The Room-Mating Season

I'm baffled as to why some of the other reviewers don't like this novel. And, believe me, I haven't always liked everything Rona Jaffe has done. Jaffe's "Five Women" was awful, and her "The Cousins" was only average, if not marginal.But Jaffe again hits the jackpot with "The Room-Mating Season", as it is just as good as her last novel, "The Road Taken." I easily had "The Room-Mating Season" finished in less that a week. Actually I could have devoured it in one sitting, and there were times I had to force myself to put it down. I like to pace myself in my reading, but this novel is un-put-down-able.Just as with "Road Taken"....."Room-Mating Season" spans a good chunk of time in the character's lives. Well, "Road Taken" spanned a whole century. But still, "the Room-Mating Season" tells the story of 38 years in the lives of 3 NYC roommates and their mysterious male bachelor friend, as they all make their lives and go from their 20s to their 60s, against the backdrop of the many decades (1960's, 70's 80s 90s) right up to the new Millenium. The setting of NYC plays a very important role, as Rona Jaffe has her finger on the pulse of the City at every turn. She also has an uncanny knack for moving a plot along swiftly with the right amount of dialog to narration.Many of the characters drift in an out of a series of extra-marital affairs. Rona Jaffe, as an author, does tend to normalize dysfunctional behavior. I can put up with it in most of Jaffe's novels, such as "Road Taken", and "Room-Mating Season" because; 1. The characters are so humorous and lovable, and 2. Jaffe is such an expert storyteller and chronicler of the times.There were several times when the characters act so stupid and are running around in NYC circles, that I just had to laugh out loud. The reader can accept it though, because Jaffe's characters are vulnerable and likeable. I say an author can get away with nearly anything if their characters are relateable, loveable, and likeable enough to the reader.Was there anything I didn't like? Yes. The ending. I was stunned when, as I neared the end, and the story was winding down...Jaffe threw a new twist in. An author does not want to throw in new twists and turns into the novel, just as the story is finishing up....leaving the reader with new questions.However, this was such a small part of the endlessly fascinating story, that I can overlook it. With Rona Jaffe's hysterical, (there were many times I was laughing out loud) characters that are written in such an extraordinarily insightful and intelligent way, I just have to give this novel 5 stars.

I'm happy to say that Rona's done it again. Her books never fail to be anything short of entertaining...drawing me in, so much so that I almost feel as if I'm there watching it in person. The characters are very real, just like people we all know and love, quirks and all. There are unexpected twists and turns, but not so many or bizarre that they're unrealistic. This is a story about friends that spans the generations...a very good read and one that was virtually impossible for me to put down.A similar book by Rona that was also very good, another generational saga, but involving a complicated family was "The Road Taken". I highly recommend that one as well.Happy reading!!

"The Room-Mating Season" deals with four young women, Leigh, Cady, Vanessa and Susan, who all had very different personalities came together to share a room in New York City. They all hoped to be successful and each had a different vision of what "success" is. The book chronicled their lives from early twenties to when they were in their sixties. Leigh, was the rational, career-minded one who strived to be a casting agent while Cady was the romantic, spendrift and at times naive schoolteacher. Vanessa worked as a flight attendant and found the occupation suitable for her needs for adventure and meeting new people. Susan, was the odd one in their group in the sense that she was quiet, eccentric and never quite fit in with the rest. Soon, one event happened that changed their lives forever and the decisions that they would make in future would be based upon that particular event. The theme of the book is friendship and how they were there for each other through highs and lows. The characters may not understood the decisions some of the decisions that were made but regardless, they were always there for each other. I really enjoy this book because it was written very well, very thoughtful and just mesmerizing. Rona Jaffe also tried to chronicle the lives and mentalities of women in each of the decades starting from the sixties. At the end of the book, you would feel that you really know each of the characters and feel for them. This is not a chick lit book but definitely one written for the female audience. I highly recommend this book.

I always read Rona Jaffe from the time she wrote Class Reunion years ago, and it was such a great novel.The Room Mating Season introduces us to four (4) young ladies who venture from different parts of the United States to work in New York City where they imagine life will be great fun. Let me introduce you to Leigh the perfectionist and csting director; Cady the vivacious and resilient school teacher; Vanessa, the `always on the move and full of fun' stewardess, and finally Susan the mousy and quiet receptionist who never fits into the group no matter what. In Ms. Jaffe's new novel, we live with the girls from the time they start out as young girls in their early twenties, and experience all their joys, the ups and downs with the men in their lives, along with the struggle for their identities. We are with them as they ease into their adult years which becomes challenging and extremely traumatic. And again through their marriages, even as they pass midle-age and run right into their sixties, where by now they have acquired children and grandchildren.It was a delightful read with a great diversity in characters you won't forget in a hurry. This book would be an ideal Birthday gift. I recommend it and gave it five stars.Heather P. Marshall

I had heard of author Rona Jaffe, but I had never read her work before. Then I was given her newest book, "The Room-Mating Season" and I loved it. Just loved it. This story of 4 friends and the decision they make in their youth, take their lives in directions they every dreamed of. Leigh, Cady, Vanessa, and Susan are wonderful characters and I found something familiar in each of them. I could relate to a bit in Leigh, a bit in Susan, etc. This book is a great addition to my library and I really enjoyed this new author. I think I'll take a look at Ms. Jaffe's other works. She's very talented. Great book --- give it a try.Cheers!