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Tiny
Nate and Annie Forester are faced with every parent's worst nightmare when their three-year-old daughter, Penelope, is hit by a car right before their eyes. In the aftermath of her death, the distance between them grows. Josh, twenty-two years old--third party to the nightmare--was behind the wheel on the fateful day Penny ran into the middle of the street. Unable to stop thinking about Nate and Annie, Josh has started to stalk them, thinking up ways to approach them and apologize. One morning, he is sitting in his car, in front of their house, when he sees Annie leave, suitcase in tow. Hours later, he witnesses Nate in a frenzy of worry. His wife has disappeared and he is left only with a vague note. Tiny follows the harrowing journeys of Nate, Annie, and Josh--three people unwillingly tied together by tragedy. There is Nate, staying strong on the surface, but slowly losing his mind as he faces the suspicions of Annie's family and the police in the wake of Annie's disappearance. There is Annie, attempting to start a secret brand new life in a 100-square-foot house in the middle of nowhere. And there is Josh, who desperately wants forgiveness and, ultimately, finds himself responsible for reuniting the people whose lives he changed forever.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 11, 2019
109 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Kim Hooper
10 books402 followersKim Hooper's latest novel, Woman on the Verge, will be released on June 17. Her previous novels are: People Who Knew Me (2016), Cherry Blossoms (2018), Tiny (2019), All the Acorns on the Forest Floor (2020), No Hiding in Boise (2021), and Ways the World Could End (2022). She is also co-author of All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss (2021). Kim lives in Southern California with her daughter and way too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 30, 2022
3.5. Tough subject—the death of a child. This story deals with the grief and trauma of three people impacted by it— the parents and the driver who hit the child.
People deal with grief differently and parents who lose a child often end up splitting up because the trauma tears them apart. Here, Annie, who was already prone to depression, is visibly spiraling. Her husband, Nate, who is not one for big emotions, seems to be moving on with life. The don’t get each other and are pissing each other off.
Josh is wracked with guilt. He, weirdly, starts basically stalking the parents to make sure they’re ok and/or trying to find a way to apologize.
Josh’s stalking placing him right in the middle of it all when he sees Annie leave and follows her to a tiny home community. He doesn’t know whether to tell her husband or to let Annie have her space. He ends up working for Nate while trying to find a way to fix things.
I’ve seen this kind of parental grief up close and the book captures the emotions well. The parents are both annoyingly selfish and clueless at times but I guess that computes.
The driver’s actions feel a bit bizarre. But Josh meant so well.
Hooper is becoming a go-to author for me. She tells a good story.
People deal with grief differently and parents who lose a child often end up splitting up because the trauma tears them apart. Here, Annie, who was already prone to depression, is visibly spiraling. Her husband, Nate, who is not one for big emotions, seems to be moving on with life. The don’t get each other and are pissing each other off.
Josh is wracked with guilt. He, weirdly, starts basically stalking the parents to make sure they’re ok and/or trying to find a way to apologize.
Josh’s stalking placing him right in the middle of it all when he sees Annie leave and follows her to a tiny home community. He doesn’t know whether to tell her husband or to let Annie have her space. He ends up working for Nate while trying to find a way to fix things.
I’ve seen this kind of parental grief up close and the book captures the emotions well. The parents are both annoyingly selfish and clueless at times but I guess that computes.
The driver’s actions feel a bit bizarre. But Josh meant so well.
Hooper is becoming a go-to author for me. She tells a good story.
June 2, 2019
Received a free copy of this book at BEA 2019!
This story is very similar to the newest Netflix series Dead to Me. It features Nate and Annie, a couple who just lost their daughter and Josh, the individual behind the accident, all of whom are going through the grieving process.
Without spoiling any major details, this book is a phenomenal read. Not only does it beautifully tie in themes of loss, grief, love, and forgiveness, but it seamlessly integrates the viewpoints of all three of our major characters, allowing each one to have a unique voice. We begin to see the tragedy from all angles and really understand what the characters are going through. While it can be a heavy read, it leaves the reader with a feeling of hope for the characters.
This story is very similar to the newest Netflix series Dead to Me. It features Nate and Annie, a couple who just lost their daughter and Josh, the individual behind the accident, all of whom are going through the grieving process.
Without spoiling any major details, this book is a phenomenal read. Not only does it beautifully tie in themes of loss, grief, love, and forgiveness, but it seamlessly integrates the viewpoints of all three of our major characters, allowing each one to have a unique voice. We begin to see the tragedy from all angles and really understand what the characters are going through. While it can be a heavy read, it leaves the reader with a feeling of hope for the characters.
April 23, 2019
Read Kim Hooper. Read Tiny, read Cherry Blossoms. Can only pick one? Read Cherry Blossoms because if you do, you’ll surely motor along to Tiny.
Oh, and if I’m the first person telling you about Kim Hooper....you’re welcome.
Oh, and if I’m the first person telling you about Kim Hooper....you’re welcome.
June 12, 2019
Kim Hooper's writing reaches straight into your gut and gives it a little kick. Tiny is a study in grief, and strength. The writing is precise and engaging, the characters are so startlingly real they could be your neighbors, friends, maybe even you. An excellent follow to Cherry Blossoms - highly recommend
June 12, 2019
Tiny by Kim Hooper is a highly recommended about three people grieving and dealing with a tragedy.
Nate and Annie Forester's three year old daughter, Penny, was hit by a truck in a tragic accident. Nate is in denial, trying to go on with life and hold it all in. He has returned to work, because someone has to bring in some money. Annie is inconsolable and unable to move beyond her overwhelming grief. Annie doesn't comprehend how Nate can go on as normal. The couple is becoming increasingly distant with each other as they grow apart.
Josh is a young man who was driving the truck that hit Penny. It was an accident. She ran out in front of his truck. He wasn't speeding, but couldn't stop in time. The accident has also changed his life. He wants to find a way to talk to Nate and Annie, to apologize. He begins watching their house, when he sees Annie leave, suitcase in hand, one morning and later sees Nate return home and subsequently distressed, holding a note, presumably from Annie. From watching the couple, Josh knows where Annie went - to a small community of people living in tiny houses. He wants to tell Nate what he knows, but doesn't understand how to approach him.
This is a heartbreaking novel as every person is grieving and unable to meaningfully communicate and share their feelings and inner thoughts with each other. The writing is very good. Hooper captures the overwhelming grief all the characters are going through and how they are acting after the tragedy. The death of a child is always difficult. When it is due to an accident, when there is no clear fault, the questions of what if can take over for everyone involved. Hooper handles this in a compassionate and understanding way while propelling her characters forward in her plot. The characters are all well developed and you will care about what happens to all three of them. The ending is a wonderful denouement and offers hope.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Turner Publishing Company.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/0...
Nate and Annie Forester's three year old daughter, Penny, was hit by a truck in a tragic accident. Nate is in denial, trying to go on with life and hold it all in. He has returned to work, because someone has to bring in some money. Annie is inconsolable and unable to move beyond her overwhelming grief. Annie doesn't comprehend how Nate can go on as normal. The couple is becoming increasingly distant with each other as they grow apart.
Josh is a young man who was driving the truck that hit Penny. It was an accident. She ran out in front of his truck. He wasn't speeding, but couldn't stop in time. The accident has also changed his life. He wants to find a way to talk to Nate and Annie, to apologize. He begins watching their house, when he sees Annie leave, suitcase in hand, one morning and later sees Nate return home and subsequently distressed, holding a note, presumably from Annie. From watching the couple, Josh knows where Annie went - to a small community of people living in tiny houses. He wants to tell Nate what he knows, but doesn't understand how to approach him.
This is a heartbreaking novel as every person is grieving and unable to meaningfully communicate and share their feelings and inner thoughts with each other. The writing is very good. Hooper captures the overwhelming grief all the characters are going through and how they are acting after the tragedy. The death of a child is always difficult. When it is due to an accident, when there is no clear fault, the questions of what if can take over for everyone involved. Hooper handles this in a compassionate and understanding way while propelling her characters forward in her plot. The characters are all well developed and you will care about what happens to all three of them. The ending is a wonderful denouement and offers hope.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Turner Publishing Company.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/0...
