silly but entertaining

Sometimes all I ask of a book is that it entertain me for a few hours. I do not always need fine writing or realistic developments. Improbable is sometimes okay!

That being said, I really enjoyed spending a couple of days with these ladies "of a certain age". They were fun and interesting and had (mostly) real problems and issues - even if the author did allow them to solve their problems too conveniently! I am always glad to read about women who develop and treasure friendships as much as I do. I probably will not remember this book over the long-term, but it was amusing and a good way to end my good-reading month.

I brought the next two in this series home from the library yesterday and am looking forward to more entertainment in the next few days.

Too many characters make a confusing audiobook

I have to agree to Creatrix from Canada who complained that this book is not up to Nancy Thayer's usual standard.
Bought all 4 books when they were released, but did not start with the first volume until now. I found it on audiobook at the library and thought it would be an entertaining read while I'm doing my morning walks, however I found myself rewinding to the previous chapter more and more often, because this book simply has too many characters and until you finally can distinguish the four female protagonists and their numerous family members, you are halfway through this book.

I will give it one more try and read these four books. Maybe when they are read they are less confusing than on audiobook?

To everybody who never read other books by Nancy Thayer before, I highly recommend her books "Three Women at the Water's Edge" (her master piece), "Nell", "Family Secrets" and "Belonging".

Also there is a wonderful book (and a sequel) written by Rona Jaffe, "Class Reunion" and "After the Reunion" which came to my mind when I was listening to the first "Hot Flash Club" audiobook. Get "Class Reunion" used on amazon.com, I bet you will love it!

morality play -- shallow, some drama, very light reading

Four women almost all over 60 get together and try to solve each other's personal, family, and work problems. Good for raising awareness of what women may really struggle with: men, and attractiveness to them, always matters -- no matter what age or social position. (The cover photo unwittingly makes that clear -- even to get you to take the book off the shelf, they couldn't put a realistic picture -- those are not 60-year-old legs!) The detective-story-like drama does make you want to find out what happens. And I liked the Boston/Cambridge setting -- a familiar location is always fun. But the characters are two-dimensional, and the stories tie up too quickly and neatly. If you want a modern morality play that friendship and faithfulness do still matter, fine. But for real character and plot development, while addressing women's experience, I'd say look elsewhere.

The Hot Flash Club

This is a great read for women 40 and beyond. It shows that life really begins for women as they approach menopause and the comfort and support of friendships...all the while making you smile and laugh. I have bought several of this book for my friends to enjoy...getting old is not something to fear, but embrace!

Hot Flash Club

This book is extremely entertaining....very very funny...I can certainly identify with many of the situations!!!