Book Review: Charlie Quinn Let’s Go by Jamie Varon

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

Jamie Varon’s Charlie Quinn Let’s Go is a funny, heart-tugging, and ultimately uplifting novel that explores the messy beauty of letting go—and what it means to start over when life doesn’t go according to plan. If you’ve ever felt like you were drowning in your own expectations or clinging to control like a life raft, Charlie Quinn’s journey might feel strikingly personal.

On her thirtieth birthday, Charlie’s world spectacularly implodes. In the span of a single day, she loses her job, her boyfriend, and even her dignity (thanks to some brutal food poisoning). With nothing left to lose, she returns to her childhood home in Los Angeles, where her younger sister proposes a wild challenge: say yes to everything for a month.

That’s where the fun—and the soul-searching—begins.

This novel thrives on contrasts: control vs. spontaneity, fear vs. freedom, cynicism vs. hope. Charlie is a relatable protagonist whose voice is sharp, self-deprecating, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Varon handles Charlie’s emotional unraveling and rebuilding with care, layering humor and warmth over deeper themes of grief, perfectionism, and the cost of living a life designed to avoid disappointment.

The romantic subplot is particularly satisfying—an accidental reconnection with a high school crush that turns into a no-strings, high-chemistry affair. What could have felt cliché instead feels fresh, thanks to Varon’s grounded writing and the slow-burn emotional arc that runs alongside the physical one.

If there’s a slight critique, it’s that the story’s final stretch wraps things up a bit too neatly. Charlie’s transformation, while heartwarming, teeters on predictability near the end. But honestly? You’ll be rooting for her so hard by then that you probably won’t mind.

Bottom line:

Charlie Quinn Let’s Go is a spirited celebration of reinvention. It’s for anyone who’s ever been told they’re “too much” or “not enough,” for anyone who’s ever white-knuckled their way through life and wondered what might happen if they let go—even just a little. This book will make you laugh, maybe tear up, and definitely consider saying “yes” more often.

Perfect for fans of: Emily Henry, Sophie Cousens, or Katherine Center.

Best read with: A big glass of wine, a messy bun, and no plans for the rest of the night.