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The Memo
If you could rewrite your life story, would you dare? That’s the question at the heart of this charming and propulsive debut novel about love, life, and a woman finding herself and what it means to be happy and successful.
Do you ever feel like your life doesn’t measure up to everyone else’s—and wonder if you just didn’t get the memo helping you make the right choices?
Jenny Green dreads her upcoming college reunion. Once top of her class, the thirty-five-year-old finds herself stuck in a life that isn’t the one she expected. Her promising career has flamed out (literally) and her deadbeat boyfriend is cheating on her (again). All her friends seem to have it all figured it out, enjoying glittering lives and careers that she can only envy from the sidelines. Did she just not get the memo they all did?
As it turns out, she didn’t!
When she arrives at her alma mater for the festivities, she receives a text from an unlisted number.
“Jenny please collect your memo.”
Somewhere on campus, a discreet female-led organization provides comprehensive memos to select students, a set of instructions that are a blueprint for success.
The first time around, Jenny didn’t receive hers. Now, she’s being given the second chance she wants—an opportunity to relive her life and make all the right decisions this time around. But at what price?
Smart, addictive, bittersweet, and ultimately triumphant, The Memo will enchant readers of In Five Years and Cassandra in Reverse as well as fans of Emma Straub and Maria Semple.
Do you ever feel like your life doesn’t measure up to everyone else’s—and wonder if you just didn’t get the memo helping you make the right choices?
Jenny Green dreads her upcoming college reunion. Once top of her class, the thirty-five-year-old finds herself stuck in a life that isn’t the one she expected. Her promising career has flamed out (literally) and her deadbeat boyfriend is cheating on her (again). All her friends seem to have it all figured it out, enjoying glittering lives and careers that she can only envy from the sidelines. Did she just not get the memo they all did?
As it turns out, she didn’t!
When she arrives at her alma mater for the festivities, she receives a text from an unlisted number.
“Jenny please collect your memo.”
Somewhere on campus, a discreet female-led organization provides comprehensive memos to select students, a set of instructions that are a blueprint for success.
The first time around, Jenny didn’t receive hers. Now, she’s being given the second chance she wants—an opportunity to relive her life and make all the right decisions this time around. But at what price?
Smart, addictive, bittersweet, and ultimately triumphant, The Memo will enchant readers of In Five Years and Cassandra in Reverse as well as fans of Emma Straub and Maria Semple.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2024
226 people are currently reading
18206 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Dodes
1 book69 followersRachel Dodes is a freelance culture writer. She’s a regular contributor to Vanity Fair, and her work has also appeared in Town & Country, ELLE, Esquire, The New York Times, among other publications. She was previously a staff writer at The Wall Street Journal covering the film industry.
The Memo—co-written with Lauren Mechling—is her first novel.
She lives in New York with her husband, son and dog.
The Memo—co-written with Lauren Mechling—is her first novel.
She lives in New York with her husband, son and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
June 17, 2024
writing: you can really tell this was written by two authors | plot: meh | ending: super meh
my opinion
This was one of my most anticipated reads because of the premise: the FMC is NOT thriving, yet all of her friends are, leaving her to feel like she missed 'the memo' in life. Very relatable concept; some of my darkest days were spent on LinkedIn seeing how all my HS classmates were making major career moves while I was 200 job applications deep. Unfortunately, the execution, much like my life, was very average.
Firstly, it took too long for the whole memo bit to get started. The first third was just her moaning and groaning and getting mysterious texts that she didn't act on. The best bits were when Jenny was rewriting the past. Relocating the nuns had me deceased (and on my way to hell, obvi). But the flip-flopping in writing quality (idk who wrote what, but one of ya'll is a MUCH stronger writer... soz), unnecessary body comments, and the romance didn't do this book any favors.
Romance is a bit strong of a word for whatever the fk was transpiring between Gabe and Jenny. It shouldn't have been included AT ALL. She went on a couple casual hangouts with this guy (I think only one of them was not in a group setting) and is ready to give up the good life for him and his daughter????? Tf??? It would've made more sense for her to cling to her flop-life because she had a talented and affordable hairdresser than risking it all for an grown man in a choir (respectfully).
I will hand it to this book, I really didn't know which 'life' was better by the end. Despite being a mediocre book, it would spark some great book club discussions. Maybe something to consider for those that have an audiobook club? Do those exist? Anyways, I wouldn't be mad if this book was made into a movie. Idk if she's still cancelled, but Jennifer Lawrence could play the fuck out of Jenny's character.
pros & cons
pros: banging concept, funny, thought-provoking, I liked the scenes where she rewrote her history
cons: uneven writing quality, slow at times, Gabe was as unnecessary as putting calories on a restaurant menu (I'm not at a place called The Cheesecake Factory to watch what I eat), weird body comments
tysm dialogue books for the arc
__
Check out my YouTube
my opinion
This was one of my most anticipated reads because of the premise: the FMC is NOT thriving, yet all of her friends are, leaving her to feel like she missed 'the memo' in life. Very relatable concept; some of my darkest days were spent on LinkedIn seeing how all my HS classmates were making major career moves while I was 200 job applications deep. Unfortunately, the execution, much like my life, was very average.
Firstly, it took too long for the whole memo bit to get started. The first third was just her moaning and groaning and getting mysterious texts that she didn't act on. The best bits were when Jenny was rewriting the past. Relocating the nuns had me deceased (and on my way to hell, obvi). But the flip-flopping in writing quality (idk who wrote what, but one of ya'll is a MUCH stronger writer... soz), unnecessary body comments, and the romance didn't do this book any favors.
Romance is a bit strong of a word for whatever the fk was transpiring between Gabe and Jenny. It shouldn't have been included AT ALL. She went on a couple casual hangouts with this guy (I think only one of them was not in a group setting) and is ready to give up the good life for him and his daughter????? Tf??? It would've made more sense for her to cling to her flop-life because she had a talented and affordable hairdresser than risking it all for an grown man in a choir (respectfully).
I will hand it to this book, I really didn't know which 'life' was better by the end. Despite being a mediocre book, it would spark some great book club discussions. Maybe something to consider for those that have an audiobook club? Do those exist? Anyways, I wouldn't be mad if this book was made into a movie. Idk if she's still cancelled, but Jennifer Lawrence could play the fuck out of Jenny's character.
pros & cons
pros: banging concept, funny, thought-provoking, I liked the scenes where she rewrote her history
cons: uneven writing quality, slow at times, Gabe was as unnecessary as putting calories on a restaurant menu (I'm not at a place called The Cheesecake Factory to watch what I eat), weird body comments
tysm dialogue books for the arc
__
Check out my YouTube
June 21, 2024
The Memo by Rachel Dodes, Lauren Mechling
Thank you so much partner @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial for the gifted copy.
Blurb:
If you could rewrite your life story, would you dare? That’s the question at the heart of this funny, sharp and propulsive debut novel about love, life, and a woman finding herself and what it means to be happy and successful.
✨ My thoughts:
Totally bingeable, this is a super fast and fun read! The female friendships in this book were definitely my favorite parts of this story. I loved that although it’s a fun read, we still get a thought provoking story that will have you looking back on your own life and choices. Would you choose The Memo? I don’t think I would but thankfully this is a work of fiction! Oh and the time traveling aspect of this book made this story even more fun because time travel is always a fascinating concept. If you’re looking for something to read that’ll give you a feel good ending, a strong emphasis on female friendship, fun but also get you thinking… you should pick this one up! The Memo is out now.
Happy reading 📖
Thank you so much partner @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial for the gifted copy.
Blurb:
If you could rewrite your life story, would you dare? That’s the question at the heart of this funny, sharp and propulsive debut novel about love, life, and a woman finding herself and what it means to be happy and successful.
✨ My thoughts:
Totally bingeable, this is a super fast and fun read! The female friendships in this book were definitely my favorite parts of this story. I loved that although it’s a fun read, we still get a thought provoking story that will have you looking back on your own life and choices. Would you choose The Memo? I don’t think I would but thankfully this is a work of fiction! Oh and the time traveling aspect of this book made this story even more fun because time travel is always a fascinating concept. If you’re looking for something to read that’ll give you a feel good ending, a strong emphasis on female friendship, fun but also get you thinking… you should pick this one up! The Memo is out now.
Happy reading 📖
May 26, 2024
What would you do if you had the chance to go back and undo some of the biggest mistakes of your life?
Jenny Green, stuck in a toxic job for a psuedo-gender equity foundation in her 30's and living with a cheating boyfriend, has the opportunity to find out when she begins receiving mysterious text messages about "The Memo" on the eve of her 15 year college reunion.
Jenny ignores the messages until she runs in to the eccentric life coach Desiree while back in her college town for the reunion and learns about the Simcott Center For The Study Of The Soul, a massive modern building constructed on the campus of her alma mater.
Jenny ultimately agrees to receive "The Memo," a series of daily commands intended to make her life better (sent through an app)and to travel back in time to undo her past mistakes. Thus begins her journey into an alternate life, ala Sliding Doors, where 35 year old Jenny is married to a handsome and wealthy man, pregnant and running a clean food empire. As she slips between this dream life and her "real" life, Jenny also discovers indelible changes to her regular life, such as her close friend and potential romantic interest, Gabe, from her singing group, The Looney Tunes, slowly forgetting their friendship. She also discovers that in her alternate life, she and her best friend Geeta grow further and further apart.
Ultimately, before she turns 36, Jenny must decide which life she wants to continue. Does she choose the sterile, perfect life with a man she doesn't really love and a plethora of employees who seem to fear her or does she go back to a job she hates with a boyfriend who can't stay faithful ... or is there another path?
I'm not really sure how to describe this book: It has elements of a rom com with a strong emphasis on female friendship, but also a touch of sci fi with the time travel aspect, but also a strong philosophical and metaphysical premise about free will vs. fate. The book really explores three levels of fate: The fate created by the choices we make (free will, aka the life Jenny creates for herself with her mistakes), manufactured fate created by another person or group (the fabricated life created through The Memo) and actual fate (Jenny's relationship with Gabe).
