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Good Riddance
Daphne Maritch doesn't quite know what to make of the heavily annotated high school yearbook she inherits from her mother, who held this relic dear. Too dear. The late June Winter Maritch was the teacher to whom the class of '68 had dedicated its yearbook, and in turn she went on to attend every reunion, scribbling notes and observations after each one—not always charitably—and noting who overstepped boundaries of many kinds.
In a fit of decluttering (the yearbook did not, Daphne concluded, "spark joy"), she discards it when she moves to a small New York City apartment. But when it's found in the recycling bin by a busybody neighbor/documentary filmmaker, the yearbook's mysteries—not to mention her own family's—take on a whole new urgency, and Daphne finds herself entangled in a series of events both poignant and absurd.
In a fit of decluttering (the yearbook did not, Daphne concluded, "spark joy"), she discards it when she moves to a small New York City apartment. But when it's found in the recycling bin by a busybody neighbor/documentary filmmaker, the yearbook's mysteries—not to mention her own family's—take on a whole new urgency, and Daphne finds herself entangled in a series of events both poignant and absurd.
290 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2019
963 people are currently reading
7134 people want to read
About the author
Elinor Lipman
27 books1,345 followersI love talking with readers - for 1:1s and Book Club visits, find me on Skolay: www.skolay.com/writers/elinor-lipman
Elinor Lipman is the author of 14 humorous novels about contemporary American society; essay and short story collections. Born and raised in Lowell, MA, she divides her time between Manhattan and the Hudson Valley of New York. She received the New England Book award for fiction in 2001. Her first novel, "Then She Found Me," was adapted for the screen, starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Her fourth novel, "The Inn at Lake Devine" was adapted for the off-off Broadway stage by Tongue in Cheek Theater. In 2011-2012, she held the Elizabeth Drew chair in creative writing at Smith College. Her novel, “Ms. Demeanor," was a finalist for the 2023 Thurber Prize for American Humor. In 2021, her hometown Library, Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell, established The Elinor Lipman Prize, awarded annually to Lowell residents and students at Lowell universities.
Elinor Lipman is the author of 14 humorous novels about contemporary American society; essay and short story collections. Born and raised in Lowell, MA, she divides her time between Manhattan and the Hudson Valley of New York. She received the New England Book award for fiction in 2001. Her first novel, "Then She Found Me," was adapted for the screen, starring Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth and Matthew Broderick. Her fourth novel, "The Inn at Lake Devine" was adapted for the off-off Broadway stage by Tongue in Cheek Theater. In 2011-2012, she held the Elizabeth Drew chair in creative writing at Smith College. Her novel, “Ms. Demeanor," was a finalist for the 2023 Thurber Prize for American Humor. In 2021, her hometown Library, Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell, established The Elinor Lipman Prize, awarded annually to Lowell residents and students at Lowell universities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,286 reviews
January 26, 2019
Good Riddance. The title of this book pretty much sums up how I felt when I finally finished it. This is billed as a funny romance novel, but it feels like a rambling mess that's neither romantic nor overly funny. Daphne, a thirty-something not long out of a failed marriage and with no obvious job skills, throws away her mother's yearbook. It's subsequently retrieved by a nosy and ambitious neighbor that sees it as her path to success in the documentary/podcast industry. In her desperate attempts to get the yearbook back Daphne stumbles into a relationship with another neighbor, bonds with her dad and learns about her mother's past. Even though all this happens, it doesn't really feel like anything happens because there doesn't seems to be any gravitas attached, just a shrill, panicky Daphne in my head.
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March 7, 2019Good Riddance is a about Daphne, a recently divorced almost thirty year old woman living in Manhattan who attempts to spark joy by cleaning out her apartment and finds that throwing out her mother's copy of a 1968 high school yearbook changes her life.
This book has a light hearted tone but its improbability--regarding biology--and extremely dated everything else makes it a bust.
In 1968, Daphne's mother was a first year teacher who won over the students to the extent they dedicated the yearbook to her. She may have written snarky comments in it, but Daphne's mother faithfully kept up with the class of 1968 and when Daphne's pushy neighbor, Geneva, picks up the discarded yearbook, she pushes Daphne into attending the upcoming reunion.
At the reunion, Daphne finds out that her father isn't her father--bio dad was one of her mother's students. (They got involved right after he graduated, as if this makes it better)
Anyway. It being 2019, this means Daphne was born in 1989. Which means her mother got pregnant with her in her mid-40s, which means she had Daphne's sister Holly when she was closer to 50 than 40, which makes the biological odds of both pregnancies pretty small. So, biological stuff? Nope. Also along those lines--how does a rising politician keep a decades long affair, not to mention a child, secret these days?
Then we get to the rest of the book. People (30 and under) still email. Like, to send nonwork messages! No. Sorry. And the Thanksgiving get together that mentions Bernie Madoff? The 1988 Olympics? Martha Stewart in her pre-Snoop days? Yikes. And then the one person at this Thanksgiving who mentions having taught Woody and Soon-Yi's children in preschool? Given that said kids haven't been in preschool for almost two decades, I felt like I was reading a draft of a novel set in the 1990s, with the Madoff aside thrown in to make it current for today. Which still misses today by over a decade.
Then we get to the one modern reference. Riverdale.
Jeremy, Daphne's across the hall neighbor and love interest is an extra on the show Riverdale. Except the show films in Canada. And not in Toronto, whuch would be really pushing Jeremy's location. Riverdale is filmed in Vancouver so Jeremy's decision (aided, in funding, by his wealthy parents who live in California) to live in Manhattan? Not even probable for an extra on a tv show that films on another coast. In another country.
I'm all for suspension of disbelief but setting aside the popular culture reference that's poorly researched (does Lipman not have a relative or assistant who could do that?), the rest of the extremely dated references (there's no Uber in this universe? people still use Craigslist? Bernie Madoff? the no longer small children of Woody Allen and Soon'Yi? Eeesh), the biological improbability of Daphne existing in the first place makes Good Riddance something that should have sparked joy about two decades ago. Now it reads like an old draft of a novel found lying around on a zip drive (there's a dated reference to fit this mess of a book) that was spellchecked and had Riverdale tossed in for...reasons? (To be trendy? That was two seasons of Riverdale ago.)
As I said before, Eeesh.
This book has a light hearted tone but its improbability--regarding biology--and extremely dated everything else makes it a bust.
In 1968, Daphne's mother was a first year teacher who won over the students to the extent they dedicated the yearbook to her. She may have written snarky comments in it, but Daphne's mother faithfully kept up with the class of 1968 and when Daphne's pushy neighbor, Geneva, picks up the discarded yearbook, she pushes Daphne into attending the upcoming reunion.
At the reunion, Daphne finds out that her father isn't her father--bio dad was one of her mother's students. (They got involved right after he graduated, as if this makes it better)
Anyway. It being 2019, this means Daphne was born in 1989. Which means her mother got pregnant with her in her mid-40s, which means she had Daphne's sister Holly when she was closer to 50 than 40, which makes the biological odds of both pregnancies pretty small. So, biological stuff? Nope. Also along those lines--how does a rising politician keep a decades long affair, not to mention a child, secret these days?
