Unlike the other reviewers it took me a few weeks to finish this book at a painstakingly slow pace. The overall story is interesting especially in this day and age but I didn’t like any of the characters and felt the writing dragged on.

This book was an interesting look at modern contemporary issues. Juniper and Valerie are wonderful characters. I will be interested to see what others think of this book. I did not like the male characters. Still a fan of Fowler’s other brilliant works!

I loved this book from the first page! Ms. Fowler tackled a difficult, but very timely situation and wrote about it with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. The characters are complex and she made me care about them and the things they do. I rejoiced with them, worried and stressed about them, and talked to them through the pages. I found myself thinking bout them and their situation even when I wasn't actively reading! I know this book would spark and excellent discussion for a book club and I am definitely recommend it to the women in the one I lead.

Departing from her portrayals of strong, historical women, Therese Anne Fowler has achieved a new level of greatness with A Good Neighborhood! Strong characters leap from the pages as they fight for individual identities and a place to belong in a society that never quite gets it right. Society where bigotry, inhumanity and lies run rampant and no one is above stooping to the lowest level. The style in which this is written celeverly draws the reader into the story. It is as if Ms Fowler anticipates the questions and comments a reader might pose and responds appropriately. An absolutely wonderful read start to finish

Wow, wow, wow!!! A tale of two very different families that had me speed reading. I dreaded the ending but knew it was inevitable.

This would be a great book for book clubs. It would make for a very passionate and deep discussion.

This compelling story did seem like something that could happen which makes it scarier. Young lives ruined over money and lust. I liked the characters in pieces, but as whole persons, most were not likeable.
I wasn't a fan of the narrator who popped up at times during the story. I think that part was unnecessary.

A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler. The author's style of narration was grating in that I wanted to just read about the Juniper and Xavier and their families and not a commentary/lecture on the past or coming events. The story itself was strong. Realistically portrayed the tensions and heartbreak and dynamics between the two families. Not a HEA ending but a thought provoking one.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

First let me say, this book is so well written. I am a big fan of Therese Ann Fowler’s other works because of how she can tell a story. The story telling and Greek Chorus narration style in this book was the best part of the book for me. ⁠
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The plot was a bit flat for me, it was pretty predictable. Which is fine because it isn’t meant to be a thriller. Maybe it’s just me but I think it’s weird when white people write a story based in racism and how it feels from a minority character’s point of view. It didn’t feel as authentic as in other books. ⁠
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3.5 stars. ⁠

Wow... I just finished this book and my mind is still reeling with the amazing character development and the story itself. I foresee this being a bestseller for sure. Put it on your TO READ list NOW!

A Good Neighborhood by [Fowler, Therese Anne]

I don't usually feel emotionally impacted by novels, but this is an exception. I'm going to be thinking about this one for a long time.



Review copy provided by publisher.

Fowler has certainly written a book that will be a best seller in 2020. This story of a doomed love between 2 incredibly gifted and sensitive young people in the sad age of Trump will emerge as a classic reminder of this troubled period in America.

Dealing with a mixed race relationship and the bigot who manipulates the situation combined with the careless prejudice of our time, wreaks destruction on all those involved, for no reason except the total lack of decency which we so often see.

I loved this novel and was totally moved and enraged by the actions and cruelty that have been so prevalent during these past few years.

The characters are well developed and extremely likable, except for the stereotypical, evil bigoted step-father who is the catalyst for the plot.

Book clubs will enjoy hours of rich discussions and “if only” rewriting of the plot when they share this very fine novel. I hope that these discussions don’t cause political divisiveness, since the role of racism is something that is so topical.

BTW, I enjoyed this so much that I went to order Fowler’s earlier books....until I realized I had already read them. I especially loved A WELL-BEHAVED WOMAN, a fascinating story of Alva Vanderbilt.

So, treat yourself to 2 great books, A WELL-BEHAVED WOMAN now and A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD in February. I really am grateful that I had the opportunity to read and review this very interesting novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book until the ending. I was just so disappointed , It almost ruined the entire novel for me. It did not seem realistic.This is a great story about our times, and what is happening in the world today. It had great character development, and the plot for the most part was believable.I I am unfamiliar with this author who states she generally writes historical fiction, which for the most part I do not read. That being said I would still get this book 3 1/2 stars. Thank you for my advance copy .

I enjoyed this book even with its dark drama.

The character development was excellent and I found myself relating to each one despite their respective opposing social positions.

The narrative is swift; it is a page-turner and a quick and absorbing read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. One of my favorite books of the past year was “American Marriage”.
I had high hopes that I would like this book as much, as it dealt with similar
subject matter. I was initially intrigued with the way the author moved from first person to silent observer, but by the end found this tactic almost bothersome. The dynamic between the two families and potential racial divide in the south would have been enough to sustain this book, unfortunately the author brought in possible incest/child
Molestation and it was simply too much plot. Additionally, I only found one character in this book likable or redeeming and the ending disappointing. There was a great story here, with two worlds colliding over the loss of a tree, but it somehow was “lost” in the authors attempt to make the plot “jucier”? Again, thanks for the opportunity to read in advance.

What a book. Didn't see THAT ending. Rooted for main characters, tears at the ending. Superb!!
Thanks to author,publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free,it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

What is a good neighborhood?

A Good Neighborhood asks this question and will make you think

I enjoyed the narration, like the author was talking to me.
I thought it was slow at times
Feels more like a young adult book


WORDS


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WOW. I did not expect to love this as much as I did. It was sad, a little dark, and real. I am so grateful for the opportunity to read this and will be recommending to others to read! An amazing book.

Before I offer my comments, I must reveal that I have read and enjoyed all of Therese ‘s books. She was a guest in my house for dinner prior to a major book event I chaired two years ago. She is charming and well spoken and a delightful and welcome author. This novel is definitely a departure from her historically based books. I thought the plot was well thought out and certainly timely. Prejudice is unfortunately alive and well and everywhere we live. However, her structure was odd and off putting. She uses the Greek tragedy chorus as a voice to foreshadow events and add commentary about the characters in the past and future. Then she switches to a third person narrative. For me, this is not a successful technique. I think she should eliminate it. The story line and characters were strong enough to sustain the reader’s interest and create a novel I would definitely recommend.

A Good Neighborhood is a fantastic book that leaves a mark on you long after you read it. Wonderfully written and interesting characters.

I really liked this book. At first, I was a little put off by the first-person plural narration of the book and the fact that the narrator was unseen, but appeared to represent the gossipy neighbors, but eventually I stopped noticing it.

The story is sweet and sad and hard to describe without giving away the plot. Suffice to say that it involves 2 families who are neighbors. The adults enter into a lawsuit involving the construction of one house and how it affects the other family's property. Meanwhile, the children become very friendly.

An incident occurs when the friendship is discovered and the fallout is tragic. The characters in this book are written so well for the most part and with such nuance. I really enjoyed it.

I especially liked Valerie, Xavier and Juniper.