Overall, this was a fun and also deep read that got me thinking about the course of my life, the choices I made and the indelible things that may truly represent fate. I have to say that if presented with the opportunity, I'm not sure whether I'd choose The Memo or not. In some ways, life would be easier if someone else could make my choices for me, this ensuring a beautiful and privileged life ... but that would probably get boring really fast. I'd like to think that Ii'd ultimately choose my own free will to create the life that I want.
Thank you to the publisher, Harper Perrenial, for sending me an Advance Reader Copy of this book!
Jenny Green, stuck in a toxic job for a psuedo-gender equity foundation in her 30's and living with a cheating boyfriend, has the opportunity to find out when she begins receiving mysterious text messages about "The Memo" on the eve of her 15 year college reunion.
Jenny ignores the messages until she runs in to the eccentric life coach Desiree while back in her college town for the reunion and learns about the Simcott Center For The Study Of The Soul, a massive modern building constructed on the campus of her alma mater.
Jenny ultimately agrees to receive "The Memo," a series of daily commands intended to make her life better (sent through an app)and to travel back in time to undo her past mistakes. Thus begins her journey into an alternate life, ala Sliding Doors, where 35 year old Jenny is married to a handsome and wealthy man, pregnant and running a clean food empire. As she slips between this dream life and her "real" life, Jenny also discovers indelible changes to her regular life, such as her close friend and potential romantic interest, Gabe, from her singing group, The Looney Tunes, slowly forgetting their friendship. She also discovers that in her alternate life, she and her best friend Geeta grow further and further apart.
Ultimately, before she turns 36, Jenny must decide which life she wants to continue. Does she choose the sterile, perfect life with a man she doesn't really love and a plethora of employees who seem to fear her or does she go back to a job she hates with a boyfriend who can't stay faithful ... or is there another path?
I'm not really sure how to describe this book: It has elements of a rom com with a strong emphasis on female friendship, but also a touch of sci fi with the time travel aspect, but also a strong philosophical and metaphysical premise about free will vs. fate. The book really explores three levels of fate: The fate created by the choices we make (free will, aka the life Jenny creates for herself with her mistakes), manufactured fate created by another person or group (the fabricated life created through The Memo) and actual fate (Jenny's relationship with Gabe).
Overall, this was a fun and also deep read that got me thinking about the course of my life, the choices I made and the indelible things that may truly represent fate. I have to say that if presented with the opportunity, I'm not sure whether I'd choose The Memo or not. In some ways, life would be easier if someone else could make my choices for me, this ensuring a beautiful and privileged life ... but that would probably get boring really fast. I'd like to think that Ii'd ultimately choose my own free will to create the life that I want.
Thank you to the publisher, Harper Perrenial, for sending me an Advance Reader Copy of this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2024
⭐4.25
I enjoyed this book because it didn't have a typical plot line and the story wasn't all about romance. Romance stories can be so repetitive. This book has a magical realism feel to it more than Sci-Fi in my opinion.
My favorite part of the book was the relationship between the main character and her best friend.
I liked how this book spoke about the different forms of "success" we experience in our lives. It addresses the question of, do our successes really make us happier? Or do we lose sight of who we are the higher we go up the success ladder.
I listened to the audiobook.
I enjoyed this book because it didn't have a typical plot line and the story wasn't all about romance. Romance stories can be so repetitive. This book has a magical realism feel to it more than Sci-Fi in my opinion.
My favorite part of the book was the relationship between the main character and her best friend.
I liked how this book spoke about the different forms of "success" we experience in our lives. It addresses the question of, do our successes really make us happier? Or do we lose sight of who we are the higher we go up the success ladder.
I listened to the audiobook.
January 1, 2025
This is sort of like a romcom, but lacking in the rom department.
The story didn’t flow well for me. Two authors wrote this book so that could be part of the issue.
This debut novel reminds me of a mixture of Back To The Future, mixed with Time Warp plus sorority/cult influence.
If you read this novel, be sure to watch the dates.
Also, the page numbers are placed oddly.
I feel the story’s underlying theme is as follows.
Believe in your own self, know who your true friends are & stay connected to them.
Plus, stay true to yourself.
The story didn’t flow well for me. Two authors wrote this book so that could be part of the issue.
This debut novel reminds me of a mixture of Back To The Future, mixed with Time Warp plus sorority/cult influence.
If you read this novel, be sure to watch the dates.
Also, the page numbers are placed oddly.
I feel the story’s underlying theme is as follows.
Believe in your own self, know who your true friends are & stay connected to them.
Plus, stay true to yourself.
May 12, 2024
Every once in a while, a book comes along out of left field and your world is better for having read it. That’s The Memo. This debut book is insightful and witty and really just makes you think. It is for anyone who has ever doubted the path they are on and the choices they make. It also has one of the most unique premises I’ve ever read. I will be recommending this five star read to everyone!
Jenny Green never got the memo. She is getting ready for her college reunion, and everyone around her seems to have it all figured out. Why can’t she seem to figure it out? But it turns out, in this world, everyone seems to have literally gotten the memo. And to Jenny’s surprise, she is finally going to get hers.
What follows is a story of revisiting ups and downs, righting wrongs, and second chances. Jenny has a front row seat to her life and is getting a second chance to fix some mistakes. She is asking herself the tough questions, and she is also really seeing herself for the first time. Her 36th birthday is nearing, and she has to decide what she really wants.
