Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Putnam Books for allowing me to read an ARC of Clover Hendry's Day Off by Beth Morrey in exchange for my honest review.

I loved Clover Hendry! Clover was so likeable and relatable. I cheered for her, cringed a little (in her favor), laughed, and cheered some more.

I didn't realize the premise was based on Ferris Bueller's Day Off (which I loved) until the author's notes, but now that I do know, I might read it again.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

As a huge fan of The Love Story of Missy Carmichael, I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Beth Morrey's newest release.

Clover Hendry's life is not her own. A mother of two teenagers, a wife, a sister, a daughter, and an employee. Clover just cannot seem to keep all the balls in the air. One day thanks to a bad headache, Clover goes out of character and takes some pain meds that her husband has tossed in a jar.

This small decision results in a day like Clover has never had before. The entire story is set in one day of Clover's life and it is a rollercoaster ride.

Was the story outlandish and too crazy to be realistic?
Absolutely.
Did I laugh out loud multiple times while reading?
You bet I did.
Was this a book of escapism?
Definitely.
Could I relate to Clover going off script and going a bit crazy?
I think any overworked, overwhelmed mother, wife, or employee could relate.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Possible triggers: Parental neglect, parental abandonment

My interest was piqued by the premise, but in practice it just didn't work for me. I hope it finds its audience, and thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read it early.

How I wish I had Clover's moxy and ability to say f**k it...and just go off the rails! This really did feel empowering and also funny, fresh and delightful!

A fun and interesting book! It was written very well and had me locked in. turner I would definitely recommend this to others. The female MC was so well crafted and likable. Many thanks to the publisher and also NetGalley for the Arc.

A very captivating book blending the story of a crazy and liberating day for Clover with sections relating Clover’s growing up with an exacting mother and her meeting and relationship with her husband. There are many funny and delightful passages of Clover’s thoughts on what she is doing. It is a day for Clover to release herself from being a people pleaser and to grow into a strong version of herself.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What will happen next to Clover? This book was so much fun and I loved every single bit of it! I really wish it could become a series or even a movie.

CLOVER HENDRY’S DAY OFF
by Beth Morrey

Clover Hendry has some issues in her family and professional life. Taken for granted at work and at home, Clover decides she is not going to take it any more. She takes a day off running away from her many problems. Told with humor and a healthy dose of realism, this a story many woman can understand. Take the day off with Clover and find out what happens when a woman says no to the status quo. You will be rooting for Clover as she navigates her way to a new reality. #CLOVERHENDRYSDAYOFF #NetGalley

I thought this book was funny and easy read. I really enjoyed it. We all need to take a day like this more often.

I loved the movie Ferris Bueller's Day off. So I was really excited for this book. The book wasn’t quite what I expected. I didn’t love the character but I’m sure some will.

There will be times where we may not like the story to a book that is shared with us and this one is it for me. It didn’t really catch my attention. I tried to focus on the main aspect of what was happening but I couldn’t. I do see really good feedback on the story and I’m happy others found the story enjoyable.

Owing an acknowledged debt of gratitude to Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Morrey offers an alternative - what if a middle aged woman decided to take a skip day? and in the process shares what she really thinks about the bad bosses, stupid rules, difficult mother, and annoying people in her way? and what if she uses her skip day to right an historical wrong, in a very public way? Clover Hendry does just that and more on her day off. The best parts of this book are the clever dialogue and Clover's interaction with those standing in her way. While some of Clover's actions might be a titch on the unrealistic or rough side, it was still a joy to join her for the day. Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC.

While I was intrigued by the premise & thought some of the aspects were interesting, at the end of the day this book did not keep my attention. I found Clover to be annoying and wish we got to know her & the side characters before her “day off.” Clover isn’t just having a fun, she breaks the law in unnecessary ways and goes too far in the other direction in not caring about those around her. I think the idea was there and I did enjoy some chapters it could have used some more character development up front to keep my interest on what would happen by the end of the day. I decided to call it quits at 58%.

Thank you net galley for the opportunity to read this arc in return for my honest review

I absolutely loved this book. There would be nothing more freeing than living life as Clover lived this one day!

I truly wanted to enjoy this one. As a fan of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, I was excited for a modernized female version. However, this one fell flat to me. The day seemed to drag on and on and I found myself having to go back and reread many pages because my mind wandered from the story. It just seemed to drag on too much for me. I grand idea but not so great execution sadly. Will be trying future books from this author as I feel she has much potential.

(3.5 stars, rounded up)

Content warnings: homophobia, animal cruelty, dysfunctional family, sexual harassment

Let's be honest... I picked up this book because of the bunny on the cover, even though he's looking a little haughty and giving some major side-eye. But I don't recommend you read this book for the rabbit because he only shows up about halfway through the novel. But you should definitely read this novel for Clover.

Clover Hendry has so many irrational fears it's hard to list them all, but she has lived her life beholden to her fears and others' expectations... Until today. She takes potentially-expired medication for a headache and then suffers a minor head injury.

Clover's inhibitions are gone -- she's saying what's on her mind, walking out of her job because meetings are a waste of time, and doing things Clover Hendry would never do. Be prepared to laugh with (at?) Clover as her antics escalate throughout the day, becoming increasingly more wacky.

The grown-up Ferris Bueller entertains as she sticks it to the people who try to ruin her day, but as the novel progresses Clover begins to take a turn into a darker, meaner version of herself. Then all of a sudden, it's not fun anymore. She uses her lack of inhibitions to seek revenge in very public ways, and the reader may stop identifying with Clover when things start getting real.

Outside of the plot, Clover isn't a very good bunny mom so don't emulate her if you want a pet rabbit. Actually, don't emulate her at all if you value your job, your friends, and your freedom. It's funny at first, but you'll be glad you're not Clover by the end.

Recommended for readers who like character-driven novels. There's more than enough plot when you consider that this novel takes place within 24 hours, but Clover's progression and her relationships are the core of the book.

Representation: gay side character

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of Clover Hendry’s Day Off. It was a a fun concept and I am a big fan of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, I requested it immediately. I did enjoy reading, it didn’t quite hot the mark for me. As much as I appreciated the character of Clover and how she decides to push back against her usual people pleasing habits, I think the timeline and pacing of the book was what threw me off a bit. It all takes place in one day and I wish we spent more time some of the adventures she went on.

Could not put this book down. Loved this Ferris Bueler type story about a Mom in England who makes the most out of her day off. Clover's inner monologue was the funniest thing and I was on the edge of my seat wondering where her day would take her next. I also found this book to be inspiring. Clover is a mom of two and such a hard worker. Her story not only showed me how you can really do it all, but how important it is to find balance in your life. This book was honestly so refreshing and funny. I highly recommend this read.

I’m all over the map with this one. I expected to love it…the premise sounded funny, relatable and empowering. There were some moments of each of those…sprinkled between a whole lot of the main character being a jerk. This was just ok for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I hate saying this but this was a DNF for me. I felt like I had to keep re-reading the pages to grasp it and it was just too much. I read about 25 percent of it and just couldn’t keep going.

#CloverHendrysDayOff #NetGalley