What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 19:33:13
40 copies available
U.S. only
The Great Wherever
Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 19:33:13
40 copies available
U.S. only
13 hours, 7 minutes
The dead are relentless gossips, or at least these dead are.
An impulsive and heartbroken woman inherits her father’s share of a Tennessee farm that is rich in family secrets and occupied with busybody ghosts in this sweeping family portrait.
At thirty-two, Aubrey Lamb is stumbling through adulthood. An underpaid gig worker in Washington, DC, she’s grieving the end of a serious relationship and the recent loss of her father. When Aubrey learns she has inherited his stake in a sizable Tennessee farm she sees an opportunity to get out of the city—and to erase a mounting pile of debt.
Watching her arrival with great interest are four ghosts—Aubrey’s ancestors, who’ve staked their own claims to the farm and who never hesitate to pass judgment on the mistakes made by the living, whether romantic, financial, or sartorial. As Aubrey reconnects with her living family, another story unfolds in parallel: the history of the land, beginning with its purchase by Thomas, Aubrey’s great-grandfather and one of the first Black landowners in his community. Though Thomas hopes to give his children a homestead on which they could flourish, the land proves to be a burdensome inheritance. Over the years, it turns the Lambs against one another, culminating in a catastrophic tragedy that splinters the family and echoes through the decades.
Now, as the clock ticks on a potential sale of the farm, the ghosts fear expulsion from the home they’ve made, and Aubrey must weigh the hopes and burdens of her forebears with the very real needs of her future.
An expansive family saga told with a wry and distinctly modern voice, The Great Wherever is at once grand and intimate; it explores the ways we learn to define ourselves through and against our families, how we carry on after loss, and how the past lives on in all of us.
The dead are relentless gossips, or at least these dead are.
An impulsive and heartbroken woman inherits her father’s share of a Tennessee farm that is rich in family secrets and occupied with busybody ghosts in this sweeping family portrait.
At thirty-two, Aubrey Lamb is stumbling through adulthood. An underpaid gig worker in Washington, DC, she’s grieving the end of a serious relationship and the recent loss of her father. When Aubrey learns she has inherited his stake in a sizable Tennessee farm she sees an opportunity to get out of the city—and to erase a mounting pile of debt.
Watching her arrival with great interest are four ghosts—Aubrey’s ancestors, who’ve staked their own claims to the farm and who never hesitate to pass judgment on the mistakes made by the living, whether romantic, financial, or sartorial. As Aubrey reconnects with her living family, another story unfolds in parallel: the history of the land, beginning with its purchase by Thomas, Aubrey’s great-grandfather and one of the first Black landowners in his community. Though Thomas hopes to give his children a homestead on which they could flourish, the land proves to be a burdensome inheritance. Over the years, it turns the Lambs against one another, culminating in a catastrophic tragedy that splinters the family and echoes through the decades.
Now, as the clock ticks on a potential sale of the farm, the ghosts fear expulsion from the home they’ve made, and Aubrey must weigh the hopes and burdens of her forebears with the very real needs of her future.
An expansive family saga told with a wry and distinctly modern voice, The Great Wherever is at once grand and intimate; it explores the ways we learn to define ourselves through and against our families, how we carry on after loss, and how the past lives on in all of us.
15 pages, Audiobook
First published July 7, 2026
About the author
Shannon Sanders
8 books143 followersShannon Sanders is a writer and attorney and the author of the short story collection Company. Sanders’s short fiction was the recipient of a 2020 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers and has appeared in several publications including One Story, TriQuarterly, Joyland, Electric Literature, and elsewhere. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband and three sons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
July 8, 2026
summer is made for family sagas
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
Read
April 25, 2026The Great Wherever opens with someone, our main narrator, telling us they have passed. We know she was in her twenties when she died and that we are going to be in good hands for the next 400 pages. In few words, we quickly come to know this narrator and how hilarious yet thoughtful she is. She is thinking about her outfit and calling herself an ho bag. From her vantage point, looking down on the living is better than the best reality tv. We then meet Aubrey, our central character. She has been dumped, she’s lost her wallet, and is just a bit of a mess. She learns that she has inherited a shared stake in land once owned by her father. She doesn’t know her family that also have a shared stake, but that’s all about to change. Aubrey is about to learn about her ancestors, and we will too as these gossipy haunts help us make connections.
This is one of my favorite literary family sagas I’ve read in some time. One of those books that I couldn’t wait to get back to. From Reconstruction to present day American South, we trace ancestry and all it holds. It’s important to know the tracing isn’t linear, and for me, that made it even more engaging. There is a lot of loss in this book, and the way Sanders put words to loss was moving and so very relatable. Like reaching for a loved one’s face and the sound of their voice when you can only do that with your mind. I loved it. Thank you @henryholtbooks for the e-galley. The Great Wherever publishes July 7th.
This is one of my favorite literary family sagas I’ve read in some time. One of those books that I couldn’t wait to get back to. From Reconstruction to present day American South, we trace ancestry and all it holds. It’s important to know the tracing isn’t linear, and for me, that made it even more engaging. There is a lot of loss in this book, and the way Sanders put words to loss was moving and so very relatable. Like reaching for a loved one’s face and the sound of their voice when you can only do that with your mind. I loved it. Thank you @henryholtbooks for the e-galley. The Great Wherever publishes July 7th.
November 2, 2025
Beautiful in the most haunting way. I loved Audrey and the way she connects with her ancestors. It was fascinating to see how the plot plays out over the years and the family issues were so relatable. This is one of the greatest family sagas I’ve ever read. It hooked me in and I was gasping for air by the end. The characters are unforgettable! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2025
A heartwarming, multi-generational saga that feels deeply real.
Solid 4 stars! This book drew me in from the start. I loved the ghostly element woven into the story and how much the characters are invested, both financially and emotionally, in the family homestead. It was fascinating to see how each generation wrestled with decisions about who deserved the land and how to preserve such a meaningful legacy.
The characters shine with authenticity, flaws and all. Their struggles and losses resonate across the years, and I found myself rooting for them to make the right choices. The writing style is warm and inviting. Almost like a friend sitting down to tell you a story, which makes the narrative even more engaging.
Thank you to the author and Henry Holt & Co. for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this book!
Solid 4 stars! This book drew me in from the start. I loved the ghostly element woven into the story and how much the characters are invested, both financially and emotionally, in the family homestead. It was fascinating to see how each generation wrestled with decisions about who deserved the land and how to preserve such a meaningful legacy.
The characters shine with authenticity, flaws and all. Their struggles and losses resonate across the years, and I found myself rooting for them to make the right choices. The writing style is warm and inviting. Almost like a friend sitting down to tell you a story, which makes the narrative even more engaging.
Thank you to the author and Henry Holt & Co. for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this book!
July 7, 2026
3.5 stars "The dead are relentless gossips, or at least these dead are. -- An impulsive and heartbroken woman inherits her father’s share of a Tennessee farm that is rich in family secrets and occupied with busybody ghosts in this sweeping family portrait."
Aubrey Lamb is thirty-two and has recently lost her father and gone through a breakup. On top of it, she has a mountain of debt and is short on cash. When she learns that she is inheriting a large interest of land from her father, she optimistically travels from DC to Tennessee thinking this could solve her problems.
The story is told in past and present by ancestors who have passed on. This family saga has a large cast of characters that are fully fleshed out. The writing is beautiful with vivid prose. Aubrey meeting her relatives she didn't know about is a heartwarming part of the story that I loved. At times, the pacing was lost as the order of timelines got a bit mixed up. A thorough edit of the timelines for certain stories would have been beneficial to the flow of the narrative. Parts are told with humor and warmth, especially with the ghosts who seem to be all knowing but have little impact on the living which frustrates them. I do think this is a worthwhile read as I enjoyed reading about some of the first black Tennessee landowners in the early 1900s. It also captures human behavior and family dynamics very well when an inheritance is involved.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt and Shannon Sanders for the gifted advance reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
Aubrey Lamb is thirty-two and has recently lost her father and gone through a breakup. On top of it, she has a mountain of debt and is short on cash. When she learns that she is inheriting a large interest of land from her father, she optimistically travels from DC to Tennessee thinking this could solve her problems.
The story is told in past and present by ancestors who have passed on. This family saga has a large cast of characters that are fully fleshed out. The writing is beautiful with vivid prose. Aubrey meeting her relatives she didn't know about is a heartwarming part of the story that I loved. At times, the pacing was lost as the order of timelines got a bit mixed up. A thorough edit of the timelines for certain stories would have been beneficial to the flow of the narrative. Parts are told with humor and warmth, especially with the ghosts who seem to be all knowing but have little impact on the living which frustrates them. I do think this is a worthwhile read as I enjoyed reading about some of the first black Tennessee landowners in the early 1900s. It also captures human behavior and family dynamics very well when an inheritance is involved.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt and Shannon Sanders for the gifted advance reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book gave me about 20 pages to settle in but after that it was the kind of story you think about while you're doing other things and can't wait to get back to. The cast of characters was pretty large and while that can sometimes be a drawback, it worked well here, really giving it a "family history passing down through generations" vibe. (We've all heard stories of this family member and that one, we know we're related but forget how, and stories are passed from generation to generation.) I would love to see a family tree (family Bible style!) drawn up and added to the book. I especially liked the family ghosts, it made me wish for/wonder if my own family ghosts are around somewhere.
The book was full of family drama in the way that all families are, there are a few surprises among the branches of the family, but at the root of it there is love and connection, something we seldom appreciate when we have it but long for when its gone.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
The book was full of family drama in the way that all families are, there are a few surprises among the branches of the family, but at the root of it there is love and connection, something we seldom appreciate when we have it but long for when its gone.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
April 9, 2026
Thank you so much Goodreads for hosting the giveaway that won this ARC for me! I was very excited to read it based on the description.
The book started VERY slow for me. Around page 60 I started to become more intrigued. However, parts of it were just way too long and unnecessary to keep my attention. There were pages I just skimmed. I didn’t need a description of Aubrey’s UTI every paragraph repeatedly. I just didn’t like Aubrey. She was whiney, lazy, and had no sense. I did not feel bad for her at all. She needed to make better choices. Which I guess made the point in the end.
Some sections were very good. I loved the perspective of the passed on family members. Telling the family stories through their eyes was a great way to do it. I loved the living cousins. The way they accepted Aubrey and her flaws was very heart warming.
Ultimately this book is the telling of a family history using living family members in present time and dead family members from the great Wherever.
The book started VERY slow for me. Around page 60 I started to become more intrigued. However, parts of it were just way too long and unnecessary to keep my attention. There were pages I just skimmed. I didn’t need a description of Aubrey’s UTI every paragraph repeatedly. I just didn’t like Aubrey. She was whiney, lazy, and had no sense. I did not feel bad for her at all. She needed to make better choices. Which I guess made the point in the end.
Some sections were very good. I loved the perspective of the passed on family members. Telling the family stories through their eyes was a great way to do it. I loved the living cousins. The way they accepted Aubrey and her flaws was very heart warming.
Ultimately this book is the telling of a family history using living family members in present time and dead family members from the great Wherever.
Read
February 17, 2026One of those books I knew I was going to love and then (surprise!) did love. I was a big fan of Sanders's first book, Company, so it was very rewarding to revisit familiar characters and then expand on them in a rich and rewarding way. (This book stands alone, though, so you won't miss anything if you read it before reading Company.) I love multigenerational stories, ghosts, and smart, complex characters, and this novel has all of those things. I thought it was very clever the way Sanders uses the ghosts' limited omniscience to explore the inner lives of the family members, past and present. The characters felt like real people with nuanced differences but familial similarities.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders is a novel I feel grateful to have read. I received an advance review copy from NetGalley, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
From the first pages, the writing is lyrical and flowing in a way that makes it a true pleasure to read. There’s an elegance to Shannon Sanders’ prose; it's eloquent, and I found myself slowing down simply to savour it. This is very much a character led novel, and I was deeply invested in the slow, careful unfolding of each life on the page. The characters feel real and complex, layered with contradictions, regrets, and longings that feel deeply human.
I particularly loved the way the ghosts are woven through the story, and the gradual revelation of the narrator’s identity was handled beautifully, adding quiet depth. The dual timelines are seamlessly done, allowing the past and present to speak to one another in a way that feels truthful and emotional.
The land itself feels like a character; alive with history, holding generations within it. As a multi-generational family saga, this novel explores family bonds, grief, nostalgia, regret, and the complicated ache of belonging. It moved me and stayed after I'd turned the final page.
I honestly didn’t want this novel to end. It’s one I’ll be thinking about for quite some time and one I will absolutely be recommending.
From the first pages, the writing is lyrical and flowing in a way that makes it a true pleasure to read. There’s an elegance to Shannon Sanders’ prose; it's eloquent, and I found myself slowing down simply to savour it. This is very much a character led novel, and I was deeply invested in the slow, careful unfolding of each life on the page. The characters feel real and complex, layered with contradictions, regrets, and longings that feel deeply human.
I particularly loved the way the ghosts are woven through the story, and the gradual revelation of the narrator’s identity was handled beautifully, adding quiet depth. The dual timelines are seamlessly done, allowing the past and present to speak to one another in a way that feels truthful and emotional.
The land itself feels like a character; alive with history, holding generations within it. As a multi-generational family saga, this novel explores family bonds, grief, nostalgia, regret, and the complicated ache of belonging. It moved me and stayed after I'd turned the final page.
I honestly didn’t want this novel to end. It’s one I’ll be thinking about for quite some time and one I will absolutely be recommending.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This wise and wry African American family saga includes an insightful view of land stewardship and inheritance, non-linear multi-generational storytelling, complete with benevolent ghosts of passed generations, rooted in western Tennessee, charming and deeply relatable, and is perfect for fans of Happy Land by Dolan Perkins-Valdez and Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders!!! Much heartfelt gratitude to Shannon Sanders, Henry Holt and Co, and Netgalley! Publishing in July 2026 and absolutely a best of this year!
July 5, 2026
The Great Wherever had such an intriguing premise, and it immediately pulled me in. The way the story unfolded through its narration reminded me of The Muppet Christmas Carol—not because they’re similar stories, but because it feels like you’re being guided through the events by a few storytellers, which gave it a unique charm.
That said, the middle section dragged a bit for me. There were moments where I genuinely wondered what else the story had left to say because it felt like the emotional journey had already reached its destination. The pacing slowed enough that I found myself waiting for the next big revelation.
I’m glad I stuck with it, though, because the ending was exactly what the book needed. It tied everything together beautifully and left me with a satisfying sense of closure that elevated the entire reading experience. While the journey wasn’t perfect, the unique storytelling style, thoughtful premise, and heartfelt conclusion made this one well worth the read.
That said, the middle section dragged a bit for me. There were moments where I genuinely wondered what else the story had left to say because it felt like the emotional journey had already reached its destination. The pacing slowed enough that I found myself waiting for the next big revelation.
I’m glad I stuck with it, though, because the ending was exactly what the book needed. It tied everything together beautifully and left me with a satisfying sense of closure that elevated the entire reading experience. While the journey wasn’t perfect, the unique storytelling style, thoughtful premise, and heartfelt conclusion made this one well worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Grieving her father and reeling from a recent breakup, Aubrey flees Washington DC to the family farm in Tennessee to learn more about her inheritance of the farm and meet her long lost relatives as well. As the ghosts of her ancestors watch the present living relatives, they offer commentary on the family and farm’s history over the generations.
This multigenerational family saga explores a plethora of complex themes like legacy, race, generational wealth, and grief. The ghostly element feels more natural than paranormal as it weaves together the connections between the past and present. I would have loved to see a family tree included, and maybe there will be for the finished copies.
Though it does take a few shakes of the family tree for the plot to fully take root and grow, I really enjoyed 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 with its blend of historical fiction, witty ghosts, and affable livings.
