The Things We Don't Understand

by Lillian Flood

As Chicago falls victim to its inevitable seasonal chill, it seems something else is in the air- change. Surrounded by love and loss, five people battle their lives' most significant obstacles. For Jayce, it's the aftermath of the death of his enemy; Cho, it's coming home for the holidays after losing contact; Addison, it's a sudden and tumultuous reunion with her ex-best friend; Izaak, it's learning to navigate both a cancer diagnosis and a battling mind; R, it's the struggle to find closure from an ex-love. When autumn finally comes to a close, what challenges will they face, and how will they find acceptance in this turmoil? Through a collection of five short stories comes an exploration of grief and the stories each stranger carries.

312 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Iqra Nadeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

not a ginormous fan of short stories but I LOVE it when they intersect 🤭 maybe nhs was worth that $20

[jrlreadz · Rating 5 out of 5]

my sister wrote this!!!

[Lillian Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book ever!!! (I wrote it)

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the author!😌 It’s so impressive and iconic that my friend wrote such an intricate novel. I love the concept and how it delves into the interlinking lives strangers lead. I want to see more of the characters’ lives. Everyone should give this slay book a try. ✨

[Cameron Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very captivating and engaging book. Dynamic and complex characters that are very personable. Deals with complex subjects in a beautiful manor that is very realistic and makes you self reflect. Very good and engaging book from start to finish! I recommend it for anyone :)

[Evie Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book and i just know the author is super cool and amazing

[Elise Grosdidier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book! It was a beautiful representation of several types of different problems that people struggle through on the daily. It not only dives into the personal effects, but it also does a wonderful job showing different types of support. Everyone comes from a different walk of life, and this collection of short stories emphasizes the reasons we shouldn’t be quick to judge others. The characters were depicted in such unique ways and I found myself empathizing with all of them! I loved the all of places this book took me and want everyone to experience its story. This is a must-read!

[Reagan Wald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absurdly amazing read. I had never read a book written in this way before I picked up TTWDU, and it was refreshingly unique. I was so impressed by how attached I grew to the characters and their storylines in the short amount of time I had the pleasure of reading about their lives and the development I got to see occur. The way their stories ended left me with the familiar pain of unprecendence and the passage of time, but optimism for the future of their lives and my own. The authentic insight into different perspectives this book provides will guarantee that its readers all leave more empathetic, hopeful, and introspective individuals.

[Anjali Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible and very applicable to real life. Readers are transported to a snippet of someone's life in Chicago, not to know their full story, but to walk a mile or two in their shoes. Everyone can easily relate to at least one of the characters. The main characters are dynamic and their stories are told masterfully. I would highly recommend this book because it shows how not everyone's lives are intertwined, but every stranger has a story.

[Helen Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!