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Nobody's Perfect
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
8 days and 11:48:25
100 copies available
U.S. only
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a poignant, funny, and heartfelt novel about a wife and mother grabbing hold of a second chance she never saw coming.
Vivian Quackenbush enjoys a typical life. She has winesday evenings with her two best friends. Her son is in college. She and her husband, Mitch, are planning the next move for their empty-nester future. But to Vivian’s blindsided surprise…not together.
After nearly twenty-five years of marriage, Mitch wants a divorce. He confesses that he doesn’t love her anymore. He never even liked her chicken salad! Brutal. What is Vivian to do but channel her anger, frustration, and pain into a video she posts online. Ill advised? Perhaps. Cathartic? Absolutely. Overnight, Vivian goes viral. Millions of views and counting—to Mitch’s fury, her son’s embarrassment, her mother’s support, and the media’s delight. For Vivian, it’s a moment of hide or lean into it. Vivian 2.0 chooses to lean—maybe even toward the younger single father next door.
Now Vivian is wondering where she goes from here. She’s discovering that somewhere in her trending if upended life, she’ll have to figure out who she really wants to be.
Vivian Quackenbush enjoys a typical life. She has winesday evenings with her two best friends. Her son is in college. She and her husband, Mitch, are planning the next move for their empty-nester future. But to Vivian’s blindsided surprise…not together.
After nearly twenty-five years of marriage, Mitch wants a divorce. He confesses that he doesn’t love her anymore. He never even liked her chicken salad! Brutal. What is Vivian to do but channel her anger, frustration, and pain into a video she posts online. Ill advised? Perhaps. Cathartic? Absolutely. Overnight, Vivian goes viral. Millions of views and counting—to Mitch’s fury, her son’s embarrassment, her mother’s support, and the media’s delight. For Vivian, it’s a moment of hide or lean into it. Vivian 2.0 chooses to lean—maybe even toward the younger single father next door.
Now Vivian is wondering where she goes from here. She’s discovering that somewhere in her trending if upended life, she’ll have to figure out who she really wants to be.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2024
About the author
Sally Kilpatrick
15 books331 followersSally Kilpatrick writes...stuff. She prefers fiction to biographies, but here we are. When not fretting over her biography, Sally writes southern fiction, mystery, and lots of to do lists. She lives with her dashing husband, two precocious kids, and two persnickety cats in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Visit her author website at sallykilpatrick.com or follow her on Twitter as @SuperWriterMom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
November 10, 2024
“Nobody’s Perfect” by Sally Kilpatrick was my Amazon’s “First Reads” pick for November 2024. She’s a new author for me, and I wanted to try her work.
This was a cute domestic fiction story with a fabulous message. I was in the mood for an easy, amusing read, and this ticked all the boxes for a light and airy read.
Vivian Quackenbusch (absolutely adore that last name) is a stay-at-home mother with a son who is launched into college. Her husband is a dentist. She has dedicated her life to keeping house, being a dependable mother and wife. She has a great group of women friends from her cul-de-sac in an Atlanta suburb. The ladies have wine-down Wednesdays in their enclosed sippy-cups (it’s against HOA rules to have open containers in their neighborhood). Someone brings a fresh box of Cheese-its, and the ladies enjoy chatting away about their lives.
Vivian’s life is upended when she organizes her husband’s sock drawer and finds a “DYI divorce kit” at the bottom. They were planning on moving to Florida, retiring early. Now she learns he intends to do this without her. She is shocked. Sadly, I have been acquainted with woman who have been blindsided by their husbands wanting a divorce.
Kilpatrick authentically capture the emotional rollercoaster that some women go through upon finding out that their husbands want a divorce. To make this a true woman’s story, Kilpatrick makes Mitch, the husband, into a one-dimensional selfish oaf. She also adds Vivian’s mom to the story. In most chic-lit, the mother is horrible. Not in this one. Vivian has an incredibly supportive mother who adds dimension to what could have been a simple divorce story.
Also, Kilpatrick provides Vivian with a fun little side-hustle submitting YouTube videos awarding merit-badges…to herself. You know, for those accomplishments that we never toot our horns over, like getting lice nits out of hair, that sort of thing. She also flew across the country by herself, for the first time, and she awarded herself for that. I like that idea! We should celebrate those small victories and accomplishments! She awarded badges to others as well. I was amused by the idea.
I was happy to sample Kilpatrick’s prose. I’ll look to her in the future. She’s got some great writing chops
My favorite quote:
Bread and wine are essential. Jesus told me so.
This was a cute domestic fiction story with a fabulous message. I was in the mood for an easy, amusing read, and this ticked all the boxes for a light and airy read.
Vivian Quackenbusch (absolutely adore that last name) is a stay-at-home mother with a son who is launched into college. Her husband is a dentist. She has dedicated her life to keeping house, being a dependable mother and wife. She has a great group of women friends from her cul-de-sac in an Atlanta suburb. The ladies have wine-down Wednesdays in their enclosed sippy-cups (it’s against HOA rules to have open containers in their neighborhood). Someone brings a fresh box of Cheese-its, and the ladies enjoy chatting away about their lives.
Vivian’s life is upended when she organizes her husband’s sock drawer and finds a “DYI divorce kit” at the bottom. They were planning on moving to Florida, retiring early. Now she learns he intends to do this without her. She is shocked. Sadly, I have been acquainted with woman who have been blindsided by their husbands wanting a divorce.
Kilpatrick authentically capture the emotional rollercoaster that some women go through upon finding out that their husbands want a divorce. To make this a true woman’s story, Kilpatrick makes Mitch, the husband, into a one-dimensional selfish oaf. She also adds Vivian’s mom to the story. In most chic-lit, the mother is horrible. Not in this one. Vivian has an incredibly supportive mother who adds dimension to what could have been a simple divorce story.
Also, Kilpatrick provides Vivian with a fun little side-hustle submitting YouTube videos awarding merit-badges…to herself. You know, for those accomplishments that we never toot our horns over, like getting lice nits out of hair, that sort of thing. She also flew across the country by herself, for the first time, and she awarded herself for that. I like that idea! We should celebrate those small victories and accomplishments! She awarded badges to others as well. I was amused by the idea.
I was happy to sample Kilpatrick’s prose. I’ll look to her in the future. She’s got some great writing chops
My favorite quote:
Bread and wine are essential. Jesus told me so.
Read
May 31, 2024Hi, so...this is my book. Per tradition, I am writing a few words as I finish the last round of edits. This story is different from my previous books because it takes place in a fictionalized Marietta. Vivian is my first suburban character and my first perimenopausal main character. I'd come to a point in my life when couples around us had divorced, and Vivian's story is my working through those feelings. I'd like to think that Vivian handles the situation pretty much as I would. Or maybe like I think I would which is...not too well but also not too poorly and hopefully in a way that will entertain you, dear reader, and maybe tug at your heart strings a bit.
I will tell you a few secrets:
1. This is really a love story between a mother and daughter but not in a creepy oedipal way. More like a recognition and appreciation of mothers.
2. My mom really did have a black cat with only one eye. When she asked me what to name him, I did, in fact, say Lucky. Mom was worried that the one eye thing might freak out my son, who was then twoish. Instead, my big-hearted boy, drew in a breath and said, "Oh. He's boo-ti-ful."
3. Some of the wines mentioned are from vineyards I've actually visited.
4. The ironed-on hem is something I actually did with my daughter's concert band dress because I barely know how to sew. I have a machine, but I am currently at war with its bobbin. So far this war has exceeded the Seven Years' War. I'm hoping to reach an accord with my sewing machine before we hit Hundred Years' War territory.
5. Everything and everyone else is fictitious.* I get along great with my mother. My husband does not have incriminating files in his sock drawer. That I know of. Maybe I should go check...
*Except George. He's a real person who won the right to have a character named after him in a benefit auction. He's real. Thanks, George!
I will tell you a few secrets:
1. This is really a love story between a mother and daughter but not in a creepy oedipal way. More like a recognition and appreciation of mothers.
2. My mom really did have a black cat with only one eye. When she asked me what to name him, I did, in fact, say Lucky. Mom was worried that the one eye thing might freak out my son, who was then twoish. Instead, my big-hearted boy, drew in a breath and said, "Oh. He's boo-ti-ful."
3. Some of the wines mentioned are from vineyards I've actually visited.
4. The ironed-on hem is something I actually did with my daughter's concert band dress because I barely know how to sew. I have a machine, but I am currently at war with its bobbin. So far this war has exceeded the Seven Years' War. I'm hoping to reach an accord with my sewing machine before we hit Hundred Years' War territory.
5. Everything and everyone else is fictitious.* I get along great with my mother. My husband does not have incriminating files in his sock drawer. That I know of. Maybe I should go check...
*Except George. He's a real person who won the right to have a character named after him in a benefit auction. He's real. Thanks, George!
July 8, 2024
Arc Review
My Rating 3.75 Stars 😊
Review to come tomorrow 💃
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Montlake Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
My Rating 3.75 Stars 😊
Review to come tomorrow 💃
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Montlake Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
September 12, 2024
Vivian and Mitch have been married 25 years and they just sent their only son off to college. Vivian has been a stay at home mom. Suddenly without any warning signs Mitch proclaims that he no
Longer loves her and wants a divorce. This throws Vivian’s life into a tailspin. She had no clue that their marriage was in trouble. Her entire identity is wrapped up in being Mitch’s wife and a mother. She is faced with some serious life changes. She needs to figure out how to pick up the pieces and move on with her life.
For the most part I enjoyed this book. It was funny and sweet. It was an entertaining light read. I absolutely loved the first half of the book. If you are looking for something light and breezy you will probably like it.
There are a few things that I didn’t like about this book. It tackles some really hard life situations like a parenting, empty nesters, divorce, social media and friendships. I thought the author could have done a better job of showing the gray areas. Things are not always black and white. It shouldn’t be an easy decision to end a 25 year marriage. That is a lot of time spent with someone. Also the portrayal of instantly reuniting with an estranged parent seemed a little too easy. It felt a Little bit hallmark and unrealistic. I wish the author would have delved a little deeper into the complexity of human relationships.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I recommend it if you love a book about finding yourself in the chaos of life.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book.
Come
Longer loves her and wants a divorce. This throws Vivian’s life into a tailspin. She had no clue that their marriage was in trouble. Her entire identity is wrapped up in being Mitch’s wife and a mother. She is faced with some serious life changes. She needs to figure out how to pick up the pieces and move on with her life.
For the most part I enjoyed this book. It was funny and sweet. It was an entertaining light read. I absolutely loved the first half of the book. If you are looking for something light and breezy you will probably like it.
There are a few things that I didn’t like about this book. It tackles some really hard life situations like a parenting, empty nesters, divorce, social media and friendships. I thought the author could have done a better job of showing the gray areas. Things are not always black and white. It shouldn’t be an easy decision to end a 25 year marriage. That is a lot of time spent with someone. Also the portrayal of instantly reuniting with an estranged parent seemed a little too easy. It felt a Little bit hallmark and unrealistic. I wish the author would have delved a little deeper into the complexity of human relationships.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I recommend it if you love a book about finding yourself in the chaos of life.
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book.
Come
August 5, 2024
I don't know if Sally Kilpatrick follows me around to get ideas about my life, or if she's just really that good at research. Every book of hers that I have read, I've been able to relate SO MUCH to one of the characters. In this one, Vivian finds herself in the middle of a divorce, and I promise I went through every single emotion with her all over again. Her writing is just that good!
Besides that, the story itself is perfect! It's the story of a middle age woman finding herself and her place in the world again after spending the last 25 years living just for her husband and son. It's tough and embarrassing at times, but by the end, you find yourself feeling so proud of Vivian!
Besides that, the story itself is perfect! It's the story of a middle age woman finding herself and her place in the world again after spending the last 25 years living just for her husband and son. It's tough and embarrassing at times, but by the end, you find yourself feeling so proud of Vivian!
November 12, 2024
After the election results I needed something to get my mind off the news, so I went with a genre I haven’t read since my teens - romance. It did the trick! Cute story and it even included wine. 🙂
November 25, 2024
2.5- about time I finished that one. The longer I read the cheugier it got. Literally skimmed the last 40 pages because I just needed it to be over
November 19, 2024
4.5 stars. Relatable, characters you felt like you understood and knew, depth in side characters, petty behavior and a cute romance. This book has the perfect mix of it all! Thank you so much to Sally Kilpatrick for sending me an early copy of this book to read. You’ve found yourself a new fan!
November 21, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I’d have liked to, sadly. I think it’s important to like the main character, and be rooting for them. Unfortunately I found Vivian to be quite difficult to like. It took her way too long to realise how unfair she had been to her mother over the years, and even as she embarked on a new chapter, she didn’t treat her friends all that well either. Her mistakes on social media, breaching of personal information, comments about her mother etc, were just basic things that any sensible, kind, mature person would avoid doing. To have the entire book make her see this, is a bit hard to believe. I just wasn’t rooting for her, but there were some nice supporting character and some eventual redemption, so all in all it wasn’t too bad and the story was interesting.
July 9, 2024
I hate to use this term, but this feels like quintessential chick-lit! Again, I hate the term but I use it with affection. Though set in the present, it gave me the same feeling I used to get when I’d read ~grown-up~ books in the library as a kid.
Vivian is a mom scout! A term she’s coined for her youtube channel, something she does as a hobby, posting instructional how-to’s for basic tasks and earning “badges”. Except now she’s getting her divorce badge.
On this journey Vivian learns a lot about herself, but also, how to be a better friend, daughter and mother. I thought her experience was a little goofy at times - the youtube channel and virality as plot devices lend themselves to that. But, i enjoyed this read and flew through it despite being in a bit of a slump!
The scenes between Vivian and her soon-to-be ex husband, Mitch, were so real and raw feeling that I had to take breaks because of how mad Mitch was making me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC!
Vivian is a mom scout! A term she’s coined for her youtube channel, something she does as a hobby, posting instructional how-to’s for basic tasks and earning “badges”. Except now she’s getting her divorce badge.
On this journey Vivian learns a lot about herself, but also, how to be a better friend, daughter and mother. I thought her experience was a little goofy at times - the youtube channel and virality as plot devices lend themselves to that. But, i enjoyed this read and flew through it despite being in a bit of a slump!
The scenes between Vivian and her soon-to-be ex husband, Mitch, were so real and raw feeling that I had to take breaks because of how mad Mitch was making me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC!
November 28, 2024
DNF at 16%
FMCs personality is flat. She's whiny, unreasonable, and kooky in, what I assume is, an attempt to be funny, but is jarring.
Not for me.
FMCs personality is flat. She's whiny, unreasonable, and kooky in, what I assume is, an attempt to be funny, but is jarring.
Not for me.
November 23, 2024
A fairly light read, with a balance of humor and sadness. Mitch seemed a little too one-dimensional, Vivian was married to him for 20+ years, but it doesn't seem that they liked each other much.
My favorite parts were the scenes with Vivian and her mother. They had a complex relationship and seeing it get stronger was the highlight of the book. Vivian's son's appearances were brief, but he provided some lighter moments.
The YouTube/influencer stuff and the constant drinking were meh.
My favorite parts were the scenes with Vivian and her mother. They had a complex relationship and seeing it get stronger was the highlight of the book. Vivian's son's appearances were brief, but he provided some lighter moments.
The YouTube/influencer stuff and the constant drinking were meh.
November 15, 2024
Not as whitty as I'd hoped
This was a November First Book pick. I was intrigued by the summary. Referencing Gilmore Girls, but this wasn't that vibe. There were some whitty remarks, but about halfway through the book, I was ready for it to be over. The story was dragging on with this weird "coming to fame" social media influencer side story that wasn't interesting to me.
This was a November First Book pick. I was intrigued by the summary. Referencing Gilmore Girls, but this wasn't that vibe. There were some whitty remarks, but about halfway through the book, I was ready for it to be over. The story was dragging on with this weird "coming to fame" social media influencer side story that wasn't interesting to me.
November 15, 2024
There’s something about second chances, I just love them. Don’t you?
I had so much fun reading this story, I loved Vivian’s character and the way she handled her second chance, and of course her supportive mother another strong female character.
This is one of those stories that’s easy to read with relatable characters, lots of drama and funny moments. I had a great time reading it.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗡𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗱���’𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 by Sally Kilpatrick releases December 1, 2024.
I had so much fun reading this story, I loved Vivian’s character and the way she handled her second chance, and of course her supportive mother another strong female character.
This is one of those stories that’s easy to read with relatable characters, lots of drama and funny moments. I had a great time reading it.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗡𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗱���’𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 by Sally Kilpatrick releases December 1, 2024.
December 2, 2024
Cute read. Relatable. Cozy. I wanted to drag a chair out to the cul-de-sac and join these ladies.
September 12, 2024
2.5 stars generously rounded up.
Admittedly, this book was not originally on my radar, but I was offered a physical copy and a lovely personalized note by the author herself and couldn't turn down the opportunity to give it try. So why 3 stars? I suppose it is personal preference in what I look for in a book, which is depth and growth, and there was very little of that in this story. On the contrary, it felt like Vivian's growth went backwards from where it began. Yes, this is about a woman to survives divorce, but there is very little of the pain and heartbreak that divorce really brings. Instead, we have a 40-something woman acting more like a 20-something, drinking way too much wine and often putting herself before others. The writing was competent, but I could not get past the superficial characters. If you want a very light read, then this is it. But as a child of divorce and a firsthand witness to its harsh rippling effects, it was not for me.
Admittedly, this book was not originally on my radar, but I was offered a physical copy and a lovely personalized note by the author herself and couldn't turn down the opportunity to give it try. So why 3 stars? I suppose it is personal preference in what I look for in a book, which is depth and growth, and there was very little of that in this story. On the contrary, it felt like Vivian's growth went backwards from where it began. Yes, this is about a woman to survives divorce, but there is very little of the pain and heartbreak that divorce really brings. Instead, we have a 40-something woman acting more like a 20-something, drinking way too much wine and often putting herself before others. The writing was competent, but I could not get past the superficial characters. If you want a very light read, then this is it. But as a child of divorce and a firsthand witness to its harsh rippling effects, it was not for me.
December 1, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Sally Kilpatrick for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 rounded up.
Vivian is a stay at home mom with her son off to college and Mitch, her husband of almost 25years, talking about early retirement. Unexpectedly, she finds paperwork for a DIY divorce.
Her world is rocked when he tells her he’s been thinking about this for 4 years. She was happy….well, more like content and settling if she really thinks about it.
She has 2 BFF neighbors and her mom who comes to support her. The relationship with her mom was interesting as they haven’t been very close and Vivian has been trying to prove she could maintain her marriage while her mom has been divorced 5 times.
Vivian had a small following on YouTube sharing mom hacks, then after posting a tipsy rant about her divorce and lying husband she goes viral. It was refreshing and sad to see how easily that can wrap you up in fantasy.
This book took me on a journey. The beginning of the story I really felt for Vivian. Then I really struggled when she seemed to be prioritizing herself at the expense of others. Ultimately, I was happy with the ending but it felt a little lack luster. I think if the epilogue was a little meatier I would have been happier.
No spice. I think this is far more woman’s fiction than romance.
3.5 rounded up.
Vivian is a stay at home mom with her son off to college and Mitch, her husband of almost 25years, talking about early retirement. Unexpectedly, she finds paperwork for a DIY divorce.
Her world is rocked when he tells her he’s been thinking about this for 4 years. She was happy….well, more like content and settling if she really thinks about it.
She has 2 BFF neighbors and her mom who comes to support her. The relationship with her mom was interesting as they haven’t been very close and Vivian has been trying to prove she could maintain her marriage while her mom has been divorced 5 times.
Vivian had a small following on YouTube sharing mom hacks, then after posting a tipsy rant about her divorce and lying husband she goes viral. It was refreshing and sad to see how easily that can wrap you up in fantasy.
This book took me on a journey. The beginning of the story I really felt for Vivian. Then I really struggled when she seemed to be prioritizing herself at the expense of others. Ultimately, I was happy with the ending but it felt a little lack luster. I think if the epilogue was a little meatier I would have been happier.
No spice. I think this is far more woman’s fiction than romance.
November 14, 2024
Entertaining story about friends, family, and life’s curveballs.
December 6, 2024
First half kinda better than the end but overall a good read
November 28, 2024
Incredibly shallow characters that I felt nothing for. Cringey.
November 24, 2024
1. Vivian really was an asshole.
2. The friendship dynamic between Vivian, Abi, and Rachel definitely did not come off as legitimate best friendship.
2. The friendship dynamic between Vivian, Abi, and Rachel definitely did not come off as legitimate best friendship.
November 19, 2024
This fell a little flat for me. Vivian was sometimes adorable and very relatable, and at other times I found her so shallow and horrid to her friends and mother. She did get there in the end, but it was a bit of a plod. I didn’t care for the social media world if I’m honest. It was ok.
December 10, 2024
Nobody's Perfect is Sally Kilpatrick's latest offering, a heartwarming and humorous contemporary romance that masterfully blends the pain of divorce with the promise of new beginnings. As her eighth novel, it showcases her growth as a storyteller while maintaining the charm readers have come to expect from the USA Today bestselling author.
The Story: From Hausfrau to YouTube Star
Meet Vivian Quackenbush, a dedicated stay-at-home mom whose life implodes when her husband of nearly twenty-five years announces he wants a divorce. Instead of quietly accepting her fate, Vivian creates a drunken video rant that goes viral, launching her unexpected career as the founder of the "Mom Scouts" - a YouTube channel where women can earn badges for life's everyday victories and challenges.
Character Development: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Kilpatrick's protagonist shines as a relatable everywoman facing midlife upheaval. Vivian's transformation from a people-pleasing housewife to a woman who knows her worth feels authentic and earned. Her journey resonates because it's messy, filled with missteps and moments of both triumph and embarrassment. The author skillfully portrays how Vivian's relationships evolve - with her mother Heidi, her son Dylan, her friends Rachel and Abi, and potential love interest Parker.
Strengths and Notable Elements
Humor with Heart
The novel's greatest strength lies in its ability to find humor in painful situations without minimizing the emotional impact. Vivian's attempts to drive her husband out using rotting potatoes and endless loops of Jeopardy are both hilarious and poignant, highlighting her growth from passive acceptance to active resistance.
Rich Supporting Cast
- Heidi, Vivian's mother, emerges as a standout character whose own journey parallels and complements her daughter's
- The Wine Down Wednesday crew provides authentic female friendship
- Parker, the single dad next door, offers a refreshing take on the romance hero - patient, kind, and willing to wait
- Dylan, Vivian's college-age son, brings both humor and heart to family dynamics
Social Media Commentary
Kilpatrick deftly explores the double-edged sword of internet fame, showing both its empowering potential and its pitfalls. The "Mom Scouts" concept feels fresh and timely without becoming gimmicky.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The middle section, particularly during Vivian's California wine country adventure, occasionally drags. While these scenes add texture to the story, they could have been tightened for better momentum.
Secondary Plot Resolution
Some subplots, like the HOA election drama and Rachel's work troubles, feel slightly underdeveloped in their resolution. While they serve the main narrative, readers might wish for more closure on these threads.
Writing Style and Tone
Kilpatrick's prose sparkles with Southern charm without falling into stereotype. Her dialogue rings true, and her descriptions - particularly of food and wine - engage all the senses. The author excels at finding the perfect metaphor to illuminate her characters' emotional states.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Identity and Reinvention
The novel thoughtfully explores how women often lose themselves in roles of wife and mother, and the courage it takes to rediscover individual identity.
Intergenerational Relationships
The mother-daughter dynamic between Vivian and Heidi provides rich territory for examining how we repeat - or resist - patterns from our parents.
Modern Marriage and Divorce
Kilpatrick offers nuanced commentary on long-term relationships, avoiding both cynicism and fairy-tale endings.
Final Verdict
Nobody's Perfect delivers a satisfying blend of humor and heart, perfect for fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Kristan Higgins. While not without minor flaws, the novel succeeds in its primary mission: telling an engaging story about finding yourself when life throws you a curveball.
The Story: From Hausfrau to YouTube Star
Meet Vivian Quackenbush, a dedicated stay-at-home mom whose life implodes when her husband of nearly twenty-five years announces he wants a divorce. Instead of quietly accepting her fate, Vivian creates a drunken video rant that goes viral, launching her unexpected career as the founder of the "Mom Scouts" - a YouTube channel where women can earn badges for life's everyday victories and challenges.
Character Development: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Kilpatrick's protagonist shines as a relatable everywoman facing midlife upheaval. Vivian's transformation from a people-pleasing housewife to a woman who knows her worth feels authentic and earned. Her journey resonates because it's messy, filled with missteps and moments of both triumph and embarrassment. The author skillfully portrays how Vivian's relationships evolve - with her mother Heidi, her son Dylan, her friends Rachel and Abi, and potential love interest Parker.
Strengths and Notable Elements
Humor with Heart
The novel's greatest strength lies in its ability to find humor in painful situations without minimizing the emotional impact. Vivian's attempts to drive her husband out using rotting potatoes and endless loops of Jeopardy are both hilarious and poignant, highlighting her growth from passive acceptance to active resistance.
Rich Supporting Cast
- Heidi, Vivian's mother, emerges as a standout character whose own journey parallels and complements her daughter's
- The Wine Down Wednesday crew provides authentic female friendship
- Parker, the single dad next door, offers a refreshing take on the romance hero - patient, kind, and willing to wait
- Dylan, Vivian's college-age son, brings both humor and heart to family dynamics
Social Media Commentary
Kilpatrick deftly explores the double-edged sword of internet fame, showing both its empowering potential and its pitfalls. The "Mom Scouts" concept feels fresh and timely without becoming gimmicky.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The middle section, particularly during Vivian's California wine country adventure, occasionally drags. While these scenes add texture to the story, they could have been tightened for better momentum.
Secondary Plot Resolution
Some subplots, like the HOA election drama and Rachel's work troubles, feel slightly underdeveloped in their resolution. While they serve the main narrative, readers might wish for more closure on these threads.
Writing Style and Tone
Kilpatrick's prose sparkles with Southern charm without falling into stereotype. Her dialogue rings true, and her descriptions - particularly of food and wine - engage all the senses. The author excels at finding the perfect metaphor to illuminate her characters' emotional states.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Identity and Reinvention
The novel thoughtfully explores how women often lose themselves in roles of wife and mother, and the courage it takes to rediscover individual identity.
Intergenerational Relationships
The mother-daughter dynamic between Vivian and Heidi provides rich territory for examining how we repeat - or resist - patterns from our parents.
Modern Marriage and Divorce
Kilpatrick offers nuanced commentary on long-term relationships, avoiding both cynicism and fairy-tale endings.
Final Verdict
Nobody's Perfect delivers a satisfying blend of humor and heart, perfect for fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Kristan Higgins. While not without minor flaws, the novel succeeds in its primary mission: telling an engaging story about finding yourself when life throws you a curveball.
November 8, 2024
November 2024
Kindle edition
Amazon first reads pick for November. It sounded like the funniest of the lot and I'll take comedy over thriller. I recently watched an anime about a V-tuber who live streamed drunk. That was hilarious, so I thought this one would be along the same lines. Less live stream and more You tube video posting and only one drunk video.
What started off funny with a sweet neighbor crush, turns to money grabbing, ugly divorce, burnt bridges and having a meltdown crisis. The son's initial comments that she'd embarrassed herself were out of order and then hypocritical when he created the meme. I skimmed the wine part with the small influencer group and was glad when she got out of there. Mitch was scum and the house operation was entertaining, if not gross. It was sweet how everything finally settled back down. Read in one sitting. Stayed up late to finish.
Kindle edition
Amazon first reads pick for November. It sounded like the funniest of the lot and I'll take comedy over thriller. I recently watched an anime about a V-tuber who live streamed drunk. That was hilarious, so I thought this one would be along the same lines. Less live stream and more You tube video posting and only one drunk video.
What started off funny with a sweet neighbor crush, turns to money grabbing, ugly divorce, burnt bridges and having a meltdown crisis. The son's initial comments that she'd embarrassed herself were out of order and then hypocritical when he created the meme. I skimmed the wine part with the small influencer group and was glad when she got out of there. Mitch was scum and the house operation was entertaining, if not gross. It was sweet how everything finally settled back down. Read in one sitting. Stayed up late to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
This free Prime Reading book lives up to its name. Vivian Quackenbush is a woman in her 40's approaching 25 years of marriage with her dentist husband. Vivian has put her personal goals on hold to be the perfect wife and mother . When she accidentally finds divorce papers in her husband's sock drawer, her life as she knows it is destroyed.
Vivian is a hopeful YouTube contributor with her Mom Scout site. Her 2 best friends live in the same cul-de-sac and have Wine Down Wednesday in the driveway. After her discovery of divorce papers. Vivian posts a drunken video on the Mom Scout site. As luck would have it, it goes viral and the chance at the fame and money that she hopes the site will generate seems within reach.
This is where I started not liking Vivian. Yes, her husband wants to get rid of her, and yes, she wants to be an independent success at something, but this quest changes her. She goes from being a good friend willing to help her friends/neighbors( including the handsome widower next door) to a woman reaching for success and acceptance who looses sight of what really matters. She makes some mistakes, most of them due to not looking beyond her goals.
She reaches out to her mother whom she has not been on the best terms with. Surprised that her mother would come to help her, she begins to listen to her advice.
The story comes to the typical conclusion but not until Vivian looses almost everything. There are moments of laughter and tears as Vivian learns the truth behind the strained relationship with her mother and eventually becomes an independent woman. I just wish she got to that point sooner and with less mistakes, but as the title says, Nobody's Perfect.
Vivian is a hopeful YouTube contributor with her Mom Scout site. Her 2 best friends live in the same cul-de-sac and have Wine Down Wednesday in the driveway. After her discovery of divorce papers. Vivian posts a drunken video on the Mom Scout site. As luck would have it, it goes viral and the chance at the fame and money that she hopes the site will generate seems within reach.
This is where I started not liking Vivian. Yes, her husband wants to get rid of her, and yes, she wants to be an independent success at something, but this quest changes her. She goes from being a good friend willing to help her friends/neighbors( including the handsome widower next door) to a woman reaching for success and acceptance who looses sight of what really matters. She makes some mistakes, most of them due to not looking beyond her goals.
She reaches out to her mother whom she has not been on the best terms with. Surprised that her mother would come to help her, she begins to listen to her advice.
The story comes to the typical conclusion but not until Vivian looses almost everything. There are moments of laughter and tears as Vivian learns the truth behind the strained relationship with her mother and eventually becomes an independent woman. I just wish she got to that point sooner and with less mistakes, but as the title says, Nobody's Perfect.
November 21, 2024
Relatable. I think if you are a woman, wife, parent, or friend there will some part of this story that resonates with you. If you live or have ever lived in a planned community with a Home Owners Association you will nod your head at that annoying rule following know-it-all nosy neighbor who won’t even let you enjoy your outside wine time.
I loved each and every character in this book. I even appreciate the main character’s (Vivian) husband (Mitch) who sets into motion the story by asking for a divorce.
It’s a story of mass self realization and growth. It’s for all of us that’s had to dig deep to figure out that the status quo isn’t for the best and yes, maybe your parent was right after all. It’s about friendship and the celebration of newness even when it’s hard.
I loved this one.
I loved each and every character in this book. I even appreciate the main character’s (Vivian) husband (Mitch) who sets into motion the story by asking for a divorce.
It’s a story of mass self realization and growth. It’s for all of us that’s had to dig deep to figure out that the status quo isn’t for the best and yes, maybe your parent was right after all. It’s about friendship and the celebration of newness even when it’s hard.
I loved this one.
December 6, 2024
Cute plot about a 40 something woman who is trying to launch a YouTube channel, get her son settled at college, and deal with her husband, who drops a bombshell the first few chapters. Vivian is trying to see what her life is like when it’s just her. Lots of discovery here and lots of acting poorly and apologizing, a lot like real life. I liked the friend group and her mom was pretty amazing.
November 22, 2024
Funny and very relatable
4.5 stars - I was laughing out loud, but also tearing up a bit toward the end. Vivian sounds like someone I'd enjoy having as a friend! The Mom Scouts are a fantastic idea - I can think of a few badges we'd all like to earn!
4.5 stars - I was laughing out loud, but also tearing up a bit toward the end. Vivian sounds like someone I'd enjoy having as a friend! The Mom Scouts are a fantastic idea - I can think of a few badges we'd all like to earn!
November 12, 2024
Hilarious and heart-felt. I flew through this book. I love Kilpatrick’s easy style and achingly real characters. A must read!
November 24, 2024
Enjoyment Badge achieved !
Really liked this book and the friendships described. Strongly considering a wine down Wednesday in our neighborhood soon. Well done!
Really liked this book and the friendships described. Strongly considering a wine down Wednesday in our neighborhood soon. Well done!
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