#SheReviews- The Book Club

August 9, 2018

I am ashamed to say that even though I love books I have never joined a book club. I am in a writing group and have popped into the book club at my local library, especially when they are talking about a book that I love. Yet, it seems I have missed out on all the fun and camaraderie that being in a book club brings. My friends regale me with tales of flowing wine, ever more elaborate cheese platters and friendships that help withstand the ups and downs of life and yes, sometimes they even read a book. They read many different books and are introduced to genres that they may never have otherwise picked up….like, let’s say erotic romance!

This is the premise of the new movie ‘Book Club’ starring Hollywood legends Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen. These four friends formed a book club when they were in University which has stood the test of time. Through the career – building years, child rearing years, through divorce, death and retirement these friends have met up for their regular book club meetings and helped each other weather the roller coaster of life.

All are in emotional ruts of some kind.There’s the successful hotelier who shuns intimacy, the high powered , divorced judge who has not had sex for 18 years, the happily married wife who is perplexed by her husband’s sudden lack of interest in her and the widow whose children are treating her as if she has one foot in the grave and are micromanaging her whole life since their father’s death. I’ll let you try and guess who’s who.

Until the day that the Book Club choice of the infamous E.L James novel ‘ Fifty Shades of Grey ‘, changes the lives of them all. Enter a twinkling Don Johnson, charming Andy Garcia, soulful and kind Richard Dreyfuss and no nonsense Craig T. Nelson and the lives of these four lifelong friends is turned upside down as the book catapults them into a series of outrageous life choices.

It’s such a treat to see actors of this calibre working together. There is romance, drama and comedy all rolled into one in this feel good movie.One minute I was laughing out loud, the next I found there was something in my eye and I had to staunch the tears, before being stopped in my tracks by a wonderful dramatic moment. These four women will remind you of some of your own friends or book club members and although I dream of being the Jane Fonda character -Vivian, I fear I am more Mary Steenburgen’s Carol. Watch out for Carol’s showstopper at the end!

For a great night out with friends or your partner (my husband enjoyed this movie as much as I did) head along to see ‘Book Club’. You will love the flashbacks to these legendary Hollywood greats as their younger selves and you will delight in the fun these icons are still having in the later stages of their lives. Remember the next chapter is always the best. ‘ Book Club’ will be in cinemas from August 23.

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