The Thursday Night Club

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.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Steven Manchester is an author with a sincere style that is epitomized in his new novella, The Thursday Night Club. The message is simple: help others as much as you can because wealth isn't measured monetarily. Four friends learn this when one of their own dies suddenly. The sorrow that follows revolves around the belief that he would have done great things with his life. He was such a giving soul who helped anyone in any way he could. As a tribute to their best friend, Ava, Kevin, Isabelle, and Randy make a bet that leads them to much more than the winnings. 

All four of these characters are likeable, kind, and thoughtful. Though readers don't learn much about their histories, their likes, or their dreams. The novella is focused on the good deeds that each character performs and readers are able to bond with them through their charitable nature. Ava volunteers with the elderly. This exemplifies that she's kind and grateful. Kevin starts a scholarship so that an inner-city kid can attend college. Kevin is paying it forward with his charity as he got into college through a scholarship. Isabelle starts an adult literacy program to get books in the hands of adults so they can learn to read or improve their skills. This shows that she believes knowledge and learning are important. Randy begins a student crime watch to help the understaffed campus police, demonstrating that he enjoys helping people and keeping them safe. 

So even though the book doesn't give in-depth character focus, readers will still draw conclusions about the four friends by what they do and what they achieve, therefore forming connections. The Thursday Night Club is a heart warming story about helping others, an action that is also its own reward. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups