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Good Woman: A Reckoning
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26A raw and lyrical exploration of the confining expectations of womanhood and, if we dare, what lies beyond those limitations—from a writer Roxane Gay calls “vibrant and thoughtful.”
Gorgeous, raw, badass, and practically waiting to pounce, Good Woman: A Reckoning is acclaimed essayist Savala Nolan’s follow-up to her “standout collection” (New York Times Book Review) Don't Let It Get You Down.
A lifetime of playing by the rules of female social conditioning is not what it’s cracked up to be for Nolan. The years of making herself smaller (literally and metaphorically); the sexual advances that led to more than she wanted; the bad marriage she fought like hell to keep; all the ways others questioned her identity or choices and she let it slide to keep the peace; her silence when requested; her body when desired—none of it worked. None of it protected her the way it was advertised to.
Nolan noticed the same was true for the women around her and the women in history she read about. Across time and location, they were raised to be agreeable and “good.” Hyper-visible as sexual objects but invisible as full people. Living in a physical world created by men for men. Taking on the ultimate role of birth-giver and caretaker, yet seeing it remain an unsung act, even as it’s a God-like creation. Only in midlife did Nolan begin to realize she was capable of living outside these cages of conditioning so slyly insidious that they’re nearly invisible.
Good Woman elegantly probes the knotty conditions themselves, the costs of adhering to them, and what happens when one refuses to comply. The twelve stunning and unforgettable essays blend memoir, reportage, and history to create a collection that is alternately bold, brash, and explosive. . . and ravishingly tender, sensual, and joyous. Nolan takes aim at big and old ideas, and she does not miss. Hers is a testimony to witness and to savor.
Gorgeous, raw, badass, and practically waiting to pounce, Good Woman: A Reckoning is acclaimed essayist Savala Nolan’s follow-up to her “standout collection” (New York Times Book Review) Don't Let It Get You Down.
A lifetime of playing by the rules of female social conditioning is not what it’s cracked up to be for Nolan. The years of making herself smaller (literally and metaphorically); the sexual advances that led to more than she wanted; the bad marriage she fought like hell to keep; all the ways others questioned her identity or choices and she let it slide to keep the peace; her silence when requested; her body when desired—none of it worked. None of it protected her the way it was advertised to.
Nolan noticed the same was true for the women around her and the women in history she read about. Across time and location, they were raised to be agreeable and “good.” Hyper-visible as sexual objects but invisible as full people. Living in a physical world created by men for men. Taking on the ultimate role of birth-giver and caretaker, yet seeing it remain an unsung act, even as it’s a God-like creation. Only in midlife did Nolan begin to realize she was capable of living outside these cages of conditioning so slyly insidious that they’re nearly invisible.
Good Woman elegantly probes the knotty conditions themselves, the costs of adhering to them, and what happens when one refuses to comply. The twelve stunning and unforgettable essays blend memoir, reportage, and history to create a collection that is alternately bold, brash, and explosive. . . and ravishingly tender, sensual, and joyous. Nolan takes aim at big and old ideas, and she does not miss. Hers is a testimony to witness and to savor.
- GenresEssaysNonfictionFeminism
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 3, 2026
5939 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 11, 2025
I’m not quite halfway through this book yet, and I normally don’t review #NetGalley ARCs until I finish the book. But I already know that I will be rating this book very highly. I requested this advance copy because I so enjoyed Savala Nolan’s first book, but this one is better. Don't Let It Get You Down was a memoir; Good Woman is a manifesto. The writing is stronger and more powerful. Professor Nolan has clearly entered her “gives zero f*cks” era, as they say on the peri/menopause Internet, and I am here for it.
September 2, 2025
Good Woman: A Reckoning is a powerful essay collection by Savala Nolan that interrogates the burdens of societal expectations placed on women and imagines life beyond them. Nolan weaves memoir, reportage, history, philosophy, and legal insight across twelve essays that are at once intimate and sweeping in scope.
