Reviews

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey

Only show reviews with written explanations

borky's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

This book read a lot like stream of consciousness diary entries, and SO MANY PARTS really resonated 👏🏻

unhinged_female_protagonist's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

Had to DNF this one. It’s like one long internal dialogue that drones on and on and on and onnnnnnn. There is no real point or plot in sight. I struggled to get more than halfway through and STILL nothing of substance was happening. I’m done wasting my time.

ccardenas96's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

karensweeney's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

gemclarke3x's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

whatkelsreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.5

Really Good, Actually follows 29 year old Maggie as she reels with the reality of divorcing the person she thought she’d be with forever. It is depressing and earnest and authentic. Heisey does an excellent job of depicting the manic energy that can follow a breakup, and Maggie’s slow descent into bad decision making feels inevitable.

There was also some interesting commentary on the “chronically online” nature of friendships and relationships for millennials. Heisey explores what good is a moment/a meal/an outfit if we don’t post it online. And of course, the flip side of that being the constant need for outside validation and the influx of content that makes us feel inferior.

For me, this book felt unbalanced. The first half or even 2/3 felt boring, while the last 1/3 was very good. And though it may be true to life, I’m getting tired of the “protagonist finally goes to therapy and figures themselves out” bit.