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Lucky Day
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of SAVING MISSY, comes a fierce, joyful and uplifting novel about putting life on pause, pleasing yourself, and getting your own back. Whatever it takes.
Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
But not today. Today, the rules don’t apply…
After a morning that starts with a terrible migraine, an accidentally strong concoction of painkillers, and a bump on the head, Clover Hendry is not quite herself.
And as she walks out of work at 9.47am, for once Clover isn’t worrying about the consequences.
For once, she’s going to live for herself. . . if only for a day.
Full of a joyful recklessness, Clover Hendry is taking the day off. But will her new-found freedom uncover long-buried secrets?
Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
But not today. Today, the rules don’t apply…
After a morning that starts with a terrible migraine, an accidentally strong concoction of painkillers, and a bump on the head, Clover Hendry is not quite herself.
And as she walks out of work at 9.47am, for once Clover isn’t worrying about the consequences.
For once, she’s going to live for herself. . . if only for a day.
Full of a joyful recklessness, Clover Hendry is taking the day off. But will her new-found freedom uncover long-buried secrets?
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2024
171 people are currently reading
3471 people want to read
About the author
Beth Morrey
10 books383 followersBeth Morrey was inspired to write her debut novel, Saving Missy, while pushing a pram around her local park during maternity leave. Getting to know the community of dog owners, joggers, neighbours and families, she began to sow the seeds of a novel about a woman saved by the people around her, strangers who became friends. Previously Creative Director at RDF Television, Beth now writes full time. She was previously shortlisted for the Grazia-Orange First Chapter award, and had her work published in the Cambridge and Oxford May Anthologies while at university. Beth lives in London with her husband, two sons and a dog named Polly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews
July 2, 2023
I don't know how many times I watched "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" when I was a kid. I can still hear the funny voices coming from the VHS cassette, as if it were groaning in pain, screaming at me, "Hey kid, just try watching some Brat Pack movies and stop rewatching me!"
Years later, I find myself as a middle-aged woman who is terribly jealous of Ferris, who could easily ditch his responsibilities and have an extraordinary day filled with adventures, outsmarting his annoying principal. And here comes Clover Henry, representing every middle-aged woman dealing with numerous struggles, constantly putting others' needs before her own until she reaches her breaking point.
She's a dutiful daughter, a devoted wife, a good mother of twins, and a hard worker. She never says no to anyone, even though she feels utterly miserable, slowly crumbling from within. But finally, she decides to give zero sh*ts and flips a bird to the universe, taking a day off! What has changed? What pushed her limits so far that she changed her mind?
This novel is an absolute riot, exploring womanhood, motherhood, and finding one's place in the world. The journey of Clover's life, moving back and forth in time, helps us understand how the decisions she has made and the paths she has chosen have led her to her current struggles.
The author's witty perspective, laugh-out-loud moments, and entertaining family interactions made me root for this book. I easily connected with the characters and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them.
I highly recommend this lighthearted, highly entertaining, and incredibly engaging novel!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam / G. P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this amazing book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Years later, I find myself as a middle-aged woman who is terribly jealous of Ferris, who could easily ditch his responsibilities and have an extraordinary day filled with adventures, outsmarting his annoying principal. And here comes Clover Henry, representing every middle-aged woman dealing with numerous struggles, constantly putting others' needs before her own until she reaches her breaking point.
She's a dutiful daughter, a devoted wife, a good mother of twins, and a hard worker. She never says no to anyone, even though she feels utterly miserable, slowly crumbling from within. But finally, she decides to give zero sh*ts and flips a bird to the universe, taking a day off! What has changed? What pushed her limits so far that she changed her mind?
This novel is an absolute riot, exploring womanhood, motherhood, and finding one's place in the world. The journey of Clover's life, moving back and forth in time, helps us understand how the decisions she has made and the paths she has chosen have led her to her current struggles.
The author's witty perspective, laugh-out-loud moments, and entertaining family interactions made me root for this book. I easily connected with the characters and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them.
I highly recommend this lighthearted, highly entertaining, and incredibly engaging novel!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam / G. P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this amazing book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
June 10, 2024
'Usually, life is just an endless treadmill of toil and transport and catering interspersed with the toss and turn of sleep'.
Middle-aged, TV executive producer, Clover Hendry is plagued by anxiety and overthinking. Permanently scared of doing the wrong thing, she's spent her life as a people pleaser. And by people pleaser, I mean doormat: over-extended at work and undervalued at home. One morning, as a tension headache builds as the day begins, Clover decides to take a Vicodin in the hope of making it stop. Suddenly, a weight lifts, her brain stops its repeating cycle of impending doom. Suddenly, she just says 'f*ck it', 'I want delicious food, and delicious freetime , and delicious me-time'. Armed with this new attitude, hilarity ensues but the more lippy grenades she sets off, the more we realise that all this pent up emotion stems from events long ago, and as the emotional outfall crashes down, it becomes clear what Clover needs to do.
Lucky Day is filled with absurd hilarity tempered with a real-life resonance for many women who stretch their time taut and ameliorate their personality to such an extent, they forget who they are, 'My innate fear of rocking the boat condemned me to a life of tiptoeing around, polite smile plastered on, apologizing and throwing my cloak on the floor for everyone.' At times, the pacing was a tad slow for me but I certainly appreciated living vicariously through a woman who just wanted to say 'f*ck it' for one day!
Middle-aged, TV executive producer, Clover Hendry is plagued by anxiety and overthinking. Permanently scared of doing the wrong thing, she's spent her life as a people pleaser. And by people pleaser, I mean doormat: over-extended at work and undervalued at home. One morning, as a tension headache builds as the day begins, Clover decides to take a Vicodin in the hope of making it stop. Suddenly, a weight lifts, her brain stops its repeating cycle of impending doom. Suddenly, she just says 'f*ck it', 'I want delicious food, and delicious freetime , and delicious me-time'. Armed with this new attitude, hilarity ensues but the more lippy grenades she sets off, the more we realise that all this pent up emotion stems from events long ago, and as the emotional outfall crashes down, it becomes clear what Clover needs to do.
Lucky Day is filled with absurd hilarity tempered with a real-life resonance for many women who stretch their time taut and ameliorate their personality to such an extent, they forget who they are, 'My innate fear of rocking the boat condemned me to a life of tiptoeing around, polite smile plastered on, apologizing and throwing my cloak on the floor for everyone.' At times, the pacing was a tad slow for me but I certainly appreciated living vicariously through a woman who just wanted to say 'f*ck it' for one day!