I absolutely loved the time travel aspect of this one! Even with that magical touch, the authors really gave Jenny the opportunity to be seen for the first time in her life. Jenny was truly an authentic character. I also loved the supporting cast of characters. They made me laugh, get emotional, and at times angry. I feel like this book is so relatable to anyone who has ever questioned themselves, and for anyone who wants to remain true to themselves.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the opportunity to read this amazing book! It releases on June 18th. Preorder it now - it is the perfect read for a summer day or a day at the beach!
Jenny Green never got the memo. She is getting ready for her college reunion, and everyone around her seems to have it all figured out. Why can’t she seem to figure it out? But it turns out, in this world, everyone seems to have literally gotten the memo. And to Jenny’s surprise, she is finally going to get hers.
What follows is a story of revisiting ups and downs, righting wrongs, and second chances. Jenny has a front row seat to her life and is getting a second chance to fix some mistakes. She is asking herself the tough questions, and she is also really seeing herself for the first time. Her 36th birthday is nearing, and she has to decide what she really wants.
I absolutely loved the time travel aspect of this one! Even with that magical touch, the authors really gave Jenny the opportunity to be seen for the first time in her life. Jenny was truly an authentic character. I also loved the supporting cast of characters. They made me laugh, get emotional, and at times angry. I feel like this book is so relatable to anyone who has ever questioned themselves, and for anyone who wants to remain true to themselves.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the opportunity to read this amazing book! It releases on June 18th. Preorder it now - it is the perfect read for a summer day or a day at the beach!
June 23, 2024
Entertaining and easy to read. Plus I like the “Sliding Doors” type plot. But I think the authors made the story worse by having this higher than necessary concept for the split realities.
March 18, 2024
Unfortunately this was a miss for me. I’m DNF’ing at 52% because I’m having a hard time keeping track of the storyline and all the characters. I also found myself not thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading it, which is unusual. I think it will find its audience and people will enjoy it - if you liked Oona Out of Order and/or The Midnight Library, I think you’ll enjoy this. But that trope surprisingly doesn’t work for me so I think it’s just not for me.
August 27, 2024
So much promise but fell flat.
June 15, 2024
If you could rewrite your life story, would you? That is the question at the heart of this novel. The Memo is a unique, “sliding doors” type book that explores fate and choosing the life you think you were meant for. It’s poignant but also has its funny moments, making it a well-rounded novel. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel like this before and I’m not sure that I would have chosen it on my own but I’m glad I did. Does it have romance? Of course, but I would consider this more of a women’s fiction novel because it doesn’t JUST focus on the romantic aspects. I do, however, think even seasoned romance readers will enjoy it.
Great book. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future!
Great book. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future!
May 12, 2025
2.75 stars - This book had a lot of potential! Half rom com, half women’s fiction, but overall pretty lack luster. I think this could have been really successful if the authors had given the relationships between the MC and everyone else just a little bit more. The plot was a really fresh idea that didn’t get fleshed out all the way.
August 7, 2024
This was pretty cute. I’m from Pittsburgh so I liked that part of the book was set there.
January 14, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
I absolutely loved the concept of this book, because who doesn’t feel like they’ve missed the memo sometimes, and who wouldn’t love the chance to go back in time to try to right the wrongs?
While the book was overall enjoyable, I can’t help but feel like there was a spark that was missing to really push this book over the edge and make it one to remember.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved the concept of this book, because who doesn’t feel like they’ve missed the memo sometimes, and who wouldn’t love the chance to go back in time to try to right the wrongs?
While the book was overall enjoyable, I can’t help but feel like there was a spark that was missing to really push this book over the edge and make it one to remember.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Oof, I was skipping pages right from the first chapter. This one's not for me. Disliked all of the characters. Interesting premise. DNF'd at 30% and it hadn't even gotten to the time travel part yet.
Oof, I was skipping pages right from the first chapter. This one's not for me. Disliked all of the characters. Interesting premise. DNF'd at 30% and it hadn't even gotten to the time travel part yet.
July 12, 2024
Bought it in an airport & read it on a plane, which seems right. I'm not sure what moral I was meant to take away from it (aside from bread is good, which agree)
November 2, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up.
Jenny felt like a failure all her life. One mishap upended her promising career as a baker. Now at 35 she has a job she hates, a cheating boyfriend and she’s estranged from her wildly successful college friends. They apparently “got the memo” about how to succeed in life Jenny didn’t, or she turned it down in college when it was offered. Apparently getting “the memo” means you join a women’s consortium and they guide you through every facet of your life. They help you achieve all your goals: successful career, vast money, wonderful family, etc., for a percentage of your wealth and giving up control over your life. Now, via the consortium, Jenny has an opportunity to see what her life would have been like had she accepted “the memo“ 15 years earlier. She now has a chance to accept the memo with all the advantages and restrictions. But will she? Is the life she is promised that much better than the life she has, as bad as it is.
I didn’t feel that the characters were well portrayed. They all felt flat to me, even Jenny, who is the main character. The life that consortium offered was shallow and mercenary, and not without risks. All along you get the sense that Jenny‘s uber successful friends aren’t as happy as they want to present to the world.
