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Never Been Better
A hilariously offbeat and tender comedy about one bipolar woman’s messy search for love at a seaside wedding where no one can stay afloat.
Is she falling in love, or falling apart?
Dee, Misa, and Matt were the "three musketeers" of the psych ward. A year after discharge, Dee is eager to convince everyone that she’s finally turning things around. But Matt and Misa are tying the knot in Turks and Caicos, surrounded by guests who have no idea where they met, and the secrecy isn’t sitting well with Dee, who has been hopelessly in love with Matt since before she got kicked out of the hospital.
So, when Dee arrives at the swanky resort with her high-voltage sister, Tilley, it’s now or never to confess how she feels. But disrupting her best friends’ nuptials would jeopardize the entire support system that holds the trio together. When it comes to happily ever afters, how is a girl supposed to choose between love and recovery?
Introducing a sparkling new voice in commercial fiction, Never Been Better revels in the heartache and hilarity of falling in love when you haven’t quite figured out how to live with yourself.
Is she falling in love, or falling apart?
Dee, Misa, and Matt were the "three musketeers" of the psych ward. A year after discharge, Dee is eager to convince everyone that she’s finally turning things around. But Matt and Misa are tying the knot in Turks and Caicos, surrounded by guests who have no idea where they met, and the secrecy isn’t sitting well with Dee, who has been hopelessly in love with Matt since before she got kicked out of the hospital.
So, when Dee arrives at the swanky resort with her high-voltage sister, Tilley, it’s now or never to confess how she feels. But disrupting her best friends’ nuptials would jeopardize the entire support system that holds the trio together. When it comes to happily ever afters, how is a girl supposed to choose between love and recovery?
Introducing a sparkling new voice in commercial fiction, Never Been Better revels in the heartache and hilarity of falling in love when you haven’t quite figured out how to live with yourself.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2024
86 people are currently reading
8264 people want to read
About the author
Leanne Toshiko Simpson
3 books102 followersLeanne Toshiko Simpson is a mixed-race Yonsei writer who lives with bipolar disorder. Named Scarborough’s Emerging Writer in 2016 and nominated for the Journey Prize in 2019, she co-founded a reflective writing program at Canada’s largest mental health hospital and teaches at the University of Toronto. Never Been Better is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
October 19, 2023
Hi past, present and future readers!
My name is Leanne Toshiko Simpson and I am so honoured that you’ve picked up Never Been Better to spend your time with. A little bit about the book – Never Been Better is an offbeat comedy that centers love, friendship and mental health, inspired by my own experiences as a psychiatric survivor. It’s set at a fancy destination wedding in Turks and Caicos and includes flashbacks to Dee, Matt and Misa’s time together in a Toronto hospital, which shapes the way they deal with the upcoming nuptials.
It was important for me to write this story in a way that highlighted not just the challenges faced by folks living with mental illness, but the joy and community that comes with finding your people – as a result, my novel stays pretty light-hearted while dealing with some deeper themes and avoids anything too graphic because that’s what I needed while I was in recovery myself! Tough topics tackled in the book range from bipolar disorder/anxiety/ depression/disordered eating/alcohol use to the traumatic memory that we were once subjected to "Hey, Soul Sister" on the radio like a hundred times a day. But at the same time, there’s also plenty of room for laughter and hijinks and the knowledge that we all deserve a love that makes us feel at home.
Thanks again for reading!
Leanne
My name is Leanne Toshiko Simpson and I am so honoured that you’ve picked up Never Been Better to spend your time with. A little bit about the book – Never Been Better is an offbeat comedy that centers love, friendship and mental health, inspired by my own experiences as a psychiatric survivor. It’s set at a fancy destination wedding in Turks and Caicos and includes flashbacks to Dee, Matt and Misa’s time together in a Toronto hospital, which shapes the way they deal with the upcoming nuptials.
It was important for me to write this story in a way that highlighted not just the challenges faced by folks living with mental illness, but the joy and community that comes with finding your people – as a result, my novel stays pretty light-hearted while dealing with some deeper themes and avoids anything too graphic because that’s what I needed while I was in recovery myself! Tough topics tackled in the book range from bipolar disorder/anxiety/ depression/disordered eating/alcohol use to the traumatic memory that we were once subjected to "Hey, Soul Sister" on the radio like a hundred times a day. But at the same time, there’s also plenty of room for laughter and hijinks and the knowledge that we all deserve a love that makes us feel at home.
Thanks again for reading!
Leanne
March 26, 2025
I met Leanne at a Summer Reading Kickoff Party three weekends ago. We got to talking, I gave her a few restaurant recommendations, and we made plans to meet up at a different bookstore two days later. She graciously gave me a copy of this book, we had a very long lunch, and discussed the differences and parallelisms of growing up Japanese Canadian and Vietnamese American. Colonization and the internment got involved, because I can't have a casual lunch out.
Dee, Misa, and Matt meet in the psych ward, something that makes or breaks you. Dee and Matt are best friends. Dee wants something more. Things don't go over well once she receives an invitation to Matt and Misa's expensive destination wedding.
Dee arrives at the wedding with her sister Tilley in tow. I won't rehash the shenanigans, but they greatly amused. Being in love with your best friend, who doesn't know, and is marrying your supposed frenemy is a very difficult subject to read about, but I think it's done with care. I could have cared less about Matt toward the end, but I'm glad Dee and Misa found a path forward.
Shoutout to my two favorite characters, Obachan, a true queen, and Vik, who sounds truly hotter than words and with a matching panty melting accent. I also enjoyed that the chapter titles were songs I enjoyed in my youth. The nod to Kristi Yamaguchi had me reeling. My first memory is being at the Houston Galleria to watch her skate. I was so small my mom placed me on top of a trash can to see. Also, I see Sid in the acknowledgments. Hello.
Dee, Misa, and Matt meet in the psych ward, something that makes or breaks you. Dee and Matt are best friends. Dee wants something more. Things don't go over well once she receives an invitation to Matt and Misa's expensive destination wedding.
Dee arrives at the wedding with her sister Tilley in tow. I won't rehash the shenanigans, but they greatly amused. Being in love with your best friend, who doesn't know, and is marrying your supposed frenemy is a very difficult subject to read about, but I think it's done with care. I could have cared less about Matt toward the end, but I'm glad Dee and Misa found a path forward.
Shoutout to my two favorite characters, Obachan, a true queen, and Vik, who sounds truly hotter than words and with a matching panty melting accent. I also enjoyed that the chapter titles were songs I enjoyed in my youth. The nod to Kristi Yamaguchi had me reeling. My first memory is being at the Houston Galleria to watch her skate. I was so small my mom placed me on top of a trash can to see. Also, I see Sid in the acknowledgments. Hello.
March 5, 2024
4 shining stars - Really enjoyed this novel about three Canadian friends from the psych ward - two are marrying each other & the other is trying to stop the destination wedding as she thinks she loves the groom. Not as much a romance as it is focused on character development with a big helping of mental health, self love & acceptance. Learned a few things along the way. Easy read & fun music chapter titles playlist to go with it.
February 6, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Dee, Matt, and Misa meet when admitted to the psychiatric ward. All three of them end up becoming the best of friends. The events of the story begin one year later, when Matt and Misa are getting married in a stunning tropical location. However, there is a catch. As a result of Dee's feelings for Matt, she is unable to accept the fact that her best friend, whom she loves very much, is going to marry someone else. The question of how she will respond and what she will do is one that you will have to find out for yourself.
The narrative encompasses not only the present day but also includes flashbacks to the period when the three characters were residing in the psychiatric ward. Initially, I anticipated similarities to the plot of Julia Robert's film, "My Best Friend's Wedding." However, the author has skillfully steered the storyline in a totally different direction. The ending turned out to be surprising.
The development of the characters is, in my opinion, the most significant flaw in this story. It was undeniable that they required additional development; however, this would have resulted in the lengthening of the narrative, which would have also resulted in the elimination of the lighter moments and the addition of the more weighty topics.
It’s a cute story, and the writing style was suitable for the overall theme. Despite delving into weighty subject matters such as mental health and suicide attempts, the story retains a lighthearted tone. The main dominant themes of love, loss, friendship, and self-acceptance are skillfully interwoven. I think readers who are looking for something light and entertaining will enjoy this book the most.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Dee, Matt, and Misa meet when admitted to the psychiatric ward. All three of them end up becoming the best of friends. The events of the story begin one year later, when Matt and Misa are getting married in a stunning tropical location. However, there is a catch. As a result of Dee's feelings for Matt, she is unable to accept the fact that her best friend, whom she loves very much, is going to marry someone else. The question of how she will respond and what she will do is one that you will have to find out for yourself.
The narrative encompasses not only the present day but also includes flashbacks to the period when the three characters were residing in the psychiatric ward. Initially, I anticipated similarities to the plot of Julia Robert's film, "My Best Friend's Wedding." However, the author has skillfully steered the storyline in a totally different direction. The ending turned out to be surprising.
The development of the characters is, in my opinion, the most significant flaw in this story. It was undeniable that they required additional development; however, this would have resulted in the lengthening of the narrative, which would have also resulted in the elimination of the lighter moments and the addition of the more weighty topics.
It’s a cute story, and the writing style was suitable for the overall theme. Despite delving into weighty subject matters such as mental health and suicide attempts, the story retains a lighthearted tone. The main dominant themes of love, loss, friendship, and self-acceptance are skillfully interwoven. I think readers who are looking for something light and entertaining will enjoy this book the most.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
July 24, 2023
I LOVED Never Been Better - usually it takes me a while to get through e-books or physical copies of books, but I found myself reaching for my kindle instead of turning on an audiobook because I was so drawn to this book. We follow Dee, who is in love with her best friend Matt - cute right? Except Matt is engaged to Misa, and the three of them are like the three musketeers of the psychiatric ward and Dee isn’t sure what to do about her feelings.
With a premise like that, I don’t see how people aren’t automatically convinced to read this. I was so intrigued when I first saw this on Netgalley, because it’s SO messy - like how are we gonna get out of this?!? But I was SO happy with how the story developed, especially the platonic relationships/friendships. Not only is this an important, very telling story about mental health and recovery, but it’s funny and lighthearted in moments too - the balance makes this book easy to read, even though the topic can feel heavy.
There are little flashbacks from Dee’s time in the psych ward intermittently sprinkled into the narrative, and I thought it added so much value to our understanding of Dee/Matt/Misa’s present day timeline. I loved how we start off getting to know Dee and her current feelings, and we slowly as readers begin to understand that Dee is actually an unreliable narrator, and things aren’t necessarily as they seem between the three friends. Never Been Better was such a raw, honest, vulnerable depiction of humane nature and our innate desire to be loved/wanted/understood. I especially appreciated the female friendships and queer representation we saw blossom in this story. It’s not just about Kai or Dee or Misa, but the little moments of love that happen between Misa and Elinor, and Dee and Obachan. You can tell the author put great care into developing Misa’s family history and embedding her appreciation of Japanese culture into the story - I really loved those parts!
The shining character of this story was Tilley - LITERALLY her dialogue had me laughing out loud. The comedic timing was not only perfect but very welcomed, as it broke up sentimental dialogue and tense moments hilariously, without dismissing the weight of the characters’ discussion of mental health. I loved the sisterly dynamic between Tilley and Dee, and even though she’s considered a side character outside of the three main people, Tilley’s character development stood out to me particularly and I love that we got to see a lot of her in this book.
I will say, I agree with some of the early reviews that this may not exactly fit into the traditional romance genre! This is expected to publish in early 2024 so I feel like the publishing team may have time to edit this. I feel like it falls more into general fiction with a romance subplot! I definitely think platonic, familial, and self love are more prominent in this narrative compared to romantic love.
There is so much love and vulnerability found within the pages of this book. I’m so glad Leanne wrote this and that I got to read it in a time that I really feel like I needed to. There’s so many important sentiments about friendship, self compassion and understanding, setting boundaries and respecting them, mental health, and cultural appreciation - I can tell I’ll be thinking about this one for a while! The fact that this is the author’s debut novel just means I’ll definitely be looking forward to whatever Leanne releases next. Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins, and Leanne Toshiko Simpson for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
With a premise like that, I don’t see how people aren’t automatically convinced to read this. I was so intrigued when I first saw this on Netgalley, because it’s SO messy - like how are we gonna get out of this?!? But I was SO happy with how the story developed, especially the platonic relationships/friendships. Not only is this an important, very telling story about mental health and recovery, but it’s funny and lighthearted in moments too - the balance makes this book easy to read, even though the topic can feel heavy.
There are little flashbacks from Dee’s time in the psych ward intermittently sprinkled into the narrative, and I thought it added so much value to our understanding of Dee/Matt/Misa’s present day timeline. I loved how we start off getting to know Dee and her current feelings, and we slowly as readers begin to understand that Dee is actually an unreliable narrator, and things aren’t necessarily as they seem between the three friends. Never Been Better was such a raw, honest, vulnerable depiction of humane nature and our innate desire to be loved/wanted/understood. I especially appreciated the female friendships and queer representation we saw blossom in this story. It’s not just about Kai or Dee or Misa, but the little moments of love that happen between Misa and Elinor, and Dee and Obachan. You can tell the author put great care into developing Misa’s family history and embedding her appreciation of Japanese culture into the story - I really loved those parts!
The shining character of this story was Tilley - LITERALLY her dialogue had me laughing out loud. The comedic timing was not only perfect but very welcomed, as it broke up sentimental dialogue and tense moments hilariously, without dismissing the weight of the characters’ discussion of mental health. I loved the sisterly dynamic between Tilley and Dee, and even though she’s considered a side character outside of the three main people, Tilley’s character development stood out to me particularly and I love that we got to see a lot of her in this book.
I will say, I agree with some of the early reviews that this may not exactly fit into the traditional romance genre! This is expected to publish in early 2024 so I feel like the publishing team may have time to edit this. I feel like it falls more into general fiction with a romance subplot! I definitely think platonic, familial, and self love are more prominent in this narrative compared to romantic love.
There is so much love and vulnerability found within the pages of this book. I’m so glad Leanne wrote this and that I got to read it in a time that I really feel like I needed to. There’s so many important sentiments about friendship, self compassion and understanding, setting boundaries and respecting them, mental health, and cultural appreciation - I can tell I’ll be thinking about this one for a while! The fact that this is the author’s debut novel just means I’ll definitely be looking forward to whatever Leanne releases next. Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins, and Leanne Toshiko Simpson for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 28, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- {NEVER BEEN BETTER- Leanne Toshiko Simpson}
As soon as I read the synopsis I knew I had to read this one! I was diagnosed with bipolar in my early teens so any book related to bipolar disorder or mental health peaks my interest, and the love triangle at the center of this one sounded too good to pass up!
Dee met Matt and Misa while they were inpatients of a psychiatric hospital. They stood by each other during their darkest moments and developed a deep (maybe a bit codependent) friendship by the time they were discharged. One year after discharge Dee is still trying to get her life together when Matt and Misa reach out to invite her to their wedding in Turks and Caicos. Dee is devastated. She has been in love with Matt since day one of tapping songs on her arm in the hospital rec room and holding her like a teddy bear when she was hurting. He was supposed to be part of her recovery story, her prize for getting out of the hospital, her missing puzzle piece to finally fix her! Dee decides to tell Matt how she feels and stop the wedding with the help of her firecracker sister Tilley, so they board a plane and embark on a week long, alcohol fueled vacation with plenty of laughs, lots of breakdowns, and an important discovery of the value of friendship in your support circle.
I loved every part of this book! I felt like it was a lighthearted way of presenting mental illness so that the reader wasn’t bogged down by it. There was plenty of humor to keep the vibes up even as it showed how difficult it can be for families and friends to support each other when someone they loves is suffering. I think it will be well received in 2024 and I highly highly recommend!
Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
As soon as I read the synopsis I knew I had to read this one! I was diagnosed with bipolar in my early teens so any book related to bipolar disorder or mental health peaks my interest, and the love triangle at the center of this one sounded too good to pass up!
Dee met Matt and Misa while they were inpatients of a psychiatric hospital. They stood by each other during their darkest moments and developed a deep (maybe a bit codependent) friendship by the time they were discharged. One year after discharge Dee is still trying to get her life together when Matt and Misa reach out to invite her to their wedding in Turks and Caicos. Dee is devastated. She has been in love with Matt since day one of tapping songs on her arm in the hospital rec room and holding her like a teddy bear when she was hurting. He was supposed to be part of her recovery story, her prize for getting out of the hospital, her missing puzzle piece to finally fix her! Dee decides to tell Matt how she feels and stop the wedding with the help of her firecracker sister Tilley, so they board a plane and embark on a week long, alcohol fueled vacation with plenty of laughs, lots of breakdowns, and an important discovery of the value of friendship in your support circle.
I loved every part of this book! I felt like it was a lighthearted way of presenting mental illness so that the reader wasn’t bogged down by it. There was plenty of humor to keep the vibes up even as it showed how difficult it can be for families and friends to support each other when someone they loves is suffering. I think it will be well received in 2024 and I highly highly recommend!
Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 10, 2024
Reading this book was like watching a train wreck waiting to happen and not being able to turn away - in the best possible way!!! With some of the greatest mental health rep I've ever read (the three main characters meet and become friends while staying in a psychiatric ward) this was one incredible debut!
Released early from treatment for breaking hospital rules, Dee is still struggling with her bipolar disorder and coming to terms with the fact that her two best friends got engaged and want her to attend their destination wedding.
With the help of her younger sister, Tilley, who wholeheartedly thinks this trip is a terrible decision, Dee agrees to go to the six day Turks and Caicos wedding extravaganza. What follows is a My best friend's wedding type situation where you won't know who to root for and won't be able to stop flipping the pages as hilarious and heartbreaking antics consume you.
I loved all the Canadian references, especially the Scarborough-isms and the classic early 90s/2000s hit song chapter titles. This book is going down as one of my favorites of 2024 and I can't recommend it enough, especially for fans of Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (one of my 2023 top reads). Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: multiple mentions of suicide attempts, depression and suicidal thoughts
Released early from treatment for breaking hospital rules, Dee is still struggling with her bipolar disorder and coming to terms with the fact that her two best friends got engaged and want her to attend their destination wedding.
With the help of her younger sister, Tilley, who wholeheartedly thinks this trip is a terrible decision, Dee agrees to go to the six day Turks and Caicos wedding extravaganza. What follows is a My best friend's wedding type situation where you won't know who to root for and won't be able to stop flipping the pages as hilarious and heartbreaking antics consume you.
I loved all the Canadian references, especially the Scarborough-isms and the classic early 90s/2000s hit song chapter titles. This book is going down as one of my favorites of 2024 and I can't recommend it enough, especially for fans of Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (one of my 2023 top reads). Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: multiple mentions of suicide attempts, depression and suicidal thoughts
September 15, 2025
Leanne’s writing is so smart, moving, hopeful, honest, insightful, and hilarious (literally laugh-out-loud funny). Looooved this one.
January 10, 2024
Review coming soon.
December 28, 2023
I’ve been so excited to read this book since Leanne first mentioned it in our JC writing group Mata Ashita, and despite not being a rom-com reader, Never Been Better absolutely blew me away. It was beyond everything I hoped it would be.
The most incredible thing about this novel is the balance Leanne strikes between writing an easy-to-read, lighthearted story and the raw, messy, *real* characters that drive it. I’ve never seen mental illness portrayed in a way that feels so real to my own experiences, and it felt so, so special to see glimmers of my own cultural references and familial dynamics through Misa, Julie, and Obachan. We love Japanese Canadian representation!!
What touched me most was all the ways in which this book explored love: through caretaking, boundaries, honesty, familiarity, friendship, presence, siblinghood, and the messiness of all these things. And I could feel the love put into every piece of this story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC and infinite thank you to Leanne Toshiko Simpson for writing this gentle, warm, tear-jerking invitation into the worlds of mental illness, friendship, family, and mad love. <3
The most incredible thing about this novel is the balance Leanne strikes between writing an easy-to-read, lighthearted story and the raw, messy, *real* characters that drive it. I’ve never seen mental illness portrayed in a way that feels so real to my own experiences, and it felt so, so special to see glimmers of my own cultural references and familial dynamics through Misa, Julie, and Obachan. We love Japanese Canadian representation!!
What touched me most was all the ways in which this book explored love: through caretaking, boundaries, honesty, familiarity, friendship, presence, siblinghood, and the messiness of all these things. And I could feel the love put into every piece of this story.
Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC and infinite thank you to Leanne Toshiko Simpson for writing this gentle, warm, tear-jerking invitation into the worlds of mental illness, friendship, family, and mad love. <3
December 9, 2023
Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book that totally surprised me! Though I wouldn’t categorize this as a romance, it was a beautiful story about friendships of all kinds - those we inherit from our families and those we build during our lives. I found myself consumed by the story and super invested in each of the characters. I loved the focus on mental illness and think I learned things about my own family members who struggle with it. The author did a wonderful job making each character multi-dimensional and likable - even when messy. I was rooting for each and every one of them.
September 12, 2023
What a set up!
Dee, Misha, and Matt met in the the psych ward.
It's one year later and Misha and Matt have planned a wedding! Dee, still struggling is happy for her friends but still in love with Matt. Dee's sister Tilly manages to become a plus one and drags her to the event - The Events actually, as Misha is quite wealthy and a long weekend of parties, get together and lavish dinners have been planned at a resort.
Will Dee survive? Should she reveal her feelings to Matt? Join a hilarious and heartfelt weekend with the crew. Lots of mental health discussion and of course revelations and flashbacks to the ward so this book is not for everyone. #Penguin #NeverBeenBetter #LeanneToshikoSimpson
Dee, Misha, and Matt met in the the psych ward.
It's one year later and Misha and Matt have planned a wedding! Dee, still struggling is happy for her friends but still in love with Matt. Dee's sister Tilly manages to become a plus one and drags her to the event - The Events actually, as Misha is quite wealthy and a long weekend of parties, get together and lavish dinners have been planned at a resort.
Will Dee survive? Should she reveal her feelings to Matt? Join a hilarious and heartfelt weekend with the crew. Lots of mental health discussion and of course revelations and flashbacks to the ward so this book is not for everyone. #Penguin #NeverBeenBetter #LeanneToshikoSimpson
March 14, 2024
4 stars!
Wow... "Never Been Better" by Leanne Toshiko Simpson is quite the book. Don't let the bright-looking cover fool you, this is an emotional, often difficult read, that's for sure. For those wondering, I DO NOT think this book is a rom-com. There are slight romantic elements and a ton of dark humor, but it IS NOT a romantic comedy. This book focuses on mental illness, hospitalization for mental illness and su1cidal ideations, rebuilding your life after institutionalization, and moving on when you can't quite get your brain to function "properly." I feel like these are extraordinarily relevant topics for the majority of us, and this was an extremely eye-opening read. The story of Dee, Matt, and Misa is tinged with dark, self-deprecating humor, a little bit of romance, and a lot a bit of vulnerability. Dee, Matt, and Misa met at a psychiatric hospital and became fast friends. Dee wants to be more than friends with Matt as she is smitten with him. A year after their subsequent releases, Dee is still in love with Matt, but Matt is about to get married to Misa, having formed a deeper bond with her after Dee was released early from the psych ward. Dee is invited to their destination wedding and reluctantly RSVPs, attending with the intention of breaking up their relationship and stopping their wedding. She winds up attending with her sister, Tilley, and things do not go as planned. This book is a beautiful ode to figuring life out when you've been saddled with mental illness. It's almost like the bipolar version of "My Best Friend's Wedding." Each of the characters struggles in their own way, whether it be with simple things like finding a job, recovering from trauma, attempting to balance medication, not knowing what the future holds, and whether or not "getting better" is even possible. This story touched me in more ways than one. In a sense, it felt relatable, and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing?? These characters are deeply flawed and are all too aware of that fact, but are working on their recovery in different ways. This story is soft, harshly realistic, and amusing, and I think a balance is maintained well and successfully. I really liked this book, but I recognize that it won't be for everyone. Be sure to check the TWs and be sure to have tissues handy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Leanne Toshiko Simpson, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Wow... "Never Been Better" by Leanne Toshiko Simpson is quite the book. Don't let the bright-looking cover fool you, this is an emotional, often difficult read, that's for sure. For those wondering, I DO NOT think this book is a rom-com. There are slight romantic elements and a ton of dark humor, but it IS NOT a romantic comedy. This book focuses on mental illness, hospitalization for mental illness and su1cidal ideations, rebuilding your life after institutionalization, and moving on when you can't quite get your brain to function "properly." I feel like these are extraordinarily relevant topics for the majority of us, and this was an extremely eye-opening read. The story of Dee, Matt, and Misa is tinged with dark, self-deprecating humor, a little bit of romance, and a lot a bit of vulnerability. Dee, Matt, and Misa met at a psychiatric hospital and became fast friends. Dee wants to be more than friends with Matt as she is smitten with him. A year after their subsequent releases, Dee is still in love with Matt, but Matt is about to get married to Misa, having formed a deeper bond with her after Dee was released early from the psych ward. Dee is invited to their destination wedding and reluctantly RSVPs, attending with the intention of breaking up their relationship and stopping their wedding. She winds up attending with her sister, Tilley, and things do not go as planned. This book is a beautiful ode to figuring life out when you've been saddled with mental illness. It's almost like the bipolar version of "My Best Friend's Wedding." Each of the characters struggles in their own way, whether it be with simple things like finding a job, recovering from trauma, attempting to balance medication, not knowing what the future holds, and whether or not "getting better" is even possible. This story touched me in more ways than one. In a sense, it felt relatable, and I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing?? These characters are deeply flawed and are all too aware of that fact, but are working on their recovery in different ways. This story is soft, harshly realistic, and amusing, and I think a balance is maintained well and successfully. I really liked this book, but I recognize that it won't be for everyone. Be sure to check the TWs and be sure to have tissues handy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Leanne Toshiko Simpson, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
August 4, 2023
Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC!
I requested this ARC on a whim as I thought the synopsis seemed different and intriguing. I was not prepared for how fully this would tug on my heart. Comedic at times, but also so so heartfelt, I could not get enough of the genuine way Leanne Toshiko Simpson wrote. Simpson tackled so many topics from the main topic of mental health and the ways our families, friends and strangers perceive it to other types of family pressures in all their cultural forms and so much more. This book made me feel hard and think deeply about mental health and the way we show up for others. As someone who is deeply aware of their own mental health and the ways in which it can feel like it gets in the way, I heartily enjoyed this novel. I look forward to more books from this author and highly encourage everyone to pick this one up.
I requested this ARC on a whim as I thought the synopsis seemed different and intriguing. I was not prepared for how fully this would tug on my heart. Comedic at times, but also so so heartfelt, I could not get enough of the genuine way Leanne Toshiko Simpson wrote. Simpson tackled so many topics from the main topic of mental health and the ways our families, friends and strangers perceive it to other types of family pressures in all their cultural forms and so much more. This book made me feel hard and think deeply about mental health and the way we show up for others. As someone who is deeply aware of their own mental health and the ways in which it can feel like it gets in the way, I heartily enjoyed this novel. I look forward to more books from this author and highly encourage everyone to pick this one up.
January 9, 2024
This book was wonderful! It had the full range of emotions and portrayed mental health struggles so well. I laughed, cried, and felt for these characters. I was able to picture each one as a complete person and watch their journey over a week at a destination wedding. It was a lovely story with just the right amount of snark to feel authentic. If you are looking for something to make you feel the feels and be happy to be along for the ride, this is for you.
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March 23, 2024Withholding a numbered rating for this one until the press tour has been completed.
To be brutally honest, I didn’t connect with it in any way. But I hope it finds its audience!
To be brutally honest, I didn’t connect with it in any way. But I hope it finds its audience!
March 28, 2024
I received an AD PR copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Kaleidoscopic book tours.
Never Been Better is a heartfelt and emotional offbeat comedy about mental health, bipolar, friendship, community, and love. We follow Dee, a mental health survivor on her recovery journey, after being discharged from a psych ward. While there, she met Matt and Misa, and the trio (the three musketeers) became very close. But Dee begins to spiral after getting a wedding invite from Matt and Misa, who got together after their time on the ward. Dee has feelings that go beyond just being friends with Matt, but he just sees her as his best friend.
Dee decides to attend the wedding abroad accompanied by her sister Tilley in the hopes of telling Matt how she feels in the hopes he will feel the same deep down.
This was such a well written and sensitive book with humour and fun mixed within. The book flashes back to time on the ward and forward to the present day, which I enjoyed as it pieced things together gradually and added texture.
Sensitive topics such as bipolar, depression, anxiety, suicide and alcahol/eating disorders were handled very well in a light-hearted but sensitive way, giving enough detail without going too heavily into a topic which I enjoyed and the characters were all so much fun especially Tilley; what a live wire!
Never Been Better is a heartfelt and emotional offbeat comedy about mental health, bipolar, friendship, community, and love. We follow Dee, a mental health survivor on her recovery journey, after being discharged from a psych ward. While there, she met Matt and Misa, and the trio (the three musketeers) became very close. But Dee begins to spiral after getting a wedding invite from Matt and Misa, who got together after their time on the ward. Dee has feelings that go beyond just being friends with Matt, but he just sees her as his best friend.
Dee decides to attend the wedding abroad accompanied by her sister Tilley in the hopes of telling Matt how she feels in the hopes he will feel the same deep down.
This was such a well written and sensitive book with humour and fun mixed within. The book flashes back to time on the ward and forward to the present day, which I enjoyed as it pieced things together gradually and added texture.
Sensitive topics such as bipolar, depression, anxiety, suicide and alcahol/eating disorders were handled very well in a light-hearted but sensitive way, giving enough detail without going too heavily into a topic which I enjoyed and the characters were all so much fun especially Tilley; what a live wire!
March 4, 2024
Matt and Misa are about to get married at a beautiful resort in Turks and Caicos, and they can’t imagine doing so without their best friend Dee. Dee can’t imagine Matt marrying anyone who isn’t her - but of course she’s never shared that tidbit with anyone other than her sister Tilly. Tilly has no idea why Dee is so into Matt. You see - Dee, Matt and Misa all met in a psychiatric hospital and are all diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Matt and Misa started dating after they were all released and got engaged afterwards - seemingly getting “better” while Dee feels like she’s stagnant at best and deteriorating at worst. Dee and Tilly head to the wedding after much convincing - mostly so Dee can prevent it from happening. Once they get there, she learns how much more complex her feelings are for Matt, Misa, Tilly and even herself.
This is a beautifully written somewhat-dark comedy focusing heavily on mental health. There were heartbreaking moments but also many times where I laughed out loud. I was shocked to learn that it’s a debut novel and of course bad to know how the author wrote about bipolar and mental health issues so well - turns out she has first-hand experience and it really shines throughout the book. I found myself highlighting so many parts as I read this on my kindle and I’ve already ordered a copy for my favorites shelf.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-arc!
January 17, 2024
This book is full of comedy and sense of humor while addressing deeper issues. Dee, Misa, and Matt met while hospitalized in the psychiatric ward. Matt and Misa are planning a wedding in Turks and Caicos, surrounded by guests who have no clue how they met. Meanwhile, Dee is secretly madly in love with Matt. Dee and her sister Tilley make the trip to the wedding and Dee plans on telling Matt exactly how she feels. Except if she does that, the only support system she has will fall apart.
Never Been Better is unlike any book I've ever read. It's sort of a romance, but not in the traditional sense. The chapters flew by. My favorite character was Tilley, she was laugh out loud funny. The themes of this book are mental health issues, love, friendship, self compassion, and setting boundaries. I also loved all the references to Japan. This is a fabulous debut novel and I would recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Never Been Better is unlike any book I've ever read. It's sort of a romance, but not in the traditional sense. The chapters flew by. My favorite character was Tilley, she was laugh out loud funny. The themes of this book are mental health issues, love, friendship, self compassion, and setting boundaries. I also loved all the references to Japan. This is a fabulous debut novel and I would recommend!
Thanks to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 8, 2024
Heartfelt! Mental Health!! Highly recommend
June 5, 2024
Never Been Better by Leanne Toshiko Simpson is a brilliantly offbeat and tender comedy that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and mental health with a deft touch. The novel follows the journey of Dee, a bipolar woman determined to prove she's turning her life around, amidst the backdrop of a seaside wedding where chaos seems inevitable.
The story kicks off with Dee, Misa, and Matt, former “three musketeers” of the psych ward, reuniting a year after their discharge. Matt and Misa are getting married in the picturesque Turks and Caicos, and the secrecy surrounding their meeting place doesn’t sit well with Dee, who has harbored unrequited feelings for Matt. Dee’s emotional struggle is palpable as she navigates her desire to confess her love and the fear of disrupting the delicate balance of their friendship and support system.
Simpson masterfully portrays Dee’s internal conflicts and her messy search for stability and affection. Dee is a refreshingly complex protagonist—hilariously candid yet profoundly vulnerable. Her journey is both relatable and heart-wrenching, and Simpson’s nuanced depiction of bipolar disorder adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Dee’s highs and lows are portrayed with empathy, capturing the erratic yet earnest quest for love and self-acceptance.
The novel’s setting in a luxurious seaside resort contrasts sharply with the tumultuous emotional landscapes of its characters. Simpson’s vivid descriptions bring the idyllic surroundings to life, enhancing the escapism of the narrative while also highlighting the internal storms brewing within Dee. The resort, with its beautiful beaches and opulent amenities, serves as a compelling backdrop for the unfolding drama and comedy.
Supporting characters add richness and texture to the story. Tilley, Dee’s high-voltage sister, is a delightful whirlwind, providing both comic relief and heartfelt support. Her dynamic with Dee underscores the complexities of familial bonds, especially when one sibling struggles with mental health issues. The chemistry between Dee, Matt, and Misa is palpable, their history adding layers of tension and loyalty to the plot. Simpson skillfully handles the trio’s intricate relationship, making the stakes of Dee’s potential confession feel real and significant.
Simpson’s writing style is a perfect blend of humor and poignancy. Her sharp, witty dialogue keeps the narrative lively, while moments of introspection offer profound insights into Dee’s psyche. The balance between comedy and emotional depth is well-maintained, making for a compelling and engaging read. Simpson’s ability to inject humor into serious topics without trivializing them is commendable, providing a refreshing perspective on mental health and recovery.
The plot’s pacing is generally well-executed, though there are moments where it slows down, particularly in the middle sections. Some readers might find the resolution a bit predictable, but the journey there is filled with enough twists, heartfelt moments, and laugh-out-loud scenes to keep the story engaging. The ending, while somewhat anticipated, is satisfying and offers a sense of hope and continuity for Dee’s journey.
In conclusion, Never Been Better is a wonderfully offbeat and emotionally resonant novel that tackles the complexities of love, friendship, and mental health with humor and heart. Leanne Toshiko Simpson has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read. Dee’s messy, sincere quest for love and stability is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they’re falling apart while trying to keep it together. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate a blend of comedy, romance, and genuine exploration of mental health.
The story kicks off with Dee, Misa, and Matt, former “three musketeers” of the psych ward, reuniting a year after their discharge. Matt and Misa are getting married in the picturesque Turks and Caicos, and the secrecy surrounding their meeting place doesn’t sit well with Dee, who has harbored unrequited feelings for Matt. Dee’s emotional struggle is palpable as she navigates her desire to confess her love and the fear of disrupting the delicate balance of their friendship and support system.
Simpson masterfully portrays Dee’s internal conflicts and her messy search for stability and affection. Dee is a refreshingly complex protagonist—hilariously candid yet profoundly vulnerable. Her journey is both relatable and heart-wrenching, and Simpson’s nuanced depiction of bipolar disorder adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Dee’s highs and lows are portrayed with empathy, capturing the erratic yet earnest quest for love and self-acceptance.
The novel’s setting in a luxurious seaside resort contrasts sharply with the tumultuous emotional landscapes of its characters. Simpson’s vivid descriptions bring the idyllic surroundings to life, enhancing the escapism of the narrative while also highlighting the internal storms brewing within Dee. The resort, with its beautiful beaches and opulent amenities, serves as a compelling backdrop for the unfolding drama and comedy.
Supporting characters add richness and texture to the story. Tilley, Dee’s high-voltage sister, is a delightful whirlwind, providing both comic relief and heartfelt support. Her dynamic with Dee underscores the complexities of familial bonds, especially when one sibling struggles with mental health issues. The chemistry between Dee, Matt, and Misa is palpable, their history adding layers of tension and loyalty to the plot. Simpson skillfully handles the trio’s intricate relationship, making the stakes of Dee’s potential confession feel real and significant.
Simpson’s writing style is a perfect blend of humor and poignancy. Her sharp, witty dialogue keeps the narrative lively, while moments of introspection offer profound insights into Dee’s psyche. The balance between comedy and emotional depth is well-maintained, making for a compelling and engaging read. Simpson’s ability to inject humor into serious topics without trivializing them is commendable, providing a refreshing perspective on mental health and recovery.
The plot’s pacing is generally well-executed, though there are moments where it slows down, particularly in the middle sections. Some readers might find the resolution a bit predictable, but the journey there is filled with enough twists, heartfelt moments, and laugh-out-loud scenes to keep the story engaging. The ending, while somewhat anticipated, is satisfying and offers a sense of hope and continuity for Dee’s journey.
In conclusion, Never Been Better is a wonderfully offbeat and emotionally resonant novel that tackles the complexities of love, friendship, and mental health with humor and heart. Leanne Toshiko Simpson has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read. Dee’s messy, sincere quest for love and stability is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they’re falling apart while trying to keep it together. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate a blend of comedy, romance, and genuine exploration of mental health.
August 6, 2023
4.5 stars! As a psychologist, I was excited to read a book based on the perspective of a former inpatient psych unit (IPU) patient, as it is rare to find novels that feature these characters, never-mind make them the protagonist!
This debut novel from Leanne Toshiko Simpson is based on the main character, Dee, who is invited to the wedding of her friends Matt and Misa, all of whom met one year prior in the IPU. Dee has been harboring romantic feelings for Matt, obviously unbeknownst to him and Misa. Dee brings her spunky and hilarious sister, Tilley, as her wedding plus-one, who provides a bit of levity and witty one-liners that keep the story humorous.
To me, this book combined the best elements of a summer beach read (tropical setting, wedding event, love triangle), while also elevating the plot to a much higher level by ultimately not making the story about romance, and instead focusing on mental health, in particular the themes of self-discovery, self-actualization, and self-compassion. Overall, this was a refreshing and unexpected read from a new, diverse voice in contemporary fiction and I look forward to future works by the author!
Many thanks to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and Leanne Toshiko Simpson for an advanced copy of this book to read and review.
This debut novel from Leanne Toshiko Simpson is based on the main character, Dee, who is invited to the wedding of her friends Matt and Misa, all of whom met one year prior in the IPU. Dee has been harboring romantic feelings for Matt, obviously unbeknownst to him and Misa. Dee brings her spunky and hilarious sister, Tilley, as her wedding plus-one, who provides a bit of levity and witty one-liners that keep the story humorous.
To me, this book combined the best elements of a summer beach read (tropical setting, wedding event, love triangle), while also elevating the plot to a much higher level by ultimately not making the story about romance, and instead focusing on mental health, in particular the themes of self-discovery, self-actualization, and self-compassion. Overall, this was a refreshing and unexpected read from a new, diverse voice in contemporary fiction and I look forward to future works by the author!
Many thanks to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and Leanne Toshiko Simpson for an advanced copy of this book to read and review.
July 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read the advanced digital copy of debut novel Never Been Better by Leanne Toshiko Simpson.This review is being written and shared to let future readers know my thoughts.
This novel is very unique and well written. The character development is very strong and you feel like you are growing along the the 3 main characters as they live their lives after treatment in a mental facility,
The additional characters in the book also grow in unexpected ways and learn more about their family members and themselves.
As others have said a sequel would be wonderful to look forward to and I did make a playlist of the songs listed in each chapter title.
Highly recommend reading this book because we can all learn from others and grow stronger in our relationships.
This novel is very unique and well written. The character development is very strong and you feel like you are growing along the the 3 main characters as they live their lives after treatment in a mental facility,
The additional characters in the book also grow in unexpected ways and learn more about their family members and themselves.
As others have said a sequel would be wonderful to look forward to and I did make a playlist of the songs listed in each chapter title.
Highly recommend reading this book because we can all learn from others and grow stronger in our relationships.
May 21, 2024
This wasn't a love, it wasn't a hate. I just feel kind of ambivalent about it. I wanted to really love it - the cover is crazy cool and I always want to love books that share mental health awareness - but I just found that the characters' lack of communication was too much. And maybe some of it hit close to home and made me sad. I think the second half was much better than the first, though!
Thank you to Putnam and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you to Putnam and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
August 20, 2023
This book opened up a window to help me see and understand people in a way that I hadn’t before. It helped me feel the feelings and cry them out, and know that’s okay. It was real and raw and I appreciate that. The sisterhood and friendship that are one of the driving factors in this book are probably my favorite parts. I also enjoyed the songs at the beginning of each chapter, that is such a fun little thing that I don’t see much in books. I will definitely be picking this up again. I recommend!
(Before reading, please check content and trigger warnings as it can be difficult to read about the topics prevalent in this book!)
Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Group Putnam for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
(Before reading, please check content and trigger warnings as it can be difficult to read about the topics prevalent in this book!)
Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Group Putnam for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
March 5, 2024
I’ve been thinking about this review for days, because I didn’t really like this book but am having trouble pinpointing what exactly it was that gave me so much trouble. I guess I feel that it just didn’t realize its’ potential. I didn’t feel a connection to the characters or empathy for their situations. I didn’t care for the main character, Dee, and I didn't like her motives at the beginning of the story. Although she redeemed herself at the end, I felt it was too little, too late.
The book deals with the weighty subjects of depression and suicide, but I feel other books I’ve read recently have done a better job of portraying mental health issues in a realistic yet compassionate way. This one just fell flat all around.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The book deals with the weighty subjects of depression and suicide, but I feel other books I’ve read recently have done a better job of portraying mental health issues in a realistic yet compassionate way. This one just fell flat all around.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 4, 2025
A cute story about friends dealing with mental health issues.
3 friends all from the same suicide hospital ward who grew close and 2 decide to get married
the twists at this wedding vacation type resort turns into a bit of a mess as these 3 learn about life and how to be honest and get through life to only find each ones happiness without leaning to heavily on one another so that the other falls by the wayside.
Suicidal thoughts and actions, bipolar, sensory, anxiety and deep depression is the basis of the book, very informative.
3 friends all from the same suicide hospital ward who grew close and 2 decide to get married
the twists at this wedding vacation type resort turns into a bit of a mess as these 3 learn about life and how to be honest and get through life to only find each ones happiness without leaning to heavily on one another so that the other falls by the wayside.
Suicidal thoughts and actions, bipolar, sensory, anxiety and deep depression is the basis of the book, very informative.
September 3, 2023
I wanted to love this book but it fell flat for me. Parts of it, such as Tilley’s outburst just felt downright unbelievable to me. I felt like the author was trying to cover too many topics within the story, and as a result it made the book very forgettable. I liked the idea behind the story, but it is not a book I’d be recommending everyone read.
March 23, 2024
Dee, Misa and Matt develop an unlikely friendship while in a psych ward in Scarborough. A year later, Dee is invited to their wedding. The only catch, she thinks she’s in love with Matt. I loved that the author was able to write a rom com that covered heavy topics - suicide, mental health, trauma - while also still being lighthearted. It shows that healing isn’t linear and that you’re still worthy of love even when you feel unlovable. On a personal note, my husband went to school with Leanne and always speaks about her so kindly. I’m so glad that she’s here. Thank you for opening up your heart to the world.
March 7, 2024
Never Been Better was such a fantastic read from start to finish and unlike any other book I’ve ever read. It’s a story about mental health that’s never been told but so desperately needed to be heard.
Leanne’s storytelling is both articulate and cleverly hilarious. She finds a way to touch on such delicate topics with light hearted humour that pulls on your heart strings.
This book left me wanting more from her and I cannot wait to see what’s next in her future of writing.
Leanne’s storytelling is both articulate and cleverly hilarious. She finds a way to touch on such delicate topics with light hearted humour that pulls on your heart strings.
This book left me wanting more from her and I cannot wait to see what’s next in her future of writing.
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