Review: Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer

Title: Good Joy, Bad Joy
Author: Mikki Brammer
Publication Date: May 5, 2026
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Format Read: Kindle e-ARC
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction

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Who doesn’t enjoy a story about older adults being outrageous? I know I certainly do, which is exactly why I chose to read Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer. What a heartwarming delight it was!

Joy is an 89-year-old woman who has outlived most of the people she grew up with and loved. She’s lost several friends and her husband, too, but takes great comfort in knowing that her best friend of 81 years, Hazel, is still by her side. However, Hazel delivers devastating news: she has cancer and only months left to live.

As you can imagine, Joy is heartbroken. She has always followed the rules and been the “good girl,” but as she tries to process the impending loss of her lifelong best friend, she begins stepping outside her comfort zone and embracing her “Bad Joy” side. Inspired by Hazel’s adventurous spirit, Joy starts taking risks, bending rules, and learning that perhaps it isn’t too late to become the person she always wanted to be.

At first, I found myself thinking Joy spent a little too much time dwelling on “making it to this age” and the losses that naturally come with it. But Joy is such a lovely, charitable human being that it didn’t take long for me to understand her perspective. Once she began navigating life without always following the rules, the story really came alive. Some of her “Bad Joy” moments were absolutely adorable!

The entire story is narrated in the first person by Joy herself, and this works perfectly. It allows readers to fully understand her thoughts, emotions, regrets, and hopes. Joy is a wonderfully layered character who is easy to root for and love. She isn’t perfect, but we understand exactly how she became the woman she is at 89 years old. Even the supporting characters are given surprising depth and complexity.

The writing in this novel is warm, conversational, and emotionally rich, with a gentle humor that balances the deeper themes of aging, friendship, grief, and self-discovery. Brammer’s authentic first-person narration makes Joy’s voice feel intimate and lived-in, while her thoughtful reflections and natural dialogue create a story that finds beauty and meaning in life’s quieter moments. The prose is heartfelt without becoming overly sentimental, blending humor and vulnerability into a deeply human reading experience.

The “elderly rascal” genre (can I call it that?) has always held a special place in my heart, and Good Joy, Bad Joy was no exception. I loved Joy’s antics, her growth, and the message at the heart of this story. This novel is perfect for fans of My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman and Fight Night by Miriam Toews. It’s also a wonderful choice for readers who want to dip their toes into literary fiction without giving up the warmth, humor, and accessibility they love from other genres.

Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— a joyful celebration of friendship

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Let’s Discuss:
Is it ever too late to reinvent yourself?

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Click here to learn more about Good Joy, Bad Joy and Mikki Brammer.

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I read a digital copy made available by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.