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Untethered
When Char Hawthorn’s husband dies unexpectedly, she is left questioning everything she once knew to be from the cozy small town life they built together to her relationship with her stepdaughter. Untethered explores what bonds truly form a family and how, sometimes, love knows no bounds.
468 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2016
69 people are currently reading
2056 people want to read
About the author
Julie Lawson Timmer
5 books330 followersJulie Lawson Timmer grew up in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, and now lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband Dan, their children and two badly-behaved rescued dogs. By turns, she is an author, lawyer, mom/stepmom, and fledgling yogi. She is the author of FIVE DAYS LEFT (Putnam 2014), UNTETHERED (Putnam 2016) and MRS. SAINT AND THE DEFECTIVES (coming August 1, 2017 from Lake Union).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
May 18, 2016
4.5 stars
This is the second book I've read by Julie Lawson Timmer. I read "Five Days Left" last year and I really enjoyed it. So I was pretty excited for this book. When I was approved to read the ARC from NetGalley I was thrilled. Then I started to worry that I wouldn't like it as much as I liked her first book.
I needn't have worried as I REALLY enjoyed this book too!
In one way I wish I hadn't read the brief description (longer than book blurb) at the beginning of my copy as it did give a lot of information about the story. But I'm assuming that won't be in the front of the final copy. And although I wish I had skipped it, in the end it didn't change how I felt about the book.
Char Hawthorn was very happy with her life. Deeply in love with her husband, Bradley and after a bit of a struggle now had a great relationship with her step-daughter, Allie. However, when her husband dies unexpectedly, her whole world explodes.
Char has been Allie's stepmother for five years and they have a very tight bond. Char is the one who has been there every day for Allie, while her biological mother, Lindy flitted in and out of her life on a whim. With nothing binding them together legally, Allie's narcissistic mother, Lindy holds all the cards. As much as Char loves Allie and wants her to remain living with her, the fact is that Allie's mother now has sole custody and has the right to decide where Allie will live.
***Possibly some very minor spoilers***
Lindy, who hasn't shown much of an interest in her daughter, who is beyond self-absorbed and who's actions are motivated more by her ego than anything else. One minute she wants Allie to come live in California the next she says she can stay until the end of the school year, never really making it clear what she wants.
"I used to belong to people, Will. They used to belong to me. Now I'm just...floating. Adrift. Alone. Untethered."
Amidst all of this turmoil both Char and Allie are still grieving. Char tries to there for Allie without overstepping the boundaries she now feels between them. Then Allie's attitude starts to change and she starts lying about who she is with and where she's going. No longer feeling like she has any right to tell Allie what to do, but at the same time wanting to protect her, their relationship becomes even more strained.
On top of everything that is going on, both Allie and Char are very worried about a young girl that Allie tutors and has grown quite attached to. Ten-year-old Morgan has had a very rough life. After living in many foster homes she's now with a family that has adopted her. However, after all she's been through adjusting has not been easy on her or her new family.
When Char comes home one day to find that Allie is missing, her only focus is on finding her and bringing her home.
But where has Allie gone?
There is a lot going on this book but at no point did I find it hard to follow. The author touches on quite a few issues that both teenagers and adults can relate to. She writes about blended families and how hard step-parenting can be, especially when the biological parent is still in the picture. Honestly I found it all interesting.
This book was very hard to put down. I HAD to know what was going to happen and how it was all going to end. It was a very emotional read. I was frustrated, sad, happy, angry, even raging at times but totally immersed in everything going on.
"It would be so easy to hate her, if she didn't so clearly hate herself."
Julie Lawson Timmer is so good at writing about grief and loss as well as family, love, and the good and not so good in people . I felt that the characters were very well-developed, flaws and all. I could feel the desperation of some of the characters right in my gut. Once again after reading a book like this I feel like I need to watch how quick I am to judge someone. I like to think I know how I would handle some of these situations but there's no way of truly knowing how I would react. People aren't perfect and can make terrible decisions. At the same time I do feel there are some things that would be almost impossible to forgive.
While there was a lot going on in this novel. I felt it all came together very well. I highly recommend this book!
So Julie Lawson Timmer, we are now two for two! I am really looking forward to reading all of your future books!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book I've read by Julie Lawson Timmer. I read "Five Days Left" last year and I really enjoyed it. So I was pretty excited for this book. When I was approved to read the ARC from NetGalley I was thrilled. Then I started to worry that I wouldn't like it as much as I liked her first book.
I needn't have worried as I REALLY enjoyed this book too!
In one way I wish I hadn't read the brief description (longer than book blurb) at the beginning of my copy as it did give a lot of information about the story. But I'm assuming that won't be in the front of the final copy. And although I wish I had skipped it, in the end it didn't change how I felt about the book.
Char Hawthorn was very happy with her life. Deeply in love with her husband, Bradley and after a bit of a struggle now had a great relationship with her step-daughter, Allie. However, when her husband dies unexpectedly, her whole world explodes.
Char has been Allie's stepmother for five years and they have a very tight bond. Char is the one who has been there every day for Allie, while her biological mother, Lindy flitted in and out of her life on a whim. With nothing binding them together legally, Allie's narcissistic mother, Lindy holds all the cards. As much as Char loves Allie and wants her to remain living with her, the fact is that Allie's mother now has sole custody and has the right to decide where Allie will live.
***Possibly some very minor spoilers***
Lindy, who hasn't shown much of an interest in her daughter, who is beyond self-absorbed and who's actions are motivated more by her ego than anything else. One minute she wants Allie to come live in California the next she says she can stay until the end of the school year, never really making it clear what she wants.
"I used to belong to people, Will. They used to belong to me. Now I'm just...floating. Adrift. Alone. Untethered."
Amidst all of this turmoil both Char and Allie are still grieving. Char tries to there for Allie without overstepping the boundaries she now feels between them. Then Allie's attitude starts to change and she starts lying about who she is with and where she's going. No longer feeling like she has any right to tell Allie what to do, but at the same time wanting to protect her, their relationship becomes even more strained.
On top of everything that is going on, both Allie and Char are very worried about a young girl that Allie tutors and has grown quite attached to. Ten-year-old Morgan has had a very rough life. After living in many foster homes she's now with a family that has adopted her. However, after all she's been through adjusting has not been easy on her or her new family.
When Char comes home one day to find that Allie is missing, her only focus is on finding her and bringing her home.
But where has Allie gone?
There is a lot going on this book but at no point did I find it hard to follow. The author touches on quite a few issues that both teenagers and adults can relate to. She writes about blended families and how hard step-parenting can be, especially when the biological parent is still in the picture. Honestly I found it all interesting.
This book was very hard to put down. I HAD to know what was going to happen and how it was all going to end. It was a very emotional read. I was frustrated, sad, happy, angry, even raging at times but totally immersed in everything going on.
"It would be so easy to hate her, if she didn't so clearly hate herself."
Julie Lawson Timmer is so good at writing about grief and loss as well as family, love, and the good and not so good in people . I felt that the characters were very well-developed, flaws and all. I could feel the desperation of some of the characters right in my gut. Once again after reading a book like this I feel like I need to watch how quick I am to judge someone. I like to think I know how I would handle some of these situations but there's no way of truly knowing how I would react. People aren't perfect and can make terrible decisions. At the same time I do feel there are some things that would be almost impossible to forgive.
While there was a lot going on in this novel. I felt it all came together very well. I highly recommend this book!
So Julie Lawson Timmer, we are now two for two! I am really looking forward to reading all of your future books!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 1, 2016
Allie is 15 years old. Char is her stepmom. Char has been the woman in Allie's life that
meets every requirement in the Motherhood job description for the past 5 years. Lindy is Allie's biological mother, but is the one who claims the title when it's convenient for her. When it isn't, she temporarily loans her daughter out to Char.
Things get complicated during the period of shock, loss, and grief when Bradley dies,
Allie's father, and Char's husband. They're living in Michigan --Allie is a sophomore in high school. Lindy, (biological mother), lives in the Hollywood area of California.
Char has no legal rights - as a parent- yet she provides a stable home environment. Allie loves her school and her friends in Michigan. Yet she craves her mother's love too. We are never sure where Allie is going to live - who has the final say --and why. The author presented a very real picture of how things could develop.
So much uncertainty arises soon after the death of Bradley.
Other issues makes this story compelling, complex, in a way that began to drive me a little bonkers! Allie is not the only child in this book who feels
disconnected from her biological mother. A younger girl named Morgan, 10 years of age was adopted. I adore this girl as much as I did Allie...but this story never slows down with 'new issues'.
Allie and Morgan have a close connection. Morgan thinks the world of Allie, and Allie is Morgan's tutor Monday afternoons. One Monday afternoon, Morgan doesn't show up. She's missing. ( more issues yet to come).
As a natural progression, the girls mothers became friends.
Sarah, has one other child besides Morgan. His name is Stevie. He's 4 yrs old, the biological child with her husband Dave). Stevie has some significant speech and motor issues that requires Sarah to take him to different types of therapy and work with him at home which gets pretty exhausting. So, Char offers to help by taking Morgan when she can. Char discovers that Morgan has significant issues besides her brother Stevie.
Without giving anything else away...there are 'several' plot lines running through this novel. A couple of times I questioned if the author was packing in too many storylines -- and NOT because each were not easy to follow, ( they were... so I credit the author for this)....but there are several serious - worthy issues that might 'possibly' have benefited more if they weren't competing for each other's attention.
At the same time... If I was capable to hold all these pieces together...I'm sure other readers can....and overall this book leaves you a little changed. The battles in this story gets under your skin. I know I shifted.. ( my eyes really opened to these types of
challenges).
The book might have a few flaws ....(in the area of being too overzealous in covering too many important topics)....yet there are many positives. There are definitely MORE reasons to read this book than not.
But I laughed a little when I came to this quote....( because it is EXACTLY how I was feeling myself: EXACTLY!).
"The entire thing was so spectacularly complicated. Char wasn't sure if the fragments of thoughts spinning in her brain would ever stand still long enough for her to grab onto them, piece them together sort them out."
And, this my friends is why we have BOOK CLUBS!!! Not only are there many key topic to discuss, inviting questions worthy to view, but this novel has the potential to
have some readers tap deeper into real situations in their own life's and look at them again for new re-evaluation.
This book is for everyone .... but especially for anyone who has been a step parent, a child of a step parent, adopted a child, been the child who was been adopted, any person who is divorce with shared custody with their children living in different states, and
the most painful issue ....(but handled with sensitivity), ....was a child self harming herself.
The only thing in this book I 'directly' related to, was having my father die. ( I was 4), Allie was 15, in this story....
but even though I've never been a step parent or adopted a child...I came away with a deeper appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices step parents do in ways I just didn't think about - one way or another -very much. This book expanded by consciousness
and respect for "blended families".
Thank You Penguin Random House, and Julie Lawson Timmer
meets every requirement in the Motherhood job description for the past 5 years. Lindy is Allie's biological mother, but is the one who claims the title when it's convenient for her. When it isn't, she temporarily loans her daughter out to Char.
Things get complicated during the period of shock, loss, and grief when Bradley dies,
Allie's father, and Char's husband. They're living in Michigan --Allie is a sophomore in high school. Lindy, (biological mother), lives in the Hollywood area of California.
Char has no legal rights - as a parent- yet she provides a stable home environment. Allie loves her school and her friends in Michigan. Yet she craves her mother's love too. We are never sure where Allie is going to live - who has the final say --and why. The author presented a very real picture of how things could develop.
So much uncertainty arises soon after the death of Bradley.
Other issues makes this story compelling, complex, in a way that began to drive me a little bonkers! Allie is not the only child in this book who feels
disconnected from her biological mother. A younger girl named Morgan, 10 years of age was adopted. I adore this girl as much as I did Allie...but this story never slows down with 'new issues'.
Allie and Morgan have a close connection. Morgan thinks the world of Allie, and Allie is Morgan's tutor Monday afternoons. One Monday afternoon, Morgan doesn't show up. She's missing. ( more issues yet to come).
As a natural progression, the girls mothers became friends.
Sarah, has one other child besides Morgan. His name is Stevie. He's 4 yrs old, the biological child with her husband Dave). Stevie has some significant speech and motor issues that requires Sarah to take him to different types of therapy and work with him at home which gets pretty exhausting. So, Char offers to help by taking Morgan when she can. Char discovers that Morgan has significant issues besides her brother Stevie.
Without giving anything else away...there are 'several' plot lines running through this novel. A couple of times I questioned if the author was packing in too many storylines -- and NOT because each were not easy to follow, ( they were... so I credit the author for this)....but there are several serious - worthy issues that might 'possibly' have benefited more if they weren't competing for each other's attention.
At the same time... If I was capable to hold all these pieces together...I'm sure other readers can....and overall this book leaves you a little changed. The battles in this story gets under your skin. I know I shifted.. ( my eyes really opened to these types of
challenges).
The book might have a few flaws ....(in the area of being too overzealous in covering too many important topics)....yet there are many positives. There are definitely MORE reasons to read this book than not.
But I laughed a little when I came to this quote....( because it is EXACTLY how I was feeling myself: EXACTLY!).
"The entire thing was so spectacularly complicated. Char wasn't sure if the fragments of thoughts spinning in her brain would ever stand still long enough for her to grab onto them, piece them together sort them out."
And, this my friends is why we have BOOK CLUBS!!! Not only are there many key topic to discuss, inviting questions worthy to view, but this novel has the potential to
have some readers tap deeper into real situations in their own life's and look at them again for new re-evaluation.
This book is for everyone .... but especially for anyone who has been a step parent, a child of a step parent, adopted a child, been the child who was been adopted, any person who is divorce with shared custody with their children living in different states, and
the most painful issue ....(but handled with sensitivity), ....was a child self harming herself.
The only thing in this book I 'directly' related to, was having my father die. ( I was 4), Allie was 15, in this story....
but even though I've never been a step parent or adopted a child...I came away with a deeper appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices step parents do in ways I just didn't think about - one way or another -very much. This book expanded by consciousness
and respect for "blended families".
Thank You Penguin Random House, and Julie Lawson Timmer
June 7, 2016
Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
The fine line that a step-parent must toe can become even more of a challenge when the biological parent in the home suddenly dies. This is the position in which Charlotte Hawthorn finds herself when her husband is killed in an auto accident. She loves her step-daughter, Allie, and wants nothing more than to continue raising her. It is the biological mother, Lindy, who will have the say-so about that. Lindy, whose interest in her daughter waxes but mostly wanes with her own convenience, and who lives on the other side of the country. Of course, she is showing signs of wanting to get all mothery now that dad is out of the picture. Despite the strong bond between Charlotte and Allie, any legal parental rights have been severed.
The fine line that a step-parent must toe can become even more of a challenge when the biological parent in the home suddenly dies. This is the position in which Charlotte Hawthorn finds herself when her husband is killed in an auto accident. She loves her step-daughter, Allie, and wants nothing more than to continue raising her. It is the biological mother, Lindy, who will have the say-so about that. Lindy, whose interest in her daughter waxes but mostly wanes with her own convenience, and who lives on the other side of the country. Of course, she is showing signs of wanting to get all mothery now that dad is out of the picture. Despite the strong bond between Charlotte and Allie, any legal parental rights have been severed.
June 23, 2017
Untethered started out slow and I almost gave up around 1/2 way in (in fact, I usually only give a book 1/4 way through if I decide to ditch it but for whatever reason I kept going) but I went back and read the reviews and it got a lot of great reviews. I kept going and I found myself thinking “wow, I can’t put this book down”. Lindy, Allie’s real mom, is really a piece of work!! She drove me crazy!! I didn't like the ending, I think it left me wondering there was so much more at the end but other than that, it was a good book about blended families, step-parenting, etc.
July 7, 2016
A story not just of love & family but the context of what makes a family. Not biology but the true sense of compassion & protection you can feel for another soul. Julie manages to convey that sense without error.
April 5, 2016
A gripping story filled with tension and conflict, I devoured this one. In her trademark style, Julie Lawson Timmer masterfully blurs the lines between right and wrong, creating a morally ambiguous novel perfect for book clubs.
November 20, 2016
An incredible book by Julie Lawson Timmer. As a former stepmother (and now mother of my oldest daughter), this story line hit too close to home for me. While I can only talk about my family, it was my biggest fear (until I was able to adopt my daughter), that something would happen to my husband and I would lose my then stepdaughter to her birth mom.
Untethered brings up an interesting debate: what defines a family? What is family? What rights do stepparents have when that family unit is changed? How does society look at stepparents, adoptive parents and even the foster system?
If you're looking for a book that makes you think and feel, then I highly recommend Untethered.
Untethered brings up an interesting debate: what defines a family? What is family? What rights do stepparents have when that family unit is changed? How does society look at stepparents, adoptive parents and even the foster system?
If you're looking for a book that makes you think and feel, then I highly recommend Untethered.
January 1, 2017
This book expands the definition of the modern family- blended families, step parents, adopted families, foster families. Difficult issues are addressed in these families, with so much heart, and by the ending, I felt uplifted. I won a copy of this book in a giveaway, and this was my unsolicited and honest review.
June 11, 2016
What a story!! Char, Allie and Morgan are all strong in their own ways and it ended the exact way it should have
July 17, 2019
I read Mrs. Saint and the Defectives a couple of years ago and realized that I needed to go back and read Julie Lawson Timmer's previous novels. I decided to try Untethered this time around, as it sounded really interesting. The synopsis did not disappoint!
I felt connected to Char throughout the entire story, even though our lives are different in a lot of ways. She was in a tough situation, as was Sarah (Morgan's mother). Julie brings this novel to life through her great use of dialogue and description. I kept turning the pages as I was worried about the characters and wondering what would happen for them. She brings to light the dynamics of a complex family situation.
I would have liked to see Allie's perspective as her own narrative, especially since she was heavily involved in the entire story. One part toward the end could have been explained further, as well.
Overall, this was a great novel and I am still thinking about it almost two months after having finished.
Movie casting suggestions:
Char: Elizabeth Reaser
Allie: Lizzy Greene
Sarah: Gillian Jacobs
Lindy: Julie Benz
Will: Chris Klein
I felt connected to Char throughout the entire story, even though our lives are different in a lot of ways. She was in a tough situation, as was Sarah (Morgan's mother). Julie brings this novel to life through her great use of dialogue and description. I kept turning the pages as I was worried about the characters and wondering what would happen for them. She brings to light the dynamics of a complex family situation.
I would have liked to see Allie's perspective as her own narrative, especially since she was heavily involved in the entire story. One part toward the end could have been explained further, as well.
Overall, this was a great novel and I am still thinking about it almost two months after having finished.
Movie casting suggestions:
Char: Elizabeth Reaser
Allie: Lizzy Greene
Sarah: Gillian Jacobs
Lindy: Julie Benz
Will: Chris Klein
October 10, 2017
Good heartfelt story about what makes a family. Julie Timmer gives the reader a different look at families and what it takes to be a step-parent. Sometimes Char would drive me nuts, but I'm not a step-parent so I can't say that I wouldn't be the same in her shoes.
March 31, 2016
If Goodreads had half stars, I'd probably rate this 2.5, but we'll go with 3 for now. That being said, this was an intense, drama-filled, drippy/frustrating/sad/etc.-emotion-filled book. Not that that's the worst thing, but I do wish I'd been a bit more prepared for themes such as self-harm and extremely sad foster care situations before embarking. It felt a bit first-novel-ish, with the need to get every emotion packed into one story with bursting intensity, but the writing is good and the author clearly has talent tucked away. It will be interesting to see how this author grows.
June 20, 2016
To be honest I couldn't finish this book.
I found the characters to be immature and couldn't relate to anyone of them, especially the 'mother' whom you would expect to act and talk more like an adult and less like a spoiled teenager. It's quite possible that the ending might have been satisfying but as the book failed to hold my interest thus far I don't really care enough to find out.
I found the characters to be immature and couldn't relate to anyone of them, especially the 'mother' whom you would expect to act and talk more like an adult and less like a spoiled teenager. It's quite possible that the ending might have been satisfying but as the book failed to hold my interest thus far I don't really care enough to find out.
August 30, 2017
I loved the writing until about 2/3 through the book when the plot took a ridiculously dramatic turn that had me rolling my eyes repeatedly.
July 10, 2022
Untethered, by Julie Lawson Timmer, is engrossing, illuminating, and beautifully crafted. You may not want this novel to end. Char Hawthorn has an enviable life: she's a college professor, loving wife, and a devoted stepmom to her husband Bradley's fifteen-year-old daughter Allie. Their little "family" enjoys a deep and loving connection. Yet when Bradley dies in a car accident life as Char knows it becomes untethered. Suddenly Char has no legal rights to Allie; while Allie's self-absorbed biological mother, Lindy, holds all the cards. Grief, tension, and anxiety continue a slow boil out of control when former A-student, Allie, struggles with school and starts running with a wild crowd. Her volunteer tutoring of ten-year-old Morgan Crew (whom she adores) seems the only thing grounding Allie. Then this troubled little girl suddenly disappears with Morgan's adoptive parents offering no believable explanation. Grieving Char is spiraled further into worry and fear when her unlicensed step-daughter steals her father's convertible and sets off across the country to find Morgan. If you have ever wondered what truly makes a family, don't miss this one! Gwendolyn Broadmore, author, Life Came to a Standstill.
July 12, 2017
I didn't know what to expect when I saw this book on the shelf at the library but I have to say it was a pleasant surprise! The story is based in Michigan; Mount Pleasant and CMU to be exact. The plot seemed a little far fetched but plausible enough to keep me intrigued!
September 3, 2018
Raises interesting issues about speaking our truth
This is the second novel by Julie Timmer, equally as good as her debut novel “Five Days Left”. Julie’s strength is interesting lead characters who experience ethical dilemmas. I recommend both books. Now onto her 3rd!
This is the second novel by Julie Timmer, equally as good as her debut novel “Five Days Left”. Julie’s strength is interesting lead characters who experience ethical dilemmas. I recommend both books. Now onto her 3rd!
July 4, 2021
Beautiful story on how you can choose your family ❤️ although you are not blood related.
May 27, 2016
From the non-traditional family to the emotional welfare of a child, Untethered explores the complexities of what really makes a family in an intense and thought-provoking drama that is ready made for book clubs.
Julie Timmer Lawson has written a dramatic and tension filled account of family with all its frustrations, trials, and fears. In Untethered, Lawson gives the reader a look at the non-traditional family when bonds are tested and parental rights are imposed. As the parent of an adopted child and one whose husband also passed away suddenly, I could relate to the protagonist, Char, but I could not relate to her dilemma. My son was legally my own, whereas Char was a step-parent who suddenly lost her husband and faced losing the daughter she’s nurtured and loved to the legalities of parental rights and a parent who behaves badly.
Char has no parental rights to Allie, her teenage step-daughter, but she is the epitome of motherhood and has provided a loving and stable environment to Allie. Lindy, Allie’s biological mother who lives in California, takes the reins of parenthood when it is convenient for her and rarely spends time with Allie who lives in Michigan. In a separate storyline, Morgan is a ten-year old adopted child who was abandoned by her mother at a young age and adopted by a loving family, but her internal scars are glaring. My emotions ran high in this drama filled plot but not for the sole grief of losing a child or parent. My emotions were all over the place with the varied plot lines that cover a number of issues: grief and loss, emotional disturbance, foster families, self-harm, abuse, and abandonment. I wondered if the author was adding too many crucial issues to the plot, because a lot was happening in several different storylines and as cohesive as the plot is, some of the issues overshadowed others. To quote a book that was given to me upon my son’s adoption,
Have you ever thought of yourself as a mirror? You are one — a psychological mirror your child uses to build his identity. And his whole life is affected by the conclusions he draws. ¹
The aforementioned quote manifests in every aspect of Lawson’s novel. Each character is believable and while I disliked Char’s analytical thinking and indecision, I understand her motives and reservations when it comes to dealing with Allie since Lindy is now in the picture. I always like a little realism in my fiction and as much as Lawson has provided that element, I did think that one crisis involving Allie and Morgan was a little too contrived for the sake of drama but given the age of the characters and the circumstances they were dealt, I can understand their reactions, and the conflict presented as a result was perceptible.
