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Every Other Wednesday
Three women, each facing an empty nest, come together to cheer and challenge one another in this insightful, poignant new novel from acclaimed author Susan Kietzman.
For years, Ellie, Alice, and Joan enjoyed a casual friendship while volunteering at their children’s Connecticut high school. Now, with those children grown and gone to college, a local tragedy brings the three into contact again. But what begins as a catch-up lunch soon moves beyond small talk to the struggles of this next stage of life.
Joan Howard has spent thirty years of marriage doing what’s expected of Howard women: shopping, dressing well, and keeping a beautiful home. Unfulfilled, her boredom and emptiness eventually find a secret outlet at the local casino. Meanwhile, Ellie’s efforts to expand her accounting business lead to a new friendship that clashes with her family’s traditional worldview. And Alice, feeling increasingly distant from her husband, and alienated from her once fit body, takes up running again. But a terrifying ordeal shatters her confidence and spurs a decision that will affect all three women in different ways.
Over the course of an eventful year, Ellie, Alice, and Joan will meet every other Wednesday to talk, plan—and find the freedom, and the courage, to redefine themselves.
Praise for the novels of Susan Kietzman
“Beautifully written and closely observed…captures the deep and complicated love of family. Reading this lovely novel, I felt the embrace of summer on the shoreline.” — New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice on The Summer Cottage
“Readers will find themselves drawn into the tragedies and triumphs of this fictional family—distinct and yet utterly relatable.” — Hartford Books Examiner on The Good Life
For years, Ellie, Alice, and Joan enjoyed a casual friendship while volunteering at their children’s Connecticut high school. Now, with those children grown and gone to college, a local tragedy brings the three into contact again. But what begins as a catch-up lunch soon moves beyond small talk to the struggles of this next stage of life.
Joan Howard has spent thirty years of marriage doing what’s expected of Howard women: shopping, dressing well, and keeping a beautiful home. Unfulfilled, her boredom and emptiness eventually find a secret outlet at the local casino. Meanwhile, Ellie’s efforts to expand her accounting business lead to a new friendship that clashes with her family’s traditional worldview. And Alice, feeling increasingly distant from her husband, and alienated from her once fit body, takes up running again. But a terrifying ordeal shatters her confidence and spurs a decision that will affect all three women in different ways.
Over the course of an eventful year, Ellie, Alice, and Joan will meet every other Wednesday to talk, plan—and find the freedom, and the courage, to redefine themselves.
Praise for the novels of Susan Kietzman
“Beautifully written and closely observed…captures the deep and complicated love of family. Reading this lovely novel, I felt the embrace of summer on the shoreline.” — New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice on The Summer Cottage
“Readers will find themselves drawn into the tragedies and triumphs of this fictional family—distinct and yet utterly relatable.” — Hartford Books Examiner on The Good Life
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2017
53 people are currently reading
1331 people want to read
About the author
Susan Kietzman
7 books162 followersSusan Kietzman grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut. She went to Connecticut College, where her mother, aunt, and grandmother went before her. After graduation, she worked in Manhattan just long enough to realize that she feels more at home in the country than in the city. This conviction did not prevent her from going to journalism school at Boston University. Kietzman next moved
to Mystic, CT, where she worked at a weekly and then a daily newspaper. Along the way, she met and married Ted and had three sons.
The family spent time in Aurora, Ontario, and then moved Midland, Michigan, where Kietzman wrote fiction in the early morning, taught English composition at a community college, and worked for various public relations firms, creating content for corporate clients. When the family moved back to Connecticut, she continued teaching community college students and started writing grants for Mystic Seaport. She has since left the classroom and the Museum and is focusing all her writing time on fiction.
She spends her free time enjoying the outdoors – walking, hiking, biking – and reading good writing.
to Mystic, CT, where she worked at a weekly and then a daily newspaper. Along the way, she met and married Ted and had three sons.
