Never Been Better, a novel by Leanne Toshiko Simpson

Press for Never Been Better

Canada

US

“15 books to read heading into spring” | Good Morning America

“9 Subversive Books that are Rewriting Bipolar Disorder” | Electric Literature

“Never Been Better - A funny, refreshing, generous story full of wisdom on mental health” | Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“March Fiction Spotlight: 4 Must-Read New Novels” | Kirkus Reviews

“Summer 2024 Book Roundup” | Seattle Times

UK

“I was tired of just surviving, so I started running - and found acceptance for my bipolar disorder as a result” | Leanne Toshiko Simpson for Stylist

International

Photograph by Steve Russell for
the Toronto Star

Photograph by Vivian Rashotte
for the CBC

Reviews & Praise

  • “[An] invigoratingly comic debut novel . . . Full of sharp, pithy dialogue and farcical scenes that will put a grin on your face, this story about love, friendship, and family also offers hard-won wisdom about mental health and the myths that surround it. . . . Navigating the contrast between humor and pain can be tricky, but Simpson makes it look easy in her first novel. A funny, refreshing, and generous story full of wisdom on mental health.”

    —Kirkus Reviews (starred)

  • “[An] unexpectedly funny but also sad but also uplifting tale of illness, recovery, and true love.”

    —Good Morning America

  • “Laugh-out-loud funny . . . Simpson’s refreshing debut depicts the reality of living with mental illness, which will resonate with many readers.”

    —Booklist

  • “Humor abounds in this story that also sensitively explores issues of mental health and recovery.”

    —The Seattle Times

  • “Life after the psych ward combined with a destination wedding and secrets between friends can only lead to raw yet heartfelt hijinks in this delightful debut by Leanne Toshiko Simpson. Searing and honest, Never Been Better is that most rare of things—a novel that combines humor, heartache and hope in one page-turning package, with lyrical and wickedly funny writing in spades. Simpson is a writer to watch!”

    —Uzma Jalaluddin, author of Much Ado About Nada

  • “A hilarious, honest, refreshing, and moving story about mental health, friendship, and love. Never Been Better is a brilliant debut.”

    —Emily Austin, author of Everyone in this Room Will Someday Be Dead

  • “Leanne Toshiko Simpson’s Never Been Better is an exuberant debut rich with snappy dialogue, madcap misadventures and a lot of heart.”

    —Rebecca Hardiman, author of Good Eggs

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