Lizzie Vogel is an odd duck. But once you get to know her mother, you'll see exactly why she is the way she is. I kept trying to think of the word I'd use to describe this novel and finally settled on the simple "quirky." But once I got used to that, I kind of loved it. There are part of this book that feel so "normal," but then all the sudden Lizzie or her mom will do or say something so outlandish that you'll just be like, "huh?!"

First of all, I had no idea this book was part of a series when I started reading it. Now that I know, I can see how it would have been helpful to jump back into Lizzie's childhood and understand what her mom and the family went through. But it's also not necessary at all in order to enjoy this book. Reasons to Be Cheerful starts in the early 1980s with Lizzie leaving home to work as an assistant for an odd (and kind of creepy?) dentist, JP, and to live above the office. She works alongside JP's other assistant who is also his girlfriend and gets to know a dental technician named Andy who she develops a crush on.

Pretty much all of the characters in this novel are totally strange, but in a funny way. My favorite part was when Lizzie is reminiscing on her previous job and randomly comments she was let go after she killed her patient. No other comments or information was given on this event and the reader is just expected to continue on. And we do. Lizzie's relationship with Andy was so strange to me, but I guess it would have been even more strange for her to have a totally normal relationship.

In case you can't tell from my review, this book is an odd one, but in a good way. If you go into Reasons to Be Cheerful knowing it's full of quirks and appreciating them, I think you'll really enjoy it!

Funny, charming and surprisingly wise, the further adventures of Lizzy Vogel as she grows into adulthood make for an excellent read. Lizzy is still living in Leicester, on her own and working in a dental office for a barely competent, bigoted dentist., with maybe a first boyfriend. Kizzy's family is still present with new characters joining in the fun. You will laugh out loud and cringe at the same time. I can't wait for the next book in this series when Lizzt takes on London.

Reasons to Be Cheerful by Nina Stibbe

My reasons to be cheerful include discovering this amazing book set in 1980s England and featuring 18 year old Lizzie Vogel embarking, somewhat against her will, on independent living, a new job, and a tentatiave new relationship. With the driest of wit (think Alexander Pope or Jonathan Swift), Stibbe offers a gentle, hilarious, and moving narrative. Highly recommended. A gem.

The book was alright, not great. It was a case of almost trying too hard. Maybe a YA would love it.
Thanks, NetGalley for the advance copy for review

I am generally a sucker for novels set in England, about young women finding themselves careers and romance, but this novel was an exception. I couldn’t find the charm. I found it dull and silly. The author included too many random characters. Her efforts to make them eccentric didn’t work.

This might appeal to a younger audience, but I couldn’t relate to it at all.

Thank you for allowing me to read this.