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Good Apple: Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York
"For a woman who thinks of herself as a New Yorker at this point, I buy a lot of clothes from companies named things like Shrimp & Grits. Why? Because identity is complicated." Elizabeth Passarella is content with being complicated. She grew up in Memphis in a conservative Republican family with a Christian mom and a Jewish dad. Then she moved to New York, fell in love with the city--and, eventually, her husband--and changed. Sort of. While her politics have tilted to the left, she still puts her faith first, and argues that the two can go hand in hand, for what it's worth. Whether you have city lights or starry skies in your eye, Good Apple will show you that: In this sharp and slyly profound memoir, Elizabeth upends stereotypes about Southerners, New Yorkers, and Christians, making a case that we are all flawed humans simply doing our best. Praise for Good Apple : "With sly humor, ecumenical warmth, and disarming frankness, Elizabeth Passarella builds bridges between red and blue and North and South. Good Apple makes a strong case for New York City as the kingdom of God--and for handwritten thank-you notes." --Ada Calhoun, author of St. Marks Is Dead , Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give , and Why We Can't Sleep
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2021
About the author
Elizabeth Passarella
2 books182 followersElizabeth Passarella is the author of the essay collections It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway and Good Apple, which was named a Best Book of the Year 2021 by Real Simple. A former editor at Real Simple and Vogue, she has spent more than 20 years writing about food, travel, home design, and parenting in outlets including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Parents, Martha Stewart Weddings, Coastal Living, Apartment Therapy's The Kitchn, and Southern Living. Elizabeth grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and now lives in New York City with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
November 27, 2020
This is an amusing book that isn't quite sure what it wants to be. Is it a memoir? Parenting book? A tribute to Christianity? A political commentary? An introduction to New York City life? Self-demeaning humor? It's hard to say since the author has tried to combine all of these into one book and has succeeded overall, but perhaps confused her readership. Each page will have you reclassifying what you're reading and either it will appeal to a large and diverse audience or if you're not up for a very human confession, you may put it down.
But you shouldn't. There are gems in this book and it may be helpful in breaking down some stereotypes. One can only hope!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
But you shouldn't. There are gems in this book and it may be helpful in breaking down some stereotypes. One can only hope!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
April 1, 2021
DNF at 34%. It wasn't what I was expecting based on the blurb. I got to a point in the book where I just didn't want to continue.
March 5, 2021
Ugh! Enough with the politics! I do not enjoy lectures on someone’s political views. I enjoyed the stories she told and LOVED the way she shared her faith. My biggest issue was that the book felt VERY condescending. It seemed as though the author was looking down her nose at those of us who choose to live in the south and raise our families here. Just because someone lives in NYC does not make them more cultured or educated.
September 30, 2023
Good Apple is subtitled “Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York” and it’s Elizabeth Passarella’s memoir about life as a Christian and a New Yorker, which is different from the conservative Southern life she grew up having in Memphis.
Is it easy to get a family of 5 to church in NYC? It’s not impossible, but getting everyone into the car on time, driving, then trying to find parking there sounds harder than it might be in Memphis, or many other cities. What about getting sausage for a Thanksgiving recipe? Sure, you can get sausage at a butcher shop, but it probably won’t be the Jimmy Dean sausage traditionally used by the family.
My favorite chapter was “They got lost and were never seen again”, where Elizabeth talks about her dad and the morbid stories she wrote as an 8 year old child, fascinated by death and kidnapping. The last 3-4 chapters, which includes this one, were the strongest and resonated most with me.
Good Apple is a book about being ok with a somewhat complicated life and about NYC living. It’s an entertaining story with a solid dose of humor. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading Elizabeth’s newest book soon.
Is it easy to get a family of 5 to church in NYC? It’s not impossible, but getting everyone into the car on time, driving, then trying to find parking there sounds harder than it might be in Memphis, or many other cities. What about getting sausage for a Thanksgiving recipe? Sure, you can get sausage at a butcher shop, but it probably won’t be the Jimmy Dean sausage traditionally used by the family.
My favorite chapter was “They got lost and were never seen again”, where Elizabeth talks about her dad and the morbid stories she wrote as an 8 year old child, fascinated by death and kidnapping. The last 3-4 chapters, which includes this one, were the strongest and resonated most with me.
Good Apple is a book about being ok with a somewhat complicated life and about NYC living. It’s an entertaining story with a solid dose of humor. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading Elizabeth’s newest book soon.
April 12, 2021
oh man, this review will be brutally honest (thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the book in exchange for said honest review- please don't hate me). I'm trying to picture the author sitting across from me drinking coffee together -- which, if you're ever in the Dallas Ft. Worth Area, I would absolutely love to do!
First, had this not been a gifted copy, I would have DNF'd this book almost immediately in the first few pages. I hope that you may reconsider the wording (or perhaps deleting entirely) the notation blurb about "being lucky" for not having been sexually assaulted in NYC, because you happened to go home with a guy from the bar and then told him you were saving yourself for marriage. What about those whom have been "unlucky?" The way it was flippantly stated in the book also suggests that women, as victims of sexual assault, have any blame/fault to that assault and placed themselves in that position. How dangerously stated and shared. Hope that is evaluated, as that diminishes the author's voice and story.
Second, I am really curious as to the intended audience and the overall theme/point to the book. The author is a gifted writer, and the best parts of the book are when she is vulnerable, raw, and pours herself onto the pages; however, there seems to be a lack of focus. The chapters and some of the writing seem very random, much like our inherent train of thought-- but this is a book, so it was hard to follow at times. Is it about being southern in NYC, dealing with your anger, being a Mom in NYC, being a Christian in NYC-- I guess all those things, but what about those experiences have you learned and are trying to convey to the audience? How is God using you, using this book? To be fair, there were some points/lessons that were clear, but it's not indicated in every chapter.
And, target audience matters. You are VERY proud to be southern transplant living in NYC and a democrat. Awesome. However, you write in a manner that is pretentious and condescending- as if your particular choices make you more sophisticated, "worldly" or evolved. You've now just alienated a good majority of whom your readers might be. And as you had briefly mentioned in your book, Jesus doesn't care if you're Republican, Democrat, Southern, City, Country... insert whatever label... this is shocking to a lot of people but Jesus wasn't even American! I feel like the book added to the polarization of this country, when the message as Christians should be one of unifying, of peace. He is after our hearts. Personally, doesn't matter where you live or who you vote for- are you using the gifts he's given you to further the glory and kingdom of God? "Blessed are the peacemakers" has never been more needed.
On that note, the biggest contention I have with the book and then I'll be done, promise. Right smack on the cover of your book is "Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York." I want to highlight evangelical here (whether it's capitalized or not)... this book is a way to "evangelize," loving your family is another way... it was extremely disappointing and confusing that you've been given the opportunity to share the gospel and you write about your theory of "do overs." How far from the gospel and truth and entire purpose of evangelicals. I don't understand. It feels like you turned yourself into little g god in this book and strayed from the bible to serve your needs. A lot of times it isn't "cool" to be "the Christian" and your stories (as most people) have some insecurity and fear in sharing some of the craziness that is the bible. It is scary that Jesus said we can only get to heaven through him, which I guess was the pressing need for the great commission, for evangelizing... and you telling people that it's okay, you'll be given another chance to believe in Christ when you die is NOT true at all.
Anyway, with all of that said, it does make me curious if you decide to write a book on your experiences raising kids in NYC during the pandemic. I know all the chaos we've got going on, 3 young kiddos too, but I'm sure you'd capture the hilarity (read: crying) very well. Despite these criticisms, I feel like we could be friends and I could go out to drinks with you, I would like to discuss this in person and see/hear your POV. As a sister, I can't recommend this book to others though, solely based on some glaring errors.
First, had this not been a gifted copy, I would have DNF'd this book almost immediately in the first few pages. I hope that you may reconsider the wording (or perhaps deleting entirely) the notation blurb about "being lucky" for not having been sexually assaulted in NYC, because you happened to go home with a guy from the bar and then told him you were saving yourself for marriage. What about those whom have been "unlucky?" The way it was flippantly stated in the book also suggests that women, as victims of sexual assault, have any blame/fault to that assault and placed themselves in that position. How dangerously stated and shared. Hope that is evaluated, as that diminishes the author's voice and story.
Second, I am really curious as to the intended audience and the overall theme/point to the book. The author is a gifted writer, and the best parts of the book are when she is vulnerable, raw, and pours herself onto the pages; however, there seems to be a lack of focus. The chapters and some of the writing seem very random, much like our inherent train of thought-- but this is a book, so it was hard to follow at times. Is it about being southern in NYC, dealing with your anger, being a Mom in NYC, being a Christian in NYC-- I guess all those things, but what about those experiences have you learned and are trying to convey to the audience? How is God using you, using this book? To be fair, there were some points/lessons that were clear, but it's not indicated in every chapter.
And, target audience matters. You are VERY proud to be southern transplant living in NYC and a democrat. Awesome. However, you write in a manner that is pretentious and condescending- as if your particular choices make you more sophisticated, "worldly" or evolved. You've now just alienated a good majority of whom your readers might be. And as you had briefly mentioned in your book, Jesus doesn't care if you're Republican, Democrat, Southern, City, Country... insert whatever label... this is shocking to a lot of people but Jesus wasn't even American! I feel like the book added to the polarization of this country, when the message as Christians should be one of unifying, of peace. He is after our hearts. Personally, doesn't matter where you live or who you vote for- are you using the gifts he's given you to further the glory and kingdom of God? "Blessed are the peacemakers" has never been more needed.
On that note, the biggest contention I have with the book and then I'll be done, promise. Right smack on the cover of your book is "Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York." I want to highlight evangelical here (whether it's capitalized or not)... this book is a way to "evangelize," loving your family is another way... it was extremely disappointing and confusing that you've been given the opportunity to share the gospel and you write about your theory of "do overs." How far from the gospel and truth and entire purpose of evangelicals. I don't understand. It feels like you turned yourself into little g god in this book and strayed from the bible to serve your needs. A lot of times it isn't "cool" to be "the Christian" and your stories (as most people) have some insecurity and fear in sharing some of the craziness that is the bible. It is scary that Jesus said we can only get to heaven through him, which I guess was the pressing need for the great commission, for evangelizing... and you telling people that it's okay, you'll be given another chance to believe in Christ when you die is NOT true at all.
Anyway, with all of that said, it does make me curious if you decide to write a book on your experiences raising kids in NYC during the pandemic. I know all the chaos we've got going on, 3 young kiddos too, but I'm sure you'd capture the hilarity (read: crying) very well. Despite these criticisms, I feel like we could be friends and I could go out to drinks with you, I would like to discuss this in person and see/hear your POV. As a sister, I can't recommend this book to others though, solely based on some glaring errors.
December 28, 2020
This was a great, leisurely read. I love memoirs, and Elizabeth Passarella's incredible writing skill, sense of humour and her ability to address serious issues made this one a joy to read. Her essays are filled with nuance, address serious topics in a witty and lighthearted way, and address the real and powerful issues facing so many Evangelicals in North America today. You'll want to read this one!
September 12, 2020
Book was funny, irreverant, and just plain true-life. Loved the book.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.
February 4, 2021
I think this would have worked better as a short story collection as opposed to a memoir.
January 23, 2021
I just finished Good Apple in my second sitting, and I feel like I just had a girls weekend with a lifelong friend. I laughed a lot - and definitely had more than one tear in my eye as I read the stories. I am grateful for Elizabeth’s vulnerability, strength and transparency. I drank more than my fair share of a pot of coffee as I spent my entire Saturday morning in my sweats, bearing a bit of witness to her life stories so far.
Throughout, it felt like sliding doors - a path not taken but one that easily could have been mine. She grapples with her politics, her faith (well it seems she has a lot less grappling than mine- but still), her identity as a Southerner, a woman and a mother. The book also felt like a love letter to her home, New York — most certainly a sliding doors scenario for me.
I initially pre-ordered Good Apple to cheer on my high school friend’s little sister. That was months ago and I wasn’t sure I would even read it, to be honest. But I picked it up as I turned into bed and loved how honest, funny and open it was. So it was clear to me that I would spend my Saturday morning with Elizabeth’s story from waking up until now - and I only stopped reading to pour another cup of coffee or to read a passage to my husband. Maybe I thought it would help my NY-born husband know his Southern wife (of 20 years) a bit more.
Yes, I saw myself in bits of the story - the common history and the sliding doors story of life in Manhattan - but most of all, I had that wonderful feeling, as I said before, of lingering time with girlfriends. Hearing another person’s story, the important and the seemingly unimportant, listening, laughing, and being fully present. No judgments (despite my teenager telling me how judgmental I am) - only curiosity and empathy and acceptance and pride and connection.
We can’t have in-real-life girls weekends during these last months of the pandemic, so until then, I savor mornings like this one. And it makes me all the more happy to know that the in-real-life stories with bottomless pots of coffee will come again. Sharing stories with each other is more important than I think we give it credit for. Taking time to pause being productive, so that we can just be, in community, with each other.
Throughout, it felt like sliding doors - a path not taken but one that easily could have been mine. She grapples with her politics, her faith (well it seems she has a lot less grappling than mine- but still), her identity as a Southerner, a woman and a mother. The book also felt like a love letter to her home, New York — most certainly a sliding doors scenario for me.
I initially pre-ordered Good Apple to cheer on my high school friend’s little sister. That was months ago and I wasn’t sure I would even read it, to be honest. But I picked it up as I turned into bed and loved how honest, funny and open it was. So it was clear to me that I would spend my Saturday morning with Elizabeth’s story from waking up until now - and I only stopped reading to pour another cup of coffee or to read a passage to my husband. Maybe I thought it would help my NY-born husband know his Southern wife (of 20 years) a bit more.
Yes, I saw myself in bits of the story - the common history and the sliding doors story of life in Manhattan - but most of all, I had that wonderful feeling, as I said before, of lingering time with girlfriends. Hearing another person’s story, the important and the seemingly unimportant, listening, laughing, and being fully present. No judgments (despite my teenager telling me how judgmental I am) - only curiosity and empathy and acceptance and pride and connection.
We can’t have in-real-life girls weekends during these last months of the pandemic, so until then, I savor mornings like this one. And it makes me all the more happy to know that the in-real-life stories with bottomless pots of coffee will come again. Sharing stories with each other is more important than I think we give it credit for. Taking time to pause being productive, so that we can just be, in community, with each other.
November 30, 2021
My friend Shannan told me about this one as a southern girl who now lives often elsewhere (though not as anywhere quite as glamorous as New York City), she thought I could relate.
And she was certainly right! I think some of that is her hysterical stories of life in New York City (I'm not a big emoter when I read, and I was seriously reading in bed and having to stifle laughter so as not to wake up my husband), but I think some of it is just the way she could make any story, even as unrelatable to me as raising children in a doorman building in Manhattan, relatable through her voice.
If you're a fan of Mary Laura Philpott this might be for you.
And she was certainly right! I think some of that is her hysterical stories of life in New York City (I'm not a big emoter when I read, and I was seriously reading in bed and having to stifle laughter so as not to wake up my husband), but I think some of it is just the way she could make any story, even as unrelatable to me as raising children in a doorman building in Manhattan, relatable through her voice.
If you're a fan of Mary Laura Philpott this might be for you.
February 27, 2022
Finished it in the beginning of '22, but read most of it in fall of '21. Fun mix of stories of living in NYC, growing up in a southern Christian household, and how her faith has held her together through it all. Irreverent and thoughtful and hilarious.
January 31, 2021
I want to write a positive review for this book, if only because I know writers take these things to heart. But also because I loved the trailer I saw on a Facebook ad enough to order it immediately from my local bookstore. Elizabeth seems lovely. But this book drove me crazy. It felt like she thought she would only get one chance at a book deal and so she threw it all in here — instead of believing for 3-5 books over the next few years. There was no clear point she was trying to make, beyond that it’s “okay” to be a Christian democrat that once lived in the south but now loves New York? After not living in the south for 20+ years, her perspective of southerners felt whiny — and I was especially bothered about how she talked about her mom with little nuance. Elizabeth could be a talented writer, but this needed a better editor.
February 4, 2021
I really expected to not like this book. I begrudgingly picked it up, expecting to put it back down after chapter two. I was skeptical of how this book would portray Christians because I knew so little about the author. Most of the time, I don’t like essays books. However, I fell in love with it. It was unputdownable. I literally put reading this book into my schedule because I so enjoyed it. This book offers a refreshing perspective on how to live in the world, not of it, while also making me laugh out loud. I cannot wait to read more of Elizabeth’s work.
February 21, 2021
Like Passerella, I grew up in an evangelical Republican family in Tennessee, albeit about 15 years earlier and on the opposite end of the state. Also like her, I became a liberal Democrat. Unlike her, I have rejected evangelicalism (though I do still consider myself Christian. I really wanted to give this book a 3.5 because some chapters really got on my nerves. But she’s a fine writer, and some chapters were laugh-out-loud funny.
August 10, 2021
Loved loved loved!!! I laughed out loud (Katherine witnessed), cried, and looked up the real estate in New York. :) can’t recommend it enough
February 24, 2021
This book hadn't been on my radar, but I loved the cover and the subtitle, Tales of a Southern Evangelical in New York. Passarella's faith was deeply important to her and grounded everything she wrote. She didn't just call herself a Christian because she'd always gone to church; it was about a deep relationship with God. I loved reading about it! However, the essays overall were a mixed bag and the book lacked direction. It felt like reading all her opinions on various topics (marriage, parenting, miscarriage, politics, faith, life in New York, and more), and some felt like TMI or bothered me (like her anger/temper). I'd also argue that she isn't a "Southerner in New York" – she's a New Yorker who is from the South. I was So Okay With It.
April 10, 2021
Hold me
I could not have loved this book more. Recommended by a dear friend, I felt seen, heard and understood on almost every page. I love New York, I love the South, I love Jesus, and I also really do forking love ice. I laughed every chapter and ugly cried in a good many as well, as these topics and more were covered. Run, run to this one. I don’t think you’ll regret it (except for a few moments were a King Kong-sized rat is covered in a chapter, woof). Long live redemption, long live NYC, and hallelujah for a Savior who shows up in all the messy places. I can’t wait to read this again.
I could not have loved this book more. Recommended by a dear friend, I felt seen, heard and understood on almost every page. I love New York, I love the South, I love Jesus, and I also really do forking love ice. I laughed every chapter and ugly cried in a good many as well, as these topics and more were covered. Run, run to this one. I don’t think you’ll regret it (except for a few moments were a King Kong-sized rat is covered in a chapter, woof). Long live redemption, long live NYC, and hallelujah for a Savior who shows up in all the messy places. I can’t wait to read this again.
July 17, 2023
Absolutely loved. It was witty, sincere, and relatable in a way that made me feel so seen! Also re-affirmed a lot of my dreams. A must-read for all my friends living outside the South, but really just people who are learning that the world is different than the circles they grew up in.
June 18, 2021
Humorous, honest, and interesting.
June 20, 2021
DNF at 63% read - like many others, I started this book thinking of myself as one of the author’s “beloved”, looking forward to sharp, witty stories about cultural diversity, common ground and funny misunderstandings only to realize a little more than halfway in that the reason the author’s mom is likely disappointed she lives in NYC is the self imported attitude that this seems to bring in some people whose identity becomes somehow wrapped up in the city of their residence. Being a New Yorker can be amazing, and the city is one I love for so many reasons, but it’s not a shield or a sword, though it seems to be wielded as both here. Some of these stories were hilarious and I really wanted to hear more fun stories about Christian conversations with diverse groups of people, but these seemed to be sandwiched in as asides and one liners between political and domestic rantings. And that’s ok - but not sure why the title bothers to reference religion when this seems to play only a supporting role in the overall story.
June 14, 2021
I wanted so badly to read about someone grappling with the double-sidedness of being part of liberal/intellectual/urban communities while also holding onto their faith/belief/Christianity. This was not that book. The places where she talks about her faith felt so glib to me, like pat Sunday school answers of the "everything happens for a reason" genre. If I had read the book as a marriage/parenting memoir I might have been perfectly happy with it, but the premise left me wanting more nuance and exploration of those identities. To be fair, it was quite funny!
October 18, 2023
I thought this would be a book I'd relate to- similar background and personal changes, but no, it was several hundred pages of irritating, alternating with embarrassing martial squabbles. Religious people on the right will feel chastised, religious people on the left will grow tired of hearing about Jesus (I never thought I would, but here we are). The unchurched will not pick this up in the first place. It felt like a (very) long piece in a teen magazine. Did not finish.
April 7, 2021
I was very excited by the premise of this book and the promise it made in the introduction--to give a fresh perspective on being an evangelical Christian and a Democrat that is fervently in love with God and New York City. But the book didn't really stick to the premise or the promise and instead was mostly quite surface and was more of a snarky parenting book.
July 29, 2021
I loved this. Loved it! She wrote in a way that felt authentic to how my friends and I talk about faith and live it. She’s funny, but not crass. Encouraging and bringing things back to Jesus, but not in a “Jesus-is-the-answer-full-stop” kind of way. She’s very charitable with groups who are both more liberal and more conservative than her. Just a real treat to read.
April 5, 2023
We all have that friend (or five) who is radically different from us but who we love spending time with anyway. In this memoir written in essay style, I found such a friend. I flew through this engaging and hilarious book, even though I disagree with most of the author’s views on politics, parenting, and even theology.
June 9, 2023
I didn’t love it and didn’t hate it…I can’t quite put my finger on what I didn’t like. I enjoyed parts and laughed out loud during some of it and simultaneously felt like it was preachy and a little overdone…
August 14, 2021
I listened to Good Apple by @espassarella in just two days as I cleaned out closets while the kids were at camp, and it honestly felt like I was just hanging out with a girlfriend, hearing her story and laughing at our shared experiences while I worked.
Though I’ve never lived in NYC, I - like Passarella - came of age during the peak Evangelical / mega church era. I related to SO much of her stories, cultural references, and even her shifting beliefs over the years, but I found it very refreshing to read about how her faith remained strong and continued to be a part of her life and identity, even as it changed.
This was a light and funny read, with plenty of thoughtful, even deep, commentary on life, religion, region, and how all of that intersects! ❤️ 🍎
Though I’ve never lived in NYC, I - like Passarella - came of age during the peak Evangelical / mega church era. I related to SO much of her stories, cultural references, and even her shifting beliefs over the years, but I found it very refreshing to read about how her faith remained strong and continued to be a part of her life and identity, even as it changed.
This was a light and funny read, with plenty of thoughtful, even deep, commentary on life, religion, region, and how all of that intersects! ❤️ 🍎
June 18, 2021
What a delightful discovery! I have enjoyed Elizabeth Passarella's writing featured in Real Simple over the years, so I was excited to hear that she had released a book. Don't let the title throw you--this is a fun read. Good Apple is like spending a long weekend with your favorite college roommate or sorority sister. Passrella's raw, honest perspective mixed with her irreverent sense of humor moved me to tears and granted plenty of laugh out loud moments. There's much to relate to here, regardless of your worldview, political leanings or geographical location.
Nicely done!
Nicely done!
August 14, 2022
I was told to read this book because the author is from Memphis and I want to support her! I appreciated her honesty and how well she shared her faith! I could have done without all the political opinions and I felt like she was hating on the south a lot. It was interesting but definitely not a page turner.
February 15, 2021
I enjoyed her writing: funny and touching, honest and vulnerable. I would say she wrestles truthfully with her faith, but she stands firmly in her convictions about Jesus’ work in her life in a lighthearted way.
I didn’t enjoy crazy long paragraphs and perhaps some rough around the edges sentences, but the book’s charm is enough.
I didn’t enjoy crazy long paragraphs and perhaps some rough around the edges sentences, but the book’s charm is enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews