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Never Meant to Meet You: A Novel
From the authors of Tiny Imperfections comes a riotously funny, emotionally real look at race and religion, love and heartache, and the realities of parenting through it all. Self-appointed fixer of other people’s woes Marjette Lewis is uncharacteristically determined to keep to her side of the driveway when it comes to her flawless neighbor Noa Abrams. Professionally, Marjette has her hands full as she prepares for a new class of kindergarteners and her first year of teaching without her best friend, Judy, as campus “Black-up.” And at home, her son’s budding manhood challenges her expectations, and her vexing ex-husband continues to be a thorn in her side. But when tragedy strikes Marjette’s street, and an unexpected child shows up on the first day of school with an uncle who has all the class moms aflutter, Marjette is forced to contend with both her neighbor and her own heartache over losing the life she once thought was guaranteed. Through laughter, tears, and the gift of found family, Marjette and Noa navigate the rituals of loss together and discover the strength to remake their lives―whether they meant to or not.
319 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2022
About the author
Alli Frank
5 books170 followersThe robustness of a farm girl, the honed sophistication of a city woman, a dash of Jewish chutzpah, and a heaping cup of endurance athlete and voila, you have Alli Frank. Alli was raised in Yakima, WA, the only child of two parents who instilled in her that hard work coupled with a resilient spirit will take you where you want to go. So up some of the highest mountains Alli climbed, down insanely steep terrain she skied and across long swathes of land she ran. To pay for all this adventure, Alli has worked in education for over 20 years in San Francisco and Seattle - from an overcrowded, cacophonous public high school to a pristine private girl's school. She has been a teacher, curriculum leader, coach, college counselor, assistant head, private school co-founder, sometimes pastor, often mayor, and de facto parent therapist. A graduate of Cornell and Stanford Universities, Alli can still be found with her nose deep in a book or hunkered down at the movies, never one to miss a great story. Alli lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, two daughters and terribly cute mini-Bernedoodle. When she needs good food (cause she can't really cook) she turns to her co-author Asha Youmans.
(source: Amazon)
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
September 18, 2022
This was an easy, funny, touching story.
Marjetta is the main character, a single mom who’s husband left her for another woman 6 years ago.
She carries this torch to the point that it won’t let her move forward until she meets her neighbor, Noa who shows Marjetta that life can go on even when the unthinkable happens.
I picked up the kindle version free of charge as an Amazon first read but I would not have been disappointed to have paid for this one.
Marjetta is the main character, a single mom who’s husband left her for another woman 6 years ago.
She carries this torch to the point that it won’t let her move forward until she meets her neighbor, Noa who shows Marjetta that life can go on even when the unthinkable happens.
I picked up the kindle version free of charge as an Amazon first read but I would not have been disappointed to have paid for this one.
May 18, 2026
3.75 rounding up
I appreciate these authors having their availability on Kindle Unlimited with Audio. Bahni Turpin nails the narration for their books every time!
In typical Frank and Youmans fashion, Never Meant to Meet You is a true delight. It will tickle your funny bone, feels highly relatable, and leaves you in a better place than when you started. That being said, I didn't love this quite as much as the last book I read by this duo. The main character, Marjette, was a bit insufferable to start. She does come around, and you will grow to like her, but it really takes a while! The rest of the supporting cast is wonderful, especially her son, Darius, and her newfound bestie/neighbor, Noa.
Never meant to Meet you is a "humorous and heartfelt novel about two neighbors, Marjette (a Black Baptist woman) and Noa (a white Jewish woman), who initially avoid each other but are brought together by a neighborhood tragedy, forming an unexpected friendship. The book explores themes of race, religion, and found family through the lens of middle-aged women finding common ground and strength in their differences." Race and religion are specified in the description above as this is the true basis of the novel. The two women bridge cultural and religious differences to form a deep "found family" bond while navigating grief, parenting, and life's unpredictability. The humor is centered around women of color as far as cooking, music, child rearing, hair care, etc and funeral arrangements and customs involved in Jewish tradition. The authors are Jewish and Baptist, as I am neither, I am assuming their story telling is at least in part accurate to their own upbringing.
👍Ultimately, the pros—the found family, the deep friendships, and the genuinely wonderful ending—make this book completely well worth the read (or listen)!
👎However, there were a few cons for me. Marjette is such a stifling parent that she almost cost the book for me at first. While some readers may find her relatable, I found her to be completely exhausting.
