Wow... I just finished this book and my mind is still reeling with the amazing character development and the story itself. I foresee this being a bestseller for sure. Put it on your TO READ list NOW!

A Good Neighborhood by [Fowler, Therese Anne]

I don't usually feel emotionally impacted by novels, but this is an exception. I'm going to be thinking about this one for a long time.



Review copy provided by publisher.

Fowler has certainly written a book that will be a best seller in 2020. This story of a doomed love between 2 incredibly gifted and sensitive young people in the sad age of Trump will emerge as a classic reminder of this troubled period in America.

Dealing with a mixed race relationship and the bigot who manipulates the situation combined with the careless prejudice of our time, wreaks destruction on all those involved, for no reason except the total lack of decency which we so often see.

I loved this novel and was totally moved and enraged by the actions and cruelty that have been so prevalent during these past few years.

The characters are well developed and extremely likable, except for the stereotypical, evil bigoted step-father who is the catalyst for the plot.

Book clubs will enjoy hours of rich discussions and “if only” rewriting of the plot when they share this very fine novel. I hope that these discussions don’t cause political divisiveness, since the role of racism is something that is so topical.

BTW, I enjoyed this so much that I went to order Fowler’s earlier books....until I realized I had already read them. I especially loved A WELL-BEHAVED WOMAN, a fascinating story of Alva Vanderbilt.

So, treat yourself to 2 great books, A WELL-BEHAVED WOMAN now and A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD in February. I really am grateful that I had the opportunity to read and review this very interesting novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book until the ending. I was just so disappointed , It almost ruined the entire novel for me. It did not seem realistic.This is a great story about our times, and what is happening in the world today. It had great character development, and the plot for the most part was believable.I I am unfamiliar with this author who states she generally writes historical fiction, which for the most part I do not read. That being said I would still get this book 3 1/2 stars. Thank you for my advance copy .

I enjoyed this book even with its dark drama.

The character development was excellent and I found myself relating to each one despite their respective opposing social positions.

The narrative is swift; it is a page-turner and a quick and absorbing read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. One of my favorite books of the past year was “American Marriage”.
I had high hopes that I would like this book as much, as it dealt with similar
subject matter. I was initially intrigued with the way the author moved from first person to silent observer, but by the end found this tactic almost bothersome. The dynamic between the two families and potential racial divide in the south would have been enough to sustain this book, unfortunately the author brought in possible incest/child
Molestation and it was simply too much plot. Additionally, I only found one character in this book likable or redeeming and the ending disappointing. There was a great story here, with two worlds colliding over the loss of a tree, but it somehow was “lost” in the authors attempt to make the plot “jucier”? Again, thanks for the opportunity to read in advance.

What a book. Didn't see THAT ending. Rooted for main characters, tears at the ending. Superb!!
Thanks to author,publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free,it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

What is a good neighborhood?

A Good Neighborhood asks this question and will make you think

I enjoyed the narration, like the author was talking to me.
I thought it was slow at times
Feels more like a young adult book


WORDS


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WOW. I did not expect to love this as much as I did. It was sad, a little dark, and real. I am so grateful for the opportunity to read this and will be recommending to others to read! An amazing book.

Before I offer my comments, I must reveal that I have read and enjoyed all of Therese ‘s books. She was a guest in my house for dinner prior to a major book event I chaired two years ago. She is charming and well spoken and a delightful and welcome author. This novel is definitely a departure from her historically based books. I thought the plot was well thought out and certainly timely. Prejudice is unfortunately alive and well and everywhere we live. However, her structure was odd and off putting. She uses the Greek tragedy chorus as a voice to foreshadow events and add commentary about the characters in the past and future. Then she switches to a third person narrative. For me, this is not a successful technique. I think she should eliminate it. The story line and characters were strong enough to sustain the reader’s interest and create a novel I would definitely recommend.

A Good Neighborhood is a fantastic book that leaves a mark on you long after you read it. Wonderfully written and interesting characters.

I really liked this book. At first, I was a little put off by the first-person plural narration of the book and the fact that the narrator was unseen, but appeared to represent the gossipy neighbors, but eventually I stopped noticing it.

The story is sweet and sad and hard to describe without giving away the plot. Suffice to say that it involves 2 families who are neighbors. The adults enter into a lawsuit involving the construction of one house and how it affects the other family's property. Meanwhile, the children become very friendly.

An incident occurs when the friendship is discovered and the fallout is tragic. The characters in this book are written so well for the most part and with such nuance. I really enjoyed it.

I especially liked Valerie, Xavier and Juniper.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley in return for my honest review. This book was so good. The Author had such a beautiful way with their words. It kept my attention and made me want more and more! Thank you so much!

A powerful and intense book! You may not want to be reading the climax of this book into the evening, or you won't want to put it down to go to bed. This book made me want to cry for what passes as justice in America, as I suspect the fiction of this book is still a reality for many people.

Already a fan of Therese Anne Fowler's historical fiction, I was curious to dive into this current day fiction that is surely a departure from her previous books. This novel did not disappoint; I found myself staying up to the wee hours to finish it in barely two sittings.

Told through the distinct and quirky-yet-introspective voice of the neighbors of the community of Oak Knoll, North Carolina, this novel touches on many powerful issues including racism, criminal justice, religion and sexual assault, magnified by the story's setting in the South. A professor/environmental activist and a new-money, "self-made" entrepreneur become neighbors sharing nothing more than a property line, and head toward a collision course that envelops two families and the entire community. Narration by a group of unidentified neighbors acts a kind of a Greek chorus, foreshadowing events and providing enough thought provoking commentary that makes this story hard to put down until you reach the heartbreaking but extremely powerful conclusion.

Without a doubt, you will be thinking about this book long after you finish it. Honestly think this would be a great movie too as the issues it highlights are real, current and while not new, definitely warrant a wide audience that can drive more dialogue, action and change.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this must-read novel. Loved it!

Quick Read which raises some really interesting issues. I gobbled it up! Will post on publication. Thanks!

Ms. Hitler's newest novel is Heartbreaking and sadly predictable. A tale of who we are as a society.