Good Joy, Bad Joy Book Review

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Every now and then, you come across a book that doesn’t just entertain you—it makes you stop and take a hard look at your own life. Good Joy, Bad Joy is one of those books. It’s not loud or over-the-top, but it leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.

About Good Joy, Bad Joy Book

From the bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover comes a vibrant, heartfelt novel about friendship over the decades, self-discovery, and what it means to have a life well-lived.

Break the rules. Find your joy.

For over eighty years, Joy Bridport has played by the rules: she’s been a devoted wife and mother, contributing to the community in her small Hudson Valley town. But her quiet existence is jolted when she learns that her best friend, Hazel, only has months left to live. Hazel has always been the more adventurous one of their duo, and she seems at peace with all that she’s squeezed out of her long life. Yet Joy realizes she can’t say the same.

Determined to live boldly and make the most of the time that she and Hazel have left together, Joy steps outside of her comfort zone—and into a bit of trouble. But as her foray into rule-breaking escalates into committing petty crime, Joy must consider what kind of legacy she wants to leave behind, and whether there’s a way for her to embrace the liberation that “Bad Joy” offers without losing all that she holds dear.

Is it ever too late to become who we’re meant to be? With laugh-out-loud hijnks and emotional heft, Good Joy, Bad Joy is a heartwarming and wise celebration of the choices we make, the friendships we cherish, and the lengths we go for love.

My Review of Good Joy, Bad Joy Book

Good Joy, Bad Joy is one of those books that quietly stays with you long after you finish it. At its heart, it tells the story of a ninety-year-old woman discovering there’s still more to who she is, and realizing she wishes she had embraced that side of herself much earlier in life. That alone makes you stop and think.

This was a meaningful story about how easy it is to fall into stereotypes and assumptions, and how forgiveness and self-acceptance can truly change everything. It gently reminds us that growth doesn’t have an expiration date.

What I loved most about this book is how relatable it feels, no matter your age. It’s filled with thoughtful, well-written reflections that honestly read like little nuggets of wisdom. I found myself highlighting quote after quote. One that really stuck with me was:
“Everyone blooms in their own time, even if it takes eighty-nine years. Sometimes we need a few false starts before we come into our element, but it’s never too late.”

That hit home.

As someone who has juggled different ideas, paths, and possibilities—and still carries a strong desire to make my ultimate dream a reality—this book felt like a reminder I didn’t know I needed. Another line that truly pushed me was:
“I can now see that I’ve never dreamed big enough to have to address the latter, and perhaps it’s time I did.”

That one felt like a wake-up call.

Since finishing this book, my mind hasn’t slowed down—in a good way. I’ve felt more motivated, more focused, and more willing to go after what I’ve been putting off.

This isn’t just a book you read and move on from. It’s one that makes you reflect, rethink, and maybe even take action.

If you’ve ever felt like time is slipping by or questioned whether it’s too late to go after something bigger … this book will remind you it’s not.