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Kind of, Sort of, Maybe, But Probably Not
A charming, nostalgic, quirky, uplifting novel of people young and old finding their tribe, gaining courage to be themselves and perhaps falling in love, too.
Librarian Phoebe Cotton lives with misophonia. The sound of other people crunching an apple, slurping their tea or snapping chewing gum fills her with a rage that she buries deep within.
Mortified by her ‘Not Quite Right’ brain, she hides away inside 6 Salmon Street, the family home that her formidable grandmother Dorothy has abandoned for a more convivial life at the Western Retreat Retirement Village. But when Phoebe begins receiving mysterious postcards in the mail, she slowly, but surely, finds herself being pulled back out into the world and towards Monty, the sweet postal clerk.
Across town, Suze, a university student with a high distinction in study avoidance, is clinging to the hope that the neglectful J might actually be her boyfriend. When J’s attention turns to Ky, it sets Suze on a path that leads her to 6 Salmon Street and Phoebe Cotton.
Together with Suze and Monty, Phoebe goes on a mission to solve the mystery of the postcards but ends up finding much, much more, including acceptance, strength and love.
Librarian Phoebe Cotton lives with misophonia. The sound of other people crunching an apple, slurping their tea or snapping chewing gum fills her with a rage that she buries deep within.
Mortified by her ‘Not Quite Right’ brain, she hides away inside 6 Salmon Street, the family home that her formidable grandmother Dorothy has abandoned for a more convivial life at the Western Retreat Retirement Village. But when Phoebe begins receiving mysterious postcards in the mail, she slowly, but surely, finds herself being pulled back out into the world and towards Monty, the sweet postal clerk.
Across town, Suze, a university student with a high distinction in study avoidance, is clinging to the hope that the neglectful J might actually be her boyfriend. When J’s attention turns to Ky, it sets Suze on a path that leads her to 6 Salmon Street and Phoebe Cotton.
Together with Suze and Monty, Phoebe goes on a mission to solve the mystery of the postcards but ends up finding much, much more, including acceptance, strength and love.
336 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2024
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734 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 15, 2024
What a delightful story, one of those that resonates in a crazy way. Full of characters to love and bond with, while following a gentle story of tracing histories and getting to know a family properly, beneath the surface. The younger generation trying to get to know the older more standoffish generation, and that sometimes troubled younger generation attempting to find their feet and place in the world.
Set in the 1990's, I found myself immersed in this time, it was my time. Chasing the wrong boys and doing those things that don't best serve oneself. The difference to my experience being immersed in Melbourne.
This book is so quirky. Phoebe Cotton is a young librarian (me) who suffers from a condition I did not know to be recognised. She has misophonia, the sound of eating causes rage and distress. I have this in a different form so relating to Phoebe was dream, I understand her reluctance to tell her friends and the closed off way she is perceived by others, and her feeling of lack. Getting through each day at work is almost impossible, so her option of living on her own in her grandmother's property is a saving grace.
Suse (my name) enters her life, as does Monte, and Suse's misfit crew of flatmates, a new world begins to open up. Phoebe comes out of herself, these young people are solid, dependable and likeable. Each character is drawn well to support an interesting and valid storyline.
Well written, quietly powerful, this book is has all things I enjoy. Excellent characterizsation merged with an original and unique story of struggle, great friendship supported by a loving and funny family. Pheobe is lucky her loved ones understand her ways, as we watch her journey of acceptance.
I listened to this via the Indyreads app and the State Library of NSW. I highly recommend this as a piece of quality literary fiction.
Set in the 1990's, I found myself immersed in this time, it was my time. Chasing the wrong boys and doing those things that don't best serve oneself. The difference to my experience being immersed in Melbourne.
This book is so quirky. Phoebe Cotton is a young librarian (me) who suffers from a condition I did not know to be recognised. She has misophonia, the sound of eating causes rage and distress. I have this in a different form so relating to Phoebe was dream, I understand her reluctance to tell her friends and the closed off way she is perceived by others, and her feeling of lack. Getting through each day at work is almost impossible, so her option of living on her own in her grandmother's property is a saving grace.
Suse (my name) enters her life, as does Monte, and Suse's misfit crew of flatmates, a new world begins to open up. Phoebe comes out of herself, these young people are solid, dependable and likeable. Each character is drawn well to support an interesting and valid storyline.
Well written, quietly powerful, this book is has all things I enjoy. Excellent characterizsation merged with an original and unique story of struggle, great friendship supported by a loving and funny family. Pheobe is lucky her loved ones understand her ways, as we watch her journey of acceptance.
I listened to this via the Indyreads app and the State Library of NSW. I highly recommend this as a piece of quality literary fiction.
May 15, 2024
Phoebe Cotton is a young librarian who has misophonia - she finds certain noises extremely irritating, which she's aware of, therefore avoids most situations that involve noise, especially eating noise. Most of the socialising is around eating food, therefore, Phoebe has become a bit of a recluse, only seeing her loving parents, visiting her grumpy grandmother now and then, and coping with the library work environment, which is pretty quiet compared to other places.
