Workhorse - January Book Club Meeting
Our January Back Porch Book Club meeting kicked off the new year with style—even if the book itself didn’t quite live up to expectations. This month’s pick was Workhorse, and while we all went in hopeful, the final verdict was clear: a maximum rating of 2 stars from the group.
Book Review: Workhorse by Caroline Palmer
From a book club review standpoint, Workhorse was a tough read. Nearly half of our book club didn’t finish the book, citing poor writing, lack of plot, and an unlikeable main character. The protagonist lied, cheated, and stole her way through the story, making it difficult to root for her—or even understand the purpose of many scenes. While flawed characters can be compelling, this one lacked growth or redemption, leaving many of us frustrated rather than intrigued.
The one bright spot? The main character’s job at a fashion magazine. That single detail gave us just enough inspiration to turn the night into a win—because if the book wasn’t enjoyable, the book club theme and décor absolutely were.
Fashion Magazine–Inspired Book Club Decor
We leaned fully into a fashion magazine book club theme. The table was set with a black sequin tablecloth, layered with a black-and-white table runner and chargers for a chic, editorial look. Pearls were the star accent—scattered across the table and paired with pearl high-heel décor, giving the evening classic fashion-house energy.
As a special touch, each member of the Back Porch Book Club received a custom magazine cover featuring themselves as the model, framed as a token gift. Seeing everyone styled as a fashion icon was easily the highlight of the night and brought plenty of laughs (and photos).
Cocktail of the Night
No January book club is complete without a signature drink, and our cocktail of the night was a rich, smooth espresso martini—the perfect pairing for a winter evening and lively discussion.
Looking Ahead: February Book Club Picks
While Workhorse didn’t steal our hearts, we’re moving on with excitement. For our next Back Porch Book Club meeting, we’re switching gears and reading two rom-coms:
Most Eligible
Bluebird Gold
We’re hoping for lighter plots, lovable characters, and stories we can’t put down—exactly what a cozy rom-com book club read should be.
Even when the book falls flat, the Back Porch Book Club proves that community, creativity, and a beautifully themed night can still make every meeting worth it. Here’s to better books, great cocktails, and unforgettable gatherings ahead ☕📖✨
