I never really connected with this book or the characters. It wasn't a bad story and the writing was fine. The whole book felt stagnant, like a family that needed some airing out. No one seemed very happy with their situation, yet no one seemed to be doing anything to try and change it. All the characters, whether they stayed or left, seemed listless. I did think it was an interesting take on a real story, but similar to the event itself, the book fell short for me.

Small town Ontario in the 1970s was not a pretty place, especially if you were on the lower end of things. This may be the story of Trudy, Mercy, and Claire and their relationships but it has more to say than that. The arrival of Jules disrupts everything- and not in an entirely good or entirely bad way. This is a short novel and it's the rare one where I'd be happy to read more. Although Marston has done a great job with her characters, they are people I'd like to know more about. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

Came for a Redneck Rags-to-riches story (it isn't). Stayed for the bright yellow rocket propelled car jumping a river. It did not disappoint.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

The blurb of this book is true, but doesn't begin to describe this book. It's a novel about poor people, and how that defines their lives, and it's also a book about love, and family. It's well written and sad and real while having an element of the surreal. It was a quick read, but has so much in it. The ending is surprising and heartbreaking and perfect
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for the ARC and the chance to review this book.

"Bad Ideas" interweaves the perspectives and stories of three women in a small town in Canada. As you might expect, the story revolves around all of the bad ideas that have gotten these women to where they are now. It explores how these decisions define us and change our lives in unexpected ways.

I enjoyed this novel about Trudy, her niece Mercy, her sister Tammy, their mother Claire and their family dynamics.

A wonderful and amazing book!
This was fast paced, realistic and wonderfully written book.
I loved everything and hope I will be able to read other books by this author soon.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

Missy Marton’s latest novel, Bad Ideas, is a unique little book. Coming in at just over 200 pages, this short piece of Canadian fiction peeks into the life of one Ontario family as they grapple with the choices they have made that have gotten them to where they are now.

Trudy’s life has never been anything special. She spends her days looking after her 4-year-old niece, Mercy, who has lived with Trudy and her mother ever since Trudy’s sister Tammy jumped ship and left their small town of Preston Mills, Ontario to pursue a life that doesn’t include her daughter. Trudy’s nights are no more exciting - she spends them sewing pillowcases at the local linen factory, where she dares to dream of something more.

Trudy is completely immersed in the hum-drum of her exceedingly ordinary life until the day Jules Tremblay comes to town. Daredevil Jules, who has plans to jump the St. Lawrence River in his rocket car, catches Trudy’s eye, and from that day on, she is a goner.

Bad Ideas is literally about a series of bad ideas. Teenage pregnancy, marital affairs, family abandonment, jumping a river in a car - this novel covers it all. In short pithy, vignettes, Marton explores the lives, inner thoughts, and dreams of her characters. If anything, Bad Ideas is a true and honest portrayal of real life. Nothing exciting happens here, there are no dramatic twists. Instead, the novel examines what it means to be human, and what it feels like to make difficult decisions.

Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.