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Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life
A thoroughly uplifting novel about a neurodivergent young man who unexpectedly builds a community and saves a friend in need by following—in a way only he can—his mother’s words of wisdom.
Joe-Nathan likes the two parts of his name separate, just like dinner and dessert. Mean Charlie at work sometimes calls him Joe-Nuthin. But Joe is far from nothing. Joe is a good friend, good at his job, good at making things and at following rules, and he is learning how to do lots of things by himself.
Joe’s mother knows there are a million things he isn’t yet prepared for. While she helps to guide him every day, she is also writing notebooks of advice for Joe, of all the things she hasn’t yet told him about life and things he might forget.
By following her advice, Joe’s life is about to be more of a surprise than he expects. Because he’s about to learn that remarkable things can happen when you leave your comfort zone, and that you can do even the hardest things with a little help from your friends.
Joe-Nathan likes the two parts of his name separate, just like dinner and dessert. Mean Charlie at work sometimes calls him Joe-Nuthin. But Joe is far from nothing. Joe is a good friend, good at his job, good at making things and at following rules, and he is learning how to do lots of things by himself.
Joe’s mother knows there are a million things he isn’t yet prepared for. While she helps to guide him every day, she is also writing notebooks of advice for Joe, of all the things she hasn’t yet told him about life and things he might forget.
By following her advice, Joe’s life is about to be more of a surprise than he expects. Because he’s about to learn that remarkable things can happen when you leave your comfort zone, and that you can do even the hardest things with a little help from your friends.
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2024
180 people are currently reading
15246 people want to read
About the author
Helen Fisher
2 books234 followersHelen Fisher spent her early life in America but grew up mainly in Suffolk, England, where she now lives with her two children. She studied psychology at Westminster University and ergonomics at University College London, and worked as a senior evaluator in research at the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Faye, Faraway is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 829 reviews
November 20, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
I loved Helen Fisher's Faye, Faraway/Space Hopper so when I saw her new one on NetGalley I jumped at the chance to get it and am I ever glad I did because I loved this book and adored Joe Nathan. This was such a moving story in both happy ways and sad. The characters were so realistic and true to life, I couldn't help but fall in love with them and cheer them on. Joe Nathan likes routine and does the same thing over and over again but the author made each day seem fresh and not repetitive at all.
Helen Fisher writes with a wonderful humour but also a sense of compassion never once going the sickly sweet, saccharine route. Life is hard even in the best of circumstances and the author doesn't shy away from that, the characters are loveable but they also have plenty of flaws and make many mistakes. It was pretty awesome that Joe Nathan loves the show friends. With Matthew Perry's recent passing, it was nice to get all the references about the sitcom.
This is not a fast-paced book but I read it very quickly because I hated saying goodbye to these characters. If you enjoy realistic, heartwarming stories you'll find this title an utter joy to read. And as much as Joe Nathan enjoys predictability this book is anything but predictable. All. The. Stars.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
I loved Helen Fisher's Faye, Faraway/Space Hopper so when I saw her new one on NetGalley I jumped at the chance to get it and am I ever glad I did because I loved this book and adored Joe Nathan. This was such a moving story in both happy ways and sad. The characters were so realistic and true to life, I couldn't help but fall in love with them and cheer them on. Joe Nathan likes routine and does the same thing over and over again but the author made each day seem fresh and not repetitive at all.
Helen Fisher writes with a wonderful humour but also a sense of compassion never once going the sickly sweet, saccharine route. Life is hard even in the best of circumstances and the author doesn't shy away from that, the characters are loveable but they also have plenty of flaws and make many mistakes. It was pretty awesome that Joe Nathan loves the show friends. With Matthew Perry's recent passing, it was nice to get all the references about the sitcom.
This is not a fast-paced book but I read it very quickly because I hated saying goodbye to these characters. If you enjoy realistic, heartwarming stories you'll find this title an utter joy to read. And as much as Joe Nathan enjoys predictability this book is anything but predictable. All. The. Stars.
June 10, 2024
the setup…
Joe-Nathan Clarke is a 23-year old neurodivergent young man who lives with his mother and has worked at The Compass Store for five years. He also has OCD and has found a way to manage his work and home life into routines that serve his needs. Joe-Nathan has also developed supportive relationships at work, despite a few who still choose to make fun of him. It’s Mean Charlie who coined the name “Joe-Nuthin” but he’s determined to find a way to be Charlie’s friend over the objections of others who have written this sullen guy off. It becomes a perilous goal and not just for him.
the heart of the story…
The story is told primarily from Joe-Nathan’s point of view and there’s a simple logic to his way of thinking I found endearing and hopeful. He lacks the cynicism and layers of protection people typically develop as they move through life. It was refreshing, though not always wise in tough circumstances. I admired how his mother Janet created notebooks for him to reference, preparing him for an independent life someday, giving him practical advice and guidance. But it’s his commitment to Charlie that stands out, willing to hang in there when others were unwilling to look deeper.