I did like that the story shows that small decisions in your life can have big impacts and can steer you on a new path. But those small decisions can also have consequences both good and bad.
For me, the book took a long time to get to the ultimate denouement, which is not unexpected. There are signs all along the way as to where this story is headed. I will say that the ending is very satisfying but it wasn’t quite worth the ride.
Jenny felt like a failure all her life. One mishap upended her promising career as a baker. Now at 35 she has a job she hates, a cheating boyfriend and she’s estranged from her wildly successful college friends. They apparently “got the memo” about how to succeed in life Jenny didn’t, or she turned it down in college when it was offered. Apparently getting “the memo” means you join a women’s consortium and they guide you through every facet of your life. They help you achieve all your goals: successful career, vast money, wonderful family, etc., for a percentage of your wealth and giving up control over your life. Now, via the consortium, Jenny has an opportunity to see what her life would have been like had she accepted “the memo“ 15 years earlier. She now has a chance to accept the memo with all the advantages and restrictions. But will she? Is the life she is promised that much better than the life she has, as bad as it is.
I didn’t feel that the characters were well portrayed. They all felt flat to me, even Jenny, who is the main character. The life that consortium offered was shallow and mercenary, and not without risks. All along you get the sense that Jenny‘s uber successful friends aren’t as happy as they want to present to the world.
I did like that the story shows that small decisions in your life can have big impacts and can steer you on a new path. But those small decisions can also have consequences both good and bad.
For me, the book took a long time to get to the ultimate denouement, which is not unexpected. There are signs all along the way as to where this story is headed. I will say that the ending is very satisfying but it wasn’t quite worth the ride.
August 12, 2024
I’m kind of surprised by all the negative reviews on this. I liked it. It’s a well-written farce that pokes fun at all the influencers, stylists and coaches who bombard us with “how to” advice for the perfect life/ relationship/ self. This is a fun, escapist beach read that moves along swimmingly. It left me with a smile.
May 12, 2024
DNF
With 2 hours and 24 minutes to go in this book, I finally admitted that I couldn't do it anymore.
I don't exactly know what it was about this book that so many others like, but I just couldn't read this anymore. I could not connect to Jenny, and I felt that the idea of memo controlling your life was not cute or funny - I felt it was horrible. If anything, none of those who got the "memo" lived their lives on their own terms. For instance, Jenny's best life should have had her being a baker...but no, it wasn't going to work that way. However, for all I know, she could have turned into the best baker in the world at the end of this book, but alas, I will never know. And frankly, I don't care.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harper Perennial/HarperCollins Publishers, the author, and NetGalley.
With 2 hours and 24 minutes to go in this book, I finally admitted that I couldn't do it anymore.
I don't exactly know what it was about this book that so many others like, but I just couldn't read this anymore. I could not connect to Jenny, and I felt that the idea of memo controlling your life was not cute or funny - I felt it was horrible. If anything, none of those who got the "memo" lived their lives on their own terms. For instance, Jenny's best life should have had her being a baker...but no, it wasn't going to work that way. However, for all I know, she could have turned into the best baker in the world at the end of this book, but alas, I will never know. And frankly, I don't care.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harper Perennial/HarperCollins Publishers, the author, and NetGalley.
Read
March 6, 2024That was nice, in a super non-pejorative way. It’s obvious from go where it’s going, but I liked the journey and I’m down with the message (even if spelling it out at the very end felt a bit trite and unnecessary, the book had done the work already, trust yourself, authors) and the ending was a little pop of sweetness that was tender and hopeful and just right. I hope this gets some good buzz, it’s got the ingredients to make it a great book club book, commercial appeal and enough substance to support a good conversation while still being a fast and generally light read.
October 20, 2024
This was such an authentic experience of a book journey. It has soul, comedy, plot, and human intricacies that make a good book really good. I especially found it resonated with me internally- almost reflecting different doubts and conversations I had in my own mind during key plot points in my own life. It reminded me of the women who shaped me- the ones who fought for me and also the women who were so detrimental to my well being under the guise of mentoring- this book is such a useful exploration of life and choices- incredibly valuable for young women but also those of us who often reflect back on the what ifs and our mistakes and regrets. I found this book so helpful, engaging (what a therapy session(s) ) and also culinary (food is such a joy and meter of pleasure or lack there of when deprived of) so the gluten and gluten free debate was poignant and hilarious in all the right measures. My goodness- the book really gets so many different flavors of women and womanhood- well done. Truly, well done and magnificent.
June 29, 2024
This was a thought-provoking, feminist second chance at life story that has a women about to turn 37 going to her college reunion where she discovers she missed out on "the memo" everyone else receives that helps them make the best life decisions for the most optimal life.
Able to correct all her biggest regrets, Jenny Green travels back in time to fix the things that caused her the most grief, only to learn that true cost of following the memo wasn't worth the price of her dearest friendships.
Highly entertaining and perfect for fans of books like A special place for women by Laura Hankin, this was good on audio and would make a great book club pick! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Able to correct all her biggest regrets, Jenny Green travels back in time to fix the things that caused her the most grief, only to learn that true cost of following the memo wasn't worth the price of her dearest friendships.
