Joe-Nathan is a neurodivergent young man who lives with his mom. Joe prefers routine and predictability, which makes him the ideal candidate for a job at a local store. Joe enjoys his job, but what he wants most in life is to prove to everyone that he “doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.”

While Joe-Nathan goes about his daily routine, his mother spends much of her time trying to best prepare Joe-Nuthin for a time when she will no longer be with him. She knows there’s no way she can prepare him for everything that may come his way, but she drafts notebooks filled with practical advice about things he may encounter, plus more basic day-to-day items like recipes, instructions for various basic household chores, and most importantly, a list of people he can always count on.

As a mom, this aspect of the story really got to me because I could so easily relate to Joe-Nathan’s mother’s worst fears and to her desire to protect and guide her son, even from beyond the grave. The bulk of this story actually focuses on what happens when the unthinkable happens and Joe-Nathan is left all alone.

This is one of those books that just tugged at my heartstrings. I cried sad tears for Joe-Nathan’s loss, but then I also cried happy tears because of the wonderful support system his mom made sure was in place for him. He has this wonderful “found family” that loves him and excepts him exactly as he is. They help him plan his mom’s funeral and they stick by his side through thick and thin. Joe-Nathan even manages to draw new and unexpected people into his circle of support.

This is a beautiful and heartfelt story about love, friendship, navigating loss & finding your path forward. If you’re looking for a truly special read, I highly recommend this one! It’s one that is going to stick with me for a long time.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I decided to step out of my reading comfort zone with this book. This is not my typical book, but I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this book a lot!

This was an absolutely lovely read. Joe-Nathan’s attitude was comforting and it was nice that he wasn’t pressured to give in or change his ways. The ending could have been a little more descriptive (bit abrupt) but it worked. Wouldn’t mind reading more about Joe’s friends, maybe a series is in order? Would love to read about Chloe, Charlie, Hazel, Angus, and Pip

This book was amazing. I really loved it and the message it had. I felt so bad for Joe and when his mother died and she had hoped to prepare him enough for life to continue on without him, was so moving and heartfelt. This is a must read for all ages, I highly recommend reading this book, it deserves all the stars and all the hype. I was so ecstatic when I saw this as a book of the month pick for book of the month book box club.

There aren't many times where I read an e-book and still feel the need to buy the physical. My copy of Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life is on its way, and it's going on my special shelf with my absolute favorite reads! And I might just read it again so I can highlight all my favorite parts!

Helen Fisher has written pure magic, y'all! You will fall in love with Hazel and Angus and Chloe. You will feel Janet's love for her son as she does everything she can to help Joe navigate the world around him. And that yellow notebook! 😭 Pure love!

This story of acceptance and friendship is the feel good book of the year! I cried angry tears and sad tears and all the happy tears. If you ever need a story that showcases the goodness of people, even in the midst of great sadness, read Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life. And you will absolutely see that Joe-Nathan doesn't have a mean bone in his body!!

Read this if you like:
•  Heartwarming stories that will make you laugh and cry
•  Found family
•  Friendship fiction
•  Neurodivergent representation
•  Stories that will make you believe in the goodness of humanity

Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life by Helen Fisher was a beautiful story!
A heartfelt, spellbinding, and irresistible novel.
This is a well written book with a fantastic plot. I loved the wisdom, I loved the love, it brings tears to your eyes and touches you. It’s an original, moving and emotional rollercoaster which I didn’t want to end.
She has amazing talent for beautiful writing and wonderfully emotional stories.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Gallery Books for my #gifted copy of Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life!

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐉𝐨𝐞 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰!

★★★★★

This is one of those books I will never forget. Joe-Nathan ranks right up there with some of my favorite characters, and I found this book to be just so incredibly heartwarming and I cannot recommend it enough! It’s the perfect blend of humor and emotions and is such a feel good read. This book is a warm hug and one I will be rereading again!

This book tackles topics such as loss and grief, and focuses on friendship and community. Joe-Nathan (make sure you keep his name separate) is such a special character. I honestly feel like he will stick with me forever. I found this book to be just so impactful and so well-written. If you are looking for a fast-paced book, this is not it. This is a story about stepping out of your comfort zone and how you can do hard things with the help of your friends. It’s a character driven story, and it is truly remarkable. Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life is a story about celebrating differences and I think everyone can find a way to read and connect with this story.

Posted on Goodreads on May 27, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around May 28, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on May 28, 2024
**-will post on designated date

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me the sophomore book by Helen Fisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 sparkling stars!

Joe-Nathan is neurodivergent and lives with his mom, Janet. Janet has done all she can to keep him safe and make him a productive member of society. She created the blue book for him - explicit instructions on the day-to-day parts to a life. Unbeknownest to him, she also created the yellow book. In case of her death, it's helpful advice for all those things he may have to face on his own. Joe-Nathan likes predictability, loves his job at the Compass store, and his supervisor, Hugo Boss. There is Mean Charlie at work but also Chloe, who is becoming a friend.

Oh my gosh - this book! I completely loved Faye, Faraway and now Helen Fisher has outdone herself with this book. Without being too sickly sweet, this book is filled with sage life advice for all of us and characters I won't soon forget. It's about the family we make for ourselves and looking out for those we love. The characters feel like family but they aren't perfect either - just like none of us are. I'm already sad that it's over. It's funny, it's tender, it's perfect. An absolute must read!

My heart feels like it’s doubled in size after reading this book. A million thank yous to Helen Fisher for writing a book filled with characters who remind me of all that is right in the world. Joe-Nathan, Janet, Chloe, Pip, Hugo, Hazel, Angus, and even Mean Charlie are written so beautifully that they came alive through this story. They are perfect because of their flaws rather than despite them and I adore them all.

I don’t want to spoil anyone’s experience with this book - and it is, in fact, an experience - so I’ll point out just a few of the highlights for me.
- Joe-Nathan is a neurodivergent young adult who is written with tenderness and appreciation for his otherness, rather than from a place of brokenness and a need to fix him.
- Chloe is the friend everyone should have and, if you have one like her, thank your lucky stars.
- Found family gets me like few other plot tropes. This found family is ❤️.
- The way Janet’s love for her son is depicted is the most accurate reflection of what most mothers want for their children. You’ll understand once you read this brilliant book.
- There are life lessons we all need to learn and we shouldn’t be afraid to admit we need to learn them.

JOE NUTHIN’S GUIDE TO LIFE is a book that I will recommend a million times over. It’s the equivalent of a comforting hug in book form. There’s nothing NUTHIN about this book. It is, quite simply, EVERYTHING.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the privilege of reading an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

A gentle tale of found family. Joe Nathan's mother Janet has created a safety net around her neurodivergent son. She's also created the blue book of how to do things and the yellow book of how to cope with things. He works for Hugo Boss at the Compass Store where Mean Charlie taunts him and Chloe becomes his champion. Janet only wanted to be able to leave him overnight not forever but Joe's life is upended when she dies. He discovers there's more to Mean Charlie than he knew and in doing so becomes more himself. This is beautifully told with vivid characters and atmospherics (the little boy's sticky hand, the pub, Friends). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A novel to sit back and savor.

Joe-Nathan has his life and he knows exactly what to expect and when. He goes to work, and every Friday he walks to the pub with his mom. His mom however, knows she needs to prepare him for a day she may not be there. So she writes notes and instructions in binders for him for when she is no longer there to help him. Life advice, how-tos, etc. When the unexpected happens, Joe Nathan must figure out this crazy world with her binders and some new friends at his side.

First of all…Chloe ❤️❤️❤️. All I can say is that I freaking LOVED Chloe. I also adored Joe-Nathan. This book was one of those books that just fills your heart with all the warm, gooey, mushy, happy feelings. Joe Nathan was just the sweetest character, filled with empathy, compassion, and some good old fashioned quirkiness. I loved that crew he ended up with throughout the book, and how Joe Nathan saw past peoples worst qualities to see the good they held within, even when they may not have deserved it. I did this one on audio and I could not stop listening to find out where the story was going. I finished this book feeling like a big ol pile of mush, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I got an eGalley of this book through NetGalley to review.

Thoughts: For some reason I was under the impression that this was a magical realism type of read...I think in NetGalley it was under sci-fi/fantasy. This was not that type of read at all. This is flat out a contemporary fiction about a neurodivergent young man who has to deal with living on his own after his mother passes away.

The beginning is a bit slow and Joe's mom doesn't pass away until quite a bit into the book. At this point things get much more interesting. I did find this to be an engaging read. The chapters are fairly short, which helped propel me through the story. I didn't want to put this down because I wanted to know what was going to happen.

Fisher does an excellent job writing both Joe's character and the people surrounding him. At its heart this book is about friendship and supporting the people around you, even when they are a bit different.

Joe's mom remains a steadfast presence throughout the book with her constant advice through the notebooks she leaves Joe. These excerpts from her notebooks can get a bit long and preachy feeling, although some of them were cute and humorous too. I couldn't help but think that maybe Joe's mom did him a disservice by making Joe too dependent on her. It's when Joe is really forced to start figuring things out for himself that he really starts to flourish. This is something his mom could have helped him do earlier if she had pushed him outside of his comfort zone more often.

This was a nice, heartwarming read, that was straightforward in the story structure and yet complex in how the characters interact with each other. It was a decent break from all the fantasy I read (even though I totally wasn't expecting this to be what it was).

My Summary (4/5): Overall I liked this, it was a bit slow to start but ended up being very engaging. I would recommend if you are intrigued by watching a neurodivergent person navigate life and if you enjoy stories about unlikely friends banding together to help each other. It is a sweet and heartfelt story and is well written.

Once in a while a special book graces your path and digs so deep in your heart you know you will never forget it. This is that book for me. It's one of the most heart-warming, special books I've ever read. It made me laugh. It made me cry. And it made me cry again.

Joe-Nathan (keep it separate please like dinner and dessert) is a neurodivergent young man who is about to learn some life lessons and inspire others around him to do the same. Joe-Nathan, you are an inspiration and I won't ever forget you.

A beautifully written book, filled with true to heart life lessons and engaging diverse and wonderful characters. I’m still thinking about them and this book days after I’ve finished. I can easily go back and read this again knowing I’ll find even more to love. Everyone should read this book.
Read alikes, When We We’re Vikings, Andrew MacDonald. The Maid, Nita Prose

Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life couldn't be more different from author Helen Fisher's debut time-travel novel, Faye, Faraway, which I read and loved three years ago. But Fisher snagged my interest immediately by portraying Joe, the neurodivergent 23-year-old protagonist, with the same depth and loving care she displayed with her main character in the earlier book.

Joe gets through the day with structure, routine, and the guidance of his beloved mother, along with the blue notebook in which she describes how to do the things he must do in his everyday life. Joe is fortunate to have found a job that suits him perfectly, in a large department store laid out like the points of a compass. He likes nothing better that setting up an attractive, perfectly arranged display of canned food, or perhaps T-shirts, and returning items their rightful places after they have been moved by patrons. He is also happy to clean up spills so long as they are not red liquids such as pizza sauce, since that reminds him of the time his father inadvertently cut off part of his finger while working with Joe in their home workshop. Unsurprisingly, he has to deal with more than one bully at work, but he has a staunch friend and protector in coworker Chloe, who thinks nothing of punching someone in the nose if they are harassing Joe.

As the book progresses and adversity strikes, we see Joe rethink some of his hard-and-fast beliefs and slowly start expanding his experience and the way he looks at the people around him. His literal take on others' words results in some quiet humor, but he lives up to his mother's belief that he doesn't have a mean bone in his body. It's a lovely book, written during a self-professed difficult time by Helen Fisher, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

My thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life by Helen Fisher was an absolute joy to read.

Joe is neurodivergent and his mom has written him a book with solutions to everyday life and a guide for him to follow for when she is not there.

While Joe may be different than most people, he builds a family in his work and community that touched my heart and made me laugh and cry throughout the book.

Joe meets his bully with compassion and tries to help when most of us would walk away.

I cannot wait to be able to share this book with friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. It was a sheer pleasure to read.

Features:
Neurodiverse main character
Character focused story with community at its heart
Challenging at times, but heartwarming and hopeful overall
Focuses on the main character discovering their own strength and place in the world

This beautiful story about empathy, community, and discovering strength through the challenges life throws our way was the warm hug I didn’t know I needed. Fisher treats her characters with such love and respect as they grapple with very difficult challenges. The main character, Joe-Nathan, is one of the most well characterized/represented neurodiverse characters I have seen in a long time. He is bright, kind, and observant, but with a very different perspective of the world and its many challenges. Even when dealing with the darker parts of life and society, it was lovely to see Joe-Nathan learn and grow throughout the story. This book is a must read for anyone looking for a heartwarming and powerful character-focused tale.

Celebrating Difference

Representing a neurodiverse person in literature in a way that feels authentic and respectful can be a huge challenge and Fisher definitely succeeds with Joe-Nathan. The story is told predominantly from Joe-Nathan’s POV through which we see how he thinks about the various things that happen each day. Even as he grows over the course of the story, Joe-Nathan has a strong sense of who he is and who he wants to be. Though it is clear from the snapshots we get from other characters’ POVs that Joe-Nathan might be acting and/or doing something unexpected, the reader still understands him perfectly and fully believes in his ability to overcome the obstacles he faces. Of course, there are some things that Joe-Nathan needs help processing, but it never feels like he is completely lost or helpless. Though tough at times, seeing this character grow into himself was extremely rewarding and empowering.

Positively Balanced Tale

Overall, this book has a positive and hopeful vibe and is told with a lot of heart. That being said, it is so much more than the average cozy novel one might pick up off the shelf. There are times where the stakes are high and plenty of darker themes are explored. However, the proper amount of humor and perspective brought to these themes keeps the story from becoming too heavy. You can feel the emotional moments, but you won’t carry them with you when it is time to move on unless it is being used to grow. This is definitely a serious story, but one with plenty of warmth and love to see you through.

Special thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow, I just finished reading Helen Fisher’s latest novel, Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed Fisher’s debut novel, Faye, Faraway, I was excited to dive into her second book - and I was not disappointed. The novel is an absolute gem in every sense of the word. The concept is intriguing, the storyline is captivating, and the characters are simply fantastic - each one unique and unforgettable in their own way.

At the heart of the story is a neurodivergent adult named Joe-Nathan and his aging mother, who are navigating the reality of aging with a child who has disabilities. I was moved by the novel's portrayal of the mother-son relationship and the village it takes to make it— it should be required reading. I cannot praise Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life enough. It is, without a doubt, one of the best books I have read this year. I give it 5++ stars (and I would give more if I could). I am already eagerly anticipating Helen Fisher’s next novel!

I was really looking forward to this author's next book hoping it would pick up where her first book (Faye, Faraway) left off and continue that story. When I saw that this one did not do that, I have to admit I was disappointed. But I loved the first book so much I decided to give this one a try. And I was not disappointed. Joe-Nathan seems to be a young man on the autism spectrum although that isn't stated in the book. He is definitely a special young man who relies heavily on routine and things being in the right place to be able to navigate his world. When his mother dies, he is left with two books she has put together for him of her guidance for basic living and getting along with people. Using these books, Joe-Nathan is able to not only survive but develop a group of friends and even do things outside of his comfort zone. As I was reading this book, it occurred to me that more people should try living by his Guide to Life. This world would be a nicer place.

I thoroughly enjoyed this unique treasure of a novel! Joe-Nathan is one of the most likeable and kind characters I've read in a long time, and in the wake of his mother's death, how he learns to be independent AND a good friend is truly remarkable. The other characters are varied and beautifully drawn. I felt like I knew them all. Joe-Nathan's view of the company bully makes a huge difference in the bully's life and in the lives of Joe-Nathan's co-workers, in the best way possible.

I also loved Janet, Joe-Nathan's mom, who left him a big handwritten notebook of all the guidance/advice she could think of that would help him after she was gone. The guidance, it seems, is applicable not just for Joe-Nathan, but for others in the story as well.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.