All the Right Mistakes

Five college friends have arrived at forty in very different circumstances, but with at least one thing in common: they are among the more privileged in society. Elizabeth and Sara are lawyers, Martha is a doctor, Carmen is a wealthy and well-educated homemaker, and Heather, the most successful, is a famous tech executiveand after more than two decades of friendship, they know one another better than anyone.Then Heather writes a womens advice book detailing the key life mistakes of her four friendsopting out, ramping off, giving half effort, and forgetting your fertilitythat becomes wildly popular, and Elizabeth, Sara, Martha, and Carmen all feel the sting of Heathers cruel words. Despite their status, these women face everyday obstacles, including work problems, parenting challenges, secondary infertility, racism, sexism, financial stress, and marital woesand as they weather their fortieth year, each one cant help but wonder if their life might have been different if they had followed Heathers advice.But as these friends are continually reminded, life is complex, messy, disappointing, and joyful, often all at onceand no one can plan her way out of that reality. In the end, all five women must embrace the idea that their lives are shaped not just by their choices but also by how they handle the obstacles life inevitably throws at us all.