The Answer Is Yes

by Sara Lewis

Jenny Brown's life is not going exactly as planned when she happens upon an odd school called the Institute of Affirmation, to which she keeps inexplicably returning, in an edition of the novel that includes a reading group guide

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit

278 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

About the author

Sara Lewis is the author of five novels, "The Best of Good", "Second Draft of My Life", "The Answer Is Yes", "But I Love You Anyway", and "Heart Conditions", as well as the collection "Trying to Smile and Other Stories". Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, McCall's, Redbook, Mademoiselle, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping" and other magazines as well as on National Public Radio. She lives in San Diego with her husband and two children.

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Jenny. When we meet her, she's an unhappy loan officer, but she soon gets laid off and is at loose ends as to what to do with herself and her life. She really never wanted to work in banking, but she doesn't know what she wants to do instead, either. Meanwhile, her husband is totally absorbed with his work and really doesn't seem to pay attention to her at all, other than to nag her to get a job or dismiss her interests.

Jenny stumbles into a strange school and inadvertently becomes the director of one play, then another. Just when everything seems like it's completely falling apart and hopeless, it all comes together and becomes ok.

I related to Jenny too much for comfort--she stumbles around so directionlessly yet tries so frickin' hard. It made me want to protect her, and me. Also, there are a few times in the book when she gets just what she wants but is afraid and runs away from it before she can totally find out it's found her. I'm afraid I do that, too. On top of that, it was really painful to read/experience her empty relationship and how she just can't seem to command attention and respect from her husband.

In the end, everything works out, and the moral seems to be that if you follow your heart and give it everything you've got, and things still aren't working, maybe what you really need to do is let go. Stop trying so hard, and everything will fall into place. This idea scares me--what if I'm wrecking everything for myself by trying so hard? But how will anything ever happen if I don't try?

Here's how Jenny sums it up regarding Todd (husband)'s problems in his science lab:
"...Things aren't always what they seem, that even when you think everything is falling apart, it can still work out in a surprising way. Or no, wait. Let me get this right. The biggest miracles happen when a tremendous problem turns out never to have existed."

Wow. What if all of my tremendous problems turned out never to have existed? At first, this thought scared me, too. Could it be that easy? It sounds like a trick. But after letting the idea marinate for a week or so, I think maybe she's right. Most of my problems really don't exist, or at least, they don't have to be huge problems. Luckily, I'm also reading Just Start right now, which is providing the companion guidance to how to deal with uncertainty and get things done without all the angst and flailing I usually apply.

Although the experience of this book was kind of painful for me, it's a very well-written book, and I loved Jenny. I was really happy for her to have everything work out so well. The only thing that didn't ring true is the resolution with her husband. Throughout the whole book, he's basically a self-absorbed prick and doesn't seem to care about her at all. He spends all his energy on his work, and even when he's home, he doesn't really talk or listen to Jenny, just dismisses her at every turn. Even when she ends up in the hospital, he stops by for 5 minutes and then disappears back to the lab to take care of his mice. He even sleeps in his office for two days to take care of them--Jenny actually thinks he's left her. Yet, they have one talk where he's like "huh? No, I'm happy with our relationship. I just want to adopt a baby." and suddenly everything is totally peachy between them--happy ending! Not buying that at all. Otherwise, it was a great book, though.

[Gail Haberland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Lewis's book is one of optimism. It's nothing too complex; she is a straightforward author who doesn't become too involved with imagery or symbolism. However, if you are looking for a plot which zips right along, has likable characters, and leaves you with a smile by the end of the novel, then "The Answer is Yes" is the perfect choice. I wish that Ms. Lewis was still publishing novels because reading her books is pure delight.

[Allison Renner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t count how many times I’ve actually read this book - long before the days of Goodreads. Something about the writing style and storyline are both interesting yet also calming. I love the characters and their arc but it also seems low stakes in the best way, making anything by Sara Lewis a great escape from everyday stress.

[Anika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorite books. It is uplifting, inspiring, and comical. The main character is fun and fallible. The best advice I ever have gotten from a book is from this one: how to have a miracle.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this book just the other day. There is something about it. I would like to take classes at the Institute of Affirmation and meet all the quirky people and of course, Jenny. The ending wraps things up a bit too neatly, but I forgive it. LOL

[Miette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The San Diego Union-Tribune calls this "A satirical fairy tale of positivism... an amusing manual for finding and leading a happy life." I love fairy tales and this one is among my favorites.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very upbeat, enjoyable, think positive, make an impact

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure I was going to like this one when I first started it. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it at first but in the end, I really liked it. I loved Jenny's philosophy on family - the collection of people you choose to be closest to. Most of my family isn't blood-related, but isn't any less a part of my family than those who are (some even more so). Prayer and positive thinking really do influence your life. Even in situations that appear to have no positives, there's always a lesson to be taken away. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author.

[Amory · Rating 1 out of 5]

Real bad. In reading the description, I thought this was going to be a fun and inspiring book, but it wasn’t. I just couldn’t stand Jenny’s whining the whole time, and her internal thought went on for way too long. I fee like this book was very dated, and was confusing to read as a younger millennial. I appreciate a lot of the themes and values that were shown, but in the end, if you’re upset about something or someone, TALKING IT OUT is the best answer, not making passive aggressive moves. Also, Jenny as a person was just weird, just sayin’

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. It's a sweet, quiet, non-cynical story about finding your path in life. I haven't read many novels from the point of view of a woman adopted as a baby who is grappling with a yearning for finding her biological mother--and how that affects her life. I love how the ARTS essentially save her.

(found in a free box in Todos Santos)

[Davida "Davi" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is, of course, about a young-30s age woman feeling stuck in her life, her marriage and her job, plus she just moved to a new city at the behest of her husband. The "twist" to me is that it is NOT depressing, even though a reader could easily identify some symptoms of depression in all of the main characters. As she (Jenny) finds a place where she feels comfortable, and wanted, and needed, she finds out what works for her. It all seems to happen by happy serendipity but she puts a lot of work into it, too, and changes her views of others. I don't think I'm spoiling anything by indicating that this book ends happily, almost too happy and trite, but still fulfilling for the reader.

This book takes place in mid-late 1990s. There are no cell phones but the idea of the internet starting out is very key, and portrayed very accurately (i.e. one woman's daughter helps her get on to the internet. There are a lot of copies being made.) I love that accuracy.

I recommend this book to anyone willing to laugh at themselves, or cry. There are definitely some boring and exasperating parts in the book, but it's all very realistic and adds value to the story and the characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone (like me) wishing to come out of the doldrums.

The only reason this is not a 5* review is because, although my copy came with a reading guide discussion prompt, it's not necc. high literature. But it's definitely more than a beach read.

***Edited 10/2024: I just came across this book again, in my own collection. I recall giving it to someone and telling them to read this and it might help them understand me better. I don't think they ever did; we never talked about it. Just seeing the book made me feel better, hopeful, affirmed, optimistic - no matter who understands me or doesn't, or why, or wants to. I changed my rating to five stars. I think I was going to send the book to them again but now I think I'll keep it, for me.

[Diane Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have read The Answer is Yes five or more times, and it is probably my favorite novel by Sara Lewis, which is sadly not in ebook form. Since I have gotten rid (or am in the process of donating) most novels, the fact that I've kept all her books speak to how much I enjoy this author, who only has two books available on Kindle (of the two, if you want to get one, I recommend The Second Draft of My Life, but everything she writes is pretty great).

I am rambling, and I blame Sara Lewis, because I stayed up late finishing The Answer is Yes, a book about Jenny, a not-so young woman who is in a place of feeling aimless and not utilizing her potential while her husband seems to have everything under control--and their marriage is not fulfilling. Sounds dreary, but once Sara happens upon the Institute of Affirmation (which I wish I lived near), everything changes.

But not all at once. Hence the book, which is pure delight and inspiration. HIGHLY recommended.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

Pro: really enjoyed this low-key, gentle story about a young woman struggling to make progress towards three goals: be married to the right person, love her job, find her birth mother. Protagonist is very easy to like in her dogged efforts to see the world in a positive way, and accept people and what they are able to offer at face value. I have a weakness for epigraphs and the ones here, all course offerings from the 'Institute of Affirmation', are very funny. I think I liked 'Support Group for Bad Habits' best.

Con: Liked that there was happy in the ending but would personally have preferred for it to be a touch less 'sweet'.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It's nothing like the books I typically love. It's not what I'd consider a work of fine literature, but there's something about it that grabbed from the very first page. The main character and I are nothing alike, yet I resonated with her and several of her experiences on such a deep level that in many ways, I felt like I could have inserted myself into the main character position in this story. The story was just so genuine, down-to-earth, and unpretentious, and I really loved it and I now plan to read more by this author.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, easy read if you need something uplifting on your bedside table. I love the concept of the Institute of Affirmation (The Answer is Yes....What is Your Question?) The story is about the transformation of Jenny as she struggles with an unsatisfying marriage and a job she hates. I particularly enjoyed her very real internal dialogue as she interacts (or doesn't) with her preoccupied and emotionally distant husband. I also appreciated that this is a story of adoption and search, one that explores the issues involved without being heavy-handed.

[Mary Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this quirky novel just browsing the shelves of the library. It is a sweet story about a young women figuring out who she is and what she wants to do with herself. The protagonist moves with her husband to a new town and stumbles on an uplifting community center with an unusual array of classes. Through the story, pieces of the protagonists past are gradually revealed which explain her current situation. It is an enjoyable book with a great title.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good, feel good novel. Like the way it paints the worlds of being adopted, community education type classes world and the world of research scientists. Since I have a little exposure to all three, I think the author does a good job of getting inside all three worlds. Quick read, again- a Hallmark movie feel good.

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit, at first, it started out very boring. It began to get good in the middle of the novel.

I can honestly say I understand where she's coming from. She feels as if everything thats going on with her life doesnt make her feel any happier. She wants change, and she doesnt have any moral support from the one that devoted her life to him (her husband)

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quick read about a woman in her mid-thirties who is trying desperately to get her wishes granted. Love the school she wanders into, the institute of affirmation, where she finds her niche, professionally and socially, and realizes that she has a lot more to offer. Some parts were somewhat slow, but overall, after a book drought for a while, I enjoyed this read.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bookclub selection for January 2013.

After feeling like she's in a pattern of bad luck with her job and her marriage, Jenny gets involved with an adult education school as the director of a play and begins to notice small miracles taking place in her life. Heart-warming story full of lovable characters.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. It is not my typical book. No vampires or wizards... It came to me as a gift about 5 years ago. I thought the main character was kind of a mess, but at that point in my life, I was a mess so this book really helped me. Thanks Tara.

[Your Gal J]

Sadly, I couldn't get into this book at all. I had to push myself to get past page 50 when I finally decided to give up. The plot just didn't pick up and it seem to just lag. Soryy Lewis, maybe next time.

[Nettle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost put the book down in the first few chapters, because I was annoyed by the protagonist's passivity. But it turns out that the reader has to go through Jenny's journey of self-discovery at Jenny's own pace. Ultimately a delightful and touching book...and I long to start my own School of Yes.

[Janice · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Answer was No, for me - I couldn't get through this. It read like young-married chick-lit, and the kind of feel-good domestic fiction they published (maybe still do) in Good Housekeeping or the other traditional homemaking magazines my mother used to subscribe to.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the school was a fun quirky idea for a book. This was a quick fun read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky book, but makes you smile. Definitely a book you can read more than once.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story about a woman who finds herself in an unexpected place and way.

[Jkteach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky. happy book.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light hearted book with a positve message. A quick read!

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked it up because I wanted to know the question. A good read.