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All the Best People
An intricately crafted story of madness, magic and misfortune across three generations from the author of The Middle of Somewhere and House Broken...
Vermont, 1972. Carole LaPorte has a satisfying, ordinary life. She cares for her children, balances the books for the family’s auto shop and laughs when her husband slow dances her across the kitchen floor. Her tragic childhood might have happened to someone else.
But now her mind is playing tricks on her. The accounts won’t reconcile and the murmuring she hears isn’t the television. She ought to seek help, but she’s terrified of being locked away in a mental hospital like her mother, Solange. So Carole hides her symptoms, withdraws from her family and unwittingly sets her eleven-year-old daughter Alison on a desperate search for meaning and power: in Tarot cards, in omens from a nearby river and in a mysterious blue glass box belonging to her grandmother.
An exploration of the power of courage and love to overcome a damning legacy, All the Best People celebrates the search for identity and grace in the most ordinary lives.
Vermont, 1972. Carole LaPorte has a satisfying, ordinary life. She cares for her children, balances the books for the family’s auto shop and laughs when her husband slow dances her across the kitchen floor. Her tragic childhood might have happened to someone else.
But now her mind is playing tricks on her. The accounts won’t reconcile and the murmuring she hears isn’t the television. She ought to seek help, but she’s terrified of being locked away in a mental hospital like her mother, Solange. So Carole hides her symptoms, withdraws from her family and unwittingly sets her eleven-year-old daughter Alison on a desperate search for meaning and power: in Tarot cards, in omens from a nearby river and in a mysterious blue glass box belonging to her grandmother.
An exploration of the power of courage and love to overcome a damning legacy, All the Best People celebrates the search for identity and grace in the most ordinary lives.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2017
104 people are currently reading
6327 people want to read
About the author
Sonja Yoerg
9 books1,143 followersI grew up in Stowe, Vermont, the daughter of a ski instructor and a history teacher. In my first incarnation, I was a animal behaviorist who studied learning in blue jays, hyenas and kangaroo rats. I wrote a book about that. Now I make stuff up.
I've published several novels, including TRUE PLACES, a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller. Yeah, typing that makes me smile because reaching readers is the point, right? My upcoming release, THE FAMILY SHIP, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Watch for it on February 23, 2021.
When I'm not writing or pretending to be writing, I run, garden, cook, eat, drink wine, then run some more. My husband and I live in central Virginia with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's quiet and pretty, like Vermont.
Join me all over the place:
twitter.com/SonjaYoerg
www.facebook.com/SonjaYoerg
www.instagram.com/SonjaYoerg
www.sonjayoerg.com
I've published several novels, including TRUE PLACES, a Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestseller. Yeah, typing that makes me smile because reaching readers is the point, right? My upcoming release, THE FAMILY SHIP, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Watch for it on February 23, 2021.
When I'm not writing or pretending to be writing, I run, garden, cook, eat, drink wine, then run some more. My husband and I live in central Virginia with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's quiet and pretty, like Vermont.
Join me all over the place:
twitter.com/SonjaYoerg
www.facebook.com/SonjaYoerg
www.instagram.com/SonjaYoerg
www.sonjayoerg.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 347 reviews
May 9, 2017
I have now read three novels (all stand-alones) authored by Ms. Yoerg, and each one is so different from the others. I love seeing this versatility, especially since the quality of her work remains high no matter what she writes about.
All the Best People is a moving family drama with a lot of emphasis on mental health issues. I cannot find it in me to call it women’s fiction, let alone chick lit. To me, this is closer to literary fiction than anything else. Ms. Yoerg’s prose is outstanding. Her descriptive passages and imagery, though not as overwhelmingly prevalent as seen in a lot of literary fiction (a good thing in my opinion), are easy to read and very effective, setting the scenes beautifully.
We are presented the story of three generations of one family, mostly from the women’s points of view. The tale is told over a span ranging from 1927 to 1973. The chapters alternate from one generation to the next, but don’t skip around so much as to hinder the flow. The pace is excellent, particularly over the last two-thirds of the book, after a bit of a slow start due to the setup.
Mental health issues take center stage. It’s obvious Ms. Yoerg has done her research on these topics. As a physician I found these scenes rang true. I especially loved the arc featuring 10-year-old Alison who tries her very best to survive as everything in her life is progressively falling apart. If I had to break down the plot into simple words, I would say that it is basically a journey of self-discovery as to what makes a person “worthy” of love and happiness.
The threads of this complex tale come together splendidly at the end. By then I had fallen in love with several of the characters, especially Alison, Carole and Solange; it will be a long while before I forget them.
I allotted myself 7 days to read this one. I finished in 4 days and missed the final days of the Olympics because of it. No regrets. If you are looking for a novel that touches on the themes of prejudice, unfairness, betrayal, love, redemption and just a hint of magic, this is for you. Highly recommended along with Ms. Yoerg’s first two novels, Housebroken and The Middle of Somewhere.
Many thanks to Ms. Yoerg, Berkley Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this novel. Opinions are mine alone and are unbiased in any way.
All the Best People is a moving family drama with a lot of emphasis on mental health issues. I cannot find it in me to call it women’s fiction, let alone chick lit. To me, this is closer to literary fiction than anything else. Ms. Yoerg’s prose is outstanding. Her descriptive passages and imagery, though not as overwhelmingly prevalent as seen in a lot of literary fiction (a good thing in my opinion), are easy to read and very effective, setting the scenes beautifully.
We are presented the story of three generations of one family, mostly from the women’s points of view. The tale is told over a span ranging from 1927 to 1973. The chapters alternate from one generation to the next, but don’t skip around so much as to hinder the flow. The pace is excellent, particularly over the last two-thirds of the book, after a bit of a slow start due to the setup.
Mental health issues take center stage. It’s obvious Ms. Yoerg has done her research on these topics. As a physician I found these scenes rang true. I especially loved the arc featuring 10-year-old Alison who tries her very best to survive as everything in her life is progressively falling apart. If I had to break down the plot into simple words, I would say that it is basically a journey of self-discovery as to what makes a person “worthy” of love and happiness.
The threads of this complex tale come together splendidly at the end. By then I had fallen in love with several of the characters, especially Alison, Carole and Solange; it will be a long while before I forget them.
I allotted myself 7 days to read this one. I finished in 4 days and missed the final days of the Olympics because of it. No regrets. If you are looking for a novel that touches on the themes of prejudice, unfairness, betrayal, love, redemption and just a hint of magic, this is for you. Highly recommended along with Ms. Yoerg’s first two novels, Housebroken and The Middle of Somewhere.
Many thanks to Ms. Yoerg, Berkley Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this novel. Opinions are mine alone and are unbiased in any way.
April 16, 2017
This story brings to light many of the issues surrounding mental illness- the stigma attached to it, the difficulties in coming to terms with it and the impact on families. Its about more than this, though. It's about a time when a husband could easily commit his wife to a mental institution for "hysteria" meaning behavior they didn't like . It's about some complex family relationships and secrets, the ones you hold and those you don't know about. It's about class differences, about mothers and daughters, sisters, about misconceptions of who you are and your family history.
There are alternating narratives centering on three generations of females in this family. Carole knows something is happening to her. She's disoriented, can't stop the voices in her head, thinking that it might be the illness that led to her mother being in an asylum for the last 34 years . The narratives are both past and present so you get an understanding of the events in their lives that bring them to where they are today. The other narratives are from the perspectives of Janine, Carole's younger sister, Solange, Carole's mother, but I was most touched by Alison, Carole's 11 year old daughter. She knows things are not right with her mom and doesn't quite know what to do about it, sometimes thinking it's her fault and she is the one who is changing until a near tragedy brings recognition to Alison, Carole and the rest of the family.
A pat ending in some ways, but Yoerg does a great job of saving until the end some revelations that I didn't guess. It's well written family drama , a quick read that while focusing on mental illness, has a lot to say about family ties, trust and love.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Berkeley Books through NetGalley.
October 13, 2017
Carole is living in Vermont in the 70's and her life is one of contentment and comfort. She helps her husband manage the finances for his garage and takes care of her three children. Her sister, Janine, lives close by and Carole has always felt responsible for taking care of her. Carole's mother had been put in a sanatorium, Underhill, after giving birth to Janine and had asked Carole to look after her little sister. Carole continues to visit her mother at Underhill weekly.
