The Club

by Jackie Kang

Ireland Jacobson is desperately trying to survive the death of her fiancé, one day at a time, one breath at a time, while working for her cold, controlling mother. When a shocking secret about Ireland's father comes to light, she makes an impromptu trip to find answers. But rather than finding answers, Ireland stirs up painful complications with the man's current family. Ireland returns home and attempts to resume life as it was before. With her job and security on the line, she must make difficult choices, rely on people she has just met and hurt those she has known for years in order to heal, forgive and find her own personal inner strength.

330 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2020

About the author

When not spending her time creating make-believe people and places, Jackie Kang lives in Kirkland, WA with her very real family of 1 husband, 2 dogs, and 3 children. In her past life, Jackie has held jobs as a personal trainer, a spa manager, a dental assistant, and an office manager, but her true love is writing and sharing a well-crafted story. Jackie is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.

Reviews

[C.H. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently finished reading “The Club,” by Jacqueline Kang. It released in March, and has been on my considerable “to read” pile for a while, but I am glad I finally snuck some time to read this wonderful book.

First of all, the cover art is stunning and evocative. The picture of the pool at The Club – a fitness center that is the primary setting in the book – fits the book well, with its hints of upper-class chic and cool and impersonal distance. It personifies the primary challenge that the main character, Ireland Jacobson, must overcome – the story’s antagonist, her mother, the owner of The Club.

I was sucked into Ireland’s life immediately as she tries to cope with losing her fiance to a tragic accident. She also must manage her impossible relationship with her narcissistic mother and with her beloved twin, for whom she’s sacrificed everything, including the power of choice in her life.

Things get more and more complicated for Ireland as she learns that her father – the man she’s believed dead for her entire life – is alive after all. But is he any more interested in a relationship with her than her cold and calculating mother? I was compelled to read further to find out how she was going to solve the challenge of her twisted family dynamics and take charge of her own destiny.

At different points, I had no idea how she was going to fix the problems the other characters foisted upon her, and the suspense built inexorably all the way until the end. The author’s choice of present tense heightens the tension and provides an immediacy and closeness with the character that keeps you glued to the page. I couldn’t put it down.

Kang does a wonderful job with lyrical and lush description. Her settings of The Club in the Seattle area and tropical Oahu are places you’re going to enjoy visiting.

I know a book has touched me when I find myself pondering the character and the situations they are facing while in the shower. This is one of those books – a poignantly honest family drama that will stay with you long after you close the cover.

Jacqueline Kang’s novel is a “self isolation” must read, and you won’t regret picking it up.

[Matthew Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Club is a gripping novel about tragic loss, toxic family, and the surprising strength that comes from finding who you really are. I loved how much the author allowed me to experience the protagonists journey, instead of just telling me about it. Beautiful writing, a strong voice, and an ending that makes you stand up and cheer. Everything you want in a book. Not just for women, this book is for anyone that loves powerful storytelling.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Club is an emotional read. Ireland's journey isn't an easy one. You can feel the depth of her grief flowing off the pages. Left adrift after her fiancé's death, she's desperately in search of answers when secrets about her absent father come to light. But sometimes the answers we seek aren't the answers we want, and Ireland is left to make some tough choices and move ahead. A truly moving story of growth out of grief.