December 9, 2023
Clover Hendry’s Day Off is a laugh out loud funny and heartwarming tale of one women’s journey to find her voice.
Clover is an assistant producer at a small tv network as well as a wife, sister, daughter, and mother of teenage twins. She is the one who takes care of everything and never says “No.”
One day, after taking some possibly expired medication, she decides it is time to speak up for herself and the fun begins. Starting at work, she begins to express herself in a manner that her colleagues are not expecting. The rest of the day follows with a rabbit rescue, some shoplifting, an encounter with her school skipping daughter and other adventures.
Over the course of one day, Clover learns to put herself first and, in the process, begins to mend her family relationships and finally put the past behind her.
Clover is a relatable and realistic character, and the story is completely engaging. The reader will cheer for Clover. -Jennifer C.
Clover is an assistant producer at a small tv network as well as a wife, sister, daughter, and mother of teenage twins. She is the one who takes care of everything and never says “No.”
One day, after taking some possibly expired medication, she decides it is time to speak up for herself and the fun begins. Starting at work, she begins to express herself in a manner that her colleagues are not expecting. The rest of the day follows with a rabbit rescue, some shoplifting, an encounter with her school skipping daughter and other adventures.
Over the course of one day, Clover learns to put herself first and, in the process, begins to mend her family relationships and finally put the past behind her.
Clover is a relatable and realistic character, and the story is completely engaging. The reader will cheer for Clover. -Jennifer C.
June 15, 2023
The premise of this book sounded very fun and I was excited for a mature take on Ferris Bueller but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The beginning of the story was alright but then the “little rebellions” during Clover’s day turned into things that are actual crimes, extremely destructive, and just mean. I could handle a bunch of events like her getting in the cab even though random entitled men tried to take it from her but when she started stealing things and purposefully putting other people in danger for almost no reason, I just couldn’t stick with it.
The ending was better, although I think she’s being a terrible wife and the fact that she had absolutely no reservations about being away from her home and her kids for the entire day and just left them with no explanation didn’t sit right with me. Overall I don’t think it’s logical to brush all of these horrible things she did under the rug just because she??? Felt guilty at the end????
Maybe others would enjoy this but it wasn’t really my cup of tea.
ARC from NetGalley
The ending was better, although I think she’s being a terrible wife and the fact that she had absolutely no reservations about being away from her home and her kids for the entire day and just left them with no explanation didn’t sit right with me. Overall I don’t think it’s logical to brush all of these horrible things she did under the rug just because she??? Felt guilty at the end????
Maybe others would enjoy this but it wasn’t really my cup of tea.
ARC from NetGalley
November 17, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 30, 2024
Clover Hendry has been accommodating everyone her entire life- she hasn’t said “no” to any requests, and has earned her reputation as the ultimate people-pleasure, afraid of confrontation and desperate to keep the peace. But then a string of events causes Clover to change her tune and soon she’s standing up for herself, saying “no”, and completely saying “f%*k it” to her responsibilities. Does this signify a permanent change for Clover?
Beth Morrey’s “Clover Hendry's Day Off” is a witty and charming story, inspired by “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. 46-year-old Clover is a television producer, wife and mother of adolescent twins, who decides to take the bull by the horns of her own life. She’s a relatable protagonist and her gutsy move inspired the people-pleasing, confrontation-avoiding, “always-say-yes” woman that lives in me. I pondered following Clover’s lead and simply spending the day doing whatever I wanted (without the illegal activities of course) and couldn’t help but be envious of how freeing that would feel.
There’s a little bit of Clover in all of us, and her story made me laugh out loud in places. Not only was “Day Off” enjoyable and humorous, it was also emotional as Clover begins to unravel her relationship with her mother, and re-evaluate her role as a mother herself.
Morrey is able to provide a realistic and satisfying ending to Clover’s adventure. After she spends the entire novel living it up, Clover is able to return to being “the old Clover”, but with some positive changes.
“Clover” is a fun story, to be sure, and props to Morrey for her creativity and unique style! I loved the characters, especially Clover (who I related to way too much). “Clover Hendry’s Day Off” gives new meaning to “escapism” as readers are able to live vicariously through Clover, and cheer her on throughout!
Morrey is a new author (for me) but she has impressed me. A funny, light yet emotional read, “Clover Hendry” was the exact novel I didn’t know I needed!
Expected publication date: Jan. 30, 2024
Clover Hendry has been accommodating everyone her entire life- she hasn’t said “no” to any requests, and has earned her reputation as the ultimate people-pleasure, afraid of confrontation and desperate to keep the peace. But then a string of events causes Clover to change her tune and soon she’s standing up for herself, saying “no”, and completely saying “f%*k it” to her responsibilities. Does this signify a permanent change for Clover?
Beth Morrey’s “Clover Hendry's Day Off” is a witty and charming story, inspired by “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”. 46-year-old Clover is a television producer, wife and mother of adolescent twins, who decides to take the bull by the horns of her own life. She’s a relatable protagonist and her gutsy move inspired the people-pleasing, confrontation-avoiding, “always-say-yes” woman that lives in me. I pondered following Clover’s lead and simply spending the day doing whatever I wanted (without the illegal activities of course) and couldn’t help but be envious of how freeing that would feel.
There’s a little bit of Clover in all of us, and her story made me laugh out loud in places. Not only was “Day Off” enjoyable and humorous, it was also emotional as Clover begins to unravel her relationship with her mother, and re-evaluate her role as a mother herself.
Morrey is able to provide a realistic and satisfying ending to Clover’s adventure. After she spends the entire novel living it up, Clover is able to return to being “the old Clover”, but with some positive changes.
“Clover” is a fun story, to be sure, and props to Morrey for her creativity and unique style! I loved the characters, especially Clover (who I related to way too much). “Clover Hendry’s Day Off” gives new meaning to “escapism” as readers are able to live vicariously through Clover, and cheer her on throughout!
Morrey is a new author (for me) but she has impressed me. A funny, light yet emotional read, “Clover Hendry” was the exact novel I didn’t know I needed!
May 23, 2025
Lucky Day is the third novel by British author, Beth Morrey. The catalyst might have been any of a number of things: the forks upside down in the dishwasher; a name on the guest list sent, by her boss’s PA, to be vetted; the Vicodin she took for a rotten headache, then topped up with an antihistamine; or the knock on the head from a careless businessman’s briefcase on the train. Whatever it was, on this Thursday 16th June, forty-six-year-old executive producer at Red Eye Productions, Clover Hendry is acting very much out of character.
Her boss, and the rest of the team, are speechless when this normally submissive colleague insults him and walks out. But it feels so good that Clover leaves the building, headed for an art show she’s been wanting to see. A slight detour with her best friend, Susie, via her club for a swim in improvised swimwear, her altercation with disapproving management posted on Instagram by an amused observer.
Over the course of the next twelve hours, Clover surprises herself and those who know her. She refuses to be intimidated by two city types who try to take her cab, escapes a boring book club obligation, vandalises a car to save a small animal, placates a client, exerts her authority and demands a pay rise, gets a radical hairdo and buys a Regency-style dream dress (with pockets!). She manages to upset a gay friend, hijacks a ride-on mower, thwarts a suicide threat, handles some Class A drugs and gets revenge for a twenty-year grievance.
Many of Clover’s encounters or the incidents during her day prompt flashbacks to her past that demonstrate just how she became ever acquiescent, incapable of saying no: “I keep thinking back to moments when I let my natural cowardice get the better of me, allowing myself to be ignored, slighted, overlooked, rebuked. My innate fear of rocking the boat condemned me to a life spent tiptoeing around, polite smile plastered on, apologizing and throwing my cloak on the floor for everyone. Mostly my mother, admittedly, but it’s a habit that bled out and infected every part of my existence, until I’d effectively erased myself.”
To watch the relief it affords her to finally reject compliance, to stand up for herself, is truly heartening, as well as being entertaining. “It’s not easy making a fuss. Standing up for yourself can be awkward and embarrassing. Causing a scene is mortifying. Saying no is hard. But I think, finally, I might be getting the hang of it.” Incredibly moving and laugh-out-loud funny.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK.
Her boss, and the rest of the team, are speechless when this normally submissive colleague insults him and walks out. But it feels so good that Clover leaves the building, headed for an art show she’s been wanting to see. A slight detour with her best friend, Susie, via her club for a swim in improvised swimwear, her altercation with disapproving management posted on Instagram by an amused observer.
Over the course of the next twelve hours, Clover surprises herself and those who know her. She refuses to be intimidated by two city types who try to take her cab, escapes a boring book club obligation, vandalises a car to save a small animal, placates a client, exerts her authority and demands a pay rise, gets a radical hairdo and buys a Regency-style dream dress (with pockets!). She manages to upset a gay friend, hijacks a ride-on mower, thwarts a suicide threat, handles some Class A drugs and gets revenge for a twenty-year grievance.
Many of Clover’s encounters or the incidents during her day prompt flashbacks to her past that demonstrate just how she became ever acquiescent, incapable of saying no: “I keep thinking back to moments when I let my natural cowardice get the better of me, allowing myself to be ignored, slighted, overlooked, rebuked. My innate fear of rocking the boat condemned me to a life spent tiptoeing around, polite smile plastered on, apologizing and throwing my cloak on the floor for everyone. Mostly my mother, admittedly, but it’s a habit that bled out and infected every part of my existence, until I’d effectively erased myself.”
To watch the relief it affords her to finally reject compliance, to stand up for herself, is truly heartening, as well as being entertaining. “It’s not easy making a fuss. Standing up for yourself can be awkward and embarrassing. Causing a scene is mortifying. Saying no is hard. But I think, finally, I might be getting the hang of it.” Incredibly moving and laugh-out-loud funny.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK.
March 18, 2024
I read so many dark and disturbing books that sometimes I need a break and Lucky Day looked like the perfect remedy to help lighten my mood.
Meet Clover Hendry, she’s got 16 year old twins, a loving and supportive husband, a very strained relationship with her dysfunctional mother, a demanding job as a TV producer, a house in disrepair, a cat she doesn’t really like and a client who wants to cancel a huge contract and on top of that she’s woken up with the mother of all headaches. Unfortunately, all she can find is a couple of out-of-date Vicodin, followed by 3 antihistamines’ (just in case she has a reaction to the Vicodin) followed by a minor accident on the train to work resulting in mild concussion, Clover decides that today of all days, she is no longer going to take any cr*p from ANYONE.
I absolutely LOVED this book. Clover is a brilliant narrator, her new “f*ck you” attitude was a complete breath of fresh air.
Throughout the book the reader is taken back to Clover’s past, her childhood memories, the relationships with her younger sister and her parents. Her mother’s unpleasant and often hurtful behaviour and we learn why Clover now spends her adult life being walked over and taken advantage of by everyone around her. However, that is the old Clover, the new improved, overly medicated and intoxicated Clover is absolutely hysterical.
We follow Clover throughout the day as she decides she is no longer going to say “yes” just to keep the peace. She’s going to stand up for herself, right some wrongs, face up to everyone and everything that she would normally cower from and above all not feel any guilt for taking back control and standing her ground. There are some incidents that had me howling with laughter; the swimming pool and dinner with ‘Mummy Dearest’ were brilliant.
This book made me smile, chuckle, cringe, laugh-out-loud, snort and gasp from the opening chapter to the final page and if you need some light relief, I would definitely recommend this book.
Meet Clover Hendry, she’s got 16 year old twins, a loving and supportive husband, a very strained relationship with her dysfunctional mother, a demanding job as a TV producer, a house in disrepair, a cat she doesn’t really like and a client who wants to cancel a huge contract and on top of that she’s woken up with the mother of all headaches. Unfortunately, all she can find is a couple of out-of-date Vicodin, followed by 3 antihistamines’ (just in case she has a reaction to the Vicodin) followed by a minor accident on the train to work resulting in mild concussion, Clover decides that today of all days, she is no longer going to take any cr*p from ANYONE.
I absolutely LOVED this book. Clover is a brilliant narrator, her new “f*ck you” attitude was a complete breath of fresh air.
Throughout the book the reader is taken back to Clover’s past, her childhood memories, the relationships with her younger sister and her parents. Her mother’s unpleasant and often hurtful behaviour and we learn why Clover now spends her adult life being walked over and taken advantage of by everyone around her. However, that is the old Clover, the new improved, overly medicated and intoxicated Clover is absolutely hysterical.
