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All the Good Parts
At thirty-nine, Leona Accorsi is broke, single, back in school, and living in her sister Carly’s basement. She’s perfectly content being quirky Auntie Lee to Carly’s four children. That is, until Leona’s doctor tells her that if she wants to have a child, she’d better do it now.
Leona does want a baby. She always has, but the circumstances have never been right. Now she has a huge decision to make: face motherhood on her own or risk missing out on its rewards.
Unfortunately, she’s let her romantic life go stagnant. She barely even knows any single men. She has just a few prospects: a Vietnam vet and partial amputee, his intimidating son, the sweet but troubled man who tutors her niece, and a fellow nursing student she’s never actually met.
As Leona discovers more about each one, she realizes any of them could be the right man for the job. The more important question is, has she become the right woman?
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2016
678 people are currently reading
2323 people want to read
About the author
Loretta Nyhan
14 books498 followersI was a reader before I was a writer, devouring everything I could get my hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and the instructions booklet for building the Barbie dream house. Later, my obsession with reading evolved into an absolute need to write. After college, I wrote for national trade magazines, taught writing to college freshmen, and eventually found the guts to try fiction.
I'm the author of the upcoming All the Good Parts (Lake Union, 2016) and Digging In (Lake Union, 2017). Previous published novels include I’ll Be Seeing You and Empire Girls (MIRA Books).
When I'm not writing, I can be found knitting, baking, and doing all kinds of things my high school self would have found hilarious.
I live in the Chicago area with my two teenage boys.
I'm the author of the upcoming All the Good Parts (Lake Union, 2016) and Digging In (Lake Union, 2017). Previous published novels include I’ll Be Seeing You and Empire Girls (MIRA Books).
When I'm not writing, I can be found knitting, baking, and doing all kinds of things my high school self would have found hilarious.
I live in the Chicago area with my two teenage boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
March 29, 2017
What a gem of a book! I’m so glad author Emily Carpenter put this one on my radar as it was such a fabulous read. So often Women’s Fiction and Chick Lit gets a bad name, as it is written off as flakey, shallow, and unrealistic; it’s almost the equivalent of porn for women. This is what Women’s Fiction should consist of! Yes, it is unrealistic to expect a woman would ask relative strangers for a “donation” to conceive a child on her own, but is it? This book forced me to ask so many questions and rethink much of what I thought I knew involving women who choose to have a child on their own later in life. It’s not everyday you pick up a book that washes you with such a wide array of emotions; at times I was laughing, nervous, and even felt like tearing up from the positive and negative interactions that Leona was experiencing. After I turned the last page, I closed the book and stared at that gorgeous cover for a few minutes soaking it all in. While the book does give you closure, it would be completely reasonable (right Loretta?!) for a sequel to pick up right where All the Good Parts left off.
There are lots of smaller story lines going on throughout the book that, in the end, come together and make the big picture. I really enjoyed the way the author chose to write this story; there were email conversations between Darryl and Leona, along with alternating chapters that told her story with Jerry and Paul, Garrett, and her own family as well. I felt I was kept in suspense for a majority of the book until a few twists were revealed, and boy were there a few twists, which kept my thoughts engaged during the entire time I was reading. Without spoiling anything, one of the best parts of the story (IMO) was how it wasn’t solely dependent on Leona falling in love and finding this great romance. Sure there are romantic relationships and it is a factor, but this story stresses on the importance of finding yourself and being your own person before seeking out any type of relationship, whether that be romantic or otherwise. I enjoyed every single character in this book; while it ended exactly as I hoped (YAY!) and with whom I’d hoped (YAY!), it didn’t stop me from enjoying the experiences Leona had with the other characters on the journey to finding herself.
I cannot stress enough how much I love that cover! It’s bright, sunny, and all kinds of gorgeous. Lake Union has published a slew of books this summer that will stay with me for a long time to come, but All the Good Parts had something special, something I can’t quite explain or put my finger on. It drew me in, made me feel things I didn’t think possible as I clearly cannot personally relate to our main character’s struggle, and nestled in my brain and heart to the point I wanted to flip right back to the first page and reread this immediately. *Chants* SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! I need more of these characters Loretta! I’m sure you can see that I clearly recommend this one, and if you sacrifice your Starbuck’s coffee twice you’ll have paid for this book. Thank you Loretta for writing such a heartfelt, enjoyable, and emotional journey and sharing it with us.
*I’d like to thank the author and publisher for my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
There are lots of smaller story lines going on throughout the book that, in the end, come together and make the big picture. I really enjoyed the way the author chose to write this story; there were email conversations between Darryl and Leona, along with alternating chapters that told her story with Jerry and Paul, Garrett, and her own family as well. I felt I was kept in suspense for a majority of the book until a few twists were revealed, and boy were there a few twists, which kept my thoughts engaged during the entire time I was reading. Without spoiling anything, one of the best parts of the story (IMO) was how it wasn’t solely dependent on Leona falling in love and finding this great romance. Sure there are romantic relationships and it is a factor, but this story stresses on the importance of finding yourself and being your own person before seeking out any type of relationship, whether that be romantic or otherwise. I enjoyed every single character in this book; while it ended exactly as I hoped (YAY!) and with whom I’d hoped (YAY!), it didn’t stop me from enjoying the experiences Leona had with the other characters on the journey to finding herself.
I cannot stress enough how much I love that cover! It’s bright, sunny, and all kinds of gorgeous. Lake Union has published a slew of books this summer that will stay with me for a long time to come, but All the Good Parts had something special, something I can’t quite explain or put my finger on. It drew me in, made me feel things I didn’t think possible as I clearly cannot personally relate to our main character’s struggle, and nestled in my brain and heart to the point I wanted to flip right back to the first page and reread this immediately. *Chants* SEQUEL! SEQUEL! SEQUEL! I need more of these characters Loretta! I’m sure you can see that I clearly recommend this one, and if you sacrifice your Starbuck’s coffee twice you’ll have paid for this book. Thank you Loretta for writing such a heartfelt, enjoyable, and emotional journey and sharing it with us.
*I’d like to thank the author and publisher for my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
Leona is 39 years old, she lives in her sister’s home – in the basement - and her gynecologist has just told her that “her ovaries have taken their first stumble” and that, in view of the fact that she has not had a child yet, that – if she has visions of having a child in her future - that future should happen sooner than later.
There are all the usual considerations to take into account. Her job – a home health-care aide isn’t full-time, and she’s still about a year away from getting her nursing degree from the online college she’s taking courses from. Financially, this is not the best time. Time-wise, she doesn’t have the time to focus on a new baby, let alone a growing child. Energy-wise… what energy? Is that enough to dissuade her?
This story definitely has its funny moments, Leona wants to have a child, but there’s no potential future father in sight, she’s not only not seriously involved with anyone, she can’t recall the last date she went on. School and work and her sister’s family, husband, kids fill her days. But is that reason enough to give up on something she suddenly realizes she wants? The more obstacles life puts in her way, the more other people tell her not to pursue having a child without an active partner / parent, the more determined she seems to become.
I’m not sure if I would ever have noticed this book or paid much attention to it, but for one of my birthday gifts this past year I got a gift subscription for a Once Upon a Book Club membership. Their “motto” being “Bringing Books to Life. Monthly.” The premise is a good one – one I think that would have the most appeal to pre-teens or young teens, but it’s a cute idea. Throughout the book you’re reading there are post-it notes telling you to open various wrapped gifts that accompany the book. None are overly pricey, but each gift goes along with something in the storyline.
This is a quick, light read. Amusing / fun. Perfect for those days you feel like you just want a feel-good story with quirky characters.
Leona is 39 years old, she lives in her sister’s home – in the basement - and her gynecologist has just told her that “her ovaries have taken their first stumble” and that, in view of the fact that she has not had a child yet, that – if she has visions of having a child in her future - that future should happen sooner than later.
There are all the usual considerations to take into account. Her job – a home health-care aide isn’t full-time, and she’s still about a year away from getting her nursing degree from the online college she’s taking courses from. Financially, this is not the best time. Time-wise, she doesn’t have the time to focus on a new baby, let alone a growing child. Energy-wise… what energy? Is that enough to dissuade her?
This story definitely has its funny moments, Leona wants to have a child, but there’s no potential future father in sight, she’s not only not seriously involved with anyone, she can’t recall the last date she went on. School and work and her sister’s family, husband, kids fill her days. But is that reason enough to give up on something she suddenly realizes she wants? The more obstacles life puts in her way, the more other people tell her not to pursue having a child without an active partner / parent, the more determined she seems to become.
I’m not sure if I would ever have noticed this book or paid much attention to it, but for one of my birthday gifts this past year I got a gift subscription for a Once Upon a Book Club membership. Their “motto” being “Bringing Books to Life. Monthly.” The premise is a good one – one I think that would have the most appeal to pre-teens or young teens, but it’s a cute idea. Throughout the book you’re reading there are post-it notes telling you to open various wrapped gifts that accompany the book. None are overly pricey, but each gift goes along with something in the storyline.
This is a quick, light read. Amusing / fun. Perfect for those days you feel like you just want a feel-good story with quirky characters.
July 16, 2018
This book pissed me off.
It's about Leona, a white 39-year-old who decides she wants a baby after her gynecologist tells her she’s not going to be able to produce for much longer so get on it. She hadn’t really considered motherhood before, no more than a passing, “When I have kids” thing. She's not married, she doesn't have a partner, and there are zero romantic prospects on her horizon. She’s helping to raise her nieces and nephews so she knows how children work, she understands the reality but doesn't take any of this into consideration when abruptly deciding she absolutely must have a baby.
I feel this is supposed to be a light-hearted domestic fiction novel with some complex ideas thrown in but it's really a character study exploring the life choices made by a person with whom I had no sympathy nor connection.
Leona is a mess. She never grew past her parents’ deaths, she validates herself through being needed by others, she makes no space for herself and, as a result, is unable to understand herself.
She wants a baby - not a child, she never thinks of the kid as anything more than a baby - because she wants unconditional love, because she has so much to offer her progeny, because of that validation through being needed thing I mentioned earlier, etc., but she never has a concrete reason for actually wanting to be a mother other than her chances of doing so are waning quickly (according to the incredibly irresponsible OBGYN)
She also never considers this from an adult perspective. She’s 39 and living in her sister&family's basement, she’s in nursing school and is doing home care work part time. She can’t afford a baby and with her family she won’t have help raising the baby
It should also be noted that Leona has no friends. She is friendly with the older people she’s paid to care for and she’s on good terms with a few others and she has her sister but there are no strong friendships and definitely no female friendships in this book. This woman just can't make lasting connections.
Ultimately, she is choosing to be a single mother with little or no help but she doesn't see it that way, despite her bitchy sister pointing it out a dozen times. Choosing to be a single mother with little or no help is fine but, dude, acknowledge that's what you're doing and plan accordingly.
Nope. There's no planning for her. There's no learning things about herself, either. For instance, the lesson she should have learned from trying to make a homeless man need her didn’t take. It should have made her realize that life doesn’t turn out as planned and that being responsible for another human being can have disastrous results but, no. She just let him go on his merry way and continued to look for sperm donors.
It was the OBGYN who made me the most angry, though. She pushed someone who is irresponsible into wanting a child and that’s not professional in any way. I thought about how I would have felt if my own gynecologist had pushed me in a similar fashion. I'd have been out of that office so fast. Making people aware of all the options and explaining how said options work is great; pushing one option without exploring the others, especially an option that could be less than beneficial, is terrible.
This book pissed me off. But it also made me think. I'd put it down, walk away, and my brain would fire up, making up conversations with these people or sometimes just with myself. I couldn't stay away and grabbed it during every quiet moment.
It made me think about my own choices, about my own successes and my failures and how I worked to make all of them happen. It made me think about how I have to call myself "Childfree by choice" so as not to further wound those who are not childfree by choice which means if you're childfree it's because you can't have children since only weirdos would intentionally decide not to have children.
It made me think of all the ways people choose or don't choose to create a family and what family means to each of those units. If there's "Childfree by choice," there should also be "Child-having by choice" to denote those who create children because they want to as opposed to those who had children because they felt they had to or by accident or for whatever reason people have children even though they didn't really want them.
And many other thoughts, besides!
So, no, I didn't enjoy this story but I did enjoy what happened in my brain as I read it. Plus the technical aspects of how the story is put together were good; Nyhan has written a convincing tale about how jacked-up people are, how they let themselves and others down regularly, how they're terribly self-involved and yet, life does go on.
I give this 3.5 stars
It's about Leona, a white 39-year-old who decides she wants a baby after her gynecologist tells her she’s not going to be able to produce for much longer so get on it. She hadn’t really considered motherhood before, no more than a passing, “When I have kids” thing. She's not married, she doesn't have a partner, and there are zero romantic prospects on her horizon. She’s helping to raise her nieces and nephews so she knows how children work, she understands the reality but doesn't take any of this into consideration when abruptly deciding she absolutely must have a baby.
I feel this is supposed to be a light-hearted domestic fiction novel with some complex ideas thrown in but it's really a character study exploring the life choices made by a person with whom I had no sympathy nor connection.
Leona is a mess. She never grew past her parents’ deaths, she validates herself through being needed by others, she makes no space for herself and, as a result, is unable to understand herself.
She wants a baby - not a child, she never thinks of the kid as anything more than a baby - because she wants unconditional love, because she has so much to offer her progeny, because of that validation through being needed thing I mentioned earlier, etc., but she never has a concrete reason for actually wanting to be a mother other than her chances of doing so are waning quickly (according to the incredibly irresponsible OBGYN)
She also never considers this from an adult perspective. She’s 39 and living in her sister&family's basement, she’s in nursing school and is doing home care work part time. She can’t afford a baby and with her family she won’t have help raising the baby
It should also be noted that Leona has no friends. She is friendly with the older people she’s paid to care for and she’s on good terms with a few others and she has her sister but there are no strong friendships and definitely no female friendships in this book. This woman just can't make lasting connections.
Ultimately, she is choosing to be a single mother with little or no help but she doesn't see it that way, despite her bitchy sister pointing it out a dozen times. Choosing to be a single mother with little or no help is fine but, dude, acknowledge that's what you're doing and plan accordingly.
Nope. There's no planning for her. There's no learning things about herself, either. For instance, the lesson she should have learned from trying to make a homeless man need her didn’t take. It should have made her realize that life doesn’t turn out as planned and that being responsible for another human being can have disastrous results but, no. She just let him go on his merry way and continued to look for sperm donors.
It was the OBGYN who made me the most angry, though. She pushed someone who is irresponsible into wanting a child and that’s not professional in any way. I thought about how I would have felt if my own gynecologist had pushed me in a similar fashion. I'd have been out of that office so fast. Making people aware of all the options and explaining how said options work is great; pushing one option without exploring the others, especially an option that could be less than beneficial, is terrible.
This book pissed me off. But it also made me think. I'd put it down, walk away, and my brain would fire up, making up conversations with these people or sometimes just with myself. I couldn't stay away and grabbed it during every quiet moment.
It made me think about my own choices, about my own successes and my failures and how I worked to make all of them happen. It made me think about how I have to call myself "Childfree by choice" so as not to further wound those who are not childfree by choice which means if you're childfree it's because you can't have children since only weirdos would intentionally decide not to have children.
It made me think of all the ways people choose or don't choose to create a family and what family means to each of those units. If there's "Childfree by choice," there should also be "Child-having by choice" to denote those who create children because they want to as opposed to those who had children because they felt they had to or by accident or for whatever reason people have children even though they didn't really want them.
And many other thoughts, besides!
So, no, I didn't enjoy this story but I did enjoy what happened in my brain as I read it. Plus the technical aspects of how the story is put together were good; Nyhan has written a convincing tale about how jacked-up people are, how they let themselves and others down regularly, how they're terribly self-involved and yet, life does go on.
I give this 3.5 stars
October 22, 2016
All the Good Parts was a strong, funny, engaging book as Leona tried to discover what she wanted. I thought the premise thought-provoking, the character portrayal accurate, and the emotions real (especially the ending). I really loved the relationships between Leona and the potential fathers (didn't care much for the sister). First book by Loretta Nyhan that I have read and now I want to read more. I highly recommend this book I won through the Goodreads First Read Giveaways!
November 7, 2016
I loved this book! The sarcasm was perfection, the storyline unique & execution of the ending was flawless!
June 23, 2016
I must say that Loretta has really hit it out of the park with this book. I am somewhat speechless as I write, trying to figure out how I can truly capture the essence that is this story. It interweaves so many different story lines - marriage, love, desire for a child, trying to find ones way and so many more!
On some levels I feel as if I can really relate to Leona (except for the desire to have a child, I already have 3 little lovely crazies of my own - I AM ALL SET!) LOL and what she is going through. I have recently hit a plateau in my career and I have not been happy for about a year now (not making enough money) and at the age of 36 I returned to school to get my Master's. A year later I couldn't be happier and graduation is just around the corner! I needed to find what truly made me happy and it took me a few years longer than others.
From Leona's point of view she is is missing something in her life - she is making very little money, doesn't have a man, is back in school and is living in her sister's basement. I would say this girl is not the poster candidate for having a child but who really is? Leona's doctor and good friend asked her if she had an desire to have a child, Leona had never really thought about it till now? Thinking in terms of fertility, her doctor told her she really needed to get going if this was a desire. What is a woman to do? Lets see - she has no boyfriend prospects, little monetary funds, less than desired hours at work - can she really consider having a child?
She starts her journey of picking a donor by making a list of her prospects - a client of hers that is a Vietnam Vet, his son that is kind of a jerk, a "guy" on the internet that she has never met before from her online nursing class and a guy who tutors her niece and is essentially homeless. I give her credit for all the tough choices she has ahead and you will love every step of the adventure that she is about to take you on (for better and for worse). She will have to pick the perfect daddy to be and the ride that it takes to get there is not easy! Grab your favorite bottle of wine and sit back and enjoy the crazy ride ahead!
On some levels I feel as if I can really relate to Leona (except for the desire to have a child, I already have 3 little lovely crazies of my own - I AM ALL SET!) LOL and what she is going through. I have recently hit a plateau in my career and I have not been happy for about a year now (not making enough money) and at the age of 36 I returned to school to get my Master's. A year later I couldn't be happier and graduation is just around the corner! I needed to find what truly made me happy and it took me a few years longer than others.
From Leona's point of view she is is missing something in her life - she is making very little money, doesn't have a man, is back in school and is living in her sister's basement. I would say this girl is not the poster candidate for having a child but who really is? Leona's doctor and good friend asked her if she had an desire to have a child, Leona had never really thought about it till now? Thinking in terms of fertility, her doctor told her she really needed to get going if this was a desire. What is a woman to do? Lets see - she has no boyfriend prospects, little monetary funds, less than desired hours at work - can she really consider having a child?
She starts her journey of picking a donor by making a list of her prospects - a client of hers that is a Vietnam Vet, his son that is kind of a jerk, a "guy" on the internet that she has never met before from her online nursing class and a guy who tutors her niece and is essentially homeless. I give her credit for all the tough choices she has ahead and you will love every step of the adventure that she is about to take you on (for better and for worse). She will have to pick the perfect daddy to be and the ride that it takes to get there is not easy! Grab your favorite bottle of wine and sit back and enjoy the crazy ride ahead!
July 29, 2018
This book can be renamed All the Stupid Things Leona Did. It's been a while since I really disliked a women fiction book, but here we are. I had quite high hopes for this (for some reason). The premise sounded interesting and I am always in the market for a good book revolving around women and children.
For startes Leona is the stupidest main character, I'm sorry but she really is. I get it, there are people who don't know what they want to do with their lives (I mean, I don't!), people who don't finish things, people who hide from the world all the time - and I have a feeling that Leona was supposed to be a character that reader identifies with, but the whole execution was so poor, that all I could do was just roll my eyes at her constant stupidity.
The whole premise of the book, while at first sounding very endearing quickly turned out into something very wrong. The book takes methods that women who can't get pregnant would use in hopes to conceive a baby and turn it into a stupid game of Leona choosing her sperm donor. It was quite insulting actually. All the while she tumbles from one poor and unprofessional decision to another.
The whole plot was very unrealistic and from the whole array of characters I only liked Maura. The ending was kind of sweet, but also very impractical - there were so many questions left open that the book felt unfinished.
I had another book by Loretta Nyhan on my TBR, but I went ahead and removed it - it was clear from this book that this author is not for me, even if the writing was quite good.
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For startes Leona is the stupidest main character, I'm sorry but she really is. I get it, there are people who don't know what they want to do with their lives (I mean, I don't!), people who don't finish things, people who hide from the world all the time - and I have a feeling that Leona was supposed to be a character that reader identifies with, but the whole execution was so poor, that all I could do was just roll my eyes at her constant stupidity.
The whole premise of the book, while at first sounding very endearing quickly turned out into something very wrong. The book takes methods that women who can't get pregnant would use in hopes to conceive a baby and turn it into a stupid game of Leona choosing her sperm donor. It was quite insulting actually. All the while she tumbles from one poor and unprofessional decision to another.
The whole plot was very unrealistic and from the whole array of characters I only liked Maura. The ending was kind of sweet, but also very impractical - there were so many questions left open that the book felt unfinished.
I had another book by Loretta Nyhan on my TBR, but I went ahead and removed it - it was clear from this book that this author is not for me, even if the writing was quite good.
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
January 9, 2017
A hilarious and heartwarming look at a 39 year old single woman who is searching for the perfect man to father a child and learning much about herself in the process. Loved!
July 20, 2016
When Leona’s gynecologist tells her that she’s running out of time to have a baby, Leona panics and considers all her options. Adoption and fertility treatments are expensive. And since she can’t afford expensive medical visits to conceive, she purchases a glorified turkey baster to do the trick. But first, she needs a man… and the courage to ask him, of course!
All The Good Parts by Loretta Nyhan is laugh out loud hysterical! I loved the main character, Leona, and found her very relatable. I too have been given that talk at my OB/GYN’s and then paraded out through a waiting room of expectant mothers – feeling like a ticking time bomb! So, as I was reading, I spent a lot of time nodding my head, laughing, and agreeing with everything written! I very much enjoyed the humorous writing style of Loretta Nyhan and her quirky characters in All The Good Parts; this made for a fun and enjoyable read. I loved how everyone felt the need to weigh in on Leona’s decision – even the teenage niece! The ending was anything but predictable and I was happy to see it conclude the way it did. :) A happily-ever-after for sure!
I highly recommend this read to fans of romantic comedies and women’s fiction. Lighthearted and full of surprises, this book is a winner!
Full review: https://awellreadwomanblog.wordpress....
September 23, 2019
This was a chick lit book that, while mostly enjoyable, I did have a few issues with. Namely this: if you are a full time student living in your sister's basement, now is NOT the time to have a baby...I don't care how old you are. And an OB/GYN would NEVER say the things this one did. Seriously.
However, it was super easy to listen to and the good parts were cute enough that they definitely outweighed the bad.
However, it was super easy to listen to and the good parts were cute enough that they definitely outweighed the bad.
May 18, 2016
Great read! Well-developed, relatable characters. I had a hard time putting it down!
May 23, 2018
I read Loretta Nyhan's Digging In last month and after I finished it, I immediately went searching for any other book she had written. I downloaded to my Kindle All The Good Parts for $3.99. Mind you, I have a dozen e books and another dozen regular books that I have won or bought ahead of this. I dont need to buy another book in the next 6 months. I put this book ahead of every other lovely author waiting to be read and the result is that I love All The Good Parts.
What was I expecting? I am not sure but this book is funny, endearing and completely off the wall. Who can seriously create a very believable and touching love scene between a 39 year old nursing student and a homeless 27 year old hotty. Nyhan has in this book. I love love the premise of this book and I mostly I feel that the author has given me something surprising. I read a lot of books and sometimes I feel that nothing new has been written in Chic lit fiction. Hope everyone reads this because I think it is a little gem.
What was I expecting? I am not sure but this book is funny, endearing and completely off the wall. Who can seriously create a very believable and touching love scene between a 39 year old nursing student and a homeless 27 year old hotty. Nyhan has in this book. I love love the premise of this book and I mostly I feel that the author has given me something surprising. I read a lot of books and sometimes I feel that nothing new has been written in Chic lit fiction. Hope everyone reads this because I think it is a little gem.
July 10, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Only $1.99 right now on Amazon.
June 13, 2016
I loved this book to pieces. The characters, the humor, the odd situations the main character Leona kept finding herself in. I identified with Lee's wanting more out of her life, but not knowing exactly how to go about getting it. She doubts herself and feels an obligation to put others' expectations first, which is such a common thing to struggle with, something we women - no, humans - can really identify with. But as the story goes on - and Lee continues to stumble her way through new relationships and challenging work situations - she grows stronger and more sure of herself. I always love a good old-fashioned "what guy will she choose" setup, nothing more delicious. But this book really turns that device on its ear. Her choices are....unexpected. And funny. Loretta Nyhan is hilarious. This is a real, warm, engaging book that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend.
September 29, 2016
This is an enjoyable and funny book.
When Leona has a weird blip in her cycle, her gynecologist points out that at 39, Leona has to think about whether to she wants a baby because her eggs aren’t going to be in working order forever.
Leona has a busy life going to nursing school online, working as a home aide, and helping her sister and brother-in-law raise their four children. In exchange for the help she does around the house, she gets free room and board and helps out financially where she can.
At first I thought this was going to be a book about a woman going on a series of dates to find a man quick. Fortunately, that was not the case. Instead, she looks at all of the options available to a cash-strapped woman who hasn’t finished school.
My main issue with the book is that somehow she gets to the age of 39 with really nothing to show for it. We know she had a great guy several years ago and wasn’t ready to commit yet, and we know she took two years to care for her ailing father, but besides that, there is no mention of other relationships or jobs. If you want to be a mother, that’s not something you just happen to remember at the age of 39 because you get a weird period.
Leona was a little too passive to me—that was the point, that she had to be more assertive--but she was just a little too nice for my taste.
Still, this is a well written book with moments of humor.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Please see more of my reviews at: http://theresaalan.net/blog/
When Leona has a weird blip in her cycle, her gynecologist points out that at 39, Leona has to think about whether to she wants a baby because her eggs aren’t going to be in working order forever.
Leona has a busy life going to nursing school online, working as a home aide, and helping her sister and brother-in-law raise their four children. In exchange for the help she does around the house, she gets free room and board and helps out financially where she can.
At first I thought this was going to be a book about a woman going on a series of dates to find a man quick. Fortunately, that was not the case. Instead, she looks at all of the options available to a cash-strapped woman who hasn’t finished school.
My main issue with the book is that somehow she gets to the age of 39 with really nothing to show for it. We know she had a great guy several years ago and wasn’t ready to commit yet, and we know she took two years to care for her ailing father, but besides that, there is no mention of other relationships or jobs. If you want to be a mother, that’s not something you just happen to remember at the age of 39 because you get a weird period.
Leona was a little too passive to me—that was the point, that she had to be more assertive--but she was just a little too nice for my taste.
Still, this is a well written book with moments of humor.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Please see more of my reviews at: http://theresaalan.net/blog/
July 29, 2016
All the Good Parts is a moving and relatable story of one woman’s determination to become a mother. Leona not only faces financial and logistical obstacles (and let’s face it, those two are hard enough to overcome on their own), but she also has to contend with her sister’s very vocal disapproval and her own insecurities that leave her second-guessing everything she wants in life. Some of my favorite parts were between Leona and her niece Maura. It reminded me so much of how my niece and I are together and it just melted my heart. At turns funny and hopeful and honest and heart-wrenching, Leona’s story hits all the right notes.
September 9, 2016
ALL THE GOOD PARTS is a heartfelt, humorous read following Leona's journey as she tries to choose a sperm donor to help her make the baby she desperately wants from an unlikely selection of men. This book features a lovable cast of characters, an engaging storyline, and some awesome twists and turns that keep you turning the pages! A great fall read!
October 11, 2016
Witty and quirky with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, ALL THE GOOD PARTS is an immensely relatable story that kept me turning the pages. Nyhan expertly weaves plenty of tender-hearted and poignant themes, crafting rich characters that are just like the rest of us: human, with all our beauty and flaws. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to her next book.
December 4, 2016
This book was super good and so unlike any I've ever read! I definitely recommend it. The message was great, the characters were unique and relateable, and there were a couple really great plot twists. xD
I'll get a more thorough review up later. :)
I'll get a more thorough review up later. :)
October 9, 2016
Leona is non-traditional. She describes herself as a non-traditional student, following it with that it just means "old". At 39, she attends school online to become a nurse, is underemployed, single, and lives in her sister's basement. Doesn't exactly sound like the time to consider having a child, but according to her charming doctor... it's time. Consider it. Decide for it or against it, but a decision must be made soon. She's likely running out of time. This sends her into a panicked self evaluation mode. She thinks that yes, she does want a child. But is it right? Is it responsible? Is she supposed to be a mother? Oh, and there's that little complicating factor: she's not even seeing anyone. The time has run out for the "first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage" dream. Her head swims as she considers her options... sperm bank? Asking someone she knows for a donation? Or is she just panicking because having a child won't be an option for much longer?
There's a lively cast of characters in this book. There's her sister Carly and Irish husband Donal along with their four children. Beloved client and amputee Jerry and his prickly son Paul. Down on his luck Garrett, a handsome homeless man who tutors one of Carly's children. And Daryl, a fellow student who becomes Leona's friend even though they only communicate online. With a deadline approaching and the expense of the other options overwhelming, Leona begins to evaluate the males in her life as potential fathers. She doesn't want a co-parent, just needs that "donation"... but how does she choose, and how is she ever going to ask? Is there even any way they will say yes? Along with this dilemma we have unforseen problems in her sister's rock solid marriage, Carly's oldest daughter entering her teenage years and longing for her first period (trust me, child, you'll regret looking forward to that), and fall in love with Leona's elderly and wise client.
I really enjoyed this story. Like the best women's fiction, it's as touching as it is thought provoking... and it's hilarious, too! I would absolutely love a sequel. Final rating is a 4.5.
I received this book from Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. Thank you!
There's a lively cast of characters in this book. There's her sister Carly and Irish husband Donal along with their four children. Beloved client and amputee Jerry and his prickly son Paul. Down on his luck Garrett, a handsome homeless man who tutors one of Carly's children. And Daryl, a fellow student who becomes Leona's friend even though they only communicate online. With a deadline approaching and the expense of the other options overwhelming, Leona begins to evaluate the males in her life as potential fathers. She doesn't want a co-parent, just needs that "donation"... but how does she choose, and how is she ever going to ask? Is there even any way they will say yes? Along with this dilemma we have unforseen problems in her sister's rock solid marriage, Carly's oldest daughter entering her teenage years and longing for her first period (trust me, child, you'll regret looking forward to that), and fall in love with Leona's elderly and wise client.
I really enjoyed this story. Like the best women's fiction, it's as touching as it is thought provoking... and it's hilarious, too! I would absolutely love a sequel. Final rating is a 4.5.
I received this book from Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. Thank you!
April 25, 2016
All the Good Parts grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. Leona's struggle whether or not to become a mother is something that a lot of women can relate to, and her experiences veer between poignant and funny. Leona's circle, including her warm but flawed family as well as her home healthcare patients, provide her with lots of food for thought and some very interesting situations. I loved each character and Leona's interactions with them made me laugh and cry. Plus, some unexpected plot twists were a nice feature that made want to keep reading until the end. Loretta Nyhan has written a beautiful, warm and funny novel. You'll be thinking about Leona and crew long after you've finished the final page. I can't wait for the next book from this wonderful author.
August 14, 2016
Leona, a single, 39-year-old nursing student living in her sister’s basement wants to have a baby. No boyfriend, no problem! Leona pursues an unconventional path to parenthood — all while dealing with a favorite client’s exacting parent, a sister who challenges her desire for a baby given her living situation, and family members who would rather she not tell her sister what they've been up to. The family dynamics are wonderfully rendered. I particularly love Leona’s relationship with her niece Maura. Loretta Nyhan has crafted a fun and fantastic tale that's as unconventional as her protagonist.
August 10, 2016
First of all ,I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of "All the Good Parts" by Loretta Nyhan. The premise of this book is about a 39 year old woman who realizes that her biological clock is ticking, and having a baby is now or never.She doesn't have a boyfriend, nor is she financially secure, so she is on a quest of finding a way to make this happen. The main character lives with her sister and family in a basement apartment, while going to Nursing School and working as a home aid. The characters are quirky,and intriguing. This book deals with family, relationships, love, disappointment and hope. It was an interesting summer read.
February 7, 2017
Literally just finished. Thought it was a great adult contemporary with little to no romance. Instead focusing on the life of 39 y/o Leona and her decision to have a child or not as a single woman living in her sister's basement and continuing her nursing degree.
September 8, 2018
My second book by this author that I loved! Very readable and really enjoy her characters.
September 20, 2016
There are times when a novel is more than the sum of its parts, and this is one of those times. Loretta Nyhan combines strong character development, our changing social mores, and sassy, kick-ass word smithery and this is the result. Thank you Net Galley and you too, Lake Union Publishing, for the DRC, which I received free in exchange for this honest review. The title is available today, hot off the presses.
Leona is 39 years old, taking online classes, working part time as a home health aide, and living in her sister and brother-in-law’s basement. She is unchallenged by any real ambition until her doctor—an old school friend—tells her that if she wants to have a baby, she’d better get to it before her eggs are dead. So now Leona—‘Lee’ to her family—is ready to get preggers and pop out a child. Let’s do it!
Leona is the woman I want to grab by the elbow and drag into the kitchen so I can tell her some hard truths. Instead, her sister Carly does it for me. Everything Carly says makes complete sense. She points out to Leona that she is so passive that even the baby idea is not her own; it was her doctor’s. Leona drifts through life letting people tell her what to do, and is that any way to raise a kid?
In addition, since Leona is not dating, she needs a sperm donor. The sperm bank and intro fertilization is crazy-expensive; she really only knows four possible donors. There’s an elderly patient growing accustomed to his status as a double amputee, but although he offers, it would be so unprofessional to take him up on it! There’s an online study-buddy that she hasn’t even met in the flesh; there’s her niece’s tutor, a very bright, handsome homeless man who’s actually even more passive than Leona; and there’s Paul, the son of the patient who dislikes her and fires her.
My, my, my.
This dandy little book is full of interesting philosophical questions and home truths that pop in and out of the narrative and dialogue like fireflies, blinking here and there without slowing anything down or stopping too long in any one place. And in some places, it’s drop-dead funny. Nyhan uses deft, clever prose to move both the story and the protagonist forward, and in doing so she creates a very visceral, tangible protagonist. I don’t always like Leona, but I do always believe her.
I’ve never liked the category “chick lit”, because women read books featuring men—sometimes men only—and there’s no special category for that, so in the best world, men should want to read this book too. But in the world we have now, this will sell primarily to women. But whoever you are, you should get this book and read it. I have seldom enjoyed a DRC so much; it was my go-to book when I didn’t feel like reading another mystery or delving into George Washington’s past. I would read something else out of duty, and then turn to this one as my reward. And I was sorry when it ended.
Recommended without reservation to anyone with a pulse.
Leona is 39 years old, taking online classes, working part time as a home health aide, and living in her sister and brother-in-law’s basement. She is unchallenged by any real ambition until her doctor—an old school friend—tells her that if she wants to have a baby, she’d better get to it before her eggs are dead. So now Leona—‘Lee’ to her family—is ready to get preggers and pop out a child. Let’s do it!
Leona is the woman I want to grab by the elbow and drag into the kitchen so I can tell her some hard truths. Instead, her sister Carly does it for me. Everything Carly says makes complete sense. She points out to Leona that she is so passive that even the baby idea is not her own; it was her doctor’s. Leona drifts through life letting people tell her what to do, and is that any way to raise a kid?
In addition, since Leona is not dating, she needs a sperm donor. The sperm bank and intro fertilization is crazy-expensive; she really only knows four possible donors. There’s an elderly patient growing accustomed to his status as a double amputee, but although he offers, it would be so unprofessional to take him up on it! There’s an online study-buddy that she hasn’t even met in the flesh; there’s her niece’s tutor, a very bright, handsome homeless man who’s actually even more passive than Leona; and there’s Paul, the son of the patient who dislikes her and fires her.
My, my, my.
This dandy little book is full of interesting philosophical questions and home truths that pop in and out of the narrative and dialogue like fireflies, blinking here and there without slowing anything down or stopping too long in any one place. And in some places, it’s drop-dead funny. Nyhan uses deft, clever prose to move both the story and the protagonist forward, and in doing so she creates a very visceral, tangible protagonist. I don’t always like Leona, but I do always believe her.
I’ve never liked the category “chick lit”, because women read books featuring men—sometimes men only—and there’s no special category for that, so in the best world, men should want to read this book too. But in the world we have now, this will sell primarily to women. But whoever you are, you should get this book and read it. I have seldom enjoyed a DRC so much; it was my go-to book when I didn’t feel like reading another mystery or delving into George Washington’s past. I would read something else out of duty, and then turn to this one as my reward. And I was sorry when it ended.
Recommended without reservation to anyone with a pulse.
September 21, 2016
In ALL THE GOOD PARTS, Loretta Nyhan’s new novel, thirty-nine year-old, Leona is single, broke, going to college on-line to become a nurse and living in her sister Carly’s basement. She’s perfectly content being wacky Auntie Lee to Carly’s four children, but really, it’s getting kind of old. Leona goes to the OB/Gyn for a routine check-up and Dr. Bridget informs Leona that if she wants to have a baby, she better start think about doing it soon, like right away. She tells her in no uncertain terms, that her biological clock is ticking, loudly and the longer she waits, the harder it’ll be to get pregnant – if that’s what she wants.
Leona who hasn’t really thought about whether or not she wants to have a baby for most of her adult life, suddenly realizes, she does want a baby. In fact, she always has, but the circumstances have never been exactly right. Now she has a huge decision to make: face motherhood on her own or risk missing out on its rewards, unless she can come up with some sperm. Of course, there’s adoption and infertility treatments, but hello, that costs a lot of money and she is living in her sister’s basement.
Add to that, Leona has no romantic life and she can count the number of single men she knows on one hand. Her prospects include a Vietnam vet and partial amputee, named Jerry who she works for as a home care helper, his rude-intimidating son, Paul, sweet but troubled Garrett who tutors her niece, Maura, yet they know nothing else about and a fellow nursing student she’s never met, in fact, she only “knows” him by “Darryl K.” on-line.
As Leona discovers more about each guy, she realizes anyone of them could be the right man for the job. But, the more important question is she ready to become a mom?
I enjoyed how Loretta brought together a bunch of quirky characters that basically had nothing in common and created a family within Loena’s family. Leona’s sister is married to Donal (correct spelling), a guy from Ireland, so it was fun getting some Irish flavor in the dialogue. The takeaway from ALL THE GOOD PARTS is to believe in yourself and not to give up on your dreams. It’s a delightful book to read when you’re in the mood for something light and happy. Grab a nice glass of chilled wine and curl up on a comfy sofa
Leona who hasn’t really thought about whether or not she wants to have a baby for most of her adult life, suddenly realizes, she does want a baby. In fact, she always has, but the circumstances have never been exactly right. Now she has a huge decision to make: face motherhood on her own or risk missing out on its rewards, unless she can come up with some sperm. Of course, there’s adoption and infertility treatments, but hello, that costs a lot of money and she is living in her sister’s basement.
Add to that, Leona has no romantic life and she can count the number of single men she knows on one hand. Her prospects include a Vietnam vet and partial amputee, named Jerry who she works for as a home care helper, his rude-intimidating son, Paul, sweet but troubled Garrett who tutors her niece, Maura, yet they know nothing else about and a fellow nursing student she’s never met, in fact, she only “knows” him by “Darryl K.” on-line.
As Leona discovers more about each guy, she realizes anyone of them could be the right man for the job. But, the more important question is she ready to become a mom?
I enjoyed how Loretta brought together a bunch of quirky characters that basically had nothing in common and created a family within Loena’s family. Leona’s sister is married to Donal (correct spelling), a guy from Ireland, so it was fun getting some Irish flavor in the dialogue. The takeaway from ALL THE GOOD PARTS is to believe in yourself and not to give up on your dreams. It’s a delightful book to read when you’re in the mood for something light and happy. Grab a nice glass of chilled wine and curl up on a comfy sofa
December 5, 2016
At the age of 39, Leona Accorsi is going through a renaissance of sorts. She's single, working as a home health worker, and finishing up nursing school online while living in her sister's basement and helping take care of her four nieces and nephews. She's content with her life--until she learns she might be hitting early menopause. If she wants to have a baby, she needs to have one now. The only problem is...she's single. And living in her sister's basement. There's no way she can afford any elective procedures. As she goes round and round trying to figure out how to realize this dream she didn't even know she had, she learns a lot about her family and herself in the process.
I really enjoyed this book, but at the end I found myself frustrated. There was entirely too much going on here. The several subplots overwhelmed what I had expected to be the main story of Leona's journey to motherhood. There were several times in the book that I forgot that was an element at all. I didn't care at all for Carly, Leona's sister--she seemed kind of like a terrible person to me. She was incredibly bossy and lost her temper with everyone for no good reason. The minor characters' stories--especially Garrett, Paul, Maura and Estelle--were just bizarre and didn't seem to have anything to do with the main story. I didn't particularly like any of them. Leona needs to grow a new backbone and surround herself by better people.
The three stars given are for the strength of writing and the amazing dialogue. Leona's dialogue in particular had this acerbic wit that made me picture her as Lauren Graham, even though the actress looks nothing like Leona's description. That aspect, I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, but at the end I found myself frustrated. There was entirely too much going on here. The several subplots overwhelmed what I had expected to be the main story of Leona's journey to motherhood. There were several times in the book that I forgot that was an element at all. I didn't care at all for Carly, Leona's sister--she seemed kind of like a terrible person to me. She was incredibly bossy and lost her temper with everyone for no good reason. The minor characters' stories--especially Garrett, Paul, Maura and Estelle--were just bizarre and didn't seem to have anything to do with the main story. I didn't particularly like any of them. Leona needs to grow a new backbone and surround herself by better people.
The three stars given are for the strength of writing and the amazing dialogue. Leona's dialogue in particular had this acerbic wit that made me picture her as Lauren Graham, even though the actress looks nothing like Leona's description. That aspect, I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2016
Leona is thirty-nine years old, single and living in her younger sister’s basement. Her situation isn’t exactly conducive to being a mom and she has come to accept that. When she has a visit with her gynecologist, and is informed that her biological clock is winding down, she finds that the thought of being a mom stays at the forefront of her thoughts. This causes a sudden panic and Leona to start considering her options. She could always try fertility treatments or adopt, but she realizes that those options cost money. Lots of money … of which she doesn’t have. That’s when she starts considering the few single guys that she knows. Could there be a potential suitor in the bunch?
What I really enjoyed about this book was the sense of hope it brought. I left the story realizing that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you are never too old to go after what you want out of life.
The author wrote in such a way that made it relatable with the perfect amount of humor. And the men that Leona encounters? Let’s just say, they bring a lot of enjoyment to the story.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the sense of hope it brought. I left the story realizing that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you are never too old to go after what you want out of life.
The author wrote in such a way that made it relatable with the perfect amount of humor. And the men that Leona encounters? Let’s just say, they bring a lot of enjoyment to the story.
October 1, 2016
Embracing life
Leona is 39, single, living in her sister's basement, unsettled and unsure about her future. When her gynecologist reminds her that time is ticking for her to have a baby, she realizes she'd love to become a mother, but with no man in her life, her choices are limited. Should the father of her baby be a sperm donor, a homeless man who tutors her niece, another man she's only spoken to online? Is she crazy to even think about having a baby? Leona is such a wonderful character; warm, loving, a bit unfocused, but with love to spare for everyone in her life. It's a bit of a journey for Leona, but a heartfelt ride that the reader gets to take with her. All the Good Parts is an affectionate, poignant, funny story, one that will keep readers turning pages until it reaches its surprising end. Here is one of many noteworthy quotes, "All scars tell a story. Mistakes are made by those who are learning to really live life."
Leona is 39, single, living in her sister's basement, unsettled and unsure about her future. When her gynecologist reminds her that time is ticking for her to have a baby, she realizes she'd love to become a mother, but with no man in her life, her choices are limited. Should the father of her baby be a sperm donor, a homeless man who tutors her niece, another man she's only spoken to online? Is she crazy to even think about having a baby? Leona is such a wonderful character; warm, loving, a bit unfocused, but with love to spare for everyone in her life. It's a bit of a journey for Leona, but a heartfelt ride that the reader gets to take with her. All the Good Parts is an affectionate, poignant, funny story, one that will keep readers turning pages until it reaches its surprising end. Here is one of many noteworthy quotes, "All scars tell a story. Mistakes are made by those who are learning to really live life."
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