Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead

We all have funny friends who tell great stories. Friends to whom we sometimes say things like, "you should write a book." I'm so glad author, Saralee Rosenberg, either heard this enough or believed in herself enough to share her humor with us. There's a laugh on every page of Dear Neighbor Drop Dead. From page one, I felt I had to fasten my seatbelt, as the quick pace and over-the-top characters just cracked me up. It was quite a ride through this Long Island neighborhood full of twists and turns and page-turning gusto. Although primarily Mindy's story, this is the tale of Mindy and Beth. Beth is THE neighbor from hell, a first-class beyotch, who puts on the perfect routine and is so mean to everyone--particularly the big-hearted Mindy--she's easy to loathe. Mindy and Beth are thrown together through a variety of circumstances and their relationship as frenemies develops in unexpected and amusing ways. Every secondary character no matter how important or trivial to the story is beautifully developed and makes this quick read highly enjoyable. Be prepared to experience the culture of modern Jewish families. You'll hunger for a New York bagel and smile at the expressions: "It's never the stuff you worry about that happens, it's the stuff you don't see coming that incapacitates you like a Taser. And nothing like five-thousand volts of electricity to get your undivided attention." I had to agree with Mindy's stepson, Aaron, when he proclaims: "I like being Jewish. You guys really know how to party." To which Mindy, ever the wit, replies: "Next to suffering, it's what we do best." Very well done. I look forward to reading Saralee Rosenberg's other books--including one mentioned in this story, Claire Voyant--particularly when I feel the need to smile. Michele Cozzens is the author of It's Not Your Mother's Bridge Club.

I loved this book and didn't want it to end. I've read all of Saralee's books and this one is just as good, funny, warm, and as inspiring as her other ones. I highly recommend "Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead" and when you're done pick up her other ones and read those too! You won't be sorry!

The title, the cover and the brief description are great - however, this book is so much more than how it has been described - From the first page, you will be hooked. The characters are so real (the entire story is so real) and you will develop feelings for each and every one of them. Reading this book is like having a conversation with a very good friend -every emotion is touched throughout the pages. Yes, you will laugh and sympathize and then cry and then be happy again - the ending was awesome after some amazing twists and turns that you never saw coming - By the time I reached the end of the book, I was crying the story touched me so much. Once the last word was read - I was so sad I would never be in touch with those characters again - I immediately went out and bought too more of Saralee's books - and so far have not been disappointed. Fate and Ms. Fortune is fabulous as well - but I cannot stop thinking about the Diamonds and the Shermans - I regret reading it so fast. I miss them and you will too - don't miss this wonderful story from an awesome author !!!!!!!!!!!! You won't be disappointed (only that the story has ended) ............

I had previously read and greatly enjoyed Saralee Rosenberg's book Fate and Ms. Fortune. So I looked forward to seeing what this creative mind had come up with this time around. However, even if I hadn't already experienced any of her books, the title of this one alone would have captured my interest immediately. In "Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead" we meet Mindy Sherman and her next-door neighbor, Beth Diamond. A more unlikely duo may never have been seen. Mindy is your somewhat typical mother. She's slightly frazzled and often finds herself wishing for more for her family. She loves her husband and her children and she works hard to juggle the daily life of a working mother. Her house may not be immaculate and her shirts may not be designer, but Mindy makes sure that her kids have a good life. Yet she can't help but eye up the neighbor and her impressive lifestyle. Beth is Mindy's opposite in all appearances. She's the perfectly made-up mother that never breaks a nail and always shows up in designer labels. She has a seemingly wonderful life with a successful husband and beautiful children. Beth clearly has it all, including a bad attitude toward anyone she deems is beneath her, which is pretty much everyone. The only thing these two women have in common is the fact that they both have mean little nicknames for one another and they agree upon their mutual disregard. Mindy's and Beth's worlds co-exist next to one another, but only intertwine for carpooling the children to and from school and very little else. The two women soon, however, find themselves being forced together as drama hits both families. "Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead" is a tale of family and friends, a story of relationships ending and beginning, a lesson of appearances not always being what they seem.... and it's a tale of finding a confidant where you might least expect it. This novel is filled with both laughter and tears for the reader as well as the characters. The cast of characters is unique and wonderful, albeit rather quirky in some circumstances. Perhaps it is the quirkiness that makes everyone so relatable and very likeable (even the mean neighbor from you-know-where is rather likeable in her own little way). Saralee Rosenberg masterfully combines fun and wit with drama and seriousness to bring us a novel that is a real page-turner. As events unfold, Rosenberg throws a curveball or two in order to keep the readers guessing. Who will stay together? Who will split? What will happen next? The pages didn't turn fast enough for me and I often found myself on the edge of my seat wanting to hug someone or slap someone... sometimes both at once. When an author can make you strongly love, hate or hate-to-love their characters, it's a winning book in my opinion. Saralee Rosenberg accomplished this and more with "Dear Neighbor, Drop Dead". By the end of the tale, I wanted to join the Sherman and Diamond families myself! Closing the book on the last page left me with a bittersweet feeling

Whether you have a 'crazy' neighbor or simply love to read thoroughly enjoyable books, you'll find this one, Saralee's best, is a perfect read. It's funny and real, and like her other three books, not just for 'chicks'. If you buy it, you'll become (as I have) a fan for life.