Things begin to get distressing for Carole when she finds herself unable to keep the books anymore, all the math looking foreign to her. As times passes, Carole begins to deteriorate, her thoughts become more disorganized and she begins to hear voices. Carole tries to hide what is happening to her but her daughter Alison knows something is going on with her mom. As Carole's condition worsens we go back in time to when her mother, Solange meets and marries her father, exploring the complex social stratification problems that lead to Solange ending up institutionalized.
Spoilers maybe from this point on? I can never tell what is and isn't a spoiler honestly because I try to use the book blurb when summarizing but people still saying I'm spoiling it for them but yeah there's probably going to be more specific details from this point on.
I felt pretty torn about how to rate this book, and for the first two thirds of the book I was going to go with four stars but that last third just ruined it for me. So i'm going to say the book was a 3.5 for me. I loved reading about Solange and what actually happened to land her in Underhill and I loved the way eugenics and class discrimination was handled and Solange's struggle with who she had married and where she had come from. I also really enjoyed the other three POVs and the way Carole's schizophrenia is portrayed because it's much better than a lot of other books have done.
I even empathized with Janine, even though what she did was totally out of line. On a side note what I thought was interesting about Janine was that antisocial personality disorder has been linked to lack of attention as an infant leading to a difference in regulating stress, which would make sense because it didn't seem like after she was born anyone was really doing much more than the bare minimum. Anyway, I got really annoyed when Janine just got away with it in the end. I really wish there had been more consequence to her action and I also don't appreciate her never finding out that Carole was actually only her half sister. I had been waiting for it to happen and then it didnt and I just go irritated.
Also the way Alison ends up in the car as well before it crashes seemed pretty convenient and then her mother seeing her and saving her. The accident part is really what ruined it for me. I was totally into the book until that and then I just felt incredulous. I really think if Alison was going to be in the car fine but both she and Ms. Honeycut should have died. It felt like a cop out that they both lived and that Janine got to take money and run away and nothing happened. It was even more annoying that Carole's psychosis got worse after saving Alison and that that was the magical moment where they got her help. I would have bought it if before saving Alison it had happened but again it just felt too convenient. And what was that thing with Alison saying that Warren seemed much more comfortable in his skin now, it just felt awkward and weird to throw that detail in there.
And the most annoying thing was that Carole's schizophrenia was blamed on her dad's genes. Like yes her mother was unfairly institutionalized in an age where women's rights were limited but the irony of the situation didn't work for me. I know it's supposed to be that look wow the dad had the faulty genes and his views on eugenics about how the people living on the boats had bad blood was false because his wife didn't pass on the gene leading to Carole developing schizophrenia. It's just that's such a simplified view of genetics and it just felt icky regardless to have that implication that anyone's blood is bad or whatever. Like environmental factors play a role as well and ew eugenics. I don't think this last paragraph made any sense but what I'm trying to say is I don't think the irony works here because it's gross either way to imply that anyone has bad blood and that the genes didn't even make it inevitable that she would develop schizophrenia anyway so wtf.
Things begin to get distressing for Carole when she finds herself unable to keep the books anymore, all the math looking foreign to her. As times passes, Carole begins to deteriorate, her thoughts become more disorganized and she begins to hear voices. Carole tries to hide what is happening to her but her daughter Alison knows something is going on with her mom. As Carole's condition worsens we go back in time to when her mother, Solange meets and marries her father, exploring the complex social stratification problems that lead to Solange ending up institutionalized.
Spoilers maybe from this point on? I can never tell what is and isn't a spoiler honestly because I try to use the book blurb when summarizing but people still saying I'm spoiling it for them but yeah there's probably going to be more specific details from this point on.
I felt pretty torn about how to rate this book, and for the first two thirds of the book I was going to go with four stars but that last third just ruined it for me. So i'm going to say the book was a 3.5 for me. I loved reading about Solange and what actually happened to land her in Underhill and I loved the way eugenics and class discrimination was handled and Solange's struggle with who she had married and where she had come from. I also really enjoyed the other three POVs and the way Carole's schizophrenia is portrayed because it's much better than a lot of other books have done.
I even empathized with Janine, even though what she did was totally out of line. On a side note what I thought was interesting about Janine was that antisocial personality disorder has been linked to lack of attention as an infant leading to a difference in regulating stress, which would make sense because it didn't seem like after she was born anyone was really doing much more than the bare minimum. Anyway, I got really annoyed when Janine just got away with it in the end. I really wish there had been more consequence to her action and I also don't appreciate her never finding out that Carole was actually only her half sister. I had been waiting for it to happen and then it didnt and I just go irritated.
Also the way Alison ends up in the car as well before it crashes seemed pretty convenient and then her mother seeing her and saving her. The accident part is really what ruined it for me. I was totally into the book until that and then I just felt incredulous. I really think if Alison was going to be in the car fine but both she and Ms. Honeycut should have died. It felt like a cop out that they both lived and that Janine got to take money and run away and nothing happened. It was even more annoying that Carole's psychosis got worse after saving Alison and that that was the magical moment where they got her help. I would have bought it if before saving Alison it had happened but again it just felt too convenient. And what was that thing with Alison saying that Warren seemed much more comfortable in his skin now, it just felt awkward and weird to throw that detail in there.
And the most annoying thing was that Carole's schizophrenia was blamed on her dad's genes. Like yes her mother was unfairly institutionalized in an age where women's rights were limited but the irony of the situation didn't work for me. I know it's supposed to be that look wow the dad had the faulty genes and his views on eugenics about how the people living on the boats had bad blood was false because his wife didn't pass on the gene leading to Carole developing schizophrenia. It's just that's such a simplified view of genetics and it just felt icky regardless to have that implication that anyone's blood is bad or whatever. Like environmental factors play a role as well and ew eugenics. I don't think this last paragraph made any sense but what I'm trying to say is I don't think the irony works here because it's gross either way to imply that anyone has bad blood and that the genes didn't even make it inevitable that she would develop schizophrenia anyway so wtf.
December 7, 2016
I received a copy of All the Best People through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Sonja Yoerg for the opportunity.
Choices
Some made purposefully by our own accord. Some made by others on the peripheral. And yet, the current in its aftermath still sends out the strains of its steady, low ebb into the receptors of those lives intended or not.
Carole La Porte sits facing into the lost eyes of her mother, Solange. It's August of 1972 and Solange's daily tipping of reality has been within the walls of this institution for over 34 years. "The bottom had dropped out of whatever remained of her mother's self." Carole still makes the continuous trips even though the impact on her mother is questionable at best. Voices that simply exist in disconnection.
Sonja Yoerg opens the arms of this story wide and presents the generational telling of Carole's family in Vermont. The storyline swings gently back and forth from 1972 and then pivots back to 1926. You will be front and center viewing the impact of harsh decisions made by these individuals out of fear, shame, anger, prejudice, and pure revenge. What is put out into the universe finds its way back and it revisits the ache of the oozing wound again and again.
Carole walks on unsteady feet these days. She slowly experiences the unraveling of her life. It visits her one day in the form of total confusion as to which route to take on the drive home. It paralyzes her into not getting out of her car in the grocery store parking lot. It sends the static of sound waves in the form of unfamiliar voices in her head. Carole's worst fear is that she is becoming her mother.
The content of this story is far different than Yoerg's previous works. She takes on the challenge of mental illness in its accepted and unacceptable forms. While visiting the past of 1926, we must ask ourselves if the subject matter of mental health still suffers today from lack of open-air discussions. Sadly, Society continues to encase it in walled dwellings of shame.
I believe that All the Best People will open much needed dialogue. Although a work of fiction, the roadways of this story venture close to home as it should. Bravo, Ms. Yoerg, for such a relevant offering.
Choices
Some made purposefully by our own accord. Some made by others on the peripheral. And yet, the current in its aftermath still sends out the strains of its steady, low ebb into the receptors of those lives intended or not.