Highly entertaining and perfect for fans of books like A special place for women by Laura Hankin, this was good on audio and would make a great book club pick! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 9, 2024
It was a slow start but a third of the way through the book it really picked up and then I couldn't put it down! Halfway through I was thinking I was going to give it 4 stars because of the slow start, but by the end I just loved it so much that I had to give it 5! This book is definitely weird, it kind of reminded me of the movie The Adjustment Bureau in a way. And the message of the book is just perfect 💖
February 6, 2025
The best way I can describe this book is fictional whiplash in a simultaneously fun and confusing way. This book truly addresses the shared wonder of what if I could change things from the past or how does what I do impact the future and explored some of the hypotheticals that often arise with these conversations
April 18, 2025
Perfect read for vacation
It wasn’t TOO predictable
Not too cheesy
Liked the writing
It wasn’t TOO predictable
Not too cheesy
Liked the writing
January 18, 2024
Jenny Green didn't get the memo, and thus her life after college was a downward trajectory of one failure after another. Now, at her 15th year college reunion, she is offered a do-over, an unbelievable chance to rewrite history and right her wrongs. But at what cost? Does she really want all the things that come with her new, successful (rich and powerful, albeit ruthless) life? And what exactly is she willing to give up for that successful life?
Told in alternating timelines, as Jenny travels back and forth between "then" and now, making small and large chances that alter her life course, this book is about second chances, desires, and ultimately friendship. The biggest, most prominent, relationship in the story is that of Jenny and her BFF Geeta. That is the part that truly makes this book all worth it. It is such a great story about what friendship looks like, about being there for each other.
The book isn't too suspenseful, I was pretty sure I knew how it was going to turn out (I was right), but I didn't mind that, because I loved the ending.
This is a cute, quick, easy read to enjoy.
Told in alternating timelines, as Jenny travels back and forth between "then" and now, making small and large chances that alter her life course, this book is about second chances, desires, and ultimately friendship. The biggest, most prominent, relationship in the story is that of Jenny and her BFF Geeta. That is the part that truly makes this book all worth it. It is such a great story about what friendship looks like, about being there for each other.
The book isn't too suspenseful, I was pretty sure I knew how it was going to turn out (I was right), but I didn't mind that, because I loved the ending.
This is a cute, quick, easy read to enjoy.
November 20, 2023
In their debut novel, the authors offer both an entertaining storyline and a thought-provoking premise. If you had a second chance to correct all your “mistakes” and surrender to a prescribed path that guarantees “success”, would you take it?
Jenny Green is on the cusp of her 36th birthday and appears to be a colossal failure in her career and her love life. In comparison, her best friends from college are wildly successful. The difference seems to be rooted in the fact that Jenny missed getting “The Memo” and stumbled through her life making poor choices. At her college reunion she is given a second opportunity to accept the memo and receive daily directions from a Consortium which supports the empowerment of women. The catch? Jenny must go through an accelerated, experimental program that allows her to time travel and correct her previous life choices to ultimately achieve wealth, fame, love, and a family…but at what cost?
This is an intriguing story (with fantasy overtones) that at times felt a bit confusing with the characters being redefined based on the time travel and Jenny’s correction of her past. I enjoyed the character development of Jenny as the protagonist and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged, even if the outcome was predictable. Overall, this was a solid read and I look forward to future novels by the authors.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Jenny Green is on the cusp of her 36th birthday and appears to be a colossal failure in her career and her love life. In comparison, her best friends from college are wildly successful. The difference seems to be rooted in the fact that Jenny missed getting “The Memo” and stumbled through her life making poor choices. At her college reunion she is given a second opportunity to accept the memo and receive daily directions from a Consortium which supports the empowerment of women. The catch? Jenny must go through an accelerated, experimental program that allows her to time travel and correct her previous life choices to ultimately achieve wealth, fame, love, and a family…but at what cost?
This is an intriguing story (with fantasy overtones) that at times felt a bit confusing with the characters being redefined based on the time travel and Jenny’s correction of her past. I enjoyed the character development of Jenny as the protagonist and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me engaged, even if the outcome was predictable. Overall, this was a solid read and I look forward to future novels by the authors.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
November 26, 2025
Oof I very rarely give out a 2, but this book disappointed me on a lot of fronts and didn’t necessarily impress me on many.
Which is strange because I usually like books about 30 something year old women who feel like their lives are falling apart—which is literally the premise! Jenny is a week away from turning 36 and everything in her life is disappointing. She’s got a mediocre boyfriend who won’t commit and is probably cheating on her. A unfulfilling fundraising job at a nonprofit designed to empower women but really just caters to her narcissistic boss’s whims. And her parents are often in her case, generally disappointed in her never reaching her fullest potential. In comparison, her two best friends from college seem to be thriving in both career and personal lives. It seems like everyone *got the memo* except Jenny. So when she goes to her college reunion and learns there *is* an Illuminati type organization that had given her peers step by step guides on how to optimize their lives, and Jenny simply didn’t get it, she’s given a chance to travel through time and fix her biggest mistakes to set her life back on the right path.
I think going into the book, it’s pretty clear Jenny is sleeping on the stuff going well in her life—she’s got some really great friendships, joy found in her a cappella group, a talent for baking delicious food—which sure all of that doesn’t seem as glamorous as a fancy job or a successful husband/kids combo, but we the reader know she’s probably going to realize her original life wasn’t so bad, and any level of success isn’t worth ruining other people’s lives.
I think 13 Going on 30 explored this theme better (a lot of very similar, “excuse me?? I did WHAT to you?” Moments from the protagonist) and Emma Straub’s This Time Tomorrow masterfully did the woman in her mid life traveling back in time to change small things and see how they impact the future life to help come to terms with her trajectory. And Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore did the playing with date/setting pop culture references and having someone “from the future” navigating those things in a more fun way. So this particular piece of media wasn’t standing out in any main way, though I did like that the friendship relationships were more important than romantic.
I think I also had high hopes for this book because it was coauthored. I thought maybe the flashback chapters from one voice and the present in another or something—but I didn’t really notice anything like that. I think the two women just worked on it together. So it was especially disappointing to find typos and feel like the book didn’t *quite* know what it wanted to do/say. Several characters’ motivations seemed to change suddenly and the pacing of Jenny’s self discovery was inconsistent. These are the sorts of things I encounter frequently when I’m beta reading and give feedback to new novelists, and yet it went through TWO authors and several editors?
But it was easy to read and I generally agree with its end message, so I’m maybe being overly critical. The depiction of long term best friendships felt very real, and I also like the Millennial/Gen Z friendship they had. Plus there was a lot of love for the city of Pittsburgh, which is a plus for me.
TL;DR I think there are other books out there about messy 30 something year old women regretting their life choices or traveling through time that I would recommend before this one.
Which is strange because I usually like books about 30 something year old women who feel like their lives are falling apart—which is literally the premise! Jenny is a week away from turning 36 and everything in her life is disappointing. She’s got a mediocre boyfriend who won’t commit and is probably cheating on her. A unfulfilling fundraising job at a nonprofit designed to empower women but really just caters to her narcissistic boss’s whims. And her parents are often in her case, generally disappointed in her never reaching her fullest potential. In comparison, her two best friends from college seem to be thriving in both career and personal lives. It seems like everyone *got the memo* except Jenny. So when she goes to her college reunion and learns there *is* an Illuminati type organization that had given her peers step by step guides on how to optimize their lives, and Jenny simply didn’t get it, she’s given a chance to travel through time and fix her biggest mistakes to set her life back on the right path.
I think going into the book, it’s pretty clear Jenny is sleeping on the stuff going well in her life—she’s got some really great friendships, joy found in her a cappella group, a talent for baking delicious food—which sure all of that doesn’t seem as glamorous as a fancy job or a successful husband/kids combo, but we the reader know she’s probably going to realize her original life wasn’t so bad, and any level of success isn’t worth ruining other people’s lives.
I think 13 Going on 30 explored this theme better (a lot of very similar, “excuse me?? I did WHAT to you?” Moments from the protagonist) and Emma Straub’s This Time Tomorrow masterfully did the woman in her mid life traveling back in time to change small things and see how they impact the future life to help come to terms with her trajectory. And Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore did the playing with date/setting pop culture references and having someone “from the future” navigating those things in a more fun way. So this particular piece of media wasn’t standing out in any main way, though I did like that the friendship relationships were more important than romantic.
I think I also had high hopes for this book because it was coauthored. I thought maybe the flashback chapters from one voice and the present in another or something—but I didn’t really notice anything like that. I think the two women just worked on it together. So it was especially disappointing to find typos and feel like the book didn’t *quite* know what it wanted to do/say. Several characters’ motivations seemed to change suddenly and the pacing of Jenny’s self discovery was inconsistent. These are the sorts of things I encounter frequently when I’m beta reading and give feedback to new novelists, and yet it went through TWO authors and several editors?
But it was easy to read and I generally agree with its end message, so I’m maybe being overly critical. The depiction of long term best friendships felt very real, and I also like the Millennial/Gen Z friendship they had. Plus there was a lot of love for the city of Pittsburgh, which is a plus for me.
TL;DR I think there are other books out there about messy 30 something year old women regretting their life choices or traveling through time that I would recommend before this one.
June 18, 2024
4.5 Stars
Genre - women's fiction, relationship fiction / romance subplots, magical realism/speculative fiction, comedy/satire
Tone - whimsical, unassuming, satirical
Tropes & devices - time travel/alternate realities/do-over; second chance romance; "good for her"; coming-of-age
Reps - main character reads straight & white; one secondary character is queer/lesbian, another (Geeta) is vaguely "brown skinned" or "a woman of color" (possibly Indian).
CW - pandemic mention; cheating; sexism; some sexual content; mentions of dieting/body image; adult language; alcohol consumption; drug consumption.
Jenny has watched her two best friends from college outgrow and outshine her for years; it makes her wonder why she never got the memo, the secret to success and happiness they seem to know instinctively. Right before her 36th birthday, though, The Memo finally arrives - the specific daily instructions that have the potential to set her back on track to reach her full potential. But as she changes the course of her life's trajectory one regretful slip up at a time, she begins to ask questions about feminism, supporting other women, finding happiness, and having it all.
