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It Could Be Worse
“Visceral and moving,” (Andra Watkins, New York Times bestselling author), It Could Be Worse is a tale of acceptance and awakening—but not necessarily forgiveness—that reminds us we can choose how our stories end.
Mired in self-doubt and blind loyalty, Allegra Gil suspects her charmed life may be a gilded cage. She has a devoted husband, Benito, two loving children, a thriving therapy practice, and lifelong friends. But when a surprising discovery in a piano bench reveals a shocking family secret, Allegra questions everything she thought she knew about the two people who raised her. Was it true? Did her father, a respected pediatric neurosurgeon, harm instead of heal? And Allegra’s mother—how much did she know?
As the past threatens the present, Allegra plays the song of what was, what is, and what may never be in this “powerful and poignant story about letting go” (Jean Meltzer, international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball).
Composed with the cadence of a waltz—up, up, down—through flashbacks to childhood memories in Miami and a music camp in Michigan, It Could Be Worse is a heartwarming, at times heart-wrenching, multigenerational story of a woman supported and embraced by many while shaken to the core by a few. “The gorgeous prose and raw, unflinching narrative both heal and inspire. A stunning debut.” (Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of Woman on the Edge)
Dara Levan writes about love, loss, resilience, and how radiance emerges from our breaking points. She’s the founder and host of the Every Soul Has a Story podcast and blog. A graduate of Indiana University, Dara is a former pediatric speech-language pathologist who lives in Fort Lauderdale. Learn more at daralevan.com.
Mired in self-doubt and blind loyalty, Allegra Gil suspects her charmed life may be a gilded cage. She has a devoted husband, Benito, two loving children, a thriving therapy practice, and lifelong friends. But when a surprising discovery in a piano bench reveals a shocking family secret, Allegra questions everything she thought she knew about the two people who raised her. Was it true? Did her father, a respected pediatric neurosurgeon, harm instead of heal? And Allegra’s mother—how much did she know?
As the past threatens the present, Allegra plays the song of what was, what is, and what may never be in this “powerful and poignant story about letting go” (Jean Meltzer, international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball).
Composed with the cadence of a waltz—up, up, down—through flashbacks to childhood memories in Miami and a music camp in Michigan, It Could Be Worse is a heartwarming, at times heart-wrenching, multigenerational story of a woman supported and embraced by many while shaken to the core by a few. “The gorgeous prose and raw, unflinching narrative both heal and inspire. A stunning debut.” (Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of Woman on the Edge)
Dara Levan writes about love, loss, resilience, and how radiance emerges from our breaking points. She’s the founder and host of the Every Soul Has a Story podcast and blog. A graduate of Indiana University, Dara is a former pediatric speech-language pathologist who lives in Fort Lauderdale. Learn more at daralevan.com.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
37 people are currently reading
4290 people want to read
About the author
Dara Levan
2 books53 followersDara is an author, podcaster, and the founder of Every Soul Has a Story. What began as a weekly blog has expanded to include a podcast, an inclusive space in which she interviews inspiring guests from around the globe.
The greatest sources of inspiration come from her husband, two children, and finding meaning in everyday moments. When she’s not writing in South Florida, you'll find Dara with her family and fur babies, walking in nature, and talking to strangers who become friends.
Dara is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.A. in English and minor in journalism. She earned her M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Nova Southeastern University. Dara stopped practicing speech therapy to return to full-time writing, creating, and connecting.
She is currently a board member of the Community Foundation of Broward and board member of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation/Memorial Hospital Foundation. Dara served as a board member of the Goodman Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Broward County and Junior Achievement of South Florida. She is a founding member of the Circle of Friends for the Alvin Sherman Library Research, Information, and Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University and a graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXI. Dara is also a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Women’s National Book Association.
Dara lives her life with passion and on purpose. Her intention is to impact the world with integrity, love, and meaning…one word at a time.
The greatest sources of inspiration come from her husband, two children, and finding meaning in everyday moments. When she’s not writing in South Florida, you'll find Dara with her family and fur babies, walking in nature, and talking to strangers who become friends.
Dara is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.A. in English and minor in journalism. She earned her M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Nova Southeastern University. Dara stopped practicing speech therapy to return to full-time writing, creating, and connecting.
She is currently a board member of the Community Foundation of Broward and board member of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation/Memorial Hospital Foundation. Dara served as a board member of the Goodman Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Broward County and Junior Achievement of South Florida. She is a founding member of the Circle of Friends for the Alvin Sherman Library Research, Information, and Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University and a graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXI. Dara is also a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Women’s National Book Association.
Dara lives her life with passion and on purpose. Her intention is to impact the world with integrity, love, and meaning…one word at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 25, 2024
What I Liked:
-Jewish Representation
-Protagonist not in her early 20s
What I Did Not Like:
-How many more bad things could happen to this woman? I felt like I was keeping a laundry list of her trauma. This was in a way where it just felt like omg, enough already, rather than in a way that made me sympathize with her.
-Time jumps felt out of place
-Plot was too slowly paced
Thank you to Regalo Press for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
-Jewish Representation
-Protagonist not in her early 20s
What I Did Not Like:
-How many more bad things could happen to this woman? I felt like I was keeping a laundry list of her trauma. This was in a way where it just felt like omg, enough already, rather than in a way that made me sympathize with her.
-Time jumps felt out of place
-Plot was too slowly paced
Thank you to Regalo Press for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
January 11, 2024
This powerful debut takes us into the lives of two Jewish families: Allegra Gil and her beloved husband Benito and their two children; and Allegra's growing up family with her narcissistically abusive parents, who mentally torture her even as an adult.
If you love family drama fiction, you will appreciate the poignant emotion and ultimate redemption of IT COULD BE WORSE. Trigger warnings: emotional abuse, fat shaming, miscarriage, and cancer.
If you love family drama fiction, you will appreciate the poignant emotion and ultimate redemption of IT COULD BE WORSE. Trigger warnings: emotional abuse, fat shaming, miscarriage, and cancer.
May 7, 2024
Wow is all I can really say. Dara Levan's debut novel, It Could Be Worse, resonated with me in ways I was not expecting.
There is a lot going on in this novel and it takes place over a long range of time, which includes flashbacks to Allegra's youth and teen years. Through these flashbacks, along with what is taking place in the present, we get a real idea of what Allegra's life is like with her parents. Allegra doesn't have it easy at any point in the story, when it comes to dealing with her parents. They are the absolute worst and I actually was crying on her behalf sometimes. I also felt so angry every time they said something to her. How can anyone be so cruel to their own child, no matter what age they are? The range of emotions is definitely a roller coaster, but it's worthwhile to stick with it and just feel them. I reached out to Dara after a pivotal scene to tell her how relatable and accurate I felt it was.
I did have some concerns, however. Because the story spans over a large amount of time, I felt like there were a bunch of timing inconsistencies. Like something would happen one day and they would refer to it as "yesterday" and then "four years ago" somehow at the same time. Even though four years hadn't actually passed by. This is just a rough example, but it's something that I would get confused by. I also found it strange that Allegra would only stutter when saying "Dad" or would refer to him as Dr. Curt. (His first name is not Curt, as I learned later.) I get that she had a strained relationship with him, but both the stutter and the formality seemed off to me. Finally, the synopsis threw me off in terms of what Allegra found out about her parents. I don't want to say anything more as to not spoil what she finds out.
Overall, this was a profound story about family and love and it will stick with me for a long time.
(Trigger warnings below)
Movie casting suggestions:
There is a lot going on in this novel and it takes place over a long range of time, which includes flashbacks to Allegra's youth and teen years. Through these flashbacks, along with what is taking place in the present, we get a real idea of what Allegra's life is like with her parents. Allegra doesn't have it easy at any point in the story, when it comes to dealing with her parents. They are the absolute worst and I actually was crying on her behalf sometimes. I also felt so angry every time they said something to her. How can anyone be so cruel to their own child, no matter what age they are? The range of emotions is definitely a roller coaster, but it's worthwhile to stick with it and just feel them. I reached out to Dara after a pivotal scene to tell her how relatable and accurate I felt it was.
I did have some concerns, however. Because the story spans over a large amount of time, I felt like there were a bunch of timing inconsistencies. Like something would happen one day and they would refer to it as "yesterday" and then "four years ago" somehow at the same time. Even though four years hadn't actually passed by. This is just a rough example, but it's something that I would get confused by. I also found it strange that Allegra would only stutter when saying "Dad" or would refer to him as Dr. Curt. (His first name is not Curt, as I learned later.) I get that she had a strained relationship with him, but both the stutter and the formality seemed off to me. Finally, the synopsis threw me off in terms of what Allegra found out about her parents. I don't want to say anything more as to not spoil what she finds out.
Overall, this was a profound story about family and love and it will stick with me for a long time.
(Trigger warnings below)
Movie casting suggestions:
Allegra: Ginnifer Goodwin
Benito: Oscar Isaac
Dr. Curt: Michael Douglas
Roberta: Lesley Ann Warren
Ruby: Ellie Kemper
Jack: Max Rhyser
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TW: child abuse, emotional abuse, rejection of LGBTQ+ child (not from main character), medical procedures, miscarriage
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TW: child abuse, emotional abuse, rejection of LGBTQ+ child (not from main character), medical procedures, miscarriage
August 5, 2025
'It Could Be Worse' by Dara Levan is a gripping and intense read that tackles the complex topic of narcissistic personality disorder with nuance and depth. I resonated deeply with Ally's struggles and emotions, and the author's portrayal of this often-overlooked theme in fiction felt both authentic and thought-provoking. This book struck a chord with me on a personal level, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and relatable story. Levan's writing is impactful, and the themes will linger long after you finish the book.
March 24, 2024
This book is about a married girl named Allegra Gil who suspects that her charmed life is not all that it may be. After discovering something devastating on the piano bench of her childhood home, she starts to question if the people who should love her the most, her parents and those who raised her, really have done more harm than healing. This is a story of awakening and acceptance, but not necessarily forgiveness in the traditional sense.
Allegra’s story bounces between the present day and her childhood, exploring the complexities of growing up in a toxic family. We live through pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well as a miscarriage with Ally. Her journey is written in the cadence of a waltz: present, present, past, up, up, down, forward, and backward, reminding us that certain life events, experiences, and even unexpected triggering moments can bring us forward and backward. She's so blindly loyal to her father, who's a pediatric neurosurgeon. When she finally starts to awaken as to how they really treat her, she finally has to admit her father and mother are not who she thought they were. The deep root of Allegra's journey, part of it is a shame about her body. The book touches on the themes of narcissistic abuse, resilience, and the pursuit of self-acceptance.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
Allegra’s story bounces between the present day and her childhood, exploring the complexities of growing up in a toxic family. We live through pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well as a miscarriage with Ally. Her journey is written in the cadence of a waltz: present, present, past, up, up, down, forward, and backward, reminding us that certain life events, experiences, and even unexpected triggering moments can bring us forward and backward. She's so blindly loyal to her father, who's a pediatric neurosurgeon. When she finally starts to awaken as to how they really treat her, she finally has to admit her father and mother are not who she thought they were. The deep root of Allegra's journey, part of it is a shame about her body. The book touches on the themes of narcissistic abuse, resilience, and the pursuit of self-acceptance.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
May 31, 2024
Allegra Gil has a good life. She's a therapist with a handsome husband and happy children. Even after the sorrow of a miscarriage, she and her husband had navigated the grief together and conceived another child. The ground is solid. So why does she always feel a little unsteady and unsure of herself? Shaky inside.
She had a picture-perfect childhood. That's what she's always believed. But when a secret about her father is revealed, the pretty facade quickly crumbles. Allegra decides to confront painful truths about her relationship with her parents in order to create a better future for herself, and her children.
"It Could Be Worse" toggles between Allegra's past and present, much like therapy sessions, as she delves into deeply-held false beliefs, breaking down the lies that kept her parents reputations intact at the expense of her self-esteem and happiness.
Author Dara Levan's propulsive prose and strong structure kept me to turning the pages to the satisfying end.
She had a picture-perfect childhood. That's what she's always believed. But when a secret about her father is revealed, the pretty facade quickly crumbles. Allegra decides to confront painful truths about her relationship with her parents in order to create a better future for herself, and her children.
"It Could Be Worse" toggles between Allegra's past and present, much like therapy sessions, as she delves into deeply-held false beliefs, breaking down the lies that kept her parents reputations intact at the expense of her self-esteem and happiness.
Author Dara Levan's propulsive prose and strong structure kept me to turning the pages to the satisfying end.
March 23, 2024
It Could Be Worse by Dara Levan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Allegra Gil seems to have a wonderful life. A devoted husband, two beautiful children, lifelong friends and a successful therapy practice. She also has two very over demanding parents that have always tried to control everything about her life. When Allegra, finds a letter on her father piano bench, it threatens to upend her entire life.
Wow! What a powerful story. I quickly found myself drawn into a story that very well could have been my own. For a fiction novel, this one will hit home for many readers. If you had a controlling parent and have struggled with how to deal with the situation, this is a book for you. It is okay to let go.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Allegra Gil seems to have a wonderful life. A devoted husband, two beautiful children, lifelong friends and a successful therapy practice. She also has two very over demanding parents that have always tried to control everything about her life. When Allegra, finds a letter on her father piano bench, it threatens to upend her entire life.
Wow! What a powerful story. I quickly found myself drawn into a story that very well could have been my own. For a fiction novel, this one will hit home for many readers. If you had a controlling parent and have struggled with how to deal with the situation, this is a book for you. It is okay to let go.
April 22, 2024
Wow. This book brought out so many emotions, including anger, sadness, frustration, and finally relief. Allegra is such a beautiful soul who stubbornly held on to love, loyalty, and optimism despite her horrific upbringing. It was an experience watching her come to terms to the reality of her parents and slowly accept the things she could not accept. Her story will stay with me for a while.
Thank you to the author for complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2024
This story took you through the ups and downs of creating your own family while navigating the memories of your childhood experiences. The story was emotional, heartwarming, & empowering. I found myself cheering on Allegra and enjoyed seeing her find her voice to create a different life for her family than she had. Grab this book for an enjoyable read that will take you from tears to smiles!
January 1, 2025
Dara Levan’s It Could be Worse is a deeply moving novel about a woman’s continuous growth journey. Her life is an emotional roller coaster that pushes her to reevaluate her relationship with her parents. Allegra is a bubbly extrovert who will not let anyone or anything knock her down—“I tried to tune our the noise. I believed in creating my own rainbows.” But she’s had a very specific blind spot for too long. Her children push her to realize that it is never too late to be happy, to set boundaries, to exhale and feel your body relax.
Parental judgment is the most challenging to disregard. Even when it is not meant to feel so heavy, some of us can carry it on our backs eternally. So much of what we learn, spoken or unspoken, during our formative years changes us. This pain made Allegra “deeply empathetic and an emotional sponge.” It drove her to perfection, it drove her to being calm in times of crisis, it drove her to seem unrattled. It made her great at her job, a wonderful wife and mother, a steadfast friend, but inside she suffered. Because perfection is unattainable and life isn’t steady in perfection—only in chaos.
Motherhood drives Allegra to turn inward, to set boundaries. Her own emotional and mental well-being was something she could sacrifice, but not that of her children. She tries to help her parents grow, learn. But boundary-building always feels like an eternal process. You make progress, things are going well, and then it all seems to fall apart—or at least some erosion begins to happen.
I’ve never connected to a character in so many ways—despite my having very loving and supportive parents. I’ve never had someone describe things I’ve felt in quite beautiful and befitting way. “Hyperaware and deeply intuitive,” Allegra and I are women too in touch with their bodies and minds. It’s a great an terrible quality all at once, stemming from growing up with too much body consciousness. The way our arms jiggled in middle school or how are stomachs rolled over low-rise jeans made us into being incredibly in tune with our bodies, for better or worse.
Allegra’s psychologically-tolling upbringing has made her kind, thoughtful, but most importantly resilient. It Could be Worse is a heartfelt story of discovering that resilience and celebrating it.
Parental judgment is the most challenging to disregard. Even when it is not meant to feel so heavy, some of us can carry it on our backs eternally. So much of what we learn, spoken or unspoken, during our formative years changes us. This pain made Allegra “deeply empathetic and an emotional sponge.” It drove her to perfection, it drove her to being calm in times of crisis, it drove her to seem unrattled. It made her great at her job, a wonderful wife and mother, a steadfast friend, but inside she suffered. Because perfection is unattainable and life isn’t steady in perfection—only in chaos.
Motherhood drives Allegra to turn inward, to set boundaries. Her own emotional and mental well-being was something she could sacrifice, but not that of her children. She tries to help her parents grow, learn. But boundary-building always feels like an eternal process. You make progress, things are going well, and then it all seems to fall apart—or at least some erosion begins to happen.
I’ve never connected to a character in so many ways—despite my having very loving and supportive parents. I’ve never had someone describe things I’ve felt in quite beautiful and befitting way. “Hyperaware and deeply intuitive,” Allegra and I are women too in touch with their bodies and minds. It’s a great an terrible quality all at once, stemming from growing up with too much body consciousness. The way our arms jiggled in middle school or how are stomachs rolled over low-rise jeans made us into being incredibly in tune with our bodies, for better or worse.
Allegra’s psychologically-tolling upbringing has made her kind, thoughtful, but most importantly resilient. It Could be Worse is a heartfelt story of discovering that resilience and celebrating it.
December 12, 2023
IT COULD BE WORSE
𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚊 𝙻𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚗
3/12/24
🕎 𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚜𝚒𝚜:
Allegra Gil is a therapist, wife to a devoted (hot) husband, mother of two, and best friend. It would seem she has the perfect life. Or so it would seem.
Allegra grew up in a wealthy, picture-perfect household; well respected pediatric surgeon father, private school administrator mother, little brother, and even a dog. Weekend sleepovers and Shabbat with grandparents and Sunday brunch. Summers at music camp with her best friend in Michigan. It would seem she had the perfect life. Or so it would seem.
Allegra discovers a secret in a piano bench and while investigating that secret she discovers so much more. What part did her parents play in this secret? And can Allegra rebound from her discovery?
📃𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
This was a pulsating story of love and pain, loss and forgiveness. We go back and forth in an ebb and flow with current day and flashbacks, in no particular order, to memories of her past. Some are touching and lovely, others are gut wrenching.
This was a fascinating look at families and the damage they can do but also how much support you can receive from those you love if you aren’t afraid to ask for it.
💜𝚁𝙸𝚈𝙻:
-Family drama
-Jewish rep
-Narcissist people
-Flashback scenes
🐞Thank you @katerockbooktours for including me on this tour and @dara.levan and @regalo_press for the early review copy.
These thoughts are my own.
#supportindieauthors
Available 3/12/24 - PREORDER NOW!
March 12, 2024
Happy Book Birthday to my dear friend Dara Levan and her book, It Could Be Worse! This intense book tells the story of Allegra, a Jewish woman who enjoys a thriving therapy practice, lifelong friends, and a beautiful family in Miami. Yet, beneath the painted façade of perfection, she is mired in self-doubt and anxiety. When Allegra discovers a secret in her father’s piano bench, it takes her on a journey of self-discovery... in this powerful tale of abuse, narcistic personality disorder, and letting go.
Some Reasons I Loved This Book:
*It’s intense. Seriously, ya’all. I love an author who is not afraid to go there, and Dara Levan fully takes us into the mind of a woman who has grown up in a abusive home with a father who demanded perfect and a mother who wouldn’t protect her. TBS, in a less-skilled hand, this book probably would have been a mess. Instead, and especially for anyone who has experienced abuse at the hands of a loved one, I believe this book is absolutely relatable.
*It’s an easy and quick read. For real, I blew through this one in a few hours—and on a high brain fog day. So once again, and in an honor reserved for only a select few, I give this book the chronic illness stamp of approval. If you’re looking for a rollercoaster of feels, on a day you’re feeling foggy, this is one that gets the brain fog seal of approval from me!
*It feels very Jewish. Allegra is not only Jewish, but she bears the yoke of perfectionism from her parents. And, though it isn’t discussed directly *that I recall* it feels so familiar because so many of us are the byproduct of Jewish generational trauma, and parents who either didn’t have models, or who had models whose own emotional development was stunted by war and antisemitism. All of which to say, I think this book will feel especially relevant to so many Jewish women, who hold that pressure to be high-achievers so intimately.
*It’s got beautiful prose and lyrical language. While this book isn’t close to a romance, it will give you plenty of feels. And spoiler alert—a satisfying ending.
Finally, it’s written by my dear, sweet friend Dara Levan. And this book is so much a reflection of who she is as a human being. Someone thoughtful and caring, someone who gives tirelessly of herself to others, someone not afraid to be vulnerable. All of which to say, you should totally read this book!
Congratulations Dara on the birth of your first book baby! I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome you fully into the world of publication. <3
Some Reasons I Loved This Book:
*It’s intense. Seriously, ya’all. I love an author who is not afraid to go there, and Dara Levan fully takes us into the mind of a woman who has grown up in a abusive home with a father who demanded perfect and a mother who wouldn’t protect her. TBS, in a less-skilled hand, this book probably would have been a mess. Instead, and especially for anyone who has experienced abuse at the hands of a loved one, I believe this book is absolutely relatable.
*It’s an easy and quick read. For real, I blew through this one in a few hours—and on a high brain fog day. So once again, and in an honor reserved for only a select few, I give this book the chronic illness stamp of approval. If you’re looking for a rollercoaster of feels, on a day you’re feeling foggy, this is one that gets the brain fog seal of approval from me!
*It feels very Jewish. Allegra is not only Jewish, but she bears the yoke of perfectionism from her parents. And, though it isn’t discussed directly *that I recall* it feels so familiar because so many of us are the byproduct of Jewish generational trauma, and parents who either didn’t have models, or who had models whose own emotional development was stunted by war and antisemitism. All of which to say, I think this book will feel especially relevant to so many Jewish women, who hold that pressure to be high-achievers so intimately.
*It’s got beautiful prose and lyrical language. While this book isn’t close to a romance, it will give you plenty of feels. And spoiler alert—a satisfying ending.
Finally, it’s written by my dear, sweet friend Dara Levan. And this book is so much a reflection of who she is as a human being. Someone thoughtful and caring, someone who gives tirelessly of herself to others, someone not afraid to be vulnerable. All of which to say, you should totally read this book!
Congratulations Dara on the birth of your first book baby! I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome you fully into the world of publication. <3
April 4, 2024
Full review at: https://readingourshelves.wordpress.c...
I had a lot of mixed feelings about this book, and my review is going to have a giant caveat at the end! But if you like contemporary women’s fiction, please read on.
This story takes place over eighteen years, not including the many flashbacks to the main character’s childhood. So, the scope is fairly large. And a lot of the time we spend mired in the day to day stuff life is made of… walking the dog, getting dinner on the table, etc. So, plenty of “slice of life” stuff in there.
The real story arc, though, is how our main character (Ally) comes to view her parents and her own childhood very differently after she becomes a mom herself. Eventually, she realizes how narcissistic and emotionally abusive they her parents are. But this revelation takes… well, the entire book.
I felt like this main story was pretty interesting. I think we’re only now talking about narcissism openly in society, but most of us have a decent idea of what it is. Would we always be able to “stand up for ourselves” in the face of it when it is coming from a loved one? That is the part that I found intriguing.
The issue I had, though, was that I felt like this story moved way too slowly. And sure, I get that a realization of this nature could come bits at a time, over multiple instances of dealing with one’s parents. That could be real life… but this is a book, and I wanted us to just stay on track with that storyline instead of meandering quite so much.
Now, the big caveat to that issue:
The advanced reader copy I have is 387 pages. Goodreads has this book listed as being 304 pages. This could easily be a typeset change, or a paperback vs. hardcover thing… but, also, could there have been some editing done after my copy was sent?! I felt like the story just needed to be tighter, but maybe the final version IS? Ah, the perils of being an early reader.
All that to say… if you love stories about living that mom life, or family drama, or women finding their true voices… this could definitely be for you. (Oh, and she goes to music camps in her flashbacks! I know so many former music and theatre kids who would identify with those parts!)
But for me, it was just ok. And that’s ok.
I had a lot of mixed feelings about this book, and my review is going to have a giant caveat at the end! But if you like contemporary women’s fiction, please read on.
This story takes place over eighteen years, not including the many flashbacks to the main character’s childhood. So, the scope is fairly large. And a lot of the time we spend mired in the day to day stuff life is made of… walking the dog, getting dinner on the table, etc. So, plenty of “slice of life” stuff in there.
The real story arc, though, is how our main character (Ally) comes to view her parents and her own childhood very differently after she becomes a mom herself. Eventually, she realizes how narcissistic and emotionally abusive they her parents are. But this revelation takes… well, the entire book.
I felt like this main story was pretty interesting. I think we’re only now talking about narcissism openly in society, but most of us have a decent idea of what it is. Would we always be able to “stand up for ourselves” in the face of it when it is coming from a loved one? That is the part that I found intriguing.
The issue I had, though, was that I felt like this story moved way too slowly. And sure, I get that a realization of this nature could come bits at a time, over multiple instances of dealing with one’s parents. That could be real life… but this is a book, and I wanted us to just stay on track with that storyline instead of meandering quite so much.
Now, the big caveat to that issue:
The advanced reader copy I have is 387 pages. Goodreads has this book listed as being 304 pages. This could easily be a typeset change, or a paperback vs. hardcover thing… but, also, could there have been some editing done after my copy was sent?! I felt like the story just needed to be tighter, but maybe the final version IS? Ah, the perils of being an early reader.
All that to say… if you love stories about living that mom life, or family drama, or women finding their true voices… this could definitely be for you. (Oh, and she goes to music camps in her flashbacks! I know so many former music and theatre kids who would identify with those parts!)
But for me, it was just ok. And that’s ok.
November 28, 2024
A Heartfelt Journey Through Connection and Resilience
After meeting Dara Levan at the 2024 Miami Book Fair and hearing her speak about the importance of following our intuition, I couldn’t wait to read her book, It Could Be Worse. Dara’s warmth and insight shone through in her talks, and those same qualities make her storytelling feel deeply personal and relatable.
At its core, this book is about the connections we nurture and the boundaries we build to protect ourselves. The relationship between the protagonist and her best friend especially struck a chord with me. It reminded me of my own bond with my college roommate, whom I met on the very first day of school. Like Dara’s characters, we all need those champions in life—whether they’re family by blood or the family we choose.
What sets It Could Be Worse apart is Dara’s ability to balance humor with heart. She captures the messy, imperfect beauty of navigating relationships, making even the toughest moments feel uplifting. One theme that resonated with me was the struggle to set boundaries. It’s something I’m working on in my own life, and like in the book, it doesn’t always go as smoothly as I hope. Seeing the characters grapple with the same challenges felt both comforting and empowering.
And then there’s Benito. Oh, how I wish there were a “good husband store” because I would absolutely buy a Benito! He’s the kind of partner who makes life’s rollercoaster—its thrilling highs and unexpected lows—a little easier to ride, simply by being by your side.
If you’ve ever struggled with setting boundaries or wondered how to strengthen your relationships, this book is a must-read. Dara Levan delivers a heartfelt reminder of the power of connection, resilience, and intuition. It Could Be Worse feels like a love letter to the bonds that sustain us and a guide to navigating life’s challenges with grace.
Dara’s words linger long after the final page, much like the feeling of sitting down for a heart-to-heart with a cherished friend.
After meeting Dara Levan at the 2024 Miami Book Fair and hearing her speak about the importance of following our intuition, I couldn’t wait to read her book, It Could Be Worse. Dara’s warmth and insight shone through in her talks, and those same qualities make her storytelling feel deeply personal and relatable.
At its core, this book is about the connections we nurture and the boundaries we build to protect ourselves. The relationship between the protagonist and her best friend especially struck a chord with me. It reminded me of my own bond with my college roommate, whom I met on the very first day of school. Like Dara’s characters, we all need those champions in life—whether they’re family by blood or the family we choose.
What sets It Could Be Worse apart is Dara’s ability to balance humor with heart. She captures the messy, imperfect beauty of navigating relationships, making even the toughest moments feel uplifting. One theme that resonated with me was the struggle to set boundaries. It’s something I’m working on in my own life, and like in the book, it doesn’t always go as smoothly as I hope. Seeing the characters grapple with the same challenges felt both comforting and empowering.
And then there’s Benito. Oh, how I wish there were a “good husband store” because I would absolutely buy a Benito! He’s the kind of partner who makes life’s rollercoaster—its thrilling highs and unexpected lows—a little easier to ride, simply by being by your side.
If you’ve ever struggled with setting boundaries or wondered how to strengthen your relationships, this book is a must-read. Dara Levan delivers a heartfelt reminder of the power of connection, resilience, and intuition. It Could Be Worse feels like a love letter to the bonds that sustain us and a guide to navigating life’s challenges with grace.
Dara’s words linger long after the final page, much like the feeling of sitting down for a heart-to-heart with a cherished friend.
December 21, 2023
This book will make you feel feelings.
Thank you to Kate Rock PR, Regalo Press and Dara Levan for a gifted copy of this book for review.
Allegra is a therapist, mother, wife, and daughter. She has survived cancer, a miscarriage and narcissistic abusive parents. She has a loving husband, two beautiful children, and a therapy practice, but somehow, she is just making her way through life, caught in a vicious circle she can't seem to break.
At its heart, this book is about family dynamics, and how just because someone is "family" does not mean that unconditional love is or should be freely given and received. The relationship between Allegra and her parents is absolutely heartbreaking. Even worse is the way her parents behave around her children.
The book follows Allegra through about 10-15 years of her life where we see several events that brought her to the line of her breaking point, but she always powered through with a positive attitude, until enough was finally enough and she needed to put her foot down. You couldn't help but love her.
One day she discovers a secret that her parents have been hiding and it threatens to send the delicate balancing Jenga set of a relationship she has with them, toppling over. The one point that irked me a tiny bit and felt out of character was that Allegra kept this secret from her husband. Their relationship was goals when it came to love, support and communication. It seemed odd that she didn't share it with him, and then it got to a point where she had kept the secret so long, it would feel like lying to reveal.
This is one of those books where there is no huge "happening" or "plot twist," you are just along for the ride through Allegra's sometimes sad, sometimes beautiful life. I would recommend it to general fiction readers who like raw and emotional family drama.
Thank you to Kate Rock PR, Regalo Press and Dara Levan for a gifted copy of this book for review.
Allegra is a therapist, mother, wife, and daughter. She has survived cancer, a miscarriage and narcissistic abusive parents. She has a loving husband, two beautiful children, and a therapy practice, but somehow, she is just making her way through life, caught in a vicious circle she can't seem to break.
At its heart, this book is about family dynamics, and how just because someone is "family" does not mean that unconditional love is or should be freely given and received. The relationship between Allegra and her parents is absolutely heartbreaking. Even worse is the way her parents behave around her children.
The book follows Allegra through about 10-15 years of her life where we see several events that brought her to the line of her breaking point, but she always powered through with a positive attitude, until enough was finally enough and she needed to put her foot down. You couldn't help but love her.
One day she discovers a secret that her parents have been hiding and it threatens to send the delicate balancing Jenga set of a relationship she has with them, toppling over. The one point that irked me a tiny bit and felt out of character was that Allegra kept this secret from her husband. Their relationship was goals when it came to love, support and communication. It seemed odd that she didn't share it with him, and then it got to a point where she had kept the secret so long, it would feel like lying to reveal.
This is one of those books where there is no huge "happening" or "plot twist," you are just along for the ride through Allegra's sometimes sad, sometimes beautiful life. I would recommend it to general fiction readers who like raw and emotional family drama.
March 13, 2024
IT COULD BE WORSE follows Allegra Gil, a happily married mom of two with a fulfilling therapy practice. Deep down Allegra knows that her relationship with her parents is more than just complex. The constant shimmying around their critical remarks and baneful behavior is exhausting and begins to wear not only on her, but her family as well. As she navigates marriage, an unexpected medical diagnosis, and becoming a mother for the first time, she begins to draw parallels between her childhood and the one she is creating for her children. It's when she discovers a secret from her father’s past that she must decide once and for all, what she is willing to compromise to protect herself and family.
Allegra’s story bounces between the present day and her childhood, exploring the complexities of growing up in a toxic family. Levan writes about sibling love, powerful female friendships, summer camp nostalgia, and the peaks and valleys of motherhood with a familiarity that captivated me. She highlights the dangers of abusive cycles in families and the everyday struggles to break these destructible patterns that often go unchecked. She taps into the great lengths a mother will go in order to protect her family and keep her children out of harm’s way.
Dara Levan’s writing is fully charged with all the fiery emotions that come from navigating a dysfunctional family rooted in narcissistic abuse. Her family drama is unrestrained in the best possible way and her lyrical prose, musical metaphors, and infusion of the color purple enthralled me to no end.
Bravo sweet Dara!
Allegra Gil is one to root for.
Make this book happen!
Allegra’s story bounces between the present day and her childhood, exploring the complexities of growing up in a toxic family. Levan writes about sibling love, powerful female friendships, summer camp nostalgia, and the peaks and valleys of motherhood with a familiarity that captivated me. She highlights the dangers of abusive cycles in families and the everyday struggles to break these destructible patterns that often go unchecked. She taps into the great lengths a mother will go in order to protect her family and keep her children out of harm’s way.
Dara Levan’s writing is fully charged with all the fiery emotions that come from navigating a dysfunctional family rooted in narcissistic abuse. Her family drama is unrestrained in the best possible way and her lyrical prose, musical metaphors, and infusion of the color purple enthralled me to no end.
Bravo sweet Dara!
Allegra Gil is one to root for.
Make this book happen!
April 22, 2024
There is so much to love about this story that I don’t even know where to start. It’s exceptionally written and deeply emotive, as well as a testament to the fact that healing from childhood trauma isn’t something that happens overnight. And that sometimes, the people you once held in the highest esteem end up being the ones who fail you the most.
The MC, Allegra Gil, wants to believe that her father is the hero he’s claimed to be. After all, he saves lives for a living and is the smartest, best doctor around. What would she do without him? With his unparalleled wisdom, he directs Allegra’s life choices and can do no wrong.
The childhood flashbacks reveal how easily children are manipulated. It was fascinating to see how Allegra referred to her father as Dr. Curt in her POV, and that as an adult, she only stuttered when addressing him.
Below is a beautifully crafted excerpt:
“You tore off your perfectly placed masks.
In case you haven't noticed, Joy and Julian are perceptive, intelligent, and empathetic." I lowered my shoulders and leaned forward.
"They see. They feel. They ask questions." Ben squeezed my hand under the table.
"We can no longer cover for you. Or to be frank, lie. We try to be truthful and transparent with the kids. This is exhausting. And it feels dishonest."
An excerpt that demonstrates what Dr. Curt looks like when his mask slips:
“Do I stutter too? I said check on our house tomorrow. What if there is shattered glass or something worse? I know, I know, you've been pestering us for years to get impact windows," Dr. Curt snapped.
I highly recommend this soul-stirring tale of healing and resiliency.
The MC, Allegra Gil, wants to believe that her father is the hero he’s claimed to be. After all, he saves lives for a living and is the smartest, best doctor around. What would she do without him? With his unparalleled wisdom, he directs Allegra’s life choices and can do no wrong.
The childhood flashbacks reveal how easily children are manipulated. It was fascinating to see how Allegra referred to her father as Dr. Curt in her POV, and that as an adult, she only stuttered when addressing him.
Below is a beautifully crafted excerpt:
“You tore off your perfectly placed masks.
In case you haven't noticed, Joy and Julian are perceptive, intelligent, and empathetic." I lowered my shoulders and leaned forward.
"They see. They feel. They ask questions." Ben squeezed my hand under the table.
"We can no longer cover for you. Or to be frank, lie. We try to be truthful and transparent with the kids. This is exhausting. And it feels dishonest."
An excerpt that demonstrates what Dr. Curt looks like when his mask slips:
“Do I stutter too? I said check on our house tomorrow. What if there is shattered glass or something worse? I know, I know, you've been pestering us for years to get impact windows," Dr. Curt snapped.
I highly recommend this soul-stirring tale of healing and resiliency.
October 26, 2024
2.75 🎧- I wanted to like this more than I actually did and I’m sorry that I didn’t. I normally love family dramas, but the verbal and emotional abuse Allegra suffers throughout this book got to be a bit much for me. I was turned off by how many times it was mentioned that her father was a highly respected children’s neurosurgeon and by how many times she mentioned where she went camp in the narrative.
While I appreciate the “twist” the author included, the lead up to it lasted nearly 60% of the book (the synopsis alludes to it) it was dropped fairly quickly and did nothing to enhance the story.
I found the transitions in time to be frustrating and was surprised that years passed between paragraphs. However, I listened to this so it’s possible there was something between paragraphs to denote the passage of time that got lost in the audio version.
There’s no author’s note included so I’m purely speculating, but I’m inclined to believe there are many real parts of the author in the pages of this book. The abusive language from her parents felt so real, which for sure contributed to the hardness of listening to it. I hope, if my speculation is correct, that writing this was cathartic to the author and that she is living a much happier life now.
While I appreciate the “twist” the author included, the lead up to it lasted nearly 60% of the book (the synopsis alludes to it) it was dropped fairly quickly and did nothing to enhance the story.
I found the transitions in time to be frustrating and was surprised that years passed between paragraphs. However, I listened to this so it’s possible there was something between paragraphs to denote the passage of time that got lost in the audio version.
There’s no author’s note included so I’m purely speculating, but I’m inclined to believe there are many real parts of the author in the pages of this book. The abusive language from her parents felt so real, which for sure contributed to the hardness of listening to it. I hope, if my speculation is correct, that writing this was cathartic to the author and that she is living a much happier life now.
February 27, 2024
Allegra Gil is compassionate, living life open to love, and she adores her husband and two children. But their grandparents are causing problems and untold stress in Allegra’s life. Through flashbacks to her childhood, we learn they were not the best parents — fat shaming and not supporting her. Now, they are causing similar issues with their grandchildren, too.
When Allegra makes a shocking discovery of an old document in a piano bench, she knows she has to set boundaries with her parents. But how? And what happens when you realize that you can’t change others, only yourself?
It Could be Worse is a captivating exploration of dysfunctional parents and their lasting impact on adulthood, the challenges of boundary-setting, and an intergenerational cycle that it takes courage to break.
Full of difficult choices, Dara Levan, the author, takes us on a heartful and emotional life journey with Allegra through pregnancy, sickness, a loving marriage, and dealing with her dysfunctional parents.
Lovers of family drama, who don’t steer away from tough conversations, and understand the power of therapy will appreciate the realistic portrayal of family life in It Could be Worse
When Allegra makes a shocking discovery of an old document in a piano bench, she knows she has to set boundaries with her parents. But how? And what happens when you realize that you can’t change others, only yourself?
It Could be Worse is a captivating exploration of dysfunctional parents and their lasting impact on adulthood, the challenges of boundary-setting, and an intergenerational cycle that it takes courage to break.
Full of difficult choices, Dara Levan, the author, takes us on a heartful and emotional life journey with Allegra through pregnancy, sickness, a loving marriage, and dealing with her dysfunctional parents.
Lovers of family drama, who don’t steer away from tough conversations, and understand the power of therapy will appreciate the realistic portrayal of family life in It Could be Worse
February 17, 2024
This debut novel by Dara Levan carefully lays out the deep, the hidden, and the dark in the human psyche. When Allegra's parents prove over and over that they are dysfunctional guardians without a clue as to healthy parenting, she is forced to make an excruciating choice for her own survival, as well as the survival of her own family. With a deft hand, Levan educates the reader on the realities of mental health. She makes us re-examine the crucial importance of a solid foundation in childhood by showing us the opposite. Time passes in this book so quickly that we barely realize we've followed a family through the challenges of childbirth, child-rearing, and then the ultimate . . . letting go. But it's not what we expect. Levan knows how to get us from place to place with all the big feels. This debut will stay with you well beyond the final page. Make time to read on a weekend so you don't have to put it down.
April 15, 2024
It Could Be Worse is not my typical read. It’s general fiction/women’s lit and I’m ordinarily a sci-fi/fantasy/mystery gal. But having followed Dara Levan for quite a while, I was excited to check out her debut.
And I loved it. Maybe it’s the magic of her storytelling that I can’t pinpoint why. I just know that I kept thinking about MC Allegra’s journey and I was so completely pulled into her story. Levan tackles quite a few difficult topics, but she does so with care. In It Could Be Worse, Allegra is coming to terms with the fact that her parents are emotionally abusive narcissists while juggling the challenges of her career, motherhood and her health.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I listened to about half of the book and I have to say the audiobook is very good! Thank you to Regalo Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
It Could Be Worse is out now!
Content warnings: emotional abuse, miscarriage, cancer, fat shaming, homophobia.
And I loved it. Maybe it’s the magic of her storytelling that I can’t pinpoint why. I just know that I kept thinking about MC Allegra’s journey and I was so completely pulled into her story. Levan tackles quite a few difficult topics, but she does so with care. In It Could Be Worse, Allegra is coming to terms with the fact that her parents are emotionally abusive narcissists while juggling the challenges of her career, motherhood and her health.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I listened to about half of the book and I have to say the audiobook is very good! Thank you to Regalo Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
It Could Be Worse is out now!
Content warnings: emotional abuse, miscarriage, cancer, fat shaming, homophobia.
March 7, 2024
Allegra has spent her life making allowances for the dysfunctional family she grew up in. But motherhood has shown her the pull of her parents and their controlling behaviors don't work with her life, and that of her family.
An unexpected discovery threatens to blow everything she ever knew out of the water. The compounding pressure has become too much, so with some tough, but understanding, love from her husband, advice from an old friend, and help through a new therapist, Allegra starts the healing process. She grapples with a potentially life-changing decision, and she will need to find the strength to move forward to find peace at last.
With reflections from childhood interspersed in the story, we get a view of what Allegra has experienced her whole life and find compassion for all she goes through.
A compelling read I highly recommend.
An unexpected discovery threatens to blow everything she ever knew out of the water. The compounding pressure has become too much, so with some tough, but understanding, love from her husband, advice from an old friend, and help through a new therapist, Allegra starts the healing process. She grapples with a potentially life-changing decision, and she will need to find the strength to move forward to find peace at last.
With reflections from childhood interspersed in the story, we get a view of what Allegra has experienced her whole life and find compassion for all she goes through.
A compelling read I highly recommend.
December 13, 2023
For me, this book was kind of a hard read. Alli’s parents were so awful, I kept thinking…how could anyone be so cruel to their own child?! I appreciated how she stood up for her needs (and the needs of her children) in the end, but even so I found the whole story just heartbreaking.
It was also very slow. Not much happened in the way of the plot. I got through half of the book and kept wondering when it was going to get "good." There were so many small details that were captured (that seemed unnecessary), it made me wonder if it could have used another edit to refine the scope of the story. Maybe just a bit...? I'm sure plenty of people will love this sort of family character study, but it wasn't for me.
It was also very slow. Not much happened in the way of the plot. I got through half of the book and kept wondering when it was going to get "good." There were so many small details that were captured (that seemed unnecessary), it made me wonder if it could have used another edit to refine the scope of the story. Maybe just a bit...? I'm sure plenty of people will love this sort of family character study, but it wasn't for me.
May 28, 2024
Blending the past with the present and humor with pathos, It Could Be Worse, by Dara Levan, takes a hard look at the lingering effects of a dysfunctional family, stripping away the veneer of a childhood ruled by controlling, self-absorbed parents. Populated by well-drawn characters, Levan’s powerful and moving debut novel explores the complexities of a toxic parent-child relationship, the aftereffects of finally facing difficult family truths and secrets, and the salvation to be found in marshalling the courage and strength to disconnect and heal. Never blinking, this remarkable book covers a sensitive topic with grace and compassion.
January 17, 2024
I really enjoyed Dara's debut novel! Allegra (Ally) is the "good daughter" and tries her very hardest to not only appease her parents but to also keep the waters calm within her immediate family, no matter how hurtful her parents may be. Ally's parents actions are beyond cringe worthy and yet, not far fetched at all. A story of a woman who takes her responsibilities of being a daughter, wife and mother with complete seriousness, even if it means costing her own health. After all...it could be worse.
March 18, 2024
With a unique melodic structure, IT COULD BE WORSE is an authentic, emotionally resonant novel about how the past deeply affects our present experiences. Dara Levan’s extraordinary understanding of human nature and astonishing ability to lay bare the deepest parts of our souls is poured into Allegra, her brave, relatable protagonist, as she seeks to break free of the chains of her childhood and soar on her own terms. The gorgeous prose and raw, unflinching narrative both heal and inspire. A stunning debut.
June 2, 2024
You'll root for Allegra!
A moving and beautiful debut by Dara Levan about Allegra Gil who grew up in awe of her father, a pediatric neurosurgeon. He is, on the face of it, someone to admire and respect. However, we watch as Allegra moves through childhood into motherhood, and how that growth results in her taking a new look at those who have raised and influenced her. You will cheer for her as she becomes stronger than her family or even Allegra would have expected. Yay, Allegra!! You go, girl!!
A moving and beautiful debut by Dara Levan about Allegra Gil who grew up in awe of her father, a pediatric neurosurgeon. He is, on the face of it, someone to admire and respect. However, we watch as Allegra moves through childhood into motherhood, and how that growth results in her taking a new look at those who have raised and influenced her. You will cheer for her as she becomes stronger than her family or even Allegra would have expected. Yay, Allegra!! You go, girl!!
January 11, 2024
As Dara's novel, the book traces the heartbreaking journey of the greatest love of our lives the pain it can bring to our hearts, and how hard it can be to truly take care of ourselves when those we love most hurt us the most. While Allegra (the protagonist) differed in many aspects from me, she was relatable. Allegra was being treated unfairly, and I wanted to scream at her to open her eyes. Whether you're a fan of books about motherhood, complicated family relationships, or Jewish representation, this is definitely a book you should read.
January 21, 2024
Such a bad book
The synopsis is very misleading. The big family secret Ally discovers over halfway thru the book is not the surprising .Ally is totally unlikable. She is a sniveling netotuc woman an who can't stanup for herself. This book was so disjointed flipping from childhood to adulthood and back again with no reason why. I didnot get 5he entire book. This was a Goodreads giveaway I wished I had not won. Terrible book
The synopsis is very misleading. The big family secret Ally discovers over halfway thru the book is not the surprising .Ally is totally unlikable. She is a sniveling netotuc woman an who can't stanup for herself. This book was so disjointed flipping from childhood to adulthood and back again with no reason why. I didnot get 5he entire book. This was a Goodreads giveaway I wished I had not won. Terrible book
February 16, 2024
There are so many things to love about Dara Levan's debut novel IT COULD BE WORSE. Protagonist Allegra is brimming with life and generosity. Her journey is inspirational, filled with wide-eyed wonder, while also building--with twists and turns--to an unacknowledged trauma that becomes fully-realized by the story's end. Readers root for Allegra, whom they will also wish to befriend. A swift, revelatory read, that is tender, nuanced, and ultimately profound. Highly-recommend!
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