Carole La Porte sits facing into the lost eyes of her mother, Solange. It's August of 1972 and Solange's daily tipping of reality has been within the walls of this institution for over 34 years. "The bottom had dropped out of whatever remained of her mother's self." Carole still makes the continuous trips even though the impact on her mother is questionable at best. Voices that simply exist in disconnection.
Sonja Yoerg opens the arms of this story wide and presents the generational telling of Carole's family in Vermont. The storyline swings gently back and forth from 1972 and then pivots back to 1926. You will be front and center viewing the impact of harsh decisions made by these individuals out of fear, shame, anger, prejudice, and pure revenge. What is put out into the universe finds its way back and it revisits the ache of the oozing wound again and again.
Carole walks on unsteady feet these days. She slowly experiences the unraveling of her life. It visits her one day in the form of total confusion as to which route to take on the drive home. It paralyzes her into not getting out of her car in the grocery store parking lot. It sends the static of sound waves in the form of unfamiliar voices in her head. Carole's worst fear is that she is becoming her mother.
The content of this story is far different than Yoerg's previous works. She takes on the challenge of mental illness in its accepted and unacceptable forms. While visiting the past of 1926, we must ask ourselves if the subject matter of mental health still suffers today from lack of open-air discussions. Sadly, Society continues to encase it in walled dwellings of shame.
I believe that All the Best People will open much needed dialogue. Although a work of fiction, the roadways of this story venture close to home as it should. Bravo, Ms. Yoerg, for such a relevant offering.
August 16, 2017
4.5 Stars.
Hurray for my second Traveling Sisters Group Read with Brenda, Norma, JanB and Lindsay! It was an incredible experience to read “All The Best People” with this fabulous group of ladies.
“All the Best People” is a moving story about family. Three Generations of a family: Solange and Osborn; Solange's daughters: Carole and Janine; and Carole family – her kind and caring husband Walt, and their children, Warren, Lester, and Alison. It is about how a family deals with mental illness and about how perception and treatment varied over the course of a few decades. Most importantly it is about the ties that bind people together; about losing one's memory and one's sense of self - while desperately trying to hold on as tight as you can.
The author, Sonja Yoerg, did a phenomenal job of taking the readers into the hearts and minds of each and every character, especially that of Carole, Solange and eleven-year old Alison, who stole my heart in more ways than one.
As far as I know, this book has not received a lot of press. To be frank, I don't know why. It was phenomenal - easy to read, extremely well written and the characters were well developed. The story is compelling, the characters are rich and complex and the book simply makes you feel a range of emotions. It is a must read, plain and simple.
This group read moved each and every one of us in different ways. It brought forth the most heartfelt of discussions and I am so very grateful that I shared that experience with my sisters.
Published on Goodreads and Amazon on 8.16.17
For the full Traveling Sisters Group Read Review by Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Susanne, and JanB re this fabulous novel, please see Norma and Brenda's traveling sisters' blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
Hurray for my second Traveling Sisters Group Read with Brenda, Norma, JanB and Lindsay! It was an incredible experience to read “All The Best People” with this fabulous group of ladies.
“All the Best People” is a moving story about family. Three Generations of a family: Solange and Osborn; Solange's daughters: Carole and Janine; and Carole family – her kind and caring husband Walt, and their children, Warren, Lester, and Alison. It is about how a family deals with mental illness and about how perception and treatment varied over the course of a few decades. Most importantly it is about the ties that bind people together; about losing one's memory and one's sense of self - while desperately trying to hold on as tight as you can.
The author, Sonja Yoerg, did a phenomenal job of taking the readers into the hearts and minds of each and every character, especially that of Carole, Solange and eleven-year old Alison, who stole my heart in more ways than one.
As far as I know, this book has not received a lot of press. To be frank, I don't know why. It was phenomenal - easy to read, extremely well written and the characters were well developed. The story is compelling, the characters are rich and complex and the book simply makes you feel a range of emotions. It is a must read, plain and simple.
This group read moved each and every one of us in different ways. It brought forth the most heartfelt of discussions and I am so very grateful that I shared that experience with my sisters.
Published on Goodreads and Amazon on 8.16.17
For the full Traveling Sisters Group Read Review by Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Susanne, and JanB re this fabulous novel, please see Norma and Brenda's traveling sisters' blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
August 21, 2017
"All The Best People" is an outstanding piece of contemporary fiction focusing primarily on a family's struggle with mental health whilst incorporating a brilliant family saga including social class issues that covers many decades.
There's some really likeable and realistic characters in this story who are warm, engaging and very compelling to read about - I was gripped with Solange's story of her younger years leading up to her confinement at a mental institution and I just loved little Alison. Set in Vermont in 1972 the story covers three generations of Carole LaPorte's family, going back in time to the 1920's and Solange's story.
With the main emphasis of the story on mental health and a family's struggle, it's obvious the author has done a lot of research into this area and it was saddening to read that historically mental illnesses were treated in the ways they were i.e. Ice water baths and colonics etc., sometimes even without a thorough diagnosis.
This is first time I have read anything by this author Sonja Yoerg - her writing is professional, polished, full of emotion and she knows how to keep the reader engaged in an intriguing and interesting story - I'd happily look out for more books by her again.
I truly enjoyed this character driven book, easy to read and follow and with such a moving story, beautiful prose and literary excellence, I guarantee this heartfelt book will be loved by all readers young and old of this genre.
A beautiful 5 stars.
Thank you to Penguin Random House International and the Goodreads Giveaways for my copy.
There's some really likeable and realistic characters in this story who are warm, engaging and very compelling to read about - I was gripped with Solange's story of her younger years leading up to her confinement at a mental institution and I just loved little Alison. Set in Vermont in 1972 the story covers three generations of Carole LaPorte's family, going back in time to the 1920's and Solange's story.
With the main emphasis of the story on mental health and a family's struggle, it's obvious the author has done a lot of research into this area and it was saddening to read that historically mental illnesses were treated in the ways they were i.e. Ice water baths and colonics etc., sometimes even without a thorough diagnosis.
This is first time I have read anything by this author Sonja Yoerg - her writing is professional, polished, full of emotion and she knows how to keep the reader engaged in an intriguing and interesting story - I'd happily look out for more books by her again.
I truly enjoyed this character driven book, easy to read and follow and with such a moving story, beautiful prose and literary excellence, I guarantee this heartfelt book will be loved by all readers young and old of this genre.
A beautiful 5 stars.
Thank you to Penguin Random House International and the Goodreads Giveaways for my copy.
August 16, 2017
4.5 Stars! The audiobook was extremely well done with wonderful narration!
Traveling Sisters Group Read which I read along with Brenda, Lindsay, Susanne and JanB! It was another awesome experience to read ALL THE BEST PEOPLE with this wonderful group of ladies. Thank you everyone who participated in this group read!
All the Best People by Sonja Yoerg was an extremely good read! It was moving, enlightening, and an absolutely unforgettable heartfelt story!
Highly recommend this beautifully written and amazing novel!
The full Traveling Sisters Review can be found on Brenda's and my sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Traveling Sisters Group Read which I read along with Brenda, Lindsay, Susanne and JanB! It was another awesome experience to read ALL THE BEST PEOPLE with this wonderful group of ladies. Thank you everyone who participated in this group read!
All the Best People by Sonja Yoerg was an extremely good read! It was moving, enlightening, and an absolutely unforgettable heartfelt story!
Highly recommend this beautifully written and amazing novel!
The full Traveling Sisters Review can be found on Brenda's and my sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
May 29, 2017
Solange came from a relatively poor family, a French Catholic family, was raised on a house boat. She falls in love and marries a member of the Protestant elite, and for a while things are fine. They have a daughter, Carole that they both adore but then things fall apart. There is a court case, Ploof vs. Putnam, a case that actually happened, a case that puts the haves against the have not, a case that will highlight the difference of background in their marriage. This will have a dire effect on Solvang's future and those of the two daughters she bore.
Mental illness, in the past and the present. This story takes place from the twenties to the seventies and shows the differing treatments and reasons for commitment. In the present, Carole is hearing voices, her mothers mental illness a very real fear, but the outcome would be markedly different. Allison, Carole's daughter, eleven years old tries to help her mother, sees something is wrong but doesn't understand exactly what to do. She is a wonderful character, so brave and full of love.
A stunning novel of family, mothers and daughters, mental illness, the eugenics movement and in Carole's family, a great deal of love. The writing is tender, expressive and poignant. Deals with real problems, the stigma and fear when presented with a mental illness, and the strength they take for all involved, to overcome. What was allowed to happen in the past was terrifying, but the future in this book has much promise.
ARC from publisher.
Mental illness, in the past and the present. This story takes place from the twenties to the seventies and shows the differing treatments and reasons for commitment. In the present, Carole is hearing voices, her mothers mental illness a very real fear, but the outcome would be markedly different. Allison, Carole's daughter, eleven years old tries to help her mother, sees something is wrong but doesn't understand exactly what to do. She is a wonderful character, so brave and full of love.
A stunning novel of family, mothers and daughters, mental illness, the eugenics movement and in Carole's family, a great deal of love. The writing is tender, expressive and poignant. Deals with real problems, the stigma and fear when presented with a mental illness, and the strength they take for all involved, to overcome. What was allowed to happen in the past was terrifying, but the future in this book has much promise.
ARC from publisher.
August 23, 2018
4.5 Stars
Traveling Sisters Group Read Review by Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Susanne, and JanB
All The Best People by Sonja Yoerg is an intriguing, easy flowing and multi-layered story that is beautifully written that explores family, hope, and acceptance surrounding mental illness through three generations. The story also explores the relationships between mothers and daughters.
Sonja Yoerg does a fantastic job compassionately creating , realistic, conflicted, and complex characters here as we were really able to feel the emotions of all the characters allowing us to open our hearts and drawing us right into their fears, pain, and heartache. She gave us understanding, insight, and compassion into mental illness for families of loved ones as she shines light in the dark far corners of mental illness for all the characters. She gracefully shows us how fast and difficult life can sometimes be. Her descriptions are vivid, insightful and moving.
The story combines four different perspectives which are told in three generations from one family in two timelines from the past of 1926 and present day of 1972. As we first meet Carol we start to see signs of her illness and we were all drawn into her mind and we could hear her thoughts and feel her fears. We meet Solange when she is young and learn her backstory and events leading up to her being committed to an asylum and see how younger Carol deals with the absence of her mother. We learn of past treatment, shedding light on stigma and the treatments given. We also hear from 11-year-old Alison as we see her start to lose her mother when she needs her the most. She tugged and captured our hearts. We admired her strength and perseverance.
We can’t leave this review without mentioning Walt as a few of us had such a book crush on this sweet and genuine character.
We felt a strong connection to some of the characters and it brought quite a bit of insight and personal experiences into our discussions as we were reading this book. We could see a bit of ourselves within this story which for some of us was at times a little emotional and heartfelt. With love, hope, compassion and understanding that shined through within this book and our discussions, we could see who All The Best People are.
Thank you, NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and Sonja Yoerg for a copy to read and review.
All of our Traveling Sisters Group Read Reviews can be found on Norma’s and my sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Traveling Sisters Group Read Review by Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Susanne, and JanB
All The Best People by Sonja Yoerg is an intriguing, easy flowing and multi-layered story that is beautifully written that explores family, hope, and acceptance surrounding mental illness through three generations. The story also explores the relationships between mothers and daughters.
Sonja Yoerg does a fantastic job compassionately creating , realistic, conflicted, and complex characters here as we were really able to feel the emotions of all the characters allowing us to open our hearts and drawing us right into their fears, pain, and heartache. She gave us understanding, insight, and compassion into mental illness for families of loved ones as she shines light in the dark far corners of mental illness for all the characters. She gracefully shows us how fast and difficult life can sometimes be. Her descriptions are vivid, insightful and moving.
The story combines four different perspectives which are told in three generations from one family in two timelines from the past of 1926 and present day of 1972. As we first meet Carol we start to see signs of her illness and we were all drawn into her mind and we could hear her thoughts and feel her fears. We meet Solange when she is young and learn her backstory and events leading up to her being committed to an asylum and see how younger Carol deals with the absence of her mother. We learn of past treatment, shedding light on stigma and the treatments given. We also hear from 11-year-old Alison as we see her start to lose her mother when she needs her the most. She tugged and captured our hearts. We admired her strength and perseverance.
We can’t leave this review without mentioning Walt as a few of us had such a book crush on this sweet and genuine character.
We felt a strong connection to some of the characters and it brought quite a bit of insight and personal experiences into our discussions as we were reading this book. We could see a bit of ourselves within this story which for some of us was at times a little emotional and heartfelt. With love, hope, compassion and understanding that shined through within this book and our discussions, we could see who All The Best People are.
Thank you, NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and Sonja Yoerg for a copy to read and review.
All of our Traveling Sisters Group Read Reviews can be found on Norma’s and my sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
May 1, 2017
Carole LaPorte is a mother of three children and helps her husband run their automotive repair business in Vermont. She is beginning to hear voices in her head and at times they seems to originate from the television. She starts having trouble focusing on simple chores and it affects her ability to work. She does her best to hide these symptoms from her family because of issues from her childhood. Her mother, Solange, was diagnosed with mental illness and was committed to an institution by her father.
This novel combines three stories which are told from various points of view. We learn more about Solange and Carole and soon get introduced to Alison who is Carole’s youngest child. Alison is watching her world fall apart as her mother becomes unreliable and withdrawn. With a mother battling mental issues, Alison experiences many of the same concerns as Carole. Solange’s life is examined in more detail and LaPorte family issues are revealed.
This is a heartfelt book about the stigma that mental illness carries and how treatments have changed throughout the years. Sometimes the best prescription is the love and support of your family. I hope to read more novels by Sonja Yoerg.
book giveaway on my blog until 5/2 https://www.facebook.com/suzyapproved...
This novel combines three stories which are told from various points of view. We learn more about Solange and Carole and soon get introduced to Alison who is Carole’s youngest child. Alison is watching her world fall apart as her mother becomes unreliable and withdrawn. With a mother battling mental issues, Alison experiences many of the same concerns as Carole. Solange’s life is examined in more detail and LaPorte family issues are revealed.
This is a heartfelt book about the stigma that mental illness carries and how treatments have changed throughout the years. Sometimes the best prescription is the love and support of your family. I hope to read more novels by Sonja Yoerg.
book giveaway on my blog until 5/2 https://www.facebook.com/suzyapproved...
May 29, 2017
Sonja Yoerg writes a beautifully crafted story about a family across three generations exploring issues of mental illness, complexity of relationships, and different levels of social class.
Sonja explores the stigma associated with mental illness in our society and the true impact that it can have on a family. As a social worker, I definitely understand the stigma that exists for the mentally ill population but this definitely was an eye opener and a reminder to myself on the importance of not letting judgement impair the way I approach my clients. Sometimes, I think as humans we all tend to have biases and need a little friendly reminder ;).
The novel is broken up into alternating POV between Carole, Solange, Janine, and Alison. Carole is beginning to hear voices in her head and strange things start to occur. Carole is deeply afraid that she is getting the illness that led to her mother (Solange) being in an asylum for 34 years. The alternating POV's take you from past to present which I absolutely loved. You are slowly intertwined in the story of these four women that literally sweeps your heart up. I think I connected with Alison's character the most. She truly truly was such an amazing 11 year old little girl. Alison is Carole's daughter who we see falling apart trying to understand the complexity of her mother's mental illness and trying desperately to help her mother.
Can I just say how much I enjoyed the little touch of magic. Oh my gosh... absolutely LOVED the spiritual side in this novel. I think that this absolutely made the novel! Awesome job Sonja Yoerg!
The ending was ever so amazing. Sonja Yoerg brings the entire storyline beautifully together!!
"The careless arrows of misfortune were targets glancing off the pure circle of her dreams." If the beach were long enough, her daughter would teach her feet to fly."
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!! Highly recommended! :)
Sonja explores the stigma associated with mental illness in our society and the true impact that it can have on a family. As a social worker, I definitely understand the stigma that exists for the mentally ill population but this definitely was an eye opener and a reminder to myself on the importance of not letting judgement impair the way I approach my clients. Sometimes, I think as humans we all tend to have biases and need a little friendly reminder ;).
The novel is broken up into alternating POV between Carole, Solange, Janine, and Alison. Carole is beginning to hear voices in her head and strange things start to occur. Carole is deeply afraid that she is getting the illness that led to her mother (Solange) being in an asylum for 34 years. The alternating POV's take you from past to present which I absolutely loved. You are slowly intertwined in the story of these four women that literally sweeps your heart up. I think I connected with Alison's character the most. She truly truly was such an amazing 11 year old little girl. Alison is Carole's daughter who we see falling apart trying to understand the complexity of her mother's mental illness and trying desperately to help her mother.
Can I just say how much I enjoyed the little touch of magic. Oh my gosh... absolutely LOVED the spiritual side in this novel. I think that this absolutely made the novel! Awesome job Sonja Yoerg!
The ending was ever so amazing. Sonja Yoerg brings the entire storyline beautifully together!!
"The careless arrows of misfortune were targets glancing off the pure circle of her dreams." If the beach were long enough, her daughter would teach her feet to fly."
Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!! Highly recommended! :)
August 17, 2017
This was somewhere between 4 – 4.5 stars for me. A very touching and captivating read.
This is a heart-breaking family drama that follows three generations of women in one family who experience the stigma and struggles surrounding mental illness. Class segregation is also a heavy topic that is explored. The two timelines (1926 and 1972) throughout the novel reveal intriguing stories surrounding the women in the family. While both timelines were interesting, I found the older story revolving around Solange to be most captivating – it was my favourite part of the novel.
The timing of reading this novel was superb because I had recently finished reading “The Ballroom” and it centered on the topic of mental illness and an asylum. I was able to pull thoughts I had from “The Ballroom” and continue exploring them in this novel which was an unanticipated but very interesting extension of the topics.
I had the pleasure of reading this along with my “sisters” Brenda, Norma, Susanne and JanB. This novel covers some very heavy subject matter and I loved being able to discuss and dissect the plot and hear each sisters’ reaction and thoughts – it brings a much deeper understanding and connection to the book and my overall reading experience. I highly recommend this wonderful novel.
To find our Traveling Sister Read Review, please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
This is a heart-breaking family drama that follows three generations of women in one family who experience the stigma and struggles surrounding mental illness. Class segregation is also a heavy topic that is explored. The two timelines (1926 and 1972) throughout the novel reveal intriguing stories surrounding the women in the family. While both timelines were interesting, I found the older story revolving around Solange to be most captivating – it was my favourite part of the novel.
The timing of reading this novel was superb because I had recently finished reading “The Ballroom” and it centered on the topic of mental illness and an asylum. I was able to pull thoughts I had from “The Ballroom” and continue exploring them in this novel which was an unanticipated but very interesting extension of the topics.
I had the pleasure of reading this along with my “sisters” Brenda, Norma, Susanne and JanB. This novel covers some very heavy subject matter and I loved being able to discuss and dissect the plot and hear each sisters’ reaction and thoughts – it brings a much deeper understanding and connection to the book and my overall reading experience. I highly recommend this wonderful novel.
To find our Traveling Sister Read Review, please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
July 6, 2017
3.5 Stars → ALL THE BEST PEOPLE is a family drama spanning three generations, from the 1920s to the 1970s. Does mental illness run in the family? When Carole starts hearing voices, she fears that she will meet the same fate as her mother, Solange: being locked away for decades in a mental institution. Carole shrinks from her family at the time when her daughter Alison needs her most: adolescence.
Overall, I thought this book was beautifully written, and the author handles the subject of mental illness realistically and with compassion. I was really drawn in by Part One of the story, focusing on Carole and Alison in 1972. With Carole’s point of view, the reader gets a strong sense of her fear and confusion as the disease takes hold of her mind.
I wasn’t as engaged in Part Two, which was Solange’s story of her marriage to Carole’s father. It’s a story of class, rich versus poor, and social injustice. The pacing was slower, and to me it felt a bit disjointed from the other part. Another POV came from Janine, Carole’s younger sister, who was an awful, unlikable character, and honestly her part didn’t do much to advance the story.
I wish there had been more magic or magical realism that the blurb alluded to, so the book was a bit different than what I was expecting. Still, it was a touching and heartbreaking story about how one family faced its history of mental illness.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I thought this book was beautifully written, and the author handles the subject of mental illness realistically and with compassion. I was really drawn in by Part One of the story, focusing on Carole and Alison in 1972. With Carole’s point of view, the reader gets a strong sense of her fear and confusion as the disease takes hold of her mind.
I wasn’t as engaged in Part Two, which was Solange’s story of her marriage to Carole’s father. It’s a story of class, rich versus poor, and social injustice. The pacing was slower, and to me it felt a bit disjointed from the other part. Another POV came from Janine, Carole’s younger sister, who was an awful, unlikable character, and honestly her part didn’t do much to advance the story.
I wish there had been more magic or magical realism that the blurb alluded to, so the book was a bit different than what I was expecting. Still, it was a touching and heartbreaking story about how one family faced its history of mental illness.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2017
This was a Traveling Sister read with Brenda, Norma, Susanne and Lindsay. It was great book to read together and we had many interesting discussions.
Compelling and heartbreaking, this is a look at how mental illness affects 3 generations of women. Solange, who is locked away in a mental institution for decades, Carole and Nicole, the two very different daughters of Solange’s and how their lives were tragically affected by the loss of their mother’s presence, and Allison, Carole’s young daughter, who is trying to navigate a new reality as she senses something is deeply wrong with her mother.
The story is beautifully written and I came to care about the characters. Solange’s story is the saddest and most heartbreaking, but it was Allison who captured my heart. Even though the story is sad, it’s ultimately hopeful as the barriers of stigma and secrecy that surrounds mental illness are slowly changing.
Highly recommended, this one should be getting lots more buzz than it is.
Read the full Traveling Sisters review on their blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
Compelling and heartbreaking, this is a look at how mental illness affects 3 generations of women. Solange, who is locked away in a mental institution for decades, Carole and Nicole, the two very different daughters of Solange’s and how their lives were tragically affected by the loss of their mother’s presence, and Allison, Carole’s young daughter, who is trying to navigate a new reality as she senses something is deeply wrong with her mother.
The story is beautifully written and I came to care about the characters. Solange’s story is the saddest and most heartbreaking, but it was Allison who captured my heart. Even though the story is sad, it’s ultimately hopeful as the barriers of stigma and secrecy that surrounds mental illness are slowly changing.
Highly recommended, this one should be getting lots more buzz than it is.
Read the full Traveling Sisters review on their blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
July 10, 2017
I love this author because she writes about things every family faces. In this story she writes about mental health and it is told from generation to generation from the women’s points of view. As Carole starts to hear voices she believes that she will have the same fate as her mother who has spent many years in a mental institution. This book starts in the 30s and goes thru several decades showing how this family deals with the stigma associated to this day with mental illness, the fear it can bring out in others as well as family members and the feelings of helplessness that a family can feel when a family member is affected. It shows how the perception of mental illness has changed but it still widely misunderstood. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
June 30, 2016
Told through the voices of three generations of women, ALL THE BEST PEOPLE is a gripping novel about my favorite topic: the impact of mental illness on families. Set in Vermont in the 1930s and 1970s, it deals with betrayal and shame, acceptance and unconditional love. Carole's slow descent into schizophrenia is so beautifully crafted that I felt every moment of her journey through her own, private hell. And the ending? Perfect. The writing is stellar--so many great lines--but I think this is my favorite:"What is in your blood matters, but not as much as what is in your heart." Book clubs are going to love this one!
August 17, 2017
4.5 ⭐️
May 10, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
This was a really well done story. When I first noticed saw this book, I honestly didn't give it a lot of thought. I have never read the author and hadn't really heard much about it. For some reason, I went back to it and read the description and was intrigued so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. This was a book that really stayed in my head and made me think about everything that goes along with mental illness. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.
This book was told from multiple points of view and in different periods of time. Carole is a wife and mother leading a pretty normal life. Alison is her 11 year old daughter and the youngest child in the family. Janine is Carole's younger sister who happens to work at Alison's school. The other story that we are told is that of Carole's mother, Solange, who resides at a nearby institution. Each of these voices really worked together to tell the story well.
Carole is noticing that she is starting to have a hard time with some tasks that never caused her trouble before. She has always taken care of the shop's books but it is becoming difficult. She is hearing voices and she can't get the sound to stop. She doesn't want to go anywhere and she is not being the mother that her children need her to be at times. She is terrified about what is going on in her mind.
Alison needs her mom. She knows that something isn't right but nobody else in the family seems to think it is a big deal. Sure, her father is pitching in on some of the things her mother can't seem to get done but it isn't quite the same. She tries talking to her aunt Janine but nothing seems to happen.
Solange's story was my favorite part of the book. We meet her at the very start of the novel when Carole visits her at the institution but I wondered what her story really was. Solange and her husband, Osborn, fell in love and got married. They were from different classes and over time they learn that a lot of their beliefs were quite different. Solange was smart and opinionated and I was really curious about how her live changed so dramatically.
The writing was very well done. I really felt like each of these characters were telling me their story. I felt Carole's fear regarding the changes she couldn't control. Alison's desperation to get her mom back to normal was nicely illustrated. I really liked the fact that we learn Carole's past through Solange's story and then from Carole's memories. Each piece of the puzzle really came together to tell a story with a big impact.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It is a very well done story of a family touched by mental illness. The characters are extremely well done and the writing flows. I look forward to reading more of Sonja Yoerg's work in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via First to Read.
Initial Thoughts
This was very good. Well written and hard to put down. A really well told story about mental illness.
This was a really well done story. When I first noticed saw this book, I honestly didn't give it a lot of thought. I have never read the author and hadn't really heard much about it. For some reason, I went back to it and read the description and was intrigued so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. This was a book that really stayed in my head and made me think about everything that goes along with mental illness. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.
This book was told from multiple points of view and in different periods of time. Carole is a wife and mother leading a pretty normal life. Alison is her 11 year old daughter and the youngest child in the family. Janine is Carole's younger sister who happens to work at Alison's school. The other story that we are told is that of Carole's mother, Solange, who resides at a nearby institution. Each of these voices really worked together to tell the story well.
Carole is noticing that she is starting to have a hard time with some tasks that never caused her trouble before. She has always taken care of the shop's books but it is becoming difficult. She is hearing voices and she can't get the sound to stop. She doesn't want to go anywhere and she is not being the mother that her children need her to be at times. She is terrified about what is going on in her mind.
Alison needs her mom. She knows that something isn't right but nobody else in the family seems to think it is a big deal. Sure, her father is pitching in on some of the things her mother can't seem to get done but it isn't quite the same. She tries talking to her aunt Janine but nothing seems to happen.
Solange's story was my favorite part of the book. We meet her at the very start of the novel when Carole visits her at the institution but I wondered what her story really was. Solange and her husband, Osborn, fell in love and got married. They were from different classes and over time they learn that a lot of their beliefs were quite different. Solange was smart and opinionated and I was really curious about how her live changed so dramatically.
The writing was very well done. I really felt like each of these characters were telling me their story. I felt Carole's fear regarding the changes she couldn't control. Alison's desperation to get her mom back to normal was nicely illustrated. I really liked the fact that we learn Carole's past through Solange's story and then from Carole's memories. Each piece of the puzzle really came together to tell a story with a big impact.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It is a very well done story of a family touched by mental illness. The characters are extremely well done and the writing flows. I look forward to reading more of Sonja Yoerg's work in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via First to Read.
Initial Thoughts
This was very good. Well written and hard to put down. A really well told story about mental illness.
March 18, 2017
I was so fortunate to receive an ARC of "All the Best People" from the author. This novel tells the story of three generations of women in Vermont in the 1930s and 1970s. It deals with mental illness and shows the differences in treatment over time and the affects on the family. I love Sonja Yoerg's writing and as always her characters have such depth. This is a truly beautiful story. I have read all three of Yoerg's books and I always look forward to her next. I love that all of her stories are so different from each other but still share the wonderful writing style and great characterization.
April 8, 2017
Something is not quite right with Carole. She knows that she is hearing things that are not there and she's trying too hard to fight this alternative reality. She doesnt want to upset her family, but more importantly she fears that she'll end up institutionalized like her mother, and taken away from her family. She tries desperately hard to hide her struggles from her family.
This story is told from different points of view and with an alternate timeline that reveals how Carole and her challenging sister, Janine ended up where they are.
This was extremely readable and I was invested in the characters and their story. I didn't realize there was a study guide and another excerpt at the end of the book, so the ending of the story was earlier than I expected but it knit together quite well. I especially appreciated the way the author presented the chapters from Carole's point of view as she struggles with the challenge of voices. The family secrets always seem to catch up with us in the end.
Thank you to the Penguin Random House First to Read program for providing me with an advance digital copy of this book for review.
This story is told from different points of view and with an alternate timeline that reveals how Carole and her challenging sister, Janine ended up where they are.
This was extremely readable and I was invested in the characters and their story. I didn't realize there was a study guide and another excerpt at the end of the book, so the ending of the story was earlier than I expected but it knit together quite well. I especially appreciated the way the author presented the chapters from Carole's point of view as she struggles with the challenge of voices. The family secrets always seem to catch up with us in the end.
Thank you to the Penguin Random House First to Read program for providing me with an advance digital copy of this book for review.
January 23, 2018
“She pitied him for having fallen in love with her.”
I requested a hold on this book months ago and when my turn finally came up I couldn’t remember why I requested it. Since I waited months for it, I figured I may as well give it a listen and I’m glad I did.
Going in blind isn’t such a bad thing as it kept me guessing. Was it a family drama? A doomed romance? A juicy secret type of book? A book about women’s rights (or lack of them) in the not so distant past? Or a book about mental illness?
It’s a little bit of all of those things and it does them all most excellently.
But mostly it’s about Carole whose mother was institutionalized when Carole was only ten. She was left with an uncaring aunt and basically raised her baby sister Janine. Carole is now grown with a family of her own and has been experiencing troubling “episodes”. She’s been tuning out her family because she doesn’t want them to worry, or worse, to discover she’s been hearing voices in her head. And the voices are getting louder.
The book delves deep into Carole’s story as she desperately tries to keep the madness from creeping in but it also tells the story of Janine (who is a bitter and horrible woman!) and their mother Solange and how their past turned helped shaped them into the women they are in the current day.
I’m not going to give anything else away. If any of this sounds at all interesting to you, give it a listen. The audio narrated by Lisa Flanagan is highly recommended. She’s polished and professional and she’ll drag you down into this story before you realize it’s happened. 4 ½ stars
I requested a hold on this book months ago and when my turn finally came up I couldn’t remember why I requested it. Since I waited months for it, I figured I may as well give it a listen and I’m glad I did.
Going in blind isn’t such a bad thing as it kept me guessing. Was it a family drama? A doomed romance? A juicy secret type of book? A book about women’s rights (or lack of them) in the not so distant past? Or a book about mental illness?
It’s a little bit of all of those things and it does them all most excellently.
But mostly it’s about Carole whose mother was institutionalized when Carole was only ten. She was left with an uncaring aunt and basically raised her baby sister Janine. Carole is now grown with a family of her own and has been experiencing troubling “episodes”. She’s been tuning out her family because she doesn’t want them to worry, or worse, to discover she’s been hearing voices in her head. And the voices are getting louder.
The book delves deep into Carole’s story as she desperately tries to keep the madness from creeping in but it also tells the story of Janine (who is a bitter and horrible woman!) and their mother Solange and how their past turned helped shaped them into the women they are in the current day.
I’m not going to give anything else away. If any of this sounds at all interesting to you, give it a listen. The audio narrated by Lisa Flanagan is highly recommended. She’s polished and professional and she’ll drag you down into this story before you realize it’s happened. 4 ½ stars
April 24, 2017
I’ve read all of Sonja Yoerg’s work and with each novel, she brings something different to the table. In her first novel, hidden secrets; in her second, a search for self among the wilderness; and here, a fight to understand and survive a damning family legacy. Each of her novels highlights a character on an emotional journey, combined with the confrontation of hard truths.
As I continued to read, I grew engrossed by what I assumed were historical events in Vermont’s history regarding the treatment of mental health issues and patients themselves (yes, this turned out to be based on historic fact -- and I am a historical fiction junkie). In this story that covers a trio of women in a single family – grandmother, daughter, granddaughter – I was moved to learn more about Solange’s (grandmother) past and her relationship with her husband.
The author subtly weaves water symbolism into the narrative, and includes themes related to class inequity, magic, inheritance and the stigma associated with mental health issues. My brother-in-law suffers the same affliction as one of the characters, so this story was of great interest to me.
If you enjoy contemporary women’s fiction that includes the point of view of young characters and tackles tough topics – but is still a quick and accessible read – pick up Yoerg’s latest book. It is a story of mother-daughter relationships, acceptance and the power of the love of family. You’ll grow to care for the young Alison, Carole and Solange, and you may be as surprised as I was by some unforeseen revelations and events that occur toward the latter part of the book. And, as usual, Yoerg has a gift for descriptions of the natural setting, which is always a plus in my world. This novel is a lovely tribute to mothers’ love and a great eye-opener about the historic components of mental health treatment in the US.
As I continued to read, I grew engrossed by what I assumed were historical events in Vermont’s history regarding the treatment of mental health issues and patients themselves (yes, this turned out to be based on historic fact -- and I am a historical fiction junkie). In this story that covers a trio of women in a single family – grandmother, daughter, granddaughter – I was moved to learn more about Solange’s (grandmother) past and her relationship with her husband.
The author subtly weaves water symbolism into the narrative, and includes themes related to class inequity, magic, inheritance and the stigma associated with mental health issues. My brother-in-law suffers the same affliction as one of the characters, so this story was of great interest to me.
If you enjoy contemporary women’s fiction that includes the point of view of young characters and tackles tough topics – but is still a quick and accessible read – pick up Yoerg’s latest book. It is a story of mother-daughter relationships, acceptance and the power of the love of family. You’ll grow to care for the young Alison, Carole and Solange, and you may be as surprised as I was by some unforeseen revelations and events that occur toward the latter part of the book. And, as usual, Yoerg has a gift for descriptions of the natural setting, which is always a plus in my world. This novel is a lovely tribute to mothers’ love and a great eye-opener about the historic components of mental health treatment in the US.
May 15, 2017
All the Best People takes the reader on a riveting journey, full of loud, upsetting moments followed by quiet reflection as the reader takes everything in...an intricate web of emotions, suspense, love, family, and mental illness. It tells the story of 3 generations of women in a family, each of them dealing with confusion, betrayal, and a past that influenced and shaped their lives. Solange has spent most of her life locked away in a mental institution, the victim of a society which allowed husbands to commit their wives, and treatments which left her shattered. Carole and Janine are Solange's daughters, and each of them have suffered from the consequences of their mother's absence. When Carole's life begins to unravel, she is so terrified that her life will meet the same fate as her mother's that it takes a horrific event for her to finally quiet the voices in her head. Alison is Carole's daughter, a young girl who is confused and hurt by her mother's actions, and trying to find a way to fix them all. This book is full of heart-pounding suspense, a story that will keep the reader compelled until the very end. At the heart of this story, though, are mothers and daughters and their love for each other; a love that must overcome bad decisions and fate; a love that endures and grows strong despite pain and heartache.
May 2, 2017
Storyteller Sonja Yoerg returns following The Middle of Somewhere and Housebroken with her most powerful book yet, ALL THE BEST PEOPLE – beautiful, complex, incisive.
Crossing three generations, told with compassion —from water symbolism, class conflicts; love, madness, secrets, and a little magic.
Set in Vermont 1972, Carole recalls when she was ten-years-old, her mother Solange was committed to Underhill State Hospital. A tragic childhood.
Even though her father said she was going for a much-needed rest, soon the reality hit. Her mother was institutionalized. She had been locked up for thirty-four years. Carol knew she was there; however, she did not anticipate her mother might abandon reality entirely and never return.
Before Solange Gifford had been committed she had been the center of Carole’s world. Carole was left confused and she often overheard other say she was mad, not tired. Carole had promised her mother she would care for her sister and protect her, even though she was a child herself.
Now as a wife and mother, Carole starts experiencing her own alarming incidents. She is determined she will not be locked away, like her own mother. Instead, she hides her schizophrenic symptoms and withdraws from her family.
Presently, her eleven-year-old daughter, Alison takes on the world. Intuitive and perceptive. A desperate search for meaning and power. From tarot cards, in omens from a nearby river and in a mysterious blue glass box belonging to her grandmother. Her great Grandmother had given it to her Grandmother.
Carole’s sister Janine rarely went to see their mother. She is angry. The place made her ill, the spell and the air of hopelessness. There was nothing for Janine there. A woman trapped. She was unlike her sister who had ten good years with their mother. Her mother did not understand her as an adult—thinking of her as a baby. Lies and secrets.
We hear from Janine, Carole, Alison, and Solange. From the 1930s and 1970s- an array of emotions from hatred, revenge, fright, terror, isolation, guilt, betrayal, desperation, madness, and ultimately striving for acceptance, grace, and unconditional love.
Wrenching yet ultimately uplifting, the human capacity to maintain grace under unrelenting fire. A haunting story . . . well-researched, a candid portrayal of mental illness from multiple perspectives.
Throughout the years, we have read the horrors of mental illness, often misunderstood by society. However, in literature, we can appreciate how talented authors such as Yoerg— offering a deeper understanding of the darkness through different eyes. Allowing the light to shine through the cracks.
One-in-eight-chance of developing schizophrenia. There is no remedy for the guilt if passed on. "What is in your blood matters, but not as much as what is in your heart."
Not only the patient but those close to the family and carried down through generations. Each person reacts differently using protecting mechanics, denial, anger, and often worrying about their own reputations or reactions from those outside the family unit.
Heartbreakingly real characters, multi-generational, and dual timelines with lyrical prose, symbolism, metaphors such as bodies of water. Solange and the lake, Alison and the river, Carole and the ocean. Each has special meaning. A fitting title and cover image. An ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions (discussion questions included).
A huge fan of literary fiction, love the author’s writing style, reminding me of T. Greenwood and Chris Bohjalian— two other favorites, often using Vermont as their book settings with stunning metaphors.
On a personal note: Enjoyed the tarot card readings. (intriguing) I have some interesting stories, evolving from readings in New Orleans which ultimately came true, years later.
Highly Recommend! looking forward to what Sonja has in store for her readers next. Always a unique journey.
A special thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an early reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
Crossing three generations, told with compassion —from water symbolism, class conflicts; love, madness, secrets, and a little magic.
“Mad Hatter: Have I gone mad?
Alice: I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers.
But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”
– Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Set in Vermont 1972, Carole recalls when she was ten-years-old, her mother Solange was committed to Underhill State Hospital. A tragic childhood.
Even though her father said she was going for a much-needed rest, soon the reality hit. Her mother was institutionalized. She had been locked up for thirty-four years. Carol knew she was there; however, she did not anticipate her mother might abandon reality entirely and never return.
Before Solange Gifford had been committed she had been the center of Carole’s world. Carole was left confused and she often overheard other say she was mad, not tired. Carole had promised her mother she would care for her sister and protect her, even though she was a child herself.
Now as a wife and mother, Carole starts experiencing her own alarming incidents. She is determined she will not be locked away, like her own mother. Instead, she hides her schizophrenic symptoms and withdraws from her family.
Presently, her eleven-year-old daughter, Alison takes on the world. Intuitive and perceptive. A desperate search for meaning and power. From tarot cards, in omens from a nearby river and in a mysterious blue glass box belonging to her grandmother. Her great Grandmother had given it to her Grandmother.
Carole’s sister Janine rarely went to see their mother. She is angry. The place made her ill, the spell and the air of hopelessness. There was nothing for Janine there. A woman trapped. She was unlike her sister who had ten good years with their mother. Her mother did not understand her as an adult—thinking of her as a baby. Lies and secrets.
We hear from Janine, Carole, Alison, and Solange. From the 1930s and 1970s- an array of emotions from hatred, revenge, fright, terror, isolation, guilt, betrayal, desperation, madness, and ultimately striving for acceptance, grace, and unconditional love.
Wrenching yet ultimately uplifting, the human capacity to maintain grace under unrelenting fire. A haunting story . . . well-researched, a candid portrayal of mental illness from multiple perspectives.
