What do readers think of The Good House by Ann Leary? Write your own review.

The Good House dealt with social issues such as alcoholism, infidelity, a special needs child and the slowing of the economy to name just a few. The author did a good job of portraying an alcoholic in denial as well as life in a coastal resort town inhabited by old timers trying to hold on to their family property versus newcomers with money. The author's ability to handle the issues was commendable though as the book ended I was left not knowing how some were resolved, if they were. Perhaps too many issues were presented in one book. This was a sobering story so it is hard to say that I enjoyed the book or that it was entertaining. I did not find it funny as the book jacket suggested, but sad that lives were being wasted. To use this book as a discussion in a book club could bring up unhappy memories for some members that might be unknown, so I would not recommend it as a book club choice.

This is a fun quick easy read and the narrator, an alcoholic real estate agent, is a pleasure to spend time with, but the plot didn't really engage me. The main character is very well conceived and convincingly executed, but the other characters in the book (her children, ex-husband, new friend and lover) all seemed flat and stereotypical, so ultimately the plot wasn't very interesting.

In The Good House Ann Leary has created an appealing although seriously flawed character who will have you rooting for her even as you are appalled by her behavior. Set in a upscale north shore Massachusetts town with it's townies and its wealthy newcomers and Hildy Good as the realtor who knows all the secrets, this book provides a realistic and often amusing look at a changing community. Hildy's lack of self knowledge and self delusion is only outweighed by her assurance that she can really read people. I read this in a single sitting - hoping that Hildy would finally get her act together.