3.5 stars - this was a push/pull for me. I loved the idea and found some characters (and "New York as a character") really interesting. On paper, Clover and I have a lot in common, but because this book was driven by her loneliness and we mostly stayed inside her head, it was a bit of a slog at times. Her introversion designed many "show, not tell" moments that felt overly platitude-y. I enjoyed the time jumps but, as another reviewer said, it didn't feel like Adult Clover's voice had grown up when we returned to her perspective.

This is for sure a story about friendship, but I loved the romance angle more. It was heartwarming to have so many stages of life partners to root for!

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy and for the chance to support a debut author!

This was an enjoyable read with some interesting, and at times, beautiful thoughts on death and dying. I had trouble fully enjoying the main character as she came across, as did her contemporaries, as very young though she was written to be in her mid-thirties. It was an inconsistency that kept catching me off guard. I loved the wisdom of the main character's past clients, as well as the journals she kept of them, and wished there were more of them as they really added to the depth of the story.

A notebook of regrets?

Were these regrets a way to live your life so you don't have any?

Clover was a death doula who was familiar with seeing people die.

Clover would write down the last words or regrets of the person she comforted in their last hours.

She would try to honor one of the regrets or incorporate it into her life so she wouldn't have that particular regret.

There was a special woman, Claudia, she stayed with whose family didn't tell her she was dying. Sort of odd to have a death doula in this situation.

Claudia was wonderful for Clover, though. Clover felt she replaced her mother that she didn't have when she grew up.

And Clover was good for Claudia because she found out that the love of Claudia’s life she gave up to marry someone else may be living close by.

Would Claudia be sadder knowing he was close by all these years?

THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER seems like it would be a depressing read, but the main character pulled you right in, and her thoughts and caring were what will keep you reading. You will LOVE Clover.

Her introverted personality was sad, but her relationship with her grandfather and her neighbor Leo was heartwarming and endearing.

This book made me think about what I would regret as my life was ending.

Readers who are looking for something different, wonderful characters, wonderful writing, and an actual heartwarming theme will like this book. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

I give this book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

To be honest, for the first two-thirds it was a solid 3 for me - a bit too slow, and I felt like I was being hit over the head with certain points/themes. But the last third or so made me happy I'd read to the end.

I appreciate the opportunity to read the e-galley in advance!

What a powerful, sweet, poignant, and extremely unique novel to start off the new year. Most enjoyable read. Clover is a death doula and most people can not understand her job. But Clover is sure that she is here in this job for her clients to die with dignity and she make sure they do not die alone. Clover's parents died in a accident when Clover was 6 and her grandfather raised her by himself. When clover was in her 20's she was traveling and received a text to call her grandfather's friend. Clover had a bad feeling when she placed the call. The friend informed her that her grandfather passed away alone in her office the night before. Clover was distraught thinking of her grandfather being alone when he died. Clover then make it her life's work to be there for the dying. This is a story how Clover discovers the regrets she has and how to make choices to live for the now. I really love the people that were invited into Clover's life that helped her to see that she could change her life. There was some parts of the story that are emotional and I did shed some tears. Well done story

Thank you to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC

Thank you to the author Mikki Brammer, publisher St. Martin's Press, and as always NetGalley, for an advance audio copy of THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER.

Okay, I feel bad about this after reading how many people wrote in their reviews how much they related to Clover. I'm almost convinced those reviewers missed a few plotpoints later in the book, but I don't really want to spoil the book for anyone who (still) wants to read it.

This is a book about Clover, the fmc. By "about Clover" I mean, this main character drives this whole book. And I can't stand her.

Clover is a death doula, which means she charges wealthy-enough people who are close-enough to death to accomplish tasks their friends or family, executors of estate, and hospice staff should all be doing. Funny enough-- Clover never collects any actual payment in this book, even though the reader sees more than one client. Probably because it would be unseemly and Brammer really jumps through hoops to sell us a pristine picture of her primary protagonist.

In a work context, Clover presents herself as overly pious. Away from work, she is selfish and spies on her neighbors, which is creepy, although the text handles her like she's made of spun sugar, ugh. I wouldn't leave her alone with my dying gramma or mom, even though both of those propers would eat this little waffle with afternoon tea.

Rating: ☘️.5 / unlucky Clovers
Recommend? Everyone but me seems to love it, but it's a no
Finished: February 16 2023
Read this if you like:
👭 Friend drama
😒 Real creepers
🧟‍♀️ Unreal jobs
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family drama

Such a sweet story about Clover, a young "death doula" who has essentially withdrawn from life in order to care for those who are dying. I was initially concerned about indulging in a story about death, but found quickly that this book is about so much more than death. Clover has never dated, didn't have any friends, and spent her life in front of her TV. After meeting a fellow at a Death Cafe, she takes on a new dying client. A new tenant moves into her apartment. She begins to engage in her community. The story weaves this new life into Clover, and the it ends beautifully, though in a slightly predictable way.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Collected Regrets of Clover.