Untethered explores what it means to be a family with a focus on motherhood, the frustrations, the highs and lows of parenting in a thought-provoking and resonant novel. I recommend this book to any parent or soon to be parent, whether it be of a step-child, foster child, adopted child, or biological child. Lawson has written a novel that is every book club’s dream.
¹ Charles R. Swindoll, Growing Wise in Family Life (Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1988), 145.
Julie Timmer Lawson has written a dramatic and tension filled account of family with all its frustrations, trials, and fears. In Untethered, Lawson gives the reader a look at the non-traditional family when bonds are tested and parental rights are imposed. As the parent of an adopted child and one whose husband also passed away suddenly, I could relate to the protagonist, Char, but I could not relate to her dilemma. My son was legally my own, whereas Char was a step-parent who suddenly lost her husband and faced losing the daughter she’s nurtured and loved to the legalities of parental rights and a parent who behaves badly.
Char has no parental rights to Allie, her teenage step-daughter, but she is the epitome of motherhood and has provided a loving and stable environment to Allie. Lindy, Allie’s biological mother who lives in California, takes the reins of parenthood when it is convenient for her and rarely spends time with Allie who lives in Michigan. In a separate storyline, Morgan is a ten-year old adopted child who was abandoned by her mother at a young age and adopted by a loving family, but her internal scars are glaring. My emotions ran high in this drama filled plot but not for the sole grief of losing a child or parent. My emotions were all over the place with the varied plot lines that cover a number of issues: grief and loss, emotional disturbance, foster families, self-harm, abuse, and abandonment. I wondered if the author was adding too many crucial issues to the plot, because a lot was happening in several different storylines and as cohesive as the plot is, some of the issues overshadowed others. To quote a book that was given to me upon my son’s adoption,
Have you ever thought of yourself as a mirror? You are one — a psychological mirror your child uses to build his identity. And his whole life is affected by the conclusions he draws. ¹
The aforementioned quote manifests in every aspect of Lawson’s novel. Each character is believable and while I disliked Char’s analytical thinking and indecision, I understand her motives and reservations when it comes to dealing with Allie since Lindy is now in the picture. I always like a little realism in my fiction and as much as Lawson has provided that element, I did think that one crisis involving Allie and Morgan was a little too contrived for the sake of drama but given the age of the characters and the circumstances they were dealt, I can understand their reactions, and the conflict presented as a result was perceptible.
Untethered explores what it means to be a family with a focus on motherhood, the frustrations, the highs and lows of parenting in a thought-provoking and resonant novel. I recommend this book to any parent or soon to be parent, whether it be of a step-child, foster child, adopted child, or biological child. Lawson has written a novel that is every book club’s dream.
¹ Charles R. Swindoll, Growing Wise in Family Life (Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1988), 145.
January 2, 2017
What makes a parent? How important is biology?
Bradley, Char and 15 year old Allie are a family. But when Bradley dies, complications come up. Char, by all means and purposes, is Allie's mother. She has raised her, fed her, clothed her and most importantly, has mothered and loved her. She cannot imagine life without Allie, but she isn't Allie's biological mother, Lindy is. Lindy, lives on the other side of the country, sees Allie sometimes, but really has very little interest in Allie or being a mother to Allie.
After Bradley dies, their lives all alter. Allie starts acting out, hanging out with some friends Char doesn't approve of after dropping most of her other friends, drops the soccer team that she used to love. She turns from a sweet daughter to a stale anger she can't reach. The dynamic has changed now. While Char knows she shouldn't let Allie's behaviour continue, she's afraid to rock the boat. She's afraid if she's too hard on her, she will lose her, while Lindy still makes a show of pretending to want Allie to live with her.
As with this author's other novel, there is a second story going on here as well. A 10 year old troubled girl, Morgan, that Allie tutors, has become very close to Allie. And there's something just not right going on with Morgan's family.
When there is an event that combines the two, it all explodes and everything spins out of control.
For the most part, I found the characters real and their reactions to be real as well, some of her characters just were not likeable people. Char, while I understood what she was going through and her reasons for her reactions, I found her so weak until she put her big girl pants on towards the end. She couldn't seem to handle life in general and had to constantly call her brother or her friend to vent or ask for advice. Everytime something happened it was "reach for the phone" or monopolize lunch conversation with her life story. I wanted to smack some sense into her. There is a definite growth in her character towards the end.
While Lindy, for obvious reasons, I never liked and had no respect for and I wanted to just smack her. But she is one of the bad guys so we aren't supposed to like her.
Allie, I had mixed feelings about. She just lost her father, which is devastating to a girl but she was acting like such a spoiled brat and was so disrespectful. I understood her reactions, the reasons for her behaviour but I couldn't totally excuse it. Both Allie and Char though seemed to do a total 180, maybe a little quicker than realistically.
Morgan's parents? That one is obvious. I have read articles on the issue of rehoming and it just shocks me. My heart broke for poor Morgan and all she had gone through on her 10 years.
Loved this book. I would give it a sold 4 1/2. It took me a little while to get into it initially; that was my fault more than the book's fault as it was a busy season however the last 75 per cent I devoured on a lazy New Year's Day and enjoyed every minute of it. It was emotionally packed and this author's writing style has an easy flow; the story was fascinating.
Bradley, Char and 15 year old Allie are a family. But when Bradley dies, complications come up. Char, by all means and purposes, is Allie's mother. She has raised her, fed her, clothed her and most importantly, has mothered and loved her. She cannot imagine life without Allie, but she isn't Allie's biological mother, Lindy is. Lindy, lives on the other side of the country, sees Allie sometimes, but really has very little interest in Allie or being a mother to Allie.
