Therese Anne Fowler's A Good Neighborhood is a captivating exploration of race, class, and love in a suburban setting. Many reviewers praise its timely social commentary and complex characters, though some feel the narrative occasionally lacks subtlety. Overall, it is a thought-provoking read that prompts important conversations.

Fans of complex, character-driven dramas like Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold will relish A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler. This poignant novel tackles themes of race, class, and the impact of environmental decisions within a suburban community.

In A Good Neighborhood, the Whitman family moves into Oak Knoll, North Carolina, and their construction damages an old oak tree belonging to Valerie Alston-Holt and her son, Xavier. Tensions rise when Xavier and Juniper Whitman begin a secret relationship, while Valerie sues Brad Whitman over the tree. Misunderstandings, racism, and a false accusation against Xavier lead to tragic consequences. The book contains depictions of sexual assault, abuse, and suicide.

Contemplative / Emotional / Challenging / Mysterious / Bittersweet

- A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler was one of the eight titles chosen for the inaugural Read with Jenna book club, which is hosted by Jenna Bush Hager, on the Today show in February 2020.
- The novel discusses themes such as class, race, and the American Dream, evoking thought-provoking discussions and making it a popular choice for book clubs.
- Therese Anne Fowler mentioned in interviews that part of her inspiration for the novel came from observing the changing landscapes and sociopolitical dynamics of her own neighborhood.

**Xavier Alston-Holt**  
An 18-year-old biracial teenager from Oak Knoll, North Carolina, who is determined and intense, securing a scholarship and dealing with societal challenges.  

**Juniper Whitman**  
A 17-year-old girl who is intelligent and enjoys reading and nature, feeling out of place within her family and forming a significant bond with Xavier.  

**Valerie Alston-Holt**  
Xavier's compassionate and resilient mother, who is deeply invested in the environment and her son's wellbeing.  

**Brad Whitman**  
The charismatic and manipulative stepfather of Juniper, whose actions drive much of the conflict in the story.  

**Julia Whitman**  
Brad's wife, who navigates her role with gratitude and insecurity, eventually demonstrating strength in challenging situations.  

**Tom Alston-Holt**  
An influential figure in Xavier's life, though deceased, remembered for his activism against racism.  

**Lily Whitman**  
A young, energetic, and talkative daughter of Brad and Julia, who occasionally highlights Brad's questionable behavior.  

**Pepper**  
Juniper's outgoing and progressive best friend, who offers support and advice throughout the story.

Therese Anne Fowler

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore A Good Neighborhood reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read A Good Neighborhood | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore A Good Neighborhood and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Good Neighborhood Summary and Study Guide

Background

A Good Neighborhood Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

A Good Neighborhood Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-10

A Good Neighborhood Part 1, Chapters 5-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-14

A Good Neighborhood Part 1, Chapters 11-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 15-18

A Good Neighborhood Part 1, Chapters 15-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 19-21

A Good Neighborhood Part 2, Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-24

A Good Neighborhood Part 2, Chapters 22-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 25-30

A Good Neighborhood Part 2, Chapters 25-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 31-35

A Good Neighborhood Part 2, Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 36-39

A Good Neighborhood Part 3, Chapters 36-39 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 40-46

A Good Neighborhood Part 3, Chapters 40-46 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 47-Epilogue

A Good Neighborhood Part 3, Chapter 47-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

A Good Neighborhood Character Analysis

theme

Themes

A Good Neighborhood Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A Good Neighborhood Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

A Good Neighborhood Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

A Good Neighborhood Essay Topics

A Good Neighborhood

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A Good Neighborhood?

Reading Age

Book Details