Book: The Quitter’s Club
Author: Jessica Strawser
Published: June 1, 2026
Format: Amazon Kindle
Genre: Domestic Life Fiction ( Google AI is doing too much) / Contemporary Fiction
Drink: Pure Raw Juice Fat Buster/ Paloma/ any wine of your choice
Time: One week
Rating Four out of Five Juices
Breaking my blog hiatus with a book about quitting feels ironic. I got this book through the Amazon First Reads program. If you’re a Prime Member, Amazon lets you pick a book—sometimes two—either for free or at a big discount. It’s a cool program I don’t use enough. In May, this book caught my attention because it’s about four friends who take a group vacation to reconnect and decide to quit what makes them unhappy. Before leaving their long-overdue vacation, they make a pact to help each other stick to making changes. I am using this phrase “Find your Free” from a Yoga instructor, I once went Rachel Voss. These four friends embody the finding their freedom as each seek their own version of freedom.
I love this book, and I’ve been captivated by all four women in this friend group. The author makes you care about the characters. Some moments are predictable, but the emotions run deep and unexpected. Each woman deals with burnout in her own way. Their pact isn’t dramatic, just a means to reclaim themselves after losing hope, a sense of self, or freedom. Strawser explores the strength of friendship, even when it feels heavy. I could see this as the Beaches of the 2020s or 2030s. It’s not the drama of Sex and the City, but more like the Golden Girls in their forties—if they had gone to college together.
I paired this with Pure Raw Juice Fat Buster Juice. If you wonder if I’m like Brooke now, I’m not. I’m working on my health, so I’ve cut back on wine for now. I still love reading and making it a full experience. I use a tall tumbler, add grapefruit slices and ice, and pour the juice over—delicious. For the book’s twists and sweet-yet-bitter moments, try a traditional Paloma with tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime. Sit on your porch, read this book, and enjoy the characters’ stories. The tequila adds a nice kick during dramatic scenes.
If I paired this with wine, I’d pick one for each woman. Lucy deserves a sweet white or an understated Rosé—gone quickly and often requested. A Roscato Rose Dolce fits her well. Marie is tricky; she seems like a Soccer Mom, but she’s a burned-out mom finding her voice. She’d suit a red Table Blend or an Unoaked Chardonnay. Marie has bite but isn’t ready to show it off. If you like red blends, try Santhiago Lisboa Red Blend—berrylicious, with a hint of vanilla. By the end, Marie might need a wine upgrade, but this was my first match. Brooke, the practical friend, lives by her schedule, so I’d pair her with a dry wine. Italy is part of her story, so a Chianti works, but I wanted fruit and pepper, with depth. That fits her journey. Last, for Colins—she is the glue and has the most complicated story. I considered Cabernet Sauvignon, but Malbec fits her spirit. Malbado Malbec is fruit-forward, but the tannins linger, asking you to take your time. Like a memory that won’t fade, this wine sticks with you—forcing you to face its depth.
Overall, this is the perfect book for a beach weekend—sit by the waves and get lost in a story about friendship, starting over, and finding family. I also have two more posts: one with a dream cast in case it becomes a movie, and another analyzing the men in the book. I have thoughts, but didn’t want this blog post to get too long or unfocused. Also, the Epilogue will answer a question the reader already knows the answer to, but does give you an affirmative response.
Until Next Time,
Che Michelle
P.S. Below is a Paloma recipe its sufficient, great for a hot day. Remember to use the Good Tequila, the other one might give you a hangover
Ingredients
2 ounces tequila
1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
4 ounces Grapefruit soda, chilled, to top
Pinch of salt
Garnish: lime wheel
Directions
Add the tequila, lime juice, and pinch of salt to the glass, and fill with ice.
Top with grapefruit soda, and stir briefly and gently to combine.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Che-Michelle Tales 