After Bradley dies, their lives all alter. Allie starts acting out, hanging out with some friends Char doesn't approve of after dropping most of her other friends, drops the soccer team that she used to love. She turns from a sweet daughter to a stale anger she can't reach. The dynamic has changed now. While Char knows she shouldn't let Allie's behaviour continue, she's afraid to rock the boat. She's afraid if she's too hard on her, she will lose her, while Lindy still makes a show of pretending to want Allie to live with her.
As with this author's other novel, there is a second story going on here as well. A 10 year old troubled girl, Morgan, that Allie tutors, has become very close to Allie. And there's something just not right going on with Morgan's family.
When there is an event that combines the two, it all explodes and everything spins out of control.
For the most part, I found the characters real and their reactions to be real as well, some of her characters just were not likeable people. Char, while I understood what she was going through and her reasons for her reactions, I found her so weak until she put her big girl pants on towards the end. She couldn't seem to handle life in general and had to constantly call her brother or her friend to vent or ask for advice. Everytime something happened it was "reach for the phone" or monopolize lunch conversation with her life story. I wanted to smack some sense into her. There is a definite growth in her character towards the end.
While Lindy, for obvious reasons, I never liked and had no respect for and I wanted to just smack her. But she is one of the bad guys so we aren't supposed to like her.
Allie, I had mixed feelings about. She just lost her father, which is devastating to a girl but she was acting like such a spoiled brat and was so disrespectful. I understood her reactions, the reasons for her behaviour but I couldn't totally excuse it. Both Allie and Char though seemed to do a total 180, maybe a little quicker than realistically.
Morgan's parents? That one is obvious. I have read articles on the issue of rehoming and it just shocks me. My heart broke for poor Morgan and all she had gone through on her 10 years.
Loved this book. I would give it a sold 4 1/2. It took me a little while to get into it initially; that was my fault more than the book's fault as it was a busy season however the last 75 per cent I devoured on a lazy New Year's Day and enjoyed every minute of it. It was emotionally packed and this author's writing style has an easy flow; the story was fascinating.
September 23, 2016
Set in small town Michigan, Untethered paints a picture of an idyllic life for Bradley and Char, with Bradley’s daughter Allie as the centerpiece of their family. Allie’s mother Lindy is conveniently absent, living the California life.
But from the first page, the family is torn asunder in the aftermath of Bradley’s accidental death, leaving behind the sadness and the sense of a family adrift. Packing up Bradley’s desk, going through memories together, and trying to accept the condolence calls and casseroles, Char’s new life feels empty. Who is she, if not Bradley’s wife and Allie’s stepmother? Now that she has “lost” these roles, she is vulnerable to Lindy’s sudden demands for Allie, as well as to Allie’s behavior, which has turned distant, sullen, and rude. Her grades are slipping, she has chosen questionable new friends, and nothing Char can do seems to turn things around.
What is more challenging is that everyone seems poised, waiting for Lindy to call the shots regarding Allie, while she passively controls all of them when she keeps changing her mind. Yet when Allie visits her for spring break, she is mostly absent every day until late at night. Char feels at the mercy of Lindy’s whims, and believes that Lindy’s behavior is creating a wedge between her and Allie.
Allie has a unique bond with a ten-year-old girl named Morgan, adopted out of foster care. Morgan has mental health issues and a dramatic (and annoying) way about her. When Allie began tutoring her, they connected. Their relationship becomes a focus later in the novel when something happens to the girl. Something that will stun them all. Will Char and Allie’s bonding moments over Morgan’s trauma help connect them again? Will Lindy use the episode to tear them apart even further?
It was easy to empathize with Char, but she did have a tendency to sit back and let others call the shots, even the teenager, whom she seemed afraid to cross. The way she dealt with Lindy seemed too conciliatory, and I often wanted to yell at her. Allie’s rudeness and passive-aggressiveness was annoying, but she also seemed to be calling out for someone, anyone, to take control. Lindy, of course, was so unlikeable that I hurried through the pages that showed her condescending attitudes and inability to remember the names of everyone that she had known for years. She had a way of putting everyone down, which may have been a way of covering her insecurities in the mothering role.
Themes of blended families, the broken foster care system, and abandonment did keep me engaged, and I enjoyed the story. But after the intensity of Allie and Morgan’s traumatic episode, the ending was wrapped up a little quickly, fast forwarding to two years in the future. I would have preferred being shown how the events unfolded, but the conclusion was a satisfying one. 4 stars.
But from the first page, the family is torn asunder in the aftermath of Bradley’s accidental death, leaving behind the sadness and the sense of a family adrift. Packing up Bradley’s desk, going through memories together, and trying to accept the condolence calls and casseroles, Char’s new life feels empty. Who is she, if not Bradley’s wife and Allie’s stepmother? Now that she has “lost” these roles, she is vulnerable to Lindy’s sudden demands for Allie, as well as to Allie’s behavior, which has turned distant, sullen, and rude. Her grades are slipping, she has chosen questionable new friends, and nothing Char can do seems to turn things around.
What is more challenging is that everyone seems poised, waiting for Lindy to call the shots regarding Allie, while she passively controls all of them when she keeps changing her mind. Yet when Allie visits her for spring break, she is mostly absent every day until late at night. Char feels at the mercy of Lindy’s whims, and believes that Lindy’s behavior is creating a wedge between her and Allie.
Allie has a unique bond with a ten-year-old girl named Morgan, adopted out of foster care. Morgan has mental health issues and a dramatic (and annoying) way about her. When Allie began tutoring her, they connected. Their relationship becomes a focus later in the novel when something happens to the girl. Something that will stun them all. Will Char and Allie’s bonding moments over Morgan’s trauma help connect them again? Will Lindy use the episode to tear them apart even further?
It was easy to empathize with Char, but she did have a tendency to sit back and let others call the shots, even the teenager, whom she seemed afraid to cross. The way she dealt with Lindy seemed too conciliatory, and I often wanted to yell at her. Allie’s rudeness and passive-aggressiveness was annoying, but she also seemed to be calling out for someone, anyone, to take control. Lindy, of course, was so unlikeable that I hurried through the pages that showed her condescending attitudes and inability to remember the names of everyone that she had known for years. She had a way of putting everyone down, which may have been a way of covering her insecurities in the mothering role.
Themes of blended families, the broken foster care system, and abandonment did keep me engaged, and I enjoyed the story. But after the intensity of Allie and Morgan’s traumatic episode, the ending was wrapped up a little quickly, fast forwarding to two years in the future. I would have preferred being shown how the events unfolded, but the conclusion was a satisfying one. 4 stars.
July 14, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author, but now I can't wait to go back and read her first novel, FIVE DAYS LEFT. If it's anywhere near as good as this one, I know I'm going to love it.
Charlotte is a character I found it easy to empathize with as I read her story. She finds herself sort of drifting after her husband dies...she's responsible for her teen aged stepdaughter, but she's not really, as the girl's mother is still in the picture--when she wants to be.
Lindy, the biological mother, wasn't very likable for me. As a mother, I can't comprehend not wanting to be fully engaged with my child...and especially not being there for her after she loses her father so suddenly and unexpectedly. I just wanted to shake her and wake her up to what she was missing!
Allie and Morgan are very well written adolescent characters. Honestly, I think the two of them were my favorite characters of the story. Morgan has so much to deal with for a ten year old, and I found myself rooting for her to be alright.
Even though this book deals with some difficult topics, it handles them with dignity and respect. Definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
Charlotte is a character I found it easy to empathize with as I read her story. She finds herself sort of drifting after her husband dies...she's responsible for her teen aged stepdaughter, but she's not really, as the girl's mother is still in the picture--when she wants to be.
Lindy, the biological mother, wasn't very likable for me. As a mother, I can't comprehend not wanting to be fully engaged with my child...and especially not being there for her after she loses her father so suddenly and unexpectedly. I just wanted to shake her and wake her up to what she was missing!
Allie and Morgan are very well written adolescent characters. Honestly, I think the two of them were my favorite characters of the story. Morgan has so much to deal with for a ten year old, and I found myself rooting for her to be alright.
Even though this book deals with some difficult topics, it handles them with dignity and respect. Definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year!
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
June 1, 2016
I won an uncorrected proof of this book in exchange for an honest review
Truth to tell, after 125 pages or so I put the book down. I did not become emotionally involved in the story, which reads like a piece of non-fiction-two case studies. There's the newly-widowed woman grieving over the loss of her husband, her problems with the teen-age stepdaughter, who cares more for her "unworthy" birth mother than the stepmom who has been there for her and loves her deeply. Then there's a younger child with psychiatric problems -this girl had been removed from her drug-addicted birth mother, spent years in foster care with many families, was finally adopted, but does not bond with her adoptive mother. Instead, she yearns for her birth mother; so she behaves oddly and hurts her body by bruising and cutting. Stepmom and Adoptive Mom share their worries, sadness, and bond with each other. That's where I stopped reading.
I have enjoyed several books by Jodi Piccoult- not all of them. But if Ms Piccoult had tackled the subject it would have been way more compelling The story would have been told from the points of view of more than one character; there would have been a court case; and then an unexpected ending. Instead this book, described as "a good choice for book clubs", seems best suited as reading for self-help discussion groups of step-parents and adoptive parents.
Truth to tell, after 125 pages or so I put the book down. I did not become emotionally involved in the story, which reads like a piece of non-fiction-two case studies. There's the newly-widowed woman grieving over the loss of her husband, her problems with the teen-age stepdaughter, who cares more for her "unworthy" birth mother than the stepmom who has been there for her and loves her deeply. Then there's a younger child with psychiatric problems -this girl had been removed from her drug-addicted birth mother, spent years in foster care with many families, was finally adopted, but does not bond with her adoptive mother. Instead, she yearns for her birth mother; so she behaves oddly and hurts her body by bruising and cutting. Stepmom and Adoptive Mom share their worries, sadness, and bond with each other. That's where I stopped reading.
I have enjoyed several books by Jodi Piccoult- not all of them. But if Ms Piccoult had tackled the subject it would have been way more compelling The story would have been told from the points of view of more than one character; there would have been a court case; and then an unexpected ending. Instead this book, described as "a good choice for book clubs", seems best suited as reading for self-help discussion groups of step-parents and adoptive parents.
May 28, 2016
What it's all about...
So...Bradley, Char and Allie are a family. Allie is Bradley's daughter...Char is her stepmom. Lindy is Allie's mom but since her parents' divorce she has never lived with her mom who just happens to live all the way across the country in California. Bradley dies and relationships begin to falter. Char is not Allie's mom...Lindy is but doesn't really act like one. But...Lindy has legal rights to 15 year old Allie. Char pretty much has no rights.
Also there is a little girl...Morgan...whom Allie is very close to. Morgan has been in many different homes and has been given away in her last home. Char and Allie want to fix this but Lindy is always in the way.
Why I wanted to read it...
I really enjoy family stories and this sounded like an interesting one.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
I really enjoyed the family issues and the complex relationships in this story. Allie acted out after her father's death and Char really had no way to deal with Allie's behavior plus Lindy was always interfering...and not in a good way.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who enjoy a unique family story will enjoy this story. It focuses on unique families and how they work out their issues and complexities.
June 24, 2016
What happens to a stepmom when her husband dies, and the child she has raised for 5 years suddenly has no legal connection to her anymore? This is what happens to Char when her husband, Bradley, passes away. She and her stepdaughter, Allie, have had a close, loving relationship for 5 years, but that bond is put to the test legally and emotionally, as Char and Allie both struggle with the knowledge that Allie might have to go live with her mother, Lindy. In a secondary storyline, we meet Morgan, the little girl who is tutored by Allie. Morgan is a former foster child who has been adopted, and Morgan and her new family are dealing with many issues themselves. As the tension between Char and Allie grows, Allie comes to rescue Morgan from a very disturbing situation, and all of the relationships come to a head. This book takes the reader on a very emotional journey, as all of the characters learn what their new roles are, and relationships become strained and even broken. You will find yourself invested in all of the characters, especially Char, Allie, and Morgan, 3 people who will take up space in your heart, and have you cheering for them from the first page to the last.
July 9, 2016
Julie Lawson Timmer looks at the role of stepmother in all new ways in Untethered.
Allie's stepmother, Charlotte, has been happily married to her dad for years, while Allie's biological mother plays a small role in her upbringing. When Allie's father dies, suddenly Charlotte's role as stepmother has become a tricky part to play. Since Charlotte was never able to formally adopt Allie, technically she has no rights to the child whom she raised for years as her own.
At the same time Charlotte is struggling with these sudden changes, Allie has her own way of grieving while also trying to help ten year old Morgan, a girl she has been tutoring. Morgan was brought up in foster care, but was adopted by a family who, by all appearances, seems to be perfect. As worlds unravel and secrets are uncovered, readers don't know who to believe and find themselves asking, what really is in the best interest of the child?
Readers who enjoy suspense and family drama will love Untethered. This book also leads to excellent discussions for book clubs! Looking forward to Julie's next book!
Allie's stepmother, Charlotte, has been happily married to her dad for years, while Allie's biological mother plays a small role in her upbringing. When Allie's father dies, suddenly Charlotte's role as stepmother has become a tricky part to play. Since Charlotte was never able to formally adopt Allie, technically she has no rights to the child whom she raised for years as her own.
At the same time Charlotte is struggling with these sudden changes, Allie has her own way of grieving while also trying to help ten year old Morgan, a girl she has been tutoring. Morgan was brought up in foster care, but was adopted by a family who, by all appearances, seems to be perfect. As worlds unravel and secrets are uncovered, readers don't know who to believe and find themselves asking, what really is in the best interest of the child?
Readers who enjoy suspense and family drama will love Untethered. This book also leads to excellent discussions for book clubs! Looking forward to Julie's next book!
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May 22, 2016This was such a fascinating book in the way that it dealt with grief. I immediately connected with Char and it was easy to feel her panic at the way that her life was disintegrating. It's obviously horrible to lose your husband, but she also ran the very real risk of losing Allie, who she views as her daughter but who is not actually related to her (except through marriage). That's never mattered before but now that Allie's dad is dead, there's a very strong possibility that she's going to have to go live with her mom, who lives in California.
I can't even imagine how it would feel to go from being part of a family to realizing that there's a very good chance that you will lose your daughter, too. "Fragile" doesn't even begin to cut it. And yet Char does this amazing job of holding herself and her family together. She keeps trying to stay strong for Allie and gives her an amazing amount of slack. (Best mother EVER.)
Julie Lawson Timmer has become an author to watch. Recommended.
I can't even imagine how it would feel to go from being part of a family to realizing that there's a very good chance that you will lose your daughter, too. "Fragile" doesn't even begin to cut it. And yet Char does this amazing job of holding herself and her family together. She keeps trying to stay strong for Allie and gives her an amazing amount of slack. (Best mother EVER.)
Julie Lawson Timmer has become an author to watch. Recommended.
June 18, 2017
***I won this through a goodreads giveaway***
I really struggled as to how to rate this one and wavered between three and four stars while reading. This book was heartbreaking and filled with so many beautiful little moments. The book explores the chances that people take when they choose love over other facets of their life and how you do not know if that chance will result in great love or great heartache or both. This was an ambitious topic and tackled some interesting themes and ideas. I was engaged in the plot and wanted to know what was going to happen with each character. However, as I was reading, I kept hoping for more depth. I thought the characters were one- dimensional and often seemed unrealistic in their actions. I also kept getting annoyed with Char. She had a terrible tragedy happen to her, but for a long time afterwards she kept letting things just happen to her. I wanted her to take control and find herself much sooner than she did. Overall, this was a pretty good book that forced you to think about some thought-provoking situations.
I really struggled as to how to rate this one and wavered between three and four stars while reading. This book was heartbreaking and filled with so many beautiful little moments. The book explores the chances that people take when they choose love over other facets of their life and how you do not know if that chance will result in great love or great heartache or both. This was an ambitious topic and tackled some interesting themes and ideas. I was engaged in the plot and wanted to know what was going to happen with each character. However, as I was reading, I kept hoping for more depth. I thought the characters were one- dimensional and often seemed unrealistic in their actions. I also kept getting annoyed with Char. She had a terrible tragedy happen to her, but for a long time afterwards she kept letting things just happen to her. I wanted her to take control and find herself much sooner than she did. Overall, this was a pretty good book that forced you to think about some thought-provoking situations.
June 30, 2016
In one word: Nope.
In more words: I picked this up at the library on my way out (I was in a hurry... I needed something, anything, to read). Read the description and thought, 'Yeah, ok, I could get behind that.' A death, a runaway, some strong-sounding characters. It took me a night to read and honestly I spent most of the time thinking how it needed a good, hard edit and wondering when something interesting was going to happen. There was not a single thing I liked about this (except the cover, if I'm being honest). The plot was a head-scratcher. The characters were confusingly unrealistic - "C'mon Char, grow a fucking backbone already!" I yelled more than once. The writing was incredibly repetitive. Frankly, the whole thing was just so... bleh. Bleh *and* annoying, which I suppose is a feat in itself, really.
In more words: I picked this up at the library on my way out (I was in a hurry... I needed something, anything, to read). Read the description and thought, 'Yeah, ok, I could get behind that.' A death, a runaway, some strong-sounding characters. It took me a night to read and honestly I spent most of the time thinking how it needed a good, hard edit and wondering when something interesting was going to happen. There was not a single thing I liked about this (except the cover, if I'm being honest). The plot was a head-scratcher. The characters were confusingly unrealistic - "C'mon Char, grow a fucking backbone already!" I yelled more than once. The writing was incredibly repetitive. Frankly, the whole thing was just so... bleh. Bleh *and* annoying, which I suppose is a feat in itself, really.
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