This was such an unexpected fun read and I couldn’t put it down. I kept trying to guess where it was going and was pleasantly surprised. Full of family drama and a good amount of action.
Thank you to Berkley, Colleen Oakley, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jan and Dan at the End of the World is an absolute gem — a story that is as wildly entertaining as it is deeply meaningful. From the very first page, it hooks you with its sharp humor and playful tone, making you laugh out loud even as it tackles some of life’s most serious and heartfelt truths.
This book is a beautiful celebration of love and partnership, capturing the joys, frustrations, and triumphs of a truly good marriage. Jan and Dan feel so real that you can’t help but root for them, and their relationship gives the story both its heart and its humor. The balance between lighthearted fun and poignant depth is masterfully done, making the book both a delightful escape and a mirror of real life.
With its quirky premise, authentic characters, and emotional resonance, Jan and Dan at the End of the World is more than just a fun read — it’s a joyful, profound reminder of the power of laughter, love, and weathering life’s storms together. This is a book you’ll want to read, share, and cherish.

"Oh, you're adorable. Books don't have to be good to sell. They just need a catchy hook, a good cover, and the most important part--visibility."

Don't I know it.

It's Jane and Dan's 19th year of marriage, and it's looking like there might not be a 20th. Jane spent the last two decades caring for a family that doesn't seem to need her anymore. The kids are grown, and she suspects Dan of cheating. She is looking for an identity outside of her family. She thought writing would be it, but her book sold under 500 copies. She needs a fresh start. What better time to ask Dan for a divorce than at their anniversary dinner at upscale restaurant La Fin du Monde. Before the first course is even over, eco-activists storm in and take everyone hostage. As if things can't get any stranger, Jane realizes that nearly everything the activists do is ripped from the pages of her book.

It's so funny. Every time Jane points out similarities between the activists' actions and what the terrorists in her book do and say, Dan rolls his eyes. It seems not even her husband has read her book. Another reason to leave him.

Dan defers to Jane in all the decision making in their home, including disciplining their children. So, when their daughter's poor choices come up during the dinner from hell , it's another source of tension as they critique each other's parenting skills much to the frustration of their captors. She's an anxious helicopter mom and needs Dan to take charge more often. I was thinking this situation is the perfect opportunity for Dan to prove himself so Jane can warm up to him and they can gain a new appreciation for each other, which is terrible because people get hurt 😩

Thank you Netgalley for this dark comedy that explores family and motherhood in midlife under an extreme circumstance that puts things into perspective. It also made me think of the measures some people take to sell a book 😆

TW: confinement, gun violence

3.5

Jane is ready for a change. She has been married to her husband, Dan, for nineteen years, her teenage children hardly need her anymore, and her career as an author has come to a dead stop. When Dan takes her to an upscale restaurant for their anniversary, Jane thinks this is a good time to tell him she wants a divorce. But things take an unexpected turn when a group of climate activists burst into the dining room, waving around guns. While the scene is shocking to all the diners, Jane and Dan are even more in shock as what unfolds is right out of the pages of Jane's failed book! They might know what is coming next, but can they put a stop to it and save the hostages? And what about saving their marriage?

This was a second book by Colleen Oakley (first was The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise) and again she has created a humorous and entertaining story. It is a comedy, thriller, mystery, and romance all in one. The dialog among the characters is ridiculous at times but in a charming and comical way that keeps you tied up in the madness. It was a perfect light and fun read.

An unexpected little take about Jane and Dan - and this one did not go where I thought it would! Burnt out on their relationship, Jane is ready to call it quits when one night full of drama erupts unexpectedly. This one had me giggling throughout - its a quirky, but catching story!

Jane & Dan are going out for their 19th wedding anniversary to the most expensive restaurant around. But nothing goes quite as planned. Jane tries to tell her husband that she wants a divorce, only to be interrupted by terrorists taking over the restaurant and holding them all hostage. Not only that, but the terrorists seem to be following a book Jane wrote years earlier that was a flop. Very few books sold and she considered it a failure. When she realizes they are using her plot, she feels a little proud. What follows is funny and heartfelt, with a little suspense thrown in.

