Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: Reese's Book Club: A Novel

Thank you Gail Honeymoon for writing this book.I’ve never been a big reader and recently decided I need to fill my empty time with literature, preferable novels, an escape from current world issues. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was my first book to do so. When I first read the description of this novel, I recognized a few of my own personality traits and that is what propelled me to purchase the book.I just finished this book and I miss Eleanor already. I wanted her story to go on. I wanted to hear how her life had flourished after giving in to her depression; to read how she turned her life around, socially, at work and personally. I wanted to know if she and Raymond developed a loving relationship, got married, had children. And because of Eleanor’s past how she became a very loving and devoted wife and mother, unlike her own, to her own children.As a 68 y/o woman who has dealt with depression and anxiety for many, many, years, I saw so much of myself in Eleanor. Even though circumstances for our depression (and age difference) are poles apart, the bottom line of dealing with the feelings of isolation are very relatable. Even though I’ve made the attempt a few times, I’ve never been as brave as Eleanor to follow through with counseling. Is it too late for me? With my age will it matter? I mean, obviously I’m closer to the end of my life than the beginning. After many failed attempts with the wrong people, will I ever find the feeling of knowing I’m loved, valued, accepted and understood? (Pg 262) Eleanor has given me courage to deal with my depression rather than continuing to mask it. I sincerely hope other people struggling with depression will read this book and through the tears shed for Eleanor, will see themselves and admit that they need to find positive ways of dealing with their own circumstances that have caused them to isolate so they can flourish and enjoy however many years they have to live.

4.5 stars! “There are scars on my heart, just as thick, as disfiguring as those on my face. I know they’re there. I hope some undamaged tissue remains, a patch through which love can come in and flow out. I hope.”Are you ok? How are you doing? What’s going on? What’s up? How are you? These are all questions you probably get asked in some capacity at least once a day. We… Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine. Just like me. Just like you. We are all fine. At least that’s what we are supposed to say, to hide the grief and trauma and other negative but basic human emotions that make others uncomfortable. Two lighters both work just fine. Soak one lighter in childhood trauma and grief, the spark goes out. All is lost. But all it takes is for the second lighter to offer some help, and slowly, the spark will reignite. Eleanor must learn how to open her mind, open her eyes, open her heart to see and feel the wonderful things this world has to offer as all she had ever known was its cruelties.This novel was very compelling. Eleanor is extremely quirky and over time you learn how she gained this persona. Touching on loneliness, grief, trauma and social norms, and mental health stigmas all in one, well put together, thought provoking novel, Gail Honeyman has an immersive way of telling a story. I felt like I was right there with Eleanor through all of her experiences as she hits rock bottom and discovers she cannot ignore her grief and trauma and she cannot move forward without some help. A tale of realism. I loved almost everything about this book.This book is slow-paced and I wasn’t sure what the point was until about half way through. For that reason- I feel as thought this may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I would recommend reading when you are in a good mental health space as there are some triggers.All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys literary fiction and who can connect quirky and broken characters. Cause aren’t we all just a little bit quirky and broken?

If you’re considering this book, buy it now! At first, you’ll be totally perplexed by the main character Eleanor. But then, you’ll find her to be amazing and also amusing with laugh out loud dialogue. Hers is a complex psyche…she knows nothing about the feelings of love. With her friend Raymond’s help, Eleanor comes to grips with abuse, friendship, love, and life itself. A truly beautifully written book! Didn’t want it to end.

This book grabbed my heart. Yes, Eleanor is different, but she is just starving for love and acceptance. As you get to see how she wound up like this, you start cheering for her and you just want her to be blessed. She has a lot to overcome but it is possible. Very touching story and sometimes shocking. She is definitely a survivor . And there is so much quirky humor. Loved it. I want a sequel!!!

Eleanor Oliphant is not your average heroine—and that’s exactly what makes this book so special. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and beautifully written, with a main character who stays with you long after the last page. Watching Eleanor slowly open up to friendship, connection, and healing is both painful and hopeful. The writing is sharp and clever, and the pacing lets you sink into her world at just the right speed. It’s not flashy drama—it’s emotional growth at its most honest. Highly recommend if you love character-driven stories that gently break your heart and put it back together again.

The writing takes your breath away and takes a moment to catch your pace with this toothy read. At ties, you are either laughing a or just stunned. Seeing the evolution of Eleanor restores faith in the human spirit.

I fell for Eleanor, her quirks and her fresh view of life and her innocent interactions with people around her. I really liked the nerdy Raymond and his tenderness toward her, her first friend. I liked the way her story came out slowly. Well done.

This was a great story and an interesting to see the changes that occur in Eleanor-it just took a little while to get into the book. I would say it was 3.6 or 3.7 stars for me. Worth the read!