Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong is a poignant and humorous novel that deftly explores themes of memory, family, and personal growth. Critics praise its heartfelt narrative and relatable protagonist. However, some find the fragmented structure and diary format disjointed. Overall, it's a touching read marked by Khong's wit and emotional insight.

A reader who enjoys heartfelt, witty, and poignant stories about family dynamics, memory, and personal growth will appreciate Rachel Khong's Goodbye, Vitamin. Fans of J. Courtney Sullivan's Maine and Jonathan Tropper's This Is Where I Leave You will find a similar blend of humor and emotional depth.

In Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong, Ruth Young returns home after a broken engagement and discovers her father, Howard, has Alzheimer's disease. She decides to stay for a year to support him and her mother, Annie. Ruth documents her experiences in diary entries, reflecting on family dynamics, her father's past affair, and her evolving adult life.

Bittersweet / Contemplative / Nostalgic / Emotional / Humorous

- Rachel Khong was named as one of the "5 Under 35" honorees by the National Book Foundation in 2017, the same year Goodbye, Vitamin was released.
- Khong, who has a background in food writing and editing, creatively incorporates themes related to food and memory throughout the story of Goodbye, Vitamin.
- Khong's debut novel, Goodbye, Vitamin, received critical acclaim and was a finalist for the California Book Award for First Fiction.

**Ruth Young**  
The protagonist who returns home after a failed engagement to reassess her life and reconnect with her family. Her journey is focused on understanding her past decisions and redefining her future.

**Howard Young**  
Ruth's father, a former college professor dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. He is depicted as a loving but imperfect father grappling with both his flaws and his illness.

**Annie Young**  
Ruth’s mother, known for her generous and forgiving nature. She navigates the challenges of her husband’s infidelity and illness while maintaining her family’s cohesion.

**Linus Young**  
Ruth’s younger brother, who has a protective loyalty toward their mother. He offers a different perspective on their family dynamics due to his experiences living at home during their father’s indiscretions.

Rachel Khong

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Chapters 58-80

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Chapters 98-128

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