The Me List by Julee Balko is a witty, heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complicated dynamics of friendship. The story follows Olivia, a suburban mom who, feeling stuck in her day-to-day routine, creates a "Me List"—a list of ten things she wants to try in order to break free from her funk. These include challenging activities like ziplining (despite her fear of heights) and yoga (despite her aversion to "downward anything"). However, what Olivia really needs isn't a list of activities but a deeper understanding of herself and the people around her, particularly her strained relationship with her mother and the complicated rivalry with her next-door neighbor, Patricia.

Patricia, the town's top realtor and Olivia’s new boss, seems to have the perfect life—at least from the outside. But when Olivia takes on the role of Patricia's assistant, she soon learns that perfection is an illusion. As the two women navigate their work and personal lives, Olivia begins to question her assumptions and realize that maybe she isn't the only one hiding flaws.

Balko’s writing is filled with humor, but it’s the emotional depth that truly makes this book shine. Olivia is an incredibly relatable protagonist—her insecurities, her struggles with motherhood, and her desire for more resonate deeply. The tension between the outwardly perfect Patricia and Olivia’s more modest life adds layers to the narrative, highlighting themes of judgment, comparison, and the complexities of adult friendships.

The book moves at a steady pace, with moments of self-realization that feel earned rather than contrived. Balko skillfully navigates the delicate balance between humor and heart, delivering a story that is both funny and emotionally satisfying. The Me List reminds us that life isn’t about checking off boxes from a list, but rather about understanding ourselves and the people who matter most in our lives.

Fans of character-driven stories with relatable, imperfect protagonists will find The Me List a delightful and poignant read. It’s a reminder that the most important lists we make are the ones that help us grow, connect, and embrace the messy, beautiful journey of life.

"The Me List" by Julee Balko is a poignant and empowering novel that delves deep into the complexities of self-discovery, healing, and the transformative power of love. Balko's insightful narrative and relatable characters create a moving story that resonates with readers on a deeply personal level.

At its core, "The Me List" is a story about finding one's true identity amidst the chaos of life's challenges. The protagonist, grappling with the aftermath of a devastating breakup, embarks on a journey of self-exploration and growth. Balko deftly captures the raw emotions of heartache and uncertainty, allowing readers to empathize with the protagonist's struggles and triumphs.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its authentic portrayal of human relationships. Balko explores the complexities of friendship, family dynamics, and romantic love with nuance and sensitivity. The interactions between characters feel genuine and heartfelt, adding depth and richness to the narrative. Through moments of connection and conflict, Balko highlights the importance of support systems and the transformative power of empathy and understanding.

The theme of self-love and acceptance permeates throughout "The Me List," serving as a powerful message of empowerment and resilience. As the protagonist navigates the highs and lows of her journey, she learns to embrace her flaws, celebrate her strengths, and prioritize her own well-being. Balko's portrayal of self-discovery is both empowering and relatable, inspiring readers to embark on their own journey of self-acceptance.

Balko's writing style is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the protagonist's world with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. The pacing is well-executed, with each chapter propelling the story forward while allowing moments of reflection and introspection. As the protagonist confronts her past and embraces her future, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that is both heartwarming and cathartic.

In conclusion, "The Me List" by Julee Balko is a compelling and uplifting novel that celebrates the transformative power of self-discovery and love. With its relatable characters, poignant themes, and engaging narrative, it is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Balko's insightful storytelling and heartfelt prose create a powerful reminder that, no matter life's challenges, the journey to self-acceptance and fulfillment is always worth undertaking.

Story was okay. Loved the idea of a Me-List. I did think that Patricia and Olivia had a very toxic friendship though and I didn't really like how Patricia acted.

This book has a great overall story and life lesson of making yourself a priority. The main character Olivia has so little and so much going on all at the same time. Due to the Me List that Olivia comes up with, nearly every item on the list adds to the story. I feel like because there are so many bits that add to the story, the story couldn't really be developed and they were rushed or short-lived and details were missed or left out. Without trying to have any spoilers, how does the main character suddenly buy a ticket to another country and the passport isn't addressed? But overall, the book was good and a fast, easy read.

Olivia is a SAHM, and when her uptight neighbour Patricia ask her to be her assistant she jumps at the chance because she needs the money, even if she is afraid to work for perfect Patricia. They start building a friendship, and Patricia tells Olivia about the Me List, a list about doing things that scare you or are not easy for you to do but will improve your life and wellbeing.
I liked that the characters are flawed and not everything ends happily, but even so Olivia improves her life and learns how to priorize herself and her feelings.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **

“The Me List” by Julee Balko is the compelling story of Olivia, who pushes through her insecurities and doubts to become herself. Struggling with feelings of low self-worth from feeling emotionally abandoned by her alcoholic mother, her perfect next-door neighbor Patricia, totally out of the blue, offers Olivia a job as her assistant. She wants to say no, but there is that pesky matter of the money she has secretly taken out of her family’s vacation fund to bail her mother out of trouble. Olivia and Patricia’s relationship develops from employee-employer to something more. Neither woman knows much about friendship and this is new territory for the both of them. When Patricia insists that Olivia make her own “me list” to become the person she wants to be, Olivia’s live begins to change. Actually, both women’s lives change.

I really loved this book, and I’m grateful for NetGalley and for Black Rose Writing for providing an ARC of this novel. However, I’m not sure why the book was labeled on Net Galley as “humor and satire.” It was moving and heartwarming, but it certainly wasn’t funny or satirical things. I wasn’t disappointed in the least because I enjoyed the book so much, but a different reader might be. I also wondered how Olivia could make a real spur of the moment decision to travel to buy a ticket to a foreign country while in an airport (don’t want to give any spoilers here) without a passport! Maybe she carries one with her all the time, but she didn’t seem the type. But that’s just a teeny issue. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. My opinions are my own.

Patricia and Olivia develop an unexpected friendship when Patricia challenges Olivia to create a "Me list." Throughout her journey of self-discovery, Olivia confronts her fears, seeks ways to improve herself, and reflects on what truly makes her happy.

Such a quick read filled with both humor and heart! Sometimes, I need a story filled with heavy dialogue; witty banter and snarky comments lead to laugh-out-loud scenes. But Balko balances those hilarious moments with a heavier topic: how addiction affects a family.

I love that Olivia’s journey is not a linear path; failure and hurt are requirements for growth. Olivia often finds solace in the silent companionship of her rescue dog, Marven, as she works out her thoughts and feelings. Marven's unconditional love for Olivia warms my heart! ❤️

The Me List is a perfect book for dog lovers, women fiction fans, and anyone who loves a good bucket list.

I jumped into The Me List expecting a humorous read, but it wasn’t funny at all. I’m a little surprised it’s classified as humor/satire as it was mostly depressing.
Olivia is a 30something suburbanite mom of 1. She’s living her life, but she’s not really living. Every day is the same and she’s just not happy. One day her perfect neighbor, realtor Patricia, informs Olivia that she (Olivia) is now her (Patricia) assistant. In a matter of weeks Olivia is flummoxed, frustrated, and fearful with all of Patricia’s lists. When Patricia asks Olivia about her Me List, Olivia goes home and writes one that night. Over the next few months she works to cross things off her list in an attempt to make herself happier.
I loved the premise of this book. I love the idea of looking at things that can make oneself happier in life. However, I didn’t like any of the characters. All of them had very negative undertones, which made envisioning Olivia happier impossible.
While I appreciated Olivia’s self detrimental internal thoughts (because what woman doesn’t have them), her negative thoughts about her neighbors got to be too much. I also greatly appreciated Olivia’s relationship with her alcoholic mother. I don’t have any experience with loving an alcoholic and I found the inclusion of this to be eye opening.
When I finished this I was left with an overall feeling of sadness. I’m sure Ms. Balko was going for uplifting, but it just didn’t come off that way. Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for an advanced copy of this book. The Me List hits the shelves on January 25th.

A fun, feel good, self empowering book that's great for the start of a new year. It hit all of the right notes and was very relatable. It led to a lot of personal reflection, both good and bad, about the way we treat others and ourselves. It was fast paced and easy to follow, and the writing flowed well. Good character development and a great ending.

What a fabulous read!

Neighbours Olivia and Patricia, couldn’t be more different. Perfect Patricia has it all together, while Olivia has lost her identity somewhere along the way of motherhood.

An unlikely friendship, formed over a salad and very fragile, enables both women to find out who they really are and how to live their lives for themselves. Acceptance and empathy are running themes here, and I particularly resonated with Olivia’s struggles around her difficult mother.

Off to write my “me list”, brb…

5⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Julee Balko and Black Rose Writing, for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A book that delivers all - emotions aplenty and food for thought. Olivia, the proagonist, tries to change her life with the help of "The Me List" - a list of things that she would like to work on or change in her life. She isn't succesfull in everything (and that's also good and potentially inspiring), but some things in her life definitely improve. Plus, there's a lovely dog.

What a beautiful gem of a story! There will always be the right time to read this book with its great message but finishing it at the start of the new year is perfection!

Olivia is a thirty-something married, stay at home mom. She’s feeling dispirited, unfulfilled and still grappling with the trauma of the relationship with her mother. Her neighbor Patricia appears to have it all as a successful real estate agent but appearances don’t often tell the full story. Patricia enlists Olivia to be her part time assistant and gives her an assignment to create a Me List. A list that includes things that “excite you, scare you a little, challenge you.” A list that “improves you, makes you happy, makes you face your fears.”

The book is short at 228 pages but it packs a wonderful message. And now, with five hours to go until 2024, I’m going to make my own Me List and hope that I will join Olivia in completing my list and in the process filling my life with more goodness.

Thank you NetGalley, Black Rose Writing and Julee Belko for this beautiful story that delivered all the emotional feels, gave me pause for thought and has inspired me to create my own Me List.

This was a predictable read for me. She goes a journey of self discovery about who she is and what she wants from life. She was a stay at home mom till she gets a job offer from her neighbor she's not to crazy about. This book does deal with addiction and terminal illness.


2.75 stars for beign to predictable.


************************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley.*******************************

I really enjoyed this book. I loved seeing the character development of Olivia and Patricia as individuals and their relationship. Marven was and added bonus as what story doesn’t need a dog. Steve and Olivia’s mother got on my nerves a bit and Olivia deserved a bit more from both of them. Overall a good feel book.

This was the perfect book to read as the year is winding down and I'm looking toward 2024 with the hopes that I can have my own Me List (the beginnings of one is at the end of the book!).
The story revolves around Olivia who, at the beginning, has not been taking good care of herself since her daughter was born. She's been a stay at home mom for years and now that her daughter is in school, she's finding the days a little lonely. When her neighbor surprises her in Target and suggests Olivia work as her assistant, she reluctantly agrees. Becoming Patricia's assistant ends up being a godsend to her as Patricia suggests Olivia make a "Me List" of things she wants to accomplish. At first she has trouble with the tasks including a rather disasterous karoke night, but little by little, Olivia regains her confidence in herself and starts to find her own happiness.
I really enjoyed this book and really related to Olivia's problems with her mother and difficulties making friends. The book ends on a very hopeful note and you'll be thinking about your own list and activities after.

Olivia, in her attempt to mitigate the shortfall of the relationship with her mother and her sense of abandonment and lack of emotional connection, gives herself selflessly to Steve and Sammy. However, she completely forgets what she likes and what she needs in order to be fulfilled and proud of her capabilities. Like her sweatpants that she wore over a period of time, she is just tired. Yes, her relationship with Patricia certainly had its ups and downs but it is Patricia who introduced her to the me list. It is a list dedicated to what Olivia wanted to achieve for herself with no excuses. She joined a book club where she met Divy, she fostered a dog who just needed love, and she traveled to Belize. Most importantly, she did this for herself. Sure, she had her doubts which often were traced back to her mom, but she persevered. As a result, Olivia became happier and more confident. She relished in the family she built and the friends she chose to be around. She chose to be happy.

The Me List
by Julee Balko
I found The Me List to be a very good book. It was worth it and makes one remember facing your problems is scary, but you win every time. I will buy and revisit this one and share it as a gift.

I’m so thankful I had a chance to read this book. It’s a perfect book for the end of the year. The main character, Olivia inspired me so much! I appreciated the storyline with Olivia and her mother and found it very relatable. I truly enjoyed seeing her relationship with Patricia change and grow. This book has so much character growth, I love it! In the book, Olivia creates a “Me List”-a list of 10 items she wants to do specifically for herself that year. I absolutely will be making a me list in the next week or two! I will be looking for more of Julee Balko’s books, I want to read them all! It’s no exaggeration to say this book truly touched me.

Wow, this is a book that is meant to be shared, and it came at just the right time. Once you read the book, you will understand this, the few friends I have, and I have been talking about not being valued, taking responsibility for someone else's poor decision-making. Why we allow someone to treat us bad, over and over again. I received this book from Black Rose Writing through NetGalley, and this book was insightful, and it is the story of a woman, Olivia, who had finally had enough, and was determined to change, and she started with making The Me List she learned from her neighbor. I will leave it at that, but when you read the book, you will learn what Olivia learned from the neighbor.
The reason I loved this book and I think my friends, and many will enjoy reading this book, is because I too have had enough, and so has my friends. When the book is released January 25, 2024, they will each get a book. I think we got to the point we have had enough, but didn't know how to change it. You can't change people, so instead of getting frustrated, I can see where there are things I can do to change the situation from reading this book. There is hope my future will be different, just like Olivia is trying to do. Olivia is at the start of this, and maybe in the future there will be a book 2, and we will see how it worked out for her. But I am at the beginning like Olivia and I think my friends and I will enjoy reading this book, and we already know we deserve better, but maybe some of the things in this book, will help us to get to what we are looking for.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was great and so thought-provoking!! I love the idea of making a "Me List" that would (hopefully) help motivate me to do some things that I want to do; that are for and about me.

I wasn't expecting this book to bring up so many emotions in me. The theme of "those who stay" is deep for me and really made me think. Is it always better to stay? Is that the ultimate goal??

Olivia deals with that and so much more, in regards to her mom. The author did such a fabulous job in writing about their relationship; or lack thereof. I felt like I could literally feel Olivia's pain and confusion. She loved her mom and wanted a relationship with her but it seemed so one-sided. Her mom never put in the effort. I could go on and on but you get the idea.

Patricia, her next door neighbor, is a whole different beast. She proved that appearances are just that, skin deep at most. I can't decide if I'd want a friend like Patricia. She seemed to make everything so hard, yet she tried so hard too. I'm torn.

There's much more to say about this book but I'll leave my review at this: read it. Simple as that.