I found this book to be only “okay.”

While the idea of Joybird maintaining an attitude that is the embodiment of her name, so much of what she does is forced and emotionally unhealthy. Far too frequently, she is described as burying or forcing away any sort of negative feeling (disappointment, anger, etc.). No clear resolution is given for this, except for an internal acknowledgement that she realizes it’s something she needs to work on, and love is the medicine she needs. It’s also painfully obvious she has daddy and abandonment issues.

I would’ve liked a little more digging into Devon. All we are told about him is portions of conversations between him and Joybird, and her subsequent amateur assessments of his character.

Sid, her father and the dual POV, is a terrible and infuriating character. We’re also never told exactly what happened to ruin his Hollywood career so badly that he ran all the way across the country to make a vague stabbing at trying to collect and regroup himself.

Overall, I wouldn’t mind a longer story that fleshes out a lot of my above concerns, but I don’t know that it matters. It’s not a book I have any desire to go back and reread.

•𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.•

Joyride by Ellen Meister was such a delightful and upbeat read. Humor, love, and self-discovery are main themes in this novel that follows our main character, Joybird. Joybird is a 31 year old Uber driver turned life coach attempting to navigate the complexities of relationships with friends and family while facing an imperfect family dynamic. This book perfectly crafts an intricate and unique storyline that was impossible for me to put down.

Having a protagonist like Joybird is a breath of fresh air. She is such an earnest person and believes in the inherent goodness of people. She is a person who optimistically assumes the glass is half-full, who makes the room light up after she walks in. A person that, if you happen to cross paths with, your life will be all the better for it. Reading Joybird's POV really made me sit back and rethink my own outlook on life.

Let's talk about Sid, Joybird's dad. He sucks. That is all.

Okay, just kidding. He does suck, but I also have more to say about him. Sid is a narcissistic, alcoholic, gaslighting loser mooching off of his daughter while also emotionally manipulating her. That being said, his point of view was interesting. I found that he is a very thoughtful and reflective person. He continuously behaved like an asshole, but he was at least reflective of his behavior which I found almost sort of endearing. I appreciate that there is a character in this book who is not perfect. I think so many books can fall short when the characters don't seem real. The author writing him authentically just shows how great this book is.

Of the more minor characters, Betty is my favorite. Betty is a queen. She sticks up for Joybird and doesn't let her father bully her. I need a Betty in my life. Devon, another character I really loved, seemed like such a genuine person. I was worried we wouldn't get much of him in this book just because of Joybird's hesitance to form any sort of friendship with him, but thankfully that wasn't the case.

I did see the big reveal at the end coming, but that didn't make it any less great! This book truly has made me reflect on how I perceive life. It has encouraged me to be more optimistic. I would love to see a sequel because I already miss Joybird and friends!

Ellen Meister’s *Joyride* is a heartwarming and hilariously quirky tale about finding your path, spreading optimism, and learning that even the messiest journeys can lead to unexpected destinations. With a delightfully unique protagonist, sharp humor, and an undercurrent of poignant family dynamics, this novel is a joyful trip through Brooklyn and beyond, sure to leave readers grinning from ear to ear.

At the heart of the story is Joybird Martin, an Uber driver who lives up to her name with an effervescent personality and boundless optimism. Joybird has a dream—to become a life coach—and she’s determined to make it happen, despite life’s obstacles and the constant snark of her cranky father, a washed-up TV writer nursing his third failed marriage. Meister expertly balances Joybird’s sunny outlook with her father’s biting cynicism, creating a dynamic that is as touching as it is laugh-out-loud funny.

When Joybird takes in her broke and irritable dad, the duo’s comedic clash becomes the backdrop for her burgeoning career as a “front-seat life coach.” A chance encounter with Devon Cato, a dashing but stressed-out Wall Street exec, sets her on an unexpected course. Devon’s belief in Joybird’s talents pushes her to take her life-coaching aspirations seriously, and their chemistry adds a layer of romantic tension that keeps the pages turning. Joybird’s interactions with her clients—ranging from the hilariously bizarre to deeply moving—showcase her natural talent for connection and make the reader root for her every step of the way.

What makes *Joyride* shine is its ability to mix humor and heart. Joybird’s unshakable optimism isn’t just a character trait—it’s a lens through which the story explores themes of self-worth, resilience, and the transformative power of kindness. Meister’s writing captures the vibrancy of Brooklyn life, from the bustling streets to the eclectic mix of people Joybird encounters in her Honda. Each Uber ride feels like a mini-adventure, offering snippets of wisdom, humor, and occasionally chaos.

Beyond the laughs, the novel delves into the complexity of family relationships. Joybird’s journey to help her father confront his past is both tender and satisfying, adding emotional depth to an otherwise lighthearted narrative. It’s a reminder that even the most stubborn hearts can heal when met with patience and love.

The pacing is breezy and engaging, with just enough twists to keep the reader hooked. Meister’s prose sparkles with wit and warmth, and Joybird’s voice is so engaging that you’ll feel like you’re riding shotgun on her journey. The resolution ties together the story’s many threads with a sense of hope and fulfillment, leaving readers with the kind of feel-good glow that only a truly uplifting story can deliver.

*Joyride* is a delightful romp with a big heart, perfect for fans of quirky, character-driven stories with a side of romance and a dash of family drama. Ellen Meister has crafted a novel that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about spreading joy, proving that sometimes the best way forward is to hit the road with optimism and a Honda full of wisdom. Five stars—this is one ride you won’t want to miss!

JOY RIDE by Ellen Meister

I have a friend who drives for Uber, and he does have stories. (I’ve not been tempted, as I have an absolute gift for getting lost). Joybird adds life coaching to the work of driving. I can’t even imagine attempting that level of multitasking, but she does so with all the optimism her name implies, and I love her for it!
Life throws curves that test even her strong resolve to find the good. Her out-of-work depressed father, staying with her “temporarily,” is draining her financial and emotional reserves. Some people take advantage of her sunny nature, underestimate her intelligence, and blame her for their failings, but she centers herself with deep breaths and regroups. I can’t tell much more without spoilers, but I will say I found her a lovely role model for persisting and never, ever giving up.
Descriptions are vivid and sharp, writing is witty, and the book was a pleasure to read, and nearly impossible to put down. Who needs sleep anyway?

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!

What a great book! This was a first for me by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style! I will definitely be reading more books by her. I enjoyed the plot and the characters in this book. They worked so well together! I had a hard time putting this book down.

This is a book about a grown woman living in New York City, who has had a very trauma filled life, she acts like she’s 18, is utterly naïve and delusional. So of course, she decides to be a life coach mobile and from her car. Because who gives the best advice? Somebody whose life is in shambles!

She lives with her father, the other point of view in this book, who is a serial borderline sexual assaulter who used to work in Hollywood and likes to make jokes about Harvey Weinstein.

Honestly, these characters are both pretty awful. The book is well written. But I have no idea why somebody would write a book about to completely horrible people..
Joy bird doesn’t even realize how much she messes up peoples lives all in the delusion of helping them and fulfilling her want to be a life coach. The only real and good things she did was stable woman from being catfish. The rest is a mess.
She grew up in New York, is a big liberal (at odds with her dad and trying to make him more woke) and hangs out with all the artsy folk. Yet somehow gets scammed into having sex with a guy who very clearly cares nothing for her at all, and yet again deludes herself that they’re in a relationship. While cheating on the guy that she’s actually in a relationship with??? Definitely the person you want giving you life advice.

Great book. Relatable characters and plot. The book was the correct lengthy to adequately tell the story

A funny, cheerful and an easy read. A unique storyline with Joybird being an Uber driver, I did find her name a bit strange! Very plain and simple writing with lots of dialogue.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.