I absolutely adored most of this book. As someone who has struggled with retreating into an introvert shell herself, I related to the main character so much, and I loved watching her journey. There were just a couple aspects to the story I didn’t love and that’s why it’s a four star instead of a five, but I really did enjoy this book so so much.

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

I really liked this novel. The Collected Regrets of Clover was unique, beautiful, and very touching.

Clover is a death doula who has collected the regrets and advice of her past patients, yet she doesn’t seem to take their advice herself until one of her patients sends her on a cross-country trip. On this trip, Clover begins to discover herself and face her fears.

I enjoyed this charming book; however, at times the pacing felt inconsistent. I would still recommend it!

I’m about a quarter of the way through, and it’s looking to be a DNF book for me. It’s good for what it is, but it’s not what I was expecting based on the synopsis. Clover is an interesting character, and a lot of people I see have enjoyed this book. But for me, it’s a little too slow, and so far I haven’t found myself enjoying it enough to get that feeling of wanting to go home and read it. Maybe I’ll finish it an update my review at some point, but for now, I’m not certain I’ll finish it.

The Collected regrets of Clover is a unique look at how we all veiw the topic of death through the life of Clover,a 36 your old death doula.
Clover experienced the death of a teacher at an early age which fueled an obsession. This obsession only intensifies when her parents pass away. Her interests stem from a genuine interest and curiosity about death, far from a morbid angle. She actually grows to study abroad, researching cultures and their traditions and perspectives on death.
Her personal loss combined with her academic knowledge equips her with a special skill set that she utilizes in her profession as a "death doula". She has a true knack for loving and listening when her patients need her most. Unfortunately, in the process of facilitating a peaceful passing for others she has prohibited herself from living.
I found the first 1/4 of the book fairly tedious but once key characters are introduced the story finds it's stride.
While fairly predictable I couldn't help secretly cheering on Clover ,wanting the character to allow herself to live and open herself up for love and friendship.
My favorite quote comes from Claudia,a patient and friend. Claudia tells Clover :
" Don't let the best part of life pass you by because you are too scared of the unknown. Be cautiously reckless." *Sage advice for all!*
The subject matter of death may automatically cause potential readers to shy away, however the way the matter is handled and viewed from multiple perspectives may help someone who has become guarded due to loss.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. MartinsPress for this advanced copy.
3 1/2 stars

If you liked Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you’ll enjoy this. Clover is a socially awkward death doula. Her thoughtfulness and care for the dying was heartwarming. As she takes on a new client she begins to face her own regrets, and considers making some courageous life choices. I plan on buying a hard copy to mark up many thoughtful insights sprinkled throughout Clover’s story.

Thank you #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the ARC e-book.

Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!

Clover is a death doula in NYC. When Clover isn't working she is quiet, and keeps to herself in the apartment she used to share with her late grandfather. It's a fine life but not overly fulfilling. She is hired to help Claudia in her final weeks and learns so many important lessons from this trailblazing woman. Clover eventually learns to be brave and try living out side her comfort zone and take cautious risks.

This was a good one! The book does a great job describing what a death doula is and how they help the dying and their families. The story was a bit long in the middle and some aspects of Clover seemed unbelievable to me. She was meek and oblivious to emotions outside of work but very empathetic and anticipatory on the job. The story wrapped up so well though.

"The Collected Regrets of Clover" is about Clover, a death doula, and the lessons she learns as she helps people transition from this life to whatever comes next. The book was well-written and explored a profession that I knew nothing about, which I found very engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

Publication: May 9, 2023

I've tried reading this book multiple times the last few months and I struggled as a reader. Firstly, I loved learning all the information about a death doula and seeing Clover not truly living her life. This book is very character driven as we watch Clover try to figure life out.

I think I struggled because a lot of pieces to this story are
involving Clover reflecting on her experiences. As a reader, I appreciate when a character reflects but not for chapters on chapters worth. I really resonated with some of the quotes regarding grief and loss.

This book would be perfect for fans of: Eleanor Oliphiant, Queenie, character driven stories, a deeper look into grief/passing away/loss

Clover is a socially awkward girl who happens to be a death doula. What is a death doula? Similar to a birthing doula guiding an expecting mother through giving birth, a death doula helps guide someone to the next stage in their life, whether it be getting papers together, listening to stories and/or regrets, but most importantly, for that person not to be alone during their next stage in life.

A little backstory: Clover’s parents had passed away when she was very young and has been fascinated with death. Not how one dies, but how different cultures deal with death and whether there is an afterlife or not.

Her grandpa raised her and when he passed, he was alone. From that life changing event, she became a death doula. She works constantly so she doesn’t have to deal with her grandpa’s passing.

This was an amazingly written book about life and death. While some parts were very sad, it was because you really grew to love the characters. The writing flowed really well and you just wanted the characters to all be happy.

Everything in life hits me a little different since my mom passed away November 8, 2022 but WOW- book was especially poignant for me and should be a must read for all people. I didn’t really understand grief until I was forced to experience it. I didn’t appreciate how everyone experiences it differently and how it doesn’t just “go away”‘with the passing of time.

This book is such a beautiful tribute to death but also to LIVING- taking chances, chasing dreams. So many of us end our lives with regrets, but this is such a wonderful reminder that we don’t have to. We can live a life that brings fulfillment and satisfaction.

I loved everything about this. Well written, excellent characters. Perfection.

7/10

Clover is a Death Doula. Yes, it’s a real thing. I googled it to make sure.

You have probably heard of a birth doula - essentially a midwife type person who helps guide the mother in bringing a baby into this world.

A death doula, on the other hand, guides people on their journey out of this world. They sit with people on their death bed and provide them comfort. They let people talk about their life - the happy moments and the regrets. They help make sure all their basics are in place for when they die.

Another thing I’d never heard of until this book are Death Cafes. They actually exist. They are somewhat informal gatherings of people who talk to each other about death.

So anyway, Clover, the protagonist, is a death doula. Subject matter aside, this book is not a dark or depressing book. In fact, her job as a death doula is not even the most interesting thing about Clover.

She is a complete loner. Never dated anybody, never even kissed anybody. Doesn’t have any friends and only knows about love by watching rom-coms. Yet she is a caring gentle companion to people on their deathbed.

Well, the story unfolds when Clover gets a new client and helps the client share her life.

People seem to love this book. I can’t say I love it, but it was a good enough read.

The characters were interesting, unfortunately they were just short of believable. The writing flowed well, unfortunately the descriptions and dialogue sometimes seemed forced. The story was pleasant but there was nothing surprising or groundbreaking about it.

It was like a good vanilla ice cream cone. The ice cream is good to eat and I enjoyed it enough, but it’s just vanilla. Kinda bland.

#netgalley #thecollectedregretsofclover

I can see this resonated with SO many people. It ended up being "just ok" for me - but still, I'd absolutely encourage others to pick it up.

Clover is a 36-year-old death doula living alone in New York a decade after her grandfather who raised her passed away. Her only friends are her octogenarian neighbor Leo, her dog, and two cats. Clover's job means being there by the side of those who are dying, helping them to come to terms with their lives and transition into whatever it is that comes next. But despite the extensive collection of last words she documents in three binders - Advice, Confessions, and Regrets - she still finds herself afraid to try new things and meet new people. That might change, though, when a new neighbor moves in and a new job pushes her outside her comfort zone.

I loved the concept, and was extremely excited to pick this book up. There was a lot to like! Some of the descriptions and metaphors were very creative and unique, creating an immersive picture of Clover's life, and there were some very interesting conversations around how we treat death in different cultural traditions, generations, etc. A book about death could very easily become painfully depressing - this was not that at all. In fact, it was really more about life in the end - making sure you live your life in a way that reduces the regrets you'll have at the end.

There was something about the writing and dialogue though that didn't land quite right, though. I am having trouble putting my finger on it exactly. The dialogue didn't really flow naturally, and some of the prose felt... simplistic? I don't think that is really the right word, since like I said, there were some great descriptions. It almost read like a YA book, but I don't think it is one.

Also, maybe this contributed in part, but Clover as a main character stumped me a bit. A death doula with her skill level needs to be incredibly empathetic and understand people well. In every other area of her life, she was like a teenager in her level of experience and interactions with people, almost like she was emotionally stunted. But that doesn't fit with the requirements for her job, or with the flashbacks to her as a globetrotter traveling alone across continents.

Despite these minor qualms, I still had fun reading this book and genuinely enjoyed my time!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC to read and review.

3.75/5 stars!

There were some really beautiful aspects to this book. This is a book that even though wasn't perfect will leave a lasting impact on its reader. The Collected Regrets of Clover is a story about death, yes, but more importantly it is a story about living. A story of grief, a story of growth, a story of love, and so much more. I didn't exactly know what a death doula was prior to reading this book or what to expect, however, reading about Clover's profession felt very special and intimate. My favorite part of the book was the messages interwoven between the pages and how relatable and raw certain parts of it could make me feel. I could sense the potential of a 5 star read, however there were certain aspects that fell flat and felt contradicting. I liked Clover's character but was confused on how despite the many interactions she had with people due to her job, she had no idea how the real world worked in a way? I don't know something felt a little off. It took me quite a few days to finish this book as I didn't get swept up into it until a little over the halfway mark. I also wished we saw just a little more interactions and dialogue between Clover and the other side characters, especially Hugo as we only received a small fraction of him. The potential was definitely there and I really loved certain aspects of this book, however it just fell slightly off the mark for me. Despite these aspects the read was completely worth it and I do think many readers will love it. Definitely will be recommending.