August 12, 2019
4.5/5
I had no clue what I was getting into when I picked up Tiny, but I am glad I did. This novel examines tragedy and grief through its main characters and reminds you that everyone has their own story they are working through. It was moderately paced and so well written, I could feel the compassion throughout.
While it lacks the suspense and plot twists I seek out in the usual thrillers I read, it kept me intrigued and wanting to know how these characters' stories would be woven together. It had me questioning how my own grief manifests and how I show compassion to others.
While this novel is about tragedy and grief, I didn't find it depressing. In fact, I found it uplifting and reminder that we are strong individuals. This is beautiful story that has you examining what's truly important in life and may lead you on a journey of self discovery alongside the characters.
I had no clue what I was getting into when I picked up Tiny, but I am glad I did. This novel examines tragedy and grief through its main characters and reminds you that everyone has their own story they are working through. It was moderately paced and so well written, I could feel the compassion throughout.
While it lacks the suspense and plot twists I seek out in the usual thrillers I read, it kept me intrigued and wanting to know how these characters' stories would be woven together. It had me questioning how my own grief manifests and how I show compassion to others.
While this novel is about tragedy and grief, I didn't find it depressing. In fact, I found it uplifting and reminder that we are strong individuals. This is beautiful story that has you examining what's truly important in life and may lead you on a journey of self discovery alongside the characters.
July 25, 2019
Kim Hooper is an outstanding writer. She also captures the emotions felt by her characters. In Tiny, the characters are a couple who lost their 3-year-old daughter in a car accident and the young man who, through no fault of his own, was at the wheel of the vehicle that killed the young girl.
The three characters handled grief in different ways. The father of the girl tried to carry on with life while feeling the pain of loss. The mother essentially could not function, could not figure out what to do with herself. The young man who drove the car felt guilty and wanted to make up to the couple for what happened.
All three characters were well-portrayed. The plot was a little too fairytale-like in the end.
I will read anything Kim Hooper writes. A terrific author.
The three characters handled grief in different ways. The father of the girl tried to carry on with life while feeling the pain of loss. The mother essentially could not function, could not figure out what to do with herself. The young man who drove the car felt guilty and wanted to make up to the couple for what happened.
All three characters were well-portrayed. The plot was a little too fairytale-like in the end.
I will read anything Kim Hooper writes. A terrific author.
June 12, 2019
I received a digital review copy from the publisher through Edelweiss.
I think this book is well written, and since I used to live in the area where it takes place I enjoyed knowing the locale. I'm just not sure about the characters. I really couldn't relate to any of them, I wonder if it's an age thing. I do think the story came together well.
I think this book is well written, and since I used to live in the area where it takes place I enjoyed knowing the locale. I'm just not sure about the characters. I really couldn't relate to any of them, I wonder if it's an age thing. I do think the story came together well.
June 12, 2019
I got the privilege to read this book before the publishing date and it was totally worth it. It’s a beautiful story of three people coping with their own sadness. The end is amazing and ties everything together
June 23, 2019
I read Cherry Blossoms and loved it. I decided to read Tiny but didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I thought the topic would be too heavy. But it was wonderful. I actually read every single word. She’s a beautiful writer.
I would recommend reading this book with a book club!
I would recommend reading this book with a book club!
August 15, 2019
A wonderful book!!!!!!!!!!
October 27, 2020
A book with no profanity, no villains, and no political intrigue. Just what I needed in this time of anxiety and despair. That is not to say it was bland or sugar-coated. Rather it tells a story of real people, well meaning, basically kind souls who, as the author observes, are “in on a secret about just how big life really is, how messy and scary and redeeming and joyful.” Who wouldn’t want to read a story like this?
The book centers on three people. Nate and Annie who lost their precious three year old daughter when she ran out in the street, and Josh, who through no fault of his own, was driving the truck that struck the toddler. How these three navigate the world that had been forever altered by this devastating event is the crux of the story.
The author writes with sensitivity about the dark depression that envelopes Annie and the difficulty she and Nate have in communicating their respective feelings. Rarely have I read a more nuanced presentation of grief in all its forms.
Adding Josh to the story and showing the reader how his reactions change the dynamic of the marriage and ultimately lead to redemption for all is a stroke of genius.
Kay Hooper treats all the characters, even minor ones like Annie’s frantic mother and the affable leader of the tiny house project that gives the book its name, with compassion. The interaction of these characters unfolds naturally and pushes the story forward. Every scene adds to the reader’s understanding.
All in all a lovely book with a satisfying conclusion. I went online to seek out other books by Kim Hooper, and can you believe it—her debut novel is not available as an ebook. That needs to be corrected right now!
The book centers on three people. Nate and Annie who lost their precious three year old daughter when she ran out in the street, and Josh, who through no fault of his own, was driving the truck that struck the toddler. How these three navigate the world that had been forever altered by this devastating event is the crux of the story.
The author writes with sensitivity about the dark depression that envelopes Annie and the difficulty she and Nate have in communicating their respective feelings. Rarely have I read a more nuanced presentation of grief in all its forms.
Adding Josh to the story and showing the reader how his reactions change the dynamic of the marriage and ultimately lead to redemption for all is a stroke of genius.
Kay Hooper treats all the characters, even minor ones like Annie’s frantic mother and the affable leader of the tiny house project that gives the book its name, with compassion. The interaction of these characters unfolds naturally and pushes the story forward. Every scene adds to the reader’s understanding.
All in all a lovely book with a satisfying conclusion. I went online to seek out other books by Kim Hooper, and can you believe it—her debut novel is not available as an ebook. That needs to be corrected right now!
March 22, 2024
3.5 stars, i had no idea what to expect from this bc it randomly downloaded onto my ereader and i am still confused how that happened. very interesting story though that explores grief and how it affects people so differently. i liked the POV of the story hearing the perspectives of all three characters, not sure if i like the way it ended though i think it was kind of anticlimactic
May 4, 2021
In the midst of grief myself, the authenticity of the characters was relieving. They are real, grieving in their own ways, hoping and not hoping, figuring out this new life. Very well done. I couldn’t put the book down.
October 25, 2023
I thought this would be hard to read but it was so gentle and loving for a topic that could be triggering for a lot of people. The author wrote so thoughtfully about grief and loss and I loved the ending.
October 28, 2021
2.5 stars
May 10, 2022
I enjoyed the audiobook,detailing the triangulated aftermath of a tragic car accident. I enjoy this author a lot, having only recently discovered her talent by reading Cherry Blossoms. This is my third read of her novels, and I’ll be moving on to find another soon.
July 7, 2019
3.5 rating
I’m a big fan of Kim’s first two books and this one continued to showcase her funky sense of humor mixed with the pathos of tragedy. Her characters are always well drawn.
This one just felt a bit too predictable to me.
I’m a big fan of Kim’s first two books and this one continued to showcase her funky sense of humor mixed with the pathos of tragedy. Her characters are always well drawn.
This one just felt a bit too predictable to me.
September 3, 2019
Early edition book club read.
I really like this book about a girl who falls in love, gets married, neither want kids but after a few years into married life they change their minds.
A tragic accident takes their daughter shortly after her third birthday.
Can their marriage/relationship survive this loss? Especially after mom's earlier bout with depression in College?
I really like this book about a girl who falls in love, gets married, neither want kids but after a few years into married life they change their minds.
A tragic accident takes their daughter shortly after her third birthday.
Can their marriage/relationship survive this loss? Especially after mom's earlier bout with depression in College?
April 16, 2024
Took along time . . .
to finish. Some may like this story. I found it slow. I actually only liked Josh and Lia. I just didn't care for the two main characters. If you like Lifetime movies, you may enjoy.
to finish. Some may like this story. I found it slow. I actually only liked Josh and Lia. I just didn't care for the two main characters. If you like Lifetime movies, you may enjoy.
