Doing Good

by Pamela Morsi

When Jane Lofton, whose life is filled with shopping, liposuction, and selling real estate, is involved in a near-fatal car accident, forever changing her seemingly perfect existence, she promises God, and herself, that she will "do good" for the rest of her life, but she soon realizes that "doing good" is extremely difficult. Original.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

About the author

Pamela Morsi was an American writer. She was the author of 29 romance novels, beginning in 1991.

Reviews

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did enjoy this story for the most part, there was one huge factor that affected my enjoyment of the story. That factor was Brynn. She was such an insufferable twat that it made it hard to read this book at times! I just wanted to reach through the pages and strangle her. Other than that I really did enjoy this story, it was nice to see the characters redeem themselves and grow along the way!

[Antof9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes from BookCrossing:
I'm about halfway through, but wanted to make note of two things I thought when I first started the book (before I forget):
1. "If anyone had asked that morning how my life was going, I would have told them I was doing good."

Can I just say, "AAAUUUUUGHHH!"? At the halfway point, I'm ok with it, but that almost made me put the book down.

2. At first, I thought it was going to be another Hot Flash Club, that is, chick lit for menopausal women, and I was surprised that [the friend who sent it to me] liked it. Since I had just read the other one, I wasn't all that excited about another one just like it, but I'm glad I kept reading. It's nothing like that!

I'm halfway through, so more later. Oh, and I heart Chester.

Additional Notes from BookCrossing:
I am honestly surprised at how much I liked this book! And I really cared about Jane -- a lot -- by the time I got to the end. I really enjoyed seeing her personal growth, her depth as a person, her realization that her previous goals and aspirations to be in the country club were really worthless goals.

I was very concerned about her relationship with her daughter through the majority of the book. It was very uncomfortable, but I suppose realistic. More so than I expected in something that's masquerading as chick lit.

I just remembered I marked a couple things I wanted to remember!

Chester's brilliant advice: . . .don't start trying to second-guess your past. It's like wrestling a pig, it doesn't do any good and it annoys the pig.

The other section I marked just convinced me who I need to send this to. It's really all of page 287, but it's one of my favorite parts of the book. This line It's surprising how close two strangers can get while working together in a kitchen has manifested itself over and over in my own life, and I'd love to work side-by-side in a kitchen with the person I'm going to send it to :) Here's the thing that so many people just don't get: Shanekwa didn't like being alone in the house. And I had no place to be. It was a small thing, but I could be there for her, I decided. This is what "doing good" is actually all about.

I was prompted by the line mentioned above, and this recent thread to send it to the East coast :)

[Giovanni Gelati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you ever meet someone who always seemed to be the giving type of person? You know the kind I mean, the ones that always give the perfect gift, know exactly what to say, or just randomly do really nice things. In the Social Climber of Davenport Heights, we meet Jane Lofton. On the surface, she seems to have it all. She has a family, a thriving career, beautiful home, lots of money, etc.

After a life changing experience with an 18 wheeler, Jane makes a deal. She promises the “Man Upstairs” to spend her life doing”good”; whatever that means. It was enjoyable to see this seemingly self-serving woman change into a character that serves others. Jane begins her transformation by trying to discover how to do “good” things. It is very sweet and endearing to see her discover that goodness comes from the heart.

During her journey, she meets a few characters that are inspirational. Jane begins to see people for their inner selves, not the people on the outside. Without spoiling the story, Jane’s newly acquired friend, Chester is a voice of wisdom and reason. There is much we can learn from their conversations. Jane’s new ways open all kinds of doors for her, including a new relationship. It is such a joy to see Jane appreciate the fact that while giving from her heart, she is receiving many priceless gifts in return.

Pamela Morsi creates a unique character in Jane Lofton, but one that we can relate to. Most of us at one time or another look deep within ourselves and realize we are far from alone in this world. We realize we need each other and we depend on the “Man Upstairs” to guide us through this life.

This book is perfect if you want to be entertained while at the same time reflecting on the worth of what we do and our relationships with others. Morsi creates a carefully thought out story that in the end shows that we never know the far reaching effects of the good we may do.

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[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another feel good book by Pamela Morsi.

Jane Lofton is living a “perfect” life. She has a successful husband. He is having an affair. She has a college age daughter. Brynn does not want to speak to her. She takes pride in her looks. She has had work done. She is a successful realtor. The job does not always give satisfaction. One of her pleasures in life is to cheat an antique dealer who evidently does not know the true value of his wares.

On the way home one night, she has a terrible car accident. She is trapped in a car which is starting to burn. At the moment she realizes she may not survive, Jane promises God that if He allows her to live, she will change her life and start doing good.

Jane is saved by an elderly frail main. He comes to save her in bare feet, in his pajamas and a knife to cut through the convertible top of her car. In some unknown way, he has the power to lift her out of the car, and help her run to escape an explosion.

In the aftermath of the accident Jane begins to feel out of balance. She knows there is something which is bothering her, she can't put her finger on exactly how to proceed.

She goes to see Chester, the man who saved her life and she is introduced to an entire new way of seeing the world. Slowly but surely, Jane finds ways to start doing good.

Even when her life begins to fall apart, she moves forward to a new life.

This is a story of renewal and finding a path which will lead us to helping build a better world.
Jane finds ways to provide hope for many people. And along the way she finds hope for herself.

I have been a fan of Ms Morsi for many years. And this book is simply a reminder of why I fell in love with her writing. This is a gift for me and anyone who would like to see the good that is available to each of us.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I was hesitate and had thrown the book into my garage sale bin. I had recieved the book without knowing anything about the author or the plot but determined to get rid of it anyway. I'm very happy that I decided to give it a second glance. I am tired of the fluffy chick lit where each story seems vaguely familiar and cliched. This book has a wonderful storyline, some interesting ideas on fate/God but not religious in the least. It was not a rushed book and maybe some things don't get resolved in the end but it was just nice to read a book that was fresh for me. I'm pretty sure I read another book of hers about a month ago because that other book was not what I expected as well. I need to do some research on that :)

[Tarakalsu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got three stars because it was entertaining, not particularly well written. Fun book for a lighter choice.

[Mellanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was almost finished with this book before I made sense of the cover illustration! I love this author, and at first I was afraid this book was just going to be a first world problems kind of story (you know the authors I mean), but I should have trusted Morsi. She made Jane very relatable. I really dislike Brynn, the daughter, but that may be colored by personal issues. This is very different from the books Morsi wrote when she first started out, and it's even kind of different from her more recent ones, but it's one I'm glad I read.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Jane's relationship with chester. He was the wisdom she needed. It's interesting how she tried to leave her old life of where she grew up behind but then ended up closer to it then she thought. Her relationship with Scott was cute. The country club part of it and her daughter were annoying, such brats. Very self righteous. Lots of diverse characters though. I liked the different tiers of giving, glad she stopped keeping score.

[Michelle Bawiec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Pamela Morsi

I love Pamela Morsi. One of my favorite books is Letting Go. I don't know why I haven't read her books for a while but I'm glad I read this one. It's got everything I loved about Letting Go; great characters, realistic situations, and a strong female lead who has a life change and figures a creative way to solve a problem. Loved it.

[Camille Maio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was filled with heart, and had much more depth than the cover led me to think. So it was a delightful surprise to discover a story that is about a woman leaving behind the preoccupation of material things in life in order to do some good in the world.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than I expected but I had very low expectations. I started out disliking all of the characters but at least a few of them got better as the story progressed (except Brynn). Overall unremarkable. An okay story of redemption and second chances.

[Laurie D'ghent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, light read. It was interesting that God played such an important role in the book, but was hardly mentioned at all. Minor swearing, one brief sex scene.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book a good story with some characters who you would like to shake and others you would like to hug.

[Meryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I ended this book feeling satisfied along with a happy heart ❤️.

[Barbara Cryer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave up because it was a bit schmaltzy. But there were a few good take aways. Decent read overall.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

was surprised to find this in my mailbox, sent by my step-dad, because I had no warning and I hadn't pegged him as a reader. When I confirmed receipt of the package, my mother reminded me that this is a book she read a while ago and really enjoyed. Apparently she had convinced her husband to read it as well. Turns out he loves the book and has purchased copies for friends and family. So, even though I can tell this isn't "high literature" and certainly wouldn't appeal to me in a bookstore, I'll read it to share the experience of actually discussing a novel with my step-dad! What a great experience that will be! On my TBR list...
Julie

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Journal entry 2 by cmjuliep from New Hartford , New York USA on Sunday, August 17, 2003

Waiting to discuss this with the family....
This certainly isn't timeless literature, brilliantly written or even original, but it has entertainment value. Much like the way that I can become transfixed upon an insipid LIFETIME made-for-tv movie, I was easily drawn into the story and even finished it in two sessions. But this doesn't say much about the quality of the novel because I can be brought to tears by an AT&T commercial. Predictable plot, excessively sentimental, cliche. But I believe that my parents are more interested in my reaction to the ideas presented, so I suppose I'll address this.

Obviously, I have learned these lessons already--no major awakening here. I have always striven to make my life more meaningful--I could never identify with pre-crash Janey. I think Janey's journey to a meaningful existence is warm and fuzzy and certainly inspiring. And sure, it's comforting to believe that everything happens for a reason and that everything may work out when you always "do the right thing." The novel prompted me to consider the unseen and perhaps long-lasting consequences of even our most seemingly inconsequential acts, as well as the power of attitude.
The only character to which I could relate, I reluctantly admit, is Brynne. Her character irritates the hell out of me because every bit of dialogue between her and her mother echoes those of my own adolescent years. And yes, she's so stereotypical and flat, which makes me think that I was so typical and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my own child is nothing like this 10 years from now! SORRY MOM!! How you've put up with me all these years, I'll never know.
Wondering what about the novel so inspired my parents; they supposedly both took away something entirely different.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was about a woman from the poor side of town raised by her mother who she never remembered having one meaningful conversation with before she died

she married a rich man and didnt want kids but he did so she had one daughter. he wanted more but she didnt

she didnt get along with her daughter who is now in college and had a series of counslers who she calls every minute

the husband is obsessed with playing golf and having affairs, teh most recent is teh receptionist of the dental office he goes to. she gets pregnanat he builds her a house and divorces his wife

meanwhile the wife is in a car accident, the gas tanker driver dies and the truck goes over the median, jacknives into her car. she is stuck inside with gas all over. a old feble man comes running with a knife and cuts her out. she prayed that if God got her out she would 'do good'

she got into a friendship with the old man who was in a nursing home with no one to visit him. she would bring him candy, snickers, each time he would put them in the drawer for 'later' which i figured out he was diabetic but she wasnt picking up on it

he hurt his feet running to save her and had to have them cut off which she didnt figure out till after he died.

after getting a poor family a home she stopped selling real estate and got a job in a antique store with a man who was a boy she went to school with. they fell in love and she moved in with him.

she rented her house out to disabled people.

she became a better person

my mom loaned me this book. the end was sad when the old man died

[Mya R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2005:
"Doing Good, by Pamela Morsi, uses a pretty standard plot - successful woman is in car accident, thinks she's going to die, makes bargain with god that if she survives she'll do good. But I like the direction Morsi takes it, so that we watch the protagonist struggle with her definitions of what's "good." Sure, it's cliche that what's inside you being what counts more than what's around you, but it's a message that bears repeating.

In addition the book emphasizes that one can choose one's community and family, a theme of which I'm particularly fond. I suppose technically this book falls in the chick lit/romance category, but the romance is a very small part of the book. It's much more about the personal transformation of the main character from someone we don't like very much into someone we'd be happy to know."

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Lofton is a self made woman. She has a high-powered career, a fabulous home, a wealthy husband, and a beautiful daughter. She knows her husband is cheating, but she feels that her life style has a price. She is willing to bear his cheating as long as her world is not upset. Then, she is in a near fatal accident. She makes a deal with God to let her life and she will dedicate herself to DOING GOOD and DOING THE RIGHT THING. She discovers this means more than writing checks to charities.
This cold selfish woman undergoes a transformation that leads to confrontations with everyone in her life. I was not ready to like this book. Someone had given it to me so I finally pulled it off my shelf to read. I enjoyed it much more than expected.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane is leading a "shallow" life until she is in a car accident and bargains with God to save her by promising to "do good". Jane's "conversion" makes for a great story. In particular, she begins a strong relationship with Chester, an elderly gentleman who rescued her from the car during the accident. During the course of the story, she finds that she is not alone in experiencing the desperate need to "do good" and "make things right" after coming to a traumatic/dramatic crossroads in one's life. This book strangely coincided with my retreat and made a lot of sense! Whoo hoo for a librarian turned author, also!

[Abhilasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book i just picked up on the run but it has turned out to be a good one. It's about a high socialite woman, married to a rich man, and living a plastic and show -off life. When she meets a near death accident, she promises to do good shoule she survive that accident. And she does. And this is how the journey begins of her doing good and transforming into a completely different person, not so rich but happy and satisfied. How those little good things changes other's as well as her life for good. Inspired me a lot :)

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of this book was 2 stars for me. I didn't like Jane, her daughter or anyone else. I kept having to put it down for a couple of days, read something else and come back to it. Because I have so liked other Pamela Morsi books I didn't give up. The second half was, for me, much more enjoyable.
Though I felt it was unrealistic for Jane, as well as her daughter at the end, to change so much while not really mourning the loss of her previous life, I accepted it and enjoyed the second half.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my very favorite books. Totally and unexpectely bright, like a peek above the couds. Through the story, Morsi explores different "levels" of good deeds. From simplistic acts, like writing checks to charities, to more sublime and even mystical acts of unconditional love. This book soars far above the self-absorbtion usually found in the romance aisle of a typical used book store. A must read, and re-read, again and again.

[Nutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't have high hopes for this book based on the back cover.

I loved it. It was a book that makes you think about why things happen the way they do and the impact on your life. We don't have all the control and maybe that's not a bad thing.

It turned out to be an excellent book. I read it in a day and a half.

[Marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a "change-of-pace" book for me. I thought the concept of 'doing good' because of some personal crisis might be trite and fabricated. However, I did enjoy the story and was glad to have read it. Great literature? no - A pleasant, positive read? yes.

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this story about a woman whose life is spinning out of control. After a brush with death, she promises to "do good" and finds that is both harder and easier than she ever thought possible.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woman has near death experience and examines her life on a new level. The story was uneven but there were some scenes that really affected me. This book doesn't have romance but it made me think. I liked the antique store idea and the overall theme of growth and redemption.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I was hesitant as I didn't think I had too much in common with the main character, but I always enjoy her writing so I went ahead with it. I found it very touching and liked the message of the book.

[Irene Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful gem!

I thought this sounded fun and light. It was predictable in a good way... it was happy and inspiring just like the airline's life changing event. It was more than just an easy read. There were some good lessons there.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't what I thought it was going to be...just another no brainer to kill some time in between the heavier stuff. Actually kind of liked it.