Goodbye for Now: A Novel [Hardcover]

Laurie Frankel (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 7, 2012

In the spirit of ONE DAY, comes a fresh and warmhearted love story for the 21st century. Sometimes the end is just the beginning . . .

Sam Elling works for an internet dating company, but he still can't get a date. So he creates an algorithm that will match you with your soul mate. Sam meets the love of his life, a coworker named Meredith, but he also gets fired when the company starts losing all their customers to Mr. and Ms. Right.

When Meredith's grandmother, Livvie, dies suddenly, Sam uses his ample free time to create a computer program that will allow Meredith to have one last conversation with her grandmother. Mining from all her correspondence—email, Facebook, Skype, texts—Sam constructs a computer simulation of Livvie who can respond to email or video chat just as if she were still alive. It's not supernatural, it's computer science.

Meredith loves it, and the couple begins to wonder if this is something that could help more people through their grief. And thus, the company RePose is born. The business takes off, but for every person who just wants to say good-bye, there is someone who can't let go.

In the meantime, Sam and Meredith's affection for one another deepens into the kind of love that once tasted, you can't live without. But what if one of them suddenly had to? This entertaining novel, delivers a charming and bittersweet romance as well as a lump in the throat exploration of the nature of love, loss, and life (both real and computer simulated). Maybe nothing was meant to last forever, but then again, sometimes love takes on a life of its own.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Goodbye For Now

"Like the film The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Frankel's clever and well-considered second novel extends the reach of technology just beyond our fingertips, where it feels possible. In this slightly magical world, her characters remain simple, which allows her to lavish attention on RePose and its implications."
- The New York Times Book Review

“Frankel presents a fascinating concept as she keenly and sensitively explores themes of love and loss in this tearjerker centered on technology that pushes the boundaries of artificial intelligence. A compelling novel that tugs at the heartstrings; keep tissues handy."
—Booklist (Starred)

"The Social Network meets One Day in an attractive love-and-loss story that applies new technology to the job of soothing broken hearts…There’s no denying Frankel’s warmth, wit and ingenuity in this cleverly conceived charmer."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Frankel tells a touching story of how this young couple deals with a new love in a world full of loss and sadness. Her first novel, The Atlas of Love,  was a wonderful, heartfelt read, and while this book has a completely different story line, it retains that emotional core. Frankel is an author to watch and definitely to keep in stock."
—Library Journal (Starred)

"If you like your love stories modern, clever, and a little weepy (think One Day), you will adore this."
—Redbook’s Sizzling Summer Reading List

"Computer science flirts with sci-fi when a programmer creates software that (almost) lets the living talk with the departed."
—Sacramento Bee   

“Clever, funny, moving, intelligent, Goodbye For Now is about love and loss, real live emotions and human relationships in a cyber world taken to its extreme. Will Laurie Frankel's wonderful book capture your heart and imagination? Absolutely. You will laugh; you will cry. And you will probably start video chatting with your loved ones daily, just in case an inspired computer genius jumps on Frankel's idea.”
—Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

“Goodbye For Now is a fabulous, original read—very funny, yet so sad and thought-provoking too. I couldn’t put it down.”
—Liane Moriarty, bestselling author of What Alice Forgot
 
"Somewhere in the middle of Goodbye For Now, I found myself getting angry at Laurie Frankel for moving so seamlessly between hilarious and devastating, and for making me feel so deeply for her characters. I offer this as both recommendation and warning: this book will engross you and affect you, and you should know that you won't be putting it down unchanged."
—Carolyn Parkhurst, New York Times  bestselling author of The Dogs of Babel and The Nobodies Album

About the Author

LAURIE FRANKEL is the author of one previous novel, The Atlas of Love. She lives in Seattle with her husband and young son.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; First Edition edition (August 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385536186
• ISBN-13: 978-0385536189
• Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 6.3 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (81 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Laurie Frankel writes, reads, and even occasionally sleeps in Seattle, Washington where she lives in the city with her husband, her border collie, and her four-year-old who strongly believes sleep is for the weak (or childless). THE ATLAS OF LOVE is her first novel. Her second, GOODBYE FOR NOW, came out August 2012 in the US and UK and is forthcoming in more than 25 foreign territories in 2013. Film rights have been optioned by Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment/Temple Hill.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars It's Hard To Imagine Yourself Gone July 31, 2012

By J. A. Bell VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

"Goodbye for Now" is one smartly conceived and beautifully executed novel with some of the most loving characters I've met in awhile.

If you've read other descriptions, by now you know that Sam is a genius computer programmer who wrote such a brilliant matching algorithm that it nearly put the computer dating service he worked for out of business. Finding himself temporarily unemployed, Sam puts his energy and skills into "RePose," his own company that allows people to video chat (or text, or email) with their deceased loved one. His perfect mate, Meredith (previously matched with Sam via his own algorithm) and her quirky cousin "Dash" partner with Sam in this venture.

This story is full of wisdom and emotion as Sam, Meredith and Dash become councilors to people from many walks of life who sign up for RePose in order to keep their "Departed Loved One" (DLO) in their lives just a little longer.

On a more cerebral level, death, the grieving process and the service provided by RePose are all approached from nearly every conceivable viewpoint; from Shakespeare's Hamlet to societal pros and cons, to the approaches taken by different generations, and more.

At one point, Dash, who often provides comic relief, goes on a rant justifying why RePose is a great new invention, in spite of the fact that some people will always resist new things:

"And the guy who invented fire was like, `No, it's great. You can stay warm even in winter and melt water when it freezes and cook your meat so you don't get worms and take a bath sometimes, which, no offense buddy, I'm inventing soap next because man do you stink. And you think that's cool--wait'll you see how it protects the village. And you can read after dark!... I mean, first we need to develop written language, but still!' And the villagers were all, `Children will get burned.' And Fire Guy was like, `Think how much better this will make their lives. Just keep them a safe distance from the fire.' And the villagers were like, `Meh. Not worth it. You're evil.' Then, ironically, they burned him at the stake." // Meredith didn't want to laugh, but she couldn't help it. (185)

Another character, Josh, says this about RePose: "It's hard to imagine yourself gone, I guess. This way I don't have to." (282) Read more ›

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not so much for seniors... October 9, 2012

By P. Sherman

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

The writing was superb; I loved the characters. But as a 61-year-old woman, I ultimately found this book to be depressing and a bit dismal toward the end. I suspect that if I had read it when I was in my 20's or 30's, I would have loved every aspect of it--and if you are in that age group and intrigued by the premise, definitely read it. The author is young and can only write from her present vantage point; she can't possibly know otherwise. But for me, my enjoyment in the first half took a definite plunge in the second half (not related to any of the major characters or their actions), and when I finished it, I was mostly just kind of depressed. I would not recommend this book to anyone over 60.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent imagery and character development, interesting and unique premise October 15, 2012

By Charlie TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Goodbye for now

The premise of the book was very promising, especially with a story that seemed to relate to a wide variety of readers. There's promise of loneliness, love, meeting the right person, and hints of loss. I felt that Frankel did an excellent job in developing the main characters Sam and Meredith. At the end of the book, I felt a real connection with Sam and how he would feel after the events that transpired.

The book is split into 3 parts, with the first part telling a story of how Sam came to meet Meredith and how they influenced so many lives. The second part deals with the implications of their invention, and the third part deals primarily with loss and closure. Although seemingly complicated at first, with frequent dialogue between the characters, the pace was just right. Frankel covers a lot of ground but it never felt rushed or too dull.

There are a few funny moments primarily found in the interaction between Sam and Meredith, specifically the funny couple moments. There are also plenty of sad events, and this is where Frankel really shines. She can make tragic or disheartening events feel so real because of excellent imagery. The one scene where Sam meets some children in the hospital where they have terminal cancer, Frankel described one child as crying and clutching to a worn yellow stuffed rabbit. The image of that worn out stuffed rabbit enhances the scene significantly.

The ending did not do much for me emotionally, although it provided a sense of closure for Sam. It just felt like there could have been a more robust and developed conclusion that is both powerful and effective.
Overall: 5/5 stars, I really enjoyed the story!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Will Make a Terrific Movie September 24, 2012

By Sam Sattler TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Goodbye for Now, the new Laurie Frankel novel, is a movie waiting to happen, the kind of story that Hollywood types hope will become the next When Harry Met Sally or Sleepless in Seattle. The plot is certainly an intriguing one. Sam Elling is a young man who finds it difficult to get a first-date, much less a second one. The great irony of his life is that Sam is a computer geek employed by a Seattle computer dating service to help others find their "soul mates." The irony of his love life does not escape him, so Sam decides to use his programming skills to identify his perfect match - on the first try. The program he invents works so perfectly that the company's profits take a hit because repeat customers become a thing of the past. No longer an asset to his employer, Sam loses his job, but not before having found his dream girl, co-worker Meredith Maxwell, whom he immediately dubs "Merde."

Still out of work, Sam has plenty of time to spare when Meredith's grandmother dies suddenly. Seeing how hard she takes her grandmother's loss, he writes a program that will sort through their hundreds of emails, video chats, and texts to help him create what turns out to be an almost magical algorithm. That algorithm rearranges these communications from the past into new, real-time mixes that allow Meredith and her grandmother to exchange emails and enjoy video chats as if the old lady were still in Florida for the winter - not dead and buried.

Sam and Meredith, along with a rather colorful cousin of Meredith's, recognizing a unique opportunity to go into business for themselves, are soon offering Sam's creation to the general public. As the business grows quietly and steadily, the three are optimistic about their future and proud of what they offer their grieving customers.... Things get more complicated, however, when word of their venture spreads and a few newspapers start calling. Soon, newspapers from around the world are writing about them, CNN is talking about them, and prominent religious leaders are questioning the morality of what they are selling at this company called RePose.

Is easing the immediate pain of a grieving person really a good thing if it just prolongs the grieving process and makes it more difficult than it would have been otherwise? Should the number of times a customer can use the RePose software be limited? Is RePose making it impossible for users ever to move on with the rest of their lives? Do dead people still have the right to privacy? These are just a few of the issues with which RePose must grapple. But, Goodbye for Now is also Sam and Meredith's love story - and that part of the story is about to get complicated.

This is a tearjerker, an emotional rollercoaster, a sci-fi comedy - all of these things. But despite all its tugging at the heartstrings, Goodbye for Now never quite works for me. Because I found the characters to be more of the sit-com type than of the real-world variety, I was never able to get emotionally invested in any of them long enough to care about them. The dialogue is snappy, funny, even touching, but never quite real- Sam and his friends are likable, just not believable. Read more ›