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Everything Here Is Under Control Lib/E
Amanda is a new mother, and she is breaking. After a fight with her partner, she puts the baby in the car and drives from Queens to her hometown in rural Ohio, where she shows up unannounced on the doorstep of her estranged childhood best friend. Amanda thought that she had left Carrie firmly in the past. After their friendship ended, their lives diverged radically: Carrie had a baby the summer after high school, became a successful tattoo artist, and never escaped Ohio s conservative grid of close-cut grass. But the trauma of childbirth and shock of motherhood compel Amanda to go back to the beginning and to trace the tangled roots of friendship and family in her own life.
Compelling and engaging, Everything Here Is under Control is a raw, honest, occasionally hilarious portrait of the complexity, conflicting emotions, and physical trauma of both modern motherhood and the intense, intimate friendships that women forge in their youth.
Compelling and engaging, Everything Here Is under Control is a raw, honest, occasionally hilarious portrait of the complexity, conflicting emotions, and physical trauma of both modern motherhood and the intense, intimate friendships that women forge in their youth.
Audio CD
First published July 28, 2020
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About the author
Emily Adrian
6 books199 followersEmily Adrian is the author of Seduction Theory, Daughterhood, The Second Season, and Everything Here Is Under Control, as well as two critically acclaimed novels for young adults. Her work has appeared in Granta, The Point, Joyland, EPOCH, Alta Journal, Los Angeles Review of Books, and The Millions. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Emily currently lives in New Haven, Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
July 22, 2020
I quite liked this novel of a friendship and how it endured a pregnancy and a shared love and the past must be reckoned with when Amanda returns to her hometown to stay with her best friend Carrie after a fight with her boyfriend Gabe. The twist is interesting but the story cake too easily and everything was too neatly resolved. Some of the plot just doesn’t cohere. Also the race stuff, I appreciate the effort to include black people but it’s really clear that Carrie is a black woman not written by a black woman. There is nothing wrong with that. But it shows.
July 27, 2020
Everything Here Is Under Control is a book about so many things. Motherhood. Friendships. Daughterhood. Womanhood. Relationships. Forgiveness. All of which are examined in all their messy complications in a raw and honest way through the lens of the zeitgeist of the 2016 US election campaign.
Trump, or Trump-like figures, have appeared in so many books over the last few years, but they often feel like shoehorned-in metaphors or plot devices (even when effective). That's not the case at all here, it really does just feel like a book that happens to be set in Ohio in 2016.
The story managed to touch on so many topics in poignant and sensitive ways, including race issues in 21st century America. One of the main characters is black with a mixed race daughter, and while living in a Republican, white-majority area, this does come up during the story. It's not the key driving force behind the story at all though (and there is no overt racism featured – other than the Confederate flag making a couple of appearances), instead it's mentioned in passing as a way of creating a more believable background for the story to take place.
There is a reveal around halfway through the story that changes so much in terms of the reader's perspective. The way its delivered is perfect – it's matter-of-fact, and something that all of the characters have known, rather than being a shock discovery. At the same time, it doesn't feel like something that's been deliberately held from the reader in a frustrating way to create shock. At the time of its delivery, I wasn't paying full attention to the audio narration, and had to rewind to confirm that a reveal had happened that changed everything. The kind of reveal that makes you want to cover old ground from earlier in the book to see what you've missed.
This edition was narrated by Madeleine Lambert. I really liked her delivery of dialogue in particular – Amanda, Carrie, and Nina's voices were very distinguishable. The narration of the rest was a little flat and bored-sounding at times, but that's only a minor critique.
Overall, a very human, female-orientated story.
Trump, or Trump-like figures, have appeared in so many books over the last few years, but they often feel like shoehorned-in metaphors or plot devices (even when effective). That's not the case at all here, it really does just feel like a book that happens to be set in Ohio in 2016.
The story managed to touch on so many topics in poignant and sensitive ways, including race issues in 21st century America. One of the main characters is black with a mixed race daughter, and while living in a Republican, white-majority area, this does come up during the story. It's not the key driving force behind the story at all though (and there is no overt racism featured – other than the Confederate flag making a couple of appearances), instead it's mentioned in passing as a way of creating a more believable background for the story to take place.
There is a reveal around halfway through the story that changes so much in terms of the reader's perspective. The way its delivered is perfect – it's matter-of-fact, and something that all of the characters have known, rather than being a shock discovery. At the same time, it doesn't feel like something that's been deliberately held from the reader in a frustrating way to create shock. At the time of its delivery, I wasn't paying full attention to the audio narration, and had to rewind to confirm that a reveal had happened that changed everything. The kind of reveal that makes you want to cover old ground from earlier in the book to see what you've missed.
This edition was narrated by Madeleine Lambert. I really liked her delivery of dialogue in particular – Amanda, Carrie, and Nina's voices were very distinguishable. The narration of the rest was a little flat and bored-sounding at times, but that's only a minor critique.
Overall, a very human, female-orientated story.
July 25, 2020
Everything Here is Under Control is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. It is a story of friendship, family and regret. After having a baby Amanda drives from New York to a small town in Ohio where she grew up to visit her childhood best friend Carrie. They haven’t talked since they graduated from high school and Carrie had a baby. They have a difficult friendship but this book is about if they can fit each other in their current lives. This is a story where a friendship means more than anything else.
The narration was great. I loved Madeline Lambert did a great job and I loved hearing the story in her voice.
The story goes back and forth between present day and flashbacks so you get a deep look into Carrie and Amanda’s lives and friendship. My only complaint was it was hard to determine when the flashbacks were happening in the beginning. I think this was probably because I listened to the audiobook. This is a common problem I have with audiobooks but did not take away from how much I enjoyed this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes character based stories and fiction in general.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The narration was great. I loved Madeline Lambert did a great job and I loved hearing the story in her voice.
The story goes back and forth between present day and flashbacks so you get a deep look into Carrie and Amanda’s lives and friendship. My only complaint was it was hard to determine when the flashbacks were happening in the beginning. I think this was probably because I listened to the audiobook. This is a common problem I have with audiobooks but did not take away from how much I enjoyed this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes character based stories and fiction in general.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2020
Cute friendship, but there was a big reveal in the story that was kind of just dropped in. It didn't really receive the "flash" it deserved and was boring as hell. I mean, when there's a component to the story that completely alters the relationship between two best friends, it should be just a little bit more dramatic, versus just being a piece of information the author seemingly randomly decides to sprinkle in just for the hell of it.
January 30, 2021
This title caught my eye while browsing the new books and HOT DAMN, it was everything I didn't know I needed in a book. It's a complex tale of intense girlhood friendships, which let's face it are often times more formative to females than their actual first romantic relationships, unexpected pregnancy, motherhood and all of the complicated emotions that arise during all of these. There's also a twist that I didn't see coming that absolutely walloped me over the head in it's obviousness after the fact. I guess what I'm trying to say is this book gave me BIG FEELINGS and if we are friends in real life and you happen to pick it up and read it please let's talk about it.
Bonus points for being set in Ohio and also having a scene at the Happy Dog in CLE, where you CAN actually get fruit loops on your hot dog if you wish (though why you would wish is beyond my comprehension).
Bonus points for being set in Ohio and also having a scene at the Happy Dog in CLE, where you CAN actually get fruit loops on your hot dog if you wish (though why you would wish is beyond my comprehension).
April 2, 2020
Filled with the complexities of motherhood, trauma, friendship, and womanhood, I was totally swept into this beautifully written novel. There is nothing like finding a new author to love and follow along with and I can’t wait to see what Emily Adrian writes next.
July 21, 2020
P.O.C.✔
Women centric✔
Domestic Fiction✔
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator did such a splendid job that I was pulled in from the very beginning. I went into it not expecting much but it was so beautifully written and narrated that I changed my mind from the very first chapter. It mainly dealt with pregnancy and after birth situations while shedding a light on how men should be equally involved in raising a child, especially when the child is an infant. I've realized that a lot of time THAT is when couples fall apart, after birth. The women have to go through so much and most of the time there is a minimum input from the males, and during this time women are not only going through so much physical but also emotional changes that it eventually leads to anger and irritation if the partner is not helping in small tasks like changing the diaper, trimming their nails, giving them a bath etc. It's always women who have to give up on their life, not just professional but they become dependant even for something basic like taking a shower. I could feel the character's pain and irritation through every step and boyyyyyy THE PLOT TWIST ufff. Let's just say it was a VERY INTERESTING READ. Definitely recommending it to everyone.
4.5/5🌟
Women centric✔
Domestic Fiction✔
I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator did such a splendid job that I was pulled in from the very beginning. I went into it not expecting much but it was so beautifully written and narrated that I changed my mind from the very first chapter. It mainly dealt with pregnancy and after birth situations while shedding a light on how men should be equally involved in raising a child, especially when the child is an infant. I've realized that a lot of time THAT is when couples fall apart, after birth. The women have to go through so much and most of the time there is a minimum input from the males, and during this time women are not only going through so much physical but also emotional changes that it eventually leads to anger and irritation if the partner is not helping in small tasks like changing the diaper, trimming their nails, giving them a bath etc. It's always women who have to give up on their life, not just professional but they become dependant even for something basic like taking a shower. I could feel the character's pain and irritation through every step and boyyyyyy THE PLOT TWIST ufff. Let's just say it was a VERY INTERESTING READ. Definitely recommending it to everyone.
4.5/5🌟
November 13, 2020
There's a lot going on in this book. In the beginning, I felt like I was reading a YA book, but I don't really think that's the audience. I could, however, relate to the part where motherhood steps into our lives and overwhelms us and we lose touch with friends.
September 24, 2020
I really liked this book!
The friendships from high school that shaped our lives, the small town feel! I was so immersed in this characters. I loved Carrie, Nina, and Amanda.
I was shocked by the twist in the middle- I never saw that aspect coming.
I’m not a mom but I appreciated the mom banter and challenges both Carrie and Amanda faced and described.
My biggest complaint and why I rated it low was the overwhelming integration of politics. I absolutely hated that it was so blatant and it really made me uncomfortable. I don’t understand the reason authors feel the need to push their agendas. I read anything and everything and strongly believe people can believe what they want but this book was just glaring with anti republican/Trump messages and it made the book overall negative for me.
The friendships from high school that shaped our lives, the small town feel! I was so immersed in this characters. I loved Carrie, Nina, and Amanda.
I was shocked by the twist in the middle- I never saw that aspect coming.
I’m not a mom but I appreciated the mom banter and challenges both Carrie and Amanda faced and described.
My biggest complaint and why I rated it low was the overwhelming integration of politics. I absolutely hated that it was so blatant and it really made me uncomfortable. I don’t understand the reason authors feel the need to push their agendas. I read anything and everything and strongly believe people can believe what they want but this book was just glaring with anti republican/Trump messages and it made the book overall negative for me.
March 10, 2021
I think this book could be very much appreciated by mothers because it portrays all the joys and struggles of giving birth and caring for a newborn in detail. As someone who is already terrified of becoming a mother in the future, it just made my fear more pronounced. But, I guess, it also prepared me a bit in what to expect both in emotional and physical terms.
What I didn't expect was this book also being very political. It's set in Ohio during the 2016 election year. The way it ridicules republicans made me a bit uncomfortable. I'm not against expressing your political views in a story but what I don't like is when a book perpetuates this constant hate and war between people which we already see every day online.
Unfortunately, I have to say that the narrator of the audiobook didn't work for me. The dialogue was okay but the narration itself was very monotone and unemotional which made it very hard for me to empathize with the protagonist. I wish there was an audio excerpt on Netgalley, because then I'd listen to it and decide not to request this audiobook.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for my ALC.
What I didn't expect was this book also being very political. It's set in Ohio during the 2016 election year. The way it ridicules republicans made me a bit uncomfortable. I'm not against expressing your political views in a story but what I don't like is when a book perpetuates this constant hate and war between people which we already see every day online.
Unfortunately, I have to say that the narrator of the audiobook didn't work for me. The dialogue was okay but the narration itself was very monotone and unemotional which made it very hard for me to empathize with the protagonist. I wish there was an audio excerpt on Netgalley, because then I'd listen to it and decide not to request this audiobook.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for my ALC.
February 16, 2021
This was decent, though the privileged white characters were too whiny at times, and Carrie and her daughter being black didn't ring true for me. The book is marred by word choice errors that any mediocre copy editor would have caught: canvas for canvass, souls for soles. I would have liked this novel better if it had more humor. I finished it and asked myself, Did I learn anything new about motherhood, friendship, class or racism, marriage, human nature, or anything? I have to say no.
August 4, 2020
In ‘Everything Here is Under Control,’ Adrian masterfully depicts the first months of motherhood. I consider this to be quite the feat as it’s incredibly difficult to explain how motherhood changes a person, it’s such a dramatic, jarring change. It’s clear the author has children. Fortunately, it’s been about five years since I had my first child, so I have some distance. I’m not sure I could have read this soon after having my first. Adrian captures the huge range of emotions, exhaustion, and feelings of resentment and helplessness. The narrator, Amanda is in her early thirties, lives in New York, and has a two month old. After a fight with her partner, she drives to her hometown in Ohio, and finds herself at her estranged best friend’s home. Her best friend, Carrie, stayed in Ohio as she had a baby at 18 and the trajectory of her life changed. The story of Amanda and Carrie’s friendship and what caused their rift is slowly teased out and they learn to become close again. Since they are now both mothers, they find new ways to connect and understand each other. The narrator is incredibly developed, but I didn’t get the same sense for Carrie and Gabe. What I found fascinating about this story was how impulsive actions and behavior as a teen can affect our friendships and perhaps the rest of our lives. ‘Everything Here is Under Control’ was such a unique exploration of friendship, betrayal, and how motherhood bonds us.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing this ARC.
July 24, 2020
3.5 out of 5 👯♀️Female friendship tale
'Everything Here is Under Control' tells a story of two BFFs who's lost track of each other's lives somewhere along their way to adulthood. Carrie's got pregnant and gotten birth to a daughter while still in high school. Amanda has been helping her for the first years but right after graduation she left their small Ohio town and moved to NYC with her boyfriend. Several years later, overwhelmed with being a new mother herself, Amanda ran away from her baby father right to Carrie's house.
Reading about the struggles of a new mother reminded me of the first months (weeks? years!?) of my kid. A perfectly written description of her loneliness and postpartum depression made me feel it all. It was especially interesting from her - a responsible adult perspective while compared to Carrie's teenage pregnancy and how she has coped with it.
Another aspect of the book was their friendship and their screwed up relationship that got more complicated when the story unravels. I loved their rough, sister-like bound, and their slow reconciliation.
Overall, I liked this book and appreciate all the characters and their weird ways to handle life. Although I wish to I've seen more mental health advice. Amanda's mental state wasn't acknowledged at all. And while she tried to ask a question if motherhood is always so dark and scary for everyone, the only answer the book offers was that friendship and love would help with that. That's a quite dismissive approach to depression.
If you ever feel like Amanda, please, ask for health. It means not everything is under control.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and feelings are my own.
'Everything Here is Under Control' tells a story of two BFFs who's lost track of each other's lives somewhere along their way to adulthood. Carrie's got pregnant and gotten birth to a daughter while still in high school. Amanda has been helping her for the first years but right after graduation she left their small Ohio town and moved to NYC with her boyfriend. Several years later, overwhelmed with being a new mother herself, Amanda ran away from her baby father right to Carrie's house.
Reading about the struggles of a new mother reminded me of the first months (weeks? years!?) of my kid. A perfectly written description of her loneliness and postpartum depression made me feel it all. It was especially interesting from her - a responsible adult perspective while compared to Carrie's teenage pregnancy and how she has coped with it.
Another aspect of the book was their friendship and their screwed up relationship that got more complicated when the story unravels. I loved their rough, sister-like bound, and their slow reconciliation.
Overall, I liked this book and appreciate all the characters and their weird ways to handle life. Although I wish to I've seen more mental health advice. Amanda's mental state wasn't acknowledged at all. And while she tried to ask a question if motherhood is always so dark and scary for everyone, the only answer the book offers was that friendship and love would help with that. That's a quite dismissive approach to depression.
If you ever feel like Amanda, please, ask for health. It means not everything is under control.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and feelings are my own.
July 28, 2020
A fantastic book about the complexity of female friendships, motherhood, trauma, breaking the bonds of friendship & forgiveness. Also touching on postpartum depression, the story reminded me of what I felt as a young mother when I had my first child...the sometimes overpowering loneliness, the sleepless nights, the anxiety once the baby does go to sleep, & the all too consuming, 24/7 feeling that you aren't doing enough or aren't a good enough mother, even though you are doing everything as right & as well as you know how.
.
I'm also an Ohioan, so I love it when a book (or part of a book) takes place in a real or fictional town in my state. I would love to see a second book as a sort of 'where are they now' about Gabe, Carrie & Amanda. Overall, 'Everything Here is Under Control' is a really beautiful, complex, engaging & diverse book & I look forward to reading more from Emily Adrian in the future. Look for this book today at your local indie bookstore.
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I'm also an Ohioan, so I love it when a book (or part of a book) takes place in a real or fictional town in my state. I would love to see a second book as a sort of 'where are they now' about Gabe, Carrie & Amanda. Overall, 'Everything Here is Under Control' is a really beautiful, complex, engaging & diverse book & I look forward to reading more from Emily Adrian in the future. Look for this book today at your local indie bookstore.
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February 5, 2021DNF
April 11, 2021
I am torn with this novel. Adrian really nails so much of the postpartum tumult in a way I haven’t seen covered, right down to the destroyed perineum.
She captures the unifiying nature of motherhood—No one cares about your race, religion, or sexual preference if the woman next to you has a wet wipe when you need one.
And yet the superfluous addition of the political affiliation of Deerling, Ohio’s inhabitants suggest that voting any way but Democrat is a bridge too far. Adrian employs the tired trope that a Trump voter is the same as a white supremacist who deserves to be in jail, a confederate flag is the same as a MAGA flag. The tragedy is not only that she ostracizes half her readers, but also that it added absolutely nothing to the novel. It served zero purpose. It’s hard to buy-in to Adrian’s main characters’ enduring friendship forged despite their circumstances when Amanda, Carrie, and Gabe detest those around them who vote ostensibly because of their small-town, small-minded ways.
Nevertheless, Adrian has a concise, poignant writing style. There are so many highlight-worthy lines in this book that I felt compelled to write a rare review even if it isn’t raving.
I disagree with those criticizing her depiction of Carrie since Adrian is not African-American. As someone who has a diverse group of close friends, I appreciated Adrian not making race a central focus to the novel. It’s refreshing to have moms bond in a story and their race be a texture rather than a focal point.
I’m interested to see what Adrian writes next. I love how she writes, but I’m hoping next time I’ll also love what she writes.
She captures the unifiying nature of motherhood—No one cares about your race, religion, or sexual preference if the woman next to you has a wet wipe when you need one.
And yet the superfluous addition of the political affiliation of Deerling, Ohio’s inhabitants suggest that voting any way but Democrat is a bridge too far. Adrian employs the tired trope that a Trump voter is the same as a white supremacist who deserves to be in jail, a confederate flag is the same as a MAGA flag. The tragedy is not only that she ostracizes half her readers, but also that it added absolutely nothing to the novel. It served zero purpose. It’s hard to buy-in to Adrian’s main characters’ enduring friendship forged despite their circumstances when Amanda, Carrie, and Gabe detest those around them who vote ostensibly because of their small-town, small-minded ways.
Nevertheless, Adrian has a concise, poignant writing style. There are so many highlight-worthy lines in this book that I felt compelled to write a rare review even if it isn’t raving.
I disagree with those criticizing her depiction of Carrie since Adrian is not African-American. As someone who has a diverse group of close friends, I appreciated Adrian not making race a central focus to the novel. It’s refreshing to have moms bond in a story and their race be a texture rather than a focal point.
I’m interested to see what Adrian writes next. I love how she writes, but I’m hoping next time I’ll also love what she writes.
May 9, 2020
There are many books that depict new motherhood, but I think Everything Here is Under Control captured it exceptionally well. The simultaneous pain and love that is being a new mother is explored alongside a friendship between the main character, Amanda, and her best friend, Carrie. They grew up in rural Ohio together, but the cause for the rift between them is only insinuated in the beginning. Once it is revealed, the story feels a little awkward because there are certain details that don't add up. It was still enjoyable, but I think the author could have done a slightly better job at thinking through what the consequences of the revealed betrayal might be, and how others in the story might behave in its presence.
August 24, 2020
This audiobook was an emotional read. Must more so than I was expecting. It wasn't a bad thing. It just hit me harder than I thought it would. It is all about friendships, trauma, being a first time mom and postpartum depression. I have two young children so I feel like this hit very close to home for me. Amanda's struggles were all too real to me. I have a 5 month old that will not sleep... so I felt like I could feel Amanda's exhaustion through the book. I also really liked the relationship between Amanda and Carrie. There were so many complex feelings there.
The narration was spot on. I think she encompassed Amanda's voice and thoughts perfectly.
I am looking forward to more from this author.
The narration was spot on. I think she encompassed Amanda's voice and thoughts perfectly.
I am looking forward to more from this author.
April 23, 2021
I heart books that clearly recognize the importance of female friendships. And this also does a top-notch job of getting into the head of a new mom - full of fierce love for her new child but also mourning the loss of her autonomy.
Truly, this is a hard one to describe. The tone and voice hit the perfect notes for me.
Truly, this is a hard one to describe. The tone and voice hit the perfect notes for me.
February 4, 2021
The premise of the story is good. I predicted the twist before it happened. It was intriguing enough that I wanted to see how the story played out. But something didn’t resonate with me completely in how the story was told. I can’t quite put my finger on it.
October 22, 2020
this was...wack. i appreciated the all too real portrayal of rural small towns (ohio is basically pennsylvania tbh), but dear god these friendships...the toxicity...could not be me
August 26, 2020
For anyone whose become a new parent, the early days of adjustment can be a tremendous challenge. With sleep deprivation, changing maternal hormones, the often difficult challenges of breastfeeding and learning the baby’s needs it is likely one of the greatest challenges in a woman’s life. Everything Here is Under Control is a discussion of early motherhood and the importance of active support and friendship.
Amanda is a new mother and is struggling to cope. Her partner Gabe has not been the support she so desperately needs. Desperate for some help, Amanda drives herself and baby from New York back to her hometown in Ohio. Not to seek help from her mother who still lives in the town, but to the home of her estranged childhood friend Carrie.
The reasons she chooses Carrie are slowly revealed throughout the book. Carrie’s daughter is now twelve years old - much older than the last time Amanda has visited. The story is told from the Then and Now perspective which illustrates the complex and highly intimate relationship between the two women. Indeed, there is a bond that allows the two to not only support, but to challenge one another. Furthermore, the book highlights the unique characteristics of perception and personal experience and does so with compassion.
I love a book that addresses common experiences of women. Let’s face it - childbirth and the early postpartum period is not for the faint of heart. This book acknowledges this and, to some extent, normalizes it. It also celebrates those that actively support us through trying times and stay with us through the good days and bad days.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by Madeleine Lambert. I enjoyed her performance when there was dialogue, but found that the narration of the book was quite flat otherwise. Therefore, I would recommend reading this book over choosing the audiobook version.
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Amanda is a new mother and is struggling to cope. Her partner Gabe has not been the support she so desperately needs. Desperate for some help, Amanda drives herself and baby from New York back to her hometown in Ohio. Not to seek help from her mother who still lives in the town, but to the home of her estranged childhood friend Carrie.
The reasons she chooses Carrie are slowly revealed throughout the book. Carrie’s daughter is now twelve years old - much older than the last time Amanda has visited. The story is told from the Then and Now perspective which illustrates the complex and highly intimate relationship between the two women. Indeed, there is a bond that allows the two to not only support, but to challenge one another. Furthermore, the book highlights the unique characteristics of perception and personal experience and does so with compassion.
I love a book that addresses common experiences of women. Let’s face it - childbirth and the early postpartum period is not for the faint of heart. This book acknowledges this and, to some extent, normalizes it. It also celebrates those that actively support us through trying times and stay with us through the good days and bad days.
I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by Madeleine Lambert. I enjoyed her performance when there was dialogue, but found that the narration of the book was quite flat otherwise. Therefore, I would recommend reading this book over choosing the audiobook version.
Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
August 26, 2020
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I listened to the audiobook of this title and really enjoyed it! I loved the premise being a story of estranged childhood friends, their relationship, growing up, dealing with emotional difficulties, all against the uncertain backdrop of the 2016 presidential election. I really found this to be exceedingly interesting and very timely. As we enter into another presidential election and an even more uncertain time, I felt the book gave me hope about the future. It's essentially a story about motherhood, womanhood, friendships, grief, and the way we love each other.
Listening to this book, I was wrapped up in the first few lines. I really enjoy the narration and would listen to another novel narrated by this voice artist. The characters are nuanced and well-written and the vocalization of their thoughts, voices, and actions were exceptional. I felt the narration of this story really brought out the depth and complexity of the narrative.
The pacing was fine at about 7 hours. I've listened to very long books before, but this was the perfect length for this type of novel. I am so glad that I've been able to review this as my first audiobook review. Emily Adrian is a talented writer and I would read another book from her. This book is perfect for a book club or for fans of contemporary, prescient literary fiction. Fantastic narration by Madeleine Lambert as well!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I listened to the audiobook of this title and really enjoyed it! I loved the premise being a story of estranged childhood friends, their relationship, growing up, dealing with emotional difficulties, all against the uncertain backdrop of the 2016 presidential election. I really found this to be exceedingly interesting and very timely. As we enter into another presidential election and an even more uncertain time, I felt the book gave me hope about the future. It's essentially a story about motherhood, womanhood, friendships, grief, and the way we love each other.
Listening to this book, I was wrapped up in the first few lines. I really enjoy the narration and would listen to another novel narrated by this voice artist. The characters are nuanced and well-written and the vocalization of their thoughts, voices, and actions were exceptional. I felt the narration of this story really brought out the depth and complexity of the narrative.
The pacing was fine at about 7 hours. I've listened to very long books before, but this was the perfect length for this type of novel. I am so glad that I've been able to review this as my first audiobook review. Emily Adrian is a talented writer and I would read another book from her. This book is perfect for a book club or for fans of contemporary, prescient literary fiction. Fantastic narration by Madeleine Lambert as well!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 17, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the ALC of the audiobook Everything Here is Under Control.
After Amanda has her baby, she is overwhelmed with life as a new mother and heads back to her hometown for a trip, where she stays with her childhood best friend and her daughter. The awkward tension between them is not just from growing apart, but from a past riddled with love, betrayals, and copious amounts of drama.
I really enjoyed the narrative voice in this book. The audio version was very enjoyable to listen to, and I felt I was being pulled swiftly through the story, learning the ups and downs of Amanda's past friendship and her current life. I was quite shocked by the reveal of why there is so much tension, and it shed a light on the many complications of Amanda and Carrie's friendship.
One complaint I have is that a book so much about female choice and friendship seems to be overpowered by the gravity of Gabe for Amanda--that she would choose him over her best friend and her home--and arguably her self-empowerment.
This is a story about a difficult friendship, a complicated relationship, and post-partum depression. Not everything is as it seems, and there can be a lot more going on in a relationship than you might expect.
I definitely recommend listening to this audio as a quick and intriguing read!
After Amanda has her baby, she is overwhelmed with life as a new mother and heads back to her hometown for a trip, where she stays with her childhood best friend and her daughter. The awkward tension between them is not just from growing apart, but from a past riddled with love, betrayals, and copious amounts of drama.
I really enjoyed the narrative voice in this book. The audio version was very enjoyable to listen to, and I felt I was being pulled swiftly through the story, learning the ups and downs of Amanda's past friendship and her current life. I was quite shocked by the reveal of why there is so much tension, and it shed a light on the many complications of Amanda and Carrie's friendship.
One complaint I have is that a book so much about female choice and friendship seems to be overpowered by the gravity of Gabe for Amanda--that she would choose him over her best friend and her home--and arguably her self-empowerment.
This is a story about a difficult friendship, a complicated relationship, and post-partum depression. Not everything is as it seems, and there can be a lot more going on in a relationship than you might expect.
I definitely recommend listening to this audio as a quick and intriguing read!
July 19, 2020
Even though my baby is nearly 19 my eldest 28, this book took me right back to those early endless, sleepless days & nights, when the thought of taking a shower seemed a luxury and all I did was fantasize about the different ways I could kill my husband.
Amanda and Carrie were childhood besties who like most childhood besties, have a falling out. Now 15 years later, when motherhood has Amanda beaten, she flees her NY city life with baby Jack in tow and heads to her childhood home in Ohio and Carrie. Carrie, whom at 18 had become a teen mom is now a successful tattoo artist, dedicated single mom and a full functioning adult. Carrie who was once fearless & a hell-raiser is now a conservative which both surprises & amuses Amanda. While Amanda has fled her Republican Midwest American upbringing, Carrie has never left.
I really enjoyed the distinct voices of Amanda, Carrie and her teen daughter, Nina. My one small criticism, while this book wasn’t very long, parts felt redundant. This book is set in current times, right before the 2016 election and focuses on motherhood, friendship, perceptions, and Trump’s Make America Great Again.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an Audio ARC. The narration by Madeleine Lambert was wonderful and added to my overall enjoyment of Everything Here is Under Control. I highly recommend the audio.
Amanda and Carrie were childhood besties who like most childhood besties, have a falling out. Now 15 years later, when motherhood has Amanda beaten, she flees her NY city life with baby Jack in tow and heads to her childhood home in Ohio and Carrie. Carrie, whom at 18 had become a teen mom is now a successful tattoo artist, dedicated single mom and a full functioning adult. Carrie who was once fearless & a hell-raiser is now a conservative which both surprises & amuses Amanda. While Amanda has fled her Republican Midwest American upbringing, Carrie has never left.
I really enjoyed the distinct voices of Amanda, Carrie and her teen daughter, Nina. My one small criticism, while this book wasn’t very long, parts felt redundant. This book is set in current times, right before the 2016 election and focuses on motherhood, friendship, perceptions, and Trump’s Make America Great Again.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an Audio ARC. The narration by Madeleine Lambert was wonderful and added to my overall enjoyment of Everything Here is Under Control. I highly recommend the audio.
December 26, 2020
I was not sure I would like this since the last book I read about a woman tackling new motherhood has underwhelmed me. I was pleasantly surprised. The wiring was great along with the pacing. I breezed through it in that wonderful effortlessness that comes with solid writing.The characters for the most part were believable. The only thing I struggled with (hence not 5 stars) was the shallow investigation of race in the characters interactions with one another and with their surroundings. There were a lot of opportunities to dive into mixed race marriages, especially in the Midwest. There was also the opportunity to interrogate how it felt to be a woman of color in a Midwest MAGA county in the run up to the 2016 presidential election. I would read another hour or two for the story to dive into that complexity and how it impacts individual characters as well as their dynamics with one another.
August 11, 2020
Amanda loves her new baby, but she is struggling to keep her head above water. Reaching her breaking point, she jumps in the car with the baby and drives to Ohio, arriving at her best friends house. Only problem is that she and Carrie haven’t spoken in years. Can their friendship heal?
This was such a great story of female friendship. Carrie and Amandas friendship faces some very unique and interesting challenges, but I loved how they came back together and found a way to heal some past wounds. It also focused a lot on the life and struggles of a new mother, which I can only imagine the difficulty new moms face. This was a quick and well done read.
This was such a great story of female friendship. Carrie and Amandas friendship faces some very unique and interesting challenges, but I loved how they came back together and found a way to heal some past wounds. It also focused a lot on the life and struggles of a new mother, which I can only imagine the difficulty new moms face. This was a quick and well done read.
August 22, 2020
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed listening to the Audiobook of this book. It was an awesome experience. The narrator did an awesome job.
Everything Here is under Control was such an interesting read. With the whole drama of two best friends growing up together, growing apart, finding themselves and coming together again, it was a ride.
I enjoyed reading about the themes the book highlighted; All different kinds of relationships: romantic, mother-child bond, friendship; motherhood, self realization & growth even politics and the fight against racism and bad government.
Lovely book. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed listening to the Audiobook of this book. It was an awesome experience. The narrator did an awesome job.
Everything Here is under Control was such an interesting read. With the whole drama of two best friends growing up together, growing apart, finding themselves and coming together again, it was a ride.
I enjoyed reading about the themes the book highlighted; All different kinds of relationships: romantic, mother-child bond, friendship; motherhood, self realization & growth even politics and the fight against racism and bad government.
Lovely book. Highly recommend.
May 24, 2021
Loved this book about motherhood, friendship, and family- Emily Adrian can WRITE. Dhe nails the reality of how difficult the postpartum period is to a new mom, and how desperately women need and want help, especially from people they love and trust. She has written a realistic protagonist who is both deeply flawed and yet still likable, a skill that a lot of her contemporaries lack. Watching the evolution of a family, both chosen and born, in this novel was gorgeous, and I really loved it. 4.5 stars, rounded up.
September 4, 2021
I'm DNFing this at 44%.
None of these characters matter to me. They're just incredibly boring. The stories boring, I don't know what the point is or where we're going but I do know I don't want to be along for this ride anymore.
That being said I did actually buy this audio, so maybe one day I'll come back to it so it's not completely wasted money; it was on sale but still real money nonetheless. Perhaps I am just not the target audience (it's more than possible), but I just cannot continue.
None of these characters matter to me. They're just incredibly boring. The stories boring, I don't know what the point is or where we're going but I do know I don't want to be along for this ride anymore.
That being said I did actually buy this audio, so maybe one day I'll come back to it so it's not completely wasted money; it was on sale but still real money nonetheless. Perhaps I am just not the target audience (it's more than possible), but I just cannot continue.
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