Helpful Score: 25
Wow. I was not interested in reading this book at first. A friend recommended it, so I figured why not? It might turn out to be good. This book was great!! Lots of depth. I laughed out loud and I cried too. Books rarely make me cry, but I finished this book in tears. I wanted to reach out and hug every woman in this book. It was very touching.
Cozette M. (CozSnShine) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 24
Do women still knit? Is knitting just an old-fashioned skill? Are women in NYC cold and unfeeling and never reach out to each other. With this book you'll find that the answers are NO. This book is story of how women knit their lives together while meeting to knit yarn. A great story of women supporting women, even through the crises of their lives.
Stephanie M. (StephM) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 23
Fun. This book is a great testament to the social connections that form through traditonally-female crafts. The author is wonderfully perceptive in her descriptions of the characters -- I often felt like I knew people just like each character -- yet the characters remain multidimensional. Some unnecessary twists in the end, in my opinion, but they didn't detract from the good feeling I felt as I finished the book.
Dayna F. (DaynaReadsOnTheMetro) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 14
I usually don't like mushy books about female friendships, but this book was just plain good from beginning to end! I liked the way the author divided the book so that each character had their share of the spotlight. This was a good book to read while commuting-easy to read and easy to put down and pick back up later. This book was just so refreshing and as soon as I finished it, I started phoning some friends to get together. These female friendships are valuable, ladies! I have a new appreciation for my girlfriends now...I can't wait to read more by this author.
Bev U. (gramcracker) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 53 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 12
A charming read, even if you aren't a knitter. It's what friendship is all about...I think I'll dig into my knitting basket! I laughed, I cried,...enjoyed this book which is a very good first novel. I'm sure there will be sequels.
Yvette Irene S. (yvetteirene) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
Such a GREAT book. Loved it! Very enjoyable read...and you don't have to knit to love it! I knit and it made me want to knit more. I also wish I had women friends in my life like the ones in this story. Easy, fun, read. You will laugh and cry...
Alison L. (aliley75) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
This book was selected as part of my monthly book club. It is about a group of women who accidently become friends through the Walker & Daughter store. Georgia Walker opens the store with the assistance of Anita, a mother figure to her. She also has a young daugher, Dakota who is entering her teenage years.
The club forms when women begin coming to the store every Friday evening. Initially it is for assistance with their knitting projects, but it turns into much more.
I couldn't put the book down and read it over a weekend. I thought I had the ending figured out, but it didn't end they way I had forseen in the first few chapters.
The club forms when women begin coming to the store every Friday evening. Initially it is for assistance with their knitting projects, but it turns into much more.
I couldn't put the book down and read it over a weekend. I thought I had the ending figured out, but it didn't end they way I had forseen in the first few chapters.
Dena R. (denamarie) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
This book is slightly generic, although it was a nice easy read. It makes me want to learn to knit! It's a good summer read. Not much to think about though, it's not very thought provoking.
April D. (knittymama) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 424 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Very rich and full of emotion. I enjoyed this book very much. It was very well written and you felt for every character. There were lots of laughs and some tears. Tons of knitting and eating with good friends. Great book.
Karla F. (KarlaF) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 106 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I enjoyed this book, despite its sad ending and occasionally stilted dialog. The characters bloomed over the course of the book into interesting, real people. A good read, and the fact that it's set in a yarn store and divided into chapters based on stages of a sweater knit, were pluses for me.
Nicole B. (NicoleBev) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Touching story that leaves you feeling as though you were a member of their knitting club (even if you have never before picked up a knitting needle!)
Betsy W. (BJ) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Thes story line of "The Friday Night Knitting Club" is similar to several of Debbie Macomber's books about knitting but the characters are developed much more deeply and in a more interesting manner. Just when I thought a plot line was resolved, another more detailed one popped up. I thoroughly enjoyed Kate Jacob's fist novel and hope she continues her writing soon.
Susie C. (soozrn) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book is the story of a women's group formed in a knitting store.Not a lot of knitting gets done but they become a wonderful support group for each other.There are many sub-plots withing the story regarding each character. There were hilarious moments as well as touching moments.You do not have to be a knitter to enjoy this story.
Helpful Score: 5
Knitting. Friday Nights in NYC several women come together. Heartwarming. At least that was Kate Jacob's aim.
I was very much looking forward to reading this book. The cover is fantastic and the skeins of yarn are so pretty against the black background. I was in the mood for some good female bonding stories and learning more about the art of knitting. The blurbs written by USA Today and Booklist held a lot of promise, as did the many reviews here at PBS. Sadly, I cannot say that this is a book that I would ever recommend to a friend as a good read.
My reasons are as follows:
1-Predictable fluffy plot and predictable PC characters. USA Today wasn't kidding when it says on the front cover: "Like Steel Magnolias set in Manhattan". Yup. That about sums it up.
2-Poor writing style and execution. Way too many sentence fragments. Really. Too many. We also get to visit every character's head but instead of bonding with the characters I felt disconnected and distant from them. A more solid POV could have made this a stronger novel. I really did not care what happened to these people and they reminded me of overdone stereotypes instead of living, breathing human beings.
3-Now, I am all about willingly suspending my disbelief, but some of the characters really stretched my credulity. Are we really supposed to believe that a chronic womanizer will magically mend his ways overnight? Really?
4-Considering how flimsy the material is, this dragged on way too long. I found myself skipping through certain chapters and getting impatient for the plot to move forward.
5-The ending is really bad. Everything is way too pat and melodramatic. It was like bad T.V. from the 80's.
Unfortunately the old "don't judge a book by it's cover" is true for this book. The cover holds so much promise- but the contents do not deliver.
I was very much looking forward to reading this book. The cover is fantastic and the skeins of yarn are so pretty against the black background. I was in the mood for some good female bonding stories and learning more about the art of knitting. The blurbs written by USA Today and Booklist held a lot of promise, as did the many reviews here at PBS. Sadly, I cannot say that this is a book that I would ever recommend to a friend as a good read.
My reasons are as follows:
1-Predictable fluffy plot and predictable PC characters. USA Today wasn't kidding when it says on the front cover: "Like Steel Magnolias set in Manhattan". Yup. That about sums it up.
2-Poor writing style and execution. Way too many sentence fragments. Really. Too many. We also get to visit every character's head but instead of bonding with the characters I felt disconnected and distant from them. A more solid POV could have made this a stronger novel. I really did not care what happened to these people and they reminded me of overdone stereotypes instead of living, breathing human beings.
3-Now, I am all about willingly suspending my disbelief, but some of the characters really stretched my credulity. Are we really supposed to believe that a chronic womanizer will magically mend his ways overnight? Really?
4-Considering how flimsy the material is, this dragged on way too long. I found myself skipping through certain chapters and getting impatient for the plot to move forward.
5-The ending is really bad. Everything is way too pat and melodramatic. It was like bad T.V. from the 80's.
Unfortunately the old "don't judge a book by it's cover" is true for this book. The cover holds so much promise- but the contents do not deliver.
Helpful Score: 4
I just finished this book two nights ago and I LOVED it! It is written well and touches your heart. I laughed, I cried, I enjoyed every minute of it. Take a few hours for yourself, believe me, you won't regret it!!
Jennifer P. (jenjunum) - reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
The story follows a lot of characters, which was confusing in the beginning. I'm glad I stuck through the first couple of chapters when the interlacing characters just felt overwhelming. It turned into a sweet story.