Then we get to the rest of the book. People (30 and under) still email. Like, to send nonwork messages! No. Sorry. And the Thanksgiving get together that mentions Bernie Madoff? The 1988 Olympics? Martha Stewart in her pre-Snoop days? Yikes. And then the one person at this Thanksgiving who mentions having taught Woody and Soon-Yi's children in preschool? Given that said kids haven't been in preschool for almost two decades, I felt like I was reading a draft of a novel set in the 1990s, with the Madoff aside thrown in to make it current for today. Which still misses today by over a decade.
Then we get to the one modern reference. Riverdale.
Jeremy, Daphne's across the hall neighbor and love interest is an extra on the show Riverdale. Except the show films in Canada. And not in Toronto, whuch would be really pushing Jeremy's location. Riverdale is filmed in Vancouver so Jeremy's decision (aided, in funding, by his wealthy parents who live in California) to live in Manhattan? Not even probable for an extra on a tv show that films on another coast. In another country.
I'm all for suspension of disbelief but setting aside the popular culture reference that's poorly researched (does Lipman not have a relative or assistant who could do that?), the rest of the extremely dated references (there's no Uber in this universe? people still use Craigslist? Bernie Madoff? the no longer small children of Woody Allen and Soon'Yi? Eeesh), the biological improbability of Daphne existing in the first place makes Good Riddance something that should have sparked joy about two decades ago. Now it reads like an old draft of a novel found lying around on a zip drive (there's a dated reference to fit this mess of a book) that was spellchecked and had Riverdale tossed in for...reasons? (To be trendy? That was two seasons of Riverdale ago.)
As I said before, Eeesh.
April 8, 2019
I've been an Elinor Lipman fan since I read her first book Then She Found Me way back in 1990. Since then, I've read most of her work, and at one time I probably would have listed her as a favorite author. And, I still get a kick out of her stuff . . . just not as much as I once did.
This story seems, well, familiar. It's almost as if Elinor has a list to follow while she's writing, and checks it off as she goes:
- funny, likable heroine - check!
- quirky parent, or other family member - check!
- wacky situation with which heroine must cope - check!
- interesting new man for heroine to bed - well, duh! It goes without saying.
And, there you have this book. It was fine . . . pleasant, in fact. I just feel that Lipman is capable of much, much more than light, romantic comedy.
This story seems, well, familiar. It's almost as if Elinor has a list to follow while she's writing, and checks it off as she goes:
- funny, likable heroine - check!
- quirky parent, or other family member - check!
- wacky situation with which heroine must cope - check!
- interesting new man for heroine to bed - well, duh! It goes without saying.
And, there you have this book. It was fine . . . pleasant, in fact. I just feel that Lipman is capable of much, much more than light, romantic comedy.
November 16, 2018
I'm so torn here. On the one hand, I love the concept. It's unique, it's interesting, and the book is well-written.
On the other hand...it's really hard to care about Daphne. She threw the yearbook away when it was the one thing she got from her dead mother, and she did it barely a year after Mom passed. That's pretty cold. I'd have liked the book infinitely better if the yearbook were lost due to carelessness or thrown out by a friend by mistake or something. I hated that Daphne threw it away - partly because she completely loses the moral high ground by doing that. Most of her tension with Geneva comes from wanting the yearbook back, but she really didn't have any right to it.
I liked the subplots with Jeremy (mostly) and Daphne's dad. Dad is probably the best character, especially at the end. The book was an enjoyable read. I just spent too much of it annoyed with Daphne, so I'm not sure I really could recommend it. I started out thinking 3 stars, but the more I type all the things I didn't like, the more I wonder if it should be 2. I wish I could give 2.5 stars.
**Review based on ARC from Netgalley**
On the other hand...it's really hard to care about Daphne. She threw the yearbook away when it was the one thing she got from her dead mother, and she did it barely a year after Mom passed. That's pretty cold. I'd have liked the book infinitely better if the yearbook were lost due to carelessness or thrown out by a friend by mistake or something. I hated that Daphne threw it away - partly because she completely loses the moral high ground by doing that. Most of her tension with Geneva comes from wanting the yearbook back, but she really didn't have any right to it.
I liked the subplots with Jeremy (mostly) and Daphne's dad. Dad is probably the best character, especially at the end. The book was an enjoyable read. I just spent too much of it annoyed with Daphne, so I'm not sure I really could recommend it. I started out thinking 3 stars, but the more I type all the things I didn't like, the more I wonder if it should be 2. I wish I could give 2.5 stars.
**Review based on ARC from Netgalley**
February 11, 2019
A quirky heroine done with great writing made for an enjoyable read!
March 10, 2019
more like GOOD RIDDANCE TO THIS BOOK
December 14, 2018
Update: New review 12/14/18
Daphne Maritch, finally free of Pickering, New Hampshire and stupid mistakes made even here in NYC, has read that book about decluttering your home and hugging your stuff to see if they bring you joy or hate or painful memories that may lead to eating a pint of ice cream with a half cup of bourbon on top. This will then lead you to the trash or recycle bins in the basement of your apartment building to throw out all the meaningless stuff you’ve collected, including the yearbook your mother left you in her will, God knows why, of the Class of 1968 from Pickering NHHS, her first teaching job right after college, that they dedicated to her, their yearbook advisor!
Worst are the notes and comments she added over the next 30 years after going to every one of the class’s reunions. Included within is a system of letters by each person’s picture indicating Marriage, Divorce, Skinny, Fat, Bald, etc. I mean, who does this?!
Satisfied with the free, clean space in her tiny apartment, Daphne’s bliss is ruined several days later by a note slipped under her door from a neighbor she hardly knows. Some Geneva person, retrieved, no stole her mother’s yearbook out of the recycle bin and now wants to discuss with Daphne!
The foundation of, “Good Riddance” is the sweet story above, told to the reader in snarky, funny and often snorting good laughter, (as in piggy laugh) dialog. Geneva Wisenkorn, is the neighbor from down the hall, whose social boundaries do not exist. Daphne’s responses to her are priceless and the sort you want to remember for when you are in any situation with an aggressive, no-nonsense person. (I bet one pops to mind right now!)
The only tidbit I’ll tell you now is that Geneva wants to make a documentary about the people in the yearbook, especially Daphne’s mother. Oh, and Geneva will not give Daphne the yearbook back; employing grade school rules: say it with me, “Finders Keepers.”
If I say any more, I would ruin three-fourths of the book for you. I can’t do that, really it gets better and better. You’ll meet Jeremy, an actor who lives across the hall from Daphne, and is sympathetic to her cause with Geneva. Also, her father, Frank Maritch, now a widow, all around good guy and former HS principal at that HS in Pickering, NH. He moves to NYC and starts phase two of his life as well. Think of him as the Tom Hanks of this book.