the narration…
I was impressed at how Joe-Nathan was characterized, giving his voice dignity without caricature. The voice distinctions for the secondary characters were extremely well done, too, and I loved his storytelling skills.
the bottom line…
This turned out to be the story I was hoping for and more. As those around him work hard to prepare him for the realities of the adult world, it’s Joe-Nathan who delivers life lessons to those in his orbit. He takes them seriously but challenges their perceptions when it doesn’t fit his sensibilities. By not giving up on Charlie, Joe-Nathan helped them see a different side to the guy, upsetting their hard-formed opinions. It’s a lovely message delivered through a young man who doesn’t fit the ideal of what’s normal and is least expected to be a vessel of wisdom.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Joe-Nathan Clarke is a 23-year old neurodivergent young man who lives with his mother and has worked at The Compass Store for five years. He also has OCD and has found a way to manage his work and home life into routines that serve his needs. Joe-Nathan has also developed supportive relationships at work, despite a few who still choose to make fun of him. It’s Mean Charlie who coined the name “Joe-Nuthin” but he’s determined to find a way to be Charlie’s friend over the objections of others who have written this sullen guy off. It becomes a perilous goal and not just for him.
the heart of the story…
The story is told primarily from Joe-Nathan’s point of view and there’s a simple logic to his way of thinking I found endearing and hopeful. He lacks the cynicism and layers of protection people typically develop as they move through life. It was refreshing, though not always wise in tough circumstances. I admired how his mother Janet created notebooks for him to reference, preparing him for an independent life someday, giving him practical advice and guidance. But it’s his commitment to Charlie that stands out, willing to hang in there when others were unwilling to look deeper.
the narration…
I was impressed at how Joe-Nathan was characterized, giving his voice dignity without caricature. The voice distinctions for the secondary characters were extremely well done, too, and I loved his storytelling skills.
the bottom line…
This turned out to be the story I was hoping for and more. As those around him work hard to prepare him for the realities of the adult world, it’s Joe-Nathan who delivers life lessons to those in his orbit. He takes them seriously but challenges their perceptions when it doesn’t fit his sensibilities. By not giving up on Charlie, Joe-Nathan helped them see a different side to the guy, upsetting their hard-formed opinions. It’s a lovely message delivered through a young man who doesn’t fit the ideal of what’s normal and is least expected to be a vessel of wisdom.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
November 19, 2023
Joe Nathan was such a quirky and endearing protagonist that I will remember him for a very long time. Some call him 'neurodivergent', a term I was unfamiliar with, but now that I know what it means, it fits him perfectly. His brain was just wired differently from most of us.
Joe is twenty-three years old and lives with his Mum. He goes to work every day at the Compass Store, (which I understood to be a large supermarket). There he finds friends and is bullied by others. Though innocent of the world in many ways, Joe is quite brilliant. He retains what he reads and he has a habit of reading the encyclopedia when he is not watching his favourite television show 'Friends'. He has seen every episode of this show many, many times.
His Mum loves him dearly and wants him to be independent. She writes instructions for him in a blue notebook so that he can refer to it when he is uncertain. He loves order and structure. His daily schedule never varies, and he is quite the perfectionist when stacking displays at the Compass Store.
When Joe loses his Mum, his world is tilted on its axis. Knowing that Joe would be sad, confused and adrift, she prepared another notebook with some advice for Joe for when he found himself in unknown situations. His Mum always said "You don't have a mean bone in your body", and Joe wants this to be true.
When Joe learns that the man who bullied him at work has problems of his own, Joe's empathy demands he do something about it. What follows was a joy to read. There are many themes running throughout this novel, yet they are subtly hidden beneath Joe's rather eccentric persona. Themes like true friendship, self-sacrifice, empathy, courage, owning up to your mistakes, and the pitfalls of making assumptions about others. Written with skill and humour, we accompany Joe through many traumatic episodes, and we are left bereft when the final page is turned.
"Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life" contains lessons for us all. It is heartwarming 'UpLit' that is deserving of all the stars... A favourite of the year for sure.
Joe is twenty-three years old and lives with his Mum. He goes to work every day at the Compass Store, (which I understood to be a large supermarket). There he finds friends and is bullied by others. Though innocent of the world in many ways, Joe is quite brilliant. He retains what he reads and he has a habit of reading the encyclopedia when he is not watching his favourite television show 'Friends'. He has seen every episode of this show many, many times.
His Mum loves him dearly and wants him to be independent. She writes instructions for him in a blue notebook so that he can refer to it when he is uncertain. He loves order and structure. His daily schedule never varies, and he is quite the perfectionist when stacking displays at the Compass Store.
When Joe loses his Mum, his world is tilted on its axis. Knowing that Joe would be sad, confused and adrift, she prepared another notebook with some advice for Joe for when he found himself in unknown situations. His Mum always said "You don't have a mean bone in your body", and Joe wants this to be true.
When Joe learns that the man who bullied him at work has problems of his own, Joe's empathy demands he do something about it. What follows was a joy to read. There are many themes running throughout this novel, yet they are subtly hidden beneath Joe's rather eccentric persona. Themes like true friendship, self-sacrifice, empathy, courage, owning up to your mistakes, and the pitfalls of making assumptions about others. Written with skill and humour, we accompany Joe through many traumatic episodes, and we are left bereft when the final page is turned.
"Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life" contains lessons for us all. It is heartwarming 'UpLit' that is deserving of all the stars... A favourite of the year for sure.
November 28, 2023
I have a brother named Joe who has autism and who likes things simple and straightforward so, needless to say, I sobbed (and chuckled) my way through the whole book. This was so sweet and heartwarming and I loved every bit of it. Cannot wait to gift a copy to my mom for Christmas 🥰
April 11, 2024
2.5 stars
I didn't hate the experience of reading this book, but it just didn't really work for me. A big part of that was the distant 3rd person perspective it's written from - I found that disappointing from the start. It's also a strange mix of small town British life and cosy everyday details with some pretty gritty scenes/themes (and a fair bit of swearing). But it doesn't ever feel close to the events or the characters. I liked the supporting characters, they were well-drawn and multi-dimensional (my favourites were Angus and Chloe). As for the main character, Joe-Nathan (annoying name choice tbh) - I would like to know how much research the author did on neurodiversity and if she is close to any neurodivergent people... because he felt like an extremely stereotypical and outdated portrayal - it wouldn't have surprised me to read about a character like him 10+ years ago, but I thought we'd moved beyond such stereotyping now.
Plot/compellingness 3/5
Themes 3/5
Characters 3/5
Emotional resonance 2/5
Writing style 2/5
I didn't hate the experience of reading this book, but it just didn't really work for me. A big part of that was the distant 3rd person perspective it's written from - I found that disappointing from the start. It's also a strange mix of small town British life and cosy everyday details with some pretty gritty scenes/themes (and a fair bit of swearing). But it doesn't ever feel close to the events or the characters. I liked the supporting characters, they were well-drawn and multi-dimensional (my favourites were Angus and Chloe). As for the main character, Joe-Nathan (annoying name choice tbh) - I would like to know how much research the author did on neurodiversity and if she is close to any neurodivergent people... because he felt like an extremely stereotypical and outdated portrayal - it wouldn't have surprised me to read about a character like him 10+ years ago, but I thought we'd moved beyond such stereotyping now.
Plot/compellingness 3/5
Themes 3/5
Characters 3/5
Emotional resonance 2/5
Writing style 2/5
February 13, 2025
5+ feel good stars, a heartwarming story with one of the most pure souls I’ve ever met in a fictional book. Joe-Nathan (Joe-Nuthin) will be in my heart for a long time. ❤️
May 4, 2024
Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life by Helen Fisher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Joe relies on his mother for advice in life. He doesn’t always know society’s expectations but he knows how to follow rules and is good at his job. His mother is writing notebooks to help guide him, but he will soon find his life is about to do the one thing he dislikes the most - change.
Read this book and you’ll immediately love Joe. He’s such a great character and you get to see him learn and grow with the people he grows close to along the way. I’ve seen a lot of fiction lately with neurodivergent characters and usually they are mysteries. This one is unique because Joe isn’t solving a crime or seeking out a murderer. He’s just genuinely trying to be a good person and love his life. His goal is to show everyone what his mother knows, that he has not a mean bone in his body. And as readers we see it’s true as he helps those that others may not see as deserving.
“Instead of fearing a thing, try to understand it. Because understanding can change everything about the way that you feel.”
Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life comes out 5/28.
Joe relies on his mother for advice in life. He doesn’t always know society’s expectations but he knows how to follow rules and is good at his job. His mother is writing notebooks to help guide him, but he will soon find his life is about to do the one thing he dislikes the most - change.
Read this book and you’ll immediately love Joe. He’s such a great character and you get to see him learn and grow with the people he grows close to along the way. I’ve seen a lot of fiction lately with neurodivergent characters and usually they are mysteries. This one is unique because Joe isn’t solving a crime or seeking out a murderer. He’s just genuinely trying to be a good person and love his life. His goal is to show everyone what his mother knows, that he has not a mean bone in his body. And as readers we see it’s true as he helps those that others may not see as deserving.
“Instead of fearing a thing, try to understand it. Because understanding can change everything about the way that you feel.”
Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life comes out 5/28.
May 28, 2024
A tender coming of age story about a young British neurodivergent boy who finds himself all alone when his mother dies unexpectedly, left with only the advice guide on how to live a good life she wrote for him.
Heartwarming and full of important messages about friendship, acceptance and love. This was great on audio and tackles some tough topics like grief, loss and domestic abuse. Highly, HIGHLY recommended especially for fans of books like This shining life by Harriet Kline.
Heartwarming and full of important messages about friendship, acceptance and love. This was great on audio and tackles some tough topics like grief, loss and domestic abuse. Highly, HIGHLY recommended especially for fans of books like This shining life by Harriet Kline.
September 6, 2024
Refreshing. Although for me this is a solid 4-star book, I'm giving it five stars. Why? The world is too often a cold, hard place, and it's easy to be cynical, and this book's message of hope, forgiveness, understanding, tolerance, and kindness is desperately needed. Thus, if my bumping up the rating helps even one extra person pick up the book and be uplifted and inspired, well, job done!
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
July 25, 2024
Joe-Nathan doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. That’s what his mother tells him and it’s true. Joe has his routines and every task must be completed in the same order. Some people understand him - his mother’s friends, his boss at work Hugo and his new friend at work Chloe but others such as Owen and Mean Charlie don’t and are relentless in their tormenting and bullying. Joe knows that Mean Charlie can be his friend - he just has to make Charlie see it too.
I loved this story from Helen Fisher. Joe is portrayed with compassion and I took him straight to my heart. His mother’s guidance by way of the blue and yellow books are invaluable however there are some parts of life that Joe must navigate by himself and I was cheering him on whilst occasionally wincing at his decisions.
Beautifully written with emotion and humour and featuring superbly drawn characters, this was a delight to read. Joe enhances the lives of others as much as they help him to understand the complexity of life.
I loved this story from Helen Fisher. Joe is portrayed with compassion and I took him straight to my heart. His mother’s guidance by way of the blue and yellow books are invaluable however there are some parts of life that Joe must navigate by himself and I was cheering him on whilst occasionally wincing at his decisions.
Beautifully written with emotion and humour and featuring superbly drawn characters, this was a delight to read. Joe enhances the lives of others as much as they help him to understand the complexity of life.
February 15, 2025
A fantastic read about approaching life from a different direction, and not getting sucked in with the first assumption that lands.
Joe Nuthin has a LOT to teach all of us. This is a book no one should miss.
All the stars.
Joe Nuthin has a LOT to teach all of us. This is a book no one should miss.
All the stars.
February 6, 2025
This book features twenty-three-year-old Joe-Nathan Clarke, a neurodiverse young man who gets a job at the local big box store called The Compass, returning items to shelves and organizing the product displays. As the novel begins Joe-Nathan’s father has already passed, and he lives with his mother. Joe-Nathan does not always do well in social situations, so his mother has written down guidelines for her son to follow. She tries to include all of life’s situations he may face. He experiences bullying at work but also develops friendships. It is a story of navigating life as a person who is always seen as “different” but also possesses a deep hidden well of wisdom – just ask his friends.
What a beautiful character-driven story! It was easy for me to become immersed in this book. It is written in a manner that mimics Joe-Nathan’s thought processes. The characters are easy to picture and seem realistic in their actions and reactions. The storyline follows Joe’s life as he navigates workplace dynamics, forms friendships, and attempts to help a person he thinks needs his help, though his friends advise against it and the person does not always appreciate it. There are elements of tragedy and abuse, but in the end, it is such a positive story. I have one caveat: perhaps it goes without saying but I do not recommend taking advice on how to handle bullies from a work of fiction. Published in 2024, I think this book could become very popular once more people start reading it.
What a beautiful character-driven story! It was easy for me to become immersed in this book. It is written in a manner that mimics Joe-Nathan’s thought processes. The characters are easy to picture and seem realistic in their actions and reactions. The storyline follows Joe’s life as he navigates workplace dynamics, forms friendships, and attempts to help a person he thinks needs his help, though his friends advise against it and the person does not always appreciate it. There are elements of tragedy and abuse, but in the end, it is such a positive story. I have one caveat: perhaps it goes without saying but I do not recommend taking advice on how to handle bullies from a work of fiction. Published in 2024, I think this book could become very popular once more people start reading it.
August 11, 2025
I think we could all learn a lot from Joe and his mom. This was SO good.
June 1, 2025
WOW!! I lovedddd this book!
I’ve never read a book with as many likeable characters in as this one - I was rooting for them all and will miss them!!
Very well written, respectful and engaging!
I was really sad when it ended - I will be recommending to everyone!!
Very clever that the one character without a name didn’t deserve one! (Iykyk)
I also really respect that Joe’s diagnosis is never mentioned, as it just doesn’t matter!
A great story celebrates the best in humankind!
Please write a sequel or make a film 😃 thanks!
I’ve never read a book with as many likeable characters in as this one - I was rooting for them all and will miss them!!
Very well written, respectful and engaging!
I was really sad when it ended - I will be recommending to everyone!!
Very clever that the one character without a name didn’t deserve one! (Iykyk)
I also really respect that Joe’s diagnosis is never mentioned, as it just doesn’t matter!
A great story celebrates the best in humankind!
Please write a sequel or make a film 😃 thanks!
July 14, 2024
3.75⭐️ this is a great book of found family.
June 24, 2024
Occasionally, I pick up a book that doesn’t have a lot of buzz, and I know nothing about it other than its high ratings on Goodreads. Now, I feel it is my responsibility to hype the hell out of Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life because I fell in love with the characters, the story, and the beautiful life lessons drawn from reading this story. If you like books with multiple layers that explore friendships, love, and how we, as humans, make assumptions, grab this book. Because it’s a keeper, it will 100% be in my top books of 2024!
Quick recap without spoilers:
Joe-Nathan likes everything a certain way. He prefers to split the syllables in his name and spaces out his day by setting timers so that he won’t lose track of time. His loving mother created a notebook for Joe with directions and advice for almost everything. As a twenty-three-year-old man with a limited understanding of social situations and life, her direction allows Joe to build a community of friends and colleagues simply by being Joe.
Quick recap without spoilers:
Joe-Nathan likes everything a certain way. He prefers to split the syllables in his name and spaces out his day by setting timers so that he won’t lose track of time. His loving mother created a notebook for Joe with directions and advice for almost everything. As a twenty-three-year-old man with a limited understanding of social situations and life, her direction allows Joe to build a community of friends and colleagues simply by being Joe.
November 10, 2023
Joe-Nathan has always had the guidance from his mother, as well as his own gut instinct, but all that is about to change when he leaves his own comfort zone. With the help from those around him, Joe-Nathan opens the door to things he would never thought of doing before. His mother knows there is many things that he needs to learn and because of that she keeps writing a book full with advice and help with things he will come across or even might need. The story shows kindness, compassion, along with a bit of humour. There are parts that feel real, especially having to step out of our comfort zone and not knowing what might happen if we doing. The story was a bit slow at the beginning, but that doesn't last long, so keep reading
November 24, 2023
Joe likes his routines.
Oh my word. Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life is utterly beautiful. I absolutely adored it. I’d heard nothing but positive things about Helen Fisher’s latest book, but that didn’t prepare me for the total joy in reading Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life. It completely filled my heart with happiness.
The plot is relatively gentle as Joe learns that change can be good, but it also embodies powerful and dramatic themes that illustrate to perfection how judging others and making assumptions can make us blind to the truth of their lives – and of our own. It’s no exaggeration to say that I wish every world leader, every person in a position of power and influence, could read Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life so that they come a little bit closer to the human compassion and understanding displayed by Joe and Janet.
Joe is a wonderful creation. He is quirky, funny, and absolutely the most engaging character in fiction a reader might wish to meet. I loved all the characters – even the noxious Owen who adds balance to the kindness of others. The fact that there’s a limited number of characters, most of whom work at The Compass Store, gives an intimacy that enables the reader to know them thoroughly. Chloe is a complete triumph. Her sweary and abrasive nature ensures there’s no cloying sentimentality in Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life, but rather a finely tuned balance of imperfection that makes the book so affecting, so beautiful and so unforgettable.
With themes of friendship and love, bullying of various kinds and loyalty and compassion, Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life can be read on many levels. At its simplest it’s an entirely entertaining story about a person slightly different to other people. However, that is to do a disservice to this gorgeous story. Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life is a story about humanity. As Helen Fisher peels back the layers of Joe’s personality, so she illustrates profound kindness and understanding, making the reader laugh aloud and shed a tear on the way so that this is a book not to be forgotten. It’s a stunner.
I could not have loved this book more. I finished it with a smile on my face, an almost physical ache in my heart and a moistness in my eye. Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life is just fabulous. Read it.
Oh my word. Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life is utterly beautiful. I absolutely adored it. I’d heard nothing but positive things about Helen Fisher’s latest book, but that didn’t prepare me for the total joy in reading Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life. It completely filled my heart with happiness.
The plot is relatively gentle as Joe learns that change can be good, but it also embodies powerful and dramatic themes that illustrate to perfection how judging others and making assumptions can make us blind to the truth of their lives – and of our own. It’s no exaggeration to say that I wish every world leader, every person in a position of power and influence, could read Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life so that they come a little bit closer to the human compassion and understanding displayed by Joe and Janet.
Joe is a wonderful creation. He is quirky, funny, and absolutely the most engaging character in fiction a reader might wish to meet. I loved all the characters – even the noxious Owen who adds balance to the kindness of others. The fact that there’s a limited number of characters, most of whom work at The Compass Store, gives an intimacy that enables the reader to know them thoroughly. Chloe is a complete triumph. Her sweary and abrasive nature ensures there’s no cloying sentimentality in Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life, but rather a finely tuned balance of imperfection that makes the book so affecting, so beautiful and so unforgettable.
With themes of friendship and love, bullying of various kinds and loyalty and compassion, Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life can be read on many levels. At its simplest it’s an entirely entertaining story about a person slightly different to other people. However, that is to do a disservice to this gorgeous story. Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life is a story about humanity. As Helen Fisher peels back the layers of Joe’s personality, so she illustrates profound kindness and understanding, making the reader laugh aloud and shed a tear on the way so that this is a book not to be forgotten. It’s a stunner.
I could not have loved this book more. I finished it with a smile on my face, an almost physical ache in my heart and a moistness in my eye. Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life is just fabulous. Read it.
July 25, 2024
Finished reading: July 24th 2024
“Sometimes the place we belong is just about the people in our lives, not the actual place. Sometimes the place we belong is just the place where the people who love us hang out.”
REVIEW
July 6, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up / I have realized I love quiet little British novels about unique found families and this is one of them. In this story, Joe’s mother has created a couple of little books to help her neurodivergent son understand life and navigate it more effectively, like:
“Instead of fearing a thing, try to understand it.
Because understanding can change everything about the way that you feel.” Fear (entry from the yellow book), prologue
She helps secure him a job and when she is gone, he is left trying to follow her ideas to understand the world around him, mostly at work. He comes into contact with a bully, whom he becomes concerned about. He sees people differently in some ways and his work friends try to be there for him.
This book reminded me of DID I EVER TELL YOU, which I read recently, in which a mother, dying of cancer, left packages and letters for her children to read every year and for specific moments. I really loved the notes this mother left for her neurodivergent son.
“…-that Hazel feels sad, so even if you-or we-don't feel it in the same way, it is enough just to understand that she feels sad, and then ask yourself, 'How can we help?" We can keep her company. That's how we're going to help today." Ch 5
“Joe-Nathan? More like Joe-Nuthin. A man with nothing to offer." Ch 7
“Joe didn't often look ahead. If he was comfortable in what he was doing in the moment, and knew what came next, then life felt like a series of stepping stones: good steady ones, not the kind that were slippery or too small or too far apart. Joe was at ease with the comfort of known world: understanding the now, understanding the next.” Ch 17
“Joe had always felt that coming home was a lovely moment, a gentle, calming feeling unlike any other. He had linked that feeling with coming home. … He didn't feel the same now and he concluded that it must have been coming home to his mum that had brought that feeling; this in turn made him wonder if coming home would ever feel that special again. Joe realized that a life is lived differently when there is someone there to witness it.” Ch 23
“The place a person belongs might be in their future; they might not have found it yet. … Sometimes the place we belong is just about the people in our lives, not the actual place. Sometimes, the place we belong is just the place where the people who love us hang out." Ch 78
“Instead of fearing a thing, try to understand it.
Because understanding can change everything about the way that you feel.” Fear (entry from the yellow book), prologue
She helps secure him a job and when she is gone, he is left trying to follow her ideas to understand the world around him, mostly at work. He comes into contact with a bully, whom he becomes concerned about. He sees people differently in some ways and his work friends try to be there for him.
This book reminded me of DID I EVER TELL YOU, which I read recently, in which a mother, dying of cancer, left packages and letters for her children to read every year and for specific moments. I really loved the notes this mother left for her neurodivergent son.
“…-that Hazel feels sad, so even if you-or we-don't feel it in the same way, it is enough just to understand that she feels sad, and then ask yourself, 'How can we help?" We can keep her company. That's how we're going to help today." Ch 5
“Joe-Nathan? More like Joe-Nuthin. A man with nothing to offer." Ch 7
“Joe didn't often look ahead. If he was comfortable in what he was doing in the moment, and knew what came next, then life felt like a series of stepping stones: good steady ones, not the kind that were slippery or too small or too far apart. Joe was at ease with the comfort of known world: understanding the now, understanding the next.” Ch 17
“Joe had always felt that coming home was a lovely moment, a gentle, calming feeling unlike any other. He had linked that feeling with coming home. … He didn't feel the same now and he concluded that it must have been coming home to his mum that had brought that feeling; this in turn made him wonder if coming home would ever feel that special again. Joe realized that a life is lived differently when there is someone there to witness it.” Ch 23
“The place a person belongs might be in their future; they might not have found it yet. … Sometimes the place we belong is just about the people in our lives, not the actual place. Sometimes, the place we belong is just the place where the people who love us hang out." Ch 78
September 28, 2024
Sometimes you just pick up the right book at the right time and everything seems right in the world. This was certainly the case for me and Joe Nuthin. The past month has been particularly challenging with work and because of that I haven’t been reading. But when I finally forced myself to sit down and read for an hour one day, I quickly realized an hour wasn’t enough. Because this book was like a salve for my soul and I know that’s dramatic but it’s true. Joe Nathan and the cast of characters were kind and funny and they transported me away from my stress and made me happy.
There are certainly parts of this book that are really really difficult to read but they were a necessary evil for all of the good that happens at the end. I write this review with tears still in my eyes with how everything wrapped up and also because of the very powerful author’s note.
This novel is Eleanor Oliphant-esque and I highly recommend. Added bonus for all of the Friends references!
There are certainly parts of this book that are really really difficult to read but they were a necessary evil for all of the good that happens at the end. I write this review with tears still in my eyes with how everything wrapped up and also because of the very powerful author’s note.
This novel is Eleanor Oliphant-esque and I highly recommend. Added bonus for all of the Friends references!
June 25, 2024
Joe is a 23 year old neurodivergent man with OCD and this is his story about doing the best he can to function in society and be a good person. Joe is beautifully written with sensitivity and humor without making a caricature of him. Alex Wingfield is superb as Joe. I enjoyed this sweet story and highly recommend listening to it if you can get a copy. The only criticism I have here is that this has been done many times.
August 16, 2024
If I could give this 50 stars I would. 100 stars. My favorite book of 2024. This book made me feel all the feels. I laughed, I cried, I felt for these characters. And rooted for Joe throughout the entire book. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
November 15, 2023
This book will absolutely stay with me for a very long time!
There was so much in this that I related to and connected with and it was honestly quite an emotional read for me!
I adored Joe-Nathan - and the relationship he had with his mum and then later the relationships and friendships that he created for himself.
For lots of reasons, mainly medical, my youngest son is socially unaware.
From being small and having spent so much of our time together dealing with illness and anxieties - it's been so, so easy to have this same relationship as Joe and his mum.
Over the years, I have worried about what might happen when I'm not here and how to help him develop that self awareness and this book has left me in two minds....
Should I be writing books for him?
Or (more beneficially), should I be helping him to step out of his comfort zone (more than were already doing)
The similarities with our own situation just had me sobbing (sometimes with joy!) from page 1.
Joe-Nathan was just so special and his character jumped right off the page and embedded itself right into my heart.
The supporting characters were so well presented and each played their role perfectly. Even the less likable ones!
This was a beautifully written story which was full of heart-wrenching moments - but so, so full of hope and compassion and left me feeling uplifted and full of joy.
Having seen the effects of people's judgements on others - I just wish everyone could be a little kinder to each other - everyone needs to read this book and see just how it's done!!
There was so much in this that I related to and connected with and it was honestly quite an emotional read for me!
I adored Joe-Nathan - and the relationship he had with his mum and then later the relationships and friendships that he created for himself.
For lots of reasons, mainly medical, my youngest son is socially unaware.
From being small and having spent so much of our time together dealing with illness and anxieties - it's been so, so easy to have this same relationship as Joe and his mum.
Over the years, I have worried about what might happen when I'm not here and how to help him develop that self awareness and this book has left me in two minds....
Should I be writing books for him?
Or (more beneficially), should I be helping him to step out of his comfort zone (more than were already doing)
The similarities with our own situation just had me sobbing (sometimes with joy!) from page 1.
Joe-Nathan was just so special and his character jumped right off the page and embedded itself right into my heart.
The supporting characters were so well presented and each played their role perfectly. Even the less likable ones!
This was a beautifully written story which was full of heart-wrenching moments - but so, so full of hope and compassion and left me feeling uplifted and full of joy.
Having seen the effects of people's judgements on others - I just wish everyone could be a little kinder to each other - everyone needs to read this book and see just how it's done!!
June 24, 2024
I picked this up for a light "palate-cleanser," but I ended up enjoying it more than I expected!
Joe-Nathan likes his routines -- needs them, in fact. He goes to work Monday morning, where he knows where everything belongs. Friday evenings he goes to the pub and watches four episodes of Friends. Saturday is take-out. Sunday he goes for a walk in the cemetary. He is neurodivergant, and his mom knows she won't be around forever to guide him through life, but she is determined to help him live an independent life. That includes keeping a notebook, a "guide to life," that can answer all of Joe-Narhan's questions. But for Joe, interpreting the world around him is complex, and he will need all the help he can get.
This was a feel-good story, but it was also more than that. The dark parts were heavier than I would have expected (content warnings for abuse and death), and the book does a good job of promoting readers to question their assumptions -- but rather than assuming readers will make assumptions about Joe, refreshingly, it pokes at our urge to make assumptions about those around him.