I had a hunch from the beginning where the plot was going - these sorts of narratives tend to follow a pretty formulaic pattern - but the ending pleasantly surprised me and the journey Jenny took was relatable (and full of secondhand embarrassment). It's a great read for anyone who feels stagnant, behind, or misfit in their career or relationship. For folks who like this one or want to explore similar themes, I'd suggest The Museum of Ordinary People or The Lonely Hearts Book Club; if this book was too simple and sweet for you, Corey Fah Does Social Mobility also explores themes of class and opportunity in an even more out-there way.
I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Genre - women's fiction, relationship fiction / romance subplots, magical realism/speculative fiction, comedy/satire
Tone - whimsical, unassuming, satirical
Tropes & devices - time travel/alternate realities/do-over; second chance romance; "good for her"; coming-of-age
Reps - main character reads straight & white; one secondary character is queer/lesbian, another (Geeta) is vaguely "brown skinned" or "a woman of color" (possibly Indian).
CW - pandemic mention; cheating; sexism; some sexual content; mentions of dieting/body image; adult language; alcohol consumption; drug consumption.
Jenny has watched her two best friends from college outgrow and outshine her for years; it makes her wonder why she never got the memo, the secret to success and happiness they seem to know instinctively. Right before her 36th birthday, though, The Memo finally arrives - the specific daily instructions that have the potential to set her back on track to reach her full potential. But as she changes the course of her life's trajectory one regretful slip up at a time, she begins to ask questions about feminism, supporting other women, finding happiness, and having it all.
I had a hunch from the beginning where the plot was going - these sorts of narratives tend to follow a pretty formulaic pattern - but the ending pleasantly surprised me and the journey Jenny took was relatable (and full of secondhand embarrassment). It's a great read for anyone who feels stagnant, behind, or misfit in their career or relationship. For folks who like this one or want to explore similar themes, I'd suggest The Museum of Ordinary People or The Lonely Hearts Book Club; if this book was too simple and sweet for you, Corey Fah Does Social Mobility also explores themes of class and opportunity in an even more out-there way.
I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2024
The Memo
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Science Fiction?
🎶 All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled
Publication Date: June 18, 2024
One sentence synopsis:
Jenny “didn’t get the memo” and her life is pretty mediocre but at her college reunion she’s approached by a member of the Consortium and offers her the chance to go back and “get the memo” to change her life.
Book Review:
I liked this concept. Who hasn’t once in their life left like the “didn’t get the memo”? I’d love the chance to go back and see if there were some choices I could have changed along the way to lead me to a different life than I have now. That’s not to say I don’t love my life, but who really hasn’t thought about that?
It was this weird combo of science fiction and Illuminati intervention on how to go back in life for a do over on success. Kind weird, but I dug it. But while I really liked the concept the story felt a little cliche and predictable. Like of course she’s not going to magically be happier when she’s successful and rich and skinny. This book is basically about success and what you specifically deem successful.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Science Fiction?
🎶 All I Do Is Win - DJ Khaled
Publication Date: June 18, 2024
One sentence synopsis:
Jenny “didn’t get the memo” and her life is pretty mediocre but at her college reunion she’s approached by a member of the Consortium and offers her the chance to go back and “get the memo” to change her life.
Book Review:
I liked this concept. Who hasn’t once in their life left like the “didn’t get the memo”? I’d love the chance to go back and see if there were some choices I could have changed along the way to lead me to a different life than I have now. That’s not to say I don’t love my life, but who really hasn’t thought about that?
It was this weird combo of science fiction and Illuminati intervention on how to go back in life for a do over on success. Kind weird, but I dug it. But while I really liked the concept the story felt a little cliche and predictable. Like of course she’s not going to magically be happier when she’s successful and rich and skinny. This book is basically about success and what you specifically deem successful.
June 9, 2024
Thank you to @harperperennial and the author for the gifted e-book.
This captivating book combines romance, friendship, and time travel, weaving a tale that unfolds across different timelines. We follow Jenny's current timeline, where she grapples with a cheating boyfriend, a job she doesn't enjoy, and the repercussions of her past mistakes. Simultaneously, we glimpse into the "what would have happened" timeline, offering a fascinating exploration of alternate possibilities.
This narrative kept me engaged as I eagerly anticipated the impact of Jenny's decisions in the alternate timeline. The conclusion left me thoroughly satisfied, and seeing Jenny find her happiness was truly rewarding.
This book is a must-read for fans of time travel, romance, and contemplation of alternative paths. Look out for "The Memo," set to be published in June 18.
This captivating book combines romance, friendship, and time travel, weaving a tale that unfolds across different timelines. We follow Jenny's current timeline, where she grapples with a cheating boyfriend, a job she doesn't enjoy, and the repercussions of her past mistakes. Simultaneously, we glimpse into the "what would have happened" timeline, offering a fascinating exploration of alternate possibilities.
This narrative kept me engaged as I eagerly anticipated the impact of Jenny's decisions in the alternate timeline. The conclusion left me thoroughly satisfied, and seeing Jenny find her happiness was truly rewarding.
This book is a must-read for fans of time travel, romance, and contemplation of alternative paths. Look out for "The Memo," set to be published in June 18.
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