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.
📖 Featured Pick
Good Joy, Bad Joy
Break the rules. Find your joy.
Where to Buy
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
📖 Featured Pick
Good Joy, Bad Joy
Break the rules. Find your joy.
Where to Buy
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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I wasn’t sure this would be a good fit for me to read, but I’ve been intrigued by novels with older protagonists lately, so a 90yo is definitely interesting as a lead character! Visiting from Bookworms Monthly today – happy reading!
Maybe it’s because I’m at a point in my life where I’m contemplating my own life choices and making efforts to pursue my dreams I let go of to long ago, but I truly appreciated this book.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I hope to see you again soon.
This is how I feel! I have to put this book on my TBR pile immediately. I like that elderly people are not forgotten in books.
This is such a great book! I’m confident it will be worth moving up your to-read list.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I hope to see you again soon.
I appreciate your review. I enjoy reading about older protagonists. So I’m definitely going to have to check this out. And I love stories that stick with me long after I’ve closed the book.
Thanks’ so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friend’s this month dear friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
This was a very fun book for me to read. I do believe the timing on me reading it has a lot to do with why it hit me so intensely, but regardless, I feel confident that others will gain something from it too.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I look forward to seeing you again soon.
This sounds like a really good read, thank you. I’ve read a few books with much older main characters and they’ve all been fun, thought provoking or both.
Popping over from Book Worms Monthly.
I’d like to hear about some of the books you’ve read. I believe older people have so much wisdom to share with us, and they still have a sense of humor.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I hope to see you again soon.
A lot of books I have been reading recently have this message – I think they universe is trying to tell me something so I am adding this one to my book list.
Sounds like it! I hope you’re going to pursue what you are delaying doing.
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