Some postcards sent to her house but addressed to another person are an intriguing mystery. Enter Suze, a PhD student, who's got additional information about the cards. Phoebe, Suze and Monty, a young man whose parents own the local post office become close, trying to find out who was the addressee on the postcards.
This is a sweet novel about finding one's place, getting over inhibitions, and finding people who accept you for who you are.
The characters were well-developed, the story was familiar but compelling.
Some postcards sent to her house but addressed to another person are an intriguing mystery. Enter Suze, a PhD student, who's got additional information about the cards. Phoebe, Suze and Monty, a young man whose parents own the local post office become close, trying to find out who was the addressee on the postcards.
This is a sweet novel about finding one's place, getting over inhibitions, and finding people who accept you for who you are.
The characters were well-developed, the story was familiar but compelling.
April 28, 2024
Another charming entry in the Quirky-Girl canon. Luckily I waited a few days to rate this one, because as the days pass and I reflect on it, I like it more. Set in 1990s Melbourne (specifically Fitzroy and West Footscray), it's full of nostalgia and warmth. And just when you (I mean me) think the plot is going in a predictable direction, it doesn't.
Phoebe Cotton is the quirky girl in this case. A librarian who gets by doing maternity leave contracts at various libraries, she has a condition that affects her relationships, but despite that she prefers to keep it a secret. Phoebe suffers from misophonia. In her case, she can't bear to hear the sounds of other people eating. Her reaction to it can vary from withdrawal to anger. She's only out to her parents, who take care to avoid the triggers. As you can imagine, this caused all sorts of problems when she used to live in a sharehouse. But these days Phoebe is living by herself, as the family custodian of her grandmother Dorothy's house in Salmon St, West Footscray, until they decide what to do with it. One day, Phoebe is surprised to find a European postcard from years ago in her letterbox, addressed to someone she's never heard of. She assumes it's incorrectly addressed until another one arrives. Then another. It's weird, because the house has always been in her family, and nobody seems to know who this stranger is.
Meanwhile, over in Fitzroy, Suze it working on her thesis and trying hard to cling on to her kind of, sort of, maybe, but probably not boyfriend J. He has become infatuated with Ky, a proponent of Un-art. All very pretentious. Discovering a cache of unsent postcards in an op-shop suitcase, J & Ky embark on their un-art project of sending them to the West Footscray address, randomly, one at a time. Suze starts to have concerns about whoever is receiving this correspondence from the past and makes her way over to Salmon St.
The mystery of the postcards is what drives the story along, but it's not the most important thing about this book. More important are the themes of friendship, family, difference and love that surround it. Claire Lovering's narration is an easy listen. Recommended.
Phoebe Cotton is the quirky girl in this case. A librarian who gets by doing maternity leave contracts at various libraries, she has a condition that affects her relationships, but despite that she prefers to keep it a secret. Phoebe suffers from misophonia. In her case, she can't bear to hear the sounds of other people eating. Her reaction to it can vary from withdrawal to anger. She's only out to her parents, who take care to avoid the triggers. As you can imagine, this caused all sorts of problems when she used to live in a sharehouse. But these days Phoebe is living by herself, as the family custodian of her grandmother Dorothy's house in Salmon St, West Footscray, until they decide what to do with it. One day, Phoebe is surprised to find a European postcard from years ago in her letterbox, addressed to someone she's never heard of. She assumes it's incorrectly addressed until another one arrives. Then another. It's weird, because the house has always been in her family, and nobody seems to know who this stranger is.
Meanwhile, over in Fitzroy, Suze it working on her thesis and trying hard to cling on to her kind of, sort of, maybe, but probably not boyfriend J. He has become infatuated with Ky, a proponent of Un-art. All very pretentious. Discovering a cache of unsent postcards in an op-shop suitcase, J & Ky embark on their un-art project of sending them to the West Footscray address, randomly, one at a time. Suze starts to have concerns about whoever is receiving this correspondence from the past and makes her way over to Salmon St.
The mystery of the postcards is what drives the story along, but it's not the most important thing about this book. More important are the themes of friendship, family, difference and love that surround it. Claire Lovering's narration is an easy listen. Recommended.
February 16, 2024
I suspect this will be an underrated book. It offers so much, including delightful characters at pivotal moments in their young lives. And it's set against the mystery of the postcards and past secrets. I appreciated the challenges the characters face here, in the present and the past, and Neeme handles these gently and deftly. I loved this book and think it will warm the proverbial cockles of readers' hearts.
4.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
4.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
July 4, 2024
I read this book in 48 hours. Yes I was sitting on a plane for part of that however, it captivated me enough to want to keep reading.
The author so eloquently captures that weird time in early/ mid-20 something lives where share houses are nuts, uni is a drag, and people live for the parties. It paints a very real picture of what was going on and you feel as though you were there with them.
The plot is also sweet with unexpected turns along the way. Whilst you may expect something to be true, the author had a sneaky way of convincing you otherwise.
Highly recommend, it’s a beautiful read.
The author so eloquently captures that weird time in early/ mid-20 something lives where share houses are nuts, uni is a drag, and people live for the parties. It paints a very real picture of what was going on and you feel as though you were there with them.
The plot is also sweet with unexpected turns along the way. Whilst you may expect something to be true, the author had a sneaky way of convincing you otherwise.
Highly recommend, it’s a beautiful read.
April 10, 2025
Era sulla mia lista da un po.
Hype molto alto, ma non deluso. Anzi!
Una storia piacevolissima, molto al femminile, con molti colpi di scena (alcuni inaspettati).
Le cartoline punto extra!
Un finale da bocca aperta!
Charlie il mio prefe, J e Ky odio totale.
Hype molto alto, ma non deluso. Anzi!
Una storia piacevolissima, molto al femminile, con molti colpi di scena (alcuni inaspettati).
Le cartoline punto extra!
Un finale da bocca aperta!
Charlie il mio prefe, J e Ky odio totale.
February 4, 2024
[Disclosure: this review was commissioned for the Tasmanian Times]
We love our partners – if we’re lucky enough to have them, and we cheerfully put up with their funny little ways, their odd little habits, their only slightly annoying little tics or behaviours that we tolerantly endure with good grace…
But…
There’s that one thing they do, and with it a sound, a small noise that, despite our deep and abiding love, grinds our gears, sends our cortisol levels through the roof, and turns us to murder mysteries for solace – with undue sympathy for the killer.
I, for example, might bridle when my wife stirs the honey into her tea for too long. (The unrelenting tink…tink…tink…) Similarly, my wife may give me a flat, grim look, usually in bed before settling: “What’s wrong,” I ask, fondly. “I can hear you breathing,” she replies not fondly. Short of me dashing the cup from my wife’s hand, or her smothering me with a pillow, we endure each other in these moments.
Which brings us to misophonia, or ‘sound rage’ – the severe, unwanted, and highly reactive intolerance for certain idiosyncratic sounds, a condition suffered by Phoebe Cotton, the protagonist of 'Kind of Sort of Maybe...but probably not'. The strong negative emotional, physiological and behavioural responses she has to certain sounds make a social life difficult, and a love-life impossible.
Phoebe Cotton doesn’t dare look for love in case she finds it. If her new romantic partner should make the tiniest noise while sipping coffee or, god forbid, slurp their soup, Phoebe will be helplessly gripped by overwhelming rage and the urgent need to kill or flee.
I haven’t read Imbi Neeme’s debut novel, the 2019 Penguin Literary Prize-winner, 'The Spill', but 'Kind of Sort of Maybe' is a breezy, light-hearted novel of 20-something shenanigans in the 1990’s; a funny and engaging romance in a time before smartphones, when young people could afford to move out of their parents’ place and rent share-houses together, with all the sex, drugs, parties and hungover mayhem that went with it.
'Kind of Sort of Maybe' is a mystery of postcards and family secrets, and the Scooby-Doo-like team that form to solve it as they muddle through their own dysfunctional lives to help each other.
In our current hellish era, a cosy, comforting and humane tale of love and friendship is a welcome respite. If you need that kind of story, 'Kind Of Sort of Maybe...but probably not' is on sale from 20 February. Enjoy!
We love our partners – if we’re lucky enough to have them, and we cheerfully put up with their funny little ways, their odd little habits, their only slightly annoying little tics or behaviours that we tolerantly endure with good grace…
But…
There’s that one thing they do, and with it a sound, a small noise that, despite our deep and abiding love, grinds our gears, sends our cortisol levels through the roof, and turns us to murder mysteries for solace – with undue sympathy for the killer.
I, for example, might bridle when my wife stirs the honey into her tea for too long. (The unrelenting tink…tink…tink…) Similarly, my wife may give me a flat, grim look, usually in bed before settling: “What’s wrong,” I ask, fondly. “I can hear you breathing,” she replies not fondly. Short of me dashing the cup from my wife’s hand, or her smothering me with a pillow, we endure each other in these moments.
Which brings us to misophonia, or ‘sound rage’ – the severe, unwanted, and highly reactive intolerance for certain idiosyncratic sounds, a condition suffered by Phoebe Cotton, the protagonist of 'Kind of Sort of Maybe...but probably not'. The strong negative emotional, physiological and behavioural responses she has to certain sounds make a social life difficult, and a love-life impossible.
Phoebe Cotton doesn’t dare look for love in case she finds it. If her new romantic partner should make the tiniest noise while sipping coffee or, god forbid, slurp their soup, Phoebe will be helplessly gripped by overwhelming rage and the urgent need to kill or flee.
I haven’t read Imbi Neeme’s debut novel, the 2019 Penguin Literary Prize-winner, 'The Spill', but 'Kind of Sort of Maybe' is a breezy, light-hearted novel of 20-something shenanigans in the 1990’s; a funny and engaging romance in a time before smartphones, when young people could afford to move out of their parents’ place and rent share-houses together, with all the sex, drugs, parties and hungover mayhem that went with it.
'Kind of Sort of Maybe' is a mystery of postcards and family secrets, and the Scooby-Doo-like team that form to solve it as they muddle through their own dysfunctional lives to help each other.
In our current hellish era, a cosy, comforting and humane tale of love and friendship is a welcome respite. If you need that kind of story, 'Kind Of Sort of Maybe...but probably not' is on sale from 20 February. Enjoy!
October 20, 2024
What a lovely story. This was so, so enjoyable to read. It was set in 90s Melbourne delving into the lives of a handful of 20-somethings and the nostalgia of the 90s, uni/share house life got me right in the feels. The awkward/ weird dynamics in friendships and relationships were so relatable. I also enjoyed the underlying plot of the postcards and Phoebe's family.
It was a quirky, sweet story about new friendships, getting outside your comfort zone and putting yourself out there to meet your people. The characters were great and it was just a really wholesome read 😊
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up.
It was a quirky, sweet story about new friendships, getting outside your comfort zone and putting yourself out there to meet your people. The characters were great and it was just a really wholesome read 😊
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up.
January 20, 2025
42 chapters of nothingness, but feels bad to give 1 star lol
March 8, 2025
Sweet. I did end up skim reading. Loved the Georgette Heyer references and 1982 With a Bullet. What a great album! Clearly the author is exactly my age …
March 18, 2024
A nice story but (perhaps my fault for having read too many similar books) this was a just okay read for me.
May 20, 2024
Footscray wholesomeness
June 24, 2024
3.25
Two young women who struggle with boundaries, unhealthy relationships & actually doing what’s best for themselves become friends thanks to some mysterious postcards.
There’s a bit of a mystery in here but the book mostly focuses on the Suze & Phoebe and their issues. Suze and her obsession with a f*ckboi was frustrating to read about as was Phoebe with her choice to block people out due to the fear of telling them about her noise issues.
This was ok but nothing amazing.
Two young women who struggle with boundaries, unhealthy relationships & actually doing what’s best for themselves become friends thanks to some mysterious postcards.
There’s a bit of a mystery in here but the book mostly focuses on the Suze & Phoebe and their issues. Suze and her obsession with a f*ckboi was frustrating to read about as was Phoebe with her choice to block people out due to the fear of telling them about her noise issues.
This was ok but nothing amazing.
December 30, 2025
3.5 stars. A quirky, light-hearted read that leans into uncertainty, mixed signals as well as awkward moments.
While it’s not a life-changing novel, it’s a fun and entertaining one. This made for a relaxed reading session while on holidays.
Note: the title relates to a potential boyfriend who is kind of, sort of, maybe… but probably not a boyfriend at all.
While it’s not a life-changing novel, it’s a fun and entertaining one. This made for a relaxed reading session while on holidays.
Note: the title relates to a potential boyfriend who is kind of, sort of, maybe… but probably not a boyfriend at all.
March 24, 2024
A sweet book with some laughable moments. Not a story I expected to enjoy and I was very pleasantly surprised.
Some terms and phrases may confuse readers from outside Australia and there is a bit of assumed knowledge regarding geographic locations - but its not super essential to the story and can be enjoyed without having that knowledge on-board
Some terms and phrases may confuse readers from outside Australia and there is a bit of assumed knowledge regarding geographic locations - but its not super essential to the story and can be enjoyed without having that knowledge on-board
April 3, 2024
A really enjoyable read - especially for a fellow misophonic and someone who was a young adult in the mid-90s 😀
November 30, 2024
A lovely book in a similar vein to Britt Marie Was Here and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Charming characters, neurodiversity and a twist.
November 1, 2024
Literally couldn’ put this down. I was nodded along and feeling quite uneasy as I have misophonia too. I don’t think I have it as severe as phoebe but… somethings I do feel the urge to maim!
June 15, 2024
Cute story set in 90s Melbourne about young people searching for the recipient of old postcards.
February 7, 2026
Communication is the key to understanding. Western Suburbs represent!
December 30, 2024
I am deeply grateful for this book. I discovered I have misophonia after turning 30 yo. My husband understood what I have and helped me make sense to it. Long live wooden spoons and wooden food bowl, noise cancelling machines, earplugs and cicadas. I am nearly 40 and for the first time in my life, I finally read a book that made me feel understood. THANK YOU !
December 30, 2024
Loved this book! I enjoyed seeing the postcard story unfold and loved how it connected the characters. Very well done! The nostalgia of 1990s house sharing in Melbourne was a nice bonus. Highly recommended.
March 26, 2025
A really sweet book. Took me a little bit to get into it and get to know the characters, but afterwards I loved it.
July 16, 2024
Kind of, Sort of, Maybe … But Probably Not (Penguin Random House 2024) by Imbi Neeme is a mouthful of a title for a big-hearted book that explores the intimate lives and relationship dynamics of a quirky cast of characters. A book about friendship, love, diversity and aging, it also contains a mystery which keeps up a steady pace until the last pages.
Phoebe Cotton is a librarian with a problem. She has misophonia and cannot stand the sound of people chewing or slurping or any other noises related to eating. She feels she has a ‘Not Quite Right’ brain and is too embarrassed to admit her problem to anyone but her parents, who treat her with sensitivity and help her navigate awkward social situations. Movie popcorn is definitely out. Cups of tea are out. The sound of someone snapping gum is out. Because of her phobia, Phoebe’s life has shrunk, down to her work at the library (and even then, lunchtime is a minefield) and her home life; when she visits her parents, they play music to block out intrusive sounds and generally allow her to have some peace. Not only does Phoebe think she is possibly the only person on the planet to have this problem, she also thinks that she is unlikeable and unlovable, and could never be in a relationship or even have a close friend, because of her foibles. These sounds are not merely annoying to her but rather fill her with a frustrated rage that makes her want to shout at people for doing perfectly ordinary things (like drinking tea). And it’s a big problem.
She lives in the former family home belonging to her formidable grandmother, Dorothy, who has moved herself into a more exciting life in a retirement village. Dorothy is enjoying her golden years, but Phoebe is worried that she is not looking after the house – or more particularly the garden – that Dorothy loves.
The mystery begins soon into the novel when Phoebe receives curious postcards, addressed to the house where she lives in Salmon Street, although she doesn’t recognise the sender or the recipient. It’s definitely not her grandmother. Steeling herself to solve the mysterious postcard saga involves leaving the house more, changing her routine and navigating difficult situations. In the process, she also meets the sweet postal clerk Monty, who at least doesn’t slurp his tea.
Alongside this storyline is the narrative of Suze, a university student living in a share house with friends (including the marvellously well-crafted character of Charlie). Suze is hopeful that her friendship with J might become a girlfriend/boyfriend situation, but J is stubbornly neglectful, self-obsessed and fickle. He is obsessed with Ky, another fabulously drawn character, who is into (un)art and regularly produces performative art that is like no other.
When Suze discovers more postcards in an op-shop suitcase, the two women’s worlds collide, and Phoebe and Suze tentatively begin to test the waters of friendship, while they put their heads together to solve the case of the mysterious correspondence decades old.
Neeme has given us a gentle, compassionate and highly readable novel about courage, intimacy, acceptance and love. As the layers of each character are peeled back, we discover that nobody is as secure as they appear to be, and that everyone has secrets, fears, phobias or disagreeable habits. It slowly becomes apparent to Phoebe that her ‘Not Quite Right’ brain is perhaps just the same as every other person, in that we all have quirks that make us not quite right in some way.
As their investigation deepens, Phoebe discovers old family secrets that have been hidden for too long in the dark. Will she have the courage to reveal them? Can she ever date or be friends with someone who might crunch a chip? Is her desire to make friends and do something with her life greater than her fear of disappointment, failure and the inevitable noises that people make just going about their days? Kind of, sort of, maybe … but probably not.
This is a charming and nostalgic novel that explores what it means to finally find your tribe, your people. It is about taking chances, getting hurt, forgiveness and compromise. An uplifting and optimistic novel that demonstrates that our anxieties about our own deficiencies are rarely as bad as we think they are, and that other people are too busy worrying about their own particular foibles to be paying attention to what goes on in the heads of others.
A highlight of this novel is the humour displayed through the actions and dialogue of the characters. Set in Melbourne in the 90’s, most readers will experience pangs of recognition with certain trends or signposts of the times, and will engage with the quirky characters and their (often) first world problems. There are larger themes at play here too: art – what it means, who gets to make it, who owns it and who decides what it even is; the intricacies of families and friendships, and how ingrained habits might be challenged; and the courage required by us all to reach out in order to fit in.
Phoebe Cotton is a librarian with a problem. She has misophonia and cannot stand the sound of people chewing or slurping or any other noises related to eating. She feels she has a ‘Not Quite Right’ brain and is too embarrassed to admit her problem to anyone but her parents, who treat her with sensitivity and help her navigate awkward social situations. Movie popcorn is definitely out. Cups of tea are out. The sound of someone snapping gum is out. Because of her phobia, Phoebe’s life has shrunk, down to her work at the library (and even then, lunchtime is a minefield) and her home life; when she visits her parents, they play music to block out intrusive sounds and generally allow her to have some peace. Not only does Phoebe think she is possibly the only person on the planet to have this problem, she also thinks that she is unlikeable and unlovable, and could never be in a relationship or even have a close friend, because of her foibles. These sounds are not merely annoying to her but rather fill her with a frustrated rage that makes her want to shout at people for doing perfectly ordinary things (like drinking tea). And it’s a big problem.
She lives in the former family home belonging to her formidable grandmother, Dorothy, who has moved herself into a more exciting life in a retirement village. Dorothy is enjoying her golden years, but Phoebe is worried that she is not looking after the house – or more particularly the garden – that Dorothy loves.
The mystery begins soon into the novel when Phoebe receives curious postcards, addressed to the house where she lives in Salmon Street, although she doesn’t recognise the sender or the recipient. It’s definitely not her grandmother. Steeling herself to solve the mysterious postcard saga involves leaving the house more, changing her routine and navigating difficult situations. In the process, she also meets the sweet postal clerk Monty, who at least doesn’t slurp his tea.
Alongside this storyline is the narrative of Suze, a university student living in a share house with friends (including the marvellously well-crafted character of Charlie). Suze is hopeful that her friendship with J might become a girlfriend/boyfriend situation, but J is stubbornly neglectful, self-obsessed and fickle. He is obsessed with Ky, another fabulously drawn character, who is into (un)art and regularly produces performative art that is like no other.
When Suze discovers more postcards in an op-shop suitcase, the two women’s worlds collide, and Phoebe and Suze tentatively begin to test the waters of friendship, while they put their heads together to solve the case of the mysterious correspondence decades old.
Neeme has given us a gentle, compassionate and highly readable novel about courage, intimacy, acceptance and love. As the layers of each character are peeled back, we discover that nobody is as secure as they appear to be, and that everyone has secrets, fears, phobias or disagreeable habits. It slowly becomes apparent to Phoebe that her ‘Not Quite Right’ brain is perhaps just the same as every other person, in that we all have quirks that make us not quite right in some way.
As their investigation deepens, Phoebe discovers old family secrets that have been hidden for too long in the dark. Will she have the courage to reveal them? Can she ever date or be friends with someone who might crunch a chip? Is her desire to make friends and do something with her life greater than her fear of disappointment, failure and the inevitable noises that people make just going about their days? Kind of, sort of, maybe … but probably not.
This is a charming and nostalgic novel that explores what it means to finally find your tribe, your people. It is about taking chances, getting hurt, forgiveness and compromise. An uplifting and optimistic novel that demonstrates that our anxieties about our own deficiencies are rarely as bad as we think they are, and that other people are too busy worrying about their own particular foibles to be paying attention to what goes on in the heads of others.
A highlight of this novel is the humour displayed through the actions and dialogue of the characters. Set in Melbourne in the 90’s, most readers will experience pangs of recognition with certain trends or signposts of the times, and will engage with the quirky characters and their (often) first world problems. There are larger themes at play here too: art – what it means, who gets to make it, who owns it and who decides what it even is; the intricacies of families and friendships, and how ingrained habits might be challenged; and the courage required by us all to reach out in order to fit in.
March 19, 2024
Love love loved it!
This is real feel good book with lots of witty laugh out loud moments as well as some pretty meaningful food for thought. Some Miss Marple mystery moments and some growing up moments. Charming, illuminating, and quirky for sure.
Phoebe Cotton lives with an unusual condition called misophonia, where she can’t abide the sounds of people eating. She calls it a condition of her ‘Not Quite Right Brain’, where the sound of someone even eating popcorn at the movies can turn her mood from happy to instant rage and force her to have to leave. This has turned her into an almost recluse as she avoids…as far as possible…all circumstances where food might be consumed…which is pretty much everywhere! Even lunch breaks at her work are difficult!
Twenty something Phoebe is a Librarian and lives alone in her grandmother’s house in Melbourne since her grandmother has gone to live in a retirement home.
She lives there on the condition that she maintain the [now overgrown] garden and house.
Although not much into gardening or indeed maintenance, Phoebe is fairly content with this arrangement as it allows her to easily avoid most situations that might cause her ‘not quite right broken brain’ to go into overload mode.
Apart from Tuesday night dinners at her parent’s home and the occasional visits to see her cranky old grandmother…and field her accusations about letting her hydrangeas die…her only other regular interactions are with the old greek lady across the street who reports to Phoebe’s grandmother about her…once beautiful… but now neglected hydrangeas, and other perceived misdemeanours.
Since her kind of fall out with her only friend (since childhood) Phoebe now lives a very solitary life.
Things suddenly start to change for Phoebe when she gets a random phone call from her old friend who wants to meet up. As she contemplates this invitation, she also receives a postcard in her mailbox addressed to her address, but to a woman she hasn’t heard of…then later on another one, and another.
Not wanting to throw the postcards away but unable to locate the woman through some cursory enquiries locally, Phoebe is at a loss.
As she continues her informal enquiries one thing starts to lead to another and before long Phoebe’s tiny world starts to expand and invite new people and things into her life.
As scary as it is she finds herself torn between the excitement of an investigation into the whereabouts of the postcard lady, and the fear of [detrimentally] exposing her secret…not quite right brain…to the people now claiming an [also surprisingly] special hold on her.
I loved this book right from the start and only reluctantly put it down to do other things that wouldn’t wait. Yet I also tried to slow it down in order to enjoy it for longer.
I will definitely recommend this one to my bookish friends!
5⭐️s
This is real feel good book with lots of witty laugh out loud moments as well as some pretty meaningful food for thought. Some Miss Marple mystery moments and some growing up moments. Charming, illuminating, and quirky for sure.
Phoebe Cotton lives with an unusual condition called misophonia, where she can’t abide the sounds of people eating. She calls it a condition of her ‘Not Quite Right Brain’, where the sound of someone even eating popcorn at the movies can turn her mood from happy to instant rage and force her to have to leave. This has turned her into an almost recluse as she avoids…as far as possible…all circumstances where food might be consumed…which is pretty much everywhere! Even lunch breaks at her work are difficult!
Twenty something Phoebe is a Librarian and lives alone in her grandmother’s house in Melbourne since her grandmother has gone to live in a retirement home.
She lives there on the condition that she maintain the [now overgrown] garden and house.
Although not much into gardening or indeed maintenance, Phoebe is fairly content with this arrangement as it allows her to easily avoid most situations that might cause her ‘not quite right broken brain’ to go into overload mode.
Apart from Tuesday night dinners at her parent’s home and the occasional visits to see her cranky old grandmother…and field her accusations about letting her hydrangeas die…her only other regular interactions are with the old greek lady across the street who reports to Phoebe’s grandmother about her…once beautiful… but now neglected hydrangeas, and other perceived misdemeanours.
Since her kind of fall out with her only friend (since childhood) Phoebe now lives a very solitary life.
Things suddenly start to change for Phoebe when she gets a random phone call from her old friend who wants to meet up. As she contemplates this invitation, she also receives a postcard in her mailbox addressed to her address, but to a woman she hasn’t heard of…then later on another one, and another.
Not wanting to throw the postcards away but unable to locate the woman through some cursory enquiries locally, Phoebe is at a loss.
As she continues her informal enquiries one thing starts to lead to another and before long Phoebe’s tiny world starts to expand and invite new people and things into her life.
As scary as it is she finds herself torn between the excitement of an investigation into the whereabouts of the postcard lady, and the fear of [detrimentally] exposing her secret…not quite right brain…to the people now claiming an [also surprisingly] special hold on her.
I loved this book right from the start and only reluctantly put it down to do other things that wouldn’t wait. Yet I also tried to slow it down in order to enjoy it for longer.
I will definitely recommend this one to my bookish friends!
5⭐️s
October 7, 2024
I loved this book. It isn’t my usual genre but I was drawn to the cover with its beautiful hydrangeas, a flower my grandmother cherished and grew beautifully.
Phoebe Cotton has misophonia, she’s lived with it and her “broken brain” her whole life. These who love her have adapted daily ways to help her cope. However she is so embarrassed by it, she doesn’t want anyone to know. Because this disorder affects most aspects of socialisation, Phoebe chooses a reclusive life so she doesn’t have to tell anyone about the disorder. If you have misophonia or know someone who does, I highly recommend this book to understand it. There were times the author was spot on I had to put the book down because I could feel the visceral reaction I too have to eating noises.
Suze, a phD student crosses paths with Phoebe when she discovers postcards hidden in a suitcase she picked up from an OP shop. Suze has her own difficulties, writing a thesis, having the pressures of a sort-of-kind-of boyfriend for 4 years. She wants a real relationship with J but J wants to keep things ‘chill’.
Suze and Phoebe become great friends because Suze is relaxed, open minded and understanding. Suze also has a fantastic roommate, Charlie. I actually because jealous of Suze and her friend Charlie because Charlie is a hilarious character and someone I wish I could have in my life. He is flamboyant and quick whittled with a huge heart.
Phoebe comes across an equally socially awkward man, Monty. He helps Phoebe build her confidence and together with Suze you see Phoebe’s genuine personality come out, the one she usually reserves for her loving easygoing father.
The main plot is a mystery, a journey to see who wrote postcards that were being sent to Phoebe’s house addressed to a name she didn’t recognise. However, the characters won the story for me over the plot. I will say this about the plot though, it had a twist I did not see coming.
From someone who usually reads dark thrillers I found the lightness of this story a perfect, easy read palette cleanser. It has left me wondering if the author herself has misophonia because she captured the disorder perfectly!
Thank you Imbri Neeme.
Phoebe Cotton has misophonia, she’s lived with it and her “broken brain” her whole life. These who love her have adapted daily ways to help her cope. However she is so embarrassed by it, she doesn’t want anyone to know. Because this disorder affects most aspects of socialisation, Phoebe chooses a reclusive life so she doesn’t have to tell anyone about the disorder. If you have misophonia or know someone who does, I highly recommend this book to understand it. There were times the author was spot on I had to put the book down because I could feel the visceral reaction I too have to eating noises.
Suze, a phD student crosses paths with Phoebe when she discovers postcards hidden in a suitcase she picked up from an OP shop. Suze has her own difficulties, writing a thesis, having the pressures of a sort-of-kind-of boyfriend for 4 years. She wants a real relationship with J but J wants to keep things ‘chill’.
Suze and Phoebe become great friends because Suze is relaxed, open minded and understanding. Suze also has a fantastic roommate, Charlie. I actually because jealous of Suze and her friend Charlie because Charlie is a hilarious character and someone I wish I could have in my life. He is flamboyant and quick whittled with a huge heart.
Phoebe comes across an equally socially awkward man, Monty. He helps Phoebe build her confidence and together with Suze you see Phoebe’s genuine personality come out, the one she usually reserves for her loving easygoing father.
The main plot is a mystery, a journey to see who wrote postcards that were being sent to Phoebe’s house addressed to a name she didn’t recognise. However, the characters won the story for me over the plot. I will say this about the plot though, it had a twist I did not see coming.
From someone who usually reads dark thrillers I found the lightness of this story a perfect, easy read palette cleanser. It has left me wondering if the author herself has misophonia because she captured the disorder perfectly!
Thank you Imbri Neeme.
August 28, 2024
‘You’ve got to stop living with these maybes and do something, Phoebe Cotton’
Thanks for the book recommendation @lupus - I picked this one up straight away and smiled my way through it 😌
What a beautiful story of self discovery, wholly relatable and so hilariously familiar.
Everyone’s got something right? A little quirk or obsession or a ‘whole basket of weird’.
For Phoebe Cotton, it’s misphonia - an enraged reaction to eating sounds which she experiences as being amplified and all consuming.
For Sus it’s settling for (way) less than she deserves in romantic relationships.
All it takes to bring their worlds together is the surprise discovery of a stack of unsent love postcards sealed within the lining of an op shop suitcase (obviously).
A delightful story of self acceptance and finding your people, slurps and all.
So many lovely quotes throughout, including this one -
‘There are only so many oranges a person can hold comfortably while still being able to appreciate the oranges and not dropping them everywhere. So, it’s better for me to focus on the important things: Greg lived, I knew him, I loved him and he loved me. Those are the oranges I choose to hold.’
Thanks for the book recommendation @lupus - I picked this one up straight away and smiled my way through it 😌
What a beautiful story of self discovery, wholly relatable and so hilariously familiar.
Everyone’s got something right? A little quirk or obsession or a ‘whole basket of weird’.
For Phoebe Cotton, it’s misphonia - an enraged reaction to eating sounds which she experiences as being amplified and all consuming.
For Sus it’s settling for (way) less than she deserves in romantic relationships.
All it takes to bring their worlds together is the surprise discovery of a stack of unsent love postcards sealed within the lining of an op shop suitcase (obviously).
A delightful story of self acceptance and finding your people, slurps and all.
So many lovely quotes throughout, including this one -
‘There are only so many oranges a person can hold comfortably while still being able to appreciate the oranges and not dropping them everywhere. So, it’s better for me to focus on the important things: Greg lived, I knew him, I loved him and he loved me. Those are the oranges I choose to hold.’
August 14, 2024
The 5-star rating I gave this book is not a commentary on the enduring literary power of this book, but simply because it was a delight from start to finish. A modern coming-of-age story where 25-year-olds are accurately portrayed, and characters that you are rooting for from the very beginning (oh, and throw a little mystery in there as well).
Phoebe, Suze, Charlie, Monty, even J and Ky are vivid, relatable characters that jump off the page. This book played out like a movie or series in my head (dibs on adapting the screenplay).
The compassion in the book is stunning. I found myself being more forgiving of my early adult version and listening more to what I was afraid to say back then. Refreshingly, it also made me relieved and excited to be in my forties, looking forward to the versions of me yet to come.
I also could not get enough of the late-nineties setting and references that had me smiling or full-on laughing throughout the story. Readers familiar with Melbourne will enjoy the vivid stroll through Melbourne, Vic as well.
Phoebe, Suze, Charlie, Monty, even J and Ky are vivid, relatable characters that jump off the page. This book played out like a movie or series in my head (dibs on adapting the screenplay).
The compassion in the book is stunning. I found myself being more forgiving of my early adult version and listening more to what I was afraid to say back then. Refreshingly, it also made me relieved and excited to be in my forties, looking forward to the versions of me yet to come.
I also could not get enough of the late-nineties setting and references that had me smiling or full-on laughing throughout the story. Readers familiar with Melbourne will enjoy the vivid stroll through Melbourne, Vic as well.
May 8, 2024
.....📚 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 📚.....
3.5 Rounded Up.
Kind Of, Sort Of, Maybe... But Probably Not by Imbi Neeme was picked for the title alone. It's an amazing title.
Phoebe Cotton has always had trouble fitting in. She suffers from misophonia, a condition which makes it hard to be social, and hearing people eat makes her rage. This quiet librarian is minding her own business when mysterious postcards start appearing in her letterbox. But Phoebe has no idea why they are being sent.
Suze is madly infatuated with J, but he's holding her at arms length. Suze knows where the postcards are coming from, but not who originally wrote them.
Phoebe and Suza, with the help of an enthusiastic and awkward postal worker Monty, embark on a quest to solve the mystery of the postcards and, in the process, find each other.
This is a story about friendship. It's quirky and sweet and an easy read. Perfect if you're looking for a feel-good book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌠 (3.5/5).
3.5 Rounded Up.
Kind Of, Sort Of, Maybe... But Probably Not by Imbi Neeme was picked for the title alone. It's an amazing title.
Phoebe Cotton has always had trouble fitting in. She suffers from misophonia, a condition which makes it hard to be social, and hearing people eat makes her rage. This quiet librarian is minding her own business when mysterious postcards start appearing in her letterbox. But Phoebe has no idea why they are being sent.
Suze is madly infatuated with J, but he's holding her at arms length. Suze knows where the postcards are coming from, but not who originally wrote them.
Phoebe and Suza, with the help of an enthusiastic and awkward postal worker Monty, embark on a quest to solve the mystery of the postcards and, in the process, find each other.
This is a story about friendship. It's quirky and sweet and an easy read. Perfect if you're looking for a feel-good book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌠 (3.5/5).
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