Those are the main characters, but you’ll meet a few more who will play some surprising roles in our funny little story. The plot is very good, all characters well developed, very well developed; and I was never bored.
I recommend this book for a lively, enjoyable read!
Thank you NetGalley, Houghton, Mifflin Harcourt, and Elinor Lipman
Daphne Maritch, finally free of Pickering, New Hampshire and stupid mistakes made even here in NYC, has read that book about decluttering your home and hugging your stuff to see if they bring you joy or hate or painful memories that may lead to eating a pint of ice cream with a half cup of bourbon on top. This will then lead you to the trash or recycle bins in the basement of your apartment building to throw out all the meaningless stuff you’ve collected, including the yearbook your mother left you in her will, God knows why, of the Class of 1968 from Pickering NHHS, her first teaching job right after college, that they dedicated to her, their yearbook advisor!
Worst are the notes and comments she added over the next 30 years after going to every one of the class’s reunions. Included within is a system of letters by each person’s picture indicating Marriage, Divorce, Skinny, Fat, Bald, etc. I mean, who does this?!
Satisfied with the free, clean space in her tiny apartment, Daphne’s bliss is ruined several days later by a note slipped under her door from a neighbor she hardly knows. Some Geneva person, retrieved, no stole her mother’s yearbook out of the recycle bin and now wants to discuss with Daphne!
The foundation of, “Good Riddance” is the sweet story above, told to the reader in snarky, funny and often snorting good laughter, (as in piggy laugh) dialog. Geneva Wisenkorn, is the neighbor from down the hall, whose social boundaries do not exist. Daphne’s responses to her are priceless and the sort you want to remember for when you are in any situation with an aggressive, no-nonsense person. (I bet one pops to mind right now!)
The only tidbit I’ll tell you now is that Geneva wants to make a documentary about the people in the yearbook, especially Daphne’s mother. Oh, and Geneva will not give Daphne the yearbook back; employing grade school rules: say it with me, “Finders Keepers.”
If I say any more, I would ruin three-fourths of the book for you. I can’t do that, really it gets better and better. You’ll meet Jeremy, an actor who lives across the hall from Daphne, and is sympathetic to her cause with Geneva. Also, her father, Frank Maritch, now a widow, all around good guy and former HS principal at that HS in Pickering, NH. He moves to NYC and starts phase two of his life as well. Think of him as the Tom Hanks of this book.
Those are the main characters, but you’ll meet a few more who will play some surprising roles in our funny little story. The plot is very good, all characters well developed, very well developed; and I was never bored.
I recommend this book for a lively, enjoyable read!
Thank you NetGalley, Houghton, Mifflin Harcourt, and Elinor Lipman
February 12, 2019
Full disclosure: If, as in this novel, someone started sending me $5000 every three months --- TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR --- not only would I dance for joy until I no doubt had a coronary event --- but NEVER would I EVER tell them to stop sending me that money. Twenty thousand dollars a year is more than I have made in a year, hell, sometimes two or three years, for most of my adult life. Seriously, if someone sent me $5000 AT ALL, my life would be about a million times easier. And a regular $5000 would solve most of my day-to-day worries and issues. So, right away, this part of the plot put me in a WTF ARE YOU DOING? NEVER! sort of a bad mood.
I open the covers of an Elinor Lipman novel with some confidence what I'll find. We have those understandings with certain authors: I will read your every release and you will deliver me your regular fare.
This isn't to say that said fare is boring, rote, or without surprise and delight. It's simply, at least in the case of Elinor Lipman, I know there will be an interesting premise around which will be built a romantic-usually cute meet-happy get together in the end main plot, with interesting sub-plots and secondary characters; there will be some quirk, some smirk, some snark, and none of it will be mean-spirited or too emotionally demanding.
It will be a fast read.
And so it was with "Good Riddance" --- and thus I am left with the question, "WHY AM I SO ANNOYED?"
It boils down to a few things. Our heroine, Daphne, recently divorced after less than a year from a p.o.s. trust fund baby who wed her just to get his inheritance released, has had to relocate to a tiny apartment in Manhattan, during which process she downsizes her belongings, tossing what (ugh, this crap again) "does not bring her joy" --- a list which includes a yearbook her deceased mother, a school teacher, left to her specifically in her will. The yearbook was dedicated by the graduating class that year to Daphne's mother, and her mother had attended many of the class reunions, making notes beside the names of students about what they had and had not become.
Daphne's crazy neighbor (here's some of that Lipman quirkiness) rescues the yearbook from the trash and decides it would make a good basis for a documentary. Daphne is not happy. And all of this leads to the revealing of secrets (none of which come as any surprise) and, too, Daphne's involvement with the neighbor across the hall, an actor who plays a small role on "Riverdale".
Okay, FIRST, that actor lives in/owns(?) a nice Manhattan apartment when he's basically an extra, who has a publicist? And, he's ALWAYS there, which, would be impossible since "Riverdale" shoots in Vancouver, three thousand miles and a six hour plane ride away. So, that makes no sense. At all.
Second, the secrets revealed by the yearbook/documentary shenanigans have to do with the family, and Daphne never actually shares them with some family members, which seems impossibly false to me.
Third, and MOST ANNOYINGLY UNBELIEVABLE TO ME --- that $5000/$20,000 issue with which I started.
Now listen, I am as eager and happy to suspend disbelief as the next reader of happily-ever-after novels. I am. Believe me, I will take all the happily ever after-ing I can get. BUT, there's a difference between asking readers to suspend their disbelief and asking them to move into fairy-tale realm of magic realism, which those three things sort of ask of the reader. It felt lazy to me, and a little too much of an ask.
And so, two stars. Because. Well, I want that $5000. That's just how shallow I am. (Not to mention, I have a thing for EVERY SINGLE MALE ACTOR on "Riverdale" and that Daphne gets both that money --- and foolishly rejects it --- and to sex it up with a "Riverdale" actor. No. I have suffered enough in life that those things should be mine.)
I open the covers of an Elinor Lipman novel with some confidence what I'll find. We have those understandings with certain authors: I will read your every release and you will deliver me your regular fare.
This isn't to say that said fare is boring, rote, or without surprise and delight. It's simply, at least in the case of Elinor Lipman, I know there will be an interesting premise around which will be built a romantic-usually cute meet-happy get together in the end main plot, with interesting sub-plots and secondary characters; there will be some quirk, some smirk, some snark, and none of it will be mean-spirited or too emotionally demanding.
It will be a fast read.
And so it was with "Good Riddance" --- and thus I am left with the question, "WHY AM I SO ANNOYED?"
It boils down to a few things. Our heroine, Daphne, recently divorced after less than a year from a p.o.s. trust fund baby who wed her just to get his inheritance released, has had to relocate to a tiny apartment in Manhattan, during which process she downsizes her belongings, tossing what (ugh, this crap again) "does not bring her joy" --- a list which includes a yearbook her deceased mother, a school teacher, left to her specifically in her will. The yearbook was dedicated by the graduating class that year to Daphne's mother, and her mother had attended many of the class reunions, making notes beside the names of students about what they had and had not become.
Daphne's crazy neighbor (here's some of that Lipman quirkiness) rescues the yearbook from the trash and decides it would make a good basis for a documentary. Daphne is not happy. And all of this leads to the revealing of secrets (none of which come as any surprise) and, too, Daphne's involvement with the neighbor across the hall, an actor who plays a small role on "Riverdale".
Okay, FIRST, that actor lives in/owns(?) a nice Manhattan apartment when he's basically an extra, who has a publicist? And, he's ALWAYS there, which, would be impossible since "Riverdale" shoots in Vancouver, three thousand miles and a six hour plane ride away. So, that makes no sense. At all.
Second, the secrets revealed by the yearbook/documentary shenanigans have to do with the family, and Daphne never actually shares them with some family members, which seems impossibly false to me.
Third, and MOST ANNOYINGLY UNBELIEVABLE TO ME --- that $5000/$20,000 issue with which I started.
Now listen, I am as eager and happy to suspend disbelief as the next reader of happily-ever-after novels. I am. Believe me, I will take all the happily ever after-ing I can get. BUT, there's a difference between asking readers to suspend their disbelief and asking them to move into fairy-tale realm of magic realism, which those three things sort of ask of the reader. It felt lazy to me, and a little too much of an ask.
And so, two stars. Because. Well, I want that $5000. That's just how shallow I am. (Not to mention, I have a thing for EVERY SINGLE MALE ACTOR on "Riverdale" and that Daphne gets both that money --- and foolishly rejects it --- and to sex it up with a "Riverdale" actor. No. I have suffered enough in life that those things should be mine.)
February 23, 2019
I never thought I’d give an Elinor Lipman book anything less than four or five stars...at least til I read her newest novel. Here’s my two star review.
”Elinor Lipman basically writes the same book with every one she writes. The main character is usually a young woman who is emeshed in a large family and milieu filled with colorful and lovable people. While there is usually a problem the young woman has to solve, the books always end happily. Sometimes tragedy will strike a minor character, but things still turn out well. Lipman is also a novelist who works mostly with dialogue to move her plots forward and she’s a master at the technique. She’s so good that even a poor book like “Good Riddance” is fun to read (at least til you think about it).
“Lipman’s latest book can be combined with two previous novels - “The Pursuit of Alice Thrift” and “The Ladies Man” - in the category of poor. The main character- Daphne Maritch - is the typical Lipman protagonist. She’s fled her quiet life in small town New Hampshire to an exciting life in New York City. She has an ill-advised first marriage which ends in an early divorce. She has a typical “cute meet” with her neighbor, an actor a few years her junior. But her life goes a bit berserk when her mother dies back in New Hampshire, leaving Daphne a highly annotated 1968 high school yearbook. What did all the notes mean? Daphne deep sixes the yearbook in her apartment recycling bin, where it’s taken by a Lipman-eccentric villain. Things come to a head when Daphne’s widower father moves to New York City, fulfilling a lifelong desire to live in the big city.
“ I hate to say that “Good Riddance” is a mess of a book, but I will say it, “it’s a disaster”. The characters are fine but Lipman can’t seem to figure out what to with them. Everybody mills around like lost actors on stage in a bad play. I wish I could say it’s worth reading, but it really isn’t.”
”Elinor Lipman basically writes the same book with every one she writes. The main character is usually a young woman who is emeshed in a large family and milieu filled with colorful and lovable people. While there is usually a problem the young woman has to solve, the books always end happily. Sometimes tragedy will strike a minor character, but things still turn out well. Lipman is also a novelist who works mostly with dialogue to move her plots forward and she’s a master at the technique. She’s so good that even a poor book like “Good Riddance” is fun to read (at least til you think about it).
“Lipman’s latest book can be combined with two previous novels - “The Pursuit of Alice Thrift” and “The Ladies Man” - in the category of poor. The main character- Daphne Maritch - is the typical Lipman protagonist. She’s fled her quiet life in small town New Hampshire to an exciting life in New York City. She has an ill-advised first marriage which ends in an early divorce. She has a typical “cute meet” with her neighbor, an actor a few years her junior. But her life goes a bit berserk when her mother dies back in New Hampshire, leaving Daphne a highly annotated 1968 high school yearbook. What did all the notes mean? Daphne deep sixes the yearbook in her apartment recycling bin, where it’s taken by a Lipman-eccentric villain. Things come to a head when Daphne’s widower father moves to New York City, fulfilling a lifelong desire to live in the big city.
“ I hate to say that “Good Riddance” is a mess of a book, but I will say it, “it’s a disaster”. The characters are fine but Lipman can’t seem to figure out what to with them. Everybody mills around like lost actors on stage in a bad play. I wish I could say it’s worth reading, but it really isn’t.”
July 26, 2019
Another impulse from the new books section of the library, and I zoomed through it during the readathon. The narrator recycles a yearbook left to her by her mother and hijinks ensue. I actually felt like the most interesting character lived down the hallway....
November 10, 2019
Elinor Lipman may write what are classified as chick lit or romance books, but to me they're refreshing, enjoyable palate cleansers. I read so many dark thrillers that an occasional relief is good, and a Lipman book always fits the bill.
Daphne was fun and cute but not very likeable. I liked the male characters the most, both the dad and the boyfriend across the hall were wise and good. Two thumbs up yet not as good as some of Lipman's previous offerings.
Daphne was fun and cute but not very likeable. I liked the male characters the most, both the dad and the boyfriend across the hall were wise and good. Two thumbs up yet not as good as some of Lipman's previous offerings.
February 28, 2019
Playful, witty, smart. The perfect novel to turn to if you need a break from scary suspense, World War II and even uplifting memoirs. Elinor Lipman is a smooth writer and sharp observer of popular culture.
December 26, 2018
I typically love Elinor Lipman witty and satisfying “feel good” books, which are very often romantic and literary social comedies, focusing largely on quirky heroines who navigate a confusing world.
But this one is just too contrived. The basics of the plot without spoilers: Daphne Maritch “inherits” her deceased mom’s yearbook, which is filled with notes about the 1968 class. After she decides to toss it out, it falls into the hands of a nosy, trash-diving neighbor Geneva who is determined to research the class, reveal Daphne’s mother’s juicy secrets, and turn it into a docu-drama film project. In the meantime, Daphne tries to protect her widowed father, a recent New York transplant, from the fall-out, and navigate a “friends with benefits” relationship with the handsome and young TV actor who lives across the hall.
Among the problems I had was the character of Geneva, who I often wanted to slap! Although Ms. Lipman often pairs repressed and loveable heroines with flamboyant “others”, Geneva’s nosiness and lack of empathy made her someone that most people would stay a mile away from. Daphne, on the other hand, embraces her and even when she realizes her trust is misplaced, she still flies around her like a moth to a frame (for example, accompanying her to the 1968 class reunion, which can’t end well.)
There are some preposterous turns of events, particularly as the book winds down. Elinor Lipman’s fluid and entertaining style kept me reading on – this author knows how to build and keep suspense. It’s fun to read but just doesn’t compare to some of this author’s other books.
But this one is just too contrived. The basics of the plot without spoilers: Daphne Maritch “inherits” her deceased mom’s yearbook, which is filled with notes about the 1968 class. After she decides to toss it out, it falls into the hands of a nosy, trash-diving neighbor Geneva who is determined to research the class, reveal Daphne’s mother’s juicy secrets, and turn it into a docu-drama film project. In the meantime, Daphne tries to protect her widowed father, a recent New York transplant, from the fall-out, and navigate a “friends with benefits” relationship with the handsome and young TV actor who lives across the hall.
Among the problems I had was the character of Geneva, who I often wanted to slap! Although Ms. Lipman often pairs repressed and loveable heroines with flamboyant “others”, Geneva’s nosiness and lack of empathy made her someone that most people would stay a mile away from. Daphne, on the other hand, embraces her and even when she realizes her trust is misplaced, she still flies around her like a moth to a frame (for example, accompanying her to the 1968 class reunion, which can’t end well.)
There are some preposterous turns of events, particularly as the book winds down. Elinor Lipman’s fluid and entertaining style kept me reading on – this author knows how to build and keep suspense. It’s fun to read but just doesn’t compare to some of this author’s other books.
January 22, 2019
Thank you HMH Books for sending me a copy of GOOD RIDDANCE in exchange for an honest review. This one was light and sweet, but not for me. I couldn’t get along with the main protagonist, or figure out who she was or what she wanted (#relateable though haha). Little plot progression, and a romance that felt forced. I really enjoyed the relationship between the father and daughter, however, bumping up my rating a bit. I think you’ll like this one if you’re a fan of Lipman’s other work, unlikable female leads, and if you can take or leave the romance.
Out FEB 5!
Out FEB 5!
March 6, 2019
Meh.
I was underwhelmed by ‘Good Riddance’. The yearbook, and it’s potential, was a great hook for a story, but I found the plot superficial and banal. So too was Daphne, Lipman’s main protagonist.It was her father, Tom, that I liked most, and who I thought had the most complete character arc.
A quick, easy read, but not one I’d recommend unless you are a particular fan of the author.
I was underwhelmed by ‘Good Riddance’. The yearbook, and it’s potential, was a great hook for a story, but I found the plot superficial and banal. So too was Daphne, Lipman’s main protagonist.It was her father, Tom, that I liked most, and who I thought had the most complete character arc.
A quick, easy read, but not one I’d recommend unless you are a particular fan of the author.
November 22, 2021
This was not among my favorite books. Although it is well written and the plot is good, it just kinda hit me wrong. One of the reasons is that she knew so little about her mother they were practically strangers. Don't wait till after she's gone to get to know you're mom!
Anther reason is that is makes me a bit uncomfortable to think about a teacher writing such notes down about her students. They treasured her and she was a bit mean in some of her observations.(I hope none of my old teachers have followed my life too closely.)
Also, why is one of the first things she tries to toss a book honoring her mother?
Anyway, the book was well written and would probably touch some people's lives differently than it did me.
Anther reason is that is makes me a bit uncomfortable to think about a teacher writing such notes down about her students. They treasured her and she was a bit mean in some of her observations.(I hope none of my old teachers have followed my life too closely.)
Also, why is one of the first things she tries to toss a book honoring her mother?
Anyway, the book was well written and would probably touch some people's lives differently than it did me.
April 1, 2020
I enjoyed this one!!!
October 8, 2019
"Good Riddance" was not what I expect from Elinor Lipman. Yes, it was quirky, the characters were oddballs, but it was somewhat disturbing. The plot revolves around an old high school year book the main character, Daphne's mother left her. Daphne doesn't want it, throws it out, her nosy neighbor digs it out of the trash and begins to make Daphne's life a living hell.
An interesting read, but not what I was looking for.
An interesting read, but not what I was looking for.
February 14, 2019
Daphne has just inherited her mother's yearbook from the class of 1968 at Pickering High School in New Hampshire. That year her mother was not only the English teacher, but also the yearbook advisor. Mrs. Maritch has gone to every reunion and each year she has added notations to the yearbook to all of the students. Daphne has no need or room for the yearbook in her small New York City apartment, so she puts it in the recycling. A neighbor who is also a budding documentarian finds the yearbook, and is determined to make a movie with her findings. When Daphne finds out a dark secret at the 50th reunion they attend, she will stop at nothing to make sure the yearbook is not made public. With family secrets around each corner, Daphne will try her best to keep her mother's legacy in tact and her father's heart from being broken.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I remember the thrill of getting my yearbook from middle school all through high school and having all of my friends sign it. I don't think that I ever had or even wanted any of my teachers to sign it though. And I've been to one or two of my reunions and I surely didn't go back and makes notes on what everyone is up to now.
This was a quirky story that had quite a few different elements in it. A little bit of romance, some mystery, and an annoying neighbor. Daphne is newly divorced and trying to find her way in New York City. Her apartment is small and there isn't any room for much more than her. She is going to school to be a chocolatier, but that's not really working out. She tries going back to teaching at Montessori school which she did before she was married. But with the contents of the yearbook and rumors about her mother maybe reaching the public Daphne's plate seems to be overflowing. Can she keep her mom's legacy alive and keep herself from going crazy at the same time?
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I remember the thrill of getting my yearbook from middle school all through high school and having all of my friends sign it. I don't think that I ever had or even wanted any of my teachers to sign it though. And I've been to one or two of my reunions and I surely didn't go back and makes notes on what everyone is up to now.
This was a quirky story that had quite a few different elements in it. A little bit of romance, some mystery, and an annoying neighbor. Daphne is newly divorced and trying to find her way in New York City. Her apartment is small and there isn't any room for much more than her. She is going to school to be a chocolatier, but that's not really working out. She tries going back to teaching at Montessori school which she did before she was married. But with the contents of the yearbook and rumors about her mother maybe reaching the public Daphne's plate seems to be overflowing. Can she keep her mom's legacy alive and keep herself from going crazy at the same time?
January 12, 2020
My first book drop of the year! I wanted to get at least ten percent of the way in before I made a decision, but it was an easy one. There were...so many issues.
First of all, the main characters did absolutely nothing for me, I legitimately didn't like a single one of them. I made it five chapters in, I would normally be feeling something for the protagonists at that point...but nope. Nothing.
To be entirely honest, as a woman in her late twenties who has lost both parents, I just can't appreciate how Daphne is written. It seems like she had a complicated relationship with her mother, but I just don't feel any grief there? Whether it's absent or just buried, I guess I won't find out, but her character felt somewhat...vapid through the first several chapters, and that's really all I could make of her. Her divorce didn't make her any more sympathetic for me either. The woman literally said "I don't even like you" to the guy before splitting up with him, and I literally just put my kindle down and groaned, "Then why did you fucking marry him, dude?". Whether he'd been deceitful or not, are we supposed to admire a woman who said "I do" with the first guy who showed any interest in committing? Seriously? No thanks.
The woman who pulled the yearbook out of the trash (I can't recall her name at the moment and I'm not going to bother looking for it) was downright irritating, something about her just really put me off. I'm supposed to like someone who digs through trash and goes through her fellow tenants discarded personal effects? That's not endearing or quirky, that's...morally questionable, even if it's not illegal. As a creative person, there are much more reasonable ways to find and engage with a good story. I was immediately put off by her behavior, maybe because I considered how I would feel if I was contacted about something I myself might have thrown out after my parents' deaths.
As for Jeremy, he seems interesting, but he was only just introduced and I straight up don't care for the other characters enough to stick around and see what happens with him. I knew I wouldn't be finishing Good Riddance the moment he asked if Daphne's scummy ex was gay. As a queer person, this line was just...not great.
TLDR; I don't identify with the main characters at all, but the writing style also just doesn't appeal to me. Not one bit. The pacing feels off somehow, I can't put my finger on it; it just feels like it's moving too fast, but not? And so much of the dialogue has felt unnatural, which kept me from investing in the story before any of these issues popped up. By the 10% mark, I would usually also have at least a few solid lines highlighted, but I didn't feel drawn to a single one here. Not one.
Anyway, I'm putting it down. Life is too short to read books that do nothing for you. I was going to give it two stars for the attempt and for an interesting premise, but there's no point in an interesting premise if the product doesn't deliver. Sorry, Elinor.
First of all, the main characters did absolutely nothing for me, I legitimately didn't like a single one of them. I made it five chapters in, I would normally be feeling something for the protagonists at that point...but nope. Nothing.
To be entirely honest, as a woman in her late twenties who has lost both parents, I just can't appreciate how Daphne is written. It seems like she had a complicated relationship with her mother, but I just don't feel any grief there? Whether it's absent or just buried, I guess I won't find out, but her character felt somewhat...vapid through the first several chapters, and that's really all I could make of her. Her divorce didn't make her any more sympathetic for me either. The woman literally said "I don't even like you" to the guy before splitting up with him, and I literally just put my kindle down and groaned, "Then why did you fucking marry him, dude?". Whether he'd been deceitful or not, are we supposed to admire a woman who said "I do" with the first guy who showed any interest in committing? Seriously? No thanks.
The woman who pulled the yearbook out of the trash (I can't recall her name at the moment and I'm not going to bother looking for it) was downright irritating, something about her just really put me off. I'm supposed to like someone who digs through trash and goes through her fellow tenants discarded personal effects? That's not endearing or quirky, that's...morally questionable, even if it's not illegal. As a creative person, there are much more reasonable ways to find and engage with a good story. I was immediately put off by her behavior, maybe because I considered how I would feel if I was contacted about something I myself might have thrown out after my parents' deaths.
As for Jeremy, he seems interesting, but he was only just introduced and I straight up don't care for the other characters enough to stick around and see what happens with him. I knew I wouldn't be finishing Good Riddance the moment he asked if Daphne's scummy ex was gay. As a queer person, this line was just...not great.
TLDR; I don't identify with the main characters at all, but the writing style also just doesn't appeal to me. Not one bit. The pacing feels off somehow, I can't put my finger on it; it just feels like it's moving too fast, but not? And so much of the dialogue has felt unnatural, which kept me from investing in the story before any of these issues popped up. By the 10% mark, I would usually also have at least a few solid lines highlighted, but I didn't feel drawn to a single one here. Not one.
Anyway, I'm putting it down. Life is too short to read books that do nothing for you. I was going to give it two stars for the attempt and for an interesting premise, but there's no point in an interesting premise if the product doesn't deliver. Sorry, Elinor.
January 20, 2019
Daphne Maritch is going through a rough patch. She’s 31 and freshly divorced (after a whirlwind romance…and even shorter marriage). Her recently widowed father is also struggling, so, in an effort to support each other and make a fresh start, the two decide to move to New York to see what new adventures await them.
While unpacking boxes, Daphne uncovers a yearbook her late mother left to her in her will. It’s very worn, with all kinds of, hm, colorful notes written in the margins. It’s no secret that June Maritch was one of the most popular teachers at the high school where she taught many years back. In fact, this particular yearbook was even dedicated to her. But Daphne isn’t the sentimental type, so she throws it away. Unfortunately for her, it falls into the hands of her nosy neighbor (and aspiring documentary film maker) Geneva, who concludes that the yearbook is full of untapped drama and decides to further investigate June and her relationships with her former students. Drama, predictably, ensues.
This book has such an interesting premise, and I was so looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, between the wholly unsympathetic characters and unbelievable plot twists, I had a hard time connecting with it. I wanted to be on Daphne’s side, but man-oh-man, the girl sure can whine. Even over the smallest grievances, she works herself up into an adolescent tizzy. She’s moody, quick-tempered, and lazy, and I just couldn’t get past her unfailing ability to demonstrate a complete lack of common sense in nearly every quasi-problematic situation. Her steamy, dreamy, younger neighbor, Jeremy, admittedly does provide a refreshing foil to her predictably dramatic outbursts. I enjoyed reading the back and forth between the two of them. I only wish Jeremy had a stronger presence in the story.
There are, however, two bright and shining characters who I absolutely loved: Daphne’s father and her (now deceased) mother. Her father is grounded, sweet, and relatable. And her mother. Wow, I wish the whole book had been about her. I wanted to know more of her story, even up until the end. She comes across as smart, mysterious, beguiling. I wish I could have peeled back the layers of her life more fully.
Despite my grievances with Good Riddance, I still zipped through it in no time. It’s a light and fluffy story, and even though it didn’t deliver as well as it could have, I never considered not finishing it. This is one of those books you pick up at the airport, read for a few hours on the plane, and never think about again. It’s not a life-changing book, but it’s enjoyable in its way.
See more of my reviews at www.bugbugbooks.com!
Big thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC.
While unpacking boxes, Daphne uncovers a yearbook her late mother left to her in her will. It’s very worn, with all kinds of, hm, colorful notes written in the margins. It’s no secret that June Maritch was one of the most popular teachers at the high school where she taught many years back. In fact, this particular yearbook was even dedicated to her. But Daphne isn’t the sentimental type, so she throws it away. Unfortunately for her, it falls into the hands of her nosy neighbor (and aspiring documentary film maker) Geneva, who concludes that the yearbook is full of untapped drama and decides to further investigate June and her relationships with her former students. Drama, predictably, ensues.
This book has such an interesting premise, and I was so looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately, between the wholly unsympathetic characters and unbelievable plot twists, I had a hard time connecting with it. I wanted to be on Daphne’s side, but man-oh-man, the girl sure can whine. Even over the smallest grievances, she works herself up into an adolescent tizzy. She’s moody, quick-tempered, and lazy, and I just couldn’t get past her unfailing ability to demonstrate a complete lack of common sense in nearly every quasi-problematic situation. Her steamy, dreamy, younger neighbor, Jeremy, admittedly does provide a refreshing foil to her predictably dramatic outbursts. I enjoyed reading the back and forth between the two of them. I only wish Jeremy had a stronger presence in the story.
There are, however, two bright and shining characters who I absolutely loved: Daphne’s father and her (now deceased) mother. Her father is grounded, sweet, and relatable. And her mother. Wow, I wish the whole book had been about her. I wanted to know more of her story, even up until the end. She comes across as smart, mysterious, beguiling. I wish I could have peeled back the layers of her life more fully.
Despite my grievances with Good Riddance, I still zipped through it in no time. It’s a light and fluffy story, and even though it didn’t deliver as well as it could have, I never considered not finishing it. This is one of those books you pick up at the airport, read for a few hours on the plane, and never think about again. It’s not a life-changing book, but it’s enjoyable in its way.
See more of my reviews at www.bugbugbooks.com!
Big thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC.
July 5, 2019
Daphne Maritch inherits a yearbook from her mother after she passed. Inside are a number of notes about the class who had dedicated the yearbook to her. While decluttering, Daphne discarded the yearbook only for it to by found by one of her neighbors who was certain that the yearbook could be a great story for a documentary. Soon, Daphne finds out secrets that turn her world upside down.
At first, I found myself involved in this book. I thought the plot was interesting and compelling, but then I lost interest along the way. Daphne was not an entirely likable character for me. The yearbook was the only thing she had left of her mom and while yes it was a yearbook, she tossed it out before she'd been gone for a year. Then she is constantly trying to get it back from her neighbor, Geneva. It just... didn't settle with me that she tossed it out and suddenly wanted it back when someone decided to try and make something from it that she had admitted was more than likely never going to happen.
Out of all the characters, Daphne's father, Tom, had the best character arc. He was a wonderful character that I feel in love with (unlike many of the other characters).
There were references to pop culture and current times that showed how young this book was, but the most annoying one was Riverdale. I have nothing against Riverdale (I personally think it's a hot garbage fire, but I also watch hot garbage fire), but when it was mentioned it always seemed to be followed by "have you heard of it?" It baffled me every time and then just annoyed me a tiny bit. A tiny thing, but when the book didn't grip me much in another way it's something I hold onto.
The idea was compelling, but the story itself didn't meet up to what it could have been. With the unlikable characters and a meh romance sprinkled in, Good Riddance was a book that is entirely forgettable.
At first, I found myself involved in this book. I thought the plot was interesting and compelling, but then I lost interest along the way. Daphne was not an entirely likable character for me. The yearbook was the only thing she had left of her mom and while yes it was a yearbook, she tossed it out before she'd been gone for a year. Then she is constantly trying to get it back from her neighbor, Geneva. It just... didn't settle with me that she tossed it out and suddenly wanted it back when someone decided to try and make something from it that she had admitted was more than likely never going to happen.
Out of all the characters, Daphne's father, Tom, had the best character arc. He was a wonderful character that I feel in love with (unlike many of the other characters).
There were references to pop culture and current times that showed how young this book was, but the most annoying one was Riverdale. I have nothing against Riverdale (I personally think it's a hot garbage fire, but I also watch hot garbage fire), but when it was mentioned it always seemed to be followed by "have you heard of it?" It baffled me every time and then just annoyed me a tiny bit. A tiny thing, but when the book didn't grip me much in another way it's something I hold onto.
The idea was compelling, but the story itself didn't meet up to what it could have been. With the unlikable characters and a meh romance sprinkled in, Good Riddance was a book that is entirely forgettable.
April 27, 2018
In 1991 I picked up a book by an author I had never read before, Elinor Lipman, it was THEN SHE FOUND ME, and I have been her most devoted fan ever since. GOOD RIDDANCE is right up there with my favorite Lipman books. It does harken back to the parental confusion and loyalty issues that occurred in her first novel.
Again, she creates a delightful, ditzy, totally sympathetic heroine in Daphne Matrich. I quite literally could not put down the book. I cared about Daphne and her family. Lipman skillfully creates a whacky romance after a whackier marriage for Daphne.
Then she stirs in a villain, only one who is not very villainous. I laughed out loud at some of the funny moments. The plot is totally original and the characters are so perfectly drawn that I could count all of as potential friends.
Without a doubt, Lipman is our Jane Austen and this is another delightful novel about modern mores. For full disclosure, I have written her fan letters, and despite a lack of agreement with critics, I even loved the film made of THEN. SHE FOUND ME. Don’t miss this novel, enjoy!
Again, she creates a delightful, ditzy, totally sympathetic heroine in Daphne Matrich. I quite literally could not put down the book. I cared about Daphne and her family. Lipman skillfully creates a whacky romance after a whackier marriage for Daphne.
Then she stirs in a villain, only one who is not very villainous. I laughed out loud at some of the funny moments. The plot is totally original and the characters are so perfectly drawn that I could count all of as potential friends.
Without a doubt, Lipman is our Jane Austen and this is another delightful novel about modern mores. For full disclosure, I have written her fan letters, and despite a lack of agreement with critics, I even loved the film made of THEN. SHE FOUND ME. Don’t miss this novel, enjoy!
September 19, 2019
3.8 Elinor Lipman never disappoints. As usual, its an extremely wacky set up and plot, with hilarious characters. I never fail to be moved, even while I am crying with laughter. Love her characters and how she manages to move you with the always incredulous plot. I almost raised the rating to four stars with the ending, which was so beautifully written. This is a quirky non-sensical tale, full of gaffes, plot turns, and great dialogue. So uniquely Elinor.
While she remains one of my absolute favorite authors, this one was fun, but not my favorite of hers. Elinor has a long history of being a Boston author. She was a globe columnist for years, another one whom I have said I would welcome the opportunity to buy a coffee for, in Starbucks. If I could figure out it was her. Now I believe she lives in New York, Manhattan, much like the moves of the two title characters in the book. This was super fun, as a read. I have quite a few to knock off before the end of this month. Next up, the Distance from Home, The Devil's Slave, and Jasmine Nights.
While she remains one of my absolute favorite authors, this one was fun, but not my favorite of hers. Elinor has a long history of being a Boston author. She was a globe columnist for years, another one whom I have said I would welcome the opportunity to buy a coffee for, in Starbucks. If I could figure out it was her. Now I believe she lives in New York, Manhattan, much like the moves of the two title characters in the book. This was super fun, as a read. I have quite a few to knock off before the end of this month. Next up, the Distance from Home, The Devil's Slave, and Jasmine Nights.
