Good People

by Claire Betita de Guzman

What does it really mean to be good?

Set across Southeast Asia, we meet a thief who finds stealing easier than belonging; a serial cheater longing for connection; an ex-prostitute haunted by the life she escaped; an influencer in a world where likes matter more than life.

These are stories about people who want to do right, but do it all wrong - good people grappling with class divide and complicated kinships, testing moral boundaries in the name of love and survival in a world that offers them too little.

Genres: Contemporary, Short Stories

168 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2026

Reviews

[JulienneReads ✧.* ◡̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another book that proves my belief in life—that everything!!!! is rooted in love. 🙂‍↕️✨

I feel like each story showed so many different lives; the majority are far from my own experiences. But it’s fascinating how I see myself relating to different parts of them. We are so different, yet the same!!!! Because again, our common denominator is love. Every decision, every action, every question and every answer... all rooted in love :)

[kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

can we all agree that the greatest campaign of ngisngis is the best story in this collection 🥹

[Neil Franz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Really like the short stories especially Good People (impactful), The Fabulous Former Lives of Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan (napa-kaya pala ako 😅 kasi I did expect something) and Alter Life (what you see isn't always the truth).

And Tita Claire's prose is really good (for me)!

[Pam Z (Pam's Shenanigans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

Good People is as much an exploration of the self as it is a deep dive into what it means to be human, and to be “good” at that.

What I love about this short story collection is that it doesn’t show only “good” people. Instead, it shows people—flawed, hurting, trying—grappling with hardships, whether self-inflicted or born from someone else’s trauma, in a not-so-good world.

These are realistic (albeit fictional) portraits of people doing their best—to do good, or simply to survive. And maybe the meaning of being “good” isn’t universal after all, yeah?

Personal faves from this collection:
>The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis
>A Lifetime of Luxury
>Online Soulmate
>Wake Party

Also sharing my fave quotes:

“For the longest time, I believed that this was what independence looked like: You survive because you expect nothing.”

“How this particular shape of loss—no argument, no ending, just a disappearance—had visited her before.”

[Gab · Rating 4 out of 5]

ngisngis has my whole heart

[Sai theengineerisreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

real-core, 4.5stars!

[eugene miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Geese, by Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.


This book asks what it truly means to be a good person in a very complicated world.

The plot consists of short stories where it follows a cast of flawed characters: a thief who finds stealing easier than fitting in, a serial cheater searching for real connection, an ex-prostitute haunted by her past, and an influencer trapped in a life driven by validation. Each story shows people who want to do what is right but often fail, shaped by class struggles, family ties, and the need to survive.

It is a thoughtful look at how morality is rarely simple, and how even the best intentions can lead to the wrong choices.

I also love how the author can easily transport readers into the settings of the book. I think that’s one of her strengths, especially since this is the second book I’ve read from her.

Here are my top three favorites:

The Fabulous Former Lives of Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan

BLOCKED

Online Soulmate

Four stars.

[Paula M · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really love a book that leaves me staring at the ceiling for hours, just sitting with everything it made me feel!!! that’s Good People you.

YOU CAN WATCH MY FULL REVIEW HERE.

if you’re looking for something beautifully written that captures how complicated and tender human beings can be, something that reminds you that people are never just one thing, this book is absolutely for you.

[Emmzxiee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Good People by Claire Betita De Guzman (@clairebetita).

I had a good cry after finishing it. This book is so perfect for the Lenten season. Most of the stories here made me realize and reflect on things in life.

The last story feels like a warm hug. Good job, Ngisngis, for doing what you think is right. Thank you for doing that for these good people. 🥹🥹

Full review soon.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh, claire betita de guzman when i catch you...

[Diane RB (booksandthensome) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars! I am blown away! Will share more next week during my book tour stop 💯❤️🥰

Book Tour Stop: May 14, 2026


It is finally my tour stop for the Good People Stories Book Tour! It took me several drafts because I want to write something that gives this book the justice it deserves. I am not sure I am doing that, but I tried 🥹

I went in already a fan of Claire Betita De Guzman, Tita Claire, whom I have been a fan of since Sudden Superstar. Now I am an even BIGGER fan. 💯

Good People Stories lingers long after each story, long after the last page. It is slim yet satisfying and definitely a book I would come back to. The book delivers on many of the reasons why we read, and that was what I am conveying here. (Please indulge me with the long-ish notes🥰)

In here you will meet people whom we might have written off, and maybe ask what they deserve. Yet for one reason or another, I find myself rooting for some of them… For the world to give them a second chance. And for the others, (hint: Europe), well, do live with the consequences of your actions.

The short of it is this: I HIGHLY recommend it. See list below to see why. And check out the other tour stops to know more about Good People Stories. Thank you for coming to my TED talk 🥰

===

1. the stories offer a way of seeing: We read to understand people.

Good People Stories features those "who want to do right but do it all wrong… in the name of love and survival in a world that offers them too little." The stories don't let them off the hook but offer a way of seeing. They prompt us to look deeper beneath the façade and understand how different yet alike we all are. There is, generally speaking, innate goodness in people, but the paths leading them into their choices and actions are complex and nuanced. Mistakes come with being human.


2. the book presents a mirror: We read to see ourselves in the stories.

These stories reflect the parts of us we might have avoided looking into — the feelings of yearning, bitterness, deprivation, the experience of being victimized, and being in an endless loop of shortage, loss, and despair. There is more to us than what we let other people see; there are facets of us we keep to ourselves. And so this book makes you sit with such reflections.

Which situations felt familiar? Some emotions I have felt before. I ask myself, what would I have done? What about my regrets, desires, and life plans? What about my relationships? Reading Good People Stories made me reckon with my own story. It is cathartic.

And speaking of mirrors, it reflects our realities as a society, too, and how that inevitably shapes parts of ourselves.

3. the writing is precise and it hits: We read simply because we cannot help but be drawn to the story.

So immersive. So visceral. So many hard-hitting lines that made me stop mid-page. These people are not me, but those lines felt familiar, so accurately described. Tita Claire finds the exact way to write emotions and situations that make me take a second look. I have read three of her full novels and have always admired her character-driven style, the vivid settings, and her endings that are not necessarily neat, but they feel earned. She brings all of that into each short story and into the collection as a whole. I am fascinated by the twists and details that caught me off guard, and yet it all makes sense.

4. the stories are short but tell so much: We read to live vicariously through others.

The volume is slim and yet, as a collection, this was highly satisfying. Each story left a mark, and I found it hard to choose favorites (I still came up with a top 3!).

Ten stories. About someone “small” potentially bringing down someone “big.” About a person who feels everything has been taken away and had nothing to give. About a woman who had been proven wrong about everything she believed in. About a cat deciding to intervene. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, just as much as I alloted time to let everything simmer and sink in.

I remember each character, left me contemplating their backstories and motivations. Every story is tight, not a waste of words, and full.

5. the stories are varied and all eye-opening: We read to discover how many ways there are to be human.

Each story stands on its own, and altogether, they paint a colorful portrait of humanity.

6. the book says enough yet left me wanting for more: We read because a book like this makes the time worth it.

More stories, more good (or otherwise) people, more of this writing, more of this way of seeing the world. Tita Claire has written thought-provoking stories that will stay with me. Every second spent reading is time well spent.

===

my top 3!

THE FABULOUS FORMER LIVES OF MR. AND MRS. CARANGALAN How ironic the name, hahaha. This brings forward a topic we need to talk more about.

THE GREATEST CAMPAIGN OF NGISNGIS I love the voice of Ngisngis! I would read a whole book with Ngisngis as MC. And what happened here is so real, so heartwarming. Such fitting finale!

GOOD PEOPLE Ahh, this collection landed from the very first story. The lessons here are for everyone to take away. The layers of Max are delightfully painful to peel.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

finished this on a sunday afternoon, heat still scorching, my electric fan loud as ever, banana leaves making their soft, restless sounds with the wind, and birds chirping somewhere in between. a good book, and a good kind of background to read in, makes a good people.

they are just all humans. it is their first time to live, and they are all still figuring it out. this book is a reminder of the roots of love, and what we choose to do for love. thank you so much, tita claire, for writing this beautiful collection of stories. how amazing it is that we are all different in our own ways, and still carry the same, beautiful similarities

none may seem feels right, but it’s okay :)

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“For all our shortcomings and fractures, we were all just tethered together by the simple, resolute act of believing in each other’s goodness.”

As someone who needed to restore her faith in humanity, this book came to me at the perfect time. I absolutely love the concept of inherently good characters who still make mistakes because of their circumstances. My favorite stories in this collection were The Fabulous Former Lives of Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan, Online Soulmate, Blocked, and The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis. I’ve written my individual reviews below:

Good People - 3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️

A petty thief who started out robbing Jollibee trays as a dare questions his decisions as he begins to see traces of his late ex in random strangers. I love Max’s character development here. I think it’s written in a very realistic way since it’s shown in small steps (like returning a stolen journal) rather than big gestures. It’s a reminder that growth can start at the smallest of actions. I also found the contrast between Max’s morally gray character and Dani’s angelic disposition interesting, especially since Dani inspired him to become a better person. It was also interesting to see how financial circumstances made it more difficult for Max to be a “good person”. This might be a personal preference, but I think I just don’t like when authors use a character’s death as a plot device. I don’t know, it gave me the impression that Max was acting out of guilt and grief rather than a genuine desire to improve. I also felt like the stranger’s dialogue at the end felt a bit unrealistic and forced. Other than that, I love the message of this story.

Black - 3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️

A woman who lacks adventure in her marriage seeks the momentary thrill and pleasure of a hookup with a Thai masseur. I found the woman’s dissatisfaction in her marriage interesting since it seems to be a symptom of a bigger problem, like a lack of excitement in her life in general. However, the ending felt like it was cut too short and there wasn’t any proper resolution to the woman’s internal turmoil. I also felt like, compared to the other stories, the protagonist didn’t get as much character development (which I’d kind of expect from an anthology entitled “Good People”).

Pseudologia Fantastica - 3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sophia feels the drift in her friendship with Amor as the latter is unable to make it to their annual trip together. She instead invites Amor’s sister Grace to accompany her, only to later find out that Grace is a pathological liar. I found the falling-out between Sophia and Amor interesting and relatable, since I’ve experienced similar conflicts with my own friends. I also like how Amor’s absence in the trip and Sophia’s growing closeness to Grace show the change in their values. While I found the twist unexpected (I didn’t know what pseudologia fantastica meant before reading this), I felt like the shock factor was irrelevant to the story and didn’t actually resolve the tensions between Sophia and Amor. It would have been a lot better if the author had focused on developing their friendship instead rather than writing an unrelated plot twist.

The Fabulous Former Lives of Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan - 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A maid begins working for a wealthy family in Paris only to realize that her boss was the politician involved in the recent flood control scandal. I personally loved this one! I like how it tackles a very relevant issue—corruption—in a very true-to-life way. I also found it interesting that the author used the second person narration (and rarely used the protagonist’s name) to highlight her invisibility and the commonness of Vicky’s experience. Vicky in this story is all of us: all the Filipinos who suffered from countless failed flood control projects and who work multiple jobs just to survive while corrupt politicians enjoy luxury products and lavish wedding anniversaries in Venice. I also found Vicky’s moral dilemma interesting since she had to choose between her daughter’s future or the greater good: should I keep working for a corrupt family to pay for my daughter’s tuition or finally deliver justice to the flood control victims? It was nice living in this alternate universe where justice was finally served. I also enjoyed the twist because all of the clues—the family’s unexplained wealth and secrecy—finally made sense. My only gripe (and this is already very nitpicky!) is that some of the circumstances are a bit unrealistic. For instance, I think an actual corrupt politician would be a lot more careful in hiding his whereabouts than, say, living in a penthouse suite and hiring a Filipina maid to work for him. Also, a scandal like that would be all over the news (and it was), so I doubt that even someone like Vicky would be unfamiliar with the politician’s name. Inconsistencies aside though, I still think this was a well written story.

Online Soulmate - 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Martine decides to go to Singapore with her friend to meet a supposed “soulmate” that she met online. Little does she know, her friend has been the soulmate messaging her this entire time. I was blown away by the twist here! I knew the soulmate would be a catfish but I didn’t expect it to be the protagonist herself. Talk about an unreliable narrator! But now that I’ve reread it, I realize that there are so many clues sprinkled throughout the story: Anna’s two phones, her fluency in French, her tendency to conceal the parts of her she didn’t like, and her reaction to Martine’s excitement. I relate to Martine’s desperation in finding a soulmate (which you can tell from her trusting Anna after just one year of meeting her and meeting her “soulmate” after just a few months of messaging). I think it shows how much she fears loneliness more than anything. Now that I think about it, both characters are lonely: although Anna is married, she still misses the excitement and affection that she felt during her younger years. From what I understand, she’s using Martine as a way to relive that youthful passion and adventure that she no longer felt after her sickness. This was actually very cleverly written: in such few words, the author manages to say many things about these two characters.

Wake Party - 3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Carmen attends her late father’s funeral, only to receive snarky remarks from her father’s original family. I thought the family dynamics in this story were interesting, especially with the father’s alcoholism and the mother’s toxic standards for her daughter. It was interesting how she thought Carmen was being “immature” for crying even though it’s a normal and healthy way to grieve. The conflict between the original family and the mistress’ family also had potential, though I guess I just wasn’t as attached to this story as I was to the rest. Maybe it’s because the conflict and characters weren’t as developed.

A Lifetime of Luxury - 3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Gi finally thinks she’s “made it” by living a life of luxury and being engaged to a wealthy foreigner, she runs into an old friend who threatens to reveal the secrets of her old life. At first I judged Gi for being superficial and materialistic, but after reading this I can empathize with her more. It was interesting reading the commentary about how lower class women are often pressured to enter prostitution because of a capitalistic society that pushes them to the brink of poverty and a misogynistic system that objectifies women’s bodies. However, I felt like the blackmail and abusive ex sub-plot weren’t as developed and the ending was a bit lacking for me.

Alter Life - 3/5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jade would do anything to achieve superinfluencer status like her idol Zadie Garcia, so she’s ecstatic when she’s invited to the same exclusive creative retreat as Zadie. However, she soon realizes that being a superinfluencer comes with a cost. Like with the previous story, I also initially judged Jade for her superficiality, but at the same time I understood her need for validation. I like how it exposes the pretentiousness and performative aspect of social media. However, I felt like I’ve already read many similar stories before, and that this story didn’t add anything new to the conversation on social media. Although I didn’t expect Zadie’s suicide, you can still predict the direction in which the story will go based on its first few pages. What I did find interesting was how Jade completely forgot about Zadie’s death after receiving another like for her post. It just goes to show how social media has turned into a numbers game that dehumanizes personal experiences.

Blocked - 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After garnering a reputation of being the teacher that always plays it safe, Miss Len makes an audacious move and accepts a job offer in Vietnam. I feel like this is the most underrated story of this collection. I loved it because I related to Len a lot as someone who’s always overly cautious and not much of a risk-taker. I like the quiet growth in this story because you see how Len evolves from always choosing the tried-and-tested option to gradually exploring new things out of her comfort zone—whether it be moving to a new country, listening to new music, or even making friends with your taxi driver. Although Tan’s sudden distance didn’t make sense to me, I did appreciate the message of going at your own pace and reevaluating what you want.

“For the first time in a long while, she did not feel behind. She felt—simply—where she was.”

The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis - 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A cat named Ngisngis reconciles an OFW couple that has grown apart due to a miscarriage. Another one of my favorites! I didn’t expect this to be narrated by the cat herself so this was a pleasant surprise. I like how, through the cat’s eyes, you can sense the tension between the two characters even though they only have minimal dialogue. I find it so wholesome that Ngisngis finds ways to bring them together and to help them acknowledge their loss rather than escape it. We all need a Ngisngis in our lives.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this collection. I recommend this to anyone who needs a reminder that many people still try to be good even when the world makes it hard for them to do so.

[Wilfredo Liangco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ang ganda! Congrats Tita Claire! My favorite is the Mr. And Mrs. Carangalan story! Sana magkatotoo!😝

[Shiandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me realize just how big the grey area between good and bad is. Nothing in this world is black and white. I loved this book so much that I ended up finishing it within the day. I was supposed to read it slowly and savor each short story, but I ended up flipping to the next story and the next and the next.

This book is a must read! It is also now one of the books on my "Books I Won't Stop Recommending" list!

[Joyce Delos Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Jerry Maguire had Dorothy at hello, this book had me at page zero. Before the stories even began, the dedication already pulled me in:

“For those who try to be good in a world that makes it hard, and keep choosing tenderness anyway.”

Good People is a collection of ten short stories exploring what it really means to be “good” in a world shaped by survival, loneliness, desire, class divides, and complicated relationships. The characters are flawed, messy, and painfully human. Some long for connection but sabotage it. Some know they are doing wrong but continue anyway. Others are simply trying to survive with whatever little life has given them.

What I appreciated most was how every story made me reflect. None of them felt simple or clean-cut. Some stories unsettled me more than others, but these were the ones that stayed with me most:

“Good People”
One line lingered in my mind: “What do you want most, Max?” Made me ask myself the same thing. It also made me reflect on how deprivation shapes people. If survival teaches someone only how to take, how do they learn goodness and generosity?

“Black”
This one genuinely disturbed me. Jane is addicted to affairs outside her marriage and seems unable to stop herself. There’s guilt in the story, but also compulsion, loneliness, and self-destruction. Her lingering anxiety: “How long will I be doing this, how long before they find out, how long before I get punished?”

“Alter Life”
A sharp commentary on influencer culture and curated online identities — “contrived perfection made to get attention.” Beneath the polished posts is loneliness, pressure, and the exhausting need for validation.

“Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan”
A portrait of corruption, wealth, and a family living luxuriously in Paris while the consequences of their greed are left behind in the Philippines. The story felt infuriating because of how normal and insulated their lives seemed despite everything underneath it all. I finished this story wanting handcuffs and convictions.

“The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis”
This one felt cute and quietly hopeful. “The door will open. Everything that matters eventually does.”

Overall, Good People felt deeply observant and emotionally intelligent. It doesn’t try to give easy answers or perfectly moral characters. Instead, it shows how complicated goodness becomes when people are lonely, desperate, wounded, or simply trying to be loved.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of short stories about people who have good intentions but end up making bad decisions, as humans often do.   It showcases how morality can be all different shades of gray, depending on their circumstances.  

There were stories here that resonated with me more than others, but overall, these were so relatable and so relevant.  "Goodness" for me is a relative function, and I empathized and understood all the characters in the stories. The author was able to tackle some deep and heavy subjects like corruption, domestic abuse, suicide, poverty, prostitution, death of a loved one, etc., within seemingly innocent, humorous, and light storytelling.  I love that the writing was kept simple yet mysterious in a way that makes you want to read more.

The thing that I also loved about this book is the settings of these stories!  The mentions of familiar and exotic locations, the sights and different kinds of food transported me from place to place.  Baler was even mentioned a few times (I live here by the way) and I recognized a lot of the local places that were mentioned which made for a cool reading experience.

Some of the stories have abrupt endings though, but the kind that makes you speculate, theorize, and crave for more.    Personally, as the book progressed the stories got better and better.   They could be made into full length novels each and I would still read them 😊


Rating: 4.5 ⭐

[Boyboy Macario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here are three reasons why you should read Good People by Claire Betita de Guzman.

First, I love the writing style. I love Tita Claire's storytelling. It's honest. These are unconventional stories, but you'll feel how real they are. Characters you'll love, characters you'll hate, and sometimes, you'll see yourself in them. We're all connected... yet somehow still disconnected too.

Second, it broadens your perspective. These stories give you a glimpse into lives you don't fully see, the life of strangers, the life of your acquaintances, even people already in your life. This reminds you that everyone carries stories you'll never know. So maybe... judge a little less.

And lastly, we are "Good People".

We Are All Good People. We make mistakes, we try to do better, we fail, we grow. But most importantly we have the so much power in us, but also we are the worse. I know it's messy but that’s deeply real.

Plus... if you love cats, theres that too

Well My top stories? Good People, A Lifetime of Luxury, and The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis.

So if you're looking for something that's, well, again human, this book might just stay with you. And maybe, it'll make you see people... including yourself... a little more kindly.

“𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞” 𝐁𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐃𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐳𝐦𝐚𝐧
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bana AZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want to go to a tea shop." She let the first two words – "I want" – roll off the tip of her tongue for a moment longer. Was it possible to be both pleased and terrified that you were beginning to know what you want, even the little things?
– Blocked

Synopsis:
Good People is a collection of 10 stories of people across Southeast Asia, and even France, who are struggling with expectations and obligations. They want to be good, but what does that mean for them?

Thoughts:
Deep, thoughtful, and a little darker than I thought.

This collection is an exploration of actions and intentions that left me satisfied in the end. The stories were so introspective. They really showed the complexities of each human being, how their struggles and experiences color their perceptions.

It made me root for characters who I didn’t think I would root for. It made me feel uncomfortable with how some push the boundaries of what is ‘good’. It made me appreciate pets that can simply show love and not complicate it like humans do.

All the stories offer something different, but here are my favorites in order: "The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis", "Blocked", and "A Lifetime of Luxury".

Don’t be fooled by the cute cover. Just like the characters in it, the book Good People is deeper and so much more than what it seems on the surface.

***
Other quotes I like:
“...we were all just tethered together by the simple, resolute act of believing in each other’s goodness.” – Good People

“And you’re used to receiving so little and giving so much, so this is all okay with you.” – The Fabulous Former Lives of Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan

“What happened with Jess–did it make her good or bad? Or had it simply made her someone who chose to live?” – A Lifetime of Luxury

[Cassandra Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh this was beautiful! you know, some days, it’s hard to see the good in this world, and in people, and well, the stories in this book just reminds you that no matter how crazy life is, there’s still some good in the world.

I like that you can take your time with this, and read like, a chapter or two at a given time; or read it during your break time or whatever.

That last story made me bawl. idk if it’s the cat parent in me — (don’t worry; no one dies, but it’s beautiful!) or if I’m just hormonal lol. I barely cry at books, but this one just did something to me. I guess, it’s also because I know the magic that cats can bring.

anyway, what a beautiful collection of stories!

[Paula D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good People Stories is such a cool collection of shorts about people who want to do good but somehow messes it up. Honestly, I don't read as much Fil-Lit as I’d like - not because it’s not good, but just because it’s ironically not as accessible as you'd think. After my last Jose Dalisay read, I wasn't expecting much despite the hype, but this book blew me away.

I’m still thinking about how much Claire Betita de Guzman packs each story into more or less 20 pages. It’s rare to find short stories that feel this sensible and interesting in such a small space, but she nailed it. The prose is beautiful and the storytelling just draws you in. I seriously loved it!

[AlexaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Good People by Claire Betita De Guzman so much. :(

It’s one of those books that makes you pause every few pages because it quietly asks uncomfortable questions like: what does it really mean to be good? And are bad people actually bad all the time?

My favorites were Good People, Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan, A Lifetime of Luxury, After Life, Blocked, and Ngisngis!!

This is beautifully written. The kind of book that doesn’t try too hard to teach you something, but still leaves you thinking long after you finish it.

I think everyone should read this.

Tita Claire, I hope to meet you soon 🤎

[beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Even when the details change, the patterns of life stay familiar.”

I devoured this book in one sitting. In just a few hours. The stories, although short, very much felt like home or maybe a glimpse of what home should be and what it should feel like. My favorites from this collection are Good People, Pseudologia Fantastica, The Fabulous Former Lives of Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan, and The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis.

Good People is a collection of short stories about people who want to do the right thing, but somehow end up doing it wrong.

[Joyce AP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good People is a collection of short stories set across Southeast Asia, following individuals from different walks of life—each trying to do what they believe is right. As they navigate love, survival, and difficult circumstances, the stories reveal how the line between good and bad is often blurred, shaped by choices, struggles, and perspective.

I loved this short story collection! It's easy to get through, but the stories are really thought-provoking. They feel super real and make you think about the choices people make. The writing is rich and vivid and really draws you in. Another awesome work by Tita Claire! . Definitely recommend. 4.5⭐️

[Just Villanueva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good People by Claire Betita de Guzman is a raw collection of short stories of people who want to do the right thing but struggle to do so in an unfair world. Sometimes the stories are twisty while others are poignant, leaving you dwelling on your thoughts long after the story is over.

My personal ranking with #1 as my top fave:
10. Wake Party
9. Good People
8. Black
7. Blocked
6. Pseudologia Fantastica
5. A Lifetime of Luxury
4. Online Soulmate
3. Alter Life
2. The Fabulous Former Lives of Mr. and Mrs. Carangalan
1. The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis

[Cecelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought his book last PBF 2026 and it didn’t disappoint! I love how it is a 10-stories book and each stories are beautifully written. I’m a mood reader but I didn’t got bored while reading and what a lovely brain Ate Claire has to write this book. All stories are well executed and I like that there’s also a timely story that all Filipinos can relate. I sooo loveee this book! I’m excitee to meet ate Claire later on her booksigning with NBS! ✨🌸

[thestraubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good People: Stories is a soft, thoughtful collection about human relationships and what it means to be “good.” The characters feel real, imperfect and easy to relate to and the writing is simple but quietly emotional (it sneaks up on you).

It’s best read slowly, letting each story settle (and your feelings too). Gentle and honest, it leaves you thinking and a little bit emotionally attacked, but in a calm way. 😌

[CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just knew I had to buy this book despite not knowing the author or what's it even about. It was the reason I went to PBF this year despite being on a semi book ban he he he. I liked a few stories more than others but overall I loved the collection. This is how short stories should be written. Or how any story should be written.

[Jelyn Antoinette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really connect with the stories and I find myself bored most of the time. I think it's a me problem kasi hindi talaga ako mahilig sa mga sentimental or heartwarming stories.

Out of the 10 stories, 3 lang yung nagustuhan ko — A Lifetime of Luxury, Alter Life and The Greatest Campaign of Ngisngis.

[Giovanni Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chill vibe and pacing of the book allowed me to take a step back, look at every person, and see them beyond their present; as if they are novels, where every chapter completes their narrative—no one chapter could ever stand on its own. An essential read in a world where people are boxed into expectations way beyond who they actually are.