Throughout the years, we have read the horrors of mental illness, often misunderstood by society. However, in literature, we can appreciate how talented authors such as Yoerg— offering a deeper understanding of the darkness through different eyes. Allowing the light to shine through the cracks.
One-in-eight-chance of developing schizophrenia. There is no remedy for the guilt if passed on. "What is in your blood matters, but not as much as what is in your heart."
Not only the patient but those close to the family and carried down through generations. Each person reacts differently using protecting mechanics, denial, anger, and often worrying about their own reputations or reactions from those outside the family unit.
Heartbreakingly real characters, multi-generational, and dual timelines with lyrical prose, symbolism, metaphors such as bodies of water. Solange and the lake, Alison and the river, Carole and the ocean. Each has special meaning. A fitting title and cover image. An ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions (discussion questions included).
A huge fan of literary fiction, love the author’s writing style, reminding me of T. Greenwood and Chris Bohjalian— two other favorites, often using Vermont as their book settings with stunning metaphors.
On a personal note: Enjoyed the tarot card readings. (intriguing) I have some interesting stories, evolving from readings in New Orleans which ultimately came true, years later.
Highly Recommend! looking forward to what Sonja has in store for her readers next. Always a unique journey.
A special thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an early reading copy.
JDCMustReadBooks
July 31, 2016
I could hardly put ALL THE BEST PEOPLE down; it's quite a mesmerizing novel. The story is about 4 generations of females and their families. This book is about madness and magic; it is about the haves and have-not's. I highly recommend this brilliant novel!
April 20, 2017
All the Best People by Sonja Yoerg is an entertaining and very compelling story of family – the good, the bad, and everything in between. She also helps us gain a better understanding of what mental illness is and what it is not.
This book is told from the perspective of 4 female characters from 3 different decades. Carole is having trouble remembering things, is hearing voices in her head, and is afraid to tell anyone. Janine is Carole’s sister who has recently lost her husband and is ready to move on with her life and find love once again. Carole’s daughter Alison is in the 6th grade and she loves to look up words in the dictionary. Alison is very concerned about her mother. Finally, we hear from Carole and Janine’s mother Solange, who is a permanent resident of Underhill State Hospital.
The book moves from the 1970’s to the 1920’s, then back to the 1970’s. I was really happy that we got to learn Solange’s story: how she met her husband, the birth of her children, and how she ended up at Underhill State Hospital. I really enjoy when authors use real life situations and weave them into a fictional book. I always walk away feeling like I learned a little something. Be sure to read the Author’s Note in the back to see how Sonja Yoerg has done that in this story.
I think Sonja Yoerg did a terrific job bringing mental illness issues to the forefront. There are discussion questions in the back of the book to help bring forth a dialogue about mental illness as well as a number of other issues in the book, like class conflict, betrayal, and so on. There is a stigma that can attach itself to mental illness and I hope this book can help bridge that. If just one person reaches out for help as a result of reading this book, then in my eyes I consider this book a success.
Thank you First to Read for an opportunity to read and give my honest opinion about this book.
For more book reviews: https://readingbetweenthepagesblog.wo...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaWoodbury2
This book is told from the perspective of 4 female characters from 3 different decades. Carole is having trouble remembering things, is hearing voices in her head, and is afraid to tell anyone. Janine is Carole’s sister who has recently lost her husband and is ready to move on with her life and find love once again. Carole’s daughter Alison is in the 6th grade and she loves to look up words in the dictionary. Alison is very concerned about her mother. Finally, we hear from Carole and Janine’s mother Solange, who is a permanent resident of Underhill State Hospital.
The book moves from the 1970’s to the 1920’s, then back to the 1970’s. I was really happy that we got to learn Solange’s story: how she met her husband, the birth of her children, and how she ended up at Underhill State Hospital. I really enjoy when authors use real life situations and weave them into a fictional book. I always walk away feeling like I learned a little something. Be sure to read the Author’s Note in the back to see how Sonja Yoerg has done that in this story.
I think Sonja Yoerg did a terrific job bringing mental illness issues to the forefront. There are discussion questions in the back of the book to help bring forth a dialogue about mental illness as well as a number of other issues in the book, like class conflict, betrayal, and so on. There is a stigma that can attach itself to mental illness and I hope this book can help bridge that. If just one person reaches out for help as a result of reading this book, then in my eyes I consider this book a success.
Thank you First to Read for an opportunity to read and give my honest opinion about this book.
For more book reviews: https://readingbetweenthepagesblog.wo...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaWoodbury2
August 15, 2016
This story is a complete 180 from the last book by Yoerg that I read. I think I enjoyed this one all the more for the excellent characters she created. In the latter half of the story, she managed to make me feel that it was the early 1970's, when I would have been just a bit younger than Alison, a character in the story. The story starts out in 1930's Vermont where we meet Solange, daughter of one of the working class lake families, who meets and marries one of the wealthy sons of the gentry. After a whirlwind romance, Solange struggles with where she fits into the upper-crust society she's married into. Solange soon finds herself pregnant and the mother of Carole and tries very hard to find her place. Solange continues to struggle with coming to terms with how her "people" are being treated and her place in society. One day she recklessly finds herself in the arms of another man. This sets her on roller coaster course in her personal life. When her 2nd daughter, Janine is born, Solange's life spirals out of control. She decides to run away with her daughters to her family, but her husband puts a stop to that, by placing Solange in the state insane asylum for hysteria. The girls he places with his sisters as he heads off to fight in WWII. Carole always wonders why her father's family treated Janine differently and tries hard to protect her as they grow up. The 2nd half of the story follows Carole and Janine as adults where Carole finds herself descending into mental illness. This part of the story was so well written. I could feel Carole's anguish. Janine continues to struggle with who she is as an adult and I have to admit, she was not a likeable character, but that's exactly what Yoerg was trying to convey. The story comes full circle with a satisfying ending.
July 26, 2016
I've been a fan of Sonja's books since her first but I think this is her best one yet! Such great characters. A storyline that makes you want to read fast to know how it ends but at the same time you want to treasure every word & sentence. A truly touching story of mental illness, it's affect on family & how views have changed on it thru time. Highly recommend this book!
August 12, 2016
My mom and I do a lot of book-swapping, and recently I gave her an advance copy of All the Best People. I had received an early copy for review, and raced through it. My mom did the same. As she handed back a stack of half a dozen books, she put All the Best People on the top of the pile and said, "Now THIS is a great book!"
I couldn't agree more. I've read all of Sonja Yoerg's novels, and what I admire about her as a writer is that each of her novels is different--and in every one of them, she takes new risks and shows her steady growth as a storyteller and craftswoman. In All the Best People, Yoerg delivers the powerful story of a family whose legacy of mental illness and betrayals nearly destroys them. Along the way, she illustrates a time in our country's recent history when “hysteria” was reason enough for a husband to commit his wife to an asylum if he chose, and when race and poverty served as a permanent wedge between people in the same small town. Yoerg's writing keeps us on a high wire of tension as we seek salvation and hope alongside her characters. The lessons in this novel resonate long after the book is finished.
I couldn't agree more. I've read all of Sonja Yoerg's novels, and what I admire about her as a writer is that each of her novels is different--and in every one of them, she takes new risks and shows her steady growth as a storyteller and craftswoman. In All the Best People, Yoerg delivers the powerful story of a family whose legacy of mental illness and betrayals nearly destroys them. Along the way, she illustrates a time in our country's recent history when “hysteria” was reason enough for a husband to commit his wife to an asylum if he chose, and when race and poverty served as a permanent wedge between people in the same small town. Yoerg's writing keeps us on a high wire of tension as we seek salvation and hope alongside her characters. The lessons in this novel resonate long after the book is finished.
April 25, 2017
I adored this book! A detailed and heartfelt rendering of how mental illness affects three generations of women and families. Solange, the matriarch, locked for years in an institution, Carole, the sandwich generation who may be showing signs of the illness that took her mother away, and Allison, a teen who doesn't understand her family or her role in their lives. My heart broke for Allison, who only wanted to fix everything for everyone she loved. A layered and complicated look at families, history and love. Highly recommend!
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