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Hey, Good Luck Out There
Subversive, captivating and vividly attuned to both the extraordinary and the mundane, Georgia Toews’ debut novel Hey, Good Luck Out There is a furious and hilarious journey through the relentless, soul-baring world of addiction and recovery. After an amazingly unpleasant pizza party intervention, our twenty-two-year-old narrator checks into a women’s rehab facility, confined "for her own safety" without meaningful contact with the outside world. For escape, she and her fellow patients have only stilted phone calls with their disappointed and concerned parents, daily meetings in the form of inspirational speeches from wealthy ex-alcoholics and lifestyle gurus, visits to the doctor, and clandestine trips to a dingy internet cafe. For our narrator, a neon-pink journal gifted by her grandmother with gold embossed letters on the front—“Let Them Eat Cake!”—is her only comfort amid an endless carousel of strangeness and unease. When she is discharged from rehab after thirty punishing days, returned to Toronto’s streets without resources, a job, or an apartment, and tasked with staying clean despite a seemingly bottomless urge to give up, the book What next? What happens in the aftermath of your lowest low? Alone, and at war with an intrusive inner creature, at last she begins the process of making a home for herself in the world. Hey, Good Luck Out There introduces a dynamic new voice in Georgia Toews is at once unguardedly truthful, gritty, and darkly funny, with a sardonic, wholly original sense of the absurd.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
April 16, 2022
I gave her a half hug, we had discussed before how we both didn’t like touching, but I thought she would laugh at me if I tried to shake her hand. She kind of hugged me back, but she was holding on tight to her luggage.
“Hey, good luck out there.”
Divided into two parts — twenty-two-year-old Bobbi’s experience in a residential rehab program and what happens after her release thirty days later — Hey, Good Luck Out There is a decidedly alternative story of addiction and recovery. Perhaps based on debut author Georgia Toews’ own experiences (there are hints of this in the Acknowledgments at the end of the book), Bobbi is a character who goes to rehab after an undramatic intervention by her imperfect family, and although she can recognise that the other women in the facility need to be there, she doesn’t believe that she has personally hit rock bottom, and as a consequence, doesn’t embrace the program or the therapy; solely confronting her demons and her past in the sparkly pink journal her grandmother gave her. There’s discomfort in Bobbi’s halting dialogue and inability to connect with others, some sardonic humour in Bobbi's inner musings, and dramatic irony in the disconnect between how normal Bobbi outwardly insists her life has been and the revealed details of her party days; much of the specifics of the writing are well-crafted and compelling. On the other hand, the overall plot left me a bit cold: Despite some frequently appalling particulars, this didn’t feel “gritty” as the publisher’s blurb states — likely because these are the hinted at experiences of third parties and fuzzy memories that Bobbi brushes off; not much gritty happens in the present moment — and if this is meant to be a critique of residential rehab and twelve step programs, Toews doesn’t really dig into that either. Bobbi is simply a broken human drifting through life — accepting abuse or aid as it comes — and this driftiness gave me little to grab on to. I would give three and a half stars and am rounding up for the sentence-level writing. (Note: I read an ARC through NetGalley and passages quoted may not be in their final forms.)
I had only been in rehab for four full days and already I was beginning to forget which woman had suffered what, which woman was attacked when, who ran from the cops or whose boyfriend found her seizing in the doorway. That must be the point. Inundate you with horror stories and trauma until you realize how serious your addiction is and finally give in to the program, your only saving grace. But at this point, I didn’t feel shockable. I just felt that all that bullshit was a given.
A hardcore alcoholic, and occasional party drug user, Bobbi was talked into rehab by well-meaning (hard-drinking, mentally unstable) parents who didn’t know how else to help her. But because she’s doing the rehab more for the parents who paid out of pocket for the program than for herself, Bobbi doesn’t really do the work; just counting off sober days until her release while frequently bursting into uncontrollable tears and only confiding past trauma to her journal. Most of the first half of the book is about Bobbi’s efforts to fit in with the other women at the facility, but poor conversation skills and an unwillingness to be vulnerable leads to her being accepted, but not really embraced. I have no idea how realistic her cold turkey experience is (she can’t drink so she won’t drink, without physical or psychological effects), and when she is eventually released, it’s a stubbornness of mind and a wish to not disappoint her parents that Bobbi will rely on to keep herself sober.
