Book cover of Count the Ways

Book description

In her most ambitious novel to date, New York Times bestselling author Joyce Maynard returns to the themes that are the hallmarks of her most acclaimed work in a mesmerizing story of a family-from the hopeful early days of young marriage to parenthood, divorce, and the costly aftermath that ripples…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Count the Ways as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

As the seemingly idyllic marriage between Eleanor and Cam unraveled, I kept wanting to scream at Eleanor.

Didn't she see what she was doing to her relationship with her kids, by either saying the wrong thing or doing nothing? Yes, it was because of Cam's carelessness that their son, Toby, was horribly injured in an accident, but why didn't she accept Cam's gestures of apology?

And when divorce became inevitable, why did she let Cam keep the farm that their three children loved? Why did she have to fight over every little thing with their elder daughter?

These characters were…

Here’s the best way to describe this book: utterly heartbreaking and yet simply beautiful. Some reviews call it depressing, but I don’t see it that way. Maybe I just love sad books?

There’s something about being gutted by such rich storytelling, in this case about a family navigating the ups and downs of life, following a tragic accident involving one of their own. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a story that so resonated with the female experience in marriage and parenthood. It will make you smile, it will make you cry, and it will stay with you long…

If you love Count the Ways...

Book cover of Her Daughter

Her Daughter by Fran Hawthorne,

Alice Wilson wants children; her husband, Dan, doesn’t. So Alice "accidentally"  gets pregnant, trusting that Dan will eventually go along—and he seems to, at first. But as their marriage falls apart, Alice realizes that, even from the beginning, Dan has cruelly used small criticisms and belittling comments to undermine her…

Want books like Count the Ways?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Count the Ways.

Browse books like Count the Ways

Book cover of The School for Good Mothers
Book cover of How to Love Your Daughter
Book cover of The Good Mother

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?