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Don't Forget to Write: A Novel Kindle Edition

4.6 out of 5 stars 45,143 ratings

In 1960, a young woman discovers a freedom she never knew existed in this exhilarating, funny, and emotional novel by the bestselling author of She’s Up to No Good.

When Marilyn Kleinman is caught making out with the rabbi’s son in front of the whole congregation, her parents ship her off to her great-aunt Ada for the summer. If anyone can save their daughter’s reputation, it’s Philadelphia’s strict premier matchmaker. Either that or Marilyn can kiss college goodbye.

To Marilyn’s surprise, Ada’s not the humorless septuagenarian her mother described. Not with that platinum-blonde hair, Hermès scarf, and Cadillac convertible. She’s sharp, straight-talking, takes her job very seriously, and abides by her own rules…mostly. As the summer unfolds, Ada and Marilyn head for the Jersey shore, where Marilyn helps Ada scope out eligible matches—for anyone but Marilyn, that is.

Because if there’s one thing Marilyn’s learned from Ada, it’s that she doesn’t have to settle. With the school year quickly approaching and her father threatening to disinherit her, Marilyn must make her choice for her future: return to the comfortable life she knows or embrace a risky, unknown path on her own.

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From the Publisher

Review from Jean Meltzer, international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Confino weaves humor into her novel that will delight readers. This is a historical tale that speaks to the choices women were starting to make on the road to greater independence.” Booklist

“This is a funny but realistic look at the more restricted lives of women in the 1960s. It will instantly transport you to Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore, and to a time when a decade of change for women was just beginning.” Historical Novels Review

Don't Forget to Write is a witty, funny, wry, poignant coming-of-age story with marvelous characters.” Midwest Book Review

“The best type of love story…Don’t Forget to Write is a wise, warmhearted, and witty tale about women determined to write their own stories.” —Jean Meltzer, international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball

“From the moment that Marilyn Kleinman lures the rabbi’s son into making out with her during services and they crash through the stained glass in full view of the congregation, we know we’re in for a wild ride that’s going to be nothing but fun. Sara Goodman Confino writes the kinds of books I love: hilarious, thought-provoking, and filled with shenanigans from characters I adore. I loved every minute I was reading this book—and oh my goodness, I was gobsmacked by the surprise twist at the end!” —Maddie Dawson, bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners and Snap Out of It

“Sara Goodman Confino has quickly become a master of multigenerational women’s fiction. In Don’t Forget to Write, twenty-year-old Marilyn is shipped off to her feisty great-aunt Ada’s after shaming her parents in, of all places, synagogue. During the summer of penance, these strong-willed women form an unlikely bond, rife with matchmaking, Frank Sinatra, and a coveted red lipstick. But it’s the life lessons that will have readers flipping pages—how these remarkable characters define their terms and create their own stories. Hilarious and heartwarming, this one’s an absolute delight!” —Rochelle B. Weinstein, bestselling author of When We Let Go

“Wry and disarming, with characters so real they leap off the pages, Don’t Forget to Write is an irresistible tale of summer love, family, and self-discovery. A humorous, joyful, and completely unforgettable book. Ada and Marilyn captured my heart!” —Paulette Kennedy, author of The Witch of Tin Mountain

“Grab your mink stole, put on your tightest girdle, dab on red lipstick and get ready to romp through the 1960s with headstrong Marilyn and her sassy aunt Ada. Don’t Forget to Write will whisk you away to a beach vacation you’ll never forget.” —Jennifer Bardsley, author of Sweet Bliss

“With her characteristic blend of humor and heart, Sara Goodman Confino has written another immersive, captivating story in her newest novel, Don’t Forget to Write. Confino has also created another unforgettable character in the fierce and fearless Ada, who guides main character Marilyn to live life on her own terms—not what her family, or the world, expects. Don’t Forget to Write is sure to capture readers’ hearts—and sure to be the book everyone is talking about this summer!” —Elissa Grossell Dickey, author of The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark

From the Publisher

Can’t make it to the beach this summer? Never fear! Sara Goodman Confino will happily whisk you away to the sunny Jersey shore in her delightful new novel, Don’t Forget to Write. This charming tale made me laugh out loud and shed a few tears, and it has a surprise twist that I truly didn’t see coming.

Set in the 1960s,
Don’t Forget to Write tells the story of a spunky young woman named Marilyn and her even feistier great-aunt Ada as the two are brought together for the first time over the course of one momentous summer. Ada is the top matchmaker in Philadelphia, and after Marilyn gets herself into some trouble, her parents decide a summer with her strict aunt is just what she needs to get her priorities in order. Marilyn and Ada definitely don’t hit it off straightaway, but as time passes and they head to the shore, the two fall into a quirky rhythm of sorts. It turns out that in addition to a shared love of a bold red lip, they also both refuse to let the world dictate their futures. Of course, that certainly won’t stop the world from trying…

With humor, heart, and a warm wash of sunshine and nostalgia,
Don’t Forget to Write is the perfect summertime read whether you are at the beach or simply wish you were.

—Alicia Clancy, Editor

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BQWYYZZ1
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (September 1, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 334 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 45,143 ratings

About the author

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Sara Goodman Confino
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Sara Goodman Confino is the bestselling author of five novels: Don’t Forget to Write, Behind Every Good Man, She’s Up to No Good, For the Love of Friends, and the upcoming Good Grief. After spending more years than she’s willing to publicly admit teaching high school English and journalism, she is currently writing full time and trying to make a living off of the crazy stories in her head. She lives in Montgomery County, Maryland with her husband, two sons, two miniature schnauzers, and a goldfish that seems to be vying for the world record of longest living fish. When she’s not writing or frantically parenting, she can be found on the Peloton, at the beach, or at a Bruce Springsteen concert, sometimes even dancing onstage.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
45,143 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great summer read with a tight storyline and relatable characters that make them laugh out loud. The writing flows well, and customers appreciate the perfect balance of serious and comedic elements. Moreover, the book delivers thoughtful lessons about understanding life's many facets, leaving readers in tears from both joy and sadness.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,240 customers mention "Readability"1,236 positive4 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining, describing it as a great summer read.

"...to Write,” has written a delightful, heartfelt, charming, and thought-provoking novel and vividly describes the scenery and her colorful characters...." Read more

"I have to say that this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I loved the characters, the writing style, and the plot...." Read more

"How sweet was this book?..." Read more

"This was a fast read because it had an original story line plot...." Read more

1,129 customers mention "Story quality"1,084 positive45 negative

Customers love the story of this novel, particularly its tight plot and ending, and find it relatable. One customer describes it as a beautiful journey of growing up, while another notes how the thought-provoking storytelling hooked them instantly.

"...the Author of “Don’t Forget to Write,” has written a delightful, heartfelt, charming, and thought-provoking novel and vividly describes the..." Read more

"...I loved the characters, the writing style, and the plot. I laughed, I cried, and I nodded in understanding." Read more

"...I appreciated the ending so much, even though the reader could likely see it a mile away...." Read more

"...The characters are so good. The ending was so good." Read more

591 customers mention "Character development"582 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, particularly noting how they come to life with quirky personalities that make readers laugh out loud.

"...-provoking novel and vividly describes the scenery and her colorful characters...." Read more

"...I loved the characters, the writing style, and the plot. I laughed, I cried, and I nodded in understanding." Read more

"...I loved the characters...." Read more

"...Everyone needs an Ada in their family. The characters are so good. The ending was so good." Read more

338 customers mention "Writing quality"325 positive13 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting the author's wordsmith talent.

"Sara Goodman Confino, the Author of “Don’t Forget to Write,” has written a delightful, heartfelt, charming, and thought-provoking novel and vividly..." Read more

"...I loved the characters, the writing style, and the plot. I laughed, I cried, and I nodded in understanding." Read more

"...Ada through her interactions with Marilyn, and I love how fresh Marilyn's voice was throughout the book...." Read more

"...Narrated in flawlessly descriptive settings in 1960, the author takes her readers on Marilyn Kleinman’s journey of self-discovery and what life..." Read more

225 customers mention "Humor"225 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments, with one customer noting its perfect balance of serious and comedic elements.

"...I highly recommend this excellent and witty novel. I look forward to reading Sara Goodman Confino’s other novels." Read more

"You have to love a book that makes you laugh and makes you cry! Everyone needs an Ada in their family. The characters are so good...." Read more

"...One wants to get to know the characters. The gentle humor, often self-deprecating, serves to carry the reader along effortlessly; nothing forced..." Read more

"...Beautiful & touching. You got mad, you cried and laughed." Read more

222 customers mention "Uplifting message"222 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the uplifting message of the book, which offers thoughtful lessons and understanding of life's many facets.

"...This is a beautiful coming-of-age novel, and showing self-growth and self-esteem...." Read more

"This book taught me a lot about Jewish culture. It is so captivating and with such a great ending. I fell in love with Marilyn, Ada, Lillian and Dan...." Read more

"This was so fun and entertaining and exciting. There’s great lessons interwoven. Just. Very wholesome and loving book...." Read more

"...Everyone needs to read this book. It is very uplifting" Read more

143 customers mention "Beauty"135 positive8 negative

Customers find the book beautiful and artistic, describing it as sassy and delightfully unique, with one customer noting its wonderful look at a young adult perspective.

"...of “Don’t Forget to Write,” has written a delightful, heartfelt, charming, and thought-provoking novel and vividly describes the scenery and her..." Read more

"Refreshingly different chic-lit. Set in the 60s and not the same old plot. Loved the trouble that Marilyn & the all knowing Ada got into!..." Read more

"Such a beautiful story. Will stay with me for years to come. Beautiful & touching. You got mad, you cried and laughed." Read more

"Cute book. Easy read." Read more

113 customers mention "Tears"103 positive10 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, leaving them in tears at times, experiencing both joy and sadness throughout the story.

"...I still left with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes, the definition of the end of a truly fantastic book!" Read more

"You have to love a book that makes you laugh and makes you cry! Everyone needs an Ada in their family. The characters are so good...." Read more

"...I fell in love with Marilyn, Ada, Lillian and Dan. This book will make you cry and laugh. I look forward to more books by this author." Read more

"...It has its quirks, its laughs, its tears and so much more...." Read more

Perfect End of Summer Read
5 out of 5 stars
Perfect End of Summer Read
Last summer I read and fell in love with She’s Up to No Good by this same author, and I anticipated this one from the second I heard of it’s existence! “There are only three certainties in this world, Marilyn. Death, taxes, and Jewish mothers wanting to marry their children off.” It’s the summer of 1960, and when Marilyn Kleinman is caught making out with the rabbi’s son by the entire congregation, she is sent away to live with her great aunt for the summer. Ada is Philadelphia’s most successful matchmaker, and she’s also incredibly strict and straightforward. She tells it like it is and is completely unbothered by Marilyn’s attitude. Marilyn is expected to help out by taking notes during Ada’s meetings with mothers and their sons/daughters looking for a match, running errands, and anything else Ada demands. She assures Marilyn that she is not looking to match her with anyone, much to her relief and slight annoyance - all the boys are off limits. But as the summer progresses, Marilyn finds herself slowly discovering what it is that she really wants for herself, and there are some big surprises along the way. Sara Goodman Confino’s ability to weave and deliver a beautiful, heartfelt, and funny story is absolutely amazing. There was not one minute that I was bored, and at the end of every chapter, I told myself “just one more”, knowing that was an absolute lie. The characters were so well thought out - Marilyn had such great character growth, Ada’s snark was an absolute treat, and there was such a wonderful depth of heart that was woven throughout the story. “The world loves to destroy what it doesn’t understand. Some things can be hidden to be protected. Some can’t.” If you’re looking for an end of summer read, look no further - I highly recommend this one.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
    Sara Goodman Confino, the Author of “Don’t Forget to Write,” has written a delightful, heartfelt, charming, and thought-provoking novel and vividly describes the scenery and her colorful characters. The timeline for this story is 1960, and many of the “modern” thoughts of that time have evolved slightly over the years.

    Marilyn Kleinman is spicy and sassy and decides to flirt with the Rabbi’s son in Temple. What starts as a simple make-out session is the “scandal’ of the Congregation. Marilyn is sent to stay with her older Aunt, Ada, who lives in Philadelphia. Her father threatens not to pay for any more college if Marilyn doesn’t get an attitude adjustment.

    Aunt Ada has never had children and is a delicious, quirky older woman who beats to the tune of her drum. Marilyn certainly has no clue that her matchmaker aunt is very much on the ball.

    Marilyn loves writing, and her Aunt encourages her to do what is in her heart. This is one summer that Marilyn has choices to make. This is a beautiful coming-of-age novel, and showing self-growth and self-esteem. I love how the author discusses the importance of family, hope, love, and living life to the fullest. I highly recommend this excellent and witty novel.
    I look forward to reading Sara Goodman Confino’s other novels.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2025
    I have to say that this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I loved the characters, the writing style, and the plot. I laughed, I cried, and I nodded in understanding.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
    How sweet was this book? The reader follows Marilyn and her journey to spend the summer with her great Aunt Ada because she was caught kissing the rabbi's son at the synagogue. Marilyn's father sent her to Ada's because she was supposed to help her find a husband and learn how to be a wife. She finds, instead, a love she never expected- a love within herself for herself. I loved the characters. We learn so much about Ada through her interactions with Marilyn, and I love how fresh Marilyn's voice was throughout the book. It was "historical" in that it took place in the 1960s, which colored the story in some ways. Ada was truly a bright light in this story, and I wish that I had a great aunt just like her. I appreciated the ending so much, even though the reader could likely see it a mile away. I still left with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes, the definition of the end of a truly fantastic book!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2025
    You have to love a book that makes you laugh and makes you cry! Everyone needs an Ada in their family. The characters are so good. The ending was so good.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2025
    This was a fast read because it had an original story line plot. The characters are richly drawn and unfolded chapter to chapter.hi could not put down this book.I highly recommend this book.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2025
    This book taught me a lot about Jewish culture. It is so captivating and with such a great ending. I fell in love with Marilyn, Ada, Lillian and Dan. This book will make you cry and laugh. I look forward to more books by this author.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2025
    It's a short life. It's important that we live unapologetically. This book reminds us that we need to focus less on how others think we should be and more on who we want to be. It also helps us gauge how far we've come as a society, and understand the additional efforts required of us to reach a point where everyone feels seen and accepted for who they really are.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2025
    I don't know about anyone else, but when I find a good book, I read more than once. This is such a book.
    The narrative flows easily. One wants to get to know the characters. The gentle humor, often self-deprecating, serves to carry the reader along effortlessly; nothing forced or false here.
    Perhaps, having grown up in North Jersey and being exposed to New York Jewish humor, I could relate to the culture and circumstances presented in the book in a deeper way where someone who had grown up elsewhere may not have done so as easily. Whatever the reason, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
    Writing in the first person has at least two benefits: sympathy borne of a kind of kinship; and the knowledge that, whatever else happens to the Marilyn, she's not going to die. Lol
    This Author is a keeper.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Placeholder
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Novel!!
    Reviewed in India on April 24, 2025
    This is one of the most intriguing stories I have read in recent times. The character Ada is so unforgettable & unpredictable that she lives even after her funeral!! A very charming novel about Jewish life in the USA, around the 1960s. Two lovely, independent ladies,separated by age by half a century, do their things in this lovely novel.
  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars amusing
    Reviewed in Australia on September 20, 2023
    This is a hilarious, funny, interesting book. I loved the story. It kept me wanting to read more. I found it hard to put down. A most enjoyable story.

    I chose this as an Amazon First Reads and was not disappointed.
  • Maria da Graca
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story!
    Reviewed in Brazil on June 23, 2024
    A rich and profound story of family and love full of joy and understanding!
    Loved the pace and mischief present in the plot. Nice reading!
  • Susan Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful read
    Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2024
    This is such a lovely story of love , society expectations and being true to one self.
    Highly recommend this book.
  • Tara Maree Vella
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely story
    Reviewed in Germany on February 28, 2024
    Loved this cute book 😊

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