When a Hollywood location scout comes to Applewood, Long Island, and announces that the local elementary school might make the perfect backdrop for an upcoming George Clooney movie, the PTA’s decorum crumbles like a cookie from last week’s bake sale.
Enter Maddie, Ruth, and Lisa, three women who become the glue that holds the project together…and wind up forging a bond of friendship stronger than anyone could imagine.
A good thing, too, because each one of them is about to come apart. Maddie Schein, an ex-lawyer trying hard to fit in and save her marriage, gets knocked off balance by Jack Rose, an old college friend hell-bent on seducing her. Ruth Moss—rich, sexy, and outspoken—has more to give and less to enjoy than most people think. Indeed, since her husband’s stroke left him embarrassingly uninhibited yet completely impotent, she’s more of a caretaker than a wife. And modest Lisa Slotnick, a loving parent who wants nothing more than to fade into the scenery as she tends to her children, must deal with the humiliation of being thrust into the spotlight by her scandalous, alcoholic mother.
When these three get together, a powerful alliance is formed. But is it strong enough to overcome the obstacles to getting the movie made in their town? And will their friendship be enough to mend their hearts and homes? Join them as they reach for the stars…and try to pull off a Hollywood ending of their own.
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"the sexual scenes sort of seem out of place...wow bet definately worth the read... you feel like your in a gossip group with all the best gossip of the elementry school. very gossipy read. scandals and good endings, some may think its a little predictable but i really enjoyed it! "
— Maria (5 out of 5 stars)
" I enjoyed this novel,though I liked some of the story lines better than others. There were some amusing moments and some that were quite tender, and no one was one note. I found some of it to be a bit cheesy, a bit too "chick lit" cliche, but seeing as that's what this book is, it fit. The overall theme of the power of friendship and love was great. I read the book mostly because Ellen Meister has some other novels I'm interested in, with premises that are more my thing (visits from Dorothy Parker's ghost!) Having read Applewood, I am excited to see what Ms. Meister can do with subjects that are a bit more my taste. My personal opinion about chick lit aside, if like well-rounded female characters, you'll find Ellen Meister definitely knows how to write them. And you'll find yourself connecting to them in one way or another. To me, that's the best achievement of this book. "
— Kat, 2/15/2014" A satirical romp through the thickets of PTA dreaming and scheming--with a fun and poignant plot involving George Clooney, a disappointed wife, an almost-widow, and a neglected daughter looking for her place in the world. "
— Pamela, 2/13/2014" It took me a while to get into this book and I really didn't like the characters at first. They grew on me after a while and I am glad I finished it. "
— Teddy, 2/10/2014" a fun 'chick lit' read with plenty of humor and 'spice' "
— Danica, 2/9/2014" Good storyline but some language and other inappropiate stuff. Wouldn't necessarily recommend it. "
— Amy, 2/5/2014" For anyone in a suburban school district, you KNOW these women. :-) "
— Louise, 2/5/2014" I read it in a day, nice and quick and light. It was a little like Desperate Housewives, except the characters were all fantastic, good people with depth. "
— Cassienerdgirl, 1/20/2014" Finished this yesterday and it was a good read. LOTS OF DRAMA....always like those kind of books...ha ha "
— Melissa, 1/19/2014" I actually listened to this on CD (narrated by the lovely Ms. Lisa Kudrow), and it was HILARIOUS. "
— Sarah, 1/19/2014" This was a quick, fun read. By that, I mean it made me laugh and didn't require any thinking. If I refer to a book as a "fluff" read, it is usually this kind of book. Light-hearted yet enjoyable! It was recommended on a book club site and I was looking for a light read. Perfect! "
— Marie, 1/14/2014" This book was total trash. It was an embarrassment to women! Seriously it treated women like we are no more than dogs in heat, unable to control any passion. I was very disappointed. "
— Joanne, 12/20/2013" Such a great guilty pleasure read! The cover is ridiculous though and I was almost embarrassed to be seen reading it in the gym. "
— Becky, 12/14/2013" I found the ending a little too unbelieavable. It is okay not to have a happy ending for every character. "
— Shaena, 12/7/2013" Chic-lit, PTA style. I would not want to cross this bunch of moms! Twists and turns and unexpected happenings made this a book that I did not want to put down. "
— Dineen, 4/27/2013" just a light read we neede after some seriuois heavy books- it was a fun silly read!!!Who doesnt live George Clooney? "
— Anne, 3/25/2013" Funny book, fun characters - if only my school's PTA was like this? Then again, perhaps it is? Hmmm... "
— Linda, 2/25/2013" Although I do not share the characters' lust for all that is George Clooney, I found this to be the funniest book I read in years. "
— Stephanie, 11/9/2012" A fun, upbeat story - great for a day at the beach or by the pool with the kids! "
— Vicki, 2/22/2012" Funny Book! Will make you want to say Mother Sh*t F**K! :) "
— Bobbie, 2/19/2012" I listened to this book on tape with Lisa Kudrow as the reader, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kudrow's voice and demeanor were perfect for this book. There were some very engaging characters in the story, as well as a good dose of humor. Lots of fun! "
— Bev, 2/18/2012" My only complaint? I got through it so quickly! I was enjoying sitting down with this book at night. This was exactly the fun read I was looking for, and I breezed right through it. "
— Amy, 8/26/2011" Its an ok book. I've ready better. Glad I read it but wouldn't read it again. "
— Cathy, 6/20/2011" If you haven't read this, read it immediately. Funny. "
— Ellenjsmellen, 6/9/2011" I have this written down in my journal as a book I had read yet I remember nothing about it...thus the 2 star rating. "
— Elizabeth, 4/20/2011" Terrible characters, ridiculous plot. The only thing that kept me going was the engaging writing style "
— Barbi, 4/19/2011" Really enjoyed this author's debut novel. Great read! "
— Susan, 4/5/2011" The big seller of this one? Simple: "Read by Lisa Kudrow" on the CD case.<br/><br/>Alas, even the amazing Lisa couldn't save this boring book. <br/><br/>Maybe I should reserve judgment until I'm a sex-starved, insecure mother of 3 involved in the PTA.<br/><br/>Nah. "
— Rebecca, 3/22/2011" Moral of the story - any marriage can be made better by cheating. UGH. I feel like I need to wash my hands after touching this book. "
— Betsy, 2/17/2011" Reading Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA is like eating a fine pastry. Layers of saucy characters reveal sugar, spice, and the occasional nut. "
— Kristie, 1/29/2011" This book was total trash. It was an embarrassment to women! Seriously it treated women like we are no more than dogs in heat, unable to control any passion. I was very disappointed. "
— Joanne, 11/14/2010" For anyone in a suburban school district, you KNOW these women. :-) "
— Louise, 8/17/2010" I actually listened to this on CD (narrated by the lovely Ms. Lisa Kudrow), and it was HILARIOUS. "
— Sarah, 8/9/2010" A good, light, fun summer read--esp for someone who will be in the PTA this yr! "
— Suzanne, 6/11/2010" Cute mom chick lit about several Long Island PTA Moms and their personal travails along with their attempts to get a movie filmed in their town. "
— Jennifer, 5/22/2010" It took me a while to get into this book and I really didn't like the characters at first. They grew on me after a while and I am glad I finished it. "
— Teddy, 1/8/2010" Absolutely delightful! I really enjoyed this easy read full of juicy gossip, sexy situations, and lots of girl fun! I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an exciting read! "
— Melissa, 8/4/2009" This book really surprised me content-wise. Although I suspected a totally trashy novel, this book had feeling, emotion and issues expanding beyond a broken nail. This book had several laugh-out-loud moments. I would totally recommend this easy read for a lazy beach day! "
— Christine, 4/24/2009" I really, really liked this. Laughed out loud several times and recognized people I know more than once. Certainly not high-brow lit, but a fun, funny read. "
— Ashley, 3/15/2009" This was a great fun/sad/witty/sexy book by Ellen. She is a great writer and a cool lady. I highly recommend. "
— Allen4life, 3/11/2009Ellen Meister is the author of several novels, including The Other Life, The Smart One, and Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA, as well as numerous short stories. She teaches creative writing at Hofstra University and runs an online mentoring group for women authors. A former advertising copywriter, Meister currently curates for a literary radio program. She lives on Long Island with her husband and children.