Good Joy, Bad Joy

"Who says your greatest love has to be a romantic one?" ~ 96%

As Joy nears 90 years old, she cannot help but realize the people she has outlived: her husband, family and friends. The only one left standing is her best friend Hazel. That changes when Hazel reveals she only has a few months to live. But she's at peace with the diagnosis knowing she has lived an adventurous, exciting life. It gets Joy to thinking. So many years following the rules, being the good girl and nothing to show for it. And so begins her foray into breaking the rules.

Good Joy, Bad Joy had good lessons about living life to the fullest, appreciating friendships and self-discovery. But in getting to the lessons, it didn't quite deliver a liking to the character. I could not connect with Joy; not because of her mature age but because of her actions. Maybe it's me but an 89-year-old driving way over the speed limit for fun is irresponsible. So is committing a petty crime. You wait until damn near 90 years old to act like an unsupervised teenager? And was it purposeful irony that her name is Joy? Seemed like it based on her little joy, vast regrets. I would have rather read about Joy and Hazel reliving memories of their friendship dating back to eight years old. 

Considering the average rating is 4.3, I am in the minority so don't let my review deter you. What is an okay read for me, may be a good read for you.

Happy Pub Day to Mikki Brammer! Good Joy, Bad Joy is officially on shelves.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Good Joy, Bad Joy
Author: Mikki Brammer
Published: May 2026
Pages: 294
Edition: Galley
Genre: Grown Chick Lit
Rating: 🖤 🖤