Kim L. (thienkim) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. However, Ms. Jacobs' writing immediately drew me in. This novel isn't just about knitting but about all the women that meet weekly and slowly but surely become unexpected friends. I really enjoyed how each character in the club had their own subplots; they were all interesting and I always wanted to read more about each character and their lives in and outside of the knitting club.
Teresa H. (WarEagle78) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 337 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
A very powerful story of friendships among a diverse group of women in New York City. This is not Debbie Macomber in New York - the story is less sentimental in ways I have trouble articulating. The characters are true, their lives easy and hard in realistic ways, and there's pain. I'll admit I cried. But it was an excellent story and, like one reviewer noted, it made me want to knit.
Helpful Score: 3
This bok was not my favorite. It seemed "jumpy" to me...the author would try to write a chapter ending "cliffhanger", only to seemingly forget about it and move on to something else. Some of the story lines were dragged out and then the ending seemed rushed. Maybe put together differently, I would have enjoyed it more.
Helpful Score: 3
A very light read-- it reads fast because there is not much substance to the book. The characters are likable but the plot is fairly predictable.
Helpful Score: 3
Other than making me wish that I did knit, I wasn't crazy about this book. I thought it was very slow-moving and I almost didn't finish it. I will admit that it did pick up near the end, but I can't really say I would strongly recommend it.
Tracey R. (tratz) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 102 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I really enjoyed this story! There were unexpected parts to it and it kept my attention. Good book for a cold day in front of the fire.
Debbie C. (DebbieC) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
What an interesting novel! I almost felt like I was there and part of the knitting club. At times wanted to either shake or hug the members.
Brenna B. (demiducky25) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 161 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I'll admit it, this book did make me cry (something I NEVER do with books). It's a story about a single mother raising her nearly teenage daughter in NYC while trying to run a knitting shop, and the lives of the women who frequent the store. This book reminded me of a grown-up version of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" to a degree in terms of how women from different backgrounds with different personalities who probably wouldn't talk to each other normally are brought together by circumstance. It was a VERY quick read (read it Thanksgiving night until Saturday afternoon) and made me want to take up knitting again (abandoned it in middle school) but I know I don't have the patience for it! I just found out about the sequel, and I look forward to reading that someday (hopefully the wishlist moves fast)!
Helpful Score: 2
I read this in an afternoon, but I felt it was too predictable. Sad story, but I felt like the author had too put too much effort into introducing the characters and their backgrounds.
Lara T. (LadyBook81) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book is wonderful. The character development is fabulous and you really fall in love with teh characters (even the annoying ones). It is so well written and it is a total fun read. I finished it in about 2 weeks (would have finished it earlier if not for work and an almost 2 year old). I highly reccommend it to anyone who loves chick lit and a good story.
Michelle P. (Brownie) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A wonderful read. Detailed relationships, well formed characters and an easy to follow yet still complex plot. I was sad to see the book end.
Miki B. (MikiOz) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
While the writing in this book seems stilted, too formal, and too detailed in many ways (probably because this is the author's first book), the story of these women coming together is ultimately satisfying.
In a world where many of us think we're too busy or wrapped up in our own lives to reach out and become part of a group, especially after the high school and college ties that bind have faded away and the politics of the working world often prevent solid bonds from forming, this book provides inspiration and reasons for seeking out and finding a "closeknit" (pun intended) group of women who want to hear what you have to say, will support you through the best and worst of times, and who show you the true meaning of love, friendship, strength, and courage.
In a world where many of us think we're too busy or wrapped up in our own lives to reach out and become part of a group, especially after the high school and college ties that bind have faded away and the politics of the working world often prevent solid bonds from forming, this book provides inspiration and reasons for seeking out and finding a "closeknit" (pun intended) group of women who want to hear what you have to say, will support you through the best and worst of times, and who show you the true meaning of love, friendship, strength, and courage.
Melody B. (5ducksfans) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 92 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I read somewhere that this is the new "Steel Magnolias." Very apt description. Wonderfully diverse characters and heartfelt story line. Highly recommend.
Helpful Score: 2
FNKC starts out slow but really gains some steam once all of the characters are identified. It is a realistic story of a single-mother who starts her own business. The story follows her as she makes friends, learns who she is, and becomes hugely successful in life as well as business. I really liked that it's not all happiness and fluff but some real-life situations. There are also several side stories going on at once with each member of the Knitting Club. Jacobs does a great job of switching point of view without confusing the reader, as well as keeping the focus on the main characters, Walker and Daughter. The ages of the characters range from a 12 year-old girl to a 72 year old woman and there is a little something for everyone. I am really interested to read the second installment of this series.
Amy H. (IntrepidOne) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I've had this book in my "to read" stack for a couple of months. After finishing a dark themed book that kept me awake at night I was ready for some lighter fare. I really enjoyed this story. At times, I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen, but I was wrong and I'm glad about that. The surprise ending was completely out of left field! I am so glad that I finally read this touching story about the friendship of all these women.
My only complaint is the language Georgia used to talk to her daughter and all the pet names. To me, it made the daughter seem much younger, maybe 8 or 10 instead of 13. My 14 year old daughter would probably refuse to respond to me if I called her "Muffingirl"!
My only complaint is the language Georgia used to talk to her daughter and all the pet names. To me, it made the daughter seem much younger, maybe 8 or 10 instead of 13. My 14 year old daughter would probably refuse to respond to me if I called her "Muffingirl"!
Carol P. (wifer) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent book about relationships centered around a group of knitters who meet on Friday nights at a small yarn shop. I enjoyed the characters and the way the main players grew in character and relationships. I look forward to book two in the series. Carol
Patricia C. (quiltnutva) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Though the book starts out a bit "slow," it quickly draws the reader into the lives of the people involved in the shop, Walker and Daughter. Even if you've never knitted, you'll quickly be captivated by the friendships and other relationships in this book and how real-to-life they are. You'll also find yourself feeling what the characters are feeling and will be a bit shocked and amazed at how this story ends...
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 1478 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I found this story of women's friendships, growing out of an informal knitting club, surprisingly good. Using the same basic formula -- and some of the same life events -- as Deb Macomber's "Blossom Street" series, "The Friday Night Knitting Club" manages to avoid the shmaltz and features characters who seem much more real. Even though Jacobs, like Macomber, tends to use wealthy-fairy-godmother types to deal with some problems, it's not as hokey in this work.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. For some reason, I had a hard time warming up to Georgia! To me, she seemed really too bitter and judgemental to be the character everyone was meant to love.
Helpful Score: 2
I absolutely loved this book! The stories of the Knitting club and their strong connections were very interesting and meaninful!!
I can't wait to read the second book!
I can't wait to read the second book!
Earlene S. (DESERTMOM) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 167 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book was a little slow for me. I really didn't get into it. Not bad just not enough going on for me.
Helpful Score: 2
What a good story!!
Brooke K. (missbookworm) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
As a crocheter, I thought that this book would be fun to read about other people that enjoy making things like that. This book was such a surprise. I loved it for the relatable characters. They are the type of people that you fall in love with fast. Its a sweet story about goals, single motherhood, friendships, hardships and family. It was wonderful.
Helpful Score: 2
"The Friday Night Knitting Club" is the story of Georgia Walker. Georgia owns a knitting shop in Manhattan. Between running her Manhattan yarn shop, Walker & Daughter, and raising her 12-year-old biracial daughter, Dakota, Georgia Walker has plenty on her plate in Jacobs's debut novel. But when Dakota's father reappears and a former friend contacts Georgia, Georgia's orderly existence begins to unravel. Her support system is her staff and the knitting club that meets at her store every Friday night, though each person has dramas of her own brewing.
I first heard about "The Friday Night Knitting Club" through Paperback Swap (an organization that lets you trade books for free). I saw that it had the highest "wishlist" rating of any other book. I just had to see what all the fuss was about. It turns out, that it was about something good. Something really good.
I really enjoyed reading "The Friday Night Knitting Club". I highly recommend that you do as well. While the story centers on Georgia, there are several other side plots going on at the same time as well. You're sure to get sucked in. The writing style is great, especially for a debut novel, and so are the character portraits of most of the characters.
You're sure to find something you'll like in "The Friday Night Knitting Club". Who knows, maybe you'll even find yourself picking up that pair of knitting needles you haven't touched in years (or rushing out to buy some).
I first heard about "The Friday Night Knitting Club" through Paperback Swap (an organization that lets you trade books for free). I saw that it had the highest "wishlist" rating of any other book. I just had to see what all the fuss was about. It turns out, that it was about something good. Something really good.
I really enjoyed reading "The Friday Night Knitting Club". I highly recommend that you do as well. While the story centers on Georgia, there are several other side plots going on at the same time as well. You're sure to get sucked in. The writing style is great, especially for a debut novel, and so are the character portraits of most of the characters.
You're sure to find something you'll like in "The Friday Night Knitting Club". Who knows, maybe you'll even find yourself picking up that pair of knitting needles you haven't touched in years (or rushing out to buy some).
Helpful Score: 2
I really don't like giving negative book reviews. I feel bad but....
I didn't like this book. I thought the writing was elementary. The author tried have too many topics (terminal illness, death, racial issues, parent child issues, abandonment, pregnancy, and many many more!) and then never went it to true depth in any of the topics.
I did finish the book but painstakingly....
I didn't like this book. I thought the writing was elementary. The author tried have too many topics (terminal illness, death, racial issues, parent child issues, abandonment, pregnancy, and many many more!) and then never went it to true depth in any of the topics.
I did finish the book but painstakingly....
Vivian Q. (bellasgranny) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 468 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
When I picked up this book, I didn't remember that had already tried to read it when it was first published. I couldn't get into it then, and I fared no better this time. One dimensional characters, unoriginal, predictable and boring. Who cares? Once I found myself skimming page after page, I gave up. I didn't enjoy Ms. Jacobs' latest novel "Comfort Food", and I've removed "Knit Two" from my Wish List. I'm not sure that I understand how or why Ms. Jacobs got published. Books about friendships and knitting have been done before with far better results.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. The character development was great. You really felt like you knew these people and by the end that you'd like to hang out with them. I had a hard time putting it down and read it very quickly even though it's a bit long. I would recommend it for sure if you enjoy books geared toward women and their relationships. It's similar to a Jennifer Weiner book in that regard.
Julie B. (recrafter) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Incredible book! Very well written and touching. Kate Jacobs pulls you in and has you attached to her characters and engrossed in no time! I'm actually still reading this right now!
Helpful Score: 1
Although this was not the best written book and the characters not developed enough, the story was delightful and I read the whole book in just three "stop-the-clocks, I'm reading" sessions. It has a touch of struggle, romance, mother and daughter relationships, and the development of true friends so that in the end, the book does work for a light but enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more of this author.
Brittany M. (MissBritt) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! It was a sweet story that addresses real life situations. It did get sad at times but overall it was very touching. I cant wait to read the second book in the series that is coming out in November!
Helpful Score: 1
Its a chick book but its a great chick book. I fell in love with those ladies.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a pretty good read, I wasn't so sure I would like it quite as much as I did considering that I primarily read mystery novels. A friend of mine read the back cover and said it reminder her of Fried Green Tomatoes, perhaps I'll pick that one up next.
The character Georgia makes her tough situation by the choices that she made and turned them around for the better for and her daughter. No matter your path in life there is always a way to change it but it is always up to you do so with or without help.
The women in her knitting shop are of all experience level's and they all have minor stories within the main story. Kind of like their background of how they came into the knitting circle. Each on is different and unique in their own way.
Georgia also shows that you can be a strong person, and still be able to forgive those that hurt you deeply in the past if you are willing to put the hurt aside and try to make your relationships work. Her daughter Dakota is her life and she would do anything for her but also not make her spolied and teacher her right from wrong even when she's so tired from having to do it all.
Dakota's dad comes back into the picture after 12 years of abondonment and needs to make things right with his ex and his child. He realized he was missing out on a good thing and has to prove to Georgia that he was a changed man.
Overall this was a wonderful book, the ending was a bit tough to swallow and makes me wonder how the second and thrid books will be. I guess I'll just have to read on to see if it will keep my interest.
The character Georgia makes her tough situation by the choices that she made and turned them around for the better for and her daughter. No matter your path in life there is always a way to change it but it is always up to you do so with or without help.
The women in her knitting shop are of all experience level's and they all have minor stories within the main story. Kind of like their background of how they came into the knitting circle. Each on is different and unique in their own way.
Georgia also shows that you can be a strong person, and still be able to forgive those that hurt you deeply in the past if you are willing to put the hurt aside and try to make your relationships work. Her daughter Dakota is her life and she would do anything for her but also not make her spolied and teacher her right from wrong even when she's so tired from having to do it all.
Dakota's dad comes back into the picture after 12 years of abondonment and needs to make things right with his ex and his child. He realized he was missing out on a good thing and has to prove to Georgia that he was a changed man.
Overall this was a wonderful book, the ending was a bit tough to swallow and makes me wonder how the second and thrid books will be. I guess I'll just have to read on to see if it will keep my interest.
Melissa C. (Christianswapper) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I didn't expect to love it but I did. it had me crying on the subway
John A. and Marguerite E. W. (aliennightbird) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
What can I say. I just couldn't get into this book.
Although it is not one of my favorite genres, I have read and enjoyed fiction by several authors (Debbie McComber is the author that pops into my mind off the bat) in which women unite, usually through a craft group, like knitting or quilting, or a reading group, slowly revealed their personal lives and problems, and healed and moved on personally and together as they supported each other. Usually the individual and group stories are told with warmth and perhaps a touch of humor here and there without sacrificing other feelings or decent writing.
But, in this book, the writing style was flat. I continually got the characters and action mixed up. And, I really felt nothing for the women's individual stories.
Maybe if I didn't have so many other books that need reading, I would have soldiered on through the book to the end. Maybe I would have finally gotten into the characters and the story. (After all, I have read many books that got good, but not right away.) Maybe I was just tired.
But, I finally just put the book aside and picked up another that interested me more.
Although it is not one of my favorite genres, I have read and enjoyed fiction by several authors (Debbie McComber is the author that pops into my mind off the bat) in which women unite, usually through a craft group, like knitting or quilting, or a reading group, slowly revealed their personal lives and problems, and healed and moved on personally and together as they supported each other. Usually the individual and group stories are told with warmth and perhaps a touch of humor here and there without sacrificing other feelings or decent writing.
But, in this book, the writing style was flat. I continually got the characters and action mixed up. And, I really felt nothing for the women's individual stories.
Maybe if I didn't have so many other books that need reading, I would have soldiered on through the book to the end. Maybe I would have finally gotten into the characters and the story. (After all, I have read many books that got good, but not right away.) Maybe I was just tired.
