Book Review: Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino
If you’re looking for a book that feels like a summer breeze mixed with a splash of rebellion, a dose of heart, and just enough nostalgia to make you smile, Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino is it. This story is witty, charming, and quietly empowering — the perfect weekend read when you want to escape into another era and cheer for a heroine finding her way.
“The world loves to destroy what it doesn’t understand.”
-Sara Goodman Confino, Don’t Forget to Write: A Novel
The Story
The year is 1960, and twenty-year-old Marilyn Kleinman has just caused quite a stir. We are talking about the kind of “small-town scandal” that gets whispered about for years. Marilyn gets caught making out with the rabbi’s son during the service, and accidentally crashing through a stained-glass window. Her mortified parents ship her off for the summer to her great-aunt Ada’s house in Philadelphia.
Marilyn expects punishment, but what she finds instead is a whole new kind of freedom. Ada, a matchmaker with a quick wit and even quicker tongue, isn’t interested in molding Marilyn into a “proper” young lady. She’s interested in showing her that women can make their own choices, live on their own terms, and still have a little fun along the way.
As the summer unfolds, Marilyn learns more than she ever expected — about family, independence, love, and what it means to write her own story.
What Makes It Shine
This book hits the sweet spot between heartfelt and humorous. The 1960s setting gives it that nostalgic charm — a time when social expectations were shifting, but women were still being told how to behave. Through Marilyn and Ada, we see two generations of women navigating those expectations in totally different (and delightful) ways.
Aunt Ada is an absolute force. She’s wise, sharp-tongued, and full of surprises. Marilyn starts off a bit spoiled and naïve, but by the end of the book, she’s grown into someone you’ll root for — someone who learns that the life worth living isn’t the easy one.
“A gilded cage is still a cage. Most people don’t see the bars that hold them. You and I do.”
-Sara Goodman Confino, Don’t Forget to Write: A Novel
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re a fan of stories about strong women, complicated families, and second chances, this book will check every box. It’s got the kind of characters who feel real – they are flawed, funny, and full of heart. You wish you could just step into their world for just a little while.
It’s also beautifully layered. There’s humor, romance, and heartache, but most of all, there’s growth. Marilyn’s transformation feels honest and earned. And Aunt Ada? She’s the kind of character you wish you could have tea (or a stiff drink) with.
Final Thoughts
Don’t Forget to Write is a story that sneaks up on you. It’s light and funny at first, but it leaves you thinking long after the last page. It reminds you that we all get one life, one story, and one chance to write it.
I’d give it 5 out of 5 stars — witty, warm, and wonderfully empowering. Perfect for readers who love a good historical fiction story with heart, humor, and a heroine worth rooting for. And, trust me, the ending is not what you are expecting.
“And you do know the ending of your book.” I looked at her questioningly. “She drives off into the sunset to live exactly how she wants.”
-Sara Goodman Confino, Don’t Forget to Write: A Novel
Have you read Don’t Forget to Write? I’d love to know what you thought — or if you have another historical fiction favorite I should pick up next! Drop a comment below or message me on Instagram @citygirlfarmgirl25, I’m always looking for my next great read.
