The Good Neighbor: A Novel

The Good Neighbor by Amy Sue Nathan is a novel about how secrets can cause harm. Elizabeth “Izzy” Lane is thirty-nine and divorced. Her husband, Bruce Silverstein decided he needed to find himself (typical). Izzy and her son, Noah (five years old) have moved back into her family home. She has taken over the mortgage from her parents and they have moved to Margate. The day her husband left, Izzy started a blog called The Bizzy Blog (she did not want to use her real name). Izzy gives advice and tells stories about dating (Izzy is a school guidance counselor during the day). It has become very popular and now her friend, Jade wants Izzy to write for her Pop Philly site. Izzy would write Philly over 40 (even though she is only 39). Izzy agrees to write the column because she needs the money on the condition that she remain anonymous. Bruce has decided to go to California with his girlfriend, Amber. Bruce has lost his job and cannot continue his financial obligations to his son (he is a real gem). The one thing that Izzy fails to mention is that some of the information in her blog is fiction. She has been writing about dating Mac. Mac is a fictional boyfriend. Will Izzy be able to keep up her lie and who is she going to hurt in the process (you just know that this is not going to end well). I found this to be a mediocre novel. It is okay, but very silly and bland (like food with salt, pepper, and spices). The characters lack depth. The most interesting character is the elderly neighbor, Geraldine. I give The Good Neighbor 3 out of 5 stars (for okay). This novel was lacking in depth and humor. It could have been a funny novel, but it missed the mark. I received a complimentary copy of The Good Neighbor from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.