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...

Ad

Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

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.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Count the Ways, you might also like...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

5 book lists we think you will like!