When Did You Know it Would be Good?

On Life and its Secrets

  • A generation-bridging work discussing ten major life themes
  • Topics: friendship between women, intergenerational dialogue, aging and self-acceptance

Two of Germany’s most beloved book critics step out from behind the microphone to discuss life’s bigger questions.

Mona Ameziane and Christine Westermann have spent years building a dedicated following through their chart-topping literary podcast, where they intentionally avoided discussing their private histories. In their first joint book, these two close friends from wildly different generations get serious.

Over ten thematic chapters covering ambition, happiness, mindfulness, aging, the changing body, defeat, and love - they share intimate, unscripted conversations from the perspectives of a woman in her mid 70s and one in her early 30s.

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  • Publisher: Kiepenheuer&Witsch
  • Release: 01.10.2026
  • ISBN: 978-3-462-01062-6
  • 336 Pages
  • Authors: Mona AmezianeChristine Westermann
Buchcover von When Did You Know it Would be Good?: Über das Leben und seine Geheimnisse
Mona Ameziane Christine Westermann When Did You Know it Would be Good?
Portrait von Mona Ameziane
© Lena Heckl
Mona Ameziane

Mona Ameziane is a TV- and radio broadcaster and hosts major cultural programs. 

Portrait von Christine Westermann
© Lena Heckl
Christine Westermann

Christine Westermann  is one of the best-known book critics, with her book recommendations in STERN , her radio shows and as a columnist. She was a regular member of the television program Das literarische Quartett . Christine Westermann has published five books to date, all of which have become bestsellers.