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Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Review: The Cougar Club + Giveaway!

Title: The Cougar Club
Author: Susan McBride
Pages: 320
Published: 2010
Genre: Smart Women's Lit!
Source: Author


Synopsis from Booklist- Three girlhood friends are reunited at age 45 when Kat Maguire is fired from her New York advertising job, dumps her younger but wealthier boyfriend, and returns to St. Louis. Her two best friends, Carla Moss, the number-one news anchor in St. Louis, and Elise Randolph, successful dermatologist and empty nester, are facing their own issues with aging. Carla’s ex-husband, who is also her boss, is trying to replace her with his latest perky young girlfriend despite Carla’s on-air popularity, and Elise’s plastic surgeon husband seems never to come home, claiming to be spending all his time with the partner in his practice. As the three talented, attractive, vibrant women reinvent themselves, they find a slew of younger men who find them enticing. Despite some romance and a traditional romantic conclusion for one of the protagonists, this is more chick-lit than romance with brand names, designer shoes, and the power of female friendship at the forefront.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed every single page of this book. I'm 41 and could so relate to how each of these characters felt about their bodies, faces, careers, and lives in general. I connected immediately with Elise because I know how hard it is to keep a marriage going, having children, and still trying to find time for yourself. This book was perfect timing for me because when I look in the mirror I see a frumpy looking woman staring back at me...who is that person??? I don't feel my age, but damn sometimes I look it!! Saturday I had my hair cut and colored, it's amazing how just a little bit of time spent on yourself can change the way you think about your appearance. The cougar term is one that I don't necessarily like, but I do know that I feel pretty good when a younger guy does a double-take...makes my self-esteem go up just a bit.  For me, though, there should not be a term like this for when a woman loves a younger man...if they have that connection then I say go for it...regardless of the age!!!  Overall, I felt that this was a very well-written novel and totally enjoyable!! I can honestly recommend this to any of my friends....even those younger ones, because believe it or not...you will be 40+ someday!!!               P.S.  The discussion guide with the author at the end of the story is fantastic!!!                                                                                                                                                 



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@Barrie Summy
** My thoughts were in no way influenced by the author...I was not paid for my review.

If you are interested in winning a signed copy of this book please leave your email address in the comment section. There will be 2 winners as the author was so generous to provide me with 2 copies!!! Last day to enter is April 30th at 11:59 pm. The winners will be announced May 1st!! Open to U.S. and Canadian residents!

34 comments:

  1. holyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy i think i am in love with this book and haven't even read it!!! i love your review...and i wanna see a pic of the new 'u' :):):) and hehehehehe...u know my email addy :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  2. The book sounds fun :) But perhaps I would get it more when 40?

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  3. This sounds like a great fun read Staci. I like the fact that you could relate t the issues of the women.

    Please enter me:

    bibliphilebythesea AT gmail DOT com

    thanks so much

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  4. I really enjoyed this book, too, but kind of think they did it a disservice by giving it that name. No need to enter me.

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  5. Please include me!!! Thanks!

    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

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  6. I love how you call this 'Smart Womens Lit'! :) This does sound like a fun read but I agree with Kathy, I don't know if I like the title. I'm like you, I don't care for that classification. By the way, I just turned 46 and I can totally relate to the 'who's that person in the mirror' thing! LOL

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  7. Great review--and I love the Genre! :)

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  8. This book sounds great - I'm pretty sure I could relate too. I'd love a chance to win a copy.

    bj19662001 (at) yahoo (dot) ca

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  9. We reviewed the same book! What are the chances? Really enjoyed your review, by the way. :-)

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  10. I love the premise and have this book on my TBR list - must put it on the top! Ever since I saw "Mamma Mia!" and that fun song about "Does Your Mother Know?" - I've been wanting to write my own version of a cougar book - must read this first.

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  11. I like your take on this book. Isn't it great when you find a book you personally connect with? I laughed when I read your line "believe it or ...you will be 40+." How about 60+? Only if you are lucky, take good care of yourself and are blessed with good genes.

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  12. It seems time to have the older woman – younger man book after all others that reversed that equation. I have to say, though, that I’ve never really gotten the attraction of the different generation romantically. I love that my husband and I share memories of the past even when we weren’t together. I’d feel even older with a younger man. Then again this comment of yours really made me laugh: “I don't feel my age, but damn sometimes I look it!!” It’s so nice to connect with you through Barrie and Beth!

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  13. What a great review. I love how you shared your feelings and how it related to you more than what happened in the book. I may have to give that style a try. Since you have 2 copies of this book I would love to win one. ;) Sounds like a great book!!

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  14. Guess what, Staci!!? Sarahlynn of Houdini Didn't Have These Hips reviews the same book. What fun!!!

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  15. definitely interested in being included in the giveaway! Thank you for the chance.

    ssummmer(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. There's no term for a man who dates younger women. Do people even use craddle robber anymore?
    Sounds like a great read!

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  17. Although this books sounds like great fun, I hate the term cougar. It makes women sound predatory rather than independent.

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  18. Sounds like a definite TBR!! :) Thanks for the review. :)

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  19. I am with you, only more strongly. The term Cougar just irritates me to no end and it would do so even if I wasn't 38.

    The title turned me off, but your review made it sound great. I guess they are right, don't judge a book solely on it's cover:)

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  20. I have been wanting to read this book but my library doesn't have it available. I am glad you liked it.

    charlotte.a.naylor@gmail.com

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  21. Please count me in.

    simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

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  22. loved this review--I have days when I look in the mirror and think "who is that" age sneaks up on you doesn't it?

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  23. Great review - this sounds like fun! Please throw my name in.
    JQSteve(at)aol(dot)com

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  24. Love this author prior reads by her have been fabolous sassusiem@yahoo.com

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  25. I'm probably too old to read this but I have a daughter that age so I'd like a chance to win it for her. Throw my name in the hat too, please. Thanks for the awesome review, Staci.

    florida982002[at]yahoo.com

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  26. This sounds like such a fun and awesome book!!! Excellent review, Staci! I would love to be entered to win a copy, please.

    ajpohren@iowatelecom.net

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  27. I really like the sound of this book even though I am not in my 40s yet. Somehow I think I could still like it because I will be there pretty soon.

    lillyswistek at gmail dot com

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  28. Glad you liked this one too. No need to sign me up.

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  29. I wasn't so sure about this with the title and it seemed very chick lit which isn't my thing. I like that you categorized it as Smart Women's Lit! It sounds like you really enjoyed this one.

    redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

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  30. Looking forward to reading this one. There are days when I catch my reflection in the mirror and wonder how did I get so old so fast!

    nisethusfarATyahooDotcom

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  31. I can't say I like the term "cougar" but this one sounds fun.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric
    diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com

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  32. Enter me please! I'm old and frumpy. morefromscraps AT comcast DOT net

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  33. I would love to be entered. Thanks for the chance.

    sharon54220@gmail.com

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  34. great review! I would love to read this one - thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    leenbeen2001 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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