Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

From Jennifer Weiner, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Who Do You Love and In Her Shoes, comes a smart, thoughtful, and timely exploration of two sisters’ lives from the 1950s to the present as they struggle to find their places—and be true to themselves—in a rapidly evolving world. Mrs. Everything is an ambitious, richly textured journey through history—and herstory—as these two sisters navigate a changing America over the course of their lives. 


This novel follows sisters Bethie and Jo as they grow up, fumble through adulthood, and finally find solace in middle age. Although both women are very different (Jo a tomboy and a lesbian, Bethie pretty and eager to please others), their lives are equally complicated by gender inequality and how society (and on a personal level, their mother) believes women should behave. 

Their journey sweeps through the decades, giving us a glimpse of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. I enjoyed and empathized with both characters, and liked that they didn’t stick to their stereotypical boxes, but became multi-dimensional. I especially enjoyed Bethie’s trajectory to finding her true self. 

I did wish the novel was longer. Jo’s children, especially, weren’t strongly portrayed, and I felt that they played an important part in many of the life choices she made. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and felt it had an important message about societal progress and gender equality.