Today I’m sharing my review of The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz. Still making my way on reviews of books I included in my Summer Reading Guide.
Synopsis
Alex Vogel has always been a high achiever who lived her life by the book—star student and athlete in high school, prelaw whiz in college, Harvard Law School degree. Accepting a dream offer at the prestigious Manhattan law firm of Klasko & Fitch, she promises her sweet and supportive longtime boyfriend that the job won’t change her. Yet Alex is seduced by the firm’s money and energy . . . and by her cocksure male colleagues, who quickly take notice of the new girl. She’s never felt so confident and powerful—even the innuendo-laced banter with clients feels fun. In the firm’s most profitable and competitive division, Mergers and Acquisitions, Alex works around the clock, racking up billable hours and entertaining clients late into the evening. While the job is punishing, it has its perks, like a weekend trip to Miami, a ride in a client’s private jet, and more expense-account meals than she can count.
But as her clients’ expectations and demands on her increase, and Alex finds herself magnetically drawn to a handsome coworker despite her loving relationship at home, she begins to question everything—including herself. She knows the corporate world isn’t black and white, and that to reach the top means playing by different rules. But who made those rules? And what if the system rigged so that women can’t win, anyway?
When something happens that reveals the dark reality of the firm, Alex comes to understand the ways women like her are told—explicitly and implicitly—how they need to behave to succeed in the workplace. Now, she can no longer stand by silently—even if doing what’s right means putting everything on the line to expose the shocking truth.
Why I Decided to Read this Book
This was a recommendation from the Bad on Paper Podcast. I had wanted to read it for a while and recently got a paperback copy.
Rating
4 Stars (Check out my rating system!)
My Thoughts
You had me at drama within the halls of Big Law. This book came highly recommended but at the same time not super hyped. I was ready to sit by the pool and read it. I think it is a quick read and while there are plenty of unlikeable characters I found myself rooting for the main character Alex (even though she makes some questionable decisions). It’s fascinating to see this portrayal of a law firm, women in that environment and greed. If I had to describe this book in a few words I’d say juicy and addictive.
There is some legal jargon included throughout the book but I didn’t feel lost, I think the author did a good job at explaining things well. She is a lawyer and you can tell she knows what she is talking about.
I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook. The audiobook is narrated by my favorite narrator Julia Whelan so I definitely recommend that format. This is also a bingeable book so if you’re in the mood for something you can’t put down this is a good option. I heard there is a tv adaptation of this on the works and I can’t wait for it to come out.
Content Warnings
Sexual assault, drug use, infidelity, misogyny, sexism, physical abuse, rape
Who I Recommend this Book to
This one is hard to compare to other books. If you want something juicy and addictive pick this one up. It is a great summer read.
Get the Book!
Did this review of The Boys Club convince you to read it? Check out the links below to order it from Bookshop.org and libro.fm. Please consider ordering it from a Black owned independent bookstore. This list of Black owned independent bookstores accepts online ordering.
If you’ve read this book let me know your thoughts in the comments!