This was a fun book with some great characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced adopt in exchange for an honest review.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World is a fun romp with substance. Colleen Oakley has the ability to write novels that feature quirky characters engaging in zany behavior that seems reasonable in the moment, while experiencing core human emotions (love, fear, frustration, etc.).

The story takes place entirely in a remote upscale restaurant; Dan thinks they’re celebrating their 20th anniversary, but Jane plans to ask him for a divorce. When armed climate activists storm the building and take hostages, the evening gets more exciting. Then the identity of one of the activists completely stuns the couple. It would be wiser to keep quiet, but both Jane and Dan put themselves in precarious situations as events unfold.

I enjoyed learning about the couple’s history as current events play out in reverse chronological order. Plenty of jabs at their professions are in the plot; Dan is a podiatrist and Jane’s a less-than-successful novelist. The audiobook is narrated by Hillary Huber who perfectly conveys the dry humor and other nuances of the dialog and added to my enjoyment of this novel.

Thank you to Berkley for the review copy of the ebook and to Omaha Public Library for including the audiobook in its catalog.

I feel irreverent and inappropriate describing a #book with its underlying premise being an elitist restaurant hostage situation as quirky, hilarious, deeply relatable, fun, and brilliant, but somehow this incredible little #read manages to do exactly that, in a hysterical, but also deeply moving, heavily satirical adventure. All I can say is that this one is truly worth the #read, and is one of the most entertaining and original works I’ve delved into a while. Words really cannot do the unorthodox nature of this one justice. I highly recommend this one, from its brilliant satire, and well executed themes of family, parenthood, marriage, middle-aged life crises, and more.

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Jane and Dan are a seemingly normal, married couple struggling with the usual ups and downs of the stage of life they find themselves in. Their children are growing up and in the midst of teenage brooding, individual issues, rebellion, and identity struggles, their marriage seems to be completely devoid of romance and sparks of days past, Jane’s literary career is abysmal and underappreciated at best, and Dan’s career as a podiatrist is – frankly – not nearly as entertaining as Jane imagines the daily life of a brain surgeon might be.

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When Jane and Dan attend one of the most elite, upscale restaurants and dining experiences California – and the world at large – has to offer for their anniversary, Jane is prepared to break some harsh news to Dan. However, their thousand dollar first course serving is barely on the table before their night is interrupted by a group of passionate, armed environmental climate activists who take the diners and staff hostage. The unfortunate turn of events, including a shocking member of the underground group that they both recognize, forces both Jane and Dan to grapple with their lives, choices, pasts, future, values, beliefs, and happiness and family at large.

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This one really just is a pure, pure joy, and I cannot recommend it enough. Despite the events that unfold, this one will leave you with a huge grin on your face by the time you’re done.

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#bookrec #bookrecommendations📚❣️ #bookreviewer #bookreviews #reading #tbr #tbrlist #mustreads #bookrecs

I had a lot of fun reading Colleen Oakley's latest novel! It reminded me of the movies Date Night and The Menu (the latter because of the food and eclectic atmosphere).

I enjoyed the dual perspectives of Jane and Dan and seeing what was at stake for both of them. There were a lot of humorous and honest moments throughout the story and I definitely wanted to see how everything was going to unfold. I felt like I was right there at the restaurant with them as everything was so easy to visualize without taking away from the narrative. Colleen puts her characters in a bizarre situation and somehow makes it work really well. I found myself laughing out loud at times and getting worried for everyone at other times. Meanwhile, we get to explore Jne and Dan's relationship and marriage and how they handle a dangerous situation together.

I just had a great time reading this novel, as it was witty and creative. I want my husband to read it as I think he'll enjoy it too. I already can't wait for whatever Colleen comes up with next!

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Jane: JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Dan: Richie Moriarty
Sissy: Sterling Jerins
Brick: Taika Waititi
Kip: Michael Cassidy
Vaughn: Jaime Ray Newman
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TW: Gun violence, medical situations involving blood

This one sounded like a lot of fun. That premise was very promising. Unfortunately for me the story didn't live up to it.

Jane and Dan seem to be on the verge of a divorce. They are celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary (or is it their 20th...they really don't know 🤷🏻‍♀️) at a swanky restaurant. All of a sudden a group of armed terrorists barge into the restaurant and take them all hostage. Dan sees something familiar in one of the them. It can't be can it? Jane also observes something. She wrote a book (that sold less than 500 copies) that centred around the same scenario she now finds herself in. Just what is going on?

I liked the themes of marriage and motherhood and some aspects were relatable and funny. I also liked some of the "inner dialogue" by the characters. It had a lot going for it at first. I was entertained to a point. Perhaps it was a little too long for this type of story? Light and zany but it just got way too absurd for my liking.

Published on March 11, 2025

I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.

This is such a wonderfully unique story! Yes, the plot is implausible but it's so well-written that I was all in. I related to Jane and Dan's relationship and laughed out loud at some of the things they go through. I could totally see this book as a movie and would be first in line to watch.

Thanks to Berkley for the copy to review.

This is a fun action filled story of a couple trying to experience a one in a lifetime Michelin meal, and then being held hostage in a manner similar to a book the wife had written. A few teeny twists, some laughs etc. A bit far fetched of course but a fast read.

Long-time married couple Jane & Dan win a reservation at a high end restaurant that just happens to coincide with their 19th anniversary. However, Jane is dissatisfied with her marriage and her failures as an author so she decides to ask for a divorce at the dinner. Before Dan can process what Jane just said, the restaurant is taken over by eco-terrorists and the night is unfolding like the plot of Jane's one failed novel. Crazy premise, even crazier that it kind of works as long as you suspend some rational thinking while reading. Overall an enjoyable ride, even if Jane is a bit abrasive and Dan is kind of meh.

This book was super cute and fun to read but I found it childish/very YA. I think people would enjoy this reading on the beach with a drink in hand.

I don't know, I'm not sure this is really that good but I'm giving it a 5 because it was unique and hilarious and it felt original. Such an odd plot -- how can these terrorists know so much about Jane's book, which she doesn't even think her husband ever read? And why does that terrorist look so familiar? This all takes place in a short time and the time just raced by reading it, leaving me with a bemused smile for the rest of the day.

so much fun, i love colleen oakley!! this book was so original, and the characters felt SO realistic - which can be hard to come by these days! such a fun plot and read overall, thank you netgalley and the publisher for this eArc in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in return for my honest review. I read this book in 2 days as I wanted to know what was going to happen. Jane and Dan go to a fancy restaurant to celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary. While there, a group of activists arrive and take all of the patrons hostage. The scenario of the hostage takeover is very similar to Jane's recent novel, that was not a hit. In addition to this storyline, Jane and Dan are having marital problems, which Jane brings up at the beginning of the fancy dinner.

I wanted to really love this story but I had a hard time following parts of it. It is listed as a funny novel, but I really didn't laugh while reading it. The ending wasn't my favorite either. It's a quick read and I'd say quirky story.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley is a wildly original, laugh-out-loud, and unexpectedly tender novel about love, regret, and second chances—set against the backdrop of a hostage situation that feels ripped from a fever dream. Jane and Dan’s anniversary dinner gone wrong turns into a hilarious and heartfelt reckoning with their marriage, their past, and the bizarre realization that the chaos unfolding mirrors Jane’s own failed novel.

Oakley masterfully blends sharp wit with emotional depth, creating a story that’s both absurdly entertaining and deeply human. If you love character-driven stories with a twist of chaos and a whole lot of heart, this one’s a must-read.

Very interesting concept! A lot of fun to read too! I really love how original Colleen Oakley’s books are. This one is my fav of hers yet. Pacing and the funny banter between Jane and Dan was so captivating to read.

This was good fun. Jane is an unknown, unsuccessful writer who starts to realize the situation she's in has been lifted straight out of the book she authored. The plot's a funny mashup--an examination of midlife, marital malaise, and letting go of grown kids--set during a madcap hostage situation in a distinctive, upscale restaurant (modeled on one I've actually been to!). I did not quite love it as I did her previous, The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise. But it's entertaining and a distraction, entertaining to both listen to and read in print!