The family spent time in Aurora, Ontario, and then moved Midland, Michigan, where Kietzman wrote fiction in the early morning, taught English composition at a community college, and worked for various public relations firms, creating content for corporate clients. When the family moved back to Connecticut, she continued teaching community college students and started writing grants for Mystic Seaport. She has since left the classroom and the Museum and is focusing all her writing time on fiction.
She spends her free time enjoying the outdoors – walking, hiking, biking – and reading good writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 20, 2017
Well paced, well-crafted, and genuine novel of three women exploring the "second half" of life. The characters are likable, the dialogue is realistic, and the issues discussed are contemporary. An excellent read for men who have relationships with women – meaning nearly every man - because of the genuine insight and perspective. A warm, witty, humorous, and moving work.
March 27, 2017
Brought together by a tragic event, three women, casual and fringe acquaintances, forge a situational friendship. Empty nesters, and women over the age of 45, these three women, Alice, Joan and Ellie, are each going through maturational and emotional changes in their lives.
From substance and gambling addiction to questioning their very sexuality identity, these three ladies meet, discuss their lives, and try to help one another through a year of change for each of them
Each character was fully developed and had an interesting storyline. While I didn't agree with a few topics and situations that came up, I did find the women all were able to stand up for themselves and their convictions. Their husbands played secondary roles in the story, but each husband had a profound effect on the characters.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest opinion.
From substance and gambling addiction to questioning their very sexuality identity, these three ladies meet, discuss their lives, and try to help one another through a year of change for each of them
Each character was fully developed and had an interesting storyline. While I didn't agree with a few topics and situations that came up, I did find the women all were able to stand up for themselves and their convictions. Their husbands played secondary roles in the story, but each husband had a profound effect on the characters.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest opinion.
March 14, 2017
A free copy of this book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I did not enjoy this book. The very premise that brings the three main characters together is never developed, although the reader is lead to believe it will be. All the characters are superficial and begin to blend together midway through the novel. There really is nothing holding the three main characters together. They float around in a drama-filled world where unrealistic events happen continuously. So many conflicts and twists are presented yet never fully explored and the reader is left hanging and wondering about the resolution. But even more annoying than the dangling plot lines are the political undertones. These were not at all subtle. I found myself frequently putting aside this book in frustration. This is not a book I would recommend.
I did not enjoy this book. The very premise that brings the three main characters together is never developed, although the reader is lead to believe it will be. All the characters are superficial and begin to blend together midway through the novel. There really is nothing holding the three main characters together. They float around in a drama-filled world where unrealistic events happen continuously. So many conflicts and twists are presented yet never fully explored and the reader is left hanging and wondering about the resolution. But even more annoying than the dangling plot lines are the political undertones. These were not at all subtle. I found myself frequently putting aside this book in frustration. This is not a book I would recommend.
March 15, 2017
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
That being said, I did not finish at 50%. Halfway through I still could not determine what this book was actually about. The premise sounded good, but the follow through and actual story was not. Topics covered in the first half of the book included a school shooting, gun control vs. right to carry weapons, coming out of the closet, gambling addiction, alcohol addiction, attempted rape, and being mugged at gunpoint.
Too much going on - just in the first half of the book! It needs to be more focused and way less gun control discussion; I felt like it was being shoved down my throat.
The cover looks great but has nothing to do with the story - well, at least the first half. Don't waste your time on this one.
That being said, I did not finish at 50%. Halfway through I still could not determine what this book was actually about. The premise sounded good, but the follow through and actual story was not. Topics covered in the first half of the book included a school shooting, gun control vs. right to carry weapons, coming out of the closet, gambling addiction, alcohol addiction, attempted rape, and being mugged at gunpoint.
Too much going on - just in the first half of the book! It needs to be more focused and way less gun control discussion; I felt like it was being shoved down my throat.
The cover looks great but has nothing to do with the story - well, at least the first half. Don't waste your time on this one.
April 27, 2017
This is a story about three women whose children have grown and left home and how they try to navigate and define this new chapter in life. It deals with some current topics in a sensitive and balanced way. An enjoyable page turner with some unexpected storylines! I would recommend it!
April 1, 2017
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book! I absolutely loved this book. Many books are written in and set in this current time but this book was so well rooted in it. Odd comments about politics, current events especially the ongoing argument about gun control in the USA since Sandy Hook and other shootings etc made the story so much more relatable. I loved each woman for a different part of her personality and I think most people will identify with one or more of them. I wanted to read the book because of the school shooting mentioned in the 'blurb' but the book uses that as a catalyst and then doesn't refer to it more than once or twice. This is much more a coming of middle age story, women coping with their children leaving the nest and reevaluating their lives and their relationships with their husbands.
If you are a plot driven reader, wanting exciting things to happen every chapter then this book is possibly not for you. If however you like to live with characters, experience their lives and their feelings and opinions then you will love this. I even found myself looking forward to the author telling us what each woman ordered to eat on their fortnightly lunches!
The book ended, in my opinion, leaving the door nicely open for a sequel. I would love to know how Ellie's conversation with her mother went!
The book includes suggested reading group questions and I think the novel is a perfect choice for a book group. There is so much to discuss that the three women have raised, from gun control, sexuality, personal safety, whether young college kids are over protected by their parents or just better supported than their parents generation was. I wish I could join Ellie, Alice and Joan for a quesadilla and chat to them about it!
If you are a plot driven reader, wanting exciting things to happen every chapter then this book is possibly not for you. If however you like to live with characters, experience their lives and their feelings and opinions then you will love this. I even found myself looking forward to the author telling us what each woman ordered to eat on their fortnightly lunches!
The book ended, in my opinion, leaving the door nicely open for a sequel. I would love to know how Ellie's conversation with her mother went!
The book includes suggested reading group questions and I think the novel is a perfect choice for a book group. There is so much to discuss that the three women have raised, from gun control, sexuality, personal safety, whether young college kids are over protected by their parents or just better supported than their parents generation was. I wish I could join Ellie, Alice and Joan for a quesadilla and chat to them about it!
April 3, 2017
After winning a contest through another book site, I was thrilled when the publisher offered me another book as an advanced reader's copy. The topic seemed interesting, and I gave it a try as my first experience.
The story begins after a school shooting, when 3 women who are casual acquaintances meet up at the funeral of one of the victims. Alice, Joan and Ellie have each sent their youngest child off to college, and are at loose ends. They make plans to meet for lunch, and as the year progresses, their friendship grows.
Yes, it is a book about a person's right to bear arms, however there are numerous other issues that the women are confronted with, and as we read, we learn more about their lives and their marriages, the different life-styles that they lead, and how they have grown together, and support each other, through the various events that life throws their way. The women do not agree on all issues, but they are there for each other.
More often than not, strong friendships during the school years fall apart once the children graduate, however in this instance, these women knew each other because of their children's involvement in the drama club, but they soon built a very strong friendship, which is more unusual.
At times I felt disappointed that there wasn't more said about what happened at the outset of the book, however those feeling were easily pushed aside by the other events that occurred throughout the book. For me, it was an enjoyable read.
The story begins after a school shooting, when 3 women who are casual acquaintances meet up at the funeral of one of the victims. Alice, Joan and Ellie have each sent their youngest child off to college, and are at loose ends. They make plans to meet for lunch, and as the year progresses, their friendship grows.
Yes, it is a book about a person's right to bear arms, however there are numerous other issues that the women are confronted with, and as we read, we learn more about their lives and their marriages, the different life-styles that they lead, and how they have grown together, and support each other, through the various events that life throws their way. The women do not agree on all issues, but they are there for each other.
More often than not, strong friendships during the school years fall apart once the children graduate, however in this instance, these women knew each other because of their children's involvement in the drama club, but they soon built a very strong friendship, which is more unusual.
At times I felt disappointed that there wasn't more said about what happened at the outset of the book, however those feeling were easily pushed aside by the other events that occurred throughout the book. For me, it was an enjoyable read.
April 4, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, finding it to be an interesting and thought-provoking story. Three women who were formerly mere acquaintances become friends after a tragic event and provide support for one another over lunch every other Wednesday. All three are recent empty-nesters, with different life circumstances that cause them to make challenging life-changing decisions. I was moved by how each woman deals with the societal and moral issues facing her, as well as how the three women are able to help one another despite their differing opinions on serious issues. I was sympathetic to all three of these well-crafted characters, and was impressed by the author’s ability to weave their individual stories together into a cohesive page-turning read. I think is would definitely be a good book group choice!
December 16, 2017
There are many women who will see themselves in the description of this book, mothers who have just become empty-nesters, but I think few will actually relate to the three main characters, Alice, Joan, and Ellie. This might not have been so noticeable in the hands of a better writer, but with this writer, it is glaring and then just downright annoying.
All three women have been stay-at-home moms in an upscale Connecticut community. Joan gets a $500 a week allowance from her banker husband. Her mother-in-law would not dream of "allowing" her to get a job and make it seem like her husband can't support her. Alice started a .successful business with her husband before choosing to stay home and bake an endless supply of cookies. Ellie at least makes a half-hearted attempt at running a small bookkeeping business, but she is totally cowed by her large Irish Catholic family, which has been protecting - and smothering her - all her life.
Each woman is a type in this write-by-numbers novel. They are brought together by a local tragedy, and it's hard to imagine why they form the a lasting bond. But the biggest problem is that every storyline is broadcast like a carnival barker with a megaphone. You know what's going to happen when Joan walks by the roulette table. You know what's going to happen when Ellie meets Diana. You know what's going to happen when the women get into a heated discussion about gun control. There's only one time when one of the women does something that might be slightly out of character at a gun rights rally, but it is not enough.
To me, a good story gets you so caught up in what's happening, you're not paying attention to the writing. There were too many times I stopped an marked passages of bad writing, especially bad dialogue. This is Alice and her husband:
"I know that you often don't have your cell phone on your person , and that you don't use it nearly as much as I do. So I have chosen to accept your story that you were on the floor at work that day and that you didn't get my message until long after I needed you."
"It's true, Alice. You know that. And I have apologized many times for my absence."
"That you have," said Alice. She took a sip of tea. "And you took good care of me when my injuries were fresh."
"Well, you're nice to say that."
Who the hell actually talks like that?
The author also never let's logic get in the way of the story. The dialogue above talks about no one being able to reach Alice's husband's cell phone after she's seriously injured. The man owns and works in a retail store. No one thought to call the store? No one thought to drive to the store to tell him?
The only one of these characters I developed even the slightest compassion for was Ellie. But in the end, I thought the book really failed to tell a good story.
All three women have been stay-at-home moms in an upscale Connecticut community. Joan gets a $500 a week allowance from her banker husband. Her mother-in-law would not dream of "allowing" her to get a job and make it seem like her husband can't support her. Alice started a .successful business with her husband before choosing to stay home and bake an endless supply of cookies. Ellie at least makes a half-hearted attempt at running a small bookkeeping business, but she is totally cowed by her large Irish Catholic family, which has been protecting - and smothering her - all her life.
Each woman is a type in this write-by-numbers novel. They are brought together by a local tragedy, and it's hard to imagine why they form the a lasting bond. But the biggest problem is that every storyline is broadcast like a carnival barker with a megaphone. You know what's going to happen when Joan walks by the roulette table. You know what's going to happen when Ellie meets Diana. You know what's going to happen when the women get into a heated discussion about gun control. There's only one time when one of the women does something that might be slightly out of character at a gun rights rally, but it is not enough.
To me, a good story gets you so caught up in what's happening, you're not paying attention to the writing. There were too many times I stopped an marked passages of bad writing, especially bad dialogue. This is Alice and her husband:
"I know that you often don't have your cell phone on your person , and that you don't use it nearly as much as I do. So I have chosen to accept your story that you were on the floor at work that day and that you didn't get my message until long after I needed you."
"It's true, Alice. You know that. And I have apologized many times for my absence."
"That you have," said Alice. She took a sip of tea. "And you took good care of me when my injuries were fresh."
"Well, you're nice to say that."
Who the hell actually talks like that?
The author also never let's logic get in the way of the story. The dialogue above talks about no one being able to reach Alice's husband's cell phone after she's seriously injured. The man owns and works in a retail store. No one thought to call the store? No one thought to drive to the store to tell him?
The only one of these characters I developed even the slightest compassion for was Ellie. But in the end, I thought the book really failed to tell a good story.
March 27, 2017
Alice is 55, Joan is 52, Ellie is 48. All find themselves with their children now in college so what do you do with your life now? How do you fill your days? Husbands have always been busy with their jobs. Old patterns of interaction no longer fit. You can't go back to your pre-children days, so what's next?
Every other Wednesday these 3 ladies meet to help each other figure out what they want to do with the next phase of their lives. The challenges each face is varied and unique to them yet they support each other in their quest during the one year time of this novel.
There seems to be a brash of empty nester novels lately and this one is very good in that it also comments on social issues.
I received a copy through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Every other Wednesday these 3 ladies meet to help each other figure out what they want to do with the next phase of their lives. The challenges each face is varied and unique to them yet they support each other in their quest during the one year time of this novel.
There seems to be a brash of empty nester novels lately and this one is very good in that it also comments on social issues.
I received a copy through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2017
This is the story of three women moving from one phase to another in their life journeys, meeting for lunch to vent and learn and make decisions.
I would’ve liked more depth of character and personality in Joan, Ellie and Alice. I saw a lot of their behaviors but didn’t feel like I knew them very well. And because I didn’t know them, their behaviors annoyed me instead of endearing me, which is too bad because this could’ve been a terrific book.
Unfortunately, the book seemed more like a list of “sins” (in the characters’ eyes) — gambling, homosexuality, a woman making her own money — than a story of three authentic women.
I did like the title, and it reminded me of another “Wednesday” book I’ve read — one I absolutely adored: The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton, which got 4 fat and happy stars from me.
https://randombookmuses.com/2017/05/2...
NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would’ve liked more depth of character and personality in Joan, Ellie and Alice. I saw a lot of their behaviors but didn’t feel like I knew them very well. And because I didn’t know them, their behaviors annoyed me instead of endearing me, which is too bad because this could’ve been a terrific book.
Unfortunately, the book seemed more like a list of “sins” (in the characters’ eyes) — gambling, homosexuality, a woman making her own money — than a story of three authentic women.
I did like the title, and it reminded me of another “Wednesday” book I’ve read — one I absolutely adored: The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton, which got 4 fat and happy stars from me.
https://randombookmuses.com/2017/05/2...
NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2017
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Thank you to Susan Kietzman . The story is about three women who become friends after a school shooting in their town. They have all become empty nesters, and they meet every other Wednesday for lunch . All go through different changes in their lives. A good read..
November 8, 2017
I really liked this book!
Three women, each facing an empty nest, come together to cheer and challenge one another in this insightful, poignant new novel from acclaimed author Susan Kietzman.
For years, Ellie, Alice, and Joan enjoyed a casual friendship while volunteering at their children's Connecticut high school. Now, with those children grown and gone to college, a local tragedy brings the three into contact again. But what begins as a catch-up lunch soon moves beyond small talk to the struggles of this next stage of life.
Joan Howard has spent thirty years of marriage doing what's expected of Howard women: shopping, dressing well, and keeping a beautiful home. Unfulfilled, her boredom and emptiness eventually find a secret outlet at the local casino. Meanwhile, Ellie's efforts to expand her accounting business lead to a new friendship that clashes with her family's traditional worldview. And Alice, feeling increasingly distant from her husband, and alienated from her once fit body, takes up running again. But a terrifying ordeal shatters her confidence and spurs a decision that will affect all three women in different ways.
Over the course of an eventful year, Ellie, Alice, and Joan will meet every other Wednesday to talk, plan--and find the freedom, and the courage, to redefine themselves.
Three women, each facing an empty nest, come together to cheer and challenge one another in this insightful, poignant new novel from acclaimed author Susan Kietzman.
For years, Ellie, Alice, and Joan enjoyed a casual friendship while volunteering at their children's Connecticut high school. Now, with those children grown and gone to college, a local tragedy brings the three into contact again. But what begins as a catch-up lunch soon moves beyond small talk to the struggles of this next stage of life.
Joan Howard has spent thirty years of marriage doing what's expected of Howard women: shopping, dressing well, and keeping a beautiful home. Unfulfilled, her boredom and emptiness eventually find a secret outlet at the local casino. Meanwhile, Ellie's efforts to expand her accounting business lead to a new friendship that clashes with her family's traditional worldview. And Alice, feeling increasingly distant from her husband, and alienated from her once fit body, takes up running again. But a terrifying ordeal shatters her confidence and spurs a decision that will affect all three women in different ways.
Over the course of an eventful year, Ellie, Alice, and Joan will meet every other Wednesday to talk, plan--and find the freedom, and the courage, to redefine themselves.
January 16, 2019
I was looking forward to reading this book, as the subject matter fits well with the stage of life I find myself in. Overall, I did like the book, but I did not like it as much as I had hoped. Here's why:
The author uses the characters and events in her book to discuss social agenda items, and it's not even done subtly. For example, the various viewpoints on gun control are displayed by different characters, and their viewpoints evolve as the story proceeds. It just reads too much like a persuasive article, instead of a fiction novel.
This happens again with the issues of homosexuality, gender, and so on. The characters sound like textbooks spouting off their views. It's just not done smoothly and subtly.
The author uses the characters and events in her book to discuss social agenda items, and it's not even done subtly. For example, the various viewpoints on gun control are displayed by different characters, and their viewpoints evolve as the story proceeds. It just reads too much like a persuasive article, instead of a fiction novel.
This happens again with the issues of homosexuality, gender, and so on. The characters sound like textbooks spouting off their views. It's just not done smoothly and subtly.
September 1, 2017
Three women, acquainted with each other through their children, now face empty nests and the big question, "Who am I now that my kids are gone?" Through biweekly lunches we follow Ellie, Alice, and Joan as they navigate new paths. This is a pretty angst-ridden novel. The women are likable, and some good questions are raised. However, two of the women come face-to-face with separate potential life-threatening events which seemed pretty fortuitous for the plot. The resolution is satisfying if idyllic.
April 24, 2017
“Most mothers mourn when their children leave the house, but the smart ones also celebrate the freedom they now have to redefine themselves.”
This is a simplistic summary of Every Other Wednesday by Susan Kietzman. This is no sweet sappy story of three women waiting to be grandmas. It is about gun control, rape, addiction, school violence, friendship, sexuality, and finding yourself when what you based your identity on is gone. The women in the book do not follow the stereotypical paths and it is enjoyable to see them come in to their own in this well written book.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
This is a simplistic summary of Every Other Wednesday by Susan Kietzman. This is no sweet sappy story of three women waiting to be grandmas. It is about gun control, rape, addiction, school violence, friendship, sexuality, and finding yourself when what you based your identity on is gone. The women in the book do not follow the stereotypical paths and it is enjoyable to see them come in to their own in this well written book.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2018
Way too many topics, not enough follow through. There were so many things talked about in this book, it's like the author wanted to cram as many topics in as possible without getting in depth about any of them. Just a sampling of those topics included gambling, drinking, late-in-life lesbian realizations, school shootings, rape, stalking, empty nest syndrome, lazy husbands...I could go on but it's not necessary. I wish the author would have picked a few things and went more in depth with them rather than glossing over everything. Poorly organized and boring.
October 4, 2020
2 star is being kind. It was very boring. I liked the original idea of 3 women finding their way after all the kids have left. It took forever for something to happen. It was the same day to day for a 1/3 of the book. Lost interest so many times I finally finished. I don’t even want to put it in book swap.
May 23, 2017
What an unexpected, introspective, well crafted book 'Every Other Wednesday' is, securing my attention with it's well-defined characters, Alice, Joan, and Ellie. The book goes way beyond what one might imagine three women having lunch would be discussing, showing us what we see on the surface is just that, only the surface, the tip of the iceberg.
Reading this book caused me to dig deep and assess my own feelings about gun control, reflect on my own 'empty-nest' and the bitter-sweet changes that go along with it, finding myself relating to or having empathy for each of these woman on some level. I was left with the lingering thought that defending one's self, at any level, comes at a cost.
I would highly recommend 'Every Other Wednesday' to other readers and would like to thank Susan Kietzman for the pleasure of reading this book.
Reading this book caused me to dig deep and assess my own feelings about gun control, reflect on my own 'empty-nest' and the bitter-sweet changes that go along with it, finding myself relating to or having empathy for each of these woman on some level. I was left with the lingering thought that defending one's self, at any level, comes at a cost.
I would highly recommend 'Every Other Wednesday' to other readers and would like to thank Susan Kietzman for the pleasure of reading this book.
April 1, 2020
I feel like the novel had potential, but by page 163, still nothing was really happening. The most “head turning” part was an attempted rape and then it went back to being sort of just okay. I think what turned me off the most was that the characters talk like they are duchesses from the 19th century. No one really talks like that. Maybe making one character use obscurely “proper” language could be a unique trait, but to make everyone talk like that, it’s just not believable. There was a lot of heavy hitting issues in it like gun control, homosexuality, gambling addiction... but I almost feel like it was too much and way too in your face. It wasn’t so much a story as it was a transcript of a mock podcast about social/political issues. I really had high hopes and the cover was pretty but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
What is the opposite of misogynistic? That’s what this book is. It portrays most of the men as either unwilling or unable to be supportive husbands. They are shallow and only care about themselves. It also has a major anti-gun and pro-gay message.
If you enjoy WOKE, then perhaps this book is for you.
Not only do I not really appreciate the message but the characters are rather shallow and stereotyped also. And I was very tired of knowing exactly what they were eating every time they met for lunch-where hamburger with grilled onions or Alice’s arugula salads with balsamic. Really? Also they dressed rather stereotypical for their “type.” I picked up this book because it was free and I am sorry I wasted my time with it.
If you enjoy WOKE, then perhaps this book is for you.
Not only do I not really appreciate the message but the characters are rather shallow and stereotyped also. And I was very tired of knowing exactly what they were eating every time they met for lunch-where hamburger with grilled onions or Alice’s arugula salads with balsamic. Really? Also they dressed rather stereotypical for their “type.” I picked up this book because it was free and I am sorry I wasted my time with it.
May 5, 2017
Children leave for college
School shooting ...leads to thinking/talking about life
Ladies meet for lunch/companionship...begin talking about guns/gun control, marriage, husbands, children, coming out, working mothers/empty nest, gambling, gay rights....
Meet over 1 year from Oct to Sept.
I loved the thoughts - "I say 1 thing and my husband hears another"
and that public libraries today are more like community centers- I work in 1 and know that is true.
Susan Keitzman has 4 books, I have now searched them out and read them all.
School shooting ...leads to thinking/talking about life
Ladies meet for lunch/companionship...begin talking about guns/gun control, marriage, husbands, children, coming out, working mothers/empty nest, gambling, gay rights....
Meet over 1 year from Oct to Sept.
I loved the thoughts - "I say 1 thing and my husband hears another"
and that public libraries today are more like community centers- I work in 1 and know that is true.
Susan Keitzman has 4 books, I have now searched them out and read them all.
July 13, 2017
This novel covered a lot of ground. The three friends, who come together as empty nesters, encounter a plethora of modern problems in addition to their central one of adjusting to life after the kids have left for college. In biting off this much, I felt like the author lost out on developing the relationships among these friends. Their twice monthly lunches were filled with dialog about these large issues that sounded as if it was taken straight out of reference material, rather than feeling more natural. Ultimately, this factual tone prevented me from truly caring about the characters.
November 25, 2017
This book fell flat for me. The tone was more factual than fictional and more issue driven than a warm-hearted friendship between three women. I just never got a sense of warmth or true connectedness between any of them, despite the words and actions being there. There was a certain coldness and emotional remove in the writing. Left me feeling blah.
All that being said, totally appreciated the subject matter. Think it is an area well worth exploring. Kietzman covered that aspect quite well, she just didn't draw me in with her storytelling.
All that being said, totally appreciated the subject matter. Think it is an area well worth exploring. Kietzman covered that aspect quite well, she just didn't draw me in with her storytelling.
April 25, 2019
This is a story about 3 women who meet for lunch every other Wednesday. As they learn more about each other (and we, the readers, do as well) the lives they live become more apparent. Each has started a new phase of their lives. Their children are off to college and leaving home. Each woman wonders what her role in life should be. As they flounder through various situations, some very serious, they learn to confide in each other and try to be supportive.
I was surprised at some of the issues that came up but it was interesting to read how each woman made her decision on what to do.
I was surprised at some of the issues that came up but it was interesting to read how each woman made her decision on what to do.
March 2, 2020
I would say 3 1/2 stars. I liked that the author tackled tough subject matters with each one of the three main characters, being first time empty nesters. She shows from each point of view how each reacts to the other one's bringing forward gun control, gay rights, gambling problems, sexual violence and martial problems. I think she tried to tackle too many problems in one book. I found myself trying to remember who had which problems at times. She is an author I will watch for as she has potential.
March 16, 2017
Thank you for the sermon in the form of a book for our Second Amendment. While I do agree that everyone has a right to bear arms (just not in a government office), I really didn't need it shoved down my throat for basically the entire story.
What I loved: Ellie's story/journey was my favorite of the three. I think she grew the most as a person and had the most significant changes in her life now that she had successfully gotten her kids to the next level of college. Joan is a closet snob (seriously - this is a casino in CT - not Monte Carlo. Expect jeans and scruffy people.) and Alice is just annoying overall. Maybe its better their families weren't part of the story.
What I didn't love: I thought this was going to be more about their lives now that they all suffered from empty-nest syndrome but it was more focused on their own personal growth. There was little to no actual interaction with their families and I was disappointed. I was just expecting more.
What I learned: How not to be when my kid heads off to college in 18 months. The hobby search starts now!
Overall Grade: C+
What I loved: Ellie's story/journey was my favorite of the three. I think she grew the most as a person and had the most significant changes in her life now that she had successfully gotten her kids to the next level of college. Joan is a closet snob (seriously - this is a casino in CT - not Monte Carlo. Expect jeans and scruffy people.) and Alice is just annoying overall. Maybe its better their families weren't part of the story.
What I didn't love: I thought this was going to be more about their lives now that they all suffered from empty-nest syndrome but it was more focused on their own personal growth. There was little to no actual interaction with their families and I was disappointed. I was just expecting more.
What I learned: How not to be when my kid heads off to college in 18 months. The hobby search starts now!
Overall Grade: C+
August 8, 2017
Got through the first 100 pages fine and then it was tough going. New author for me. Don't know if I would read her again. Story of three mothers, new empty nesters, who decided on lunch and then bonded and decided on meeting for lunch every other Wednesday. They each had a different set of problems in their lives but were easily able to relate to one another. Would I recommend it? I don't know.
March 22, 2023
Embracing the Empty Nest
This book is written from a "day in the life" perspective, involving the lives of three actively involved mothers who are new to the empty nest. Susan Kietzman effortlessly pairs current social concerns in the midst of a growing relationship of Joan, Alice and Ellie. The author addresses the pressures faced by teens and parents alike. Well written, well worth the time to read it. This book is one that will stay with me.
This book is written from a "day in the life" perspective, involving the lives of three actively involved mothers who are new to the empty nest. Susan Kietzman effortlessly pairs current social concerns in the midst of a growing relationship of Joan, Alice and Ellie. The author addresses the pressures faced by teens and parents alike. Well written, well worth the time to read it. This book is one that will stay with me.
May 30, 2017
Three women are brought together after a fatal shooting at the local high school. The last of their children graduated the year before and these three women deepen their friendship over lunch every other Wednesday. They are all faced with the empty nest syndrome. What will they do with their lives now that their children are gone.
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