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The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit
Five college friends, three men and two women, have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. But when tragedy takes one of them, leaving the others to question the fairness of life, the Thursday Night Club decides to embark on a contest in the memory of the generous spirit of their fallen brother. The objective of the contest is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off.
As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.
A story of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year, The Thursday Night Club will make you look at the holiday season in new ways.
As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.
A story of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year, The Thursday Night Club will make you look at the holiday season in new ways.
- GenresChristmasContemporary
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
About the author
Steven Manchester
29 books269 followersNew England's Storyteller Steven Manchester is the author of the soul-awakening novel, The Menu, as well as the '80s nostalgia-series, Bread Bags & Bullies; Lawn Darts & Lemonade. His other works include #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award winning novels, Dad and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie, The Thursday Night Club. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show and CBS's The Early Show; in Billboard and People Magazines. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He is a multi-produced playwright, as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, 2018 New York Book Festival, 2020 New England Book Festival, and 2021 Paris Book Festival. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 5, 2017
Advance review copy provided by author and GR friend Steven Manchester.
Five college friends get together regularly on Thursday nights to hang out, enjoy music, share snacks, play cards, joke and plan harmless pranks. One of the friends, Jesse, shares with them the lessons given to him by his family, lessons about the importance of doing good to other people. When Jesse unexpectedly leaves the group, the four remaining friends are grief-stricken. But, with the help of a wise and caring professor, they devise ways to keep Jesse's memory alive by putting into practice the lessons he taught them. This novella, ultimately, is about the importance of doing good without expecting to get noticed or praised for it.
Five college friends get together regularly on Thursday nights to hang out, enjoy music, share snacks, play cards, joke and plan harmless pranks. One of the friends, Jesse, shares with them the lessons given to him by his family, lessons about the importance of doing good to other people. When Jesse unexpectedly leaves the group, the four remaining friends are grief-stricken. But, with the help of a wise and caring professor, they devise ways to keep Jesse's memory alive by putting into practice the lessons he taught them. This novella, ultimately, is about the importance of doing good without expecting to get noticed or praised for it.
February 16, 2022
Listened to the audiobook. A waste of my time.
November 19, 2014
When a terrible tragedy takes one member away from the Thursday Night Club, the remaining four college students are left asking why, even as they learn of the many kind deeds their friend always performed without fanfare. Through their grief, they begin to see who their friend was and how they could give meaning to their loss while honoring the generous spirit that has left this world. As part of the healing they make a bet, one quarter, winner take all in a contest to perform an act of kindness, of giving of themselves without spending a dime. What ensues is a coming of age and spirit of generosity that perhaps would have never become reality, as these students learn the value of love, giving and putting grief behind them while celebrating life.
Once again, Steven Manchester puts into words the magic of giving, caring, sharing and love with The Thursday Night Club. Written with his usual from-the-heart style, this short read packs a solid punch to the soul, as a reminder that although the Christmas season is a time for giving, every day of the year is a good time to stay in practice.
I received an ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 18, 2014
Publisher: The Story Plant
Genre: Holiday Fiction, Women's Fiction
Print Length: 152 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Once again, Steven Manchester puts into words the magic of giving, caring, sharing and love with The Thursday Night Club. Written with his usual from-the-heart style, this short read packs a solid punch to the soul, as a reminder that although the Christmas season is a time for giving, every day of the year is a good time to stay in practice.
I received an ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 18, 2014
Publisher: The Story Plant
Genre: Holiday Fiction, Women's Fiction
Print Length: 152 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 11, 2015
My review (as published at Read, Run, Ramble):
Thank you to The Story Plant for providing me with an early copy of this book!
Five college friends meet on Thursdays to play cards and hang out. They enjoy college life, each other’s company, and playing pranks on each other. But when tragedy strikes the group is shaken and life begins to teach lessons that no professor or classroom can. What is life all about? Can a life cut short really be a meaningful one – one that matters, even if all it could have accomplished will now go unaccomplished? What makes our lives “worthy”?
I enjoyed The Thursday Night Club. It was a sweet rendition of Christmas spirit and the good that comes from small deeds and by normal people. As with all of Manchester’s work, this novella packs a lot of caring, sharing, love, friendship, and growth. Writing stories that come from and are directed right at the heart, Manchester always makes me smile.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.
Thank you to The Story Plant for providing me with an early copy of this book!
Five college friends meet on Thursdays to play cards and hang out. They enjoy college life, each other’s company, and playing pranks on each other. But when tragedy strikes the group is shaken and life begins to teach lessons that no professor or classroom can. What is life all about? Can a life cut short really be a meaningful one – one that matters, even if all it could have accomplished will now go unaccomplished? What makes our lives “worthy”?
I enjoyed The Thursday Night Club. It was a sweet rendition of Christmas spirit and the good that comes from small deeds and by normal people. As with all of Manchester’s work, this novella packs a lot of caring, sharing, love, friendship, and growth. Writing stories that come from and are directed right at the heart, Manchester always makes me smile.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.
December 31, 2015
The Thursday Night Club by Steven Manchester
Wanted to read this book as it's one I've yet to read by the author. All his other works I have totally enjoyed.
Summary of the book makes me think I would join the club... 3 college boys and 2 girls and the guys have agreed to a bet, who is the funniest one there. Some of the pranks are great, took a lot of time and effort and some are tame-filling out job application for one of the other boys.
When tragedy strikes they are reminiscing with a professor and realize they have choices to commemorate his life. At his death he won't be remembered for what he owned, but for what he contributed.. In honor of the boys good deeds the 4 remaining come up with another wager, whoever
does the most good til Christmas, wins the pot and it has to be done anonymously, as he had done with his charity work.
Loved hearing of all the opportunities they are involved with-so many are ones I also have selected over the years. They still meet every Thursday to play cards and talk...the purpose.
Other works by the author are summarized at the end.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Wanted to read this book as it's one I've yet to read by the author. All his other works I have totally enjoyed.
Summary of the book makes me think I would join the club... 3 college boys and 2 girls and the guys have agreed to a bet, who is the funniest one there. Some of the pranks are great, took a lot of time and effort and some are tame-filling out job application for one of the other boys.
When tragedy strikes they are reminiscing with a professor and realize they have choices to commemorate his life. At his death he won't be remembered for what he owned, but for what he contributed.. In honor of the boys good deeds the 4 remaining come up with another wager, whoever
does the most good til Christmas, wins the pot and it has to be done anonymously, as he had done with his charity work.
Loved hearing of all the opportunities they are involved with-so many are ones I also have selected over the years. They still meet every Thursday to play cards and talk...the purpose.
Other works by the author are summarized at the end.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
January 26, 2023
This book gets a 5 because the basic story is a very heartwarming and inspiring one, and the presentation was very different than all other audio books I've listened to. The story is about 5 young people who met their freshmen year of college and form the Thursday Night Club. Their friendship continues through all 4 years of college. One of the group, Jesse, loves Christmas and wants to feel the spirit of Christmas all year long and she inspires her 4 friends to do something special for others in honor of Christmas. Each of her friends comes up with a unique way to be of service - some having a lot of trouble coming up with an idea - and they plan a big celebration dinner for Christmas Eve to tell each other what their project was. Each of the projects chosen makes a huge impression on them as they share their talents and serve others, even changing what they are going to do after graduation. It's a quick listen only 2 hours 50 minutes.
December 19, 2016
Five friends, in their senior year in college, meet every Thursday night, sitting on Izzy and Ava's porch playing cards, talking, teasing each other and making 25¢ bets. Then a fatal accident changes them forever. Jesse was always doing good deeds but never spoke of them. So to honor their friend, they make another 25¢ bet. By Christmas, each of the remaining four needs to complete the kindest deed in Jesse's memory.
A touching story of friendship, love and the realization that altruistic acts will affect them as much, or more than the people they help.
Heartwarming! A lesson for us all. Steve Manchester is the master at writing about emotions and feelings!
I highly recommend this novella, not only at Christmas but year round!.
A touching story of friendship, love and the realization that altruistic acts will affect them as much, or more than the people they help.
Heartwarming! A lesson for us all. Steve Manchester is the master at writing about emotions and feelings!
I highly recommend this novella, not only at Christmas but year round!.
December 9, 2017
Such a heart warming book! Several short stories, all about Christmas and giving. Very much in the true spirit of the season. The author shared this book with me for an honest review. I can honestly say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Exactly what I needed to lift my spirits. The holidays can be a sad time; stress at work, hectic schedules, still feeling sad about recent deaths in the family, just everything. But this book make my heart feel lighter.
October 11, 2017
This is a story of college friends who experience the loss of a friend. To honor the memory of the friend, they each come up with ways to live a life of caring and compassion. A wonderful and inspirational story to read at Christmas as well as anytime.
November 17, 2020
What a sweet, little, heart-warming Christmas story!! I loved the cast. I loved the warm feeling of good friends. The plot twist was heart felt and brought tears to my eyes!! This is a short book but sooooo good for my heart.
May 15, 2019
Well written short novel about a group of college seniors. One of the students dies and the others honor his memory by doing good deeds. Enjoyable, well written, and quick read.
December 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this book in audio form with a full cast and music. A wonderful Christmas message of the importance in doing a good deed and doing your part to change the world and yourself.
December 18, 2019
I wish this had been a bit longer.
I enjoyed it for what it was, but it really could have been longer and more in depth. I loved the story and feeling behind it.
I enjoyed it for what it was, but it really could have been longer and more in depth. I loved the story and feeling behind it.
June 10, 2022
This is the story of college friends who meet every Thursday night. One of them dies and the rest decide to do good deeds in memory of him.
Read
August 28, 2023thought it was something different, do-goody but it was a feel good (YA?) if you need to be cheered up
October 27, 2023
A great story to listen to while I sewed!
November 29, 2014
Looking for an exceptional Christmas novel that surpasses your expectations of being more than just a story you read but one that might just change your life? You might want to snuggle up to Steven Manchester's latest novella, The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit. At just around 152 pages, this one can only be found at this time as an eBook, but is one you certainly don't want to miss.
The Thursday Night Club is a group of five college students who get together every Thursday Night for dinner, games and just being with one another. It has evolved over time to a betting challenge between the guys, Randy, Kevin and Jesse to see who could out prank the others for a simple wager of .25 each. The winner would take all! Something you could see a group of college guys doing.
Only when the challenge takes an unexpected turn with the sudden loss of Jesse, the group can't seem to find a way to deal with the grief that they are experiencing and that fact that Thursday nights will never be the same without him. Jesse it turns out found better uses for his time than arranging pranks on his friends, he found that simple acts of random kindness went a whole lot further than people believe, even outlasting their own life.
The group of four friends decide to honor Jesse's memory and each of them antes up for the standard bet of .25 each in an effort to see who could do the most charitable act without being recognized for their efforts. The winner would be selected by one of their college teacher's who would be the only one privy to what they were up to. Randy, Kevin, Izzy and Ava all spend the next few weeks coming up with charitable ways to honor Jesse's memory. What they don't realize in all of their efforts is that there will be no real loser, even though someone would eventually win the $1 pot they all contributed to. In fact, they're changed so much that each of them decides to keep the efforts going, not just for the bet, but for the sake of leaving a real legacy behind that will outlast their own lives.
I received The Thursday Night Club by Steven Manchester compliments of the author and The Story Plant Publishers for my honest review. Besides receiving a downloaded copy of the book, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is one you really want to pick up to add to your digital library and one that I could see being incorporated into your own version of a Thursday Night Club much like the characters in Steven's novella did. This one is heart-warming, charming and gives you so much more than a short and sweet story, it is the real meaning behind the Christmas spirit, to love one another in ways that people could never repay, but in hopes that they will pay it forward in their own way. For me, this one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
The Thursday Night Club is a group of five college students who get together every Thursday Night for dinner, games and just being with one another. It has evolved over time to a betting challenge between the guys, Randy, Kevin and Jesse to see who could out prank the others for a simple wager of .25 each. The winner would take all! Something you could see a group of college guys doing.
Only when the challenge takes an unexpected turn with the sudden loss of Jesse, the group can't seem to find a way to deal with the grief that they are experiencing and that fact that Thursday nights will never be the same without him. Jesse it turns out found better uses for his time than arranging pranks on his friends, he found that simple acts of random kindness went a whole lot further than people believe, even outlasting their own life.
The group of four friends decide to honor Jesse's memory and each of them antes up for the standard bet of .25 each in an effort to see who could do the most charitable act without being recognized for their efforts. The winner would be selected by one of their college teacher's who would be the only one privy to what they were up to. Randy, Kevin, Izzy and Ava all spend the next few weeks coming up with charitable ways to honor Jesse's memory. What they don't realize in all of their efforts is that there will be no real loser, even though someone would eventually win the $1 pot they all contributed to. In fact, they're changed so much that each of them decides to keep the efforts going, not just for the bet, but for the sake of leaving a real legacy behind that will outlast their own lives.
I received The Thursday Night Club by Steven Manchester compliments of the author and The Story Plant Publishers for my honest review. Besides receiving a downloaded copy of the book, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is one you really want to pick up to add to your digital library and one that I could see being incorporated into your own version of a Thursday Night Club much like the characters in Steven's novella did. This one is heart-warming, charming and gives you so much more than a short and sweet story, it is the real meaning behind the Christmas spirit, to love one another in ways that people could never repay, but in hopes that they will pay it forward in their own way. For me, this one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
December 9, 2014
Book Review: Novella
The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit
By Steven Manchester
Steven Manchester’s mind is a deep well of emotional themes. He has told many wonderful stories and this is no exception. His style weaves poignant messages of hope, faith and love throughout his novels. Each one is a new treasure. Again Steven Manchester has written a beautiful story, its message of what giving selflessly truly means.
With The Thursday Night Club, he has brought together a cast of college-aged characters that struggle through a devastating upheaval of their lives. They learn much more than their diplomas will ever teach them when the University of Life teaches them a harsher lesson. It is with this turmoil that their true character shines through the veneer of their everyday lives. When life hands a person such heartbreak and grief, does that person hide from the world and blame everyone or does that person seek to honor the memory by doing great acts of kindness to others?
The message I received when reading this novella pertains to everyone, not only those that grieve the loss of a loved one. In life we have the choice to honor the very essence of life by giving to others, by being good stewards toward all humanity. Or the opposite choice of being selfish and self absorbed thinking of only gaining material possessions at all cost to those around us. I like the quote that people don’t discuss what a person owns at a funeral, they describe the acts and generosity of that person. They discuss how that person lived their life, their deeds, and their character of strength.
At a holiday that can lead to an excess of wish-lists, this story is a wonderful reminder that giving of oneself is the ultimate gift that doesn’t have to cost money. Just as the Grinch learned that giving makes his heart grow, the lesson is when you give of yourself you inadvertently receive just as much love in return.
To see other works by Steven Manchester, please visit his website at http://www.stevenmanchester.com/
FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this title for review purposes only, no other compensation was awarded.
http://literarilyillumined.wordpress....
The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit
By Steven Manchester
Steven Manchester’s mind is a deep well of emotional themes. He has told many wonderful stories and this is no exception. His style weaves poignant messages of hope, faith and love throughout his novels. Each one is a new treasure. Again Steven Manchester has written a beautiful story, its message of what giving selflessly truly means.
With The Thursday Night Club, he has brought together a cast of college-aged characters that struggle through a devastating upheaval of their lives. They learn much more than their diplomas will ever teach them when the University of Life teaches them a harsher lesson. It is with this turmoil that their true character shines through the veneer of their everyday lives. When life hands a person such heartbreak and grief, does that person hide from the world and blame everyone or does that person seek to honor the memory by doing great acts of kindness to others?
The message I received when reading this novella pertains to everyone, not only those that grieve the loss of a loved one. In life we have the choice to honor the very essence of life by giving to others, by being good stewards toward all humanity. Or the opposite choice of being selfish and self absorbed thinking of only gaining material possessions at all cost to those around us. I like the quote that people don’t discuss what a person owns at a funeral, they describe the acts and generosity of that person. They discuss how that person lived their life, their deeds, and their character of strength.
At a holiday that can lead to an excess of wish-lists, this story is a wonderful reminder that giving of oneself is the ultimate gift that doesn’t have to cost money. Just as the Grinch learned that giving makes his heart grow, the lesson is when you give of yourself you inadvertently receive just as much love in return.
To see other works by Steven Manchester, please visit his website at http://www.stevenmanchester.com/
FTC Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this title for review purposes only, no other compensation was awarded.
http://literarilyillumined.wordpress....
November 18, 2014
Izzy and Ava host a weekly Thursday Night Club get-together with Jessie Cabral, Ava, Randy and Kevin. They’re College Senior students who work hard at their studies and play just as hard, goofy friends who love nothing better than a good prank on each other, harmless fun that lightens their work load. Some have risen from poverty and are paying their tuition by the skin of their teeth but they don’t focus much on the hardship part of it all. They are loyal to each other and beyond that focusing on meeting the directions of their various professors. One professor in particular is a philosophy teacher who is highly demanding but how isn’t specified. Jessie Cabral is probably the only remarkable student among them, preferring to be out on the streets doing something kind for someone in need but never flaunting it in anyone’s face.
We meet them one Thursday night when they bet $.75 each to see who can play the funniest prank, specifying that such a plan is not to cause harm or hurt anyone else’s feelings. The game is on and they all do a great job which the reader will be sure to chuckle at. But the laughs are soon to end dramatically when a tragedy strikes one of their group. It will change their lives forever and many, many other lives because of what follows!
“Pay it forward” is a phrase that has been put into action over the last few years, but what this group agrees to do following the tragedy they are now living with will far exceed that temporary phase. They will make another bet to see who can do the greatest good to another human being but they must remain anonymous.
What follows is inventive, spontaneous, and a true blessing to each recipient of the deeds these students initiate. To tell all would be a spoiler unworthy of this Christmas gift given to us by Steven Manchester. One little hint – would you donate part of your body to give life to another – while you are alive?
The Thursday Night Read… is not only a perfect holiday read but also one for every day of the year and years to follow. A great read, may it inspire others to live a life with “purpose.”
We meet them one Thursday night when they bet $.75 each to see who can play the funniest prank, specifying that such a plan is not to cause harm or hurt anyone else’s feelings. The game is on and they all do a great job which the reader will be sure to chuckle at. But the laughs are soon to end dramatically when a tragedy strikes one of their group. It will change their lives forever and many, many other lives because of what follows!
“Pay it forward” is a phrase that has been put into action over the last few years, but what this group agrees to do following the tragedy they are now living with will far exceed that temporary phase. They will make another bet to see who can do the greatest good to another human being but they must remain anonymous.
What follows is inventive, spontaneous, and a true blessing to each recipient of the deeds these students initiate. To tell all would be a spoiler unworthy of this Christmas gift given to us by Steven Manchester. One little hint – would you donate part of your body to give life to another – while you are alive?
The Thursday Night Read… is not only a perfect holiday read but also one for every day of the year and years to follow. A great read, may it inspire others to live a life with “purpose.”
December 23, 2016
This is a story with meaning at Christmas and year round!
Five college friends have begun their final year. Jesse, Izzy, Ava, Randy and, their regularly late friend, Kevin, meet on Thursday nights to share college life over a meal, card games, songs and laughter. The setting is college sparse, mismatched but cozy. The young people, especially the boys, often challenge each other with pranks. During one night’s banter one of the young men shares wisdom imparted from his grandfather. He asked the young man to ponder this perspective on life: “What if—in the end—wealth isn’t defined by what we’ve accumulated? What if it’s decided by how much we give away while we’re here?”
One morning a rush to class results in tragedy, taking the life of one of the most cheerful of the Thursday Night crew. Their grief is shared by one of their teachers who challenges them to show kindness to honor the memory of their friend. The new challenge – to win the pot of four quarters – is to do the kindest deed before Christmas. It is to be anonymous and they cannot spend their own money in the deed.
Each of the four remaining friends find creative and beautiful ways to honor their fallen companion. Although the goal is set for reveal at Christmas time, this is a story that is timeless in its wonderful messages. There are tidbits of positive life statements shared through the story that make this heartwarming and encouraging – even through loss.
The novella reads quickly; the dialogue is easy and fits the college aged characters. I highly recommend this for enjoyment and edification! I look forward to reading more by Mr. Manchester and am pleased I have his upcoming release, Ashes, for tour review in March, 2017.
I am thankful to have received this from the author. My rating 4.5.
Five college friends have begun their final year. Jesse, Izzy, Ava, Randy and, their regularly late friend, Kevin, meet on Thursday nights to share college life over a meal, card games, songs and laughter. The setting is college sparse, mismatched but cozy. The young people, especially the boys, often challenge each other with pranks. During one night’s banter one of the young men shares wisdom imparted from his grandfather. He asked the young man to ponder this perspective on life: “What if—in the end—wealth isn’t defined by what we’ve accumulated? What if it’s decided by how much we give away while we’re here?”
One morning a rush to class results in tragedy, taking the life of one of the most cheerful of the Thursday Night crew. Their grief is shared by one of their teachers who challenges them to show kindness to honor the memory of their friend. The new challenge – to win the pot of four quarters – is to do the kindest deed before Christmas. It is to be anonymous and they cannot spend their own money in the deed.
Each of the four remaining friends find creative and beautiful ways to honor their fallen companion. Although the goal is set for reveal at Christmas time, this is a story that is timeless in its wonderful messages. There are tidbits of positive life statements shared through the story that make this heartwarming and encouraging – even through loss.
The novella reads quickly; the dialogue is easy and fits the college aged characters. I highly recommend this for enjoyment and edification! I look forward to reading more by Mr. Manchester and am pleased I have his upcoming release, Ashes, for tour review in March, 2017.
I am thankful to have received this from the author. My rating 4.5.
November 18, 2014
The Thursday Night Club are a group of five college friends who meet every Thursday on Izzy and Ava’s front porch to share in good food and the joy of close and happy friendship. They are comfortable and familiar in each other’s company and the light hearted banter shared between them reiterates just how important they are to each other. When tragedy strikes the group, they decide to honour the spirit of their friendship and show just how simple acts of kindness can have a profound effect, not just on their own behaviour, but it also demonstrates just how the gift of hope can be transferred to others.
I have now read several stories written by this author and thoroughly enjoy the way he is able to get right into the minutiae of daily life and is able, in just a few words, to tug away at your heart strings. I found much to enjoy within the story, the homely atmosphere of being seated at the old wooden table on the front porch conjures such a lovely an image of warmth that I felt like I wanted to curl up near the steamer trunk, cover myself with one of grandmother’s colourful crocheted Afghans, and settle into my own Thursday Night Club.
The overall theme of friendship, love, life and helping others is written in perfect detail and whilst the novella is, in many ways, a quick read, it is not light on content and as the story draws you in, you begin to understand the need we all have for simple human kindness and shows how compassion for others is something to be cherished.
November 21, 2014
Synopsis: "Five college friends, three men and two women, have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. But when tragedy takes one of them, leaving the others to question the fairness of life, the Thursday Night Club decides to embark on a contest in the memory of the generous spirit of their fallen brother. The objective of the contest is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off.
As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.
A story of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year, The Thursday Night Club will make you look at the holiday season in new ways."
My Review: This book, like all of Manchester's work, has a beautiful message. Unfortunately, it was too brief for me to really find the connection with the characters that I usually enjoy. With that said, this short story combines not only the holiday spirit and gift of giving of ourselves but also a nice thread of comic relief. I really enjoyed this story and love the way it not only gives ideas for gifts that don't cost a thing but also how one person really can make an impact on those around us. It is a beautiful holiday tale.
As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.
A story of Christmas spirit that will strike a chord in your heart any time of year, The Thursday Night Club will make you look at the holiday season in new ways."
My Review: This book, like all of Manchester's work, has a beautiful message. Unfortunately, it was too brief for me to really find the connection with the characters that I usually enjoy. With that said, this short story combines not only the holiday spirit and gift of giving of ourselves but also a nice thread of comic relief. I really enjoyed this story and love the way it not only gives ideas for gifts that don't cost a thing but also how one person really can make an impact on those around us. It is a beautiful holiday tale.
January 3, 2015
What happens after five college friends who hang out every Thursday start a typical college journey together but only four will finish that journey? Steven Manchester’s The Thursday Night Club is what happens.
The Thursday Night Club takes you on an exhilarating emotional journey of grief, mortality & the fight to keeping living. You journey along as Izzy, Kevin, Ava, Jesse & Randy whom all love practical jokes take a hard hit. As these college seniors lose one of their own to a car accident. They gain an understanding on life that is invaluable. Out of darkness comes light. The light their now deceased friend was shining ignites a fire that will change them forever.
As The Thursday Night Club grieves they come to realize their lost friend was living out the person they had all hoped to become in the future. They all wanted to live a life that meant more than just simple existing. They wanted to make a difference now not later. Steven Manchester takes you along with them as they figure out the secrets of life.
This novel left me wanting a sequel; which is rare. Steven Manchester however, made me want to send him an e-mail demanding answers. The Thursday Night Club created an impassioned hope for greatness with Jesse, Izzy, Kevin, Randy & Ava that made me want to know exactly where their lives took them. It seems to be Steven Manchester’s gift to create friends instead of characters.
The Thursday Night Club takes you on an exhilarating emotional journey of grief, mortality & the fight to keeping living. You journey along as Izzy, Kevin, Ava, Jesse & Randy whom all love practical jokes take a hard hit. As these college seniors lose one of their own to a car accident. They gain an understanding on life that is invaluable. Out of darkness comes light. The light their now deceased friend was shining ignites a fire that will change them forever.
As The Thursday Night Club grieves they come to realize their lost friend was living out the person they had all hoped to become in the future. They all wanted to live a life that meant more than just simple existing. They wanted to make a difference now not later. Steven Manchester takes you along with them as they figure out the secrets of life.
This novel left me wanting a sequel; which is rare. Steven Manchester however, made me want to send him an e-mail demanding answers. The Thursday Night Club created an impassioned hope for greatness with Jesse, Izzy, Kevin, Randy & Ava that made me want to know exactly where their lives took them. It seems to be Steven Manchester’s gift to create friends instead of characters.
December 15, 2014
I have read several of the authors novels and enjoyed each and everyone. I am very happy I have also had the chance to read his first novella. This book has everything in it, a diverse group of long time friendships, familiarity, tragedy, heroism, and kindness.
At first I was saddened by the death of one of their friends but that death was not in vain. They learned to take the lessons of their friend and put those lessons into practical use that would last a life time. Their motivations were not always known to each other but their growth and kindness goes along way. The twist of it was their motivation to begin with.
I love how the author can find just the right words to suck me in to his stories. The human factor is so apparent and you can never help feeling like you have know his characters all your life. I loved getting to know each of the characters and what made them tick.
The story has Christmas elements to it but it is not based solely on a Christmas backdrop. What it does have, as the title suggest, is what the idea behind Christmas is...preparing, giving, and loving one another.
This story is a hands down winner that you can read in one sitting. I give it 5 stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100 % my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
At first I was saddened by the death of one of their friends but that death was not in vain. They learned to take the lessons of their friend and put those lessons into practical use that would last a life time. Their motivations were not always known to each other but their growth and kindness goes along way. The twist of it was their motivation to begin with.
I love how the author can find just the right words to suck me in to his stories. The human factor is so apparent and you can never help feeling like you have know his characters all your life. I loved getting to know each of the characters and what made them tick.
The story has Christmas elements to it but it is not based solely on a Christmas backdrop. What it does have, as the title suggest, is what the idea behind Christmas is...preparing, giving, and loving one another.
This story is a hands down winner that you can read in one sitting. I give it 5 stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100 % my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
December 21, 2014
In keeping with his style Steven Manchester did not disappoint with The Thursday Night Club. For me personally I felt the touch of the Christmas spirit more poignant in this book then any other novel. 5 friends, touched by tragedy are encouraged by a professor to not dwell on the tragedy, but rather celebrate the life that was lived.
I often find myself dwelling on my grandma’s passing, and how I wish I had more time to really spend with her. I think I took for granted the last few years of her life. After reading The Thursday Night Club I have tried to look more at how I’m living my life to honor her life. She was a hard worker. She loved many many. She held her ground when it came to issues important to her. Most of all, my grandma loved to give. She was a talented quilter, and often especially around Christmas she would take a bag of quilts to nursing homes.
Steven Manchester is a talented writer that delves into the depths of the soul with each book he writes. I cannot walk away from reading one of his books, and not want to change the way I look at things. In The Thursday Night Club, one of the conditions was that they could not spend money. AS the friends completed each of their acts of kindness, I realized just how easy and big an impact one can make without needing to be rich themselves.
I often find myself dwelling on my grandma’s passing, and how I wish I had more time to really spend with her. I think I took for granted the last few years of her life. After reading The Thursday Night Club I have tried to look more at how I’m living my life to honor her life. She was a hard worker. She loved many many. She held her ground when it came to issues important to her. Most of all, my grandma loved to give. She was a talented quilter, and often especially around Christmas she would take a bag of quilts to nursing homes.
Steven Manchester is a talented writer that delves into the depths of the soul with each book he writes. I cannot walk away from reading one of his books, and not want to change the way I look at things. In The Thursday Night Club, one of the conditions was that they could not spend money. AS the friends completed each of their acts of kindness, I realized just how easy and big an impact one can make without needing to be rich themselves.
November 12, 2014
Five college friends are at the start of their last year together in school. They meet every Thursday night to play cards, drink beer and fill each other in on their lives. Theirs is a tight bond full of practical jokes and challenges. Then the unthinkable happens, one of them is killed in a tragic accident. As they struggle to make sense of this tragedy, they are challenged to a contest. They have to come up with an idea to make a difference in someone’s life, but it must be anonymous.
This is the first short story that I have read by Steven Manchester and I loved it. Once again he teaches of love and compassion, taking a heart breaking situation and showing the good that can come from it. Although this is novella, the characters are well developed and the story is engrossing, keeping you interested until the end. The thought provoking concept presented in the story, leaves you contemplating what you can do to make the world a better place.
Steven Manchester writes magnificent stories. They are always uplifting and teach a moral. As in real life, he deals with heartbreaking situations with benevolence and you are left with hope. Pick this novella up, you won’t be disappointed.
This is the first short story that I have read by Steven Manchester and I loved it. Once again he teaches of love and compassion, taking a heart breaking situation and showing the good that can come from it. Although this is novella, the characters are well developed and the story is engrossing, keeping you interested until the end. The thought provoking concept presented in the story, leaves you contemplating what you can do to make the world a better place.
Steven Manchester writes magnificent stories. They are always uplifting and teach a moral. As in real life, he deals with heartbreaking situations with benevolence and you are left with hope. Pick this novella up, you won’t be disappointed.
March 9, 2015
This is the second emotional read for me from this author within the space of a few weeks. He knows how to get the tears flowing.
This is a short read but the author has certainly packed an awful lot into it, and I honestly think it's one of the best short reads I've actually read.
Its a story of five friends, who, as the title suggests, get together on a Thursday Night every week. Suddenly, something happens to one of them, which leaves just four. Rather than just sit back and dwell on what has happened, they decide that they must each do something to honour their friend and there are a couple of conditions, one of them is that it can't cost anything to do. It becomes a competition between them all.
It is amazing what they come up with and very heart warming and inspires you to want to do something similar. I won't include spoilers as it really would spoil this heart warming read.
The relationship that the author has written between all the friends is very honest and you warm to each character instantly. This is one of those reads that I couldn't put down as I couldn't wait to find out what each of the friends came up with.
Thoroughly recommend and a great quick read.
This is a short read but the author has certainly packed an awful lot into it, and I honestly think it's one of the best short reads I've actually read.
Its a story of five friends, who, as the title suggests, get together on a Thursday Night every week. Suddenly, something happens to one of them, which leaves just four. Rather than just sit back and dwell on what has happened, they decide that they must each do something to honour their friend and there are a couple of conditions, one of them is that it can't cost anything to do. It becomes a competition between them all.
It is amazing what they come up with and very heart warming and inspires you to want to do something similar. I won't include spoilers as it really would spoil this heart warming read.
The relationship that the author has written between all the friends is very honest and you warm to each character instantly. This is one of those reads that I couldn't put down as I couldn't wait to find out what each of the friends came up with.
Thoroughly recommend and a great quick read.
November 10, 2015
Have you ever loved someone,admired them , but sort of took them for granted. Then when they unexpectedly pass away from life's grasp, you know you should have celebrated them every single day you knew them? It often happens that way and Steven Manchester wrote a story of five friends who experience a great loss....one of their little group. But it turns out this one individual had learned the true meaning of value and worth and had a giving heart.
Manchester produced viable and lovable characters in this short story about giving of oneself. What these friends learned from the passing of their friend and determining what kind of life they would choose to "live" without him was heartwarming, and charming. Each of the remaining four friends paid tribute to their friend in seriously kind and generous deeds to their man. The story seemed realistic, flowed smoothly and took the college aged characters from the depths of despair to the heights of exhilaration.
As I have found many of Manchester's stories to be, The Thursday Night Club is inspirational and a true blessing to read. May we all be fortunate to find our true purpose in life and give unto others as we would have done unto ourselves.
Manchester produced viable and lovable characters in this short story about giving of oneself. What these friends learned from the passing of their friend and determining what kind of life they would choose to "live" without him was heartwarming, and charming. Each of the remaining four friends paid tribute to their friend in seriously kind and generous deeds to their man. The story seemed realistic, flowed smoothly and took the college aged characters from the depths of despair to the heights of exhilaration.
As I have found many of Manchester's stories to be, The Thursday Night Club is inspirational and a true blessing to read. May we all be fortunate to find our true purpose in life and give unto others as we would have done unto ourselves.
November 24, 2014
If you are looking for a good inspirational Holiday read, look no further. This is a quick read, but there is no lacking for good content in this one. The story does just what it sets out to do and it's an emotional journey.
I'm not going to do a summary of the book because the synopsis does a wonderful job of that and the story it too short to add much without spoiling anything. This story is about what it truly means to have a generous heart and to do things with no expectation of anything in return. It also shows that one person can truly make a big difference in the world. These four friends make a huge difference in the lives of the people around them and make changes that will impact others for years to come and in doing so they are able to honor the friend that they lost.
This story is wonderful and while it's the perfect time of year for it, it should be something we all aspire to all year round. I loved it, as I do all of Steven's work. I love that it made me thing about what I could do to make a difference in someone else's life. I encourage everyone to pick this up and read it, it will only take an hour to read and it will be well worth it!
I'm not going to do a summary of the book because the synopsis does a wonderful job of that and the story it too short to add much without spoiling anything. This story is about what it truly means to have a generous heart and to do things with no expectation of anything in return. It also shows that one person can truly make a big difference in the world. These four friends make a huge difference in the lives of the people around them and make changes that will impact others for years to come and in doing so they are able to honor the friend that they lost.
This story is wonderful and while it's the perfect time of year for it, it should be something we all aspire to all year round. I loved it, as I do all of Steven's work. I love that it made me thing about what I could do to make a difference in someone else's life. I encourage everyone to pick this up and read it, it will only take an hour to read and it will be well worth it!
December 12, 2014
I always feel so honored whenever I receive an email from Steven asking me if I would like to review his books. Immediately I would say yes, because his books are so thoughtful, heartwarming, and tear-jerking, and The Thursday Night Club was just that.
Thoughtful, heartwarming, and tear-jerking.
The book started off light with some humor and of course, it began during the groups usual Thursday night meet ups. It felt quite easy going until the untimely death of one of the groups beloved members. That was when all the tears start to flow and the hearts grow warm.
The entire plot of this book was so positive and right. Bet on whomever performs the kindest deed. It's something everyone should do, but not for the money or the thing they get in the end, but for the good of the people and the world. It just puts me in awe at how much depth and meaning this short book has in it. I had smiled throughout the last chapter of the book and was so close to tearing up.
This is a perfect Christmas/winter book for those who enjoy feeling their hearts grow warm and to those who want to feel like a Christmas miracle is about to hit them.
Thoughtful, heartwarming, and tear-jerking.
The book started off light with some humor and of course, it began during the groups usual Thursday night meet ups. It felt quite easy going until the untimely death of one of the groups beloved members. That was when all the tears start to flow and the hearts grow warm.
The entire plot of this book was so positive and right. Bet on whomever performs the kindest deed. It's something everyone should do, but not for the money or the thing they get in the end, but for the good of the people and the world. It just puts me in awe at how much depth and meaning this short book has in it. I had smiled throughout the last chapter of the book and was so close to tearing up.
This is a perfect Christmas/winter book for those who enjoy feeling their hearts grow warm and to those who want to feel like a Christmas miracle is about to hit them.
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