January 20, 2019
3.5 stars. Good Riddance is zany, madcap chick-lit, and an enjoyable light read. The story begins when Daphne Maritch throws out her mother's yearbook from her first year of teaching, in which she has made notes about former students at every reunion for nearly 50 years. When Daphne's neighbor takes possession of the yearbook and decides she wants to make a documentary about it, all sorts of hijinks ensue.
This book was fun--I enjoyed the wry style and there were laugh-out-loud funny moments, but there were also directions the plot took that I didn't like, and things Daphne did that annoyed me. I would definitely recommend it to readers who like quirky romantic comedies, although I don't think it's the very best of the bunch.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
**Used for PopSugar 2019 Reading Challenge prompt "A book with a two-word title."
This book was fun--I enjoyed the wry style and there were laugh-out-loud funny moments, but there were also directions the plot took that I didn't like, and things Daphne did that annoyed me. I would definitely recommend it to readers who like quirky romantic comedies, although I don't think it's the very best of the bunch.
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
**Used for PopSugar 2019 Reading Challenge prompt "A book with a two-word title."
October 25, 2019
The unfortunate thing with authors who've had a run of success is that often their next book doesn't get a serious edit, merely a swift copyedit.
The last few books of Lipman's have needed a real editor. They feel perfunctory, as if she's fulfilling her contract. This one was especially half-baked, to the point where it felt like she had written the bones of her ideas for plot and character down, but hadn't gotten to a second pass where she would actually shape the story and give the characters some meat to the bones. In other words, this novel was a slow, underbaked question mark. Why? The Riverdale stuff was jarring. Jeremy didn't seem like a great guy? Geneva's story just kind of...ends? The paternity storyline just limps to finish line.
I miss the charm and actual romance of previous Lipman works.
The last few books of Lipman's have needed a real editor. They feel perfunctory, as if she's fulfilling her contract. This one was especially half-baked, to the point where it felt like she had written the bones of her ideas for plot and character down, but hadn't gotten to a second pass where she would actually shape the story and give the characters some meat to the bones. In other words, this novel was a slow, underbaked question mark. Why? The Riverdale stuff was jarring. Jeremy didn't seem like a great guy? Geneva's story just kind of...ends? The paternity storyline just limps to finish line.
I miss the charm and actual romance of previous Lipman works.
March 9, 2019
Good Riddance is how I can sum up this book - I started, then put it down several times before I finally read it just to get rid of it.
The narrative is just not that funny to make reading it seem anything but pointless. I couldn't figure out what it was really about for the longest time - there was no reason to care either way about what happened to the high school yearbook she threw out, so why try to force a story out of it?
The narrative is just not that funny to make reading it seem anything but pointless. I couldn't figure out what it was really about for the longest time - there was no reason to care either way about what happened to the high school yearbook she threw out, so why try to force a story out of it?
August 14, 2025
Disclaimer: love and peace to everyone I'm chill this is not an attack.
This is probably one of the worst books I've ever read. I'm actually not completely done (I have about 30 pages left) but I couldn't resist posting this review because every second that passes by is another that a poor, innocent, unsuspecting individual has to pick up this book. The writing and the entire plot is just so incredibly poor for SO MANY REASONS. Now I myself do not claim to be a literary expert or a fantastic writer, but the dialogue is disjointed and awkward, and the characters have nonsensical and totally inconsistent personalities. The book is written in a first person narrative, and you might expect that you'd get to really glean the narrator's thought processes and character traits. Nope, sorry. The narrator Daphne is speaking from her point of view the entire time, and somehow manages to have no coherent traits while simultaneously being infuriatingly unlikeable. This is not to mention the NUMEROUS times she talks about how handsome and what an eligible bachelor her biological and non-biological fathers are. WHY?! I would forgive it if it was a one-off just to flesh out the description of their appearances, but no I think she must have mentioned how good looking and ELIGIBLE they are at least four times throughout the book. Another pet peeve (to put it lightly) of mine with regard to this book is the SAME dialogue descriptor that is used ad nauseam. That is, drumroll please, our good friend, "said." The ENTIRE BOOK is written like this:
"oh ho ho my father is so cute," Daphne said.
Boring male love interest said, "wow that's cool tell me more."
Daphne said, "I mean he's just so eligible and such a bachelor lolz."
I wish this was an exaggeration. Do you know that age old writing wisdom that goes, "show, don't tell"? This entire book is the antithesis of this popular wisdom. I wanted to rip my hair out multiple times while reading (see, that's an example! even I can do it!).
Now all of this is bad enough and I honestly don't want to continue to waste time and energy thinking about this book after I'm done, but I must stress that I have not even began to cover the many faults in this book. I will rest my case here not for lack of further critique but rather to preserve my sanity. I may take a long break from reading after this.
P.S. I forgot to add that I actually had another book from this author in line to read, but after this experience, I will not be touching it. Maybe I should give it more of a chance but I am honestly just tired goodbye.
This is probably one of the worst books I've ever read. I'm actually not completely done (I have about 30 pages left) but I couldn't resist posting this review because every second that passes by is another that a poor, innocent, unsuspecting individual has to pick up this book. The writing and the entire plot is just so incredibly poor for SO MANY REASONS. Now I myself do not claim to be a literary expert or a fantastic writer, but the dialogue is disjointed and awkward, and the characters have nonsensical and totally inconsistent personalities. The book is written in a first person narrative, and you might expect that you'd get to really glean the narrator's thought processes and character traits. Nope, sorry. The narrator Daphne is speaking from her point of view the entire time, and somehow manages to have no coherent traits while simultaneously being infuriatingly unlikeable. This is not to mention the NUMEROUS times she talks about how handsome and what an eligible bachelor her biological and non-biological fathers are. WHY?! I would forgive it if it was a one-off just to flesh out the description of their appearances, but no I think she must have mentioned how good looking and ELIGIBLE they are at least four times throughout the book. Another pet peeve (to put it lightly) of mine with regard to this book is the SAME dialogue descriptor that is used ad nauseam. That is, drumroll please, our good friend, "said." The ENTIRE BOOK is written like this:
"oh ho ho my father is so cute," Daphne said.
Boring male love interest said, "wow that's cool tell me more."
Daphne said, "I mean he's just so eligible and such a bachelor lolz."
I wish this was an exaggeration. Do you know that age old writing wisdom that goes, "show, don't tell"? This entire book is the antithesis of this popular wisdom. I wanted to rip my hair out multiple times while reading (see, that's an example! even I can do it!).
Now all of this is bad enough and I honestly don't want to continue to waste time and energy thinking about this book after I'm done, but I must stress that I have not even began to cover the many faults in this book. I will rest my case here not for lack of further critique but rather to preserve my sanity. I may take a long break from reading after this.
P.S. I forgot to add that I actually had another book from this author in line to read, but after this experience, I will not be touching it. Maybe I should give it more of a chance but I am honestly just tired goodbye.
February 25, 2019
Wanted it to be better and it was nice "uplit" but the ending just was OK to me.
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