I'm not the right person to speak to the quality of the representation -- other reviewers are better equipped for that -- but I will say that Joe, a man with no mean bones, was a wonderful character to spend 400 pages with.
4 stars
Joe-Nathan likes his routines -- needs them, in fact. He goes to work Monday morning, where he knows where everything belongs. Friday evenings he goes to the pub and watches four episodes of Friends. Saturday is take-out. Sunday he goes for a walk in the cemetary. He is neurodivergant, and his mom knows she won't be around forever to guide him through life, but she is determined to help him live an independent life. That includes keeping a notebook, a "guide to life," that can answer all of Joe-Narhan's questions. But for Joe, interpreting the world around him is complex, and he will need all the help he can get.
This was a feel-good story, but it was also more than that. The dark parts were heavier than I would have expected (content warnings for abuse and death), and the book does a good job of promoting readers to question their assumptions -- but rather than assuming readers will make assumptions about Joe, refreshingly, it pokes at our urge to make assumptions about those around him.
I'm not the right person to speak to the quality of the representation -- other reviewers are better equipped for that -- but I will say that Joe, a man with no mean bones, was a wonderful character to spend 400 pages with.
4 stars
October 6, 2025
Táto kniha je pre mňa kniha z kategórie healing/feel-good. V doslove autorka priznáva, že písanie bolo pre ňu samotnú terapeutickým procesom, a presne tak na mňa text pôsobí – ako pokojné, láskavé uzdravovanie.
Joe je „iný“ hrdina. Je zrejmé, že má nejakú formu neurodivergencie, no autorka mu nedáva nálepku (to sa mi veľmi páči). A práve v tom je sila – neponúka diagnózu, ale človeka. Joe sa učí nielen prežiť, ale aj cítiť, spájať sa so svetom po svojom.
Jeho logika nie je slabosťou, ale iným spôsobom porozumenia, ktorý odhaľuje to, čo bežný pohľad často prehliadne. Jeho dni majú pevný rytmus, istoty, ktoré mu dávajú zmysel. Keď mu však zomrie mama – jeho najväčší oporný bod – zostane sám, so „sprievodcom životom“, ktorý mu po nej zostal ako tichý most medzi svetmi.
Joe nepôsobí empaticky v klasickom zmysle slova. Nerozoznáva spoločenské signály, nehrá sa na zdvorilosť. Ale práve preto vidí pod povrch, tam, kde sa iní zastavia. V jeho svete sa priateľstvo rodí z dôvery, nie z predstierania. A každé stretnutie, ktoré prežije, ho i tých okolo trochu lieči – lebo ich učí, že existuje viac než jeden správny spôsob, ako byť človekom.
Nenáročná, ale dobrá kniha, ktorá môže byť tým hojivým čítaním aj pre vás.
Joe je „iný“ hrdina. Je zrejmé, že má nejakú formu neurodivergencie, no autorka mu nedáva nálepku (to sa mi veľmi páči). A práve v tom je sila – neponúka diagnózu, ale človeka. Joe sa učí nielen prežiť, ale aj cítiť, spájať sa so svetom po svojom.
Jeho logika nie je slabosťou, ale iným spôsobom porozumenia, ktorý odhaľuje to, čo bežný pohľad často prehliadne. Jeho dni majú pevný rytmus, istoty, ktoré mu dávajú zmysel. Keď mu však zomrie mama – jeho najväčší oporný bod – zostane sám, so „sprievodcom životom“, ktorý mu po nej zostal ako tichý most medzi svetmi.
Joe nepôsobí empaticky v klasickom zmysle slova. Nerozoznáva spoločenské signály, nehrá sa na zdvorilosť. Ale práve preto vidí pod povrch, tam, kde sa iní zastavia. V jeho svete sa priateľstvo rodí z dôvery, nie z predstierania. A každé stretnutie, ktoré prežije, ho i tých okolo trochu lieči – lebo ich učí, že existuje viac než jeden správny spôsob, ako byť človekom.
Nenáročná, ale dobrá kniha, ktorá môže byť tým hojivým čítaním aj pre vás.
August 12, 2025
Oh Joe Nathan. I just want to hug him. This cast of characters were so loveable and endearing.
November 13, 2024
Another book club winner that I wouldn’t have found myself.
July 30, 2024
What a sweet and wonderful book. Full of simplicity and complexity, humanity, and what it means to be a friend. Joe is one of the best characters and I love him so very much. In a short time, it feels like he becomes a part of you and I can't help but wish for his happiness even after the cover is closed. The supporting characters are wonderfully cast and make for a little world of found family that is easy to want to be a part of.
This one's going to stay with me a while. And I'm ok with it.
4.5 stars
This one's going to stay with me a while. And I'm ok with it.
4.5 stars
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