🍗Despite that, the story is delightfully silly, which really adds to the humor. It serves as a fantastic palette cleanser in between some of the tougher, heavier tales out there! AND- there is a friend chicken recipe at the end!
I appreciate these authors having their availability on Kindle Unlimited with Audio. Bahni Turpin nails the narration for their books every time!
In typical Frank and Youmans fashion, Never Meant to Meet You is a true delight. It will tickle your funny bone, feels highly relatable, and leaves you in a better place than when you started. That being said, I didn't love this quite as much as the last book I read by this duo. The main character, Marjette, was a bit insufferable to start. She does come around, and you will grow to like her, but it really takes a while! The rest of the supporting cast is wonderful, especially her son, Darius, and her newfound bestie/neighbor, Noa.
Never meant to Meet you is a "humorous and heartfelt novel about two neighbors, Marjette (a Black Baptist woman) and Noa (a white Jewish woman), who initially avoid each other but are brought together by a neighborhood tragedy, forming an unexpected friendship. The book explores themes of race, religion, and found family through the lens of middle-aged women finding common ground and strength in their differences." Race and religion are specified in the description above as this is the true basis of the novel. The two women bridge cultural and religious differences to form a deep "found family" bond while navigating grief, parenting, and life's unpredictability. The humor is centered around women of color as far as cooking, music, child rearing, hair care, etc and funeral arrangements and customs involved in Jewish tradition. The authors are Jewish and Baptist, as I am neither, I am assuming their story telling is at least in part accurate to their own upbringing.
👍Ultimately, the pros—the found family, the deep friendships, and the genuinely wonderful ending—make this book completely well worth the read (or listen)!
👎However, there were a few cons for me. Marjette is such a stifling parent that she almost cost the book for me at first. While some readers may find her relatable, I found her to be completely exhausting.
🍗Despite that, the story is delightfully silly, which really adds to the humor. It serves as a fantastic palette cleanser in between some of the tougher, heavier tales out there! AND- there is a friend chicken recipe at the end!
October 1, 2022
The story of women, family, and friendships, yes please! Never Meant To Meet You was heartwarming and uplifting.
I would love to see this story continue! I enjoyed the characters, the storyline and real situations. I got a laugh out of the weight watchers references and meetings. Described absolutely perfectly. I'd love to know which author is following the program? I also really liked that the plot could be serious, as well as realistic, when it needed to be, but also had me laughing out loud at other points throughout the story. For me, that's always a win! :)
So impressed this was written by an author duo. It flowed so well!
Overall an a very enjoyable read. My thanks to Over The River PR for my gifted copy!
Content Warnings: Death Of Spouse, Infidelity, Miscarriage
I would love to see this story continue! I enjoyed the characters, the storyline and real situations. I got a laugh out of the weight watchers references and meetings. Described absolutely perfectly. I'd love to know which author is following the program? I also really liked that the plot could be serious, as well as realistic, when it needed to be, but also had me laughing out loud at other points throughout the story. For me, that's always a win! :)
So impressed this was written by an author duo. It flowed so well!
Overall an a very enjoyable read. My thanks to Over The River PR for my gifted copy!
Content Warnings: Death Of Spouse, Infidelity, Miscarriage
June 10, 2026
Heartwarming
I absolutely loved this book of friendship and family. The story was so heartwarming and lovely. I love the characters were older and were flawed. I really enjoyed learning about the different cultures and foods and how it was pointed out that Jews, like black people are prone to unjustified stigma.
Marjette, Noa and Judy were great women. Esty was a cutie pie and bought the 5 year old sass.
I could relate to Marjette and her being an over protective mum and her being single so long after being so hurt.
Noa navigated grief so well and had a beautiful outlook on something good coming out of something so sad.
Jusy kept it real and I loved her.
Max was a wholesome guy and he showed its never roo late to go after what you want.
I would have liked to have seen more character development around him though.
All in all it was an enjoyable, witty, humorous read with well rounded characters, who had growth throughout.
I absolutely loved this book of friendship and family. The story was so heartwarming and lovely. I love the characters were older and were flawed. I really enjoyed learning about the different cultures and foods and how it was pointed out that Jews, like black people are prone to unjustified stigma.
Marjette, Noa and Judy were great women. Esty was a cutie pie and bought the 5 year old sass.
I could relate to Marjette and her being an over protective mum and her being single so long after being so hurt.
Noa navigated grief so well and had a beautiful outlook on something good coming out of something so sad.
Jusy kept it real and I loved her.
Max was a wholesome guy and he showed its never roo late to go after what you want.
I would have liked to have seen more character development around him though.
All in all it was an enjoyable, witty, humorous read with well rounded characters, who had growth throughout.
September 1, 2022
Never Meant to Meet You by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans. Thanks to @overtheriverpr for the gifted arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marjette doesn’t want to get close to her new neighbor, Noa Abrams. She’s had enough with suburban drama and has her child to think about. When tragedy strikes, they become close and discover the strength they have.
First things first, I’m very excited to try Asha’s fried chicken recipe in the back of the book! If it’s anything like the characters chicken I know it’ll be good. I like books like this where two women from different backgrounds and cultures get together. It reminded me a bit about We Are Not Like Them but more about ordinary life challenges. It was slow at times.. like i said, ordinary life challenges, but there were some funny moments and it was worth a read.
Never Meant to Meet You comes out 10/1.
Marjette doesn’t want to get close to her new neighbor, Noa Abrams. She’s had enough with suburban drama and has her child to think about. When tragedy strikes, they become close and discover the strength they have.
First things first, I’m very excited to try Asha’s fried chicken recipe in the back of the book! If it’s anything like the characters chicken I know it’ll be good. I like books like this where two women from different backgrounds and cultures get together. It reminded me a bit about We Are Not Like Them but more about ordinary life challenges. It was slow at times.. like i said, ordinary life challenges, but there were some funny moments and it was worth a read.
Never Meant to Meet You comes out 10/1.
September 15, 2022
main character was insufferable, plot was boring, writing was mediocre at best (can we please talk about the chapter that deadass starts with the line "I am so proud of myself." FULL STOP), the jokes were terrible, and don't even get me started on the strange out of touch cultural references (paraphrasing: 'I went on birthright I know krav maga! jk, I actually just harvested vegetables on a kibbutz the whole time!', if anyone did not spend their entire birthright trip in a combined state of drunkenness and sweating through their backpack while a tour guide talked at them for hours, please fucking let me know)
September 4, 2022
Very good story! I enjoyed the well-developed characters and the plot with humor woven through it. I hope it turns out to be a part of a series.
May 7, 2024
Marjette Lewis is a veteran kindergarten teacher at the local private school. She’s also the neighborhood busybody and has vowed to steer clear of her neighbor, Noa, that moved in a year ago. Noa’s husband passes away unexpectedly and her daughter ends up in Marjette’s class, situations that make it impossible for Marjette to stay on her side of the driveway.
This book is about female friendships and interracial relationships. It’s about grieving lost love, whether to death or to divorce. The characters are endearing and I enjoyed tagging along on their journey to acceptance and happiness.
This is my first time reading a novel written by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans. I had actually never heard of these authors until I received Never Meant to Meet You through the Bookscription program at my local library (which is basically BOTM library style). I highly recommend this hilarious and uplifting novel that beautifully showcases the strength of women. Marjette may be the neighborhood busybody but she’s also the kind of friend every woman should have.
This book is about female friendships and interracial relationships. It’s about grieving lost love, whether to death or to divorce. The characters are endearing and I enjoyed tagging along on their journey to acceptance and happiness.
This is my first time reading a novel written by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans. I had actually never heard of these authors until I received Never Meant to Meet You through the Bookscription program at my local library (which is basically BOTM library style). I highly recommend this hilarious and uplifting novel that beautifully showcases the strength of women. Marjette may be the neighborhood busybody but she’s also the kind of friend every woman should have.
October 15, 2022
Friends are the family you choose. I loved this book, even reading all the way through the author acknowledgements. No spoilers here, but may we all be so fortunate to be blessed with wonderful people in our lives.
September 25, 2022
I liked the characters and the friendship between them but the ending fell flat for me.
February 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
A couple years after her divorce, kindergarten teacher Marjette is still adjusting to life as a single woman raising a teenage son mostly on her own. Right before the school year begins, she finds her always-perfect neighbor, Noa, on her porch. Tragedy has struck Noa's family and although Marjette does not know Noa well, she does the best she can to help Noa pull it together. When the school year begins, Noa's little girl is in Marjette's class, and she does what she can to support the child as her mother navigates grief. As Marjette entrenches herself in Noa and her daughter's life, she dives in a little deeper as she falls for Noa's brother.
This is one of the most unique novels that I have read in a while. I went into this book blind and it unexpectedly captivated my attention for the few days I spent reading it. Alli Frank and Asha Youman's writing is dense and rich in this book and their writing gave the book the depth that I crave in reading.
There is a lot to unpack from this book, including racism and privilege. I appreciated the deep dive into Jewish and Black culture juxtaposed. Marjette never would have guessed that she could build a bond with Noa, someone seemingly so different from her. They had more in common than they realized and they both had a journey of grief to navigate. Luckily, they had each other as support as they went on that journey.
Marjette was an intriguing character. She was kindhearted and compassionate but at the same time, she didn't put up with anyone's crap. I liked that she was not afraid to have those difficult conversations and to be real. Marjette was an exemplary mother, giving everything of herself to raising her son. With that giving nature, she sacrificed her ability to properly grieve the loss of her marriage and former life. I am glad that her friends were able to push her to move past her anger and grief and to find happiness with someone else.
Pick up this book for a deeply moving and thought-provoking book about two women who bond over grief and finding themselves on the other side.
Steam level: 🔥🔥 (not a romance, but I'm including a steam rating anyway)
⚠️: death of a spouse, miscarriage, divorce, infidelity, grief, bomb threat
A couple years after her divorce, kindergarten teacher Marjette is still adjusting to life as a single woman raising a teenage son mostly on her own. Right before the school year begins, she finds her always-perfect neighbor, Noa, on her porch. Tragedy has struck Noa's family and although Marjette does not know Noa well, she does the best she can to help Noa pull it together. When the school year begins, Noa's little girl is in Marjette's class, and she does what she can to support the child as her mother navigates grief. As Marjette entrenches herself in Noa and her daughter's life, she dives in a little deeper as she falls for Noa's brother.
This is one of the most unique novels that I have read in a while. I went into this book blind and it unexpectedly captivated my attention for the few days I spent reading it. Alli Frank and Asha Youman's writing is dense and rich in this book and their writing gave the book the depth that I crave in reading.
There is a lot to unpack from this book, including racism and privilege. I appreciated the deep dive into Jewish and Black culture juxtaposed. Marjette never would have guessed that she could build a bond with Noa, someone seemingly so different from her. They had more in common than they realized and they both had a journey of grief to navigate. Luckily, they had each other as support as they went on that journey.
Marjette was an intriguing character. She was kindhearted and compassionate but at the same time, she didn't put up with anyone's crap. I liked that she was not afraid to have those difficult conversations and to be real. Marjette was an exemplary mother, giving everything of herself to raising her son. With that giving nature, she sacrificed her ability to properly grieve the loss of her marriage and former life. I am glad that her friends were able to push her to move past her anger and grief and to find happiness with someone else.
Pick up this book for a deeply moving and thought-provoking book about two women who bond over grief and finding themselves on the other side.
Steam level: 🔥🔥 (not a romance, but I'm including a steam rating anyway)
⚠️: death of a spouse, miscarriage, divorce, infidelity, grief, bomb threat
October 1, 2022
The most heartening story of lessons learned on bonding through the crazy life journey with experiences in race and religion with help from family plus friends.
October 27, 2022
Ali and Asha have become one of my most favorite author duos - they write the most fun stories, and seamlessly flow so many themes together that draw you in and keep you engaged throughout the whole story.
And while this one starts off with a death in the neighborhood - I promise you it’s not a sad book. I love when a found family comes together but most especially when it’s the most unexpected of connections. Marjette and Noa are the most unlikely of friends, but watching their relationship blossom is such a joy!
There’s something in this story that everyone can relate to - from race and religion, to parenting, grief, and relationships, and everything in-between. Theres humor and snark, romance and drama, a little bit of mystery and a LOT of delicious meals.
Expect to laugh out loud while feeling all the heart tugging feels, and prepare for inspiring messages while your tummy growls. It’s all of the wonderful things.
And while this one starts off with a death in the neighborhood - I promise you it’s not a sad book. I love when a found family comes together but most especially when it’s the most unexpected of connections. Marjette and Noa are the most unlikely of friends, but watching their relationship blossom is such a joy!
There’s something in this story that everyone can relate to - from race and religion, to parenting, grief, and relationships, and everything in-between. Theres humor and snark, romance and drama, a little bit of mystery and a LOT of delicious meals.
Expect to laugh out loud while feeling all the heart tugging feels, and prepare for inspiring messages while your tummy growls. It’s all of the wonderful things.
Read
May 28, 2023This was such a light hearted and down to earth kind of read. The humor throughout the read just topped off the whole book. It was a down to earth novel and anytime Bahni Turpin narrates a book it’s sure to be the best. She could narrate the worst story ever but you would love it because she read it!!! This was such a lovely change from all the heavy stuff I’ve been reading. Highly recommended!!
January 30, 2023
2.5 stars
I read this because I had gotten it from Amazon's Prime First Reads thing and I figured I might as well get to it. It was pretty meh.
I read this because I had gotten it from Amazon's Prime First Reads thing and I figured I might as well get to it. It was pretty meh.
May 26, 2026
This was such a sweet story about women’s friendship, loss, growth, support, culture, identity, love, and family. It was light and endearing while bringing up some important topics about Black and Jewish experiences in American society. It tackled grief with gentleness and allowed the characters to sit in their sorrow and also fight against it. There was some good humor and over the top characters that added fun and levity to the story.
I really loved Marjette and Noa’s friendship throughout the story. It was the kind of friendship every woman wants. They were there to let each other cry and be angry, deliver hard truths, help each other find happiness, and never judge.
Within this story of friendship, there is a love story. Parts of it felt a little rushed and under explored, but the payoff was ultimately wonderful and affirming.
My favorite part was the inclusion of food. I love a story that features connection and healing through food. The authors’ recipes at the end were the cherry on the sundae.
I really loved Marjette and Noa’s friendship throughout the story. It was the kind of friendship every woman wants. They were there to let each other cry and be angry, deliver hard truths, help each other find happiness, and never judge.
Within this story of friendship, there is a love story. Parts of it felt a little rushed and under explored, but the payoff was ultimately wonderful and affirming.
My favorite part was the inclusion of food. I love a story that features connection and healing through food. The authors’ recipes at the end were the cherry on the sundae.
August 22, 2022
It was alright.
October 4, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
I can’t decide if I liked this or if it was only meh. I found the main character, Marjette, totally unlikable. She bragged on everything she did constantly and was a know-it-all. She was someone I wouldn’t be friends with IRL. It was easy for me to see why her marriage didn’t work. Also I hated the nickname for the little girl. They should have just called her Essie if they really wanted a nickname. I called this child Etsy throughout. I started out trying not to, but I gave up.
I stayed with the book because I really enjoyed the other characters, Noa, Judy and Max.
I think I’m glad this was my free Kindle download for the month. Makes me not hate myself for reading it.
I can’t decide if I liked this or if it was only meh. I found the main character, Marjette, totally unlikable. She bragged on everything she did constantly and was a know-it-all. She was someone I wouldn’t be friends with IRL. It was easy for me to see why her marriage didn’t work. Also I hated the nickname for the little girl. They should have just called her Essie if they really wanted a nickname. I called this child Etsy throughout. I started out trying not to, but I gave up.
I stayed with the book because I really enjoyed the other characters, Noa, Judy and Max.
I think I’m glad this was my free Kindle download for the month. Makes me not hate myself for reading it.
November 26, 2022
It took me a while to get through this one. Often wordy in parts and just didn’t hold my attention at times. It wasn’t terrible and had me laughing in several parts. I do love the bond of these three ladies grew to a strong friendship. It’s worth reading just for that.
October 13, 2024
(3.5)
Read this months ago and yet another book that isn't super memorable months later, or at least thats what i thought until I started writing this review and things started coming back to me. I vaguely remember parts of it being funny with the friendship she builds with her neighbor and I appreciate a story with older characters and I do remember enjoying the set up of the romance and several of the encounters. I like the idea of it and was pretty invested. Regarding the outcome, my brain is still pulling a blank so I dunno. This was better than I was expecting, but not great enough for me to think about it after the fact.
Read this months ago and yet another book that isn't super memorable months later, or at least thats what i thought until I started writing this review and things started coming back to me. I vaguely remember parts of it being funny with the friendship she builds with her neighbor and I appreciate a story with older characters and I do remember enjoying the set up of the romance and several of the encounters. I like the idea of it and was pretty invested. Regarding the outcome, my brain is still pulling a blank so I dunno. This was better than I was expecting, but not great enough for me to think about it after the fact.
May 25, 2026
Emotional, Heartfelt, and Full of Hope
This was a heartfelt story about friendship, grief, motherhood, and rebuilding your life after loss. At its core, it explores how people cope with change, heartbreak, and the future they once imagined.
Marjette was a compelling main character—funny, stubborn, and caring while quietly struggling with her own grief. I especially loved the evolving relationship between her and Noa, which brought warmth and emotional depth to the story.
The book handled themes like race, parenting, religion, and community with honesty while balancing heavier moments with humor and heart. The side characters and found family elements added so much charm, and the emotional moments felt authentic without becoming overwhelming.
Overall, this was an emotional and uplifting story about healing, friendship, and embracing unexpected new beginning.
This was a heartfelt story about friendship, grief, motherhood, and rebuilding your life after loss. At its core, it explores how people cope with change, heartbreak, and the future they once imagined.
Marjette was a compelling main character—funny, stubborn, and caring while quietly struggling with her own grief. I especially loved the evolving relationship between her and Noa, which brought warmth and emotional depth to the story.
The book handled themes like race, parenting, religion, and community with honesty while balancing heavier moments with humor and heart. The side characters and found family elements added so much charm, and the emotional moments felt authentic without becoming overwhelming.
Overall, this was an emotional and uplifting story about healing, friendship, and embracing unexpected new beginning.
September 21, 2023
This was a really fun read. It's hilarious and flirty characters had me from start to finish. Marjette Lewis is quite a busybody but also can be quite sympathetic. Her co-characters Noa and Judy, play very important rolls in her life. This is a "feel good" story from divorce, grief, unrealistic expectations to friendship and love. It is told through the eyes of a Jew-ish white person and a Black Bap-tish. Drawn into this mix are other family members and friends who come together to help through crisis situations. Great story; give it a try.
Did Not Finish
September 14, 2025DNF@48%
I really tried to read this book but even almost 50% of the way through, I just didn’t care about the story. I wasn’t a big fan of either of the 2 woman and didn’t want to go back to the book.
I really tried to read this book but even almost 50% of the way through, I just didn’t care about the story. I wasn’t a big fan of either of the 2 woman and didn’t want to go back to the book.
January 16, 2023
Great book fast reading!
September 10, 2022
Couldn’t finish. It was over-the-top in how the main character kept making “jokes” about her friend being Jewish. At some point, it’s offensive. The plot was fine but the extra side commentary (about her friend and otherwise) became annoying. With better editing, this would have been a good book.
October 2, 2022
Solid story line. Very disjointed writing style.
September 10, 2022
Thank you!
Still dealing with grief, but not from the death of a spouse, I'm glad to see a non-maudlin treatment of it. After Terms of Endearment, I can't go through feeling others' pain again, although learning one of the best sentiments expressed by a mother to her acting-up sons as she lay dying, "I know you love me," was worth the pain of that sad movie, also involving a man cheating on his wife.
And I'm glad that it had that reality (of a cheating spouse) included, although the celibacy of two of the characters seems a generational difference from my own (and possibly staged for certain book markets) and sadly enforces the ability of men to keep women in the dark. I'm glad that things resolved, and not as the characters verbally said they wanted to (example of a different woman walking into the beauty salon than expected, and seeing how what one says they would do might not actually fit reality.)
And I too have southern and Jewish influences, having married a man whose family also had grandparents who tied trust finds to the question of whom to marry, and so I joined these tribe of Abraham, though I later divorced my husband, glad he was willing to take a stand on his own two feet and not make our marriage (or lack) a decision based on money. And I have mixed race grandchildren, with mixed religious influences as well. I gave always told my children to take the best fro their father and from me, and discard the rest. It's easier said than done, but isn't that how corporations grow and improve, strengthening their brands? I wish this idea called "appropriating a culture" would stop because that means we can learn from each other, copy each other, and grow.
It's not appropriating if I like someone's dress style, is it? Or prepare their recipes? Why must we put shame on this? We must each decide for ourselves what we keep and discard from our original origins of culture, language, dress, cuisine, mores, and what other ones we choose to replace those we leave behind. This book is good at showing that we don't need to be one thing away from everyone except those whose skin tone looks like ours. We should learn what things matter where, like having to dress a certain way at work for a certain kind of job. Maybe we should choose our jobs by how we want to dress? It was cute that they both had similar dress behind doors, but assumed the other didn't.
Keep writing!! Your stories matter.
Still dealing with grief, but not from the death of a spouse, I'm glad to see a non-maudlin treatment of it. After Terms of Endearment, I can't go through feeling others' pain again, although learning one of the best sentiments expressed by a mother to her acting-up sons as she lay dying, "I know you love me," was worth the pain of that sad movie, also involving a man cheating on his wife.
And I'm glad that it had that reality (of a cheating spouse) included, although the celibacy of two of the characters seems a generational difference from my own (and possibly staged for certain book markets) and sadly enforces the ability of men to keep women in the dark. I'm glad that things resolved, and not as the characters verbally said they wanted to (example of a different woman walking into the beauty salon than expected, and seeing how what one says they would do might not actually fit reality.)
And I too have southern and Jewish influences, having married a man whose family also had grandparents who tied trust finds to the question of whom to marry, and so I joined these tribe of Abraham, though I later divorced my husband, glad he was willing to take a stand on his own two feet and not make our marriage (or lack) a decision based on money. And I have mixed race grandchildren, with mixed religious influences as well. I gave always told my children to take the best fro their father and from me, and discard the rest. It's easier said than done, but isn't that how corporations grow and improve, strengthening their brands? I wish this idea called "appropriating a culture" would stop because that means we can learn from each other, copy each other, and grow.
It's not appropriating if I like someone's dress style, is it? Or prepare their recipes? Why must we put shame on this? We must each decide for ourselves what we keep and discard from our original origins of culture, language, dress, cuisine, mores, and what other ones we choose to replace those we leave behind. This book is good at showing that we don't need to be one thing away from everyone except those whose skin tone looks like ours. We should learn what things matter where, like having to dress a certain way at work for a certain kind of job. Maybe we should choose our jobs by how we want to dress? It was cute that they both had similar dress behind doors, but assumed the other didn't.
Keep writing!! Your stories matter.
September 30, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
“My mommy sath firth impressions are everything; that’s why she made my daddy take uth all to school in the Range Rover and pretend like they aren’t getting a ’vorce. He’th parking right now,” my new friend insists, proud that she’s in on her parents’ dirt. Straightening out her powder-blue extravaganza, she lets me know who showed up fierce for the first day of school.
I ate my emotions this week. S’mores are the new sadness.
I dig right into the middle of my sweet potato pie and hold up a heaping bite. “Girl, there are no calories in grief pie, so you go on and dig in.” Noa stabs the pie like it’s Charlie.
His absence is a presence. The house feels too big. Esty and I are the quiet ones; Charlie was the soundtrack to our family.
“I have mad research skills.” “You mean stalking?” “Same but different.”
You think it’s pure chance we’ve turned out to be friends, Marjette? Please. One of the reasons we get along so well is you’re Black, I’m Jewish, and White supremacists are after us both.
I hate people who practice moderation, it’s not natural.
My Review:
This was a fun and feisty read with realistic storylines laced together with real-world issues, clever and snarky humor that kept a smirk on my face, observant cultural insights, personal foibles, grief, and daily living. This one covered a lot of ground and there was much to unpack from the diverse characters, but I liked and enjoyed these perceptive yet flawed women who were doing their best to show up each day, and building an unexpected and supportive bond while struggling with single parenting, the personal pain of betrayal, family issues, deadly dull diet support group meetings, and sugar addictions, and all with wickedly sharp wit and wryly humorous observations. I’m not black or Jewish but I could easily relate, these characters could well be my people.
“My mommy sath firth impressions are everything; that’s why she made my daddy take uth all to school in the Range Rover and pretend like they aren’t getting a ’vorce. He’th parking right now,” my new friend insists, proud that she’s in on her parents’ dirt. Straightening out her powder-blue extravaganza, she lets me know who showed up fierce for the first day of school.
I ate my emotions this week. S’mores are the new sadness.
I dig right into the middle of my sweet potato pie and hold up a heaping bite. “Girl, there are no calories in grief pie, so you go on and dig in.” Noa stabs the pie like it’s Charlie.
His absence is a presence. The house feels too big. Esty and I are the quiet ones; Charlie was the soundtrack to our family.
“I have mad research skills.” “You mean stalking?” “Same but different.”
You think it’s pure chance we’ve turned out to be friends, Marjette? Please. One of the reasons we get along so well is you’re Black, I’m Jewish, and White supremacists are after us both.
I hate people who practice moderation, it’s not natural.
My Review:
This was a fun and feisty read with realistic storylines laced together with real-world issues, clever and snarky humor that kept a smirk on my face, observant cultural insights, personal foibles, grief, and daily living. This one covered a lot of ground and there was much to unpack from the diverse characters, but I liked and enjoyed these perceptive yet flawed women who were doing their best to show up each day, and building an unexpected and supportive bond while struggling with single parenting, the personal pain of betrayal, family issues, deadly dull diet support group meetings, and sugar addictions, and all with wickedly sharp wit and wryly humorous observations. I’m not black or Jewish but I could easily relate, these characters could well be my people.
October 1, 2022
I rarely give a 5 star rating and this book is so vastly different from the other books that have earned that rating that I did hesitate—but simply put: I loved it! This book was smart and witty; however, fraught with complicated and emotional topics.
Racial injustice? CHECK
Co-Parenting after divorce? CHECK
How to talk to your teenager? CHECK
How to move on after loss? CHECK
Interracial friendships? CHECK
Interracial relationships? CHECK
Moving on after retirement? CHECK
Infidelity? CHECK
Single parenting? CHECK
How to be a kind and engaging teacher? CHECK
Effective birth control for teens? CHECK
Bullying and how to cope with it? CHECK
How to make fried chicken? CHECK
I loved the way this book “glossed” over so many contentious issues in real world situations without preaching. I enjoy a good educational book about social awareness as much as the next gal, and this was that—in a way—without making anyone feel the need to repent for not endeavoring to always be their “socially conscious best.”
It felt like a fun and light story about funny and likable people which also occasionally taught you something you didn’t know, which also sneakily made you consider an idea that you might have realized but rarely thought about, which also had you taking mental notes on how to talk to your kids about life. I loved this book because it was entertaining and a little bit enriching at the same time. I hate to admit that I would not recommend over half the books I read to ANYONE—not because I don’t like them, but because I am embarrassed for liking them. They are my “guilty pleasures.” This book was like those books in that I devoured it, but it had staying power and will likely take up real estate in my mind for some time.
Racial injustice? CHECK
Co-Parenting after divorce? CHECK
How to talk to your teenager? CHECK
How to move on after loss? CHECK
Interracial friendships? CHECK
Interracial relationships? CHECK
Moving on after retirement? CHECK
Infidelity? CHECK
Single parenting? CHECK
How to be a kind and engaging teacher? CHECK
Effective birth control for teens? CHECK
Bullying and how to cope with it? CHECK
How to make fried chicken? CHECK
I loved the way this book “glossed” over so many contentious issues in real world situations without preaching. I enjoy a good educational book about social awareness as much as the next gal, and this was that—in a way—without making anyone feel the need to repent for not endeavoring to always be their “socially conscious best.”
It felt like a fun and light story about funny and likable people which also occasionally taught you something you didn’t know, which also sneakily made you consider an idea that you might have realized but rarely thought about, which also had you taking mental notes on how to talk to your kids about life. I loved this book because it was entertaining and a little bit enriching at the same time. I hate to admit that I would not recommend over half the books I read to ANYONE—not because I don’t like them, but because I am embarrassed for liking them. They are my “guilty pleasures.” This book was like those books in that I devoured it, but it had staying power and will likely take up real estate in my mind for some time.
September 26, 2022
Famous for being nosy, kindergarten teacher Marjette has tried to avoid her new neighbors, the Abramses, for over a year. But when Marjette waves multiple times to Noa Abrams on her front porch with no response, the southern hospitality in Marjette is determined to teach her a lesson…so she heads over.
Instead of digging into Noa about some manners, she finds a a grief-stricken woman just hours after her husband has suddenly passed away. This tragedy sparks the beginning of an unexpected but much needed friendship between the two women and the other important people in their lives.
I tore through this book because it really did have a little bit of everything. Friendship, romance, cooking, mystery, drama, humor, grief.
Each character was unique and I was rooting for all of them throughout the story. The plot line was as uncomplicated as it could be while still staying interesting and juicy throughout.
For a free book from Amazon, this book was unexpectedly perfect. Totally recommend for a feel good, relatable story simply about what life throws at us and how we move through it.
Instead of digging into Noa about some manners, she finds a a grief-stricken woman just hours after her husband has suddenly passed away. This tragedy sparks the beginning of an unexpected but much needed friendship between the two women and the other important people in their lives.
I tore through this book because it really did have a little bit of everything. Friendship, romance, cooking, mystery, drama, humor, grief.
Each character was unique and I was rooting for all of them throughout the story. The plot line was as uncomplicated as it could be while still staying interesting and juicy throughout.
For a free book from Amazon, this book was unexpectedly perfect. Totally recommend for a feel good, relatable story simply about what life throws at us and how we move through it.
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