The collection explores Nolan’s journey from compliance and silence to resistance and clarity: “a lifetime of playing by the rules of female social conditioning,” and how none of it delivered protection or fulfillment the way it promised. Through lyrical, raw prose, Nolan dissects her experiences from unwanted conformity, a troubled marriage, and societal demands placed on identity and body in order to uncover what unfolds when one refuses the script written for them.
The collection explores Nolan’s journey from compliance and silence to resistance and clarity: “a lifetime of playing by the rules of female social conditioning,” and how none of it delivered protection or fulfillment the way it promised. Through lyrical, raw prose, Nolan dissects her experiences from unwanted conformity, a troubled marriage, and societal demands placed on identity and body in order to uncover what unfolds when one refuses the script written for them.
August 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed reading this book. The author’s writing style is smooth, engaging, & direct. Her perspective felt raw & honest & I found myself relating more than I initially thought I would. I appreciated how she gave voice to experiences that are often difficult to articulate.
I enjoyed reading this book. The author’s writing style is smooth, engaging, & direct. Her perspective felt raw & honest & I found myself relating more than I initially thought I would. I appreciated how she gave voice to experiences that are often difficult to articulate.
October 28, 2025
((4.5 stars))
Really enjoyed this collection of essays. Thoughtful and engaging writing. I actually read one chapter a day, sometimes rereading entire sections because I wasn’t ready for it to end. Womanhood, in all its glory, captured brilliantly by Nolan’s sharp commentary.
Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Expected release is March 3, 2026.
Really enjoyed this collection of essays. Thoughtful and engaging writing. I actually read one chapter a day, sometimes rereading entire sections because I wasn’t ready for it to end. Womanhood, in all its glory, captured brilliantly by Nolan’s sharp commentary.
Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Expected release is March 3, 2026.
November 5, 2025
Nolan is a truly incredible writer. The way she weaves together her personal experiences with historical context and commentary on race and gender is masterful. I had my mom read the chapter on motherhood, and she said it was the first time she's seen someone put into words what it's like to be a mom. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful essay collection - pick this one up!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This essay collection was sharp and smart. While not always comfortable to read, it's definitely thought provoking and thoughtful. This is a book as if Roxanne Gay and Andrea Long Chu had collaborated so you know this collection will be a winner.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
December 14, 2025
i received this book in a goodreads give away. thank you to the author and publisher! i really enjoyed some of the essays and discussions the author included. i appreciated her voice throughout. i would read more by her!
Currently reading
August 4, 2025I received a NetGalley ARC from Kasey Feather Assistant Director, Marketing at William Morrow.
December 27, 2025
Do you remember Chicken Soup for the Soul?
Why is she bringing up one of the most popular scholastic book fair options ---
The essays + memoirs shared in this novel, this book has range. At first read/couple stories in, I wasn't sure if this would hit the DNF shelf, and then I read a chapter that felt beyond applicable to a situation similar to my own (no spoilers) made the read more intriguing to me.
If you've ever felt the squeeze of trying to be a "good woman," this book is your essential reckoning. Savala Nolan offers a raw, lyrical, and powerful collection of essays that dissect the subtle-but-insidious social conditioning placed on women. She blends personal memoir (marriage, motherhood, body image) with history and sharp cultural commentary to show the true cost of "playing by the rules."
Thank you NetGalley for this eArc 📚
Why is she bringing up one of the most popular scholastic book fair options ---
The essays + memoirs shared in this novel, this book has range. At first read/couple stories in, I wasn't sure if this would hit the DNF shelf, and then I read a chapter that felt beyond applicable to a situation similar to my own (no spoilers) made the read more intriguing to me.
If you've ever felt the squeeze of trying to be a "good woman," this book is your essential reckoning. Savala Nolan offers a raw, lyrical, and powerful collection of essays that dissect the subtle-but-insidious social conditioning placed on women. She blends personal memoir (marriage, motherhood, body image) with history and sharp cultural commentary to show the true cost of "playing by the rules."
Thank you NetGalley for this eArc 📚
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews