Can You See Us Now?

by Cheryl Benton

Three best friends rebel against unsolicited AARP cards, hot flashes, bosses, becoming invisible, and the perceptions of what’s old. Suzy, Trish, and Madge, best friends since their early twenties, seemed to have it all. Beautiful, smart, and successful, they'd made it to the top in the most demanding city of them all, New York. Then they turned 50 and found that the world which once was their oyster started closing up faster than a New York minute. Bartenders ignore them, bosses marginalize them, and they’ve aged out of the prized 25-49 year-old demographic that marketers woo. They had suddenly become invisible. Inspired by their friendships with a supportive and thriving group of New York City women, who call themselves the “Ripe Tomatoes,” Suzy, Trish, and Madge start to realize the power of saying, “YES,” and that living your dreams has nothing to do with age. And since no one else was celebrating women over 50, Suzy, Trish, and Madge started a business to do just that. A funny and moving insider’s story about New York City’s not-so-invisible women over 50 and beyond, who are living their lives to the fullest, achieving dreams, dating, having sex, and sometimes even falling in love again. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll root them on, and you’ll never think about age the same way again. Suzy, a top ad agency executive with a wonderful supportive husband and two great kids, had propelled little known brands into household names. Then she looked around one day and realized she was the oldest person in the conference room and her “12-year old” boss dismisses most of her ideas as appealing only to women with “dried up vaginas.” Trish owns an art gallery, is married to a wealthy hedge fund guy, has a fabulous apartment overlooking Central Park, a summer home in the Hamptons, and a closet full of couture clothes…until her life is turned upside down by those dreaded words, “We have to talk.” Madge, is a highly regarded TV journalist who has traveled the world on assignments and knows celebrities, presidents and kings by their first names, but has been too busy pursuing a career to have a life - until she’s pushed out of her TV morning show and replaced by a 30-something former beauty queen and Harvard graduate.

Genres: Chick Lit

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2018

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can You See Us Now

Cheryl Benton


CAN YOU SEE US NOW is the story of three friends who suddenly find themselves at fifty years old and most of the world is ignoring them. Being in this age group, I found this book hysterical and spot on! They are part of a group of women who call themselves The Ripe Tomatoes and soon enough, I found myself cheering them on and laughing right along with them! Hang on my reading friends, it's going to be a crazy but fun ride!


CAN YOU SEE US NOW is a debut novel by Cheryl Benton but after you read it you will be shaking your head and saying "no way" over and over again. Cheryl Benton writes about characters that become real right before your eyes. In her writing, Benton gives you a pathway toward getting invested in their lives and all they are going through.


All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time. CAN YOU SEE US NOW is a bit of heart tugging and wonderful tale and I loved it. The positive female friendships make you want to go out and make some new best friends.


I thoroughly enjoyed reading CAN YOU SEE US NOW. It is funny and heart warming and filled with so many different emotions. There is so much going on in this story, but Cheryl Benton does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then giggling on the same page. More than once I wanted to be right there in the restaurant laughing away the night with these awesome ladies! Once you finish devouring their stories you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Cheryl Benton. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little story but it felt a lot like a plus size gal shopping in the size 2 department. I loved the concept of women over 50 still having some of their best life ahead but was annoyed that none of these women faced real world financial problems, body images, etc. The author touched on issues but the solutions came too easy to these women. I loved the concept of the dinner groups and the support for each other but found the characters unidentifiable beyond the surface. Did they all have to look like models with unlimited budgets for gorgeous clothing? Did they all have to fall into high profile jobs? Did they all have to have fabulous relationships where all the guys got along so well? I’d be happy with any of the above!!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a baby-boomer

In the 60' s we touted the phrase "Don't trust anyone over 30." We created the cult of youth. I'm 70 now and definitely see that aging women are "invisible." Thanks for a book that states that it doesn't have to be that way . "Carle diem", sisters.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book and sailed through it quicky. This is your go to beach read this summer. This book will have you laughing out loud, especially if you are 45+. As I was reading this book I couldn't help but notice how much this book has inspired me to ask myself how I could be a better person, what could I do to make myself enjoy my life better, how could I help support my family and friends better? This is not a deep book, but while I was reading this book and admiring the characters, I couldn't help but jot things down on how I could do BETTER. Some readers suggest that this book reminds them of Sex and the City, which it does somewhat, but the women in this book are older, stronger and extremely talented and will not let age defy who they are. If you are looking for a book to get your juices flowing and bring you inspiration through wonderful and likeable characters, this is the book for you! #winewomenandwordsofthenorthshorebookclub #cherylbenton

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational

Yes, over 50,. Loved the book, which encourages one to find happiness in their heart and act on it. Certainly not a rich New York lady, but the message resonates no matter where you live.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the premise of women over 50 finding new passions and adventures, but the execution was lacking. Everything about the book felt superficial. The descriptions of everything from their personalities (I couldn't tell if they had distinct personalities beyond being middle-aged, wealthy, white women), to their clothing, to the actual events in this book felt shallow and underwhelming. I would have much preferred a book with half (a quarter?) as many "life events"--ageism, sexism, out-of-wedlock parenting, getting fired, new relationships, CANCER!, new careers, Tony awards, Cannes Lions, attempted homicide, stalking, mean-girl note dropping, documentary making, international adoption, weddings (plural!), and probably a few I've already forgotten about--but that covered them in much greater depth. Honestly, there were so many things happening that I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. I also found the narration to be poor enough as to detract from the overall telling of the story. That the different characters barely had differing personalities was all the more apparent when there was no voice switching and they all make the same pronunciation errors (Never would a TV journalist say the word escape as EX-cape). I know a sequel is coming out in 2020, and I hope a lot less happens to Susie, Trish, and Madge and that they each get to experience their lives more deeply.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charmer! It's sassy and funny and touching and zips right along--Cheryl Benton's a terrific storyteller. It's made me look at all of my women friends with such love and gratitude (as if I need a reminder, but thank you, Cheryl Benton, for ringing that little bell in my heart).

[Patricia Vaccarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Can See Us Now” is much more than chic lit for women of a certain age. Madge, Trish and Suzy are best friends who support one another through thick and thin. Beautiful, accomplished professionals, they are at the peak of their earning careers and their sexual prowess. Madge is a prominent broadcast journalist, Suzy works in advertising and Trish owns her own art gallery supported by her uber-rich husband who made his money on Wall Street. High-energy, eclectic hot spots all over Manhattan gives us a glamorous glimpse of fine restaurants (Balthazar and 21 Club), townhouse living (out of Dwell Magazine), and gorgeous finery (bring on the Manolo Blahniks and Louboutins)—these women know how to dress well and they know every resource that the city has to offer.

Despite having all of the trappings of outward success, the three women suffer from one fatal flaw—they’re fifty. And because they are fifty, everywhere they turn, they are getting pushed around and passed over by a culture that is intent on making them invisible. Madge is getting pushed out of her job as a broadcast journalist to make room for a young, sexy babe. Suzy’s “creative concepts” are deemed to be too old and outdated at her ad agency. Trish is on the verge of losing her gallery when her husband’s business dealings unravel in a high-profile financial scandal. Everything is spiraling out of control and going downhill, but when Suzy decides to start her own media company named “The Three Tomatoes,” the real drama begins.

The story steamrolls through hot flashes, new romantic interests, and terrific career opportunities that inspire women to believe that maybe growing older is really about personal and professional growth, and not such a bad thing after all. This book shares the same tone as Olivia Goldsmith’s “First Wives Club,” and the juicy, page-turning style of Jacqueline Susann’s “Valley of the Dolls.” As the “Three Tomatoes,” Madge, Trish and Suzy are too young to throw in the towel and too old to be contenders for ingénues, yet they run a hotly contested horse race, strutting their stuff and their smarts to ultimately win. There is tremendous power in being fifty! While the age of the three women and their social milieu in Manhattan might remind you of “Sex and the City,” “And Just Like That,” this story is better than sex. “Can You See Us Now” is like ripping open a bag of potato chips. Bet you can’t eat just one.

[Kate Kazuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect timing!!!!

This book came to me by chance at the perfect time! I am 55, in the hospitality industry, well connected and well respected. While I am typically a flexible person who handles change well, some things have been happening that have been really...not right. New office design with cubes instead of an office, same pay grade as a millennium with 20 years less experience....I was feeling like I was over thinking things. Too sensitive. That I needed more humility. But it wasn’t ok. I’ve known for awhile that it’s time to find another route. I hate the word, reinvent”, but didn’t find a better one until today. I need to pivot myself. Your book told me that I am absolutely NOT wrong. And that I CAN pivot and I can pivot well. I don’t think anybody is trying to get “rid of me”, but the word I saw often in the book was perfect...marginalized. And I don’t like feeling that way. The book reminded me not to settle for less just because I need the money. And I DO need the money! But I also have the chance right now to redirect. And I thank you for putting this fiction/non-fiction book out there! Odd that I chose it without even knowing the subject! Wish me luck, Lady Tomato’s!!

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I am over 50, I thought I would relate to these women - that is part of the reason I wanted to read this book. Although, it was a cute, fun story to read, I did not relate to the privileged life these women were living.

This story showed the importance of the support these women were for each other. t Support needed no matter the age - that part of the story was easy to relate to. I would hope that as women age, they would be appreciated for their knowledge and experience - I think that is part of what this story was trying to say.

And on my soap box again! - why is the "f" word necessary? Does it really add anything to the character? Do professional women really use that vocabulary?

[book_loversdreams Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for every women who is 40 something and beyond. Cheryl Benton writes what all of us “older” women think and feel. We are evolving as we get older and not reinventing ourselves. I have my “Ripe Tomatoes” and each one of them are amazing women who like myself have learned we can do and be anything we chose to be no matter what age we are. This is a must read and thank you Cheryl Benton for giving us a voice

[Jan Schweikert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compelling

Not all that well written but compelling and leaves you with much to think about -especially if you're over 50...great characters but I wish at least one of the major characters had been overweight as so many of us are. Kinda made me feel inadequate to constantly read how gorgeous & fit they are.

[sharon mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Privileged women help the 0994

I liked the book and what the storyline had to say but I found the chapters redundant. The three tomatoes were very s.mart .women who had great connections to help get their projects to help older women become visible and vital. The writing and editing simply flowed especially for a first book. I wou!d look forward for Ms. Benson's next one.
.

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong women

This book was very uplifting for me. It was filled with so many strong, powerful, and confident women. The friends created a group called the tomatoes and if anyone needed help they were all there for their friends. They were all successful women that helped each other. Wonderful book, looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey all you Ripe Tomatoes!

A great read! Brings lots of everyday situations to light and the way these women and their men deal with them are truly amazing. Makes me glad I'm not still in my thirties! Lots to ponder.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three friends have it all, and suddenly realize they are fifty. They feel they are invisible to the world. I found myself laughing outloud and silently agreeing with them at times. This is a fun book.

[VERONICA ARELLANO-Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written

Wow couldn't put it down great story. I liked the drama and crazy reality of it. I thought it was a first wives kind of story....so not so. Read it and enjoyed every bit of it.

[Julia Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Summer read

The story is about 3 longtime friends, entering their 50’s . They decide to empower themselves and other women their age after experiences of ageism. Fun & lightheartedness fills these pages.

[SueK · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea... or in this case, perhaps I should say not my martini. Good as a palate cleanser, if you need a piece of fluff with lots of brand name dropping.

[Soniia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

This book was one of my most enjoyable read. I identified with these women and I applaud the author for her vision in starting The Tomatoes.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very rarely should an author narrate their own book. And this is no exception. I would have given this book a easy 4 to 4.5 stars if the narration didn't take so much away from the enjoyment of the audio version.