But, I finally just put the book aside and picked up another that interested me more.
Pamela C. (pj-s-bookcorner) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 885 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Story centers around single mom, Georgia Walker, living in NYC and running her own yarn shop. Her shop becomes a mecca of sorts for knitters of all skill levels and they start a Friday Night Club bolstered by her daughter's baking skills. Each woman in the club discovers there's more to their group than knitting and deep friendships develop. Enter Georgia's daughter absent father, whom she has never met, and order falls by the wayside. Very good read. Loved the interaction and developing friendships of the characters. Want to read the next two books in the series.
Kitty W. (heartofnature) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really loved this book. It is an interwoven tale of strength and family... and not only blood family, but also the family of close friends that develops over time. Although I don't know how to knit, I do want to learn, and even without having a clue about knitting, this story sucked me in from the start.
Sarah A. (sla506) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
At first, I thought this book was really slow. And cliche. In fact, during the first half of the book I was tempted several times to put it down and move on, but since I have a hard time quitting a book once I've started, I kept on. Finally, around page 200, the story became interesting. The second half of the book moved much faster. It took me days to read the first half, and only hours to read the second.
I felt the characters and events were a little unrealistic. Though I'm glad I finished it, this book does solidify my skepticism towards contemporary fiction. It seems so much of it is shallow and contrived. Nevertheless, I am glad I stuck with it and was actually quite surprised by the ending.
I felt the characters and events were a little unrealistic. Though I'm glad I finished it, this book does solidify my skepticism towards contemporary fiction. It seems so much of it is shallow and contrived. Nevertheless, I am glad I stuck with it and was actually quite surprised by the ending.
Helpful Score: 1
The book started out great! I loved the characters and the way they all come together because of their own reasons. I would have liked to know more about some of the characters. I felt like when I was done reading, the book was neatly tied down but sometimes I like a loose end here and there left to imagination.
The book was very positive and inspiring in it's own way.
The book was very positive and inspiring in it's own way.
Connie C. (sweitz) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 74 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful book about how women can come together with strangers and they soon became friends and part of your life.
Helpful Score: 1
The many dimensions of this book left me riveted. I laughed and cried - literally! This story spans a gap so completely - through generations, races, socioeconomic statuses, and more. Not only do I want to join a group like this, I want to join THIS group! Definitely worth the read...
Helpful Score: 1
Good character development, but predictable ending.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book!! I was a little difficult for me to get into at the very beginning but once you do it was all I could do to try and put it down! I laughed with all the characters, and cried with all the characters. It was a moving book, and it made me want to start knitting!!
Patricia H. (beachcomber) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 320 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The book really had very little to do with knitting, but "knitting" was common bond shared by these women. The book was about friendship. You do not have to know anything about knitting to enjoy the book.
Carol M. (Tunerlady) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 581 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a first novel from Kate Jacobs and what a great story it is! It's about friendship, forgiveness, tolerance, aging, mother/daughter relationships, in general, LIFE. It was a gentle read, but very intriguing as you learn more about these complex characters.
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyed The Friday Night Knitting Club for an easy read. Not an adventure or edge-of-you-seater, but more about the value of relationships and forgiveness. Character development by the author could have been better, but it's a good book for someone who enjoys a simple story.
Helpful Score: 1
It's a rarity for me, but I did not finish this book. The storyline seemed a bit predictable and the character development seemed contrived. I know everyone else seems to like this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book . . . it is one of those stories that stay with you.
Helpful Score: 1
I had a few problems with this book. One was with the believability of some events. I know it's fiction, but even there one should have continuity. So, a rent free lease in Manhattan ... it was so unrealistic as to be absurd. Also, I thought the author used the American version of "deus ex machina" a lot. If there was a problem or crisis ... it was always resolved by someone just swooping in, out of nowhere, with connections. I found that to be totally unrealistic. Darwin bothered me a lot too. It's like no one can ever portray a non-stereotyped feminist in books. Or they can't portray the ideas of feminism without this undercurrent of disbelief, or amusement. Lastly, I didn't like the way the author handled the biracial child part of the book. I think, for me, that was the single most unrealistic bit in the book. Especially the part where they took her to a small town in Scotland. Makes me think the author has never been in Europe. I don't know what experience this author has with race. She's white ... so I can't imagine she had a whole lot of personal knowledge about being black in America. This showed in the novel.
Personally, I didn't like the ending either. So melodramatic and just out of the blue. It served no purpose whatsoever. In general, the whole book didn't have a unifying concept. It was all over the place.
Based on the other reviews, and the success of this book, I suppose a lot of people did like it. So, don't let my review deter you. However, I won't be reading any more in this series (if there is more).
Personally, I didn't like the ending either. So melodramatic and just out of the blue. It served no purpose whatsoever. In general, the whole book didn't have a unifying concept. It was all over the place.
Based on the other reviews, and the success of this book, I suppose a lot of people did like it. So, don't let my review deter you. However, I won't be reading any more in this series (if there is more).
Linda (Angeleyes) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 217 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit hard to get into at first but before I knew it I was pushing to see how it was going to turn out. The end was a bit disturbing as I didn't really see it coming but it was amazing to see how the characters pulled together and had really become a "family". A great book to read and discuss with friends.
Helpful Score: 1
Pretty generic book, predictable. The characters were washed out and two dimensional, I don't even remember their names! The ending was so abrupt I actually thought I was missing some pages. Supposed to be a tear jerker... but the author should make you CARE before introducing sad elements. Turned it in the next day. :(
Helpful Score: 1
This book started out great and I enjoyed reading about a mother/daughter relationship as well as a business woman's perspective on creating community. About half way through, I lost interest. That does not often happen to me in the middle of a book so I slogged through the lull and then it got worse. I only finished because I AM NO QUITTER!. I did not learn much more than that in this book.
Lisa J. (axeljarrett) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A great read about a group of women who meet in a New York City yarn shop once a week to knit, talk and share their secrets. The tale is funny, thought provoking and heart breaking.
SARAH (sukie175) - reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This kept popping up on my suggestion list and finally I clicked to get it, and I'm so glad I did. The characters are likeable, believeable and relateable, you are quickly drawn in to their individual stories. It surrounds you like a warm comfort blanket and is just a lovely book.
Cathy S. (katy0118) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 151 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
excellent
Arlene M. (luvtworead) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very enjoyable...I highly recommend. I miss 'the club' now that I'm finished!
Emily J. (epicemery) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
This book makes you think of life and how greatful you are for the people in your life. Kate Jacobs brings you in to the characters lives and relationships.
Pam H. (PamelaH) - reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 90 more book reviews
Like the cover states, this book is like Steel Magnolias set in Manhattan. I loved the characters in this story and felt as though they were my friends. But, I felt bad by the surprise ending. Hmm... couldn't the author have been a bit nicer with that? An enjoyable, easy, summer read.
I read this several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, enjoyed the sequels.
Sarah K. (remgirl) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
I have to admit this book was a little slow in the beginning but halfway through I was hooked, loved the writing style and the terrific characters.
It initially took me a little while to get into the frame of mind & story set of this book. It jumps from one place to another, that it is around the middle of the book before you really have the feel for everyone involved in this story. With that said, if you can stick with it until that point, it is an amazing true to life story. I was so surprised by the last few chapters & didn't expect what was coming at all. A truly heartfelt & triumphant story that will warm & touch your heart.
I can't wait to begin reading the second book & am so grateful that I have it on hand.
I can't wait to begin reading the second book & am so grateful that I have it on hand.
Aletha M. (nanamedina) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 44 more book reviews
This is a great book, brings out the lost art of knitting and the way it binds women togeter, really good read
This was a terrific book, with vivid characters and a plot that moved swiftly. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
this was a great novel- a light, quick read, great storyline and emotional plot with a touching twist at the end, and enough knitting and yarn related little details to make any crafter happy.
The friendships and family developed in this story made me want to read the next generation!
Loved this book! Shows you don't have to be just like someone to form a strong friendship, and time heals old wounds. Not so happy with the ending, but otherwise loved it! The 2nd in the series is great, and builds on the foundation from this one.
Colette M. (bookcover2010) - reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I was truly taken with this first novel(!) by Kate Jacobs.
You'll laugh, you'll cry. These are women you can wrap your arms & mind around.
You'll laugh, you'll cry. These are women you can wrap your arms & mind around.
Sufficiently enjoyable read, some dull stretches. Enjoyed the depiction of community among women. Would have appreciated some of the background details more if I had an
interest in knitting.
interest in knitting.
A heartwarming book and a quick, fun read!
Fast read, great if you're a knitter.
I lied it, but it took a sad turn I was not prepared for. I like Jodi Picoult better
Great story. Looking forward to the movie coming out within the next year or so. I would highly suggest reading this book and the others in the series if you (like me) enjoy reading the book before the movies comes out.
Bonnie B. (bonniefb) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Well this book got me started knitting again and it keeps me away from the refrigerator in the evening so that's good, although I'm not very good at it and somebody is going to get some very big socks. I thought the main character was a little lacking. Some of the others were more developed than she was.
wonderful, touching book
Judy H. (crisislady) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Very enjoyable book. Got quite involved in the stories of the various women who meet once a week for this club but get involved in each other's lives. A nice mix of humor and tears. I always looked forward to my time when I could sit down with the book.
I liked it, but not enough to read book 2.
Pretty good book. Good character development, but I really disliked the ending.
Jacque S. (twinmomx5) - reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
This was one of those feel good feel bad books that keeps you wanting to find out more! It was very good at the beginning and then I felt it drag a bit, but it picked up and I really liked it. It makes you realize how important friends are to your daily life and to get out and smell the roses more if you aren't already doing so. I'd say don't pick this book for a quick read because it will stay with you for awhile.
I was really enjoying this book, until a plot twist with about 75 pages to go. I, for the first time, decided to stop reading the book. It could have been better without the twist.
Loved the character development. It was a good story--what I thought was going to be predictable--wasn't!
CD M. (my-get-away) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Wow... great story. But it's quite sad. Grab your kleenex!
Linda D. (lindabird44) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
I truly enjoyed this book. It was a powerful story about the importance of a community of friends. Our stength often comes from our friends, we choose our friends, not necessarily our family. Life doesn't always give us roses, it's how we deal with it that makes us who we are.
Fontaine (luvmarie83) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
Cute book. It made me want to find the nearest knitting shop :) The book draws you in and makes you relate to the characters. Each is hiding something, or hiding behind something, but they are a fascinating group of women. I'm looking forward to getting ahold of the second and third in the series.
Louise O. (Weezier53) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
This was a great book! Kept me wanting to read on!
Jackie F. (jackie11) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Excellent book! The end was a bit of a disappointment for me, but I found myself very interested throughout the entire book.
After reading all of the reviews for this book I couldnt wait to get it in my hands and begin reading it. I was sooo unbelievably disappointed. I found it to be extremely slow and didnt even end up finishing it. Complete waste of time for me.
Shanan O. (MomReadsALot) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
I found this to be a light but entertaining read, with interesting personalities and some genuine emotion.
Forest E. (treewomyn) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
predictable and elementary
Very readable. Not always believable. Did NOT like the ending.
Peggie A. (pegkd) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
An easy read and a fun cast of characters. A little trite, a little easy to anticipate the story line, but perfect for a summer day at the beach or by the pool. I'm not sure if it would be as enjoyable for someone who is not a knitter, but I enjoyed that part of the story too!
For the most part, an enjoyable story. Predictable ending.
Kelli M. (hairgirl) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
I thought I would love this book, especially because of the knitting. It was a very slow read for me. It took me months to read because I really didn't connect with the characters until about the last 1/4 of the book. I usually like stories with all different characters narrating, but this one just didn't make me catch on. Nothing outstanding or worth giving it to a friend over. A little disappointing.
Theresa S. (homesteadneedlearts) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
A good book. Characters are well done. Personally I didn't like the ending...it was too fast as the rest of the book had more detail. But the book is definitely worth the read.
This book came along when I needed to fall into a story and wallow amongst the characters for as long as I could. I hated to turn the last page...I have somehow misplaced my copy of it even though I told myself that I wouldn't share this particular book with anyone...it's one of those rare books that you can read over and over again.
Great book! You really get to know the characters... you wish you could be there every Friday night!
Kim P. (perky42474) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Loved it. Easy read. Ending was shocking but all in all a good book!
This book tells a very quaint, very good story with VERY STRONG female characters. It is not particularly well written but certainly readable and very enjoyable. I have to admit, I had trouble putting the book down through about the last half. You are sure to enjoy!
Now I must learn how to knit!
I thought it was a great story about strangers who were able to bond over a common hobby of knitting.
Alina T. (alinat) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Excellent read. A great first novel from Kate Jacobs.
Melissa B. (melissaab) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 38 more book reviews
Nice book. about family and friendship.
This is an excellent character driven book about relationships among women. Very well-written, didn't want it to end.
Raylene G. (RDG) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
A fun book to read. Good for a book club discussion
Megan N. (macn) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Heart-warming, quirky and lovely all at the same time. Modern surprises along with old wisdom makes this book perfect for anyone trying to find themselves no matter what age.
This book provided a good read that shows interaction and support between women in good times and bad.
Patricia D. (patch) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 46 more book reviews
Enjoyable read but was disappointed by the ending. I knew what was going to happen because someone had told me but felt as though the story was flowing and then suddenly just ended. Still the characters kept me interested enough that I read the next book in the series.
Leslie H. (haggy) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
not a knitter, but enjoyed this book. a little lightweight in plot. I enjoyed it enough...particularly with the surprising twist at the end...that I am reading the second in the series
Wonderful read!!! Definitely a page turner. The story captures your heart and draws you into the stories of the women who make up the knitting club. Absolutely wonderful!
Betsy B. (BetsyB) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
great easy read. you can almost see things as you read due to the great author depiction.
Gerry H. (FrontRoyalGerry) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 209 more book reviews
Wonderful, wonderful story!
Leola C. (swamponkeymom) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 353 more book reviews
Didn't think at first I was going to like this book, but became completely involved in the characters, their lives, and how they were there for each other. Just like knitting their lives entwined with each other to make a whole. Loved it.
Julee T. (oldladytish) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Really good book. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Amy H. (Glory68) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
This book was terrific, not at all what I expected and I was really drawn into it.
Linda W. (MizLin) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
There are 7 lives, and families, woven into this story. The ladies are from very different lifestyles, but they end up as close as family when one of them is diagnosed with the deadly "C".
The heroine, Georgia, is a single mom, who has raised her daughter, Dakota, who is bi-racial. The father has been out of their lives for 12 years, when he re-appears with the intent of being a part of Dakotas life.
The story-line goes to the personal lives of each member of the club.
The heroine, Georgia, is a single mom, who has raised her daughter, Dakota, who is bi-racial. The father has been out of their lives for 12 years, when he re-appears with the intent of being a part of Dakotas life.
The story-line goes to the personal lives of each member of the club.
Diane B. (Goldengal) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
This was a great book about female relationships and the value of having close friends.A very easy read it is a good book to when you are looking for a a feel good story.
Loved this book. I read a lot and this book is definitely a must read. Makes me want to start knitting!
I really ended up liking this book. I thought it would be just a light and fluffy "chick lit" book. I was wrong. This is a great book with well developed characters and story line. I was engrossed in the story of each womans life and enjoyed it very much.
Judy H. (winter) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
One of my absolute favorite books. Kate Jacobs keeps you turning pages.
This was a cute book about friendships. Not that memorable in my opinion tough. Good for a light read. Fun and easy!
Sara B. (Badds) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I'm a horrible knitter. So much so that I was reluctant to read this book. Luckily, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. The mix of engaging characters, local connections, and interesting plot pulled me in and I felt like I was a member of the Friday Night Knitting Club.
Very good book.
I loved this book! I enjoyed getting a glimpse into all the various characters lives, dreams, failures and second chances. I felt quite at home in Walker and Daughter Knitting Shop.
Rita C. (Rita-Reader) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book. I wish the characters Cat, KC and Peri were a little more fleshed out but all things considered a good read. Hard to put down for the most part. I really liked Georgia's Gran
Christine B. reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
This is such a womans book. Totally loved it!
Catherine C. (c-squared) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 181 more book reviews
Fluffy chick-lit with conveniently intertwined stories, but enjoyable read. A review on the cover describes the book as "Steel Magnolias set in Manhattan."
I didn't like the ending, but I won't say anymore than that.
I didn't like the ending, but I won't say anymore than that.
Nikki W. (mommawolf) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 34 more book reviews
This was a good, easy read full of feel-good women friendships. A good summer read.
Sharon C. (sharonc9630) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 63 more book reviews
Great read. The characters are interesting. The personalities are so different in this "knitting club" which turns out to be the glue that holds them together along with the main character named Georgia. Truly heartwarming and charming book. I see this author has also written a sequel to this which I intend to read too!!
Mary B. (marybright1) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Good entertaining read. Emotional and insightful. It kept me entertained throughout.
Taryn C. (TarynC) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 213 more book reviews
I listened to this book rather than read it which made it a bit easier. It is certainly not something I would have wasted my time reading, but it was a distraction while folding laundry, cooking and KNITTING!! It wasnt a terrible book just mediocre. I guess I am just not into "chic lit", and found this story very predictable.
A sweet very quick read.
Stephanie S. (punkinema) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 305 more book reviews
A wonderful story about women; not so much about friendships but the growth of each woman in the "club" into her own. Georgia Walker, owner of the yarn shop and single mother of 12 year old Dakota, starts the club in order to teach or coach customers. Each woman has her own story that is developed in the book. You come away with a sense of who each woman was and how their individuality creates a oneness among them. I loved the book!
Megan D. (RN780) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
Very similar to Debbie Macomber's books. OK read for the beach.
Marcy R. (justgodoit) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 51 more book reviews
Quick enjoyable read without much depth. However, the characters become folks you want to care about.
Juanita F. (legal22) - , reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 138 more book reviews
I'm usually a mystery-historical fiction-horror kind of gal, but I really loved this story about Georgia and Dakota, Walker and Daughter. It tells a timeless story about friends, family and forgiveness. I'll be looking for more of Ms. Jabobs' books! Highly recommend.
Gayle B. (glbirch) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 205 more book reviews
Very enjoyable read. I listened to it on audio book, so the occasional curse word bothered me more than it probably would have in print. Great story about redeeming a mistake and I love the way the larger plot is woven (no pun intended) into so many subplots. The metaphor of knitting works on alot of levels (I'm not a knitter, although I do crochet! but the knitting references still weren't too distracting.).
Not to spoil it, but it does have a bit of a sad ending...but then life isn't all happy endings. However, the theme of relationships being made right is very strong and inspiring. Highly recommend it!
Not to spoil it, but it does have a bit of a sad ending...but then life isn't all happy endings. However, the theme of relationships being made right is very strong and inspiring. Highly recommend it!
Adrienne V. (Adriennevh) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
Walker and Daughter is introduced as a knitting shop that has a club materialize out of nowhere every Friday evening. When I begin reading I worry a little that this will be a poor attempt at imitating the Debbie MacComber knitting series.
The cast of characters are plentiful and hard to keep track of at first, but by the end I was hoping that the reason for so much info on each means this author will continue this club in future novels.
This is a first novel for the author and a very good one at that. There are twists and turns and smiles and yes some tears. At one point there were sobs and more than once outright laughing.
This is definitely one to not miss.
The cast of characters are plentiful and hard to keep track of at first, but by the end I was hoping that the reason for so much info on each means this author will continue this club in future novels.
This is a first novel for the author and a very good one at that. There are twists and turns and smiles and yes some tears. At one point there were sobs and more than once outright laughing.
This is definitely one to not miss.
I really liked this book until the final chapters. Not going to spoil the ending, but it was heart-breaking and disappointing. I won't be trying to read the other books in the series.
Ellen C. (marathonmom) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
A half-hearted attempt to envision and describe a group of modern women tied together by struggles with relationships, disease, and death. Horribly predictable, not particularly well written, and fairly disjointed. A good read for housebound souls limited by the contents of their bookshelves.
Lisa M. (LisaM3) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 138 more book reviews
WOW!! Great book. Highly recommend.
Loved this story. A lovely escape into other women's lives, challenges and relationships. Especially nice for knitters who will relate to much of the language and be transported to the knitting shop. Much to relate to here. Something for everyone. Enjoy!
Peggy D. (atleast10hats) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 222 more book reviews
I am a knitter. I have belonged to knit clubs and so the title of this book was intriguing. But I found the writing was not very compelling and the character development was amateurish. I never really got to caring about the characters that much.
I found parts of the story that stretched credulity....one example - that someone would wait 12 years to read two letters sent by the man who walked out on her but whom she still loved.
Too many themes going on at once within the confines of the story - an on again-off again inter-racial relationship; love at seventy; single parenthood; trophy wife/divorcee; young love; infidelity; coming of age; gramma in Scotland; betrayal by best friend; cancer; business success, etc ....and not woven in deeply enough. It seemed that the author made a list of 50 possible story lines and chose them all.
I finished the book because I was determined to but it was not the kind of book that drew me back in between readings. I could have easily laid it aside and never gone back.
I found parts of the story that stretched credulity....one example - that someone would wait 12 years to read two letters sent by the man who walked out on her but whom she still loved.
Too many themes going on at once within the confines of the story - an on again-off again inter-racial relationship; love at seventy; single parenthood; trophy wife/divorcee; young love; infidelity; coming of age; gramma in Scotland; betrayal by best friend; cancer; business success, etc ....and not woven in deeply enough. It seemed that the author made a list of 50 possible story lines and chose them all.
I finished the book because I was determined to but it was not the kind of book that drew me back in between readings. I could have easily laid it aside and never gone back.
Julie W. (cloverluv) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 129 more book reviews
The hours of Walker and Daughter: Knitters are very clear. But Georgia Walker is always known to stay open a few extra minutes for that run-in customer. Georgia and her daughter Dakota make their living in New York with their friends who are in themselves a remarkable bunch of women. Lucie, the television producer who is between jobs, but never misses a club meeting, Anita Georgia's long time best friend, Darwin, an idealistic grad student whose life isn't quite as perfect as it may seem, and KC, a former workmate of Georgia's who does more talking than knitting.
But Georgia's routine is shattered when Dakota's father James suddenly reappears and wants to be a part of his daughter's life. Georgia, still stinging from his betrayal almost 13 years ago, is not sure she wants to let him in, and all of the other club members have issues of their own, but somehow, they all come together every Friday night and in the end they realize they have more than just a club, but a sisterhood.
Truthfully, "Friday Night Knitting Club" was slow to start. It's definitely not a page turner, but despite the lack of "excitement" I sincerely enjoyed it. Jacobs has created characters that I can relate with and feel a connection to. I cried very hard at the end of this book and am excited to read the next book that is out now.
"Friday Night Knitting Club" really doesn't need a long review. It was a feel-good chicklit book for grown up fans of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." Great book, great fun!
But Georgia's routine is shattered when Dakota's father James suddenly reappears and wants to be a part of his daughter's life. Georgia, still stinging from his betrayal almost 13 years ago, is not sure she wants to let him in, and all of the other club members have issues of their own, but somehow, they all come together every Friday night and in the end they realize they have more than just a club, but a sisterhood.
Truthfully, "Friday Night Knitting Club" was slow to start. It's definitely not a page turner, but despite the lack of "excitement" I sincerely enjoyed it. Jacobs has created characters that I can relate with and feel a connection to. I cried very hard at the end of this book and am excited to read the next book that is out now.
"Friday Night Knitting Club" really doesn't need a long review. It was a feel-good chicklit book for grown up fans of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." Great book, great fun!
I didn't really like this book. It was okay enough that I finished it but not that I'd read again (or even suggest to anyone to read themselves). It was hard to follow the characters in the beginning. The story line was all over the place. It really got irritating. The only reason I did finish it is because I wanted to see what became of the secondary character (main character's friend). I gave it 2.5 stars and really that was probably one too many.
Laura R. (isitfriday) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 170 more book reviews
i liked it, but i did not love it... had a hard time relating to the characters. i had a hard time picking it up for long periods of time, it just never grabbed me like some other books have.
Karen S. (drmom1973) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
While the book started a little slowly for me by the middle I couldn't get enough of it and when I finished I felt like I had lost a friend.
Olga J. (bolgai) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 109 more book reviews
This is a wonderful book that kept me reading late into the night and even got me to cry on a couple of occasions.
It is the story of several women's journeys of self-discovery, self-realization and self-appreciation and the knitting lessons that accompany it highlight the life lessons the characters learn. The way the author talked about the craft in the first chapter, about learning it in childhood, the joy of it, it reminded me of learning needle crafts with my mom and after those first pages I couldn't stop reading. It was like I had a connection with these people and their stories mattered to me. And what stories they are! A single mother who made it as a business owner in New York City, a 12-year-old planning on taking over Martha Stewart's empire, a young woman who's supposed to go to law school secretly taking classes in fashion merchandising, a 40-year-old learning to love herself for the first time ever, and that's just the beginning.
I really enjoyed the little pearls of common sense wisdom mixed in here and there. They're nothing ground-breaking but every once in a while we all need to hear them. "Your life is what you make it", "And theres always a better time than right now and there always will be. But right now is what weve got" and "Be your own safety and security" are my favorites.
I really liked the voice Jacobs used. It was so easy, so accessible, and it helped create some very real characters, showing them at their strongest and most vulnerable, and it was so touching to see them stand behind each other.
There were few things I had trouble with while reading this book. One was the trip to Scotland (it reminded me of Cameron Diaz's character's trek to England in The Holiday) and another was the vocabulary of some of the characters that didn't seem to fit. I could understand Georgia and Dakota using words like "nosh" and "kibosh" after spending so much time with the Jewish Anita, but I just couldn't see a Baptist black man who's spent the last decade in Paris or a Chinese-American woman from California talking like that. These are pretty minor things in the grand scheme of things though, (besides, I didn't live in New York, may be everyone talks like that there!) and they didn't spoil my overall impression of the book too much.
I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quaint read full of strong yet believable characters to curl up with on a cold afternoon. The ending will most likely surprise you, and you might shed a tear, but if you're anything like me you'll turn the last page with your faith in people and friendship having received a solid boost.
It is the story of several women's journeys of self-discovery, self-realization and self-appreciation and the knitting lessons that accompany it highlight the life lessons the characters learn. The way the author talked about the craft in the first chapter, about learning it in childhood, the joy of it, it reminded me of learning needle crafts with my mom and after those first pages I couldn't stop reading. It was like I had a connection with these people and their stories mattered to me. And what stories they are! A single mother who made it as a business owner in New York City, a 12-year-old planning on taking over Martha Stewart's empire, a young woman who's supposed to go to law school secretly taking classes in fashion merchandising, a 40-year-old learning to love herself for the first time ever, and that's just the beginning.
I really enjoyed the little pearls of common sense wisdom mixed in here and there. They're nothing ground-breaking but every once in a while we all need to hear them. "Your life is what you make it", "And theres always a better time than right now and there always will be. But right now is what weve got" and "Be your own safety and security" are my favorites.
I really liked the voice Jacobs used. It was so easy, so accessible, and it helped create some very real characters, showing them at their strongest and most vulnerable, and it was so touching to see them stand behind each other.
There were few things I had trouble with while reading this book. One was the trip to Scotland (it reminded me of Cameron Diaz's character's trek to England in The Holiday) and another was the vocabulary of some of the characters that didn't seem to fit. I could understand Georgia and Dakota using words like "nosh" and "kibosh" after spending so much time with the Jewish Anita, but I just couldn't see a Baptist black man who's spent the last decade in Paris or a Chinese-American woman from California talking like that. These are pretty minor things in the grand scheme of things though, (besides, I didn't live in New York, may be everyone talks like that there!) and they didn't spoil my overall impression of the book too much.
I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a quaint read full of strong yet believable characters to curl up with on a cold afternoon. The ending will most likely surprise you, and you might shed a tear, but if you're anything like me you'll turn the last page with your faith in people and friendship having received a solid boost.
A very touching story of a woman with a dream and a teenager by her side. The knitting club is a store in manhattan where many walks of life come together to knit a sweater, and end up knitting themselves into the fabric of the lives of others. A straight forward read encompassing broken relationships, broken families, and how knitting and sharing themselves with one another helps put things back on the mend.
Janice P. (jpbookgirl) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
This was an unexpected story. I had to, at times, push myself to read it. The ending threw my for a loop, but it ended well. I'm unsure whether or not I'll read anything else from this auther. It's hard to turn down a book about knitting.
Darlena W. (darlena42) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
I didn't think the writing was very good - reminding me of stuff that I wrote in Jr. High.
I enjoyed this book so much. It is an easy book to put down and come back to in a couple of days if it is a busy time. I felt like I was a member of the Friday night knitting club by the time I was done reading it. Every time I picked the book up, I felt like I was checking in on my friends. It even made me want to learn to knit!
I enjoyed this book up until the ending. I was really disappointed.
Jeanette R. (thebeakeeper) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 167 more book reviews
i picked this up at the domicile today for a buck! sweet!! it was totally worth it. i really enjoyed this book (though i had hoped it had a little more substance).
it's about a woman who owns a knitting store and is raising her daughter on her own. she develops a friendship over time with the people who frequent her shop and people from her past- a kind of misfits club.
it was a sweet and endearing story with a twist at the end. it kind of came out of nowhere and didnt really fit with the book. it was like-i dont know how to end this great story- so uh- over. the end.
still a great story. its the author's first, so i hope she improves as she writes more.
it's about a woman who owns a knitting store and is raising her daughter on her own. she develops a friendship over time with the people who frequent her shop and people from her past- a kind of misfits club.
it was a sweet and endearing story with a twist at the end. it kind of came out of nowhere and didnt really fit with the book. it was like-i dont know how to end this great story- so uh- over. the end.
still a great story. its the author's first, so i hope she improves as she writes more.
I enjoyed reading about these women who's common bond was the knitting store run by a single mom. They were all independent in their own way but came to care for and support each other in ways they never imagined.
Lisa D. (lisadear) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
slow moving but very interesting relationships - in the end it's well worth the time!
Amina A. (amina) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
This is a good, readable story about women's friendships which I lent to a friend after finishing. I am looking forward to reading other books by the author.
Good book. I didn't expect the depressing ending though! If you don't mind that, it was a fun and easy read. I live in Manhattan and knit, so that also made the book especially fun because I know all the places that were referenced.
Robin F. (robinferguson) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
A great story about women's friendship and love. A great summer read! You don't need to be a knitter to enjoy this story.
Angie M. (angiem) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Awesome book, actually cried
I loved Kate Jacobs in Comfort Food and had to find more of her books. Reading her books is like catching up with a friend you have not seen in awhile. Before long, it feels like you have always been there! A great book!
Very enjoyable woman's book. Something for every lady to relate to. Excellent light book club book.
I have not yet read this book but was looking at it and read the reviews...too bad some people cannot review a book without telling what happens in the end. If you want to read this book do not read the review from stubbytate or the ending will be ruined for you!!! I am still going to order though!
Jennifer H. (BensonBooks) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Fun book, shows different personalities of women and how we all mesh-a good read, thinking of reading the sequel.
The characters were hard to relate to, and hard to remember for much of the book. It was nice to read it, but it wasn't that engaging. I liked the knitting group of friends.
This heart warming story is interwoven with knitting wisdoms and instructions. I enjoyed the colorful characters and multi-generational aspect. The story follows characters as they question and re-discover true love and true friendship. A fun read that made me want to pick up knitting again.
Stacie D. (evolady) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Great book.
Diane (DeeDee123) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 175 more book reviews
This is a cute book - you don't have to be a knitter to like it.
Carrie E. C. (cef424) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 67 more book reviews
What a great book! I couldn't put it down...
Annetta D. (abdunham) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 437 more book reviews
What a great book. Such a surprise ending. Absolutely took me by surprise. Loved it!!!!
Diane K. (dkovach) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
I loved this book and as a beginning knitter it has inspired me to create my first sweater.
Laurel W. (StrawberryOES) - reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 88 more book reviews
The Friday Night Knitting Club series is wonderful, especially if you're a knitter like I am. I don't usually read fiction, but these books really kept me in my chair. They have so many different personalities to follow, each with their own problems and solutions. The first book did not end how I wanted it to, so I had to read the second book to see where everyone went from there. Kate Jacobs has become one of my favorite authors (second only to Bill Bryson and Taylor Caldwell)
touching
Leola C. (swamponkeymom) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 353 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book very much. Just like knitting the characters came together to make a whole. A look into women's lives and how they are there for each other. I laughed and cried. Can't wait to read book 2
I enjoyed the characters in this book. Easy and fast read.
I'm sure this is a great book but I just couldn't get into it and I was half way through the book. I might come back to it someday, but another book caught my eye and I didn't finish this one.
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 628 more book reviews
I just finished reading a great book that was much deeper, so this paled in comparison. To me it is typical chick lit. I do knit and learned very little from the book, but the relationship between the characters adds what little interest it held for me.
Linda S. (IowaLinda) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
good cozy read
Heather H. (jazzyheather) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
Excellent book! I could not stop reading!!!!!!
Joyce T. (gran741) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
worth reading.
I thought it was a pretty good story of woman and how they are such a great support for each other. I just didn't enjoy all the swearing.
Susan G. (suegaytan) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
This is a pretty good book. It is about the friendships formed around a yarn store. A single mother runs the store with help from a college student and an older woman. They have a knitting club. The owner has health problems. Her daughter's father comes back into town and they start dating. There is some bad language so I don't totally recommend it.
Good read. Enjoyed the story line and the way it is written.
Krista B. (lvrofbooks) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
This was an emotional story that I enjoyed so much! Between the bonding the mother and daughter kept the story going. As well as all the daily activities that happened at the yarn shop. I loved how the women connected and getting a glimpse into each woman's life. Definitely a good book. I cannot wait to read the next one.
Natalie B. (craftinnat) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
As a new knitter, I was thrilled to get this book. Little did I know how deeply it would affect me! I laughed out loud, I sobbed, I wanted to throw the book...yet on I read. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
Gloria B. (gxflygirl) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Good reading . Its not what I read in general but it kept my interest. Its a book that most women would enjoy.Friendship and love.
Nancy P. (NFP) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
I loved this book! Once I started I couldn't put it down. I loved the relationships between the women & how they changed. It's been a while since I've knitted, but I'm making plans to start a new project soon. It's not so much about knitting as it is about being creative & sharing your gifts. Great read!
Crystal J. (dorolerium) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 212 more book reviews
I'm sure by now, everyone is familiar with the premise of this book â it's in the title, after all! A group of women join together, unintentionally at first, and form a knitting club that meets every Friday night at Walker & Daughter in Manhattan. While the knitting club is where we meet our cast of characters, it is really only the background in this charming tale.
As a knitter myself, the book made me long to pick up one of my numerous projects and work on it. It's hard when you're torn between two of your favorite things, knitting and reading, because I at least cannot do both at once. However, I have no doubt that Georgia Walker, the owner of Walker & Daughter, would have been competent at doing the two things together!
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=726
As a knitter myself, the book made me long to pick up one of my numerous projects and work on it. It's hard when you're torn between two of your favorite things, knitting and reading, because I at least cannot do both at once. However, I have no doubt that Georgia Walker, the owner of Walker & Daughter, would have been competent at doing the two things together!
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=726
Really thought the ending was bad. And leading up to it was no picnic either. I was very disappointed, I had so looked forward to reading this.
Alice E. (countryflair) reviewed The Friday Night Knitting Club (Knitting Club, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Not my kind of book.
I think I'm the only one who didn't like the book. It was great for the first few chapters but I can't stand a book where you get deeply involved in the main character only to have her die in the end. What a burst in my balloon as I was sure she'd finally have the man of her dreams, a daughter who was every exception to every rule and friends who joined her in journey to growing old together.
I enjoyed the knitting aspect but couldn't get a visual on all the creations because the descriptions weren't meaty enough.
*sigh* will there ever be a book where drama and angst isn't the Ruler of the Female World?
I enjoyed the knitting aspect but couldn't get a visual on all the creations because the descriptions weren't meaty enough.
*sigh* will there ever be a book where drama and angst isn't the Ruler of the Female World?