We follow Clover throughout the day as she decides she is no longer going to say “yes” just to keep the peace. She’s going to stand up for herself, right some wrongs, face up to everyone and everything that she would normally cower from and above all not feel any guilt for taking back control and standing her ground. There are some incidents that had me howling with laughter; the swimming pool and dinner with ‘Mummy Dearest’ were brilliant.
This book made me smile, chuckle, cringe, laugh-out-loud, snort and gasp from the opening chapter to the final page and if you need some light relief, I would definitely recommend this book.
May 6, 2023
This was a most delightful read! It was packed with humor, truth and eventually, a feeling of good state of mind. Clover is an interesting and talented and soulful woman. I enjoyed her day of antics and self-discovery. My favorite quote from the book is “today’s news is tomorrow’s fish and chip paper. No point stressing over it.” Thank you Netgalley and and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #CloverHendry’sDayOff, #Netgalley.
November 18, 2023
When people pleaser, Clover, gets hit on the head in the train station, she gets a whole new look on life and takes every opportunity to speak her mind!
If this would not have been an ARC I 100% would have DNF’d it. It lost me from the very beginning with Clover randomly taking old Oxy for no apparent reason.
I could not relate to Clover in the least bit and everything she did that was supposed to be her standing up for herself or speaking her mind was just plain mean and/or illegal. Also, it would’ve been helpful to get a better picture of her and her life before the head injury, so we could see why it was liberating for her to do all of these ridiculous things. Instead we got random sections throughout about her past and how she never stood up for yourself, but they didn’t add up to much and for the most part didn’t really help move the story along.
Almost all the characters were forgettable and how Clover felt about them jumped all over the place throughout the book, so I had no clue how I was supposed to feel about them.
This book was marketed as a fun and upbeat book, but suddenly in the end all her issues were because her boss raped her? It came out of nowhere with no build up at all, except for one or two small mentions of her old boss she didn’t like or the job she abruptly left. Also, if a book is going to be about a sensitive subject like that there needs to be some kind of trigger warning.
And how does no one at her work notice that she has a gapping head wound that is dripping blood everywhere?!
This was a fun concept that just wasn’t executed well at all. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
If this would not have been an ARC I 100% would have DNF’d it. It lost me from the very beginning with Clover randomly taking old Oxy for no apparent reason.
I could not relate to Clover in the least bit and everything she did that was supposed to be her standing up for herself or speaking her mind was just plain mean and/or illegal. Also, it would’ve been helpful to get a better picture of her and her life before the head injury, so we could see why it was liberating for her to do all of these ridiculous things. Instead we got random sections throughout about her past and how she never stood up for yourself, but they didn’t add up to much and for the most part didn’t really help move the story along.
Almost all the characters were forgettable and how Clover felt about them jumped all over the place throughout the book, so I had no clue how I was supposed to feel about them.
This book was marketed as a fun and upbeat book, but suddenly in the end all her issues were because her boss raped her? It came out of nowhere with no build up at all, except for one or two small mentions of her old boss she didn’t like or the job she abruptly left. Also, if a book is going to be about a sensitive subject like that there needs to be some kind of trigger warning.
And how does no one at her work notice that she has a gapping head wound that is dripping blood everywhere?!
This was a fun concept that just wasn’t executed well at all. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and statements are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
This book made me laugh out loud several times. I could not be more delighted with this hilarious story of our heroine Clover Hendry and her twenty four hour romp of finely getting to do exactly what she wants for once in her life. Clover is a busy woman. She is a wife, a full time television producer, a mother with teenage twins who never says no to anyone. She has always put her needs last. She even bakes cookies for school bake sales that her children do not attend anymore! On her last day off she took her cat to the vet, browsed a Co-op and bought some AA batteries, Not exactly the spa day that she really needed. Riveting stuff? Not so much. Clovers mother raised her and her sister to be compliant so that along her life's path other people could continue this process. Clover's mantra has always been: "It's not easy making a fuss. Standing up for yourself can be awkward and embarrassing. Causing a scene is mortifying. Saying no is hard." All this mental baggage has held her back.
However all that changes when on her way to work one day she gets clipped in the head by a fellow passengers briefcase. She is helped to her feet by passersby but something has clicked in her mind, she feels different, powerful and full of chutzpah. Her inner snarkiness has been awakened! And all in a very good way. In the next twenty four hours Clover takes back her world by storm. And most importantly she learns to say no to others who want to monopolize her time, but also learns to say yes to herself.
Cheers to Clover, may she live long and prosper.! Very highly recommended. Five Stars.
Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read this AC.
However all that changes when on her way to work one day she gets clipped in the head by a fellow passengers briefcase. She is helped to her feet by passersby but something has clicked in her mind, she feels different, powerful and full of chutzpah. Her inner snarkiness has been awakened! And all in a very good way. In the next twenty four hours Clover takes back her world by storm. And most importantly she learns to say no to others who want to monopolize her time, but also learns to say yes to herself.
Cheers to Clover, may she live long and prosper.! Very highly recommended. Five Stars.
Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read this AC.
May 11, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! Clover Hendry is every middle aged woman who has had enough. She’s done feeling invisible, done managing other people’s feeling, done putting up with nonsense at work, done dealing with her difficult mother, and done feeling like a failure because society tells her she’s not good enough. She spends one perfect day doing what she wants, saying what she wants, and taking care of herself, and learns that the world doesn’t collapse when she relaxes a bit and lets things go. Every woman over the age of 40 can relate and be envious of Clover’s ability to just not care for a day. My only complaint is the book gets a little tedious with all of the flashbacks, but they are necessary to understand why the main character is the way she is.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2024
This was a laugh-out-loud hilarious feminist story about the challenges and exhaustion of modern motherhood and one woman's decision to walk away from it all for a day. I laughed so hard reading this no holds barred, honest look at parenting twins, balancing work and family life while still trying to carve out time for yourself.
The story also takes on consent and sexual assault from abusive men. A great mashup of Bridget Jones and Finlay Donovan (minus the dead bodies). Highly recommended! I hadn't read anything by Beth Morrey before but I can't wait to read more now! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Favorite quote: "There's just too much going on. Keeping everything ticking over without breaking down is a full time job and I have a full time job!"
The story also takes on consent and sexual assault from abusive men. A great mashup of Bridget Jones and Finlay Donovan (minus the dead bodies). Highly recommended! I hadn't read anything by Beth Morrey before but I can't wait to read more now! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Favorite quote: "There's just too much going on. Keeping everything ticking over without breaking down is a full time job and I have a full time job!"
May 13, 2023
Initially when I started reading this book I like it so much and laughed and enjoyed it. I, myself, is a menopausal women and can relate to everything she was experiencing in her life. However, as the book progressed I lost interest in her meanderings of how she became who she was. Then as her day progressed I stopped laughing at some of her antics, they seemed mean spirited and spiteful. The irresponsibility and lack of empathy gave me pause and made me ask myself "if I could do whatever I wanted would it be at the cost of others not getting what they want". OR is it to hell with everyone else but I have what I want. A little disappointing.
February 13, 2024
Clover Hendry’s Day Off
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Beth Morrey
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Penguin Group and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Today is not the day to mess with Clover Hendry.
Clover hasn’t said “No” a day in her life. Until today. Normally a woman who tips her hairdresser even when the cut is hideous, is endlessly patient with her horrendous mother, and says yes every time her boss asks her to work late—today, things are going to be very different. Because Clover is taking the day off. Today, she’s going to do and say whatever she likes, even if it means her whole life unravels.
What made Clover change her ways? Why doesn’t she care anymore? There’s more to this day than meets the eye.
My Thoughts: I loved the premise of this book - take a day off life, no matter the commitments or consequences, a true Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, which by the way, I absolutely loved that movie. Growing up, I watched Ferris Bueller’s Day Off over and over again, so much so, that my VHS tape broke. I myself are middle-aged and there are numerous days that I would love to say screw commitments and just have a day of unfiltered, carefree adventures. Enters Clover Hendry, who constantly would put everyone else’s needs above her own, to the point of her breaking. Her inability to say no to people has caused her own misery, her resolve crumbling bit by bit. Then at her breaking point, she decides to say screw it to everyone, I am off today! What caused this breaking point? What has changed in her life to give off this carefree attitude?
This follows a dual time elapse narration. I believe the book only works because of this, we have to know what led Clover down this path. This novel explores womanhood, in all of its glory, including becoming a mother. Clover gives all of herself to everyone, her job, her sister, her husband, her kids, her own mother, which can be emotionally draining. Clover is people-pleasing, she avoids confrontations at any cost, qualities that I not only recognize, but can relate with and deeply connect with. We explore Clover’s decisions that she has made over her life, the behaviors that carved her path in life, and the struggles she has. The characters were well developed with depth, wittiness, compassion, heartfelt, and were intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, funny, thought-provoking, heartwarming, and ability to curate such a wonderful character like Clover was impressive. The characters were easy to fall in love with and root along with, especially Clover. I connected with Clover like she was my long lost self and felt immersed into the novel. Some of my favorite scenes were the family interactions, they felt authentic and embodies realism.
I highly recommend this literary genius for an entertaining story of a woman standing in her truth, breaking a bit, and comes back full circle, as it the story of life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Beth Morrey
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Penguin Group and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Today is not the day to mess with Clover Hendry.
Clover hasn’t said “No” a day in her life. Until today. Normally a woman who tips her hairdresser even when the cut is hideous, is endlessly patient with her horrendous mother, and says yes every time her boss asks her to work late—today, things are going to be very different. Because Clover is taking the day off. Today, she’s going to do and say whatever she likes, even if it means her whole life unravels.
What made Clover change her ways? Why doesn’t she care anymore? There’s more to this day than meets the eye.
My Thoughts: I loved the premise of this book - take a day off life, no matter the commitments or consequences, a true Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, which by the way, I absolutely loved that movie. Growing up, I watched Ferris Bueller’s Day Off over and over again, so much so, that my VHS tape broke. I myself are middle-aged and there are numerous days that I would love to say screw commitments and just have a day of unfiltered, carefree adventures. Enters Clover Hendry, who constantly would put everyone else’s needs above her own, to the point of her breaking. Her inability to say no to people has caused her own misery, her resolve crumbling bit by bit. Then at her breaking point, she decides to say screw it to everyone, I am off today! What caused this breaking point? What has changed in her life to give off this carefree attitude?
This follows a dual time elapse narration. I believe the book only works because of this, we have to know what led Clover down this path. This novel explores womanhood, in all of its glory, including becoming a mother. Clover gives all of herself to everyone, her job, her sister, her husband, her kids, her own mother, which can be emotionally draining. Clover is people-pleasing, she avoids confrontations at any cost, qualities that I not only recognize, but can relate with and deeply connect with. We explore Clover’s decisions that she has made over her life, the behaviors that carved her path in life, and the struggles she has. The characters were well developed with depth, wittiness, compassion, heartfelt, and were intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, funny, thought-provoking, heartwarming, and ability to curate such a wonderful character like Clover was impressive. The characters were easy to fall in love with and root along with, especially Clover. I connected with Clover like she was my long lost self and felt immersed into the novel. Some of my favorite scenes were the family interactions, they felt authentic and embodies realism.
I highly recommend this literary genius for an entertaining story of a woman standing in her truth, breaking a bit, and comes back full circle, as it the story of life.
February 7, 2024
Clover Hendry’s Day Off - Beth Morrey 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to review this book. These are my honest opinions.
First, a breakdown of my rating system:
5 stars - phenomenal book; I’ll recommend this one to everyone, I want to live in this world, and I will read this one over and over!
4 stars - great book. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but I probably won’t reread it.
3 stars - good story and characters. I can’t see myself coming back to this one, but it was an entertaining read
2 stars - hard to finish. The story was not for me, and I had to make myself keep reading.
1 star - DNF. Absolutely could not finish.
Clover Hendry is like most of us women. She fulfills her duties as wife and mother, does more than she should at work, takes everything that is thrown at her (and more), and consistently takes it all with a smile and building volcano of stress, anger, and pressure until it finally is enough. One morning on the train, after a massive headache has unraveled her and caused her to take expired Vicodine, Clover is clocked in the head by a wayward briefcase, and something in her snaps - or clicks into place, whichever way you see it best. What follows is a day of liberation - saying no, standing up to those who can’t or won't stand up for themselves (including herself), and learning how to truly enjoy her life while demanding her true due. As women, we are used to being treated like second-hand citizens by many men and even some other women. Clover is over it! This book covers her best 24 hours in a very long time. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been repressed and wish you could say what you want and do what you want and it all work out for the best, this book is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to review this book. These are my honest opinions.
First, a breakdown of my rating system:
5 stars - phenomenal book; I’ll recommend this one to everyone, I want to live in this world, and I will read this one over and over!
4 stars - great book. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but I probably won’t reread it.
3 stars - good story and characters. I can’t see myself coming back to this one, but it was an entertaining read
2 stars - hard to finish. The story was not for me, and I had to make myself keep reading.
1 star - DNF. Absolutely could not finish.
Clover Hendry is like most of us women. She fulfills her duties as wife and mother, does more than she should at work, takes everything that is thrown at her (and more), and consistently takes it all with a smile and building volcano of stress, anger, and pressure until it finally is enough. One morning on the train, after a massive headache has unraveled her and caused her to take expired Vicodine, Clover is clocked in the head by a wayward briefcase, and something in her snaps - or clicks into place, whichever way you see it best. What follows is a day of liberation - saying no, standing up to those who can’t or won't stand up for themselves (including herself), and learning how to truly enjoy her life while demanding her true due. As women, we are used to being treated like second-hand citizens by many men and even some other women. Clover is over it! This book covers her best 24 hours in a very long time. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been repressed and wish you could say what you want and do what you want and it all work out for the best, this book is for you!
November 28, 2023
Thank you Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for my advanced electronic copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Clover Hendry is overwhelmed. She is also wound so tight trying to keep everyone happy that she's about to break. Then she does...break, that is. And--suddenly--she just doesn't care any more. She goes about her day doing whatever SHE wants, for a change. No matter the cost.
My immediate reaction was, I can soooo relate! I can feel her worry and anxiety, mentally, emotionally, and physically, as she suppressed herself until she exploded. I experienced her outside-of-it feeling right along with her, and then the utter the relief of no longer caring. The writing was so descriptive that it was easy to slip into Clover's world and psyche. After all, who wouldn't want to be relieved of pressures and expectations and feel absolutely free? What would that be like? I appreciated the nuanced exploration of that question, because ultimately doing exclusively whatever I want is the definition of selfishness, isn't it? Finding balance is important.
Clover Hendry is overwhelmed. She is also wound so tight trying to keep everyone happy that she's about to break. Then she does...break, that is. And--suddenly--she just doesn't care any more. She goes about her day doing whatever SHE wants, for a change. No matter the cost.
My immediate reaction was, I can soooo relate! I can feel her worry and anxiety, mentally, emotionally, and physically, as she suppressed herself until she exploded. I experienced her outside-of-it feeling right along with her, and then the utter the relief of no longer caring. The writing was so descriptive that it was easy to slip into Clover's world and psyche. After all, who wouldn't want to be relieved of pressures and expectations and feel absolutely free? What would that be like? I appreciated the nuanced exploration of that question, because ultimately doing exclusively whatever I want is the definition of selfishness, isn't it? Finding balance is important.
June 6, 2023
Thank you Penguin Group Putnam & NetGalley for the ARC! Clover Hendry's Day Off was an enjoyable read with a lot of "girl power" vibes. Clover is a BOSS for how she handled herself throughout this book, and if you know me, you know I love a strong female protagonist! I also appreciated that she wasn't the typical 20-year old character who we see time and time again.
While Clover could be frustrating at times. I really enjoyed her narratives of what had happened in her life to get her to where she is now. This book is good fun and was the perfect escape from reality. Thank you Beth Morrey for a fun book!
While Clover could be frustrating at times. I really enjoyed her narratives of what had happened in her life to get her to where she is now. This book is good fun and was the perfect escape from reality. Thank you Beth Morrey for a fun book!
June 9, 2023
While the premise of this book was interesting, I felt like it was a bit dragged out. A very specific audience will be understanding to the many directions in which Clover is pulled. I can understand burn out & snapping but some of her outbursts felt disrespectful and condescending. I liked how she stood up to some people who wronged her, however she wasn’t a character I liked all that much. I was rooting for her to even the playing field at some parts, but overall I wanted more from the story. And the entire novel taking place over one day just felt .. odd. Also, the rabbit was my favorite part.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC
May 13, 2023
I received this book as an ARC.... What a refreshing viewpoint! Unlike the majority of female main characters out there, Clover Hendry is full on middle aged, mom of teens. This is the book I didn't know I needed! While i didn't agree with all of her antics, it was funny, lighthearted, and a great reminder that we should all take stock of our life at any age.
January 20, 2025
This started off strong… was an easy 4 stars. It was a bit longer than I needed and some bits were a tad silly and needless.
I did love hearing all the thoughts in Clover’s head and really liked the concept.
I did love hearing all the thoughts in Clover’s head and really liked the concept.
Read
July 1, 2024Such a fun read!
February 10, 2024
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by receiving this copy.
Clover Hendry is a mom of 16 year old twins and married to a man who, though a great man, can sometimes piss her off. Clover is meek, she doesn't stick up for herself, and hasn't probably ever. But this day is different. She wakes up with a headache and instead of taking her normal pain medication, she takes 2 of her husband expired Vicodin and 3 of some other headache drug. Then, on her train ride into work, after a little snafu, she ends up bonked in the head, laying on the subway floor bleeding from a head wound. And whether it’s the drugs, the head wound, or a combination of both, but something in Clover snaps, and thus begins her day off. She ditches work early, takes a swim at an exclusive pool (that apparently doesn't allow swimming?), dumps a child in a very expensive art piece, dumps a burrito on a bigoted woman's lap, steals a rabbit out of a locked car, steals a priceless statue out of an arms dealer home (after pretending the home was her own), and finally stands up to her wretched mother. And that’s not even everything she does. Clover learns to stick up for herself, she learns to say no, and she learns to apologize and listen as well.
This was a fantastic read. There were so many times that I found myself cracking up at the hilarity of what Clover was doing. But nothing felt like it was outside the realm of reality. So many things felt farfetched but also completely plausible for a woman who is a little off her rocker for the first time. I feel like someone closer to Clover’s age who has maybe experienced some of the same things she has in life would probably enjoy this even more so than I did (and I REALLY enjoyed it), there’s parts of the story that I feel like you can only connect to them if you yourself have experienced them and know what your own reaction would have been. You should read this. Every woman should read this.
Clover Hendry is a mom of 16 year old twins and married to a man who, though a great man, can sometimes piss her off. Clover is meek, she doesn't stick up for herself, and hasn't probably ever. But this day is different. She wakes up with a headache and instead of taking her normal pain medication, she takes 2 of her husband expired Vicodin and 3 of some other headache drug. Then, on her train ride into work, after a little snafu, she ends up bonked in the head, laying on the subway floor bleeding from a head wound. And whether it’s the drugs, the head wound, or a combination of both, but something in Clover snaps, and thus begins her day off. She ditches work early, takes a swim at an exclusive pool (that apparently doesn't allow swimming?), dumps a child in a very expensive art piece, dumps a burrito on a bigoted woman's lap, steals a rabbit out of a locked car, steals a priceless statue out of an arms dealer home (after pretending the home was her own), and finally stands up to her wretched mother. And that’s not even everything she does. Clover learns to stick up for herself, she learns to say no, and she learns to apologize and listen as well.
This was a fantastic read. There were so many times that I found myself cracking up at the hilarity of what Clover was doing. But nothing felt like it was outside the realm of reality. So many things felt farfetched but also completely plausible for a woman who is a little off her rocker for the first time. I feel like someone closer to Clover’s age who has maybe experienced some of the same things she has in life would probably enjoy this even more so than I did (and I REALLY enjoyed it), there’s parts of the story that I feel like you can only connect to them if you yourself have experienced them and know what your own reaction would have been. You should read this. Every woman should read this.
January 19, 2024
Thank you to the publisher/author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Clover Hendry’s Day Off by Beth Morrey is a feminine, middle-aged version of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Instead of faking illness to get out of a day of high school, though, imagine the story begins with a perimenopausal woman who, suffering from a migraine and to-do list too long for even the most capable of us, pops two probably-expired Vicodin and some antihistamines just to get herself to work. This uncharacteristic choice sets her up for something she’s never done before — declaring “F@#! it!” and stepping out for a day completely for herself. Whatever she wants to do or say, Clover does and says with an attitude unleashed from years of pent-up people-pleasing and catastrophizing.
I felt seen by this book more than a few times.
As Clover progresses through her raging release of her day off, every other chapter includes flashbacks or reflections on life-changing phases: growing up with a narcissistic and cold mother, her father leaving them to move to Spain with another woman, meeting her husband and having a disastrous wedding day, the painful birth of her twins, finding her first job in the television industry by becoming a “ghost hunter”. These moments are tinged with enough exhaustion, regret, and indignation toward expectations for womanhood and motherhood that they made me squirm in my seat. I’ve thought some of these thoughts before, and I’ve chastised myself for them.
“I keep thinking back to moments when I let my natural cowardice get the better of me, allowing myself to be ignored, slighted, overlooked, rebuked. My innate fear of rocking the boat condemned me to a life spent tiptoeing around, polite smile plastered on, apologizing and throwing my cloak on the floor for everyone. Mostly my mother, admittedly, but it’s a habit that bled out and infected every part of my existence, until I’d effectively erased myself.”
Other aspects of Clover’s musings or the choices that she made throughout the book I couldn’t relate to at all. Clover’s day off is basically day one of her entering her villain era. I found myself wanting to argue with Clover a few times in this book or, in the very least, exclaim “What are you thinking?!” But then I would stop myself and say: isn’t that a marking of a good story? That you get so invested in a character or a plot that you find yourself reacting with conviction and emotion (even if it is a desire to start yelling at the pages)?
Morrey’s writing is funny as well. Clover has a sharp wit and a sarcasm not to be matched. Plus, some of the events of the day are just so ridiculous — like Clover plowing a riding lawn mower through a group of yoga practitioners in the park because they bullied her out of her picnic spot — that I couldn’t help but laugh. Okay, Clover. You’re acting crazy but you’re pretty cool.
I think there’s something to be learned from reading Clover Hendry’s Day Off, especially if you can relate to hitting your own breaking point. My advice to the reader is to just set the expectation now that it’s all going to feel more than a little bit “unhinged”. But keep holding on for the end of her day off and day one of her new life. It’s beautiful in so many ways.
“It’s not easy making a fuss. Standing up for yourself can be awkward and embarrassing. Causing a scene is mortifying. Saying no is hard.
But I think, finally, I might be getting the hang of it.”
Clover Hendry’s Day Off by Beth Morrey is a feminine, middle-aged version of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Instead of faking illness to get out of a day of high school, though, imagine the story begins with a perimenopausal woman who, suffering from a migraine and to-do list too long for even the most capable of us, pops two probably-expired Vicodin and some antihistamines just to get herself to work. This uncharacteristic choice sets her up for something she’s never done before — declaring “F@#! it!” and stepping out for a day completely for herself. Whatever she wants to do or say, Clover does and says with an attitude unleashed from years of pent-up people-pleasing and catastrophizing.
I felt seen by this book more than a few times.
As Clover progresses through her raging release of her day off, every other chapter includes flashbacks or reflections on life-changing phases: growing up with a narcissistic and cold mother, her father leaving them to move to Spain with another woman, meeting her husband and having a disastrous wedding day, the painful birth of her twins, finding her first job in the television industry by becoming a “ghost hunter”. These moments are tinged with enough exhaustion, regret, and indignation toward expectations for womanhood and motherhood that they made me squirm in my seat. I’ve thought some of these thoughts before, and I’ve chastised myself for them.
“I keep thinking back to moments when I let my natural cowardice get the better of me, allowing myself to be ignored, slighted, overlooked, rebuked. My innate fear of rocking the boat condemned me to a life spent tiptoeing around, polite smile plastered on, apologizing and throwing my cloak on the floor for everyone. Mostly my mother, admittedly, but it’s a habit that bled out and infected every part of my existence, until I’d effectively erased myself.”
Other aspects of Clover’s musings or the choices that she made throughout the book I couldn’t relate to at all. Clover’s day off is basically day one of her entering her villain era. I found myself wanting to argue with Clover a few times in this book or, in the very least, exclaim “What are you thinking?!” But then I would stop myself and say: isn’t that a marking of a good story? That you get so invested in a character or a plot that you find yourself reacting with conviction and emotion (even if it is a desire to start yelling at the pages)?
Morrey’s writing is funny as well. Clover has a sharp wit and a sarcasm not to be matched. Plus, some of the events of the day are just so ridiculous — like Clover plowing a riding lawn mower through a group of yoga practitioners in the park because they bullied her out of her picnic spot — that I couldn’t help but laugh. Okay, Clover. You’re acting crazy but you’re pretty cool.
I think there’s something to be learned from reading Clover Hendry’s Day Off, especially if you can relate to hitting your own breaking point. My advice to the reader is to just set the expectation now that it’s all going to feel more than a little bit “unhinged”. But keep holding on for the end of her day off and day one of her new life. It’s beautiful in so many ways.
“It’s not easy making a fuss. Standing up for yourself can be awkward and embarrassing. Causing a scene is mortifying. Saying no is hard.
But I think, finally, I might be getting the hang of it.”
January 26, 2024
Clover Hendry has always been the “good girl”; don’t make a fuss, always make the right comments, make everyone happy, do the right things….. until today.
Today starts off in a jumble, too many things to do, too many things to think about. And on top of it all, in some confusion on the subway, she falls and hits her head. After taking medication for her headache (did she take too much?), she feels better -- but very different.
“Good girl-Clover” has taken the day off, and she does what she wants to do, says what she wants to say, and goes where she wants to go -- very un-Clover-like, and as expected drama, excitement, and hilarity ensue.
Clover’s story is full of fun as she does and says things that she never dreamed she would have the courage for. It is a quick-paced story that keeps the reader wondering what will happen next.
This one was a lot of fun and made me smile!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Beth Morrey, and Penguin Group/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
Today starts off in a jumble, too many things to do, too many things to think about. And on top of it all, in some confusion on the subway, she falls and hits her head. After taking medication for her headache (did she take too much?), she feels better -- but very different.
“Good girl-Clover” has taken the day off, and she does what she wants to do, says what she wants to say, and goes where she wants to go -- very un-Clover-like, and as expected drama, excitement, and hilarity ensue.
Clover’s story is full of fun as she does and says things that she never dreamed she would have the courage for. It is a quick-paced story that keeps the reader wondering what will happen next.
This one was a lot of fun and made me smile!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Beth Morrey, and Penguin Group/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
February 24, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
As someone who relates just a little to much to Clover Hendry, I loved the premise of this book and often fantasize about doing the same thing and just taking a day to say and do all the things.
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Inspired
✨ Strong Female Lead
✨ Workplace Drama
Clover is a 46 year old professional and people pleaser who is at the end of her rope. One day she snaps and takes the rest of the day off and does and says whatever she wants! And there is a bunny.
I think we all have a little Clover in us. This book was relatable and funny at times and it was nice to see her take charge and damn the consequences. I do think it went a little too far at points, but I still enjoyed the ending when Clover got back to her life with some positive changes.
Thank you Penguin Group Putnam & NetGalley for the ARC!
As someone who relates just a little to much to Clover Hendry, I loved the premise of this book and often fantasize about doing the same thing and just taking a day to say and do all the things.
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Inspired
✨ Strong Female Lead
✨ Workplace Drama
Clover is a 46 year old professional and people pleaser who is at the end of her rope. One day she snaps and takes the rest of the day off and does and says whatever she wants! And there is a bunny.
I think we all have a little Clover in us. This book was relatable and funny at times and it was nice to see her take charge and damn the consequences. I do think it went a little too far at points, but I still enjoyed the ending when Clover got back to her life with some positive changes.
Thank you Penguin Group Putnam & NetGalley for the ARC!
August 29, 2024
An anxious people-pleaser goes rogue à la Ferris Bueller (except she’s 46 with a lot more baggage) in this really charming, really funny novel. Clover says and does what she wants for one day only, righting wrongs and facing fears. British humor at its best, with a serious thread underneath. Such a fun read.
As a fan of Sophie Kinsella, this author has the same vibe. Could be why I loved it.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a fan of Sophie Kinsella, this author has the same vibe. Could be why I loved it.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2024
Absolutely adored this hilarious novel where the heroine's life is falling apart, as it often does in novels, but her marriage and kids were fine, which was refreshing. It provides a good foundation and a strong character. It was everything ELSE around her that is difficult, which made this a very relatable story. Highly recommend. ALSO! Morrey absolutely nails the narcissistic mother.
March 24, 2024
When a book makes me laugh out loud when reading, it’ll always receive a higher rating. Plus this book has a rabbit in it and it’s cute on the cover, so bonus marks for that.
dnf
January 3, 2024At 42%, I am not finishing this book. I thought that I would be able to relate more to this character and in some aspects, I did. However, I did not find any part of the book to be funny and if these things happened in real life, she would have been fired, arrested...etc. As someone who also deals with anxiety, the mannerisms of Clover were almost insulting. The blatant disregard for taking and mixing prescription drugs and other medicines found in her house were not okay.
December 9, 2023
Clover is a recovering people pleaser and professional doormat who decides today is the day to start being a human. She sets out and starts speaking her mind whether she means to or not because she’s had enough and she spends the day doing exactly what she feels like doing. I enjoyed the idea of this book and am proud of Clover for stepping out to advocate for herself and start recognizing what she wants to do. This book did start with her popping two Vicodin and getting a head injury that knocked her out and was bleeding but never looked at by a medical professional. Clover spends her day eating delicious things and burning some things down, while building other things back up, but what I thought would be a heartfelt and liberating story of Clover being set free was actually a very worrisome story. Yes, drugs not prescribed to us can impact us in ways like speaking our mind when we otherwise might not, but Clover went on a path of destruction that didn’t feel productive or healthy to me. She did a lot of self-sabotaging and made a lot of weird and destructive choices that never actually had consequences. This felt like a midlife mental breakdown, which are all entitled to, I just had a hard time rooting for Clover when it often felt like she was just having a head injury about town. She rode the line between self advocacy and fighting toxic with toxic like a tightrope. I did enjoy the characters and I do feel like the book ended with Clover finding some balance to move forward in life with better boundaries and better participation in her own life. I liked the relationships she had with people and where they grew to by the end of the book. The way she burned down her work enemies was really concerning to me as it felt like she forced something on people that could have been extremely triggering for many folks and since there was no warning it felt really upsetting to me. I understand she was standing up to a horrible excuse for a human, but there were other people, other women in the room, and that felt like a really traumatizing way to bring him down. You might enjoy this book if you enjoyed Ferris Bueller’s Day off and if you like seeing middle aged women stick up for themselves and heal from their past (I know I do, that’s why I chose this book). If you like “not as they seem” relationships that break down walls and grow in a very human way. Also there is a bunny and that’s honestly reason enough to read this.
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