I came into this book after loving Dolly Alderton's "Everything I Know About Love" and was hoping to feel the same about this one. I normally am entertained by unlikeable characters, but Andy fell pretty flat for me. I can see how people would be able to relate to him and his heartbreak after a breakup between him and his girlfriend, Jen, but unfortunately it was just really boring. I do love Alderton's writing style, I just wish I had been able to feel more attached to Andy and his misery. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC!

I realize this was a “Read with Jenna” pick, but I was surprised. I DNF it when only 10%in. I didn’t like the characters enough to see where it was heading. Use of profanity doesn’t add any enhancement to the development of the character nor the plot. Although supposed to be a contemporary storyline and trying to be realistic, it just shouts to me that the author lacks an extensive vocabulary to write beautiful prose. It’s makes it very tiring for the reader to enjoy the book and takes away from the characters, plot, setting, etc. I do appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book, thank you #netgalley.

Sad girl lit was having a moment so I suppose we needed some sad middle age man lit, too? Or did we?

Dolly Alderton is clearly a very talented writer. She made the mundane almost palatable. She gave space and words to feelings I've never been able to capture. But other than that... the characters were bland at best.

Jen and Andy are happy and in love until they're not. And when Jen leaves Andy, he spirals. Predictably, uninterestingly. Aside from that, nothing happened. And while there is something comforting and relatable in that, there was nothing of substance. I didn't understand life or love or friendship any differently at the end.

The near redemption of this book came not until the final chapters narrated by Jen. But it hurts to think that the first 90% of the book was dedicated to her boring boyfriend.

I can absolutely see why so many people fell in love with this book but it certainly wasn't for me.

I adored Dolly Alderton’s memoir, and 𝘎𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 was a five star read for me. This latest book is a brave choice, and it made me think, but I did not love it as I did the others. Why???

1️⃣The lead was a male, as Dolly explored a breakup of a three year serious relationship. Honestly, I KNOW I should be interested in his side, seriously. I get that. But I just was not. My heart was pulled to the woman’s story, which did not occur until the last twenty or so pages.

2️⃣the male lead just wasn’t all that like-able (yeah, I might have broken up with him also) I don’t need a lead to be movie-star stunning, or brilliant, or rich, or Uber-talented and successful; that’s not it. I just was rather meh on this guy.

3️⃣And yet…I still appreciated Alderton’s voice and perspective on this one. So often, we want men to read women’s literary fiction, so they can grown their compassion and empathy for issues we deal with, that quite often they’ve never thought of…and yes, that was my ‘ah-ha’ moment with this book.

I rarely think of the guy’s POV in a breakup, as it’s rarely mentioned. Thus, continuing the male trope of ‘stiff upper lip, don’t show your emotions’ you know the drill. Thus Dolly Alderton has, once again, taught me a lesson to look at life through another pair of spectacles.

Am I glad I read this one? Absolutely! Do I want her to write her next book, delving into a female lead character? Oh my yes.

I'm ashamed to admit that this is my first Dolly, but happy to say that this definitely will not be my last. I'm officially entering my DOLLY ERA!

Good Material is Alderton's recent release and it all kicks off with Andy, a comedian who was recently broken up with his long-time girlfriend, trying put together the puzzle pieces of why their relationship failed and trying to move on – the plot + dialogue is extremely relatable, extremely witty, and extremely layered

Absolutely loved it and will be recommending to those that like reads about relationships, books based in England, and those looking for a quick read that will make them think

Listen. Andy fucking sucks. For the majority of this book, I felt myself questioning my choices, questioning Knopf, questioning big sis Dolly... But, I'm glad I stuck it through! The "twist" that occurs in the book helps pack such an emotional punch, and I think most adult straight women will cheer and then check if Adlerton plagiarized their journals.

I really loved Dolly Alderton's writing style in Good Material, and I think I would have loved this book if I didn't dislike Andy so very much. The majority of the story is told from his perspective, and while I think the reader was meant to strongly dislike him, it made the story feel slow and disengaging. My interest was finally ignited in the last several chapters when the point of view shifts and is told from Jen's perspective. Her character felt so much more real and engaging. Again, I think that was the point of the story - female identity is not tied to a man - but it was a somewhat tedious journey to the end.

Good Material is not your typical breakup story and that’s what makes this such a great read. This story has you follow Andy post break up with his long time girlfriend, Jen but because there’s always two sides to a story you’re able to get a bit of Jen’s perspective as well. Dolly Alderton is able to capture the evolving nature of adult relationships-both friendships and romantic alike-in a way that feels honest and relatable. Don’t hesitate to read this witty, endearing and entertaining book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Dolly Alderson and aaknopf for the advanced e-read!

I truly love Dolly Alderton's writing, and this is why I believe I will read any words she puts onto a page and releases into the world.

This started so exciting for me, fell a bit slow in the middle, and then ended with a bang. In reflecting, it seems that it might have been intentional to provide me with a sense of fatigue as Andy droned on and on about the breakup and couldn't just snap out of it. Am I like this when I'm trying to get over someone? The horror.

Also how genius of Dolly, amiright?

The last pages with Jen's POV were simply brilliant and brought a whole sense of meaning to the story. I could have read countless more pages! Thank you for the opportunity to read this gem!

I loved this! It was funny, and oftentimes relatable. I don't normally read from the perspective of a straight man going through a breakup, so it was actually a fun perspective to read from. Dolly Alderton's humor also just really works for me. I laughed out loud several times. I think Dolly Alderton has a great way to telling stories that feel so real, relatable, and ultimately heartwarming, and I can't wait to read more from her.

Good Material is different from most books I’ve read. The male man character was frustrating (infuriating if I may) but I think that that was part of the point of the book. Outside of dual POVs, I don’t think I’ve really read many books in the male perspective, especially one that deals with friendships and heartbreak. I also loved being able to read Jen’s POV at the end.

Thank you NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC!

GOOD MATERIAL is the latest novel by Dolly Alderton, who writes an advice column in the UK and has written other books I've read and loved; I was therefore thrilled to receive this ARC in exchange for my honest review. A big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Knopf.

GOOD MATERIAL tells the story of Andy, a stalled-out stand-up comic in his 30s who is dealing with a rough break-up. Through the story, as Andy tries to recover from the end of his years-long, cohabiting relationship with Jen, Alderton navigates male friendship, second chances, heartbreak, and love and loss in your mid-late 30s. I loved this novel and would highly recommend it to anyone, particularly fans of Alderton's other work.

I will continue to read anything Alderton writes - I thoroughly enjoyed this unexpected male POV and the thoughtful, heartfelt, genuine characters Alderton creates in Andy's world.

This is so different from the books I normally read. The perspective of a 35 year old man was honestly infuriating to read (I think on purpose!). I thought about stopping reading when I was about a thrid of the way through, but I am so glad I didn't. Jen's perspective at the end made me really love this book. I recommend for a book club

Relationship grief, the good, the sad and the funny. The writing is great and the Audible to go along is fun. Especially if you’re an American and enjoy UK narration of UK writers… This is great to read and listen.

I’m not a new Dolly Alderton reader so I was excited and ready to dive into Good Material. I hate comparing authors, but she has this very Sally Rooney kind of vibe to her writing. I love her honest approach to human emotion and friendships.. I do admit a story of a breakup told by the thirty-five year old man (that needed to grow the F dawgs up) kind of got to me after a while. But he was funny and I felt his grief. Loved the creative ending.

I received this from NetGalley, but I had already bought the Audible version and the book. So this is my whole hearted opinion with and without a free copy.

Dolly Alderton does it again. Good Material follows the break up of Andy and Jen's relationship, narrated mainly on Andy's POV. It was interesting to read a break up story on a man's perspective, I don't think we see that a lot in fiction. I enjoyed that there's a bit of Jen's POV in the end to clarify some facts where Andy was being very melodramatic and unreliable. This book was funny and heartbreaking at the same time. So relatable about the crazy things we do when we part ways with a person we used to love and shared our lives with. It goes without saying that the writing is outstanding, I don't expect less from Alderton at this point, she's an automatic author for me.

Bottom line: Get your hands on this ASAP.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publishers for the eARC.

To me, the driving factor in the cause of the dissolution of Jen and Andy's relationship was their definition of being alone. Jen never felt lonely when being alone and she enjoyed her independence. She believed at the beginning that her confidence was matched by Andy's. However, Andy defined being alone as not being liked which translated into extreme neediness. He wanted to be liked so much which is understandable why he chose the career path of a comedian; however, his self esteem was such that everything he encountered could be interpreted as a slight. Towards the end of their relationship it was really the companionship that kept them together and not love. They both struggled but their interpretations of how they wanted their future to look when it came to having a family would drive any relationship apart. I admire what Jen did at the end by taking the step to taking the year to find out what she really wanted. Andy needed to let go.

Finished up Good Material by Dolly Alderton & mixed emotions too. Really enjoyed Alisa’s (@worldswithinpages) review of it & agree. The main character was annoyingly whiny but man, I also kind of miss him now that he’s done talking to me? Would I be friends with this dude? Almost maybe?

I enjoyed that this book looked at relationships from a vantage point of needs vs blame. I really appreciated that we were able to see a somewhat unbiased take by the end.

This was my first Dolly & probably won’t be my last. Curious how it will stand up against her others that I’ve heard such raves about.

4 ⭐️’s for me, begrudgingly.

I was so excited to receive this one and I loved it. What a raw read of heartbreak and self reflection. I also loved that Alderton took the opportunity to write from a male narrative's perspective--a woman writing in the voice of a man is rare, but it worked so well here.

Andy is complex and nuanced and you feel for him, but you also understand why Jen had to leave. I loved the reverse perspective at the end, hearing what Jen's experience had been over the few months that we had followed Andy. If I could read it again with fresh eyes, I would.

Thanks for the ARC!

As a huge Dolly Alderton fan, this did not disappoint! I loved the male narrator perspective and perfectly executed humor. I hope this book makes Dolly a household name stateside!

4/5 Stars ⭐️

WOW! firstly I want to thank Net Galley & Knopf for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

This book has taken me through a bunch of emotions i’ve repressed and helped me to see the other side of a breakup i was personally struggling with. it’s a very interesting idea to write from the man’s perspective because they always tend to be aloof and never seem to be the ones struggling but it was nice to see the other side of this.

this book broke me and healed me all in the same way. Dolly’s writing is beautiful and i’m so excited to read more by her, I loved the ending when we got to also see what Jen was dealing with to get the full story of their relationship and i loved the message of the “good material” because you truly can take something horrible and dehabilitating that happened to you and make it into something good.

I love Dolly!!! This book was so amazing i cannot wait to get my hands on a hard copy.