The Good Neighbor: Book summary and reviews of The Good Neighbor by Amy Sue Nathan

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Debb R. (Grand Island, NE)

Liar, Liar pants on fire.
Izzy Lane is a divorced mother of one son, Noah. Having recently returned to her childhood home, Izzy fills her free time with blogging, which balloons into something unexpected. When Izzy creates "Mac" in her head and introduces him on her blog, her life goes a little sideways and nothing will be the same again.

I loved Izzy! Once I began reading "The Good Neighbor", it was hard to put down. I would recommend this great read for anyone that would like a light-hearted yet, thoughtful journey into Izzy's world. I think we all have wanted a little excitement in our lives, Izzy just goes further than she should have to make that happen!

Ellie

The good neighbor
From the first sentence I fully related to Izzy and her dilemma. What begins as almost a harmless fantasy, quickly escalates into a situation that is out of control. Unlike journaling or diary writing, blogging is "out there" for all to see. (So don't write it if you don't mean it). The characters were so real.
The relationship between Izzy and Mrs. Feldman was heartwarming. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it.

Mary M. (Beverly Hills, FL)

Real people with Real Challenges
The Good Neighbor has a somewhat predictable plot, but that in no way detracts from the charm, the warmth, and the truth of the story. Izzy Lane, the protagonist, is newly divorced, with a small son and a self-absorbed ex-husband. She is trying to make her way in her new and scarily imperfect life. I thought that the way she copes with her challenges, sorrows and happy times was very realistically portrayed. Her story is real; her life is real and you root for her all the way, even when she makes a few serious mistakes (like creating a fake boyfriend). Somehow, you "get" why she did that. The other characters are also all quite real, flawed and human. Izzy gets a second chance to make her own happiness, and though, as I said, the ending is somewhat predictable, it still rang true to me.

By the way, the author, in the Acknowledgements, credits the "original" Elizabeth Lane, of the 1940s era movie "Christmas In Connecticut" as inspiration for Izzy. This is my favorite Christmas movie, and yes, Elizabeth and Izzy are soul sisters.

Christine (WI)

Going Home
Izzy Lane is a newly divorced mother of a five year old son. She has returned to the house where she grew up and is doing her best to give her son a childhood like hers, including a relationship with Mrs. Feldman who still lives next door. I enjoyed this book very much. It is very contemporary, with an emphasis on the way that people communicate via the Internet. I think book clubs would enjoy reading and discussing the book.

nelle

The Good Neighbor
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Good Neighbor. The characters were interesting and entertaining. I loved the relationship between Izzy and wise Mrs. Feldman. I wish Mrs. Feldman lived next door to me! She was so supportive and loyal to Izzy, and Izzy was a faithful and helpful friend to Mrs. Feldman.

Poor Izzy had her hands full with her job, her blog, her young son, her disappearing ex-husband, her boss/friend, and her financial troubles. She sure was doing a balancing act! This book was a fun read.

Roseanne S. (Middlebury, CT)

A Great Summer Read
This is a great summer book. I have not yet read the author's first novel but will probably do so having enjoyed this one so much. Although I found the plot a bit predictable, all the characters were thoroughly enjoyable. Things start out simple enough for Izzy, a young, newly divorced mother, but soon escalate out of control when she tells one seemingly small lie on her blog. In addition to Izzy, all the supporting characters are richly portrayed, especially her dear, long-time neighbor, who loves, supports and cares for Izzy like a mother. This is an uplifting and warmly written story without becoming sappy in the process. Ultimately, Izzy learns a lot about trust, love, and the true meaning of "home."

...12 more reader reviews

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