🎙 Keylor Leigh gives a wonderful narration, bringing the ghosts to life as vividly as the living. I enjoyed tandem reading this one. Nothing against the narration, but I do think I enjoyed this one better with my eyes as it kept it easier to track the characters and ghosts with the present and past stories intermixed.
✨️ Thank you to Henry Holt for the ARC & Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 7•7•2026]
This multigenerational family saga explores a plethora of complex themes like legacy, race, generational wealth, and grief. The ghostly element feels more natural than paranormal as it weaves together the connections between the past and present. I would have loved to see a family tree included, and maybe there will be for the finished copies.
Though it does take a few shakes of the family tree for the plot to fully take root and grow, I really enjoyed 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 with its blend of historical fiction, witty ghosts, and affable livings.
🎙 Keylor Leigh gives a wonderful narration, bringing the ghosts to life as vividly as the living. I enjoyed tandem reading this one. Nothing against the narration, but I do think I enjoyed this one better with my eyes as it kept it easier to track the characters and ghosts with the present and past stories intermixed.
✨️ Thank you to Henry Holt for the ARC & Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
[𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 7•7•2026]
June 13, 2026
When Aubrey finds out she inherited a portion of some land in Tennessee after the passing of her father, she becomes curious, as she has never heard of this property before. She heads to Tennessee and meets relatives she has never met before and learns the whole history of this land. Interjected into the story are voices of a handful of dead people who give their two cents about the land as well. This is a story about family heritage, being a part of a Black family who had to work harder to keep what they worked so hard for and the wherewithal to keep the land for future generations.
Thank you to NetGalley & Henry Holt and Co. for the invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley & Henry Holt and Co. for the invitation to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
April 3, 2026
Thank you so much for the author and publishing team sending me an ARC via physical copy!
Writing:
I felt the writing was good but it definitely could have been better. I enjoyed the descriptions and character development though it was just missing something from me.
Characters:
I loved how this story incorporated ghost’s! It was really interesting to read from their POV and I have not read much like it! There were a lot of characters(ghost’s) so it was hard for me at times to recall all of them and what they and stuff. But it was still enjoyable.
Plot:
I felt the plot was very different and intriguing. I could really see the vision the author had when writing the story and the way she developed the story was good!
Extra thoughts:
This wasn’t my main genre I go to when reading (lit-fic) but again, this was still an enjoyable read and I would recommend you pick it up if you like complex characters, ghosts, fiction! Thank you again to the author and publishing team for sending me an ARC!
Writing:
I felt the writing was good but it definitely could have been better. I enjoyed the descriptions and character development though it was just missing something from me.
Characters:
I loved how this story incorporated ghost’s! It was really interesting to read from their POV and I have not read much like it! There were a lot of characters(ghost’s) so it was hard for me at times to recall all of them and what they and stuff. But it was still enjoyable.
Plot:
I felt the plot was very different and intriguing. I could really see the vision the author had when writing the story and the way she developed the story was good!
Extra thoughts:
This wasn’t my main genre I go to when reading (lit-fic) but again, this was still an enjoyable read and I would recommend you pick it up if you like complex characters, ghosts, fiction! Thank you again to the author and publishing team for sending me an ARC!
July 6, 2026
I recently took a reading color quiz to find out what type of reader I am, and the results revealed that I am a Red Reader, specifically the "Grounded Red" subtype. According to the quiz, Red Readers chase intensity—what matters most to us is momentum you can actually feel. We read for the shock, the stakes, the dread, and putting everything on the line. While I’m usually skeptical about these kinds of personality quizzes, I have to admit that Shannon Sanders’ The Great Wherever perfectly aligns with my reading taste.
In this slow-burn of a family saga, we follow Aubrey Lamb, a young woman stumbling through early adulthood after the devastating loss of her father. We meet her on what is supposed to be a momentous night in her life as she rushes to meet up with her boyfriend. However, as we watch her hurry to her date, we quickly realize that we aren't the only ones watching her—someone else is lurking in the shadows, though we don't yet know who.
Nursing a broken heart and feeling like she has absolutely nothing left to lose, Aubrey receives an unexpected email indicating she has inherited a stake in her family's ancestral farm back in Tennessee. Draining her bank account to book a final-effort trip, she heads south to reconnect with the property and her long-lost family.
As readers, we journey alongside Aubrey through the rich, complex history of the Lambs and discover how they came to own such a sizeable piece of land. But we aren't traveling alone: we are accompanied by a party of ghosts. The narrative gradually reveals which spirits are watching Aubrey and her ancestors throughout the family's history—with the exception of one mysterious entity.
Here is where I get to pat myself on the back! I absolutely love a book that includes a family tree, and the author really came through by providing one here. Because I had that visual layout to study, I was thrilled when I managed to decipher exactly who our mystery ghost was about midway through the story.
Admittedly, Aubrey can be a frustrating protagonist at times, and you will definitely question some of the decisions she makes. But true to my "Red Reader" traits, the massive stakes on the line—the potential loss of a family farm, a legacy, and a brilliant example of true resilience—kept me frantically turning the pages. I just knew Aubrey wouldn't let her family down.
I won't spoil how the story ends, what decision Aubrey ultimately makes, or the identity of that mysterious ghost—you'll have to pick this one up and figure it out for yourself. To my fellow family saga lovers, and especially to anyone who identifies as a Grounded Red reader, this book is absolutely for you. Shannon Sanders does an exceptional job of tracing the Lamb family from slavery to freedom, beautifully capturing all the messiness and complexity typically found in Black family trees. I am an instant fan of her writing and will definitely be checking out her other title, Company.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
In this slow-burn of a family saga, we follow Aubrey Lamb, a young woman stumbling through early adulthood after the devastating loss of her father. We meet her on what is supposed to be a momentous night in her life as she rushes to meet up with her boyfriend. However, as we watch her hurry to her date, we quickly realize that we aren't the only ones watching her—someone else is lurking in the shadows, though we don't yet know who.
Nursing a broken heart and feeling like she has absolutely nothing left to lose, Aubrey receives an unexpected email indicating she has inherited a stake in her family's ancestral farm back in Tennessee. Draining her bank account to book a final-effort trip, she heads south to reconnect with the property and her long-lost family.
As readers, we journey alongside Aubrey through the rich, complex history of the Lambs and discover how they came to own such a sizeable piece of land. But we aren't traveling alone: we are accompanied by a party of ghosts. The narrative gradually reveals which spirits are watching Aubrey and her ancestors throughout the family's history—with the exception of one mysterious entity.
Here is where I get to pat myself on the back! I absolutely love a book that includes a family tree, and the author really came through by providing one here. Because I had that visual layout to study, I was thrilled when I managed to decipher exactly who our mystery ghost was about midway through the story.
Admittedly, Aubrey can be a frustrating protagonist at times, and you will definitely question some of the decisions she makes. But true to my "Red Reader" traits, the massive stakes on the line—the potential loss of a family farm, a legacy, and a brilliant example of true resilience—kept me frantically turning the pages. I just knew Aubrey wouldn't let her family down.
I won't spoil how the story ends, what decision Aubrey ultimately makes, or the identity of that mysterious ghost—you'll have to pick this one up and figure it out for yourself. To my fellow family saga lovers, and especially to anyone who identifies as a Grounded Red reader, this book is absolutely for you. Shannon Sanders does an exceptional job of tracing the Lamb family from slavery to freedom, beautifully capturing all the messiness and complexity typically found in Black family trees. I am an instant fan of her writing and will definitely be checking out her other title, Company.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 8, 2026
At thirty-two, Aubrey Lamb is stumbling through adulthood. An underpaid gig worker in Washington, DC, she’s grieving the end of a serious relationship and the recent loss of her father. When Aubrey learns she has inherited his stake in a sizable Tennessee farm she sees an opportunity to get out of the city—and to erase a mounting pile of debt.
This does not happen often. But I enjoyed the present day parts of this book better than the past. The past is a bit of a jumble and I was left with wanting more. But in present day, Aubrey is a character I enjoyed. She is flighty and lord does she make some poor decisions! But for some reason my heart went out to her.
This is my first time reading this author. I will definitely give another one of her books a try, I did enjoy her characters! And I see a lot of promise in her writing.
Need a family saga…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.
This does not happen often. But I enjoyed the present day parts of this book better than the past. The past is a bit of a jumble and I was left with wanting more. But in present day, Aubrey is a character I enjoyed. She is flighty and lord does she make some poor decisions! But for some reason my heart went out to her.
This is my first time reading this author. I will definitely give another one of her books a try, I did enjoy her characters! And I see a lot of promise in her writing.
Need a family saga…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.
June 15, 2026
The Great Wherever kept me invested not just in Aubrey but in the entire Lamb family. Aubrey was quite a mess to kick off the book but I was glad I stayed with her. The writing was beautiful in that it was warm, funny, and inviting, and it kept me reading — and was I rewarded. The ghosts were a highlight I didn't expect, their observations funny enough to make me laugh out loud. The past timelines were my favorite, full of both warmth and tension, and as the story opened up it revealed so much more — racism, social class, inheritance, and the weight of family history. A multigenerational saga that earned every page.
Thank you Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for my free review copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for my free review copy. All opinions are my own.
Want to Read
July 1, 2026When all the 1 star comments are angry racist white folks, you KNOW it's gonna be a good book. Just purchased and I can't wait to read it as soon as it gets here!
April 30, 2026
Thank you to Henry Holt & Company for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders is a sprawling American family epic, spanning generations. Centered around a family farm in rural Tennessee, Aubrey is surprised to find that in the wake of her father’s death that she is the partial owner of the Lamb family farm. With a tumultuous personal life, she must grapple with her way forward, the context and sordid history of the family told from four ghosts tied to the land.
This book has a languid, Tennessee summer pace to it. The book, which switches between a ghostly narrator and a third person present account, tells a twisting and multigenerational account of the Lamb family, its triumphs and falls. The slow pace of this story is absolutely an intentional choice, because as the story grows and spirals and magnifies with each cousin, lover, or daughter, it becomes more and more apparent how the property is more than a house and land, but as a symbol of love, resilience, and of generational promise. I think that this is such a beautiful sweeping family epic that really defines the American dream.
The character work in this book is superb. Each of the different family members are well differentiated, and they are a layered college of hopes, faults, strengths, and ideosyncracies. Lena, Peter, Joah, and Elijah are particularly well written.
Another thing I really enjoyed is the motif that recurs across characters of an unwanted or unexpected pregnancy. For some characters termination is a relief, for others is is a great sadness that defines their lives. One female character, by contrast, is so affected by the very idea of an unwanted pregnancy that she gets on birth control pills well in advance of needing them. What I loved about this was the very frank discussion that not all women feel the same way about an unexpected pregnancy. Their reactions are unique and reflect the time, the character, and their circumstance. It also makes it clear that the lives of these characters are often shaped by these decisions in a way that the male characters are exempted from.
In general I thought this was a really compelling piece of literature. I loved the layered voices and cast or richly crafted characters. Don’t let the slow pacing deter you from a vivid and rich story. 5/5!
The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders is a sprawling American family epic, spanning generations. Centered around a family farm in rural Tennessee, Aubrey is surprised to find that in the wake of her father’s death that she is the partial owner of the Lamb family farm. With a tumultuous personal life, she must grapple with her way forward, the context and sordid history of the family told from four ghosts tied to the land.
This book has a languid, Tennessee summer pace to it. The book, which switches between a ghostly narrator and a third person present account, tells a twisting and multigenerational account of the Lamb family, its triumphs and falls. The slow pace of this story is absolutely an intentional choice, because as the story grows and spirals and magnifies with each cousin, lover, or daughter, it becomes more and more apparent how the property is more than a house and land, but as a symbol of love, resilience, and of generational promise. I think that this is such a beautiful sweeping family epic that really defines the American dream.
The character work in this book is superb. Each of the different family members are well differentiated, and they are a layered college of hopes, faults, strengths, and ideosyncracies. Lena, Peter, Joah, and Elijah are particularly well written.
Another thing I really enjoyed is the motif that recurs across characters of an unwanted or unexpected pregnancy. For some characters termination is a relief, for others is is a great sadness that defines their lives. One female character, by contrast, is so affected by the very idea of an unwanted pregnancy that she gets on birth control pills well in advance of needing them. What I loved about this was the very frank discussion that not all women feel the same way about an unexpected pregnancy. Their reactions are unique and reflect the time, the character, and their circumstance. It also makes it clear that the lives of these characters are often shaped by these decisions in a way that the male characters are exempted from.
In general I thought this was a really compelling piece of literature. I loved the layered voices and cast or richly crafted characters. Don’t let the slow pacing deter you from a vivid and rich story. 5/5!
January 2, 2026
The Great Wherever is strong literary fiction about family, identity, memory and the messy, loving entanglements that come with them. It stands out for character depth and emotional honesty. It's a family saga centered around a Black family in Tennessee. The patriarch Thomas although descended from slavery uses his sheer grit and hard work to make his way up in life. He builds a homestead on his own land purchased from his employer's family. The novel touches upon issues of race, class, identity, inheritance and family dynamics. There is a multitude of characters, and a family tree may help keep track of them. Starting slow, I found the book to be unputdownable somewhere past 30%. I loved it and totally recommend for fans of family drama.
Thank you Henry Holt for the ARC
Thank you Henry Holt for the ARC
July 7, 2026
I love a multigenerational saga - especially one that’s set in the South with a Greek chorus of opinionated, witty, and attached ancestral ghosts. In fact, these ghosts, living in the Great Wherever, were my favorite part of the story. They were the protectors of the land that held so much of their family’s history. They understood the blood, sweat, and tears that were poured into this land - that began the all-important generational wealth that propelled this Black family out of servitude to the rich white neighbors adjacent to them.
Had the story centered solely around these ghosts, this book would have been a 5⭐️ read for me. They were connected to the land - protecting it and keeping it in the family. Without their minuscule interventions, this land may have fallen into greedy hands long ago. Their care and concern, even in the modern times, demonstrated why family inheritance is so meaningful and deserves protection at all costs.
Where this story fell apart a little bit for me was with Aubrey, the modern-day protagonist. While she is supposed to have shown growth by the time the book ends, it felt like I was told that more than shown. I felt so much emotion with many of these characters, but Aubrey felt very flat to me, which is odd when she’s the main focus. For me, she was a very underdeveloped character who didn’t propel the story at all - in fact, I feel like she stalled the story.
Overall, this has beautiful writing and a powerful sentiment. I would be interested in reading another story by Sanders as she shows great promise as a writer and storyteller with this debut.
Had the story centered solely around these ghosts, this book would have been a 5⭐️ read for me. They were connected to the land - protecting it and keeping it in the family. Without their minuscule interventions, this land may have fallen into greedy hands long ago. Their care and concern, even in the modern times, demonstrated why family inheritance is so meaningful and deserves protection at all costs.
Where this story fell apart a little bit for me was with Aubrey, the modern-day protagonist. While she is supposed to have shown growth by the time the book ends, it felt like I was told that more than shown. I felt so much emotion with many of these characters, but Aubrey felt very flat to me, which is odd when she’s the main focus. For me, she was a very underdeveloped character who didn’t propel the story at all - in fact, I feel like she stalled the story.
Overall, this has beautiful writing and a powerful sentiment. I would be interested in reading another story by Sanders as she shows great promise as a writer and storyteller with this debut.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 3, 20264.25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this one. It isn't a plot-heavy book, but rather a multigenerational family saga that explores legacy, belonging, and what it means to stay connected to your roots.
One of my favorite things about this book was how it blended history with the supernatural. The story is told through the perspectives of ghosts watching over later generations, and I thought that was such a unique way to reveal this family's history. It added warmth, personality, and heart while still allowing the story to explore grief, identity, racism, and the importance of knowing where you come from.
I also loved how much emphasis the story placed on family, preserving history, and maintaining that connection across generations. Rather than feeling like a history lesson, it felt like an appreciation for the people, places, and stories that shape us. I also really appreciated how lighthearted the writing felt. Even though the book tackles some heavy topics, it never feels weighed down by them. It has a modern, approachable voice that made it incredibly easy to settle into.
I listened to the audiobook, and I thought it captured that warmth and personality really well. However, because the story spans multiple generations and perspectives, I did find myself wishing for a family tree to reference. There were a few moments where I wasn't immediately sure who was speaking, but I think seeing the family connections visually would make following everyone even easier.
Overall, I thought this was a beautifully written and unique family saga. I haven't read another multigenerational story told through the perspectives of ghosts, and I really appreciated its focus on family, history, belonging, and the lasting ties between people and place.
I really enjoyed this one. It isn't a plot-heavy book, but rather a multigenerational family saga that explores legacy, belonging, and what it means to stay connected to your roots.
One of my favorite things about this book was how it blended history with the supernatural. The story is told through the perspectives of ghosts watching over later generations, and I thought that was such a unique way to reveal this family's history. It added warmth, personality, and heart while still allowing the story to explore grief, identity, racism, and the importance of knowing where you come from.
I also loved how much emphasis the story placed on family, preserving history, and maintaining that connection across generations. Rather than feeling like a history lesson, it felt like an appreciation for the people, places, and stories that shape us. I also really appreciated how lighthearted the writing felt. Even though the book tackles some heavy topics, it never feels weighed down by them. It has a modern, approachable voice that made it incredibly easy to settle into.
I listened to the audiobook, and I thought it captured that warmth and personality really well. However, because the story spans multiple generations and perspectives, I did find myself wishing for a family tree to reference. There were a few moments where I wasn't immediately sure who was speaking, but I think seeing the family connections visually would make following everyone even easier.
Overall, I thought this was a beautifully written and unique family saga. I haven't read another multigenerational story told through the perspectives of ghosts, and I really appreciated its focus on family, history, belonging, and the lasting ties between people and place.
July 1, 2026
I wasn’t sure what to expect with The Great Wherever, but I really enjoyed this audio book!
It’s a character driven and an interesting examination of family history, generational trauma, and coming of age - I guess if you can come of age at 32? Aubrey wasn’t my favorite FMC (don’t love cheating), but I loved the ghost narrator. 10/10 for the ghost narrator.
“A life in progress is like a growing tree or a fern on the windowsill. But a life in past is like a polished stone with a fixed weight and color. An implied inception with physical bounds. After it is over, it does not lose any of its old qualities. Doesn’t get any less dense or light, beautiful or stripey or craggy pocked. But it doesn’t get any bigger either. The size of it and where it ends is part of the story of what it is.”
The Great Wherever was rich with history and introspection, equal parts a story and a reflection, relatable but also informative and heartwarming. I also learned a lot about Black owned farms in Tennessee.
“Boys are made of need. You can’t imagine all the things they will need from you… Make sure they don’t take anything you don’t mean to give.” - Darla.
✨4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this audio arc. The Great Wherever comes out July 7, 2026.
It’s a character driven and an interesting examination of family history, generational trauma, and coming of age - I guess if you can come of age at 32? Aubrey wasn’t my favorite FMC (don’t love cheating), but I loved the ghost narrator. 10/10 for the ghost narrator.
“A life in progress is like a growing tree or a fern on the windowsill. But a life in past is like a polished stone with a fixed weight and color. An implied inception with physical bounds. After it is over, it does not lose any of its old qualities. Doesn’t get any less dense or light, beautiful or stripey or craggy pocked. But it doesn’t get any bigger either. The size of it and where it ends is part of the story of what it is.”
The Great Wherever was rich with history and introspection, equal parts a story and a reflection, relatable but also informative and heartwarming. I also learned a lot about Black owned farms in Tennessee.
“Boys are made of need. You can’t imagine all the things they will need from you… Make sure they don’t take anything you don’t mean to give.” - Darla.
✨4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this audio arc. The Great Wherever comes out July 7, 2026.
July 10, 2026
4.75 stars
The Great Wherever was nowhere on my radar. I had never even heard of this book until BOTM announced it as one of their picks this month, and I decided to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did because this book was amazing.
I loved the characters, even some of the ones I couldn't stand. I really enjoyed reading about the family, the land, and the history tied to it all. This book took me through so many emotions. I laughed, got emotional (and I'm really not a crier), rolled my eyes and shook my head at certain characters, and smiled more than once.
I honestly had a bit of a rocky start during the first 15% of the book. The shifting timelines and introduction of multiple family members made it difficult for me to find my footing at first. There were a few pacing issues early on, but once everything clicked, the story completely took off.
By the time I reached the end, I couldn't help but smile because I had enjoyed the journey so much. I'm not sure if this is the author's debut novel, but after reading this, I would absolutely love to pick up more of her work in the future.
The Great Wherever was nowhere on my radar. I had never even heard of this book until BOTM announced it as one of their picks this month, and I decided to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did because this book was amazing.
I loved the characters, even some of the ones I couldn't stand. I really enjoyed reading about the family, the land, and the history tied to it all. This book took me through so many emotions. I laughed, got emotional (and I'm really not a crier), rolled my eyes and shook my head at certain characters, and smiled more than once.
I honestly had a bit of a rocky start during the first 15% of the book. The shifting timelines and introduction of multiple family members made it difficult for me to find my footing at first. There were a few pacing issues early on, but once everything clicked, the story completely took off.
By the time I reached the end, I couldn't help but smile because I had enjoyed the journey so much. I'm not sure if this is the author's debut novel, but after reading this, I would absolutely love to pick up more of her work in the future.
June 23, 2026
The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders, when I first received this book I could not wait to get into it the summary made it sound like it was going to be awesome,but I myself didn’t find it to be that great. Aubrey lives in DC and gets broken up with by her boyfriend of four years and even though she has a college education she barely makes enough to live despite having multiple roommates. she also recently lost her beloved father. So when she learns she has a stake in her ancestral lands down in Tennessee and she must go there to deal with it. This is where she will not only meet families she’s never known But gets to know her ancestors as well. I want to say I have no respect for someone who writes a book and makes a whole race of people look evil while everyone else regardless of their proclivities are just fine AOK and accepted.. This is a trend by black authors that I am not a fan of Not only that it’s like everything else is A-OK like a gay cousin and his husband and her southern black relatives are just fine with that I only say this because I know for a fact most Black southern people aren’t OK with gay relationships Also I agree when uncle Cecil says “who wants to own land in a state you don’t even live in?” “when the money it would make would help the family alive today?” I didn’t understand her cousin at all and I know by the end we were supposed to but whatever I didn’t like the book either way it went. when I was a little girl and people would say ugly things about other races or homosexual people whatever my mom would always say consider the source because happy people don’t act like that and I am so glad that is a lesson she taught me having said that I really did like the book I don’t like a book where every white person is evil and every black person is well to do in the good person in society which makes me wonder if white people are evil why did she make her boyfriend for four years why? Whatever #NetGalley, #BlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
June 29, 2026
We have a nonlinear multigenerational family saga that spans a couple of generations with serious storylines while also having comedic interludes from ghosts. Loved the different generations stories however it can become overwhelming with the number of characters being introduced. A family tree would have helped greatly to understand the characters and their link to the story. The ghosts were quite comical and the interactions of the family members made me feel war, and cozy, even the arguments .
Overall, the narrator has a good sound. There were some issues with understanding which character is speaking. An ensemble cast for the audiobook would have cured this even though the narrator was good. During the story, the narrator pronounces a word differently than most black people - “repast” (it’s pronounced “Re-past” and not “ruh-pass”).
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes the combination of mystical and realistic worlds.
Thanks to MacMillian Audio and #netgalley for this ALC. I had a great time with this family and would love to see this as a limited series.
Overall, the narrator has a good sound. There were some issues with understanding which character is speaking. An ensemble cast for the audiobook would have cured this even though the narrator was good. During the story, the narrator pronounces a word differently than most black people - “repast” (it’s pronounced “Re-past” and not “ruh-pass”).
I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes the combination of mystical and realistic worlds.
Thanks to MacMillian Audio and #netgalley for this ALC. I had a great time with this family and would love to see this as a limited series.
July 6, 2026
First I would like to thank the author and Goodreads for this ARC in return for my honest review and opinion.
This was a thoughtful read. It is a multigenerational story about a 32 yr old woman who recently lost her father and went through a breakup not far after. She inherited a third of her family farm and so the story goes on to explain all the generational drama through character development and emotions. It’s very descriptive and flows steady for the most part. At times it was confusing because of how often it would switch between the ghosts speaking and the family that were alive. It wasn’t always a smooth transition. I think I went through this story, learning so much of their history and appreciating it, becoming emotionally invested, but wondering what the point to the story is. In the end, I believe the author wanted the reader to understand the importance of family, the meaning of life, identity, and belonging. Overall, this was a heartfelt, meaningful story.
This was a thoughtful read. It is a multigenerational story about a 32 yr old woman who recently lost her father and went through a breakup not far after. She inherited a third of her family farm and so the story goes on to explain all the generational drama through character development and emotions. It’s very descriptive and flows steady for the most part. At times it was confusing because of how often it would switch between the ghosts speaking and the family that were alive. It wasn’t always a smooth transition. I think I went through this story, learning so much of their history and appreciating it, becoming emotionally invested, but wondering what the point to the story is. In the end, I believe the author wanted the reader to understand the importance of family, the meaning of life, identity, and belonging. Overall, this was a heartfelt, meaningful story.
July 5, 2026
Life happens. You’re a fly on the wall. You try your best for a good outcome. Everything works out or you think it does. The Great Wherever is a story that comes and goes. You can think it’s the best story ever told. You can think it’s just another day. Both things can be true at the same time. If you want to pretend you’re lounging on the porch , drinking sweet tea and fanning yourself on the porch, this story might be for you. It’s a slice of life that I can take it or leave it. It might be something special. It might be just a story to pass the time. ALC provided by Macmillan Audio via NetGalley. I received an audiobook listening copy for free and I am leaving this feedback voluntarily.
June 21, 2026
This was a very enjoyable read! Even though it jumps back and forth on the timeline, the story was easy to follow. I loved the perspective it was written from. There were several moments that made me tear up. Overall, I think this was a great multigenerational tale of family heartbreak and strength!
May 9, 2026
I am grateful to Goodreads for being chosen to win this book. A family saga exploring the ways we learn to define ourselves through our family. How we carry on after loss & how the past lives in all of us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews