The Red Hat Club

One of the best books I've ever read. I was rooting for, and amazed by, the friendships that withstood decades of misunderstand, or was that understanding? A beautifully written novel that gets to the core of female friendships. I would highly recommend it to all women who have been married. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Don't take this book seriously. Enjoy it for what it is -a funny, improbable story that celebrates friendship and made me laugh out loud at the situations and characters the author created. This is the story of 5 Southern women who have been friends since high school and are now over 50. They have all had their difficult times but have had each other for support. It's surprise ending and over the top story line make it perfect for when you want to lighten up. Yes, it isn't perfect. I had trouble keeping the 5 friends separate at first but that doesn't really matter. If you want a perfectly crafted book, find one of the classics but if you just are wanting a good, funny read , pick up this book. I gave it a 5 star rating because of the joy it brought me and everyone I gave it to. Laughter rates 5 stars in my book every time. I am also a huge fan of the Anne George Southern Sisters books. I was terribly saddened at her passing.The Red Hat Club is even more unbelievable and funnier. I was glad to find something to raise this Northern woman's spirits. I am now nearly finished the sequel which I think is even funnier than the first.

An inspiring story about 5 women who have been friends forever. The story takes place in Atlanta, GA, where the ladies meet monthly for a day spent eating, drinking, talking, and reminiscing. The characters have spent a lifetime sharing happiness, tragedy, failure, and success and the book has time flashes of when the women were very young and just getting started in Life. There is a wonderful surprise ending. I highly recommend this book and I enjoyed reading it very much. I can't wait for the sequel.

I've lived in the Atlanta area for sixteen years and I thought I might be bored by the familiar in Red Hat Club. References to locations and landmarks, like Piedmont Ave, The Varsity and AJC. I questioned the use of the Jenny Jones Red Hat reference as been there done that. I sort of even resisted, trying to be aloof and objective, certainly not wanting to be swayed by all the things I had in common with the protag, Georgia; same age, similar life questions and experiences. I wanted to be cool and sophisticated and not invest anything in the other characters, Teeny, Linda, Diane and SuSu either because I prefer to believe that modern Southern women are not stereotypical airheads.My ploy didn't work. I was putty in Haywood's hands by the end of chapter two. From then on, I just relaxed and enjoyed it and before it was over I found I was not only invested in the women of the Red Hat Club, I felt as though I could have fit right into their tight circle and would if they'd invite me. I read for many reasons, pleasure, stimulation, information. But sometimes it's good to curl up on a rainy (North Georgia) Sunday and read an easy, lighthearted tale that tugs at your own memories of misspent youth and lost dreams. Sometimes that's all I need. But if I can turn the last page feeling I know the characters and wishing to read more about them, the author has done her job and what more can you ask of a work of fiction?I was and she did.

THE RED HAT CLUB is an amazing book that takes you through the lives of five women (who met in high school) and how they stick together through marriage troubles, kids, abusive husbands, cheating men, going-nowhere jobs, and middle age. They belong to a group called THE RED HAT CLUB where they where purple suits and red hats and meet for lunch once a month (this club is a real thing across America). I love the way the women band together to bring justice to a cheating husband, and how another has to face the one man she still fantasizes about (not her husband!) after all these years. It's just such a treat to read a book about the bonds of female friendship. Get this book and get one for your best friend, too!