Matthew Hanover - The Irresponsible Reader

My Favorite Non-Crime Fiction of 2023

On January 5, 2024

In Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, News/Misc., Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy

2023 Favorite Non-Crime
Back when I started this site, I knew the content would be largely “genre”-oriented. I’d have wagered the content would be roughly 1/3 Mystery/Detective fiction, 1/3 Urban Fantasy, and slightly less than 1/3 SFF, with “non-genre” fiction, humor, and non-fiction being enough to make my one-thirds just an approximation (honestly, if you asked me what I read regularly, that’s pretty much how I’d describe it today). Actual numbers show that’s wrong—it’s typically almost 40% Crime/Thriller Fiction, the rest of fiction is around 30% combined. This is just a long-winded way to get to these two points: because Crime Fiction takes such a big chunk of my reading, it gets its own “Favorite” list, but none of the others really garner enough numbers for their own.

When it comes to this particular list of favorites this year, it was harder than I expected. I got it down to 17 with relatively no problem. But trimming those last 7 was difficult. I waffled a bit—and considered a top 15, but I talked myself out of it and have a list of 10 favorite non-Crime Fiction Novels of 2023 that I really like. Hopefully, you will, too.

As always, re-reads don’t count—only the works that were new to me.

(in alphabetical order by author)

Chain-Gang All-Stars

by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

My original post
If there’s a book I’ve recommended more frequently this year, I can’t think of it. I’ve also bought more copies of it to give away than any other. At the core, this is a satire and critique of the American culture–particularly as it relates to sports, mass entertainment, and (most importantly) the carceral system. Pitting convicted felons against each other in gladiatorial fights-to-death, selling merch featuring them, turning them into Reality TV personalities between bouts…Adjei-Brenyah holds up the worst of the US to look at.

It’s a book about death—violent death at the hands of violent people who only hope to go on so they can kill again—However, in a serious way the book is really about life. It’s a celebration of life, a call to protect it, a call to see it for what it is. It’s a reminder that “where life is precious, life is precious.” It’s impossible to read this without being moved–perhaps to action. But it’s also a visceral and exciting read that can entertain you without forcing you to think deeply about what it wants you to.

(I don’t know why I knocked it 1/2 a star at the time…I can’t think of a reason for it now, but…)

4 1/2 Stars

Partial Function

by JCM Berne

My original post
This has none of the socially redeeming characteristics of the above book. But it does have wuxia-inspired magical martial arts, super-powered dinosaur-like monsters, a John Wick/Bryan Mills character if played by Michelle Yeoh, and snappy dialogue. It’s a story about a retired warrior who gets back to work so she can rescue her kidnapped daughters and the wake of destruction that follows (a mighty wake it is, too). And it’s just fun from beginning to end.

5 Stars

The Perception Of Dolls

by Anthony Croix, Edited by Russell Day

My original post
I did an inadequate job of describing this book and what I was blown away by in 15 paragraphs. There’s no way I’m going to manage it in the 1-2 paragraphs I give myself for this.
I’m dazzled by this book. I was hooked to an extent I’m not used to. I was captivated. I was (at least momentarily) obsessed with it. That’s worn off in the 50 weeks it’s been since I’ve finished, but it would take me no more than 5 pages of a re-read to get back to that. This is a recounting of one investigative reporter’s look into a triple homicide and attempted suicide in a home, the paranormal research that occurred in that home decades later, and the very strange (to put it mildly) things that happened to everyone involved in both of those things.

Russell Day takes you on a ride that you will find difficult to articulate (which is fine, he does a fine job of it on his own) and that will linger in the back of your mind for a long time.

5 Stars

The Hero Interviews

by Andi Ewington

My original post
The child and sibling of heroic adventurers, Elburn Barr, has taken a different path in life—one fit for someone with his particular set of skills (or lack thereof). He is a Loremaster—no spells, weapons, or danger for him, thank you very much. At this point in his life/career, Elburn has set out to understand what makes a hero tick—what is it that drives them, what early influences molded them, how do they keep going on? Does it vary from type to type? Are Barbarians made of different stuff from a Cleric or a Thief? What about a Ranger or a Wizard? In addition to interviewing various leading examples of each type of hero, he talks to non-heroes, too. Like a farmer whose farm was saved(?) by some heroes from a dragon, the curator of a hero museum, people who run/design dungeons, etc.

This is a novel trying to look like a series of comic episodes/scenes/lines. It takes a while to see the plotlines emerge—it really does seem to be a light-hearted look at D&D clichés, stereotypes, tropes, etc. at the beginning—but eventually, you start to see the story arcs emerging and even start to see the protagonist grow and develop. That’s something I didn’t expect to see when I started reading this because I did think it was just a series of comedic bits. It’s hard to tell if Ewington is more interested in telling a story or making his jokes—in the end he gives you enough of both that the question is academic.

4 Stars

Not Prepared

by Matthew Hanover

My original post
Hanover’s fourth novel is the first to have a protagonist outside of their 20s, and the added maturity pays off. While this book is at heart a Rom-Com, the romantic story takes a backseat to the love story between the girl who needs a family and a bachelor who didn’t expect one. There’s still plenty of “rom”, and a good amount of “com” of a handful of stripes (particularly when it comes to a single man being thrust into dealing with a young girl at the cusp of puberty)—but there’s a lot more, too. Told with Hanover’s trademark wit, charm, and grace—prose that moves so smoothly you don’t realize how long you’ve spent sucked into his book. The emotions are real and grounded—both positively and negatively. His depictions of anxiety really impressed me, and there are scenes that got me choked up.

4 1/2 Stars

An Inheritance of Magic

by Benedict Jacka

My original post
Any fears anyone had about Jacka’s post-Alex Verus career should have been assuaged by this book. It’s an introduction to a new kind of magic, a new kind of magic society, and a protagonist who is so different from Verus that you wouldn’t guess that Jacka wrote it if you didn’t have his name all over the place. This is kind of the reverse of the Hanover book—Jacka moves on from a mature character who knows his place in the world to one who is immature, unsure of his own abilities, and a complete beginner to the magical society of England (and, presumably, the rest of the world). And Jacka nails all of it. I couldn’t believe how easily I took to this world and I anticipate getting more immersed in it.

4 1/2 Stars

Mrs. Covington’s

by K.R.R. Lockhaven

My original post
The thing with Cozy Fantasy is that the plot comes second (if not tertiary) to things like character and atmosphere. Mrs. Covington’s shines here–it’s such a pleasant, comfy atmosphere that it trumps everything else. A treasure hunt with the staff of the friendliest bar this side of Cheers! might be the plot of this cozy fantasy novel. But the book’s core is kindness, community, optimism, and helping. Also, Nachos. Brought to you in a great fantasy world with a light and engaging voice, Mrs. Covington’s will leave you snug and content.

4 Stars

On the Savage Side

by Tiffany McDaniel

My original post
This was just a brutal read. Every time you get a glimmer of hope, a glimmer of a feeling that things might be okay for some of these characters—something snuffs it out. But there’s another source right around the corner. But there’s beauty in the darkness. And a drive to keep persevering shared by the reader and the characters. I wondered more than once why some of them kept trying—but they did. There’s a serial killer on the loose, and a good deal of the plot is about that. But this isn’t about the hunt for the killer or anything like that. It’s a novel about the women who may be his target and their fears about it. It’s also about the rest of their lives—how they got to the point where the killer might be hunting them and what might happen if they get out of there.

Like always, Tiffany McDaniels delivered a book that’s going to stay in my subconscious for a while—lurking there, making me rethink what I read from time to time. It’ll probably stay there until her next novel comes along (Betty‘s been there for a couple of years, and really only was dislodged by this one—and The Summer that Melted Everything is still there all these years later). It’s somber, it’s sober, and it’s difficult to read. But it’s so worth it in ways I cannot adequately explain. It’ll make you think. It’ll make you feel.

4 1/2 Stars

According to Mark

by H. B. O’Neill
Unlike the first 8 books on this list, I haven’t written anything about this until now. The pitch I was given about the book was, “It’s about a love affair gone wrong and a guy who’s obsessed with Mark Twain who becomes a voice in his head that eventually leads to Twain pushing the fella towards suicide.” I don’t know if this makes it sound appealing to you or not. So let me say this: If Chain-Gang All-Stars is the book I’ve recommended most this year, then According to Mark is in 3rd or 4th place. Given that I read it at the end of November, that tells you how much I’ve been talking about it lately. It’s comic. It’s dark. It’s disturbing (on more levels and in more ways than I can describe). There’s a fantastic and real love story in the center of it. It’s heartbreakingly sad. If you’ve read anything like this before now, I’d be surprised (and I want to know what it is!), but you’re going to want to read this when it’s published soon.

There’s more I should say, but I’m going to do it in a longer format.

5 Stars

Guards! Guards!

by Terry Pratchett
I spent some time earlier this fall asking for recommendations to get me to give Discworld another shot—and overwhelmingly, this book was recommended to me. Everyone who did that was utterly correct. It’s one of the best mixes of story and comedy that I can recall reading and I can see after a re-read or two (which it’ll almost certainly get from me) that at least one book in this series within the Discworld series is going to end up in my pantheon of comedic greats. I’m working hard to ensure I get to the rest of these in 2024 because now that I understand what I was missing with Pratchett, I don’t want to miss out any longer.

4 1/2 Stars

Even More Quick Questions With…Matthew Hanover

By HCNewton

On August 9, 2023

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Matthew Hanover

Matthew Hanover’s newest book, Not Prepared, really wowed me and I’m so excited to share this Q&A about it today. Hanover’s no stranger to people who’ve read this site for any amount of time. I’ve blogged about all of his books and this is the fourth Q&A he’s participated in about his writing—plus a Q&A about Self-Publishing.

Here’s the latest with him—and the latest in my campaign to earn him some new readers.

In the past, your protagonists have been in roughly similar places in their lives/careers/emotional development. With Not Prepared, you’ve moved to an older, more mature character well-established in his career. Is this because of where you are in life? You just needed a change of pace, or something else?
After three books with 20-somethings as protagonists, I was more than ready to explore a story with a character at a different stage of life, closer to where I am. It may reflect my age or my growth as a writer, or just the fact that Neil had to be the age he is to make the story work. I started working on Not Prepared before I’d even finished Not Awkward because I’d come up with the idea and stuff just started pouring out.

Are you sticking with men at this stage of life or are you going to bounce around some more? (or have you even thought that far ahead?)
Writing for younger characters is increasingly difficult for me, but I won’t say I won’t ever write about 20-somethings again.

For Not Prepared, the story really dictated what the characters had to be. Chloe’s age came first because she had to have a certain level of maturity and resourcefulness, but also be right for coming-of-age story elements that would make their living situation ripe for comedy. Once Chloe’s age was established, that really helped establish what age Neil had to be. He couldn’t be in his twenties because he had to be a father figure, not someone who could have been her brother.

That makes a whole lot of sense—I focused on Neil because he’s the protagonist, but yeah, you need to start with Chloe and do the math from there for everything to work.
Exactly. Neil may be the protagonist, but Chloe is very much the main character of the story. She’s the one who drives the story forward. Neil’s romance with Jenna is incredibly important, obviously, but the most important relationship is between Neil and Chloe.

Speaking of careers for your protagonists (and/or other characters in the books), do you spend a lot of time thinking about those and what they say about your characters?
Sometimes, a character’s profession is based on what is most helpful for the story. In Not Famous, Nick was a self-employed web designer because his schedule needed to be flexible to make the story work. In Not Dressed, which is half a workplace comedy, I really had to find a profession that people think is really awesome, but isn’t so great in reality, so Jake became an architect. In Not Awkward, Scott’s profession was less important because was unemployed for the main action of the story because it enabled him to participate in the main arc.

What kind of research—if any—do you do to depict them? Let’s use Neil’s wedding photography biz as a case study, but feel free to use anyone else, too.
The most research I did was for Not Dressed because so much of the story took place at Jake’s place of work. I had to get insight from people who are or were in the field to get some of the technical details right. For Not Prepared I had to research a lot of professions to figure out what would be best for Neil, and a wedding photographer worked out great because it meant he could be home a lot during the week with Chloe, because of the awkwardness of their living together is really what drives the story. It took a lot of research to understand how these photographers work, what they charge, how they can make a living for a job that is generally occurring on weekends, how they keep money flowing in, what they do when they’re not actually shooting a wedding, etc.

Do you remember any professions that you considered for him and decided against?
I came up with the wedding photographer idea quite early, and once I thought of it, I knew that was the answer and stopped considering other ideas. Perhaps what I liked most about it, is how ironic the job is for him because he’s a guy who’s essentially resigned himself to being single, yet he’s constantly documenting weddings.

Neil and Jenna both have pretty serious anxiety issues, I think it’s safe to say. At what point did you decide that their anxieties were going to be a significant part of this book, or did that just come up as you write? What kind of thought/research did you have to put into them to make sure you depicted them right and/or they were good for the story? Did you start (with either of them) having a different kind of anxiety and have to backtrack and rework?
Neil’s hypochondria was perhaps one of the first ideas I had for the story. One of the things about writing an older character is that they are not only in different places professionally, but also have different attitudes about their own well-being. As you get older, you start getting screened for various diseases, and you’re more tired and prone to aches and pains. Giving Neil health anxiety was just the perfect way to exaggerate that.

As for Jenna, at some point, it made sense to me that what would make her and Neil a great couple is that they both have neuroses that have made them unlucky in love before, but allowed each of them to see beyond those issues and make their relationship work. Figuring out the right anxiety for Jenna took a lot of research. I wanted her to exude all the qualities of a strong, confident, professional woman, but to have a phobia that was not only real but something that most people would consider completely irrational.

My mother has a strong (very strong) preference along the lines of Jenna’s, so that’s the way I was raised (although my father tried his best to negate that influence). So I’ve got to say I get where she’s coming from, my feelings aren’t as strong as hers, but I sympathize with her. I can see where a full-blown anxiety like Jenna’s would be a real hindrance to a new relationship (friendship/romantic) with some people.
For sure. It was a fun thing to research because I really had to get an understanding of the phobia and research how people who have it get around it. It really made her character so much more interesting.

You’ve never shied away from some serious things in the pasts of your characters, but Chloe’s backstory and the events that brought her to Neil’s door are a few degrees “darker” (for lack of a better term) than you typically go. Was this a deliberate thing for you, “I need/want to start going deeper/darker,” or was it just what was needed for Chloe?
Chloe’s backstory was something I struggled with, and changed a few times during the writing process. Believe it or not, it was actually darker than the final version, but it never felt right for a comedy. I really wanted to focus on the struggles of her imposing on Neil’s bachelor life while dealing with the awkward challenges of growing up. To me that allowed for a lot of funny moments that were also realistic.

Dark-but-not-too-dark is a great way to think about it. Because, yeah, if you’d taken a step or two in either direction it would’ve been inappropriate for a comedy, or too light for it to seem real.
Exactly. And it worked out well. At first, it appears that Chloe is quite resilient and seems generally unaffected by the abandonment, but as time passes, it’s clear that it has had an impact on her. Had she endured more than mere neglect and abandonment, I doubt she’d have been as socially functional or emotionally stable to make the story work.

Let’s step away from Not Prepared for a bit before I end up asking you to break things down chapter by chapter (and don’t think that’s not a danger). Have you been reading anything lately that’s got you excited? Or do you have anything on your radar you can’t wait to get to?
I find it very difficult to read when I’m writing because I don’t like to feel too influenced by other work. So, I have a rather large pile of books to read that I gotta get cracking on. That said, Brian David Floyd has just finished the first draft of his next novel, and I’m looking forward to that. There’s more coming from Ian Shane and Wesley Parker that I plan to get into when they’re out as well.

My upcoming list looks similar—I’m waiting for an ARC for that Shane book to arrive soon—and cannot wait for that new Parker (it hurt me to decline a beta copy due to time). I’m off to look into Brian David Floyd as soon as I schedule this post…

But that brings up another question—when you’re writing, how do you spend your non-writing/not-work downtime? How does Matthew Hanover relax?
Well, right now I’m trying to enjoy the summer the best way I can. But, my best downtime is just chilling out at night binging my favorite shows from my youth.

When we talked about your previous book, you said that you’d written a bit of book 5—is that what you’re working on now, or have you changed to something else? Can you say anything about it and your timeline for releasing it?
I actually have two more books in various stages of development right now. One is the next book in the Wallflowers series, and another more experimental novel that will be set in the universe, but not part of the series. I’m not sure which will get finished or published first at this point.

That could easily lead to another batch of questions…but I’ll save those for later. 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to answer these—and for Not Prepared—I loved it, and hope others find it soon.

A Few Quick Questions

The Inside Scoop—A Q&A with Matthew Hanover About Self-Publishing

By HCNewton

On July 25, 2023

In A Few Quick Questions With..., Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week

Inside Scoop logo
At this point, it feels strange for me to write an introduction for Matthew Hanover, because I’ve been talking about his books–and doing Q&As with him–for years now. But I know that not everyone reading this today will have read all of that–so let me just say that he’s a great author, a nice and supportive guy, and someone you should get to know.

One way to do that is through his book Not Prepared, which releases today.

Neil Bennett, a highly sought-after wedding photographer, knows all about romance and happily ever afters—for everyone but himself. As a chronic hypochondriac pushing forty, Neil has convinced himself that marriage and children just aren’t in the cards for him.

But then fate throws Neil a curveball when his 12-year-old god-daughter Chloe shows up at his door after being abandoned by her mother. She has nowhere else to go and suddenly, Neil’s bachelor lifestyle is thrown into disarray as he grapples with endless sensitive and awkward situations that come with caring for a preteen girl in his small apartment.

As Neil questions whether he’s ready to flip his world upside down, there’s a glimmer of hope when he meets Jenna Kaplan, a young and ambitious interior designer. She has her own quirks and idiosyncrasies that might just make them perfect for each other—and the ideal parents for Chloe. Suddenly, Neil has to face the possibility that he, too, can have his happily ever after… if he doesn’t screw things up.

Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
Hey there, I’m just Matthew Hanover, your average guy trying to make a living in the world of marketing. But when the day is done and the weekends arrive, I find solace in writing novels. Inspired by the talents of Nick Hornby and Jonathan Tropper, I specialize in contemporary fiction and romantic comedies. It all started with a single story that I couldn’t get out of my head, but as time went on, I realized there were more stories within me waiting to be told.

I typically can be found on Twitter @matthewhanover, Instagram @matthanoverfiction, and you can always reach out to me via my website, matthewhanover.com.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions you find that readers have about self-published books?
I think the most common misconception is that self-published books aren’t as good as traditionally published books. But, the fact is that the publishing industry is so competitive it’s hard for many authors to land an agent or get a deal. Frankly, getting a book deal is no guarantee of success and plenty of independent authors do well and make more money than their traditionally-published counterparts.

What kind of costs are associated with self-publishing a book? Do you hire one or more editors, or one editor for a couple of passes? Cover artist? Anyone to help with layout, design, etc.? Beta readers? Or do you take it all on yourself? Are you actually making any money at this, or are you still focused on breaking-even while building an audience?
The old saying is that readers should not judge a book by its cover, but in reality, you have to. If a self-published author isn’t willing to invest in his or her own work by getting a cover designer, their books will get overlooked. If they aren’t willing to invest in an editor, the readers they do get will notice errors and abandon the book. If they aren’t willing to invest in professional formatting, the reading experience will be bad and it won’t matter how well the book is written. Yes, these things cost money, but if you want to compete, they’re necessary.

Do you do your own cover design, or have you found people to help with that? It seems almost as difficult as writing the novel itself–talk about the process a bit.
I recently hired an illustrator to redo all of my covers and do the cover for my next book. While I didn’t feel there was anything particularly wrong with my previous covers, I felt a refresh was necessary to help catch the eyes of different readers.
For what it’s worth, I didn’t find anything particularly lacking with the previous covers, but the new versions are great!

How do you juggle marketing/PR/etc. with writing new work? (along with day jobs, family, hobbies, etc., etc.)
I honestly don’t get to spend as much time marketing my books as I need to, and certain platforms are difficult for me to make a splash in.

How do you promote your book–what things have worked best for you? What kind of lessons have you learned for things not to do (at least for you)? Do you do any in-person marketing, or are you all online (I assume predominately online)
My marketing and promotion are 100% online. Though sometimes I toss a paperback in a Little Free Library.

What made you decide that self-publishing was the direction you wanted to go? How often do you question that choice? How do you get through the self-doubt?
Honestly, I never considered trying to go the traditional route. I never wanted the pressure of worrying about querying agents and publishers. I just wanted to write and get my stories out in the world.

Have you thought about trying to get a deal with major (or indie) publishers for upcoming works, or are you planning on sticking with self-publishing?
I never considered seeking representation or attempting to get a traditional book publishing contract. Over the years, I’ve seen several indie authors try and struggle with the process. Even those who managed to get a book deal are not guaranteed success by going with a publisher. Sure, there’s some cachet that goes with it, but I’m not convinced it’s worth it.

Odds are, you’re doing this from love/passion, not to pay the bills. What keeps you going? I’m assuming there are more “who”s than “what”s, actually–who is it?
Honestly, if I had just one story in me I wanted to tell, I’d have written it, published it, and been okay with just that. I just found that there were more stories I wanted to tell, and so in the end, as long there’s something I want to write, I’ll write it.

Self-publishing tends to have less external deadlines keeping one accountable. How do you maintain your work process or work ethic?
I have a tendency to trust my creative drive. If I’m not inspired to write, I won’t force it. When the inspiration and desire hits, I’ll do the work. Not having a deadline to meet allows me to create at my own pace, free of pressure. If I believe in a story enough, there’s no question that it will get out there eventually, so I don’t worry about it.

What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being self-published?
My favorite thing is having total control over the content and design direction. My least favorite thing is incurring the costs of editing, cover design, etc.

What was your process for learning how to take care of all the facets that go into self-publishing? (editing, book cover and design, ISBN, finding places to sell/distribute, etc.)?
Amazon made the process quite easy, and I picked up on the process quickly.

How do you decide a book is finally finished and ready? (or how do you avoid “perfection as the enemy of good”?)
For me, the real problem is getting too anxious and putting something out there before its ready. My third novel was not properly copyedited when I released it. I was too excited to get it out there and there were some typos that readers caught. I’m not making that mistake again with my next novel, which is coming out in July.

Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it! And do know that there are many of us out here who appreciate and applaud what you do (and our number is growing)!

I say this every time a Hanover book is released–be sure to check out all of his work!

Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week Footer

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PUB DAY REPOST: Not Prepared by Matthew Hanover: This’ll Melt Your Heart and Bring a Smile to Your Face

By HCNewton

On July 25, 2023

In Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Matthew Hanover

So this isn’t technically part of my Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week posts, but it could be. I just would’ve posted this today no matter what else was going on around here because it’s Publication Day! Here’s your chance to show your appreciation for this particular self-published author and give this a big push right out of the gates—you’ll come out ahead if you do this, it’s such a great read. Later today, I will have a Q&A with Hanover about Self-Pulblishing—ycome back for it.

Not Prepared

by Matthew Hanover

DETAILS:
Series: Wallflowers, #4
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
Format: eARC
Read Date: July 7-10, 2023

The Series

Let me start with this—I’ve labeled this as the fourth book in the Wallflowers series (I prefer to think of it as the Alli-verse, but whatever, I’ll go with Hanover’s title). This does not mean you need to read the other three first. There’s only the thinnest little thread tying these together and there’s no reason not to read them all as stand-alones.

What’s Not Prepared About?

Our protagonist, Neil, is a single photographer approaching 40. He’s fairly successful and comfortable with his life—which is primarily about his work and staying healthy. He enjoys a few romantic dalliances but stopped pursuing anything serious some time back. He’s fairly free and likes his life—outside of some family he rarely sees (largely due to circumstance, not preference), he really has no ties. Well, there’s the daughter of his childhood friend—Neil was named her godfather when she was born a little over a decade ago, shortly before his friend died. He’s seen her a few times over the years and babysat her occasionally, but that’s about it.

One night, the now 12-year-old Chloe shows up on his doorstep. Chloe says her mom dropped her off on her way out of town for a few days and that she needs to stay with Neil. It’s not really the most convenient or thoughtful way to do this, but Neil doesn’t begrudge Chloe for it—her mother, Sara, has never been thoughtful or responsible so it fits.

The next day, Neil takes Chloe to get some clothes—Sara left her without any. He’s not crazy about this, but it needs to happen. Neil’s really not crazy about helping her find underwear or a training bra. Thankfully, there’s a woman near them in the store who sees Neil’s predicament and comes to his aid.

Naturally, because it’s this kind of book, there’s a spark between this woman, Jenna, and Neil. A couple of days after their meet-cute, the two meet for coffee. The sparks are still there—and Jenna’s able to give Neil a hint or two about dealing with Chloe.

Neil’s going to need more than a hint or two because Chloe eventually comes clean with him—she has no idea where her mom went and when/if she’ll be coming home. Chloe’s looking for a new home and family, and she’s picked Neil (and would like Jenna to be part of it, too).

This is the last thing that Neil bargained for, but he’s drawn to the idea (about both Chloe and Jenna). Now the question is, can they make it work?

Chloe

When I posted about Hanover’s first book, Not Famous, I spent a lot of time talking about the protagonist’s younger sister. She wasn’t that integral to the plot, but brought out aspects of the central characters you wouldn’t have seen otherwise—but more than that, she’s a perfectly charming character that you wanted to see more of. In Not Prepared, Hanover takes a very similar character and makes her the focus of the novel.

If that’s all he did, I’d be a fan of the book—thankfully he does more (some of which I’ll talk about in a minute). But let’s focus on Chloe for a moment.

So, obviously, she’s a mess. Her mother abandoned her and it’s pretty clear that before she literally abandoned her, Sara put the minimal amount of effort (at best) in before that. She’s not used to being cared for, for having limits placed on her, for having a reliable presence of any kind—once she’s given those she responds well to them and flourishes (probably responds a bit too well, but we’re not looking for gritty realism here).

Chloe’s also obviously an intelligent and resourceful girl who sees her opportunity and seizes it. Not simply for her physical needs—but she’s long had an emotional tie to Neil and she makes the most of her time with him to feed and nurture that bond. It takes Neil a bit to understand just what he’s meant to her for so long, but once he does he reciprocates.

It’s both the portrayal of Chloe and the depiction of their relationship—in all of its ups and downs, flaws and strengths—that makes this book so strong

A Meeting of Anxieties

Neil suffers from health anxiety—a term he (understandably) prefers to hypochondria—which leads him to spend a lot of time in hospitals and doctor’s offices. He’s both very aware that he’s very likely completely healthy and yet he’s frequently convinced that he has any number of undiagnosed conditions or ailments, frequently exasperated by news reports or pharmaceutical commercials. This is something that’s impacted his life as long as he can remember—and having a dear friend die at a young age likely didn’t help. As a result of this, he’s rather health conscious, particularly when it comes to the food he buys and prepares. Which is exactly what a 12-year-old doesn’t want to hear or experience.

Jenna struggles with brumotactillophobia (a form of OCD relating to foods touching each other), which sounds like something to chuckle over, but for Jenna, it’s a serious and frequently embarrassing issue.

Neil’s lost relationships—short-term and incredibly serious—because of his anxiety. Jenna has, too—the number of first dates she’s had that have ended in disaster is the kind of thing to make anyone into a social hermit. Because they can relate to each other’s hardships—and because they’re basically decent people capable of empathy—both of them can understand and accept the other. In fact, it’s an early way for them to bond. There are points throughout the novel where they’re able to help each other with their anxiety, which just made me love them as a couple and like the book even more.

Chloe’s better for spending time with both of them and seeing how they cope and deal with their anxieties—she’s better than any of the characters in the book at supporting them through bumps in the road. As I type this, I realize it’s due in part to her having spent her entire life taking care of her mother, so maybe it’s not as heartwarming a point as I initially thought. Still, it endeared me to her.

Alli Conwell

For years, one aspect of Marvel (and related) movies that was a sure-fire pleaser was the inventive way that Stan Lee would show up in some sort of cameo. Hanover’s not quite at that point with the singer-songwriter that was at the center of his first novel, Not Famous, but it’s in sight.

I do enjoy seeing how Alli will pop up in the various books. And somehow—don’t ask me how, I’m worried it’s a sign of cognitive decline—when she does pop up I’m surprised.
Me: Oh, wow! That was great that he tied Alli into this.
Voice in My Head: You mean like he always does? Why weren’t you looking for it?
Me (grumbling): Shut up.

In a way that won’t bother anyone who’s never read a Hanover book before, her presence is felt throughout the novel, beginning with one of my favorite lines of the book.

Post-Credits Scene?

If Marvel (and other) movies* have taught us anything in the last 15 years, it’s that you don’t leave the movie theater until the credits have stopped rolling and all the lights have come up. Period. Sure, you’ll get a complete story if you do, but you’ll be missing something.

Hanover has provided his readers with a “post-credits” chapter—a bonus chapter that you can access for free. Now, if you don’t, you will get the entire story and you should be completely satisfied (I sure was). But the bonus chapter? That will make you happier and give you a better idea of what will happen to our characters. My ARC didn’t have the entire bonus chapter—but it had enough to give me that boost that a good-post credits scene does (and it gives me a reason to actually open the version I pre-ordered, so I can access the rest of it).

* That’s entirely too many Marvel movie references for a post here—particularly for a book bereft of super powers. Oops.

So, what did I think about Not Prepared?

This is the best thing that Hanover has published—it’s also my favorite so far. Any of the three central characters would be enough to qualify the book for the latter—but you throw them together, and it’s a lock.

Jenna is an independent, self-assured woman who knows her limitations, has a strong sense of self and her morality, and because of that, is able to let herself be vulnerable and open to those she wants to be vulnerable and open to. She makes room for Neil and Chloe because it’s her choice, not because she’s driven to, or needs something.

I’ve said enough about Chloe at this point that any more would be overkill—so I’ll leave it with saying that she’s an adorable kid that I want to read a sequel or three about (but not really, because I’d rather imagine what happens after this than know).

Then there’s Neil—a mature narrator/protagonist, rather than the twentysomething still trying to figure out what kind of life he wants. Neil has his life, he’s responsible, his career’s in a good place. Somewhat by force and a sense of duty (with a twinge of guilt), but primarily because he wants to—he changes his life to accommodate Chloe. This will ultimately prove to change his whole life for the better.

There are no easy answers in Not Prepared, nothing works out just the way that any of the characters are looking for or expect (no readers, I’d wager). But there’s hope, there’s possibility, there’s a solid base for good things for them all. I think this is as good a sign for Hanover’s storytelling as it is for the book itself—there’s some mature writing at work here.

Possibly my favorite thing here is that while this book is at heart a Rom-Com, the romantic story takes a backseat to the love story between the girl who needs a family and a bachelor who didn’t expect one. There’s still plenty of “rom”, and a good amount of “com” of a handful of stripes (particularly when it comes to a single man being thrust into dealing with a young girl at the cusp of puberty)—but there’s a lot more, too.

It’s all told with Hanover’s trademark wit, charm, and grace—prose that moves so smoothly you don’t realize how long you’ve spent sucked into his book. He won me over starting at the prologue, and I don’t know if I stopped grinning throughout (well, except to chuckle or smile). The emotions are real and grounded—both positively and negatively. His depictions of anxiety really impressed me, and there are scenes between Chloe and Neil that got me choked up.

I strongly recommend this warm comedy about an unorthodox way to start a family.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this ARC by the author in exchange for this post. Which gave me something to opine about, but otherwise didn’t influence my opinion.

4 1/2 Stars

Not Prepared by Matthew Hanover: This’ll Melt Your Heart and Bring a Smile to Your Face

By HCNewton

On July 13, 2023

In Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Matthew Hanover

Not Prepared

by Matthew Hanover

DETAILS:
Series: Wallflowers, #4
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
Format: eARC
Read Date: July 7-10, 2023