A review by shelleys_book_nook
Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life by Helen Fisher

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I loved Helen Fisher’s Faye, Faraway/Space Hopper so when I saw her new one on NetGalley I jumped at the chance to get it and am I ever glad I did because I loved this book and adored Joe Nathan. This was such a moving story in both happy ways and sad. The characters were so realistic and true to life, I couldn’t help but fall in love with them and cheer them on. Joe Nathan likes routine and does the same thing over and over again but the author made each day seem fresh and not repetitive at all.

Helen Fisher writes with a wonderful humour but also a sense of compassion never once going the sickly sweet, saccharine route. Life is hard even in the best of circumstances and the author doesn’t shy away from that, the characters are loveable but they also have plenty of flaws and make many mistakes. It was pretty awesome that Joe Nathan loves the show friends. With Matthew Perry’s recent passing, it was nice to get all the references about the sitcom.

This is not a fast-paced book but I read it very quickly because I hated saying goodbye to these characters. If you enjoy realistic, heartwarming stories you’ll find this title an utter joy to read. And as much as Joe Nathan enjoys predictability this book is anything but predictable. All. The. Stars.