secrets it harbors, into the present. And secrets never die quietly.’
These four ladies become wholly thee dimensional characters in a manner of a few pages and once we get to know them we don’t want to miss a gossipy moment. They are fun, funny, devoted, secretive, caustic at times, get into all manner of adventures – all with a salty taste of humor and honesty and caring that makes us want them to just hang around far longer than the novel. But then this is a series – so likely we’ll be with them a long time. Welcome to their world.
Texas author Marcia Feldt graduated UCLA, worked in Public Accounting then founded Feldt Personnel Consultants, moved into real estate for a while and now lives and writes in Austin and Lake Conroe. She has dipped into the literary field with the first of what promises to be a series of novels based on her Bubble Bath List – providing recollections insights, memories and tattling on her baby boomer generation. Her writing is at once hilarious, very contemporary, and brings into focus the conundrums that face baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) and the adjustments to social media and all that accompanies growing older into middle age surrounded by generations that find boomers obsolete – until Marcia Feldt came along.
She lists on her website (see, very with it!) some explanations of her life and how she came to write THE OYS AND JOYS, even providing a definition of ‘oy’ for those uninformed (Oy or Oy vey - terms to express exasperation, dismay, calamity or any other sense of woe. Yiddish origin but so widely used, now integrated into American colloquialisms, and in dictionaries around the world), the BBL (Bubble Bath List - a need it or/and desire it list – just sort of an updated Bucket List), and The Wedgie Generation (those on the back side of middle age that are wedged in-between the past and the future and— since closer to the epilogue than the prologue of their lives— find themselves at a crossroads between choosing action or forever facing regret).
And from that bit of background there is a bit of flavor of Marcia’s writing. She condenses her story for us – ‘Every woman buries secrets. Even from herself. Lizzie, Grace, Sassie and Ruby – They laugh together, cry together, and keep each other together through life’s Oys & Joys. Until the tragic consequences of a decades’ old betrayal threatens the trust between them. Four vividly drawn women, intimately familiar and impossible to forget, shuttle back and forth in time, between menopause and youthful heartbreak, middle-age crises and the dramas of life, death, and self-reinvention. A story of unlocking truth. Of defeating regret. Of the power of steel-laced friendships. But sometimes, the back side of middle age shoves the past, and the secrets it harbors, into the present. And secrets never die quietly.’
These four ladies become wholly thee dimensional characters in a manner of a few pages and once we get to know them we don’t want to miss a gossipy moment. They are fun, funny, devoted, secretive, caustic at times, get into all manner of adventures – all with a salty taste of humor and honesty and caring that makes us want them to just hang around far longer than the novel. But then this is a series – so likely we’ll be with them a long time. Welcome to their world.
March 2, 2017
“Oys and Joys” was a pleasure to read and it really got you involved in the different life stories. It was like being part of a sisterhood – the joys, the pain and the real life experiences that the average woman goes through. This story had many tender moments that cause you to reflect and to really feel the emotions of each of the characters. I think all the women were well portrayed by the writer, making them seem very real and their experiences believable. And even in parts that were dark and painful, there was the use of humour, which the average person uses to dull their pain. I think this was a very well-written book that should be read by more people.
February 27, 2017
“The Oys & Joys” by Marcia Feldt is just as quirky, humorous, and fun to read as the title implies. I was quickly drawn into the lives of these four women and found myself surprised at how the author was able to convey the story consistently with such humor, while still being brutally honest at points and addressing deep, heartbreaking issues without ever delving into over-sentimentality. I must admit that normally reading a book about aging baby boomers wouldn’t likely be my first pick, but this book really makes it work. There are plenty of dramatic moments, surprises, and character insights that keep the reader interested from the beginning until the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy chick lit. It is a fun, emotional ride that will leave you satisfied by the end. Even after closing the book, I still find the characters running through my mind, which is usually a sign that a book was well worth the read!
I would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy chick lit. It is a fun, emotional ride that will leave you satisfied by the end. Even after closing the book, I still find the characters running through my mind, which is usually a sign that a book was well worth the read!
March 23, 2016
*I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This book was written in first person with alternating points of view, so each character had a chance to tell her story through her own voice. The author did a great job developing the main characters and each one of them grew throughout the book. I appreciate that, since having so many characters can sometimes compromise the development of at least one.
However, as with many stories featuring multiple POVs, keeping track of who’s who and all of their baggage was tricky. And these characters have a lot going on. Everything from love interests to secret family members to business situations to mentally abusive spouses to sexual revelations. There is just so much to digest, along with a huge amount of peripheral characters to support the stories. And while the author did a nice job linking everyone and everything together, this book was not one you could breeze through and still get the whole story. You really need to pay attention – but the payoff is great. This is a true story of friendship and of navigating life’s messy waters while dealing with the added “bonus” of aging. And the ending was poignant and sweet.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging read and if you go in knowing you need to pay close attention to the plotline and the characters, I think you’ll really enjoy this one. 4 stars!
(Similar reviews for this title can be found on ChickLitPlus.com and PurdyandWordy.com.)
This book was written in first person with alternating points of view, so each character had a chance to tell her story through her own voice. The author did a great job developing the main characters and each one of them grew throughout the book. I appreciate that, since having so many characters can sometimes compromise the development of at least one.
However, as with many stories featuring multiple POVs, keeping track of who’s who and all of their baggage was tricky. And these characters have a lot going on. Everything from love interests to secret family members to business situations to mentally abusive spouses to sexual revelations. There is just so much to digest, along with a huge amount of peripheral characters to support the stories. And while the author did a nice job linking everyone and everything together, this book was not one you could breeze through and still get the whole story. You really need to pay attention – but the payoff is great. This is a true story of friendship and of navigating life’s messy waters while dealing with the added “bonus” of aging. And the ending was poignant and sweet.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging read and if you go in knowing you need to pay close attention to the plotline and the characters, I think you’ll really enjoy this one. 4 stars!
(Similar reviews for this title can be found on ChickLitPlus.com and PurdyandWordy.com.)
April 1, 2016
Oys & Joys was a joy to read. As a millennial, I approached this book thinking that it might be hard to empathize with the four main characters, but the author approached each story with such skill that their plights and pitfalls resonated with me, despite differing life experiences. Each of the four protagonists had such a distinct voice that I found myself drawn into their respective narratives. The book’s overall plot tied their stories together nicely. I was engrossed in the decades-spanning relationship between Sassie and Lizzie, and the conflicts that arise from the ghosts of their past. The style of writing in this book is short and punchy—making it for a great summer read. I appreciated the feminine themes throughout and the great sense of humor. The characters found themselves facing a range of issues, from relationships to parenthood, careers and health. The complexity of their concerns mirrors those of real life, and I appreciated the way in which the author handled sensitive topics—without judgement and always with humor. I would have liked to see more of Grace and Rosie’s stories. It is rare to see secondary characters so fully fleshed out, and I found myself so drawn to them that I was sometimes sad to leave their perspectives. Overall, the book is both endearing and honest. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life, and in fact, finds the beauty in it.
May 30, 2016
Heartbreaking with joy
This is an amazing story with absolutely amazing cast of characters. After so many years, this group has an amazing harmony. Please read! You'll laugh and cry but you'll keep reading until the end.
This is an amazing story with absolutely amazing cast of characters. After so many years, this group has an amazing harmony. Please read! You'll laugh and cry but you'll keep reading until the end.
July 12, 2016
I had a hard time figuring out who was who in the beginning of the book but it got easier as the characters developed. I really enjoyed the interactions of they friends. I hope everyone has one or two great friends like these in their lifetime!!
September 25, 2016
An enjoyable read.
Not quite in the same age range, I can already relate to some of the themes. Regret for some things I have and have not done, wishes and dreams of things to come and friendships that can stand the test of time and honesty. My BBL is growing...
Not quite in the same age range, I can already relate to some of the themes. Regret for some things I have and have not done, wishes and dreams of things to come and friendships that can stand the test of time and honesty. My BBL is growing...
November 26, 2016
I enjoyed this book. The 4 women are around my age and there was a lot I could identify with. These 4 women are such good friends that even when the past raises its head they are able to stick together and be supportive of each other.
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February 13, 2016Please see Boundless Book Reviews for the review.
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June 19, 2016
Hard to follow
As I did enjoy the book, at times I got the characters mixed up which made it a little difficult to follow. Other than that I did enjoy and moved the end!
As I did enjoy the book, at times I got the characters mixed up which made it a little difficult to follow. Other than that I did enjoy and moved the end!
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June 10, 2016Follow the lives of for best friends, Lizzi, Sassie, Grace & Ruby. You'll laugh, feel all kinds of emotions. Good read I enjoyed this book very much.
July 2, 2016
Character driven story of 4 women in their 60's, Lizzie, Sassie, Grace, and Ruby. Each narrates her own joys and sorrows.
August 4, 2016
Had one of the themes been included in the blurb, I would not have read this book.
October 27, 2016
rollercoaster of emotions
great to have such good friends
great to have such good friends
November 5, 2016
Chick lit, some friends to hang out with for a few days where the highs and lows move quickly resolved in a few chapters and everything turns out well in the end. a pleasant read
March 28, 2017
Excellent story of friendship between strong, yet very different women. Covered a multitude of problems that women face & the responses that different people have to the same issues. Worth your time to read.
April 28, 2017
way too difficult to keep up with whose point of view was being presented. Took too much effort to track who was who. It got on my nerves, I almost gave up on reading it towards the end. So muddled.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews