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Such Good People
An American Marriage meets The Wonder Years in this emotionally gripping, character-driven novel about the ripple effect of a split-second decision to protect a friend.
It’s 10 p.m. on a Thursday in the spring of her freshman year of college, and April is standing at the back of a crowded Manhattan bar waiting for her friend, Rudy, to arrive. Their eyes lock the moment he enters the room, and in an instant, lives and legacies are altered forever.
Within hours, Rudy is arrested. Within days, April is expelled. Within weeks, he’s incarcerated. And within months, she meets Peter, a prodigious young attorney who makes her world recognizable again.
Nearly fifteen years later, April is happily living in Chicago married to Peter, a mother of three with a fulfilling career and standing yoga date with her girlfriends. On the eve of Peter’s election for local office, Rudy is up for parole. Headlines explode about April’s past, jeopardizing Peter’s campaign and everything they hold dear. Suddenly, April is faced with an impossible choice: Protect the life she created, or the person who sacrificed everything to make that life a possibility.
Such Good People is a captivating portrait of blurred lines, divided loyalties, and what it means to love purely, steadfastly, and interminably.
It’s 10 p.m. on a Thursday in the spring of her freshman year of college, and April is standing at the back of a crowded Manhattan bar waiting for her friend, Rudy, to arrive. Their eyes lock the moment he enters the room, and in an instant, lives and legacies are altered forever.
Within hours, Rudy is arrested. Within days, April is expelled. Within weeks, he’s incarcerated. And within months, she meets Peter, a prodigious young attorney who makes her world recognizable again.
Nearly fifteen years later, April is happily living in Chicago married to Peter, a mother of three with a fulfilling career and standing yoga date with her girlfriends. On the eve of Peter’s election for local office, Rudy is up for parole. Headlines explode about April’s past, jeopardizing Peter’s campaign and everything they hold dear. Suddenly, April is faced with an impossible choice: Protect the life she created, or the person who sacrificed everything to make that life a possibility.
Such Good People is a captivating portrait of blurred lines, divided loyalties, and what it means to love purely, steadfastly, and interminably.
360 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2025
239 people are currently reading
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June 28, 2025
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3.5 Stars
While waiting for her friend Rudy, April meets a man in a bar in Manhattan. This meeting will forever change the lives of both Rudy and April. We then time-hop to Chicago over a decade later, where April is happily married to Peter, a lawyer, and she even has a few kids. April is successful and happy with her job as well. Her husband is running for office, and during this campaign, Rudy, who's been in jail this time, is now up for parole, and there's a chance that April's secrets will come spilling out; she has to make a choice: does she help Rudy or hide from her past completely?
This was a thought-provoking look at friendship and family. I like how the book shows just how messy growing up and growing apart can be. I loved the way the author thought to write about the secrets and regrets we take into adulthood with us. The book was definitely on the sombre side, but some scenes had me laughing out loud, and the author's sense of humour shone through. I enjoyed the different points of view as we get inside each character's head.
Peter, the husband, was kind of irritating to me because he acted like a man-child. April makes some questionable choices, and in a character-driven story, I found it incredibly frustrating. The book dragged in towards the middle, and I kept thinking to myself, just get to it. A few of the twists didn't feel natural, as though the author just threw them in there to add drama because the middle wasn't holding its own. Overall, this was a half-decent read—intelligent and sharply written. Even though it isn't one of my favourite reads, I think most readers will find it enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
While waiting for her friend Rudy, April meets a man in a bar in Manhattan. This meeting will forever change the lives of both Rudy and April. We then time-hop to Chicago over a decade later, where April is happily married to Peter, a lawyer, and she even has a few kids. April is successful and happy with her job as well. Her husband is running for office, and during this campaign, Rudy, who's been in jail this time, is now up for parole, and there's a chance that April's secrets will come spilling out; she has to make a choice: does she help Rudy or hide from her past completely?
This was a thought-provoking look at friendship and family. I like how the book shows just how messy growing up and growing apart can be. I loved the way the author thought to write about the secrets and regrets we take into adulthood with us. The book was definitely on the sombre side, but some scenes had me laughing out loud, and the author's sense of humour shone through. I enjoyed the different points of view as we get inside each character's head.
Peter, the husband, was kind of irritating to me because he acted like a man-child. April makes some questionable choices, and in a character-driven story, I found it incredibly frustrating. The book dragged in towards the middle, and I kept thinking to myself, just get to it. A few of the twists didn't feel natural, as though the author just threw them in there to add drama because the middle wasn't holding its own. Overall, this was a half-decent read—intelligent and sharply written. Even though it isn't one of my favourite reads, I think most readers will find it enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 7, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
SUCH GOOD PEOPLE by Amy Blumenfeld is a character driven fiction novel featuring two friends who have their lives changed in an instant and the emotional ripple effects it has on their lives and their families’ lives. This is not the usual type of book I read, but I found the description so intriguing that I gave it a try and I am glad that I did. I will be thinking of these characters well past the closing of this book.
April and Rudy have been friends for their entire childhood and when you see one, you see the other. Their families are close and celebrate many milestones as one unit.
They are separated for the first time when April goes off to college and Rudy is left at home working with his father and at the local bagel store. It is a huge adjustment, but April asks Rudy to visit to include him in her new life. When Rudy meets her after an event in a Manhattan bar, both their lives are changed forever in an instant.
For thirteen years, one life moves forward while the other is on hold. There is so much heartache and guilt not just personally, but also in the connected families. How can April cling to her new life without sacrificing her lifelong friend?
This book looks at family and friendship in a way that pulls you into the main characters’ lives so completely and immerses the reader in their story. Life in this story is messy, but it is believable in its portrayal of friendship, love, family, and forgiveness that are all intertwined. The characters and their behaviors and reactions are the focus of this story, but I also found the legal system portrayed in this story realistic and disheartening.
I recommend this moving friendship fiction novel and if you are like me, you will be thinking of these characters and their choices well into the future.
SUCH GOOD PEOPLE by Amy Blumenfeld is a character driven fiction novel featuring two friends who have their lives changed in an instant and the emotional ripple effects it has on their lives and their families’ lives. This is not the usual type of book I read, but I found the description so intriguing that I gave it a try and I am glad that I did. I will be thinking of these characters well past the closing of this book.
April and Rudy have been friends for their entire childhood and when you see one, you see the other. Their families are close and celebrate many milestones as one unit.
They are separated for the first time when April goes off to college and Rudy is left at home working with his father and at the local bagel store. It is a huge adjustment, but April asks Rudy to visit to include him in her new life. When Rudy meets her after an event in a Manhattan bar, both their lives are changed forever in an instant.
For thirteen years, one life moves forward while the other is on hold. There is so much heartache and guilt not just personally, but also in the connected families. How can April cling to her new life without sacrificing her lifelong friend?
This book looks at family and friendship in a way that pulls you into the main characters’ lives so completely and immerses the reader in their story. Life in this story is messy, but it is believable in its portrayal of friendship, love, family, and forgiveness that are all intertwined. The characters and their behaviors and reactions are the focus of this story, but I also found the legal system portrayed in this story realistic and disheartening.
I recommend this moving friendship fiction novel and if you are like me, you will be thinking of these characters and their choices well into the future.
July 21, 2025
Loved loved loved. Full review to come!
Blumenfeld weaves a compelling story of friendship and the lengths we go to protect the people we love. Such Good People examines the ties that bind and the long-lasting effects of a split-second decision. A book with a huge heart and characters I already miss.
Blumenfeld weaves a compelling story of friendship and the lengths we go to protect the people we love. Such Good People examines the ties that bind and the long-lasting effects of a split-second decision. A book with a huge heart and characters I already miss.
March 29, 2025
In Amy Blumenteld's novel Such Good People a crucial meeting will influence the friendship between of April and Rudy our two main characters that grow up together in Brooklyn and they remains good friends even after April attending college but thanks to an inconvenient incident Rudy ends up in jail while April’s expelled from college.
Time has passed and Rudy’s released from prison and this causes a tangle between past and present through the perspectives of April and her husband,Rudy and Julian a journalist.
This story captures in a very interesting and unique way the messiness and the complexity of relationships in a world full of chaos,expectations and choices and so in the end this book explores love,forgiveness friendships, misfortune and second chance and in some parts in a very devastating but still in a realistic deeply way.
A lot of thanks to Netgalley and SparkPress for the e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
Time has passed and Rudy’s released from prison and this causes a tangle between past and present through the perspectives of April and her husband,Rudy and Julian a journalist.
This story captures in a very interesting and unique way the messiness and the complexity of relationships in a world full of chaos,expectations and choices and so in the end this book explores love,forgiveness friendships, misfortune and second chance and in some parts in a very devastating but still in a realistic deeply way.
A lot of thanks to Netgalley and SparkPress for the e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
April 26, 2025
I would like to, as always, start this off by thanking Sparkpress for providing me with a free review copy of this book via NetGalley! The opportunity is greatly appreciated.
Overall I have to say I loved this book! I found the characters to be very compelling and well written, even the ones I didn't like as much as others. I absolutely loved the switching between perspectives, which is something I am quite picky about when I read, because it forced me to to consider what each character was feeling and it really helped me to understand them all. I thought the main characters all had a very complex dynamic, and it felt very authentic to real life in my opinion. I loved how their interactions helped develop their characters as the story progressed.
I found its exploration of themes like justice, friendship and difficulties in life to be very insightful. They gave me a lot to think about and I frequently found myself reflecting on the characters' journeys and responses to the events in the novel. The premise was simple enough to follow, and so it really gave the characters the room they needed to shine and I felt it was done beautifully. Blumenfeld has a wonderful voice in her storytelling, and I cannot wait to read more by her.
I do, however, wish that the plot had been given a little more love and attention. I found elements of it to fall flat for me, or that some things didn't make much sense. For a book so rooted in reality and the human experience, it did throw me off a little bit. I wish it had been developed even just a little bit more, and I would have absolutely loved to see an even deeper exploration of Rudy and his entire story. Honestly, I think just an entire novel following Rudy would be fantastic. I found his story and development to be the most compelling of them all, and so to not be able to see it in its full potential felt a bit like a let down.
I think that, despite enjoying the book overall, there were just a few little nagging moments that could have been improved upon if they had been given a little more attention, and it definitely could have brought this up to a 5 star book for me. I'm excited to see how everyone else finds it once it's released!
Overall I have to say I loved this book! I found the characters to be very compelling and well written, even the ones I didn't like as much as others. I absolutely loved the switching between perspectives, which is something I am quite picky about when I read, because it forced me to to consider what each character was feeling and it really helped me to understand them all. I thought the main characters all had a very complex dynamic, and it felt very authentic to real life in my opinion. I loved how their interactions helped develop their characters as the story progressed.
I found its exploration of themes like justice, friendship and difficulties in life to be very insightful. They gave me a lot to think about and I frequently found myself reflecting on the characters' journeys and responses to the events in the novel. The premise was simple enough to follow, and so it really gave the characters the room they needed to shine and I felt it was done beautifully. Blumenfeld has a wonderful voice in her storytelling, and I cannot wait to read more by her.
I do, however, wish that the plot had been given a little more love and attention. I found elements of it to fall flat for me, or that some things didn't make much sense. For a book so rooted in reality and the human experience, it did throw me off a little bit. I wish it had been developed even just a little bit more, and I would have absolutely loved to see an even deeper exploration of Rudy and his entire story. Honestly, I think just an entire novel following Rudy would be fantastic. I found his story and development to be the most compelling of them all, and so to not be able to see it in its full potential felt a bit like a let down.
I think that, despite enjoying the book overall, there were just a few little nagging moments that could have been improved upon if they had been given a little more attention, and it definitely could have brought this up to a 5 star book for me. I'm excited to see how everyone else finds it once it's released!
March 27, 2025
While the book didn’t exactly blow me away, it also wasn’t the worst read I’ve ever come across. I’d say this book is solid 2.5 stars, so again I find myself wishing Goodreads allowed .5 ratings. The multi-perspective structure is always a favorite of mine. I’ve always felt like it keeps things fresh and offers insight into the lives of different characters. The writing also has a bit of cinematic flair, which gave the story a grounded realism that I appreciated.
April had me at my wit’s end with her irrational choices however. I swear, I found myself mentally screaming, For the love of God, April! I mean, how many bad decisions can one person make before someone tells her to get it together. That said, I did like the idea of the plot. It had promise, an interesting premise, and the potential to be something really good. But it could’ve used a little more… substance? Some moments lacked the emotional depth to really land, and the plot felt like it was trying to go for something deeper but just couldn’t quite pull it off. And the ending? Oh boy. It was like the plot was on cruise control, pacing along steadily, and then—bam!—everything suddenly falls into place while new situations are quickly tossed in. Then, just as quickly, it’s over. I couldn’t help but think, Well, that was a bit lackluster.
That being said, the character dynamics were somewhat strong. I found myself wondering what I would do in their situations, which is always something I enjoy in a book. Overall, I’d say it’s a somewhat enjoyable read that left me wanting just a touch more. Nothing I’d write home about, but I guess I’d mention it if someone asked, though I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC!
April had me at my wit’s end with her irrational choices however. I swear, I found myself mentally screaming, For the love of God, April! I mean, how many bad decisions can one person make before someone tells her to get it together. That said, I did like the idea of the plot. It had promise, an interesting premise, and the potential to be something really good. But it could’ve used a little more… substance? Some moments lacked the emotional depth to really land, and the plot felt like it was trying to go for something deeper but just couldn’t quite pull it off. And the ending? Oh boy. It was like the plot was on cruise control, pacing along steadily, and then—bam!—everything suddenly falls into place while new situations are quickly tossed in. Then, just as quickly, it’s over. I couldn’t help but think, Well, that was a bit lackluster.
That being said, the character dynamics were somewhat strong. I found myself wondering what I would do in their situations, which is always something I enjoy in a book. Overall, I’d say it’s a somewhat enjoyable read that left me wanting just a touch more. Nothing I’d write home about, but I guess I’d mention it if someone asked, though I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC!
May 12, 2025
Such Good People had me hooked from the beginning. It is a compelling read about the depths and devastation of social injustice stemming from societal inequity. I learned a bit about re-entry into society after incarceration as well as the emotional and physical trauma that ensues. The overarching storyline concerns the gravest miscarriage of justice and the rippling effect it has. Other thematic issues addressed are acceptance, friendship, forgiveness, loyalty to others and honesty to oneself. Quite a feat! Such Food People is captivating and it held my interest as I read it in two days!
The one main character, April, is three dimensional, round and dynamic. However the other MC, Rudy, lacks such depth, which is disappointing. The secondary characters also are well developed. I could actually picture them! The dialogue and interactions seem authentic. I really like the character’s POV switching with each chapter. The action builds up momentum to a satisfying climax. However, the denouement is missing an important thread that is left dangling and unresolved- another disappointment.
The author writes in a beautiful literary style with the use of interesting metaphors and imagery as well as excellent word choice. The writer’s craft is delightful to read and sets this narrative apart from others in this genre. Thanks to NetGalley and SparkPress publishing for a complimentary ARC.
The one main character, April, is three dimensional, round and dynamic. However the other MC, Rudy, lacks such depth, which is disappointing. The secondary characters also are well developed. I could actually picture them! The dialogue and interactions seem authentic. I really like the character’s POV switching with each chapter. The action builds up momentum to a satisfying climax. However, the denouement is missing an important thread that is left dangling and unresolved- another disappointment.
The author writes in a beautiful literary style with the use of interesting metaphors and imagery as well as excellent word choice. The writer’s craft is delightful to read and sets this narrative apart from others in this genre. Thanks to NetGalley and SparkPress publishing for a complimentary ARC.
June 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and to the SparkPress for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting read overall, with a story that had a lot of potential. The characters were okay for me; not super standout, but believable enough that I cared for them and wanted to see how things would play out for them in the end.
It felt a little slow or disjointed at times, and I found myself losing focus here and there. I wouldn’t say it was bad by any means — the story itself was meaningful — I just wish the pacing or structure had kept me more engaged throughout.
Overall, I’m still glad I read it, and I appreciate the chance to check it out early.
This was an interesting read overall, with a story that had a lot of potential. The characters were okay for me; not super standout, but believable enough that I cared for them and wanted to see how things would play out for them in the end.
It felt a little slow or disjointed at times, and I found myself losing focus here and there. I wouldn’t say it was bad by any means — the story itself was meaningful — I just wish the pacing or structure had kept me more engaged throughout.
Overall, I’m still glad I read it, and I appreciate the chance to check it out early.
November 7, 2025
I have been binge watching Drop Dead Diva for the past few months and it has me interested in what happens in a courtroom and how the law can work for or against someone. All I know is that Rudy DeFranco would have never seen the inside of a prison if he had Jane/Deb or any of the other lawyers from Harrison and Parker defending him.
In Amy Blumenfeld's sophomore novel, Such Good People, Rudy is given a raw deal in life, locked away for a homicide that was the result of an accident during a bar fight. The situation has a huge impact on his best friend April and a ripple effect on her life when he is released thirteen years later. Told from the perspectives of Rudy, April, April's husband, and a former college classmate, Such Good People looks at where people draw the line between right and wrong or innocent and guilty.
I loved this novel and can't stop thinking about it! It is just so captivating and well-written. It shows how easily people make judgements when they aren't given all the facts and how that can negatively impact people's lives. So many things made me angry on behalf of April and Rudy. I don't want to say too much as to not spoil anything. I just hated that Rudy didn't get a fair trial to begin with. There's a Cold Case feel to this story, as well. I liked the different perspectives and how the went back and forth in time.
My only minor issue was grammatical in nature. While everyone's perspective was written in third person, there were times the characters would slip into first person. I don't know if this was by accident and was fixed for final publication. It didn't ruin how great this novel was, but it took me by surprise. It's about as jarring as when someone changes between past and present tense or the narrative switches without any section or chapter break.
I highly recommend checking this one out as soon as possible! It's such an important and worthwhile read. There's a lot of emotional impact, as well.
Amy's debut novel, The Cast (reviewed here), came out seven years ago. I hope she doesn't wait that long to release another novel!
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions (for the present timeline):
April: Elizabeth Lail
Rudy: Lorenzo James Henrie
Peter: Corey Sevier
Jillian: Erin Yvette
Tommy: David Henrie (I like the idea of brothers playing brothers)
Isla: Laura Marano
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central.
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TW: Incarceration. PTSD. Paparazzi. Bullying. Aging parents. Death of young adult.
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central.
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TW: Incarceration. PTSD. Paparazzi. Bullying. Aging parents. Death of young adult.
November 21, 2025
You know when you read 'those' stories where something bad happens to a good person, and jail time is involved, and then you spend a good portion of the book 'in jail' and even moreso, 'in the courtroom'? This is NOT one of those books. This story is about the good in people, and the choices they make, and the RIPPLE EFFECT it has on those close to you. One mistake, one choice, can have life-changing results. It's how you manage those results - how you pivot - how you survive. April and Rudy are childhood friends - one comes from a more affluent home than the other. Children don't notice these things. Children grow up. They go to school. They drift a little, and then they come back to each other. One fateful night, Rudy and April's lives change forever. One moves forward, one is stuck - yet they are forever tied to each other.
I loved that this story focused on the flaws and the honest efforts 'such good people' are built on. I believed in these characters, and trusted the author to surprise me with the growth and ultimate love that 'such good people' are capable of. Can't wait to read more from this author. So well done.
I loved that this story focused on the flaws and the honest efforts 'such good people' are built on. I believed in these characters, and trusted the author to surprise me with the growth and ultimate love that 'such good people' are capable of. Can't wait to read more from this author. So well done.
June 18, 2025
Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld. Thanks to @sparkpress for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best friends April and Rudy are involved in an altercation that leaves Rudy incarcerated. Now, fifteen years later, Rudy is up for parole. April is happily married with a family, and her husband running for local office. This parole throws her life into turmoil.
This was a great story about how fast mistakes can change lives and how long it can take for justice to be restored. This story would appeal to those that enjoy journalistic investigations, as well as legal battles and the positive side of politics. I loved the struggles of April and Peter’s marriage, which felt very real. In the end their love for each other showed and there was room for growth as well.
“Today’s the day he has been promised but if there’s a single lesson he has learned, it’s that nothing in life is guaranteed.”
Such Good People comes out 7/8.
Best friends April and Rudy are involved in an altercation that leaves Rudy incarcerated. Now, fifteen years later, Rudy is up for parole. April is happily married with a family, and her husband running for local office. This parole throws her life into turmoil.
This was a great story about how fast mistakes can change lives and how long it can take for justice to be restored. This story would appeal to those that enjoy journalistic investigations, as well as legal battles and the positive side of politics. I loved the struggles of April and Peter’s marriage, which felt very real. In the end their love for each other showed and there was room for growth as well.
“Today’s the day he has been promised but if there’s a single lesson he has learned, it’s that nothing in life is guaranteed.”
Such Good People comes out 7/8.
June 26, 2025
thank you netgalley for the arc <333
this book was a little out of my comfort zone in terms of books I go for, but I think it was also a nice change and palette cleanser !!
it poses the question of "why do bad things happen to (such) good people" and it's written in third person and multiple povs
while the book was a little slow moving at first, i think once I got a better understanding of what had happened i was hooked
the main povs are rudy, april and jill, who all knew each other in college but because of a sort of misunderstood situation rudy ends up in jail and the book starts with him being released early
learning more about their individual stories, it really created this narrative of the unjust legal system and was commentary on how with wealth and status you can morph a story into a good guy vs a bad guy
which i thought was so interesting because when reading rudy and april's pov i was like that night just didnt make sense like the math was not adding up
anyway i thought the way this book ended was super satisfying and im very happy that these characters were able to change the narrative even years later !
this book was a little out of my comfort zone in terms of books I go for, but I think it was also a nice change and palette cleanser !!
it poses the question of "why do bad things happen to (such) good people" and it's written in third person and multiple povs
while the book was a little slow moving at first, i think once I got a better understanding of what had happened i was hooked
the main povs are rudy, april and jill, who all knew each other in college but because of a sort of misunderstood situation rudy ends up in jail and the book starts with him being released early
learning more about their individual stories, it really created this narrative of the unjust legal system and was commentary on how with wealth and status you can morph a story into a good guy vs a bad guy
which i thought was so interesting because when reading rudy and april's pov i was like that night just didnt make sense like the math was not adding up
anyway i thought the way this book ended was super satisfying and im very happy that these characters were able to change the narrative even years later !
October 24, 2025
This is a beautiful story filled with such good people. Touching on justice, incarceration, marriage, lifelong friendship, caring for aging parents and so much more, I felt for the Zagodas and the Defrancos. It’s a well crafted multiple POV story populated with complex characters choosing paths out of difficult situations. I loved it.
April 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this as a whole, as it has a strong, compelling plot and well-developed characters. However, one character begins one way, then morphs into the antithesis of himself, and then reverts back. Didn't really make sense to me and was distracting. Would love to better understand the author's thinking here. So be prepared! For me, it was very jolting and didn't follow the logic of what had been established, and I probably spent way too long thinking about it and going back to try to find some clue that this part of the character's personality lurked under the surface. It could just be me that it hit this way!
Other than this strange character shift, I think this novel asks some important questions about justice, how we respond when faced with hard choices, and most importantly, the endurance of deep friendships. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing a digital ARC for review.
Other than this strange character shift, I think this novel asks some important questions about justice, how we respond when faced with hard choices, and most importantly, the endurance of deep friendships. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing a digital ARC for review.
July 11, 2025
In perhaps the sweetest of meet cutes, young Rudy crosses the space between the apartment building where he lives and the home next door of young April, telling her parents he’s going to dig a tunnel connecting the two in case she ever needs him for anything.
Turns out, she’s going to need him.
Best friends, the two weave in and out of each other’s childhoods, living as they do, neighbors in Brooklyn, friends, and only friends, who lean on each other always.
One night, in the spring of her freshman year of college, April is waiting in a crowded bar for Rudy, who she hasn’t seen in a while, to arrive so they can catch up.
Instead, a drunk young man who had been hitting on April ends up dead.
In a whirlwind, Rudy is arrested, jailed, and sent away for an interminable amount of time - his guilt more a nod to social injustice than to any real evidence of a crime. Initially, April is steadfast - she will atone for this wrong she knows has befallen her best friend, but time goes by, she meets handsome attorney Peter, moves to Chicago, and has a life Rudy won’t.
Years later, April’s two worlds threaten to collide: just as Peter is set to win a local election, Rudy is up for parole.
And now everything is a mess.
April must do some soul searching and make a tough decision: to whom will she remain loyal?
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Woah. This was a weird, wild ride.
Defying genre - decade spanning family drama, intimate character study, mystery, contemplation on society? - it will keep you on your toes. Told in multiple timelines and different voices, the reader gets a real sense of how of how each player is dealing with these circumstances.
I was enthralled by the blurred lines and how choices we make have a stunning ripple effect on our entire lives; things always have the potential to revisit you, especially when you become complacent.
While Rudy is wholesome and relatable, April is less straightforward and teeters between a character you love and one you might hate. Peter adds another layer, and his arc is both upsetting and understandable. Plus, there’s Jillian, former college acquaintance, once instigator, and redemptively journalist and savior in Rudy’s life, the most complex of them all.
There was one piece to the story that was kept hidden from the reader out of necessity which I found incredibly frustrating until it was revealed much later - though I understood the why, I wish it had been done differently. Not enough to dampen any enjoyment though!
If you’re looking for something quiet and unexpected, I recommend this one.
Turns out, she’s going to need him.
Best friends, the two weave in and out of each other’s childhoods, living as they do, neighbors in Brooklyn, friends, and only friends, who lean on each other always.
One night, in the spring of her freshman year of college, April is waiting in a crowded bar for Rudy, who she hasn’t seen in a while, to arrive so they can catch up.
Instead, a drunk young man who had been hitting on April ends up dead.
In a whirlwind, Rudy is arrested, jailed, and sent away for an interminable amount of time - his guilt more a nod to social injustice than to any real evidence of a crime. Initially, April is steadfast - she will atone for this wrong she knows has befallen her best friend, but time goes by, she meets handsome attorney Peter, moves to Chicago, and has a life Rudy won’t.
Years later, April’s two worlds threaten to collide: just as Peter is set to win a local election, Rudy is up for parole.
And now everything is a mess.
April must do some soul searching and make a tough decision: to whom will she remain loyal?
__
Woah. This was a weird, wild ride.
Defying genre - decade spanning family drama, intimate character study, mystery, contemplation on society? - it will keep you on your toes. Told in multiple timelines and different voices, the reader gets a real sense of how of how each player is dealing with these circumstances.
I was enthralled by the blurred lines and how choices we make have a stunning ripple effect on our entire lives; things always have the potential to revisit you, especially when you become complacent.
While Rudy is wholesome and relatable, April is less straightforward and teeters between a character you love and one you might hate. Peter adds another layer, and his arc is both upsetting and understandable. Plus, there’s Jillian, former college acquaintance, once instigator, and redemptively journalist and savior in Rudy’s life, the most complex of them all.
There was one piece to the story that was kept hidden from the reader out of necessity which I found incredibly frustrating until it was revealed much later - though I understood the why, I wish it had been done differently. Not enough to dampen any enjoyment though!
If you’re looking for something quiet and unexpected, I recommend this one.
May 9, 2025
April and Rudy have been best friends since they first met as kids at the park; their families are like family to each other. During a school trip back to New York during April’s first year of college, a terrible sequence of events takes the life of an acquaintance, resulting in Rudy’s conviction and a 15-year jail sentence.
Starting in the present, where April is married to Peter with three young children and fast approaching election for state attorney, then flashing back to the past, the story is told mostly through the alternating perspectives of April and Rudy. Thrown into the mix are a couple of chapters written from the points of view of Jill, April’s classmate from college, and Peter, April’s husband.
Rarely have I read a book that had me wanting to shout at the characters—it was like watching a scary movie and wanting to warn the protagonist to look under the bed. While I found myself wanting the story to evolve quicker, the suspense also compelled me to continue reading at a fast pace and added to the character and plot development.
Despite my occasional frustration, I really liked this book and found it a compelling read. I appreciated the nuances of the plot, and April and Rudy were both endearing characters I found myself rooting for. I found Peter to be off-putting and a bit of a jerk, to be honest; but he redeemed himself in the end. We saw only a limited amount from his viewpoint, and I think more from him may have provided the insight needed to make his character more relatable.
Reflecting after reading the final pages, this novel gave me big feelings and provided strong reflections on society. I highly recommend it, 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for providing me with a digital ARC for review.
Starting in the present, where April is married to Peter with three young children and fast approaching election for state attorney, then flashing back to the past, the story is told mostly through the alternating perspectives of April and Rudy. Thrown into the mix are a couple of chapters written from the points of view of Jill, April’s classmate from college, and Peter, April’s husband.
Rarely have I read a book that had me wanting to shout at the characters—it was like watching a scary movie and wanting to warn the protagonist to look under the bed. While I found myself wanting the story to evolve quicker, the suspense also compelled me to continue reading at a fast pace and added to the character and plot development.
Despite my occasional frustration, I really liked this book and found it a compelling read. I appreciated the nuances of the plot, and April and Rudy were both endearing characters I found myself rooting for. I found Peter to be off-putting and a bit of a jerk, to be honest; but he redeemed himself in the end. We saw only a limited amount from his viewpoint, and I think more from him may have provided the insight needed to make his character more relatable.
Reflecting after reading the final pages, this novel gave me big feelings and provided strong reflections on society. I highly recommend it, 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for providing me with a digital ARC for review.
August 7, 2025
What happens when everything you’ve worked for, everything you thought you knew, and everything you expected to happen is turned on its head during one night of ill-fated connections? And what happens if a dozen years later everything you thought you had known, everything you had established, and everything you were hoping for gets turned on its head again because of the events of that same night. These are the questions that Amy Blumenfeld grapples with in her engrossing new novel, Such Good People. This is a tightly woven story with a small cast of characters whose lives are irrevocably changed one night in New York. The strongest parts of the story are the medico–legal drama in the modern day section - areas Blumenfeld knows well and roots in the Jewish concept of “justice justice you shall pursue”. Thank you to NetGalley and Sparkpress for the DRC.
August 3, 2025
My favorite book of the year!
June 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC read!
This story follows childhood best friends April and study as they navigate the tragedy of Rudy being falsely convicted of murder and the time following his release. The story is gripping and emotional and creates a beautiful perspective on the injustices many people face.
I loved the multi POV aspect of the story, getting to hear each persons perspective really adds to the overall reading experience. However I agree with a lot of others saying that some of the characters lacked the depth that the story really could’ve used. You get a lot of April’s inner emotions and thoughts but it’s really missing from some of the other important characters. The last half of the book felt very rushed and missing a lot of what could’ve made this story a 5 star read for me.
Overall I enjoyed the concept and would recommend this book! I just wish it was a bit longer and dove deeper into some of the more complex themes like Rudy’s reintegration to society and Peter’s overall experience.
This story follows childhood best friends April and study as they navigate the tragedy of Rudy being falsely convicted of murder and the time following his release. The story is gripping and emotional and creates a beautiful perspective on the injustices many people face.
I loved the multi POV aspect of the story, getting to hear each persons perspective really adds to the overall reading experience. However I agree with a lot of others saying that some of the characters lacked the depth that the story really could’ve used. You get a lot of April’s inner emotions and thoughts but it’s really missing from some of the other important characters. The last half of the book felt very rushed and missing a lot of what could’ve made this story a 5 star read for me.
Overall I enjoyed the concept and would recommend this book! I just wish it was a bit longer and dove deeper into some of the more complex themes like Rudy’s reintegration to society and Peter’s overall experience.
June 19, 2025
Such a good book about such good people.
April and Rudy are childhood best friends who somehow managed to keep their close bond intact well into adolescence. That is, until one night an incident at an event changes the trajectories of both of their lives forever. Thirteen years later, Rudy is about to be released from prison while April is supporting her husband in his campaign for state's attorney when their shared past is unearthed.
Blumenfeld’s personal background as the daughter of a public defender-turned-judge and raised in an environment where the motto "Justice, justice you shall pursue" was held in high esteem clearly informs the novel’s nuanced treatment of the legal system. The moral complexity and institutional critique at the heart of the story feel authentic and earned. "Such Good People" delivers not only an engrossing legal case and a poignant commentary on social injustices and the shortfalls of the American justice system, but also a moving exploration of the ripple effects on the people caught within its orbit.
While the narrative isn't without its imperfections - Peter changes his moods more often than his socks, I am still mulling over the immediate need for pink sweatpants, and April's really bad choices upon Rudy's release were sometimes frustrating -, the novel had me hooked until its - admittedly somewhat unexpectedly swift and tidy - ending.
Ultimately, "Such Good People" is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant novel about friendship, loyalty, and the lasting impact of the American justice system and its imperfections on individuals and relationships. This is Amy Blumenfeld's second novel, and I’m eager to see what direction her storytelling takes next.
Many thanks to SparkPress and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"Such Good People" is slated to be released on July 8, 2025.
April and Rudy are childhood best friends who somehow managed to keep their close bond intact well into adolescence. That is, until one night an incident at an event changes the trajectories of both of their lives forever. Thirteen years later, Rudy is about to be released from prison while April is supporting her husband in his campaign for state's attorney when their shared past is unearthed.
Blumenfeld’s personal background as the daughter of a public defender-turned-judge and raised in an environment where the motto "Justice, justice you shall pursue" was held in high esteem clearly informs the novel’s nuanced treatment of the legal system. The moral complexity and institutional critique at the heart of the story feel authentic and earned. "Such Good People" delivers not only an engrossing legal case and a poignant commentary on social injustices and the shortfalls of the American justice system, but also a moving exploration of the ripple effects on the people caught within its orbit.
While the narrative isn't without its imperfections - Peter changes his moods more often than his socks, I am still mulling over the immediate need for pink sweatpants, and April's really bad choices upon Rudy's release were sometimes frustrating -, the novel had me hooked until its - admittedly somewhat unexpectedly swift and tidy - ending.
Ultimately, "Such Good People" is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant novel about friendship, loyalty, and the lasting impact of the American justice system and its imperfections on individuals and relationships. This is Amy Blumenfeld's second novel, and I’m eager to see what direction her storytelling takes next.
Many thanks to SparkPress and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"Such Good People" is slated to be released on July 8, 2025.
June 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC.
Such Good People follows April and Rudy, who grew up together in a Brooklyn neighborhood, their friendship sealed early on during a sweet moment on the playground slide. From then on, they were inseparable—especially Rudy, who quietly carried a love for April he never had the courage to say out loud. What he did have was a fierce protectiveness, even as a kid. That instinct—beautiful and heartbreaking—ultimately led him to spend nearly fifteen years in prison.
In the “present day” timeline, April is now living in Chicago with her husband, Peter, and their three kids. Peter’s in the middle of a local election campaign when Rudy unexpectedly comes up for parole two years early. His release is good behavior–related, but his connection to April could be politically damaging. Suddenly April is caught between helping the person who once took the fall for her and supporting the man who now expects her to quietly step back.
One of the things I appreciated was that April’s friends never doubted her. A lot of narratives would’ve added drama by having her lose those friendships too, but here, they stand by her. It was refreshing. Less refreshing was Peter’s reaction—I actually really liked him at first, but the more pressure he put on April about Rudy, the harder it became to stay on his side. It was in those moments that I found myself rooting for a different kind of reunion. Is it so wrong to want her to end up with her childhood best friend? The one who once told her he’d always protect her, even when they were just kids on a playground?
Speaking of Rudy—I adored his younger self. That fierce loyalty, the quiet way he loved April, his awkward protectiveness—it made what happened to him feel all the more gutting. I just kept thinking how unfair it was that he spent so many years behind bars for a crime he didn’t even commit.
Not all the characters landed for me. Jillian, in particular, grated on my nerves. I think she was written to be frustrating, but I genuinely hated her during the college-years timeline. She does redeem herself later, sure—but whew, it was a journey.
One thing that did give me pause, especially early on, was the author’s word choice. There were moments when the prose leaned a little heavy on the thesaurus—terms like “dichotomous” and “amalgamation” popped up early, and later on “analogous” made an appearance too. I don’t mind elevated language in general, but when it’s used in narrative—not dialogue—it can sometimes feel more like showing off than serving the story. Thankfully, the writing did ease up as the book went on, but it still pulled me out of the moment a few times.
And okay, petty note, but I had a moment of confusion when April called it the Sears Tower in what’s supposed to be the “now” timeline. I eventually realized this story takes place somewhere between 2000 and 2014, so technically it works, but it still pulled me out a bit—especially since the name officially changed in 2009.
Despite a few things that irked me, this book pulled me in. Such Good People is a story about loyalty, love, second chances, and the impossible choices that come with growing up and growing apart. The ending gave me the resolution I was hoping for—not perfect, but satisfying.
Such Good People follows April and Rudy, who grew up together in a Brooklyn neighborhood, their friendship sealed early on during a sweet moment on the playground slide. From then on, they were inseparable—especially Rudy, who quietly carried a love for April he never had the courage to say out loud. What he did have was a fierce protectiveness, even as a kid. That instinct—beautiful and heartbreaking—ultimately led him to spend nearly fifteen years in prison.
In the “present day” timeline, April is now living in Chicago with her husband, Peter, and their three kids. Peter’s in the middle of a local election campaign when Rudy unexpectedly comes up for parole two years early. His release is good behavior–related, but his connection to April could be politically damaging. Suddenly April is caught between helping the person who once took the fall for her and supporting the man who now expects her to quietly step back.
One of the things I appreciated was that April’s friends never doubted her. A lot of narratives would’ve added drama by having her lose those friendships too, but here, they stand by her. It was refreshing. Less refreshing was Peter’s reaction—I actually really liked him at first, but the more pressure he put on April about Rudy, the harder it became to stay on his side. It was in those moments that I found myself rooting for a different kind of reunion. Is it so wrong to want her to end up with her childhood best friend? The one who once told her he’d always protect her, even when they were just kids on a playground?
Speaking of Rudy—I adored his younger self. That fierce loyalty, the quiet way he loved April, his awkward protectiveness—it made what happened to him feel all the more gutting. I just kept thinking how unfair it was that he spent so many years behind bars for a crime he didn’t even commit.
Not all the characters landed for me. Jillian, in particular, grated on my nerves. I think she was written to be frustrating, but I genuinely hated her during the college-years timeline. She does redeem herself later, sure—but whew, it was a journey.
One thing that did give me pause, especially early on, was the author’s word choice. There were moments when the prose leaned a little heavy on the thesaurus—terms like “dichotomous” and “amalgamation” popped up early, and later on “analogous” made an appearance too. I don’t mind elevated language in general, but when it’s used in narrative—not dialogue—it can sometimes feel more like showing off than serving the story. Thankfully, the writing did ease up as the book went on, but it still pulled me out of the moment a few times.
And okay, petty note, but I had a moment of confusion when April called it the Sears Tower in what’s supposed to be the “now” timeline. I eventually realized this story takes place somewhere between 2000 and 2014, so technically it works, but it still pulled me out a bit—especially since the name officially changed in 2009.
Despite a few things that irked me, this book pulled me in. Such Good People is a story about loyalty, love, second chances, and the impossible choices that come with growing up and growing apart. The ending gave me the resolution I was hoping for—not perfect, but satisfying.
July 6, 2025
April and Rudy are childhood best friends whose lives are turned upside down when a bar fight ends in death, Rudy is incarcerated, and April is left feeling an unrelenting guilt for inviting Rudy out in the first place. The story is told in dual timelines (during the bar fight and trial, and Rudy’s release) and through the perspectives of Rudy, April and Jillian, a former classmate and journalist.
I feel like there is a good story in here, but the way it was set up just fell flat for me. First, Jillian is barely connected to Rudy and April, yet her perspective gets equal real estate to Rudy and April’s. I honestly found her character, her tenacity and her journalistic drive to be the most interesting and compelling parts of the book, and probably would have preferred a stand alone book on her investigating a crime that took place with a former college classmate. But wedging her in with the best friends, especially when going back and forth, in time and POV, it wasn’t working for me.
Rudy felt very one dimensional. “I’m a nice boy who went to prison for 15 years. April’s my bestie! I have a nice family! …okay, that’s all!” He talked to a therapist for maybe a page, but other than that and brief mentions of panic attacks in the city of the bar where the fight took place, there is no introspection from him. Not one mention of his experiences in prison! Nothing on the “outside” triggered memories from FIFTEEN YEARS in prison?! And, no spoilers, but when Jillian reaches out to him his only reaction is happy?! He thought she was the most annoying person on earth pre-prison, like…come on.
April’s character was the only one who felt fleshed out and three dimensional. Juggling the weight of guilt, trying to make amends, then motherhood, career, husband, his political campaign, aging parents, her best friend’s prison release, and trying to re-establish a relationship with your bestie when his life had been paused for 15 years…I felt that pressure! However, her husband’s Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde transformations, and her just being OKAY with him after all that gave me whiplash! Obviously there’s a lot of pressure when campaigning, but they don’t work that out in the book so she just seems like she cool with being an emotionally abused spouse.
My only other gripe is that I felt like the author spent too much time in each “chunk” of time. If you’re going to write in dual timelines, leave us hanging a bit! Staying in one place for, I don’t know, 30 pages or so, THEN going back in time or forward in time, just kind of took me out of it once I had just gotten settled.
All in all, there’s a good story in there. I realize this review is mostly complaints (lol), but I don’t want to potentially spoil anything by mentioning all the parts I liked! I give it a solid 3 stars. Thanks #NetGalley for the ARC!
I feel like there is a good story in here, but the way it was set up just fell flat for me. First, Jillian is barely connected to Rudy and April, yet her perspective gets equal real estate to Rudy and April’s. I honestly found her character, her tenacity and her journalistic drive to be the most interesting and compelling parts of the book, and probably would have preferred a stand alone book on her investigating a crime that took place with a former college classmate. But wedging her in with the best friends, especially when going back and forth, in time and POV, it wasn’t working for me.
Rudy felt very one dimensional. “I’m a nice boy who went to prison for 15 years. April’s my bestie! I have a nice family! …okay, that’s all!” He talked to a therapist for maybe a page, but other than that and brief mentions of panic attacks in the city of the bar where the fight took place, there is no introspection from him. Not one mention of his experiences in prison! Nothing on the “outside” triggered memories from FIFTEEN YEARS in prison?! And, no spoilers, but when Jillian reaches out to him his only reaction is happy?! He thought she was the most annoying person on earth pre-prison, like…come on.
April’s character was the only one who felt fleshed out and three dimensional. Juggling the weight of guilt, trying to make amends, then motherhood, career, husband, his political campaign, aging parents, her best friend’s prison release, and trying to re-establish a relationship with your bestie when his life had been paused for 15 years…I felt that pressure! However, her husband’s Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde transformations, and her just being OKAY with him after all that gave me whiplash! Obviously there’s a lot of pressure when campaigning, but they don’t work that out in the book so she just seems like she cool with being an emotionally abused spouse.
My only other gripe is that I felt like the author spent too much time in each “chunk” of time. If you’re going to write in dual timelines, leave us hanging a bit! Staying in one place for, I don’t know, 30 pages or so, THEN going back in time or forward in time, just kind of took me out of it once I had just gotten settled.
All in all, there’s a good story in there. I realize this review is mostly complaints (lol), but I don’t want to potentially spoil anything by mentioning all the parts I liked! I give it a solid 3 stars. Thanks #NetGalley for the ARC!
May 24, 2025
Such Good People is one of those rare novels that wraps you in beauty while quietly breaking your heart. At its essence, this book is about friendship and loyalty, but beneath this warmth lies a deeper exploration of justice and the ripple effects of split decisions. It’s the quiet moral reckoning that haunts the reader even days after finishing the novel.
Amy Blumenfeld’s writing is graceful and emotionally intelligent. In her hands, grief and ethical complexities are given care and do not cross over into melodrama. Dual timelines and multiple points of view work seamlessly to create a cohesive story spanning more than a decade, marked by both love and sorrow. Blumenfeld taps into quiet, universal truths with a simplicity that makes the reader pause. In one instance, she asks: How can a cataclysm for one human being be just another day in the life of someone else? It’s a shared human experience she asks the reader to consider – those moments that completely change our lives while simultaneously feeling the world, somehow, just keeps on moving.
What struck me the most was how the central characters remain steady in their loyalty and love, even as their circumstances change. Their constancy creates an emotional throughline that the reader can depend on. There is one character whose evolution brings a subtle redemption arc to the narrative. But I’m still mad at them!
At first glance, the title Such Good People seems complementary. The phrase appears several times throughout the novel, and each time it takes on a more complicated meaning. What does it mean to be good? Is a good person defined by the intention or the outcome of their actions? Can loyalty, love, and ambition pull us into gray areas? And how do we behave when we find ourselves there? This beautiful book doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does invite deep, honest reflection.
Highly recommend this to readers who enjoyed An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, Atonement by Ian McEwan, and of course, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Amy Blumenfeld’s writing is graceful and emotionally intelligent. In her hands, grief and ethical complexities are given care and do not cross over into melodrama. Dual timelines and multiple points of view work seamlessly to create a cohesive story spanning more than a decade, marked by both love and sorrow. Blumenfeld taps into quiet, universal truths with a simplicity that makes the reader pause. In one instance, she asks: How can a cataclysm for one human being be just another day in the life of someone else? It’s a shared human experience she asks the reader to consider – those moments that completely change our lives while simultaneously feeling the world, somehow, just keeps on moving.
What struck me the most was how the central characters remain steady in their loyalty and love, even as their circumstances change. Their constancy creates an emotional throughline that the reader can depend on. There is one character whose evolution brings a subtle redemption arc to the narrative. But I’m still mad at them!
At first glance, the title Such Good People seems complementary. The phrase appears several times throughout the novel, and each time it takes on a more complicated meaning. What does it mean to be good? Is a good person defined by the intention or the outcome of their actions? Can loyalty, love, and ambition pull us into gray areas? And how do we behave when we find ourselves there? This beautiful book doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does invite deep, honest reflection.
Highly recommend this to readers who enjoyed An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, Atonement by Ian McEwan, and of course, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2025
This is your classic "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" trope. Alice & Rudy have been best friends since they met on the playground in elementary school. Their ideal little world changes in one night, when as teenagers, Alice was being harassed at a bar by a drunken man and Rudy pulls out his Swiss Army knife to get the man to back off. While it is never clear whether Rudy actually stabbed him or the cut that the drunk man incurred was through their struggle, the man ends up dying the next day. I never quite believed that the man died from just being stabbed in the arm, but Rudy ends up being arrested for murder. And here begins the legal representation for each person...the drunk man who came from a wealthy, to-do family and Rudy, whose family was struggling to make ends meet. We can see the disparity from the get-go. Rudy takes a plea deal as recommended by his attorney and spends 13 years in prison for what I think was a questionable conviction. Over the years, various people have their consciences pulled in different directions over the handling of the whole situation. We see how the media comes in to play and how things get turned upside down in a hot minute. I found all of the characters to be well-developed and the story to be quite engaging.
Many thanks to NetGalley & SparkPress for an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley & SparkPress for an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
July 29, 2025
I just finished reading 'Such Good People' by Amy Blumenfeld, and I'm still reeling from the experience. The characters are so well-developed and relatable that I felt like I was right there with them through the ups and downs of their journey. This book has a way of evoking so many emotions - I laughed, I cried, and I felt all the feels in between.
What really resonated with me were the themes of love, loyalty, and the choices we make. These are universal themes that hit close to home, and Blumenfeld handles them with care and nuance. The way she explores the complexities of human relationships and the tough decisions we have to make is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. This book is a powerful reminder that our choices have consequences, and that love and loyalty can be both beautiful and brutal.
Overall, I highly recommend 'Such Good People' to anyone who loves contemporary fiction, character-driven stories, and exploring the human condition. It's a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
What really resonated with me were the themes of love, loyalty, and the choices we make. These are universal themes that hit close to home, and Blumenfeld handles them with care and nuance. The way she explores the complexities of human relationships and the tough decisions we have to make is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. This book is a powerful reminder that our choices have consequences, and that love and loyalty can be both beautiful and brutal.
Overall, I highly recommend 'Such Good People' to anyone who loves contemporary fiction, character-driven stories, and exploring the human condition. It's a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
June 9, 2025
if anything, my main takeaway from this is to not go somewhere just because you get invited 😂
such good people is a compelling read that lets you in on the world of lawyers, wrongfully accused, reporters, and politicians. it draws perspectives from each one and paints a picture of the complexities of life and loyalties.
when things start hitting the fan, emotions run high and normal routines goes awry. fighting for justice isn’t always easy and it takes the right set of people to push through the odds and lay everything on the line. cue, jillian jones - the story’s main catalyst. her drive brings about multiple waves of events - both good and bad.
overall this was a rollercoaster of a read! the author did a great job on getting us hooked on emotions, feeling for the characters! you may find yourself rooting for them, getting annoyed at them, questioning their choices, and finally relieved.
thank you NetGalley for sending over an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review
such good people is a compelling read that lets you in on the world of lawyers, wrongfully accused, reporters, and politicians. it draws perspectives from each one and paints a picture of the complexities of life and loyalties.
when things start hitting the fan, emotions run high and normal routines goes awry. fighting for justice isn’t always easy and it takes the right set of people to push through the odds and lay everything on the line. cue, jillian jones - the story’s main catalyst. her drive brings about multiple waves of events - both good and bad.
overall this was a rollercoaster of a read! the author did a great job on getting us hooked on emotions, feeling for the characters! you may find yourself rooting for them, getting annoyed at them, questioning their choices, and finally relieved.
thank you NetGalley for sending over an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review
July 18, 2025
Best friends Rudy and April have their lives upended when an altercation leads to Rudy’s arrest and April’s expulsion from college. Rudy is sentenced to 15 years in prison and though April keeps in touch, she separates herself from the incident and starts an entirely new life in Chicago with her husband and three kids. But Rudy’s release from prison sparks new interest in his case and connects April to the crime, forcing her to navigate her past and her present.
I absolutely loved this! The plot is gripping, the characters are flawed but redeemable, and it touches on heavy topics while providing a sense of hope. I enjoyed the format of the story. It starts with the present (Rudy’s release), transitions into the past to learn about the incident, then works back to the present. This works better than switching between the past and present every few chapters. The ending wraps up a little too neatly, in my opinion, but it isn’t completely unrealistic. Thanks to NetGalley, Spark Press, and Amy Blumenfeld for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved this! The plot is gripping, the characters are flawed but redeemable, and it touches on heavy topics while providing a sense of hope. I enjoyed the format of the story. It starts with the present (Rudy’s release), transitions into the past to learn about the incident, then works back to the present. This works better than switching between the past and present every few chapters. The ending wraps up a little too neatly, in my opinion, but it isn’t completely unrealistic. Thanks to NetGalley, Spark Press, and Amy Blumenfeld for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 5, 2025
4.25⭐️
Such Good People is a story revolving around best friends, April and Rudy, and their families following one fateful event that forever alters the course of each their lives. The story alternates between multiple points of view and multiple timelines to tell the story leading up to the event and then fills in some of the pieces in the aftermath. This book takes a deep dive into relationships, trauma, love, friendship, sacrifice, news bias, the imperfect justice system (and its failures), and overall explores the many complexities that all of these things bring to the lives of the characters. This was different than many books I have read recently and I really enjoyed it and would read more by this author. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Such Good People is a story revolving around best friends, April and Rudy, and their families following one fateful event that forever alters the course of each their lives. The story alternates between multiple points of view and multiple timelines to tell the story leading up to the event and then fills in some of the pieces in the aftermath. This book takes a deep dive into relationships, trauma, love, friendship, sacrifice, news bias, the imperfect justice system (and its failures), and overall explores the many complexities that all of these things bring to the lives of the characters. This was different than many books I have read recently and I really enjoyed it and would read more by this author. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
May 13, 2025
Such Good People had me in a chokehold. Wow.
The story is emotionally gripping and thought-provoking.
April and Rudy are inseparable childhood best friends until one mistake leads to Rudy’s incarceration and April’s expulsion from college. Fast forward 15 years: April’s now living a picture-perfect life in Chicago with her husband and 3 kids…until Rudy is up for parole and her past comes crashing back. Suddenly, she’s faced with a heartbreaking choice: protect the life she’s built, or the person who gave it to her.
This book explores so much more than just friendship, love and loyalty. It digs deep into class, privilege, bias, our imperfect justice system and how who you are and where you come from can shape the outcome of your life. The past/present timeline is done so well, and you feel the emotional tension at every turn.
Thank you Netgally and SparksPress for the e-ARC!
The story is emotionally gripping and thought-provoking.
April and Rudy are inseparable childhood best friends until one mistake leads to Rudy’s incarceration and April’s expulsion from college. Fast forward 15 years: April’s now living a picture-perfect life in Chicago with her husband and 3 kids…until Rudy is up for parole and her past comes crashing back. Suddenly, she’s faced with a heartbreaking choice: protect the life she’s built, or the person who gave it to her.
This book explores so much more than just friendship, love and loyalty. It digs deep into class, privilege, bias, our imperfect justice system and how who you are and where you come from can shape the outcome of your life. The past/present timeline is done so well, and you feel the emotional tension at every turn.
Thank you Netgally and SparksPress for the e-ARC!
November 21, 2025
Made it to 40%. Life is too short to spend time reading things that aren’t enjoyable. This reads very flat. It’s so bogged down with extraneous details that pull away from conversations and insights into characters. For instance, I do not care about the court room setting. I do not care about the dirt in a car. Also, the setup for the murder is just dumb and completely implausible. It pulled me right out of the story and made it all so predictable.
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