The second half of the book sees Bobbi on the outside — with shockingly little support from parents who assume she will be able to find herself a job and an affordable apartment in downtown Toronto on her own — and again, I have no idea how realistic it is to portray someone with addiction issues and unresolved trauma (and no support system other than her former party friends and recent rehab roommates) who can take stressful situations as they come and just not drink because she promised her mom and dad that she wouldn’t. Once again, this part seems to be about Bobbi’s efforts to make connections with new people despite her lack of sober communication skills, and some people help her, some take advantage of her — some do both — and the tension in the plot comes from wondering if the shaky sobriety will stick.
I walked past the hostel and back, trying to make up my mind, I wanted a part of me back, the brave part. No, I wanted the child back, the one who had friends, who had a safe house and a family that didn’t hold their breath around me. I kept going through the scenarios: living, dying, drinking on this beautiful summer evening.
Of course I was rooting for Bobbi — she really is a damaged character who deserves stability and hope for the future — but it felt like, ultimately, the events of the plot (the good things that landed in Bobbi’s lap, the things that were taken away) were more random than literary (like there wasn’t a point to the up and down struggles beyond, “It could happen this way”) and that was a bit frustrating for me, a bit wispy. Still, overall, a very good read.
April 15, 2023
Hey, Good Luck Out There by Georgia Toews is an incredible Canadian read following a woman going through rehab and her eventual post-rehab struggles.
Bobbi, our twenty-two year old lead, is a strong but vulnerable protagonist. Her story brings up real social issues of women (and people in general) who experience very real struggles. What happens when you go to rehab and get out? How do you stay sober? How do you manage to keep a job, keep friends, find a place to live, etc.? How do you fit in with the people that just don't understand? Are you fated to forever just have a label?
Georgia Toews' story is breathtaking, heartbreaking, and sophisticated. I truly enjoyed it and recommend you pick it up.
And, like the title says dear readers… "Hey, Good Luck Out There!"
Five out of five. Give it seven if you want.
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
Bobbi, our twenty-two year old lead, is a strong but vulnerable protagonist. Her story brings up real social issues of women (and people in general) who experience very real struggles. What happens when you go to rehab and get out? How do you stay sober? How do you manage to keep a job, keep friends, find a place to live, etc.? How do you fit in with the people that just don't understand? Are you fated to forever just have a label?
Georgia Toews' story is breathtaking, heartbreaking, and sophisticated. I truly enjoyed it and recommend you pick it up.
And, like the title says dear readers… "Hey, Good Luck Out There!"
Five out of five. Give it seven if you want.
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
January 17, 2025
3.5 rounded to 4 for the ~stars~.
Hey, Good Luck Out There, at times feels like a friend is telling you a long, wild story. There are a few tangents, bumps, and they may lose you for a minute, but then something wacky happens and you're brought back in. I expected to give this one 5 stars but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. 3.5 for me though, is pretty darn good. I saw a top review for this book saying it was like Mean Girls meets Girl, Interrupted, and while I have only seen the Winona Ryder movie adaptation, I can say that is an accurate comparison. I was a bit bothered by the structure of this novel, it is broken into strictly two parts - no chapters, which made it kind of painful to read at times. I kept having to read back a bit when picking the book up to remember what was happening.
I did I enjoy our protagonists' friendship and family dynamics. She was a little awkward and tried to fit into various cliques at rehab and at work, but there was no real drama or excitement, and I found it a little anticlimactic. That being said, I was rooting for our protagonist; she was flawed, but she was trying. A lot of what was going on seemed real to me, and it made me sad. The struggle to stay sober, being taken advantage of by shady men, not having a place to live or family to rely on when you're at your lowest, was difficult to read but necessary. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and also am always happy to see references to my hometown in books. It had a Fleabag vibe to it, as well as Please Like Me (please tell me someone has seen this show!?), dark yet oddly hilarious at times. Overall, I really enjoyed and would recommend it, especially to fans of sad-girl lit!
Major TW: Rape, alcoholism, addiction, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.
Hey, Good Luck Out There, at times feels like a friend is telling you a long, wild story. There are a few tangents, bumps, and they may lose you for a minute, but then something wacky happens and you're brought back in. I expected to give this one 5 stars but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. 3.5 for me though, is pretty darn good. I saw a top review for this book saying it was like Mean Girls meets Girl, Interrupted, and while I have only seen the Winona Ryder movie adaptation, I can say that is an accurate comparison. I was a bit bothered by the structure of this novel, it is broken into strictly two parts - no chapters, which made it kind of painful to read at times. I kept having to read back a bit when picking the book up to remember what was happening.
I did I enjoy our protagonists' friendship and family dynamics. She was a little awkward and tried to fit into various cliques at rehab and at work, but there was no real drama or excitement, and I found it a little anticlimactic. That being said, I was rooting for our protagonist; she was flawed, but she was trying. A lot of what was going on seemed real to me, and it made me sad. The struggle to stay sober, being taken advantage of by shady men, not having a place to live or family to rely on when you're at your lowest, was difficult to read but necessary. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and also am always happy to see references to my hometown in books. It had a Fleabag vibe to it, as well as Please Like Me (please tell me someone has seen this show!?), dark yet oddly hilarious at times. Overall, I really enjoyed and would recommend it, especially to fans of sad-girl lit!
Major TW: Rape, alcoholism, addiction, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.
August 28, 2022
I think this could have been better as a short story or novella. I also hate when everything gets wrapped up in like 2 pages
July 12, 2022
Oh how I loved this book. It was like a friend I brought everywhere with me to feel comfort. Georgia is also a wonderful person who graciously responded to an Instagram DM I sent her about how much I love this book! A must read for anyone in recovery or wanting to be in recovery.
July 21, 2023
tough read.
June 3, 2022
The kind of book you borrow from the library and then go buy a copy for your own shelves. I loved this book's honesty. The story was told in a way that felt intimate and truthful without making me shoulder the burden. I felt like the narrator and I were holding hands, that I was rooting for her, that I could be her friend and confidant, that I could emphasize with her when she faltered, and cheer when she had a win. I wanted desperately for her to be okay- to find some slice of peace for herself. The book pulled me in right away, I felt like I was in every room and every space, quietly wishing the narrator luck the whole time.
A book I'll return to no doubt, a book destined for the "favourites" section of my bookshelf.
A book I'll return to no doubt, a book destined for the "favourites" section of my bookshelf.
January 6, 2023
This book is split in two parts: in the first, our 22 year old narrator spends 30 days in rehab for alcoholism, and in the second we see her flung into life trying to stay sober, finding a place to live and to work.
The lack of chapters kind of made it feel like one long thought as the narrator jumps from one idea to the next. I enjoyed the character development and her interactions. Check for trigger warnings
The lack of chapters kind of made it feel like one long thought as the narrator jumps from one idea to the next. I enjoyed the character development and her interactions. Check for trigger warnings
July 6, 2022
Girl, Interrupted meets Mean Girls…
Georgia Toews is the daughter of famed Canadian author Miriam Toews. You never know how much nepotism has to do with her debut getting published. Does she have a fresh voice?
Well …. Yes and no. This book falls into more plotless sad girl lit. Should we make this a sub-genre?? I shake my fist at Sally Rooney because it seems everyone is in her wake.
This book is hard to review because it’s almost two books in one. First off, there are no chapters, which annoys me to no end.
The book is split into two parts. In the first part, we follow our unnamed narrator through her 30 day stint in an alcoholics recovery rehab. She tries to fit into various girl cliques. It’s like a Disney version of Girl, Interrupted. No real drama goes down other than our narrator taking a sip of beer and trying to steal a few minutes of internet.
I found this part a struggle to get through. It was lukewarm. It either needed to be way darker or way wittier. It just rode the fence.
The second part was much better as it followed her reintegration into society. She struggles to find a job and an apartment. She stays in the most horrendous hostel that will make you feel itchy while reading it.
I appreciated that Toews highlighted the struggle for women to get clean. The narrator goes through a lot of sexual abuse in order to keep a roof over her head.
As a Torontonian I particularly loved all the easter eggs. There’s a lot embedded in this book that will speak to people who live in the city.
If you are looking for a fun summer read this isn’t the one. BUT if you are into sad girl lit, you need this one ASAP!
Georgia Toews is the daughter of famed Canadian author Miriam Toews. You never know how much nepotism has to do with her debut getting published. Does she have a fresh voice?
Well …. Yes and no. This book falls into more plotless sad girl lit. Should we make this a sub-genre?? I shake my fist at Sally Rooney because it seems everyone is in her wake.
This book is hard to review because it’s almost two books in one. First off, there are no chapters, which annoys me to no end.
The book is split into two parts. In the first part, we follow our unnamed narrator through her 30 day stint in an alcoholics recovery rehab. She tries to fit into various girl cliques. It’s like a Disney version of Girl, Interrupted. No real drama goes down other than our narrator taking a sip of beer and trying to steal a few minutes of internet.
I found this part a struggle to get through. It was lukewarm. It either needed to be way darker or way wittier. It just rode the fence.
The second part was much better as it followed her reintegration into society. She struggles to find a job and an apartment. She stays in the most horrendous hostel that will make you feel itchy while reading it.
I appreciated that Toews highlighted the struggle for women to get clean. The narrator goes through a lot of sexual abuse in order to keep a roof over her head.
As a Torontonian I particularly loved all the easter eggs. There’s a lot embedded in this book that will speak to people who live in the city.
If you are looking for a fun summer read this isn’t the one. BUT if you are into sad girl lit, you need this one ASAP!
October 13, 2022
Wary of a writer whose mom is a famous author? Less likely to warm up to their book? Me too.
It's probably true that it was easier for her to publish this book because of her mom's wide literary reach (it's part of why I picked it up). There was admittedly a voyeuristic curiosity with which I approached the book, "fictional", but loosely based on her own experiences with alcohol use disorder and inpatient rehab stays. Once I was into the book I was drawn in.
The first part was a bit out of context - removed, clinical, somewhat empty. "Is she a runner?" was the gist of the first half of the main character's stay in rehab.
The second part was captivating, the anxiety really drawing me in, the restlessness around precarious housing palpable, moving from bedbugs to predatory men who wanted to let a young woman have temporary lodging in favour of dubious exchanges.
Overall I found this to be an easy read and a good glimpse into the life of a middle class girl whose life is severely shattered by this terrible illness.
It's probably true that it was easier for her to publish this book because of her mom's wide literary reach (it's part of why I picked it up). There was admittedly a voyeuristic curiosity with which I approached the book, "fictional", but loosely based on her own experiences with alcohol use disorder and inpatient rehab stays. Once I was into the book I was drawn in.
The first part was a bit out of context - removed, clinical, somewhat empty. "Is she a runner?" was the gist of the first half of the main character's stay in rehab.
The second part was captivating, the anxiety really drawing me in, the restlessness around precarious housing palpable, moving from bedbugs to predatory men who wanted to let a young woman have temporary lodging in favour of dubious exchanges.
Overall I found this to be an easy read and a good glimpse into the life of a middle class girl whose life is severely shattered by this terrible illness.
July 24, 2023
2.5⭐️ this book was so interesting because there were NO chapters. I honestly didn’t mind it as much as I thought. What I felt was worse was the completely depressing story line of a woman fresh from rehab trying to find her place in a world that seems quick to label and utterly hopeless. This book felt like a drag, made me feel sad and definitely anxious.
February 7, 2025
Girl doing her best, love to see it
July 26, 2022
Georgia Toews’s debut recounts the story of twenty-two-year-old Bobbi and her struggle with addiction through her time in rehab and into her life upon release. The reader becomes thoroughly acquainted with the narrator’s most private thoughts as she navigates through a new life of sobriety.
Whether or not this novel depicts a realistic picture of addiction and recovery is uncertain. Still, the reader does find themself rooting for Bobbi as she fights her inner demons. Our unreliable narrator goes nameless up until the very end of the novel, reinforcing that we know very little about who she is outside of her addiction, as though that is all there is to know. Divided into two parts, the pacing throughout part one feels sluggish, unhelped by the fact that there are no chapters to break up events, but throughout the second part, the plot begins to pick up and gets much easier to read through.
While it did take some time for me to become invested in this novel, I did get there. If you like damaged protagonists and heavier plotlines, it’s not a bad read at all, but if you’re looking for summer fluff or a light read, this is definitely not it.
Whether or not this novel depicts a realistic picture of addiction and recovery is uncertain. Still, the reader does find themself rooting for Bobbi as she fights her inner demons. Our unreliable narrator goes nameless up until the very end of the novel, reinforcing that we know very little about who she is outside of her addiction, as though that is all there is to know. Divided into two parts, the pacing throughout part one feels sluggish, unhelped by the fact that there are no chapters to break up events, but throughout the second part, the plot begins to pick up and gets much easier to read through.
While it did take some time for me to become invested in this novel, I did get there. If you like damaged protagonists and heavier plotlines, it’s not a bad read at all, but if you’re looking for summer fluff or a light read, this is definitely not it.
July 24, 2023
1.5 rounded up to 2 because I appreciate Canadian writers. The premise of the book is good and i appreciate reading about addiction by someone who has experienced it, but if you’re expecting the witty, clever writing of Miriam Toews prepare to be disappointed. I was underwhelmed this entire book. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone unless you’re trying to find a book to put you to sleep (literally). 😴
July 10, 2022
I won a copy of this from a Goodreads Giveaway.
I’m very glad for it as without it I probably never would have discovered this gem. Idk why but I really liked this. From writing style to the actual story. I found the main character relatable and very human.
I’m very glad for it as without it I probably never would have discovered this gem. Idk why but I really liked this. From writing style to the actual story. I found the main character relatable and very human.
May 28, 2025
This book offers a sometimes harrowing insider view of addiction and recovery and that kind of nebulous time in your twenties when you drink a lot and don't have responsibilities, with compassion for those who don't make it out, but the narrator didn't feel like someone I always wanted to root for, which made it harder to love the book.
April 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this - funny, heartfelt, and well-paced. Heavy read of course, especially at some points, but there were moments of levity that balanced the story out well. Can’t wait to read more from Georgia Toews!
October 11, 2025
A blistering depiction of recovery - trauma, alcohol and abuse - heartbreaking and beautifully written
August 18, 2023
This was funny, and wonderfully written. It gave a great perspective on how different addiction can be to individuals.
February 6, 2023
The humor in this book was perfection. Dark and sarcastic but at times just obscure observations that were so accurate it was funny.
This books had a lot of heavy moments that flew by without being delved in to and I think that gave a lot of insight into the narrator's mind and how she functions. I could feel her agitation at the mantras and sayings at treatment and it felt relatable to any time someone tries to make light of a situation or talk about fate and a higher power.
This story felt so real and is likely an experience much like others have faced. The whole apartment rental and job searching sections were painfully accurate, something that you'd almost laugh at even being real.
The narrator's journey is not full of hope and success, but it's realistic, a struggle, something to work at every minute of every day. I think there's a lot of perspective gain from reading this one.
This books had a lot of heavy moments that flew by without being delved in to and I think that gave a lot of insight into the narrator's mind and how she functions. I could feel her agitation at the mantras and sayings at treatment and it felt relatable to any time someone tries to make light of a situation or talk about fate and a higher power.
This story felt so real and is likely an experience much like others have faced. The whole apartment rental and job searching sections were painfully accurate, something that you'd almost laugh at even being real.
The narrator's journey is not full of hope and success, but it's realistic, a struggle, something to work at every minute of every day. I think there's a lot of perspective gain from reading this one.
April 10, 2023
Good GOD this was painful. I wanted to love this book so bad, I even heard people comparing the writing to that of THE Sally Rooney. But I just simply could not get through it. I got exactly 100 pages in and had to call it quits (which I rarely ever do with books). Georgia Toews, I’m so sorry girl. I tried.
June 24, 2022
Like mother, like daughter! Well done, Georgia Toews
November 28, 2025
A bit darker than I expected but an interesting read over all.
The first bit of the book reminded me a lot of Cut but Patricia McCormick; attending a rehabilitation centre while meeting different women of different struggles. While I realized I wasn’t going to read a lot of wholesome “it’s going to be alright” moments I realized it was better to highlight the dark themes of addiction and its spectrum from the female perspective. Once our narrator was released from their thirty days, the story followed up with unfortunate event one after the other (struggling with the housing crisis, sexual assault, unemployment) but I thought this was important to molding the nature of our protagonist, especially when she discusses her thought processes with the therapist. The climax was interesting, but I did find myself wishing we got to read about how our narrator faced their hardships in more than a few pages.
I loved the setting and that it took place in Toronto, it gave me a sense of familiarity that these struggles are in everyday people, even the ones a town or two over. I also was reaching the end of the book when I realized we never even knew the name of our main character, and it was only until the end she saw the humanity in herself to personify herself with one.
The first bit of the book reminded me a lot of Cut but Patricia McCormick; attending a rehabilitation centre while meeting different women of different struggles. While I realized I wasn’t going to read a lot of wholesome “it’s going to be alright” moments I realized it was better to highlight the dark themes of addiction and its spectrum from the female perspective. Once our narrator was released from their thirty days, the story followed up with unfortunate event one after the other (struggling with the housing crisis, sexual assault, unemployment) but I thought this was important to molding the nature of our protagonist, especially when she discusses her thought processes with the therapist. The climax was interesting, but I did find myself wishing we got to read about how our narrator faced their hardships in more than a few pages.
I loved the setting and that it took place in Toronto, it gave me a sense of familiarity that these struggles are in everyday people, even the ones a town or two over. I also was reaching the end of the book when I realized we never even knew the name of our main character, and it was only until the end she saw the humanity in herself to personify herself with one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
This book was good. 2023 is my year of stream of consciousness books, and I've realized how much I love that style. I really loved the characters. The author explores addiction and mental health issues in a way I found both heartbreaking and hilarious. Understandable, relatable, smart, and scathing. Tammy was an absolute highlight for me. But man, this book is too long. It would have been a flawless 5/5 in my world if we could delete like 100 pages. The first half was so good but when it get to part 2 it just dragged.
November 22, 2025
3.5 stars - this book was depressing as f*ck, but also funny and wild?? I just wanted to hug the main character (wait, did we even know her name??) the whole time and help her find a goddamn safe place to live, GAHHH. Idk why I read this because it had so many trigger warnings, but somehow the tone was light?? Also not sure if I liked that there were no chapters or not. Interesting either way!! Okay I’m done
August 14, 2023
This was okay. I have a problem taking books that are so clearly written by a millennial seriously and this might have been a little too contemporary for my liking. It definitely was a good break from the really heavy books I’ve been reading and I got through it super quickly. I can’t say I’d recommend but it definitely wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever read.
July 8, 2025
It was good to read the first novel by the daughter of my favourite author. I was very involved in the story, knowing what struggles are like, when it feels like the universe is against you. It hit my emotions at times, making me relive my own memories from the past, and it also made me laugh and smirk at certain points, reminding me of the importance of humour, even during the darkest times. This novel showed me the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
August 26, 2025
I thought this was going to be a lot more light- hearted but I wasn’t disappointed at all. There were a lot of lighter moments but they served to enhance the actual darkness of what the main character was going through. The book got quite dark near the end and I feared what was coming. I will definitely look for more books from this author.
November 7, 2023
Main character was desperately unlikeable. Ending wasn’t realistic. Hopefully this author gets better as she writes more because I was really excited for this since I love her mom.
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