Good Night, Irene

Bookseller recommendation

“Of course I knew the Red Cross served in all the wars, but I thought it was nursing care and well back from danger. I had no idea they trained women to be a slice of home for the GI's, to cook donuts, play card games, be a listening ear, and deliver mail all the way up to the foxholes of the front line. I couldn't put it down.”

— Lisa • Bookmarks

Bookseller recommendation

“1943: Irene is looking to get out of NY and her abusive relationship. She joins the Red Cross as a Donut Dolly. She and her new-found friend Dorothy travel throughout the European theatre to support the troops with coffee, donuts, and a smile from home. A semi-biographical look at a unique role women played in WWII. Lovingly told with great detail. I had never heard of this group of American women before, and I am so thrilled this book popped up in my life!”

— Yvonne • Author's Note

Bookseller recommendation

“I am so sick of WWII books. So sick of them. And then Urrea comes along with this novel and, damnit, here I am reading another one and loving it. Truth be told, it's the best of the bunch, partly because it's about an obscure branch of the Red Cross - the Donut Dollies - and partly because Urrea is such a phenomenal writer. He's as good with the intimate inner thoughts of the characters as he is with the battle scenes. He's at his best when he balances both at he same time. I think this has the appeal and staying power of All the light We Cannot See. Don't skip this one. ”

— Dana • Snowbound Books

Bookseller recommendation

“The author based this stellar historical novel on his mother’s service as a Donut Dolly in WWII where she and Dot basically lived in a bus alongside the battlefields making scratch donuts and coffee for the soldiers, at great risk. An amazing true tale of heroism, endurance, laughter, love and friendship. ”

— Patience • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“In this WWII epic, Luis Alberto Urrea captures the catastrophic scale of war through the eyes of Irene and Dorothy, two Red Cross enlistees. Their spry banter, secrets, and tender care make a story and a friendship you won’t forget.”

— Sarah Hollenbeck • Women & Children First

Bookseller recommendation

“Luis Alberto Urrea set out to write a nonfiction history of the American Red Cross donut dollies of World War II but as it turns out the building with all of the records had burned down. He pivoted and wrote this fictionalized account based in truth about his mother and and her friend as they drive a truck through the front lines in Europe serving coffee, donuts, and companionship to the military men. I loved the friendship, the story, the history, and the heartache. Urrea does a brilliant job of describing the horrors of war the simple, sweet things--like a donut-- that keep us human in the most inhumane times. ”

— Julie Buckles • Honest Dog Books

Bookseller recommendation

“It was so delightful to hear about these women of the Red Cross called Donut Dollies! They risked their lives, being right in the action as were the soldiers whose morales they lifted during the Second World War. At that time there weren't a lot of options for women to contribute to the war effort, much less by actually BEING THERE. It was genuinely touching knowing that the author's mother had actually done this! What a tribute to her and a gift to all of us reader that he shared this.”

— Susan • Anderson's Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“This WWII historical fiction novel is based on Urrea's mother and her work with the American Red Cross during the war. His writing is beautiful and you will fall in love with Irene...her grit, determination, and strength. Another war story, but one very worthy of telling. Urrea never disappoints. ”

— Annette • Bright Side Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“My favorite book of the year! I recommended this to everyone! Love the story, love the characters. Wanted them to do well, to be okay. Fell in love with their stories. It is beautifully written. It makes you feel as though you know these people. After listening to this audiobook I wanted to find out all I could about these unsung heroes. Can’t recommend it enough. ”

— Andrea • Molly's Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Just when I thought I had read every storyline about WW2 another gem pops up. Thank you Luis Alberto Urrea for shining the spotlight on the Red Cross Donut Dollies. This is a captivating and at times heartbreaking tale of these remarkable women that brought pastries, coffee and comfort to the those on the front lines. At times I felt I was right there with them, experiencing it all. ”

— Fran • Titcomb's Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“In 1943, author Luis Urerra's mother volunteered for the war effort. To make donuts. For the troops. In a war zone. Good Night Irene is Urrea's version of this amazing story. With adventure, a fabulous friendship tale, and, well, donuts, this will be THE historical fiction everyone will be reading in Fall 23.”

— Angie • The Country Bookshop