The stunning new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Open House and Never Change.

I'm 58, happily married 19 years to the "perfect" man (older than I am) but with no children of my own and thinking a lot about widowhood and what I would do if I were on my own. This book came into my life now, as I prepare to attend my 40th high school reunion (1968) with my 2 best friends from that era. We live in different states and rarely see each other. I went to our 30th reunion with one of them (last time I saw her) and the other has not been to any of our reunions yet.

This book spoke to me, as if it were written espressly for me. That is the only criticism I might have of it; I'm trying to think of other friends it might help as it has me and can only think of a one or two. Nevertheless, if you know a mid-fifties, childless, married woman, buy her this book and she'll thank you for it.

I loved this book! I've been disappointed by some of Berg's recent books, still believing her first few were the best....Joy School, Durable Goods, etc. But some of her phrasing and descriptions in this book are just breathtakingly beautiful. Of course, some of it is unrealistic, but it's a novel!! I highly recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I agree with C.L. Ferle who stated that this book relates to everyone approaching midlife and wanting or needing to reinvent themselves. The message here is that life is full of starts and stops, beginnings and endings, rolling with the punches and surviving whatever life throws at you. There is light at the end of the tunnel and better days are coming so don't give up. And I don't know of one person who hasn't needed to take comfort in that message at some time in their lives. I love Elizabeth Berg's writing style, the way she sprinkles words of wisdom right into the storyline that stay with you long after you have finished the story and I have a strong feeling that she writes from personal experience. I have just added her to my favorite authors list and I look forward to reading more of her novels. To those critics here who are complaining about the characters being selfish, the story being contrite or unrealistic or whatever other whining they are doing, sorry you didn't "get" it. It's not so much about what Betta did, but rather HOW she managed to pick herself up by her boot-straps when life as she knew it ended.

What person affter 30 years of her husband doing everything goes up to the first house in the first town she stopped at and knows nothing about, and buys it, full price, after 10 minutes of looking?

The worst was when she phoned a friend after not speaking for 30 years and just reaquainting themselves after 2 short visits "I've got a favor. I want you to take the weekend off, fly down here, and make the girlfriend of a new friend jealous." These women are 50 years old! And then the way she treats that friend when she gets along with Tom. Practically throwing her out of the house.

What a totally selfish woman. Unbelievable.

The other worst was after only months after her absolute perfect husband died she is throwing herself at another man to have sex with him. If she her husband loved him as much as we are led to believe ... There is no way.

I guess there are lots of worst things. Like her relationship with 10! year old Benny who has girlfriend troubles. Benny's mother lets him stay at Betta's house until 9:00 and she hasn't even met him.

Blah BLah Blah. You feel insulted and stupid reading this book. "the things that bring me comfort now are too small to list (but she lists them anyway)... "raspeberries in cream. Sparrows with cocked heads. Shadows of bare limbs..." PLeeeeeeeeeeze!

Unlike some of the reviewers of The Year of Pleasures: I did NOT find the characters (or the setting) "June Clever-ish"; I DON'T think Betta "selfish"; nor did I find the characters too "Goodie-goodie". A recent widow myself, I admired Betta's tenacity in starting a new/different life and not lolling in her grief. Death is a part of life, and life goes on.....why not LIVE it? I agree that Elizabeth Berg DOES speak to one's soul. The psychology/philosophy she "slips" into her stories adds so much to her characters and speaks volumes as to the kind of person the author is......kind, compassionate, and insightful. I discovered her less than a month ago, have read five of her novels and have two "in the wings" waiting to be read.

I was torn between reading the book slowly, to savor it, and reading it quickly, to see how the story developed. I have recommended it to many, and plan to re-read it after I finish "The Art of Mending".

I hope Berg has many more stories where her others came from......I am an ardent fan. Thank you for "hours of pleasures".