May 31, 2020
Tragic premise but well-written, fast paced, approachable and relatable characters
June 14, 2020
Tiny made so BIG!
what an emotional rollercoaster ! Kim "Kimberly" Hooper, you genuinely nailed the steps of grieving with both rawness and humor! the characters are so similar to many people I could recognize. You managed to capture bits and pieces in subtle ways, but also there was blatant truth in describing what the characters thought or wished they could say! I liked that Josh/Mike was so millennial, yet he was all l heart and feeling! This gave me hope for future generations! Because I feel a bit of a connection, to you and your family, I found Penny's death almost unbearable and commend you on your bravery to tackle such a delicate and sad storyline... The tragedy was so real and the circumstances that surrounded and described the accident were well defined from all perspectives of the main characters. I felt exactly what Annie, Nate and Josh were going through and did not have a favorite character, because I could relate to them all! Even Annie's mom, & how she made Nate feel, when Annie is "missing" or.... I loved that after Nate told her off, he wanted to share it with of all people, Annie & how he justified his anger with the knowledge that Annie would understand his frustration with her mother! A fast read with a progressively and earned happy ending! Thank you!!
what an emotional rollercoaster ! Kim "Kimberly" Hooper, you genuinely nailed the steps of grieving with both rawness and humor! the characters are so similar to many people I could recognize. You managed to capture bits and pieces in subtle ways, but also there was blatant truth in describing what the characters thought or wished they could say! I liked that Josh/Mike was so millennial, yet he was all l heart and feeling! This gave me hope for future generations! Because I feel a bit of a connection, to you and your family, I found Penny's death almost unbearable and commend you on your bravery to tackle such a delicate and sad storyline... The tragedy was so real and the circumstances that surrounded and described the accident were well defined from all perspectives of the main characters. I felt exactly what Annie, Nate and Josh were going through and did not have a favorite character, because I could relate to them all! Even Annie's mom, & how she made Nate feel, when Annie is "missing" or.... I loved that after Nate told her off, he wanted to share it with of all people, Annie & how he justified his anger with the knowledge that Annie would understand his frustration with her mother! A fast read with a progressively and earned happy ending! Thank you!!
November 6, 2022
How does one cope with loss? Each person does so individually and privately, trying to deal with heartache. This is a story of three people...Nate, Annie, and Josh ... who are all grieving in their own different ways over the same tragedy.
This tragedy binds the three of them together. Nate and Annie are married and this catastrophe is tearing them to pieces...and apart. Nate seems to be handling the situation well and this infuriates Annie. Annie is having a hard time coming to grips with what life has thrown her way. She is angry at the world and that includes Nate. Josh is in the picture and cautiously tries to connect with Nate and Annie. Stories are told, lies are fabricated, people retire themselves from the entire situation.
I love Kim Hooper's writing. This is a sad book, but it is also full of hope and forgiving. I was moved to tears several times. However, it was just too predictable, obvious, and transparent.
I enjoyed Hooper's other books....NO HIDING IN BOISE, ALL THE ACORNS ON THE FOREST FLOOR, and WAYS THE WORLD COULD END.......much more. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed TINY but not as much as her others. I still have a few more of hers to enjoy.
If you like Hallmark movies, this is a book you would certainly love.
This tragedy binds the three of them together. Nate and Annie are married and this catastrophe is tearing them to pieces...and apart. Nate seems to be handling the situation well and this infuriates Annie. Annie is having a hard time coming to grips with what life has thrown her way. She is angry at the world and that includes Nate. Josh is in the picture and cautiously tries to connect with Nate and Annie. Stories are told, lies are fabricated, people retire themselves from the entire situation.
I love Kim Hooper's writing. This is a sad book, but it is also full of hope and forgiving. I was moved to tears several times. However, it was just too predictable, obvious, and transparent.
I enjoyed Hooper's other books....NO HIDING IN BOISE, ALL THE ACORNS ON THE FOREST FLOOR, and WAYS THE WORLD COULD END.......much more. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed TINY but not as much as her others. I still have a few more of hers to enjoy.
If you like Hallmark movies, this is a book you would certainly love.
December 20, 2023
This was my 3rd Hooper novel (I really enjoyed All the Acorns of the Forest Floor and Ways the World Could End), and this one may just be my favorite of hers so far! This novel isn’t an “easy” read. The story starts with a couple, Nate and Annie, dealing with the unimaginable loss of their young daughter in a tragic car accident, drifting further from each other and deeper into their own grief. Intertwined into the story is Josh, the young man who was driving the car that day, and his struggle to reconcile what happened and attempt to move on. Hooper’s character-driven story of grief, loss, hope, love, fear, and everything in between was gorgeously written. Although there were a lot of twists and turns in this novel, it all felt believable and real, and I think that is truly a testament to Hooper’s ability to craft characters who are messy and flawed and beautifully human. This was reminiscent to me of Mary Beth Keane or Angie Kim, two of my favorite writers. I absolutely loved it (and cried several times throughout). 😭❤️
July 8, 2021
The death of a child—I almost didn’t read it. There is enough sadness in life that I didn’t want to feel the awful pain of someone else’s horrible tragedy. I read the reviews though and they all said that they were glad to have read the book. I had to agree that it wasn’t so much about the death of Penelope, but rather the psyche of everyone involved, including Jonas, the driver of the vehicle that struck Penny. It is about so much more—the guilt of Jonas, the convoluted way he has trying to make up for the accident, Lucy the dog, and a Tiny house community. (Just to name a few) I highly recommend this book.
August 24, 2022
This book was really overall solid. It was complete too—as in it doesn’t leave you wondering about what happens. All the loose threads are accounted for and covered. Which was really nice.
The story deals with 3 different main characters who rotate by chapter. The different POVs are really interesting and I enjoyed that aspect of this plea.
The three characters are all different-the different chapters are clearly these other characters. And they all have their own perspective and experiences. That was a neat plus.
The story itself was relatable. The ideas of relationship issues, loss, regret just the whole spectrum. I don’t want to say too much, but I really enjoyed it.
The story deals with 3 different main characters who rotate by chapter. The different POVs are really interesting and I enjoyed that aspect of this plea.
The three characters are all different-the different chapters are clearly these other characters. And they all have their own perspective and experiences. That was a neat plus.
The story itself was relatable. The ideas of relationship issues, loss, regret just the whole spectrum. I don’t want to say too much, but I really enjoyed it.
March 11, 2020
Why is not everyone reading and raving about Kim Hooper??? I've now read 2/3 of her books and I gave them both away when I was done because I want to share her with other people. I can't stop thinking about her characters - the way you think about old friends and wonder what they're up to and how they're coping with what life dealt them. Tiny is no exception. It's a sad story but such a hopeful story of how people overcome tragedy. I love the people that Hooper writes and cannot recommend her enough.
August 31, 2020
This is a well-written book dealing with a tragic situation. A couple loses a 3-year-old daughter when she is hit by a truck after running into the road. There are really 3 people experiencing grief here, both of the parents and also the driver of the truck. We don't often think about the drive causing a tragic death but focus on the parents. I really like how this book shows 3 entirely different views on grief and how people go through it. It really gives you a clear perspective of genuine but different experiences of grief. I highly recommend this book.
August 26, 2020
This is an interesting novel that follows three characters dealing with grief in different ways. Two are a husband and wife, who have lost their three-year-old daughter in a pedestrian accident with a truck. The third, the driver of the truck, adds another dimension to the novel with a bit of humor, intrigue, and empathy.
September 23, 2020
Troubling yet redeeming story
I struggled at times to read this story before bed and chose not to more often than not because anyone who knows me knows I am an insomniac of the highest order. I am still trying to reconcile the characters, but obviously, given the rating, I did reconcile them.
I struggled at times to read this story before bed and chose not to more often than not because anyone who knows me knows I am an insomniac of the highest order. I am still trying to reconcile the characters, but obviously, given the rating, I did reconcile them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews