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The Infinite Pieces of Us
From the author of The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland comes a hilarious and heartbreaking novel about coming apart, getting it together—and moving on. It’s just a two-hour drive…
Pondering math problems is Esther Ainsworth’s obsession. If only life’s puzzles required logic. Her stepfather’s solution? Avoidance. He’s exiled the family to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, to erase a big secret from Esther’s past. So much for the truth. Now for the consequences: an empty swimming pool, a water-sucking cactus outside her window, a goldfish rescued from a church festival, and Esther’s thirst for something real.
Step one: forget about her first love. Step two: make allies. Esther finds them in Jesús from the local coffee bar; a girl named Color who finds beauty in an abandoned video store; Beth, the church choir outcast; and Moss, a boy with alluring possibilities. Step three: confess her secret to those she hopes she can trust. Esther’s new friends do more than just listen. They’re taking Esther one step further.
Together, they hit the road to face Esther’s past head-on. It’s a journey that will lead her to embrace her own truth—in all its glory, pain, and awesomeness.
Pondering math problems is Esther Ainsworth’s obsession. If only life’s puzzles required logic. Her stepfather’s solution? Avoidance. He’s exiled the family to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, to erase a big secret from Esther’s past. So much for the truth. Now for the consequences: an empty swimming pool, a water-sucking cactus outside her window, a goldfish rescued from a church festival, and Esther’s thirst for something real.
Step one: forget about her first love. Step two: make allies. Esther finds them in Jesús from the local coffee bar; a girl named Color who finds beauty in an abandoned video store; Beth, the church choir outcast; and Moss, a boy with alluring possibilities. Step three: confess her secret to those she hopes she can trust. Esther’s new friends do more than just listen. They’re taking Esther one step further.
Together, they hit the road to face Esther’s past head-on. It’s a journey that will lead her to embrace her own truth—in all its glory, pain, and awesomeness.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
1783 people are currently reading
4091 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Crane
10 books606 followersRebekah Crane is the author of The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland and other young-adult novels. She found a passion for this genre while studying secondary English education at Ohio University. She is a former high school English teacher, a yoga instructor, and the mother of two girls. After living and teaching in six different cities, Rebekah finally settled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to write novels and work on screenplays. She now spends her days tucked behind a laptop at seventy-five hundred feet, where the altitude only enhances the writing experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
August 9, 2018
As a reader there are stories that I devour and love. Then there are stories whose message gets woven into the fiber of my being. Infinite Pieces of Us was the latter for me. With every page I felt the frantic need to jot down a quote or saying (it’s against my religion to highlight physical books). I first discovered this author and her writing with Grover and the gang. In my head and heart, I knew she would never be able to top the quirkiness, lasting bond, and downright love that a group of misfits made one summer during camp. Then I met Esther and fell in love with every single broken piece she had to offer and instantly knew that this book would soon become the book I raved about. I currently carry this book in my car because this is the kind of book that you don’t just read once; you read it an infinite amount of times and every time there is still a message you didn’t get the first time, a piece of information you missed, or you just plain want to skip to the parts that you’ve memorized just to experience them again. I feel sorry for everyone on my holiday list…they’re all getting a copy of this book whether they want it or not.
November 25, 2018
Content warnings include abandonment, homelessness and homophobia.
When Esther’s family move to Truth or Consequences they are weighed down by all of the lies, secrets and judgements they bring with them. Esther’s big “mistake” has necessitated the move and her sister and once best friend Hannah doesn’t want anything to do with her, her stepfather Tom is more controlling than ever, her mother refuses to talk about it, and the family in general vacillate between judging Esther and trying to pretend they’re not all keeping a secret. Both girls are now homeschooled and missing the lives they left behind in Ohio.
This is a book with iced mocha Frappuccino soy lattes, pools that are as parched as the desert, red tacks on maps, Heaven in Blockbuster, a gigantic Touchdown Jesus, terrible math jokes, and the search for truth.
I am a sucker for books with road trips and quirky personalities living with quirkier names. Where the Heart Is started the quirky thing with me and as a result every book with quirk since then has been judged against my love of Novalee, Sister Husband and Lexie.
This book has Color and Moss; Color cleans houses when she’s not at school and her brother Moss (also known as Fungus) runs through the book in his short running shorts. Jesús (pronounced Hey-soos) works at a cafe and wants someone to ‘froth his wand’. Beth is the proud owner of humourous science shirts and can be found singing in the church choir.
I’m a romantiphobe anyway so maybe take this with a grain of salt; I suspected going into this book that there’d be romance involved but it didn’t really work for me. It felt like we went from this guy is standoffish to the point of seeming to actively dislike her to oh, they’re kissing now without much of a progression.
I did get a little misty eyed at one of the ‘Aw, I want friends like that’ moments. I didn’t particularly like Esther although I really liked most of her friends and wished their stories were fleshed out more. Although she was the main character I actually found her story to be the least interesting. In this book all of the kids are dealing with really big issues including abandonment and homophobia but this, being Esther’s story, relegates most of this to the periphery.
I waited the whole book to find out what truth Jesús was going to include in his senior statement and wondered how his secret remained one for so long. I wanted to know what the deal was with Color and Moss’ mother. I wanted the situation with Hannah to result in something much more satisfying and appropriate than her getting grounded.
I wanted there to be some resolution for Amit. I wanted to hang out with Beth’s parents. I wanted Tom’s character to develop rather than all of a sudden changing in the end to wrap the story up more neatly. I wanted Esther and Hannah’s mother to be who she was instead of pretending to be who her husband wanted her to be.
The only parents in the book that I had any respect for were Beth’s but they were only spoken about, not on the pages themselves. The rest of the parents needed a swift kick up their abandoning, homophobic, judgemental ‘consequences’.
I preferred The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland; I think I was destined to compare the two. I don’t remember having so many outstanding questions at the end of Grover and while I’ve given both books 4 stars, I’m rounding up from 3.5 for The Infinite Pieces of Us.
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape for the opportunity to read this book.
When Esther’s family move to Truth or Consequences they are weighed down by all of the lies, secrets and judgements they bring with them. Esther’s big “mistake” has necessitated the move and her sister and once best friend Hannah doesn’t want anything to do with her, her stepfather Tom is more controlling than ever, her mother refuses to talk about it, and the family in general vacillate between judging Esther and trying to pretend they’re not all keeping a secret. Both girls are now homeschooled and missing the lives they left behind in Ohio.
This is a book with iced mocha Frappuccino soy lattes, pools that are as parched as the desert, red tacks on maps, Heaven in Blockbuster, a gigantic Touchdown Jesus, terrible math jokes, and the search for truth.
I am a sucker for books with road trips and quirky personalities living with quirkier names. Where the Heart Is started the quirky thing with me and as a result every book with quirk since then has been judged against my love of Novalee, Sister Husband and Lexie.
This book has Color and Moss; Color cleans houses when she’s not at school and her brother Moss (also known as Fungus) runs through the book in his short running shorts. Jesús (pronounced Hey-soos) works at a cafe and wants someone to ‘froth his wand’. Beth is the proud owner of humourous science shirts and can be found singing in the church choir.
I’m a romantiphobe anyway so maybe take this with a grain of salt; I suspected going into this book that there’d be romance involved but it didn’t really work for me. It felt like we went from this guy is standoffish to the point of seeming to actively dislike her to oh, they’re kissing now without much of a progression.
I did get a little misty eyed at one of the ‘Aw, I want friends like that’ moments. I didn’t particularly like Esther although I really liked most of her friends and wished their stories were fleshed out more. Although she was the main character I actually found her story to be the least interesting. In this book all of the kids are dealing with really big issues including abandonment and homophobia but this, being Esther’s story, relegates most of this to the periphery.
I waited the whole book to find out what truth Jesús was going to include in his senior statement and wondered how his secret remained one for so long. I wanted to know what the deal was with Color and Moss’ mother. I wanted the situation with Hannah to result in something much more satisfying and appropriate than her getting grounded.
I wanted there to be some resolution for Amit. I wanted to hang out with Beth’s parents. I wanted Tom’s character to develop rather than all of a sudden changing in the end to wrap the story up more neatly. I wanted Esther and Hannah’s mother to be who she was instead of pretending to be who her husband wanted her to be.
The only parents in the book that I had any respect for were Beth’s but they were only spoken about, not on the pages themselves. The rest of the parents needed a swift kick up their abandoning, homophobic, judgemental ‘consequences’.
I preferred The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland; I think I was destined to compare the two. I don’t remember having so many outstanding questions at the end of Grover and while I’ve given both books 4 stars, I’m rounding up from 3.5 for The Infinite Pieces of Us.
Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape for the opportunity to read this book.
October 7, 2018
1 STAR
Another Amazon Prime free monthly book bomb.
Esther has a baby and her holy roller stepfather moves the family from Ohio to Truth or Consequences, NM. Esther’s family subtly slut shames her. In NM she meets interesting, diverse friends who help her come to terms with relinquishing her baby for adoption. Meanwhile, younger sister Hannah has sex with the pastor and rather than treating her like a victim, she’s blamed.
I know there are families who blame children for their sexual abuse, but Rebekah Crane barely addressed this and didn’t address that the adult was responsible. How does this crap get published?
Another Amazon Prime free monthly book bomb.
Esther has a baby and her holy roller stepfather moves the family from Ohio to Truth or Consequences, NM. Esther’s family subtly slut shames her. In NM she meets interesting, diverse friends who help her come to terms with relinquishing her baby for adoption. Meanwhile, younger sister Hannah has sex with the pastor and rather than treating her like a victim, she’s blamed.
I know there are families who blame children for their sexual abuse, but Rebekah Crane barely addressed this and didn’t address that the adult was responsible. How does this crap get published?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2018
I quit at 38%. This was just terrible. It was like reading an obnoxiously vague Facebook post...just come out and say what happened already! So much angst, so many try-hard metaphors. I'm glad I got this for free because what a waste!
October 31, 2018
There were aspects of the story I liked and enjoyed reading about, and then there were others I really didn't.
October 8, 2018
Great book, but...
...I found it hard to believe parents could be so clueless and care so much about "how things look" in this day and age. No email address allowed? Not leaving the house because a teen is pregnant? Then they changed in a matter of two days? Nah. It didn't ring true.
I did love the writing, and the characters except for the main character's parents, who were well developed but dishonest, distateful. The test of the characters were flawed, growing, and loveable. The spirituality in this book is beautiful.
...I found it hard to believe parents could be so clueless and care so much about "how things look" in this day and age. No email address allowed? Not leaving the house because a teen is pregnant? Then they changed in a matter of two days? Nah. It didn't ring true.
I did love the writing, and the characters except for the main character's parents, who were well developed but dishonest, distateful. The test of the characters were flawed, growing, and loveable. The spirituality in this book is beautiful.
October 6, 2018
YA fiction? I’m a grandma and I loved this book. So much wisdom, great dialogues, great story, wonderful characters!
November 13, 2018
Esther has to move from her home in Ohio to somewhere in New Mexico. Why? Because she was a pregnant teen who gave her baby away for adoption. The baby's father is Amit, a fellow math lover with golden eyes, and somehow Esther's family has no clue about the father (obviously, she didn't inherit the math genius gene from them). Esther's sister is mad at her for being the reason they had to move halfway across the country, and Esther is plagued by memories of the baby and keeping her secret in her new life.
In New Mexico, she meets Color, the housecleaner who shares her appreciation for a rescued goldfish. But of course she can't let her family know she's friends with a housecleaner. She also meets Jesus, the flamboyant barista at the local coffee shop who keeps spirits high despite his own set of problems. There's also Beth, who she meets at church, and Moss, Color's brother who can't seem to stand being around Esther.
After getting to know the group, Esther admits her deep, dark secret. And of course her new friends are nothing but supportive. They even suggest a road trip to find the baby she gave away.
This book. Meh. Esther was incredibly lame. She said she was in love with Amit, but I just didn't feel it. Her parents didn't even know him. It didn't seem like anyone at school knew about her relationship. Did she even have friends at her old school? If she did, I don't think she ever mentioned them. It was like this book only had one train of thought -- baby, baby, baby -- will they find out about the baby... do I look like I had a baby... does my sister hate me because I have a baby... what happened to my baby... And boy, did I want to get off that train. Although the book said how sad and confused Esther was, I didn't FEEL any of that. I didn't feel much of anything, and I should have felt something. After all, this was some major heavy stuff. There was also the whole math joke thing, which I guess was supposed to be funny but just seemed to be so corny. It also seemed to be the only thing that Amit and Esther had in common -- and the only trait that made Esther unique (apart from her love of lying in an empty swimming pool).
If Esther wasn't bad enough, her 'friends' were worse. All were YA stereotypes with no dimension. We had the gay coffee guy who slept on couches and still always seemed happy. I have no clue how or why he befriended Esther unless she really drank that much coffee. Or maybe he was just so happy because he always had too much caffeine.
We had the housekeeper with the weird name which made absolutely no sense. She cleaned houses, but she was a teenager. I didn't get that. And no one was allowed to know about their relationship. Hmmm... another mystery. And she had a brother named Moss, which was such a dumb name that I couldn't take him seriously.
Then there was the Blockbuster property which was somehow all decorated. I didn't get that either. Nothing seemed to make sense. Nothing seemed to come together. I didn't get it.
In New Mexico, she meets Color, the housecleaner who shares her appreciation for a rescued goldfish. But of course she can't let her family know she's friends with a housecleaner. She also meets Jesus, the flamboyant barista at the local coffee shop who keeps spirits high despite his own set of problems. There's also Beth, who she meets at church, and Moss, Color's brother who can't seem to stand being around Esther.
After getting to know the group, Esther admits her deep, dark secret. And of course her new friends are nothing but supportive. They even suggest a road trip to find the baby she gave away.
This book. Meh. Esther was incredibly lame. She said she was in love with Amit, but I just didn't feel it. Her parents didn't even know him. It didn't seem like anyone at school knew about her relationship. Did she even have friends at her old school? If she did, I don't think she ever mentioned them. It was like this book only had one train of thought -- baby, baby, baby -- will they find out about the baby... do I look like I had a baby... does my sister hate me because I have a baby... what happened to my baby... And boy, did I want to get off that train. Although the book said how sad and confused Esther was, I didn't FEEL any of that. I didn't feel much of anything, and I should have felt something. After all, this was some major heavy stuff. There was also the whole math joke thing, which I guess was supposed to be funny but just seemed to be so corny. It also seemed to be the only thing that Amit and Esther had in common -- and the only trait that made Esther unique (apart from her love of lying in an empty swimming pool).
If Esther wasn't bad enough, her 'friends' were worse. All were YA stereotypes with no dimension. We had the gay coffee guy who slept on couches and still always seemed happy. I have no clue how or why he befriended Esther unless she really drank that much coffee. Or maybe he was just so happy because he always had too much caffeine.
We had the housekeeper with the weird name which made absolutely no sense. She cleaned houses, but she was a teenager. I didn't get that. And no one was allowed to know about their relationship. Hmmm... another mystery. And she had a brother named Moss, which was such a dumb name that I couldn't take him seriously.
Then there was the Blockbuster property which was somehow all decorated. I didn't get that either. Nothing seemed to make sense. Nothing seemed to come together. I didn't get it.
November 12, 2018
MY RATING: 2/5 STARS
I received a copy from Thomas Allen & Sons in exchange for a honest review.
Reader, I would like to let you know that after reading 'The Upside of Falling Down' and 'The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland' both by Rebekah Crane, I knew I found a new favourite author. Imagine my disappointment when I read The Infinite Pieces of Us and it completely either missed the mark or made me angry to the point that I had to put it down and just skim through the ending.
The Infinite Pieces of Us follows our main heroine, Esther Ainsworth. She just moved to the town of Truth or Consequences to escape her problems with her family. I don't believe her problem to be a major spoiler but she was a pregnant teen and had given up the baby for adoption. Her family was shamed from the start of her pregnancy to the very end by peers around her and also her family members themselves. It was difficult to read that a family could just brush something so momentous under the rug and hope nobody would notice it. We meet a regular gang of misfits that are eerily similar to the cast of characters from Rebekah's previous book, 'The Odds of Loving Glover Cleveland'. Jesus is a gay outcast with a family who wouldn't mind to kick him out from time to time. Color, an eccentric character who sees the good in everything, and her brother Moss, who seems to only run to prepare himself from running out of this town if he ever has the chance.
While the formula of a good young-adult novel is here laid out in front of me, I can't help but get angry that Rebekah just copied and pasted her normal cast of characters but just exchanged the roles and duties a bit here and there. I also didn't see a point to this story like her other books. We just have Esther who wants to find her baby and a family so repressed by their step-father that never really gets resolved in the end. The story was just a haze of characters struggling to find themselves and big metaphors about their lives. It just wasn't for me I guess.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Read The Odds of Loving Glover Cleveland and The Upside of Falling Down and skip this one.
I received a copy from Thomas Allen & Sons in exchange for a honest review.
Reader, I would like to let you know that after reading 'The Upside of Falling Down' and 'The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland' both by Rebekah Crane, I knew I found a new favourite author. Imagine my disappointment when I read The Infinite Pieces of Us and it completely either missed the mark or made me angry to the point that I had to put it down and just skim through the ending.
The Infinite Pieces of Us follows our main heroine, Esther Ainsworth. She just moved to the town of Truth or Consequences to escape her problems with her family. I don't believe her problem to be a major spoiler but she was a pregnant teen and had given up the baby for adoption. Her family was shamed from the start of her pregnancy to the very end by peers around her and also her family members themselves. It was difficult to read that a family could just brush something so momentous under the rug and hope nobody would notice it. We meet a regular gang of misfits that are eerily similar to the cast of characters from Rebekah's previous book, 'The Odds of Loving Glover Cleveland'. Jesus is a gay outcast with a family who wouldn't mind to kick him out from time to time. Color, an eccentric character who sees the good in everything, and her brother Moss, who seems to only run to prepare himself from running out of this town if he ever has the chance.
While the formula of a good young-adult novel is here laid out in front of me, I can't help but get angry that Rebekah just copied and pasted her normal cast of characters but just exchanged the roles and duties a bit here and there. I also didn't see a point to this story like her other books. We just have Esther who wants to find her baby and a family so repressed by their step-father that never really gets resolved in the end. The story was just a haze of characters struggling to find themselves and big metaphors about their lives. It just wasn't for me I guess.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Read The Odds of Loving Glover Cleveland and The Upside of Falling Down and skip this one.
November 1, 2018
The math part did nothing for me, alas, so all the infinity references and "complex math problem" filler notes kind of lost me. Other than that, the prose was easy to read and it had plenty of deep, noteworthy thoughts, perhaps too many attempts to be thought-provoking and symbolic vs. telling a story, especially given it was YA. Took me a bit to get into it. The beginning was so vague it pushed me away rather than encouraged me to keep reading. Once I got past all the mystery of the main character's past, it settled into a more enjoyable read.
I purchased this book because because my in-laws used to live in the Truth or Consequences / Elephant Butte area (and I lived in Albuquerque) and I appreciate New Mexican set stories. Wish there had been some descriptions of the magnificent mountains, glorious sunsets and fabulous, fabulous food! It's not quite as bleak and deserty as it sounded in the book. I mean, hey! there's a Sonic (meh) there in addition to a bunch of New Mexican food restaurants which are infinitely wonderful. (see what I did there?)
I purchased this book because because my in-laws used to live in the Truth or Consequences / Elephant Butte area (and I lived in Albuquerque) and I appreciate New Mexican set stories. Wish there had been some descriptions of the magnificent mountains, glorious sunsets and fabulous, fabulous food! It's not quite as bleak and deserty as it sounded in the book. I mean, hey! there's a Sonic (meh) there in addition to a bunch of New Mexican food restaurants which are infinitely wonderful. (see what I did there?)
November 30, 2018
I only read the first 94 pages of this book and it's taken me some time to finish those. I'm sure this book would appeal to a younger crowd and I guess I didn't realize it was a "young adult" reading when I entered the giveaway contest. I can't say that what I read was poorly written or not interesting, but it just was not my cup of tea and because I was having to force myself to read a chapter now and then, I decided it was time to close the cover and move on to something else.
I'm sorry I could not be more accommodating or positive in my comments. I received this book free of charge for an honest review and hate that I was unable/unwilling to finish it to fulfill my commitment.
I'm sorry I could not be more accommodating or positive in my comments. I received this book free of charge for an honest review and hate that I was unable/unwilling to finish it to fulfill my commitment.
October 7, 2018
So. Darn. Good.
Fall in love again and again and again. The author has a way with characters that lets you in and keeps you there.
Fall in love again and again and again. The author has a way with characters that lets you in and keeps you there.
February 21, 2024
This is a YA read that is delightfully wistful but also a little heavy handed with the story and the character building. I'm not sure entirely how I feel about it. In one sense the cast of characters is beautifully built and they create that sense of a blissful community-finding that we all long(ed) for. The main character though, is not my absolute favorite and I struggled to like her which is ironic when you get to the point in the story where everyone is like "but everyone loves you." When her younger sister challenges the friends to explain why they love her, I think it's telling that none of them list a single characteristic.
The dialogue is peppered with puns and witty jokes, and generally clever enough that I forgive it for being cringingly self-aware and proud of itself. I mean, I guess most teenagers are? But the story loses itself in trying SO HARD, when all it had to do was be simple, honest, and not quite so melodramtic. Like most teen girls that desperately want to be loved, ironically.
The dialogue is peppered with puns and witty jokes, and generally clever enough that I forgive it for being cringingly self-aware and proud of itself. I mean, I guess most teenagers are? But the story loses itself in trying SO HARD, when all it had to do was be simple, honest, and not quite so melodramtic. Like most teen girls that desperately want to be loved, ironically.
November 29, 2018
4 out 5 stars
Cactus plants, an empty pool, and a lot of sun. That’s how I’d describe this book. I mean, it’s a great story with a John Green-like quality. The writing is gorgeous, and I loved the math-not-really scribble intertwined here and there. The characters feel real until they start to get too poetic. Actually, a better title could be “The New Mexico Poets Wannabes” or something like that. Don’t get me wrong, this is an excellent novel, just a bit heavy on the poetry for my tastes.
So, yeah, good novel!
More on my blog: https://gerardowrites.wordpress.com/2...
Cactus plants, an empty pool, and a lot of sun. That’s how I’d describe this book. I mean, it’s a great story with a John Green-like quality. The writing is gorgeous, and I loved the math-not-really scribble intertwined here and there. The characters feel real until they start to get too poetic. Actually, a better title could be “The New Mexico Poets Wannabes” or something like that. Don’t get me wrong, this is an excellent novel, just a bit heavy on the poetry for my tastes.
So, yeah, good novel!
More on my blog: https://gerardowrites.wordpress.com/2...
October 9, 2018
Excellent
Great read. Themes of religion, questions, letting go, seeking, finding, growing, and learning that sometimes the answers aren’t what we want to hear. Definitely recommend.
Great read. Themes of religion, questions, letting go, seeking, finding, growing, and learning that sometimes the answers aren’t what we want to hear. Definitely recommend.
March 16, 2019
I just love her books!
January 7, 2019
Touching, whimsical, off beat, but not afraid to tackle difficult relationship struggled of being a teen, "The Infinite Pieces of Us" is about what happens to a family that runs from Ohio to New Mexico to avoid facing their problems, only to realize those problems trailed along, and grew bigger.
Full of quirky, goofy young people, trying to find a way to be loved in a world that demands conformity to a standard they cannot commit to without losing themselves, this is a fun read for anyone into contemporary fiction.
Full of quirky, goofy young people, trying to find a way to be loved in a world that demands conformity to a standard they cannot commit to without losing themselves, this is a fun read for anyone into contemporary fiction.
October 6, 2018
Closer to Truth.
It moved me in unexpected ways. I do wish there was a Twin Peaks, a pet store and a Blockbuster with Heaven. But I was moved anyway.
It moved me in unexpected ways. I do wish there was a Twin Peaks, a pet store and a Blockbuster with Heaven. But I was moved anyway.
June 17, 2019
This was an enjoyable book to read, though also heartbreaking. I wouldn't call it a romance book, though there are love-story subplots. It's more of a contemporary YA with social and religious issues. There's a good amount of diversity (lesbian, gay, poverty, pregnant teen, psychic, Christian group, and a mentioned character who might be Muslim or Jewish judging by the surname Kahn). It's interesting how Esther's emotions and mental dealings are revealed layer by layer. There's a mystery mixed in. The relationship between the sisters is more vital to the plot than any "romance." The focus is on the bonds of friendship and healing from emotional trauma.
I'd recommend it to those who enjoy a YA book about ordinary teenagers. Also to anyone researching a debate on teen pregnancy or adoption, and the small town gossip that goes with those choices. Or, if you like math jokes, this book has those! I don't read much in the contemporary YA genre, but this was a Kindle first-reads. I read it cover to cover because the mystery of what would happen next kept me hooked.
This realistic fiction is somewhat controversial. The story is complex. The author’s voice is a strong one.
I learned about the name of a real place. "Originally named Hot Springs, the city changed its name to "Truth or Consequences", the title of a popular NBC Radio program." (Wikipedia, and mentioned in the book.)
"Life is simply better on coffee." I love that quote and the role coffee plays in the book.
"I'll feel around for her, touching my belly, and all I'll find is loose flesh." This is sort of raw, emotional punch this book delivers.
Esther's list of fears in Chapter 24 is fantastic. There's a bit of pop-culture mixed in that not everyone will get.
"And the strangest thing happens in the middle of my happiness — I worry it will all go away." Wow. That's such a powerful line to me.
A possible trigger for some people, there's a portion that questions Christianity and the Bible.
I deeply loved the part about men creating borders, not nature. How the lines are arbitrary, they don't actually exist outside of the minds of people.
The cover is a setting in the book, something only someone who has read the book could appreciate. The title is a reference to her love of math. It's a well-edited book.
The universal life lesson seems to be not to underestimate someone, or make assumptions without facts. Everyone has a secret. I could relate to Jesus, so he's my favorite character in the book. Hannah reminded me of someone I knew long ago, but to say why would be a huge spoiler, so I'll just say my one-time-friend had the same kind of plot-twist with someone that Hannah did.
Obstacles in the book seem easier for the other characters. So it seems that the real obstacle is the need to cope with something that has been shoved under the rug instead of faced.
It holds up a mirror up to the society of small towns that gossip about teenagers, and to those who pretend life-altering events didn't happen instead of seeking therapy to help deal with reality. The book also presents the reality of inadequate sexual education and how shaming safe-sex also has consequences. (Interestingly, even if the consequence breaks the heart and mind, it still doesn't always become a deterrent.)
There are multiple scenes where females characters have conversations that are not about males. There are also scenes where mixed genders don't hook up with each other, but rather form friendships. #Bechdel
I'd recommend it to those who enjoy a YA book about ordinary teenagers. Also to anyone researching a debate on teen pregnancy or adoption, and the small town gossip that goes with those choices. Or, if you like math jokes, this book has those! I don't read much in the contemporary YA genre, but this was a Kindle first-reads. I read it cover to cover because the mystery of what would happen next kept me hooked.
This realistic fiction is somewhat controversial. The story is complex. The author’s voice is a strong one.
I learned about the name of a real place. "Originally named Hot Springs, the city changed its name to "Truth or Consequences", the title of a popular NBC Radio program." (Wikipedia, and mentioned in the book.)
"Life is simply better on coffee." I love that quote and the role coffee plays in the book.
"I'll feel around for her, touching my belly, and all I'll find is loose flesh." This is sort of raw, emotional punch this book delivers.
Esther's list of fears in Chapter 24 is fantastic. There's a bit of pop-culture mixed in that not everyone will get.
"And the strangest thing happens in the middle of my happiness — I worry it will all go away." Wow. That's such a powerful line to me.
A possible trigger for some people, there's a portion that questions Christianity and the Bible.
I deeply loved the part about men creating borders, not nature. How the lines are arbitrary, they don't actually exist outside of the minds of people.
The cover is a setting in the book, something only someone who has read the book could appreciate. The title is a reference to her love of math. It's a well-edited book.
The universal life lesson seems to be not to underestimate someone, or make assumptions without facts. Everyone has a secret. I could relate to Jesus, so he's my favorite character in the book. Hannah reminded me of someone I knew long ago, but to say why would be a huge spoiler, so I'll just say my one-time-friend had the same kind of plot-twist with someone that Hannah did.
Obstacles in the book seem easier for the other characters. So it seems that the real obstacle is the need to cope with something that has been shoved under the rug instead of faced.
It holds up a mirror up to the society of small towns that gossip about teenagers, and to those who pretend life-altering events didn't happen instead of seeking therapy to help deal with reality. The book also presents the reality of inadequate sexual education and how shaming safe-sex also has consequences. (Interestingly, even if the consequence breaks the heart and mind, it still doesn't always become a deterrent.)
There are multiple scenes where females characters have conversations that are not about males. There are also scenes where mixed genders don't hook up with each other, but rather form friendships. #Bechdel
November 26, 2018
I don't know if I will be able to properly express how much I loved this book, but be certain, I LOVED this book! When I first met Esther, she was suffering a double-dose of broken heartedness. She never thought she would be able to overcome her loneliness and feelings of abandonment, but special things happen, when you find Heaven in a former Blockbuster.
• Pro: Esther captured my heart, and I instantly claimed her as one of my own. I ached and openly cried for her. I had this profound need for her to get the closure that she so desperately desired, because I knew it was the only way she would be able to maintain any forward motion in her life.
• Pro: Crane is so good at crafting characters. This book is flush with characters, who were each special in their own way, and I adored each and every one of them.
• Pro: The friendship formed between Esther, Color, Moss, Jesús, and Beth was really special. They made Esther see how she had retreated inward, pulled her out, and helped her value the connection they made with each other. They were all very supportive and encouraging, and by the end of the book, I knew each one would go to great lengths for each other. Most of them had some void in their life, and they filled that space for each other in a really beautiful way.
• Pro: Esther was a math wiz, and there were these Complex Math Problems, which popped up from time to time in the book. They were absolutely brilliant, and such an interesting way for Esther to frame some really profound thoughts.
• Pro: There was this "search for truth" throughout this book, and I really appreciated the different ways Crane addressed and explored the idea. Definitely thought provoking.
• Pro: There was a lot of fallout from what happened to Esther. It not only affected her, but her family, and the coming to terms with the situation, seeking and granting forgiveness was a important part of Esther's journey.
Overall: An emotional and honest story of forgiveness, family, faith, and finding the strength to move on, which tugged at my heartstrings and filled me with happiness.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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• Pro: Esther captured my heart, and I instantly claimed her as one of my own. I ached and openly cried for her. I had this profound need for her to get the closure that she so desperately desired, because I knew it was the only way she would be able to maintain any forward motion in her life.
• Pro: Crane is so good at crafting characters. This book is flush with characters, who were each special in their own way, and I adored each and every one of them.
• Pro: The friendship formed between Esther, Color, Moss, Jesús, and Beth was really special. They made Esther see how she had retreated inward, pulled her out, and helped her value the connection they made with each other. They were all very supportive and encouraging, and by the end of the book, I knew each one would go to great lengths for each other. Most of them had some void in their life, and they filled that space for each other in a really beautiful way.
• Pro: Esther was a math wiz, and there were these Complex Math Problems, which popped up from time to time in the book. They were absolutely brilliant, and such an interesting way for Esther to frame some really profound thoughts.
• Pro: There was this "search for truth" throughout this book, and I really appreciated the different ways Crane addressed and explored the idea. Definitely thought provoking.
• Pro: There was a lot of fallout from what happened to Esther. It not only affected her, but her family, and the coming to terms with the situation, seeking and granting forgiveness was a important part of Esther's journey.
Overall: An emotional and honest story of forgiveness, family, faith, and finding the strength to move on, which tugged at my heartstrings and filled me with happiness.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
November 6, 2018
I liked this book. I really did. It was about healing, making friends and even finding love. I loved the quirkiness of the characters (especially Jesús, Color and Beth) and found them interesting and fun to read about (although the author could've dug a little deeper with Moss.).
However, there were some things I didn't like so much.
First of all: I feel like Esther's stepdad Tom's obvious issues weren't really addresses properly in the book. The way he slut-shamed Esther and bullied her was disgusting, but it seemed that the author didn't really do anything about it? I feel like Tom was really just a reason for Esther to move to New Mexico and that was it really... Tom felt almost like an unfinished character. What was with the tattoo? We never really found out. None of the adults had actual backstories. Who were they before they had children? Why were Jesús and his mother living in a trailer? What was Moss and Color's mother actually doing while she was off wandering? Huh???
Second of all: Hannah. Bitter and ignored, she turned to the PASTOR wanting attention. Poor thing. And when Esther finds out, instead of giving her sister a much needed hug it's all about
her. I feel like Esther could've been much nicer to her sister in the book. And I feel like this matter isn't really addressed either! The fact that Esther turned Hannah away even when it was obvious she was hurting after they'd moved to New Mexico cold and poor little Hannah didn't even get an proper apology! I know I can't expect Esther to be perfect, especially after her painful ordeal, but still. Plus after her relationship with Pastor Rick, Hannah was basically blamedwhen what she needed was help.
I feel like I could go on but I seriously can't be bothered.
Lena
xxx
PS I liked it when Esther finally met her daughter.
PPS I forgot to mention this. WHAT ABOUT AMIT!? Johanna was his daughter too, and Esther didn't even bother contacting him or anything. The book is all about her moving on from her relationship with Amit (and the baby, of course) but he can't be expected to just move on too! He didn't get to meet his daughter! Esther didn't even tell him what happened with the baby and everything. I know she'd been through something really difficult, but I can't help but feel sorry for poor forgotten Amit...
However, there were some things I didn't like so much.
First of all: I feel like Esther's stepdad Tom's obvious issues weren't really addresses properly in the book. The way he slut-shamed Esther and bullied her was disgusting, but it seemed that the author didn't really do anything about it? I feel like Tom was really just a reason for Esther to move to New Mexico and that was it really... Tom felt almost like an unfinished character. What was with the tattoo? We never really found out. None of the adults had actual backstories. Who were they before they had children? Why were Jesús and his mother living in a trailer? What was Moss and Color's mother actually doing while she was off wandering? Huh???
Second of all: Hannah. Bitter and ignored, she turned to the PASTOR wanting attention. Poor thing. And when Esther finds out, instead of giving her sister a much needed hug it's all about
her. I feel like Esther could've been much nicer to her sister in the book. And I feel like this matter isn't really addressed either! The fact that Esther turned Hannah away even when it was obvious she was hurting after they'd moved to New Mexico cold and poor little Hannah didn't even get an proper apology! I know I can't expect Esther to be perfect, especially after her painful ordeal, but still. Plus after her relationship with Pastor Rick, Hannah was basically blamedwhen what she needed was help.
I feel like I could go on but I seriously can't be bothered.
Lena
xxx
PS I liked it when Esther finally met her daughter.
PPS I forgot to mention this. WHAT ABOUT AMIT!? Johanna was his daughter too, and Esther didn't even bother contacting him or anything. The book is all about her moving on from her relationship with Amit (and the baby, of course) but he can't be expected to just move on too! He didn't get to meet his daughter! Esther didn't even tell him what happened with the baby and everything. I know she'd been through something really difficult, but I can't help but feel sorry for poor forgotten Amit...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2021
I got this book as a kindle free read for October. It was okay.
It had a slow beginning, I thought the first 5 or so chapters could have been condensed/cut but once it started the plot was definitely intriguing. I liked once we got Esther and her group of misfits together. It was fun to see them interact and the space they made their own for comfort. I enjoyed her group of friends, Beth was especially cool. I felt for Esther's desire to find out what happened to her baby and her feeling like she lost control. I understand her Mom and Stepdad's flawed thinking: if we move we can start fresh and forget it ever happened. The setting was great, I liked all the places in the town and how everything was described, from her house, to the Jesus to their own little Heaven.
Esther could be a bit whinny and unable to put herself in anybody else's shoes, and that got frustrating to read. Like she couldn't figure out why her then thirteen year old sister was upset she got pregnant and didn't tell her and then act slightly immaturely, well yes, she was thirteen. And she threw a fit over some things with Moss and it was like Esther, maybe think about other people for half a second. I also didn't care for the math facts thing. It just felt unnecessarily gimmicky to me.
Like the beginning went on too long, I thought the ending did too. We ended one chapter near the end (42) with the line I thought that was the perfect ending and then there were another 5 pages. The last few pages almost felt like they explained things too much/perfectly. The good things they talked about were implied and to me it didn't feel needed and ending it earlier would have been more powerful.
It had a slow beginning, I thought the first 5 or so chapters could have been condensed/cut but once it started the plot was definitely intriguing. I liked once we got Esther and her group of misfits together. It was fun to see them interact and the space they made their own for comfort. I enjoyed her group of friends, Beth was especially cool. I felt for Esther's desire to find out what happened to her baby and her feeling like she lost control. I understand her Mom and Stepdad's flawed thinking: if we move we can start fresh and forget it ever happened. The setting was great, I liked all the places in the town and how everything was described, from her house, to the Jesus to their own little Heaven.
Esther could be a bit whinny and unable to put herself in anybody else's shoes, and that got frustrating to read. Like she couldn't figure out why her then thirteen year old sister was upset she got pregnant and didn't tell her and then act slightly immaturely, well yes, she was thirteen. And she threw a fit over some things with Moss and it was like Esther, maybe think about other people for half a second. I also didn't care for the math facts thing. It just felt unnecessarily gimmicky to me.
Like the beginning went on too long, I thought the ending did too. We ended one chapter near the end (42) with the line I thought that was the perfect ending and then there were another 5 pages. The last few pages almost felt like they explained things too much/perfectly. The good things they talked about were implied and to me it didn't feel needed and ending it earlier would have been more powerful.
January 23, 2019
Oh my word. If this is what young readers are being handed, we are doing them a huge disservice. First of all, I was glad that since this was on my kindle, I could turn off the audiobook version and just read it because the narration was horrible. However, even good narrating would not have saved this book.
Early on, Esther comes across as whiney and insipid. "Love is sexy." What??? The way she chases after Moss... weird. Every christian in her life hates gay people and kids who have sex, or talk about sex, or even think about sex. And since when does a teen mother mean a family has to flee... from freaking Ohio?!?! This is not 1920. What the heck???
No one must ever know Esther has had sex, let alone a baby, because all the christians in her life appear to think that means she is damaged forever. FOREVER. But hark! We have the "cool mom" who walks in on her son and Esther almost having sex, and tries to insist the kiddos just carry on with what they were doing, because you know, only the doucebaggy christian parents won't allow their kids this type of freedom. The horror. (oh, and she also mentions this to Esther's stepdad with a wink, I kid you not a WINK at her meeting with him, as he is her banker. I guess because she's the cool mom, that makes this cringe worthy behavior ok. )
The only positive was that the two gay friends in their circle did not fall in love with Esther, I was waiting for that because that seems to be how every gay character is (unfairly) written now, so I did appreciate that.
Poorly written characters, a weak plot, overblown stereotypes, definitely not worth reading...
Early on, Esther comes across as whiney and insipid. "Love is sexy." What??? The way she chases after Moss... weird. Every christian in her life hates gay people and kids who have sex, or talk about sex, or even think about sex. And since when does a teen mother mean a family has to flee... from freaking Ohio?!?! This is not 1920. What the heck???
No one must ever know Esther has had sex, let alone a baby, because all the christians in her life appear to think that means she is damaged forever. FOREVER. But hark! We have the "cool mom" who walks in on her son and Esther almost having sex, and tries to insist the kiddos just carry on with what they were doing, because you know, only the doucebaggy christian parents won't allow their kids this type of freedom. The horror. (oh, and she also mentions this to Esther's stepdad with a wink, I kid you not a WINK at her meeting with him, as he is her banker. I guess because she's the cool mom, that makes this cringe worthy behavior ok. )
The only positive was that the two gay friends in their circle did not fall in love with Esther, I was waiting for that because that seems to be how every gay character is (unfairly) written now, so I did appreciate that.
Poorly written characters, a weak plot, overblown stereotypes, definitely not worth reading...
November 19, 2018
Amazon gets me every time ...if you have a book and u can listen as well as read ... i am so there. i need 2 find more these, they just make me smile and i love it. read a little. listen a little ... so so so so awesome!! way cool!! check it out!! i just love that!! I really do wonder why folks always get their undies in a bunch ...when this is an author's' writing ...like they can write whatever they want and be creative doing it. Is this meant to be a historical ...totally true story? or a fun creative expression of their imagination and thoughts??! i love the cover. I don't always read YA ...but i appreciate it when i do ... i have to forget where i am ...leave my adult mind in the back ...and listen like a teen would. u know??! everyone can do it if they try. maybe if u are not 1 who enjoys listening to sex or religious chatter u might care 2 step away. but i tend not to be so sensitive.
May 11, 2019
A quick, entertaining read. I recognize it is geared for young adults and teenagers, but some of the scenes between the main character Esther and her friends are a little dramatic and over the top. What's not dramatic, however, is the reality of shame surrounding teenage pregnancy and conservative families - this was highlighted nicely as the idea that we all have flaws/"truths" whether it's the difficulty Esther faces in letting go of her baby, or the secret rendezvous between church official and underage student. Loved the names of the characters in the book and the presumed cultural diversity of the characters based on their names and descriptions. Overall, felt a little surface for my taste, but an enjoyable read.
February 28, 2022
I loved this book. The heroine and her friends are so inviting! There was a great deal of buildup only for what felt like a too-quick and convenient resolution and a few supporting characters could have been fleshed out a bit more in their true motivations (and not what Esther believes). Still all of this has not interfered with my feelings that this was a funny, poignant, moving book, and I appreciated the timing of it in my life.
June 1, 2021
“ I am no longer a whole number. I carry a decimal now. Each box in my room is just a reminder of my remainder. The problem is I can’t figure out if I am less than or more than I was before. I know I’m not the same.”
November 13, 2018
“I’ve carried this secret with me all the way from Ohio to New Mexico…I was leaving it behind, but that’s not how secrets work. They follow you. Haunt you. Steal your breath when you’re not looking.”
Esther has been forced to move to no other place than Truth and Consequences, NM. It’s a sad kind of irony. She carries a secret with her, one that her mother and step-father refuse to speak about. A secret her sister is bound to hate her for forever. Instead of facing what has happened straight on they’ve decided to run from the truth of what has happened, to sweep it under the rug, and move on without actually dealing with one of the biggest secrets a teenage girl could ever have to carry.
“The truth is hard to find. It likes to hide, shifting shape, and depending on who finds it first, they can remold it any way they want.”
Esther was never given a choice and now she’s forced to pretend like nothing ever happened. That she never fell in love, that she never made a mistake she is constantly reminded of every time she closes her eyes. Rebekah Crane does a wonderful job of letting you into Esther’s life through the eyes of not only Esther, but through the eyes her the friends she makes along the way. You get to see how Esther learns to let people back into her life, lets people see how damaged she really is, lets people know her truth.
“And trust is handing over a piece of your heart to someone and believing they’ll hold it as delicately as you do.”
Esther builds unlikely friendships with Color, the eccentric girl who comes by every Tuesday to clean her house, Jesus the exuberant barista, Moss the closed off boy who Esther decides she’s determined to get to know, and Beth the girl with the silly shirts who Esther meets at church of all places. Can Esther trust them, can she let them into her life, can these people fill the empty piece in her heart. Can she tell them her truth, and will they still love her despite it?
“Love is like water. Sometimes it’s as solid as a kiss. Sometimes it’s as changing as the Rio Grande. And sometimes it’s as invisible as the steam that disappears from a cup of coffee.”
Follow this eclectic group of young teenagers as they go on a journey with each other to find their truths. Each one of them has something to hide, something that defines who they are, and sometimes it’s about learning to trust those around you to help you through the darkest times. This group of friends truly love each other unconditionally and as you turn each page you get another little piece of them.
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com...
Esther has been forced to move to no other place than Truth and Consequences, NM. It’s a sad kind of irony. She carries a secret with her, one that her mother and step-father refuse to speak about. A secret her sister is bound to hate her for forever. Instead of facing what has happened straight on they’ve decided to run from the truth of what has happened, to sweep it under the rug, and move on without actually dealing with one of the biggest secrets a teenage girl could ever have to carry.
“The truth is hard to find. It likes to hide, shifting shape, and depending on who finds it first, they can remold it any way they want.”
Esther was never given a choice and now she’s forced to pretend like nothing ever happened. That she never fell in love, that she never made a mistake she is constantly reminded of every time she closes her eyes. Rebekah Crane does a wonderful job of letting you into Esther’s life through the eyes of not only Esther, but through the eyes her the friends she makes along the way. You get to see how Esther learns to let people back into her life, lets people see how damaged she really is, lets people know her truth.
“And trust is handing over a piece of your heart to someone and believing they’ll hold it as delicately as you do.”
Esther builds unlikely friendships with Color, the eccentric girl who comes by every Tuesday to clean her house, Jesus the exuberant barista, Moss the closed off boy who Esther decides she’s determined to get to know, and Beth the girl with the silly shirts who Esther meets at church of all places. Can Esther trust them, can she let them into her life, can these people fill the empty piece in her heart. Can she tell them her truth, and will they still love her despite it?
“Love is like water. Sometimes it’s as solid as a kiss. Sometimes it’s as changing as the Rio Grande. And sometimes it’s as invisible as the steam that disappears from a cup of coffee.”
Follow this eclectic group of young teenagers as they go on a journey with each other to find their truths. Each one of them has something to hide, something that defines who they are, and sometimes it’s about learning to trust those around you to help you through the darkest times. This group of friends truly love each other unconditionally and as you turn each page you get another little piece of them.
https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com...
June 24, 2021
Esther has moved to Truth or Consequences with her sister Hannah, her mum, and her step-dad Tom. And it's all her fault. Her loved ones constantly remind her of this. The adults in her life, or Tom, at least, is very religious, and as such, uses this to lecture Esther of her poor choices. Reminding her that there are consequences for her poorly thought out actions, and that her family are having to deal with the consequences of some poor choices Esther made.
Let's be honest. Esther is a child. She's a smart teenager, a philosophical teenager, and a teenager who believes in love, but she's still a child. Rather than talking to her about her mistakes and giving her advice, talking to her about making better choices, she's punished; made to feel guilty and invisible. Even though Esther is home schooled, she makes friends with Color, the terrifically insightful girl who cleans their house once a week, her brother Moss, and Jesús, who introduces her to the wonderful world of coffee. Esther meets another girl, Beth, a little later on in the story who is a science nerd, but also really, really into God, and the five become a close knit group.
As teenagers, they all have their secrets; exciting secrets and secrets they're ashamed of. Annoyingly, the reason that they're ashamed of their secrets is because of the adults in their lives. It seems like most of the adults in Truth or Consequences love going to church, and they love reminding their children what a disappointment they are; not just in their eyes, but in the eyes of God.
Quite a bit happens in this story, and as the group of five become closer, they realise that they can share parts of themselves; their stories; their past, without having to worry about dealing with judgment. The end of the story has a good sense of closure, without being too clichéd or predictable.
Let's be honest. Esther is a child. She's a smart teenager, a philosophical teenager, and a teenager who believes in love, but she's still a child. Rather than talking to her about her mistakes and giving her advice, talking to her about making better choices, she's punished; made to feel guilty and invisible. Even though Esther is home schooled, she makes friends with Color, the terrifically insightful girl who cleans their house once a week, her brother Moss, and Jesús, who introduces her to the wonderful world of coffee. Esther meets another girl, Beth, a little later on in the story who is a science nerd, but also really, really into God, and the five become a close knit group.
As teenagers, they all have their secrets; exciting secrets and secrets they're ashamed of. Annoyingly, the reason that they're ashamed of their secrets is because of the adults in their lives. It seems like most of the adults in Truth or Consequences love going to church, and they love reminding their children what a disappointment they are; not just in their eyes, but in the eyes of God.
Quite a bit happens in this story, and as the group of five become closer, they realise that they can share parts of themselves; their stories; their past, without having to worry about dealing with judgment. The end of the story has a good sense of closure, without being too clichéd or predictable.
October 24, 2018
I chose this YA novel from the October selection of Amazon First Reads as it caught my attention and looked the most interesting one on offer. I can happily say I really did enjoy this book.
This is the story of Esther, her sister Hannah and their mother and stepfather who have recently moved to New Mexico to escape a 'situation'. I liked the character of Esther and felt that the author described the trauma felt by Esther due to the 'situation'.
Esther's new friends sound like the type of friends a girl needs. The author has penned a very good story bringing so many individual characters together in this way. There are many lessons to be learnt and talking points for a parent to discuss with their child should they read this book together, including religion, seeking answers, letting go, growing up, loss and learning that sometimes life just doesn't go to plan.
I definitely recommend this book - for anyone not just those Young Adults among us. There were a number of fantastic quotes or sayings that I have jotted down for future use!
Thank you to Amazon First Reads, Skyscape and Rebekah Crane for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
This is the story of Esther, her sister Hannah and their mother and stepfather who have recently moved to New Mexico to escape a 'situation'. I liked the character of Esther and felt that the author described the trauma felt by Esther due to the 'situation'.
Esther's new friends sound like the type of friends a girl needs. The author has penned a very good story bringing so many individual characters together in this way. There are many lessons to be learnt and talking points for a parent to discuss with their child should they read this book together, including religion, seeking answers, letting go, growing up, loss and learning that sometimes life just doesn't go to plan.
I definitely recommend this book - for anyone not just those Young Adults among us. There were a number of fantastic quotes or sayings that I have jotted down for future use!
Thank you to Amazon First Reads, Skyscape and Rebekah Crane for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
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