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Gravity Is the Thing
The adult debut from bestselling, award-winning young adult author Jaclyn Moriarty—a frequently hilarious, brilliantly observed novel—that follows a single mother’s heartfelt search for greater truths about the universe, her family and herself.
Twenty years ago, Abigail Sorenson’s brother Robert went missing one day before her sixteenth birthday, never to be seen again. That same year, she began receiving scattered chapters in the mail of a self-help manual, the Guidebook, whose anonymous author promised to make her life soar to heights beyond her wildest dreams.
The Guidebook’s missives have remained a constant in Abi’s life—a befuddling yet oddly comforting voice through her family’s grief over her brother’s disappearance, a move across continents, the devastating dissolution of her marriage, and the new beginning as a single mother and café owner in Sydney.
Now, two decades after receiving those first pages, Abi is invited to an all-expenses paid weekend retreat to learn “the truth” about the Guidebook. It’s an opportunity too intriguing to refuse. If Everything is Connected, then surely the twin mysteries of the Guidebook and a missing brother must be linked?
What follows is completely the opposite of what Abi expected––but it will lead her on a journey of discovery that will change her life––and enchant readers. Gravity Is the Thing is a smart, unusual, wickedly funny novel about the search for happiness that will break your heart into a million pieces and put it back together, bigger and better than before.
Twenty years ago, Abigail Sorenson’s brother Robert went missing one day before her sixteenth birthday, never to be seen again. That same year, she began receiving scattered chapters in the mail of a self-help manual, the Guidebook, whose anonymous author promised to make her life soar to heights beyond her wildest dreams.
The Guidebook’s missives have remained a constant in Abi’s life—a befuddling yet oddly comforting voice through her family’s grief over her brother’s disappearance, a move across continents, the devastating dissolution of her marriage, and the new beginning as a single mother and café owner in Sydney.
Now, two decades after receiving those first pages, Abi is invited to an all-expenses paid weekend retreat to learn “the truth” about the Guidebook. It’s an opportunity too intriguing to refuse. If Everything is Connected, then surely the twin mysteries of the Guidebook and a missing brother must be linked?
What follows is completely the opposite of what Abi expected––but it will lead her on a journey of discovery that will change her life––and enchant readers. Gravity Is the Thing is a smart, unusual, wickedly funny novel about the search for happiness that will break your heart into a million pieces and put it back together, bigger and better than before.
Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
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About the author
Jaclyn Moriarty
37 books1,531 followersJaclyn Moriarty is an Australian writer of young adult literature.
She studied English at the University of Sydney, and law at Yale University and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she was awarded a PhD.
She is the younger sister of Liane Moriarty. She was previously married to Canadian writer Colin McAdam, and has a son, Charlie. She currently lives in Sydney.
She studied English at the University of Sydney, and law at Yale University and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she was awarded a PhD.
She is the younger sister of Liane Moriarty. She was previously married to Canadian writer Colin McAdam, and has a son, Charlie. She currently lives in Sydney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,115 reviews
March 18, 2019
A wonderful, heartwarming book, yet heartbreaking at the same time. Abigail, a single mum to five year old Oliver, has had some tragic times in her life. First her brother disappeared when she was a teenager, then she broke up with her husband, "the love of her life" and gone through her parents divorce. During all these times she's been receiving mysterious help through chapters of 'The Guidebook', a self help manual she started receiving about the time her brother disappeared. Now, twenty years later, she's been invited to an all-expenses paid retreat, to finally learn the truth of 'The Guidebook.'
Abigail goes, somehow convinced that 'The Guidebook' and her brothers disappearance are connected, yet what she finds is something entirely different indeed. She finds herself going to a series of seminars connected to 'The Guidebook', finds new friends and really starts to find herself.
Gravity Is The Thing is a lovely, witty tale, beautifully written and original. Jaclyn Moriarty will make you laugh, and she'll make you cry. A compelling storyline that you wont want to put down, you'll find yourself neglecting what you're supposed to be doing. Recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Abigail goes, somehow convinced that 'The Guidebook' and her brothers disappearance are connected, yet what she finds is something entirely different indeed. She finds herself going to a series of seminars connected to 'The Guidebook', finds new friends and really starts to find herself.
Gravity Is The Thing is a lovely, witty tale, beautifully written and original. Jaclyn Moriarty will make you laugh, and she'll make you cry. A compelling storyline that you wont want to put down, you'll find yourself neglecting what you're supposed to be doing. Recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2023
I thought this book was absolutely delightful. I frequently wondered how much of the author was invested in Abigail, her main character. Surely to be able to write a person whose brain runs around in circles one would have to be a little that way oneself!
Personally I would love to meet Abi. She was intelligent, funny, caring and original. Someone very special. Her story was alternately funny and sad, and sometimes heartbreaking. I admit to tears especially the scene in the hospital when the man I really wanted her to be with turned up to hold her hand!
What else to say but that I loved the whole book and will be thinking about it for days. Jaclyn is one very talented author - just like her sisters!
Personally I would love to meet Abi. She was intelligent, funny, caring and original. Someone very special. Her story was alternately funny and sad, and sometimes heartbreaking. I admit to tears especially the scene in the hospital when the man I really wanted her to be with turned up to hold her hand!
What else to say but that I loved the whole book and will be thinking about it for days. Jaclyn is one very talented author - just like her sisters!
May 16, 2023
OH MY FRAGILE HEART.
So much love for this. SO MUCH.
When I was younger, I discovered Finding Cassie Crazy. I didn't even realise it was a second book in a series. I just fell instantly in love. It was so witty and light and fun but it had real talk, too, and made you think long and hard about important things.
I loved this for all the same reasons and more. It was so incredibly relevant, despite featuring a single mum. I normally feel distanced from stories told by mothers but not so with this one. Because it's a story about life and how, sometimes, it kinda just happens to you without you getting to have much say.
I don't really want to say too much more, other than that it's beautifully written, and quirky, and disjointed, but somehow so seamless, so elegant and graceful and light. There's true substance but it's not oppressive; it lifts you slowly and lowers you gently.
An absolutely stunning read that left me with a lot to think about, and reaffirmed my admiration for this author. Can't wait to read what she writes next.
So much love for this. SO MUCH.
When I was younger, I discovered Finding Cassie Crazy. I didn't even realise it was a second book in a series. I just fell instantly in love. It was so witty and light and fun but it had real talk, too, and made you think long and hard about important things.
I loved this for all the same reasons and more. It was so incredibly relevant, despite featuring a single mum. I normally feel distanced from stories told by mothers but not so with this one. Because it's a story about life and how, sometimes, it kinda just happens to you without you getting to have much say.
I don't really want to say too much more, other than that it's beautifully written, and quirky, and disjointed, but somehow so seamless, so elegant and graceful and light. There's true substance but it's not oppressive; it lifts you slowly and lowers you gently.
An absolutely stunning read that left me with a lot to think about, and reaffirmed my admiration for this author. Can't wait to read what she writes next.
June 30, 2019
There is such a feeling of lightness and sense of joy in this book that it's impossible not to feel uplifted by it. Moriarty's writing style is light and breezy, funny but also heartbreaking at the same time, and the characters are wholly original. It felt like such a unusual premise for a novel, that a random selection of young people have been selected to receive regular mailings of chapters of a self-help guide for twenty years, but somehow it works.
Abi Sorensen received her letter asking if she would like to receive chapters of the Guidebook, shortly before her brother Robert disappeared on the day before her sixteenth birthday. In her mind, the two events are linked and she's never got over the grief of not knowing what happened to her brother and has kept receiving the chapters year after year. So when she receives an invitation to attend a retreat to hear the truth about the Guidebook she decides to go, leaving her mother babysitting her four year old son.
At the time of the retreat Abi's life revolved around her young son and her wonderfully named Happiness Cafe (who wouldn't want to go there?), a single mother (after separating from her duplicitous husband), without any time for dating or a social life. It was therefore lovely to watch her life and spirit lift as she made new friends through the Guidebook and learns to embrace life. A lovely feel-good book with a heart-wrenching mystery which makes for very compelling reading. 4.5★
With many thanks to Good Reading and Pan Macmillan Australia for a copy of this book to read
Abi Sorensen received her letter asking if she would like to receive chapters of the Guidebook, shortly before her brother Robert disappeared on the day before her sixteenth birthday. In her mind, the two events are linked and she's never got over the grief of not knowing what happened to her brother and has kept receiving the chapters year after year. So when she receives an invitation to attend a retreat to hear the truth about the Guidebook she decides to go, leaving her mother babysitting her four year old son.
At the time of the retreat Abi's life revolved around her young son and her wonderfully named Happiness Cafe (who wouldn't want to go there?), a single mother (after separating from her duplicitous husband), without any time for dating or a social life. It was therefore lovely to watch her life and spirit lift as she made new friends through the Guidebook and learns to embrace life. A lovely feel-good book with a heart-wrenching mystery which makes for very compelling reading. 4.5★
With many thanks to Good Reading and Pan Macmillan Australia for a copy of this book to read
January 2, 2020
This is the story of Abigail Sorenson, 35 years old, mother of Oscar, former lawyer and now the owner of The Happiness Cafe which only serves food that releases serotonins. My kind of cafe. She gets an invitation to an all expenses paid retreat on an island in the Bass Strait where she will learn the truth about chapters of a self help guide books she has been receiving since she was 15. Free holiday? Yes please. So off she pops. There she meets a disparate group of people including Niall who she has a brief relationship with and Wilbur who is running the retreat. They do some weird activities to ‘find the balance’ and ‘learn to fly’. Yes, indeed. At this point I confess I nearly gave up but I have a defiant nature and so I kept going and although there are some parts I did not particularly enjoy there are others where I definitely did, in particular the concept of learning to flying. Part of the story deals with the loss of Abi’s brother Rob (15) who had just had a a diagnosis of MS. Despite a police search no trace of him is found which clearly has a devastating effect on Abi and her very likeable parents. Although these two aspects seem unconnected the ‘learning to fly’ helps Abi accept the loss.
The book has some very likeable characters especially Abi who is funny, easy going, quirky and very caring. Oscar, her son is utterly delightful and I love his expressions. There are some funny sections and some good descriptions of people and place. However, a lot gets lost in over detail and there is some repetition as the story goes backwards and forwards in time. I like the end where Abi sees that she can overcome her fears and learn to fly, that there is hope, that friendship is paramount and you can fulfil your dreams.
Overall, an ok read, interesting in places with a thoughtful premise but I’m not sure that it is a book I will remember for long.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for the ARC. Publication on 2/1/20.
The book has some very likeable characters especially Abi who is funny, easy going, quirky and very caring. Oscar, her son is utterly delightful and I love his expressions. There are some funny sections and some good descriptions of people and place. However, a lot gets lost in over detail and there is some repetition as the story goes backwards and forwards in time. I like the end where Abi sees that she can overcome her fears and learn to fly, that there is hope, that friendship is paramount and you can fulfil your dreams.
Overall, an ok read, interesting in places with a thoughtful premise but I’m not sure that it is a book I will remember for long.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Books for the ARC. Publication on 2/1/20.
July 5, 2019
4.5
The thing is this novel enthralled and surprised me in unexpected ways.
Gravity Is The Thing (love the title) is about many things, beautifully pulled together in this first adult novel from Jaclyn Moriarty.
Abigail Sorensen began receiving the "Guidebook" twenty years prior, the year her fifteen-year-old brother, Robert, disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again.
Abi's now a thirty-six-year-old single mother of a boy and the part-owner of the Happiness Cafe in Sydney.
Her life revolves around her child and work.
She gets an opportunity to attend a free retreat organised by the son of the people who had been sending the Guidebook. There she meets a mix of people, although only a few of them will be chosen to attend a special seminar back in Sydney. Is that some kind of pyramid scheme, a cult?
This novel is about finding your way and moving on when grief, heartbreak over a failed marriage and the day-to-day struggles seem to cage you.
Despite the above, the tone of the novel is very light, with some amusing episodes.
I had a good chuckle at Abi's analysis of many very popular self-help books, such as The Secret, The Celestine Profecy, He's Just Not That Into You to name just a few.
I'm not doing this novel justice, so I'll just sum it up by saying that it was surprising, intelligent, relatable, touching, uplifting and I loved every minute of the twelve hours plus I spent in its company.
I hope Jaclyn Moriarty will write more novels for grown-ups. She's got a fan in me.
A huge shout out to Aimee Horne who was absolutely magnificent.
So now I've read novels by all the Moriarty sisters, who write books (three out of five are published writers). They're a talented bunch.
The thing is this novel enthralled and surprised me in unexpected ways.
Gravity Is The Thing (love the title) is about many things, beautifully pulled together in this first adult novel from Jaclyn Moriarty.
Abigail Sorensen began receiving the "Guidebook" twenty years prior, the year her fifteen-year-old brother, Robert, disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again.
Abi's now a thirty-six-year-old single mother of a boy and the part-owner of the Happiness Cafe in Sydney.
Her life revolves around her child and work.
She gets an opportunity to attend a free retreat organised by the son of the people who had been sending the Guidebook. There she meets a mix of people, although only a few of them will be chosen to attend a special seminar back in Sydney. Is that some kind of pyramid scheme, a cult?
This novel is about finding your way and moving on when grief, heartbreak over a failed marriage and the day-to-day struggles seem to cage you.
Despite the above, the tone of the novel is very light, with some amusing episodes.
I had a good chuckle at Abi's analysis of many very popular self-help books, such as The Secret, The Celestine Profecy, He's Just Not That Into You to name just a few.
I'm not doing this novel justice, so I'll just sum it up by saying that it was surprising, intelligent, relatable, touching, uplifting and I loved every minute of the twelve hours plus I spent in its company.
I hope Jaclyn Moriarty will write more novels for grown-ups. She's got a fan in me.
A huge shout out to Aimee Horne who was absolutely magnificent.
So now I've read novels by all the Moriarty sisters, who write books (three out of five are published writers). They're a talented bunch.
August 28, 2019
3.5 STARS.
When I started this book, I thought, Wow, I’m really going to love this book.....
But then, it petered off for me:(
We meet Abi, who has been receiving “The Guidebook” in the mail for 20 years. In fact, she started receiving them the day her brother, Robert, disappeared. Each month she received a new chapter for her to ponder and do activities. She has been invited to a retreat, all expenses paid, by the son, Wilbur, of the originators of “The Guidebook” From there, she joins Wilbur’s weekly group.
I really loved the character of Abi- she is a single Mom who lost her brother when he disappeared and then lost her husband through divorce. (Not a spoiler) . She was such a likeable messed up soul. My favourite parts of the book were the back stories of Abi’s life. Her time with the “group”, as they learn the principles of gravity and flight I found to be tedious.
This book is ultimately about how to live life. Abi spends a lot of time reading self help books and analyzing herself and her life. There is definitely some poking fun at all these types of books.
I do feel that the last 60 pages elevated the book for me. I loved how the author brought it all together.
So, overall, a good book that required patience on my part. This book has been loved by many readers and I must admit, I tend to feel guilty when I don’t feel the same way. So read it and please and decide for yourselves!
A line I loved:
“Headlights flared through the window, flaring in my chest, and I understood why Emily Dickinson’s poetry is so terse. It hurts too much to carry on. You keep coming up against the sharp, you need a break, a fence. Niall’s silence, like Robert’s, grew from reprimand to something more like punishment, a scourging.”
When I started this book, I thought, Wow, I’m really going to love this book.....
But then, it petered off for me:(
We meet Abi, who has been receiving “The Guidebook” in the mail for 20 years. In fact, she started receiving them the day her brother, Robert, disappeared. Each month she received a new chapter for her to ponder and do activities. She has been invited to a retreat, all expenses paid, by the son, Wilbur, of the originators of “The Guidebook” From there, she joins Wilbur’s weekly group.
I really loved the character of Abi- she is a single Mom who lost her brother when he disappeared and then lost her husband through divorce. (Not a spoiler) . She was such a likeable messed up soul. My favourite parts of the book were the back stories of Abi’s life. Her time with the “group”, as they learn the principles of gravity and flight I found to be tedious.
This book is ultimately about how to live life. Abi spends a lot of time reading self help books and analyzing herself and her life. There is definitely some poking fun at all these types of books.
I do feel that the last 60 pages elevated the book for me. I loved how the author brought it all together.
So, overall, a good book that required patience on my part. This book has been loved by many readers and I must admit, I tend to feel guilty when I don’t feel the same way. So read it and please and decide for yourselves!
A line I loved:
“Headlights flared through the window, flaring in my chest, and I understood why Emily Dickinson’s poetry is so terse. It hurts too much to carry on. You keep coming up against the sharp, you need a break, a fence. Niall’s silence, like Robert’s, grew from reprimand to something more like punishment, a scourging.”
July 14, 2019
4+ stars
What a lovely, lovely novel!
Well, I need to back up. The first 10% seemed completely hokey, but then the story shifts and the beginning made sense and I fell in love with this novel and its narrator and I gobbled it up. The story is told by Abi, who at 37 is a single mother with more than her share of sadness in her past. But since she was 16 years old, she had been receiving unsolicited chapters of a quirky self help book in the mail. Now, she is called to attend a reunion of all the other people who had been receiving chapters from the book. Hokey, see! But there's far more to the story than this unpromising beginning. Abi is funny, sad and introspective, and the whole story is written from her lovely point of view. The beginning of Abi's sadness was the disappearance of her brother when she turned 16, which is a mystery and ache than permeate the whole novel. And the puzzling chapters and their provenance morph into a lovely subplot of human connections. I'm trying to say enough without saying much because this is a lovely reading experience to be savoured as you go. This novel is human, philosophical, sad and funny -- but it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Thanks to Goodreads friend Bianca for bringing this one to my attention. And thanks for Edelweiss for giving me access to an advance copy.
What a lovely, lovely novel!
Well, I need to back up. The first 10% seemed completely hokey, but then the story shifts and the beginning made sense and I fell in love with this novel and its narrator and I gobbled it up. The story is told by Abi, who at 37 is a single mother with more than her share of sadness in her past. But since she was 16 years old, she had been receiving unsolicited chapters of a quirky self help book in the mail. Now, she is called to attend a reunion of all the other people who had been receiving chapters from the book. Hokey, see! But there's far more to the story than this unpromising beginning. Abi is funny, sad and introspective, and the whole story is written from her lovely point of view. The beginning of Abi's sadness was the disappearance of her brother when she turned 16, which is a mystery and ache than permeate the whole novel. And the puzzling chapters and their provenance morph into a lovely subplot of human connections. I'm trying to say enough without saying much because this is a lovely reading experience to be savoured as you go. This novel is human, philosophical, sad and funny -- but it doesn't take itself too seriously.
Thanks to Goodreads friend Bianca for bringing this one to my attention. And thanks for Edelweiss for giving me access to an advance copy.
August 4, 2019
“Life! Honestly! It’s just a series of rebukes from the universe for judgmental thoughts.”
“My impressionistic glances might be more like impressionistic, long, unnerving stares.”
Much of Jaclyn Moriarty’s novel, “Gravity Is The Thing”, is full of impressionistic glances. Moriarty’s main character, Abi, even informs the reader that she’s using the technique that she picked up in a creative writing workshop. It works well in this quirky and at times zany novel.
Yet within the humor lies human heartbreak. Abi is a very relatable character. Abi is a young adult, going through a period of finding happiness and relevancy. Additionally, Abi is tyring to make sense of her personal tragedies and traumas. Those events, by definition, are painful; yet Moriarty finds whacky ways for Abi to grow.
Abi’s life has been defined by her brother Robert’s disappearance on her sixteenth birthday. They were emotionally close, being only eleven months apart. They celebrated being “twins” for one month a year. Abi’s birthday is always a big deal because she breaks the twin age. Robert’s disappearance weighs heavy on Abi through her life.
Abi goes on a retreat and meets a group of eccentric (and lovable) characters. Through meetings with this group, Abi eventually finds her way. Adding humor to the story, Moriarty pokes fun at the self-help genre of books. Abi tries all the theories, and believe me; you will recognize yourself in at least one of them.
This is a sweet and fun story with more depth than read at first glance. The impressionistic glances technique works well. I enjoyed this as an upbeat novel that provides the reader with faith in humanity.
“My impressionistic glances might be more like impressionistic, long, unnerving stares.”
Much of Jaclyn Moriarty’s novel, “Gravity Is The Thing”, is full of impressionistic glances. Moriarty’s main character, Abi, even informs the reader that she’s using the technique that she picked up in a creative writing workshop. It works well in this quirky and at times zany novel.
Yet within the humor lies human heartbreak. Abi is a very relatable character. Abi is a young adult, going through a period of finding happiness and relevancy. Additionally, Abi is tyring to make sense of her personal tragedies and traumas. Those events, by definition, are painful; yet Moriarty finds whacky ways for Abi to grow.
Abi’s life has been defined by her brother Robert’s disappearance on her sixteenth birthday. They were emotionally close, being only eleven months apart. They celebrated being “twins” for one month a year. Abi’s birthday is always a big deal because she breaks the twin age. Robert’s disappearance weighs heavy on Abi through her life.
Abi goes on a retreat and meets a group of eccentric (and lovable) characters. Through meetings with this group, Abi eventually finds her way. Adding humor to the story, Moriarty pokes fun at the self-help genre of books. Abi tries all the theories, and believe me; you will recognize yourself in at least one of them.
This is a sweet and fun story with more depth than read at first glance. The impressionistic glances technique works well. I enjoyed this as an upbeat novel that provides the reader with faith in humanity.
April 25, 2019
I loved every single thing about this and am bereft at its being over.
August 5, 2019
I’m not sure if I’m missing something with this or what, but I didn’t care for this book. It honestly didn’t make a lot of sense to me by the end. It was so disjointed, at times boring and very strangely written. I really wanted to like it, but the more I pushed through, the more I found myself disliking it.
June 21, 2019
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Abigail is a single mum trying to get on with her life and recognise her desire for love whilst bringing up her child, as best she can. Always doubting herself. Everyone she had loved had left her.
Abi’s mind was always running around in circles and it always came back to Robert’s disappearance.
The mystery of Robert’s disappearance compelled me on until I discovered the relevance of the Guidebook and then this became another part of the story I was intrigued by and eager to find out where and if the two plots would join.
Moriarty’s writing is clever, witty, calm, erratic, whimsical and chaotic changing as the writing reflects Abi’s moods. She breaks all the rules of writing and pulls it off beautifully.
Gravity is the Thing is a story that explores grief and loss and just trying to do your best. It’s about human connection, coincidences and fate. Moriarty is a keen observer of people and their foibles.
This is a thought provoking read that will definitely open up more contemplation on a second reading.
I liked the double meaning in the title, which becomes apparent as the story progresses.
Gravity is the thing that prevents us from flying, literally.
Gravity is the thing that prevents our spirit from flying and attaining happiness.
Moriarty has written a story that is tender and uniquely original.
To learn more about the author you can read my interview with Jaclyn Moriarty here
Abigail is a single mum trying to get on with her life and recognise her desire for love whilst bringing up her child, as best she can. Always doubting herself. Everyone she had loved had left her.
Abi’s mind was always running around in circles and it always came back to Robert’s disappearance.
The mystery of Robert’s disappearance compelled me on until I discovered the relevance of the Guidebook and then this became another part of the story I was intrigued by and eager to find out where and if the two plots would join.
Moriarty’s writing is clever, witty, calm, erratic, whimsical and chaotic changing as the writing reflects Abi’s moods. She breaks all the rules of writing and pulls it off beautifully.
Gravity is the Thing is a story that explores grief and loss and just trying to do your best. It’s about human connection, coincidences and fate. Moriarty is a keen observer of people and their foibles.
This is a thought provoking read that will definitely open up more contemplation on a second reading.
I liked the double meaning in the title, which becomes apparent as the story progresses.
Gravity is the thing that prevents us from flying, literally.
Gravity is the thing that prevents our spirit from flying and attaining happiness.
Moriarty has written a story that is tender and uniquely original.
To learn more about the author you can read my interview with Jaclyn Moriarty here
March 11, 2019
Gravity Is The Thing has a unique premise at its core. The guidebook seems to me the only aspect that differentiates this story from others with the same situations. It's unique but not enough that I loved it. It's a slow start, and I never got much into the story. I could not connect with this story or the characters. It's kind of blah, and I wouldn't read it again. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2022
Gravity Is the Thing was an enjoyable, whimsical read, with a touch of romance and some solid underlying themes about how we can choose to live authentic lives. It was my first read of a book by Jaclyn Moriarty, though I have previously read and enjoyed fiction written by two of her similarly talented sisters.
The book follows a dual-timeline narrative structure, exploring the life of central protagonist, lawyer-turned-café proprietor Abigail Sorensen, in the present and in several flash-back vignettes set over the years since she was a teenager. The central thread is a mysterious self-help program Abi was invited to join just prior to her sixteenth birthday. The arrival of "The Guidebook" coincided with the sudden and unexplained disappearance of Abi's younger brother, Robert, and she has always conflated the two as being related.
In the present, Abi is invited to an all-expenses-paid retreat on a remote island in Bass Strait, with the promise that the truth behind the Guidebook will be revealed. Curious, keen for a short respite from sole parenting her delightful but demanding four-year-old Oscar, and remaining hopeful that she might discover a clue as to Robert's whereabouts, Abi sets off. What transpires is bizarre, to say the least, but introduces Abi to a varied group of fellow Guidebook alumni, all of whom are searching for something more in their lives. Their subsequent meetings back in Sydney provide an opportunity for escapism, wonder and personal discovery.
Interwoven with the present day narrative are chapters based around the annual reflections Abigail has sent to the Guidebook's originators over the years since she turned sixteen. Through these passages, we see Abigail's personal history unfold, and develop an increasing empathy and understanding for the challenges she faces in the present.
Moriarty writes with a lyrical and assured style - much of her dialogue and many wry reflections made by the central character had me laughing with delight, particularly Abi's exchanges with her innocent but perceptive young son. Abi herself is a sympathetic heroine, who faces many experiences and challenges with which readers will relate. The supporting cast of characters are quirky and interesting, with loveable foibles and struggles that create a wider sense of pathos in the story.
Gravity Is the Thing has been on my TBR for most of 2021, and I'm glad I've finally gotten around to reading it, providing as it did a lovely sense of escapism and perspective during the dark days of the Covid-19 resurgence in Australia.
The book follows a dual-timeline narrative structure, exploring the life of central protagonist, lawyer-turned-café proprietor Abigail Sorensen, in the present and in several flash-back vignettes set over the years since she was a teenager. The central thread is a mysterious self-help program Abi was invited to join just prior to her sixteenth birthday. The arrival of "The Guidebook" coincided with the sudden and unexplained disappearance of Abi's younger brother, Robert, and she has always conflated the two as being related.
In the present, Abi is invited to an all-expenses-paid retreat on a remote island in Bass Strait, with the promise that the truth behind the Guidebook will be revealed. Curious, keen for a short respite from sole parenting her delightful but demanding four-year-old Oscar, and remaining hopeful that she might discover a clue as to Robert's whereabouts, Abi sets off. What transpires is bizarre, to say the least, but introduces Abi to a varied group of fellow Guidebook alumni, all of whom are searching for something more in their lives. Their subsequent meetings back in Sydney provide an opportunity for escapism, wonder and personal discovery.
Interwoven with the present day narrative are chapters based around the annual reflections Abigail has sent to the Guidebook's originators over the years since she turned sixteen. Through these passages, we see Abigail's personal history unfold, and develop an increasing empathy and understanding for the challenges she faces in the present.
Moriarty writes with a lyrical and assured style - much of her dialogue and many wry reflections made by the central character had me laughing with delight, particularly Abi's exchanges with her innocent but perceptive young son. Abi herself is a sympathetic heroine, who faces many experiences and challenges with which readers will relate. The supporting cast of characters are quirky and interesting, with loveable foibles and struggles that create a wider sense of pathos in the story.
Gravity Is the Thing has been on my TBR for most of 2021, and I'm glad I've finally gotten around to reading it, providing as it did a lovely sense of escapism and perspective during the dark days of the Covid-19 resurgence in Australia.
November 21, 2019
I honestly don’t even know how to begin talking about this book. I have so many thoughts about it, totally disjointed, and the idea of structuring them into something readable is daunting. I was unsure of this book at first, but after a while I was falling more in love with it with every passing chapter.
From the beginning, you as a reader can honestly not tell where this book is heading. Not at all. After a mysterious letter leads a group of seemingly unconnected people to a retreat, where a select few will learn the secrets of human flight, how much do you utilise the suspension of disbelief? After all, none of the people there believe in what they’re studying, so why should you. But there is always a tiny hint of “but, what if?” hiding in the background.
So yes, this book is about the theory of human flight. But god, it’s about so much more than that.
Light-hearted ridiculousness has been perfectly balanced by Moriarty with gut-punching devastation. When this book hits hard, it hits hard. Abigail, the narrator, has a tone similar to that of characters such as Kimmy Schmidt and Eleanor Oliphant – and the almost naive outlook that these characters share is mirrored also in the trauma under the surface.
The exploration of self-help books is a potent theme throughout the story. “The Guidebook”, non-chronological chapters of which Abigail had been receiving through the post since she was a teenager, is what draws the key group of characters together, after all. The outlandishness of the book’s purpose – to teach humans how to soar through the sky like birds – lends to the satirical nature of this exploration. And yet, the story also feels – to me, at least – like a kind of homage, too. A cautious one. Via The Guidebook and various other self-help books, and also via her critique of them, Abigail goes on a journey of self-discovery throughout the story.
The final few chapters were so painfully honest, and one scene especially had me particularly choked up with its naked depiction of emotions, long-buried, suddenly surfacing in the most brutal way.
Summing up this book is impossible, but to me the most striking theme is the exploration of past trauma – particularly trauma that has not had its closure.
I definitely recommend this book, regardless of whether talks of “human flight” and “self-help” have put you off. Go into it with an open mind, because it will take you on a journey.
From the beginning, you as a reader can honestly not tell where this book is heading. Not at all. After a mysterious letter leads a group of seemingly unconnected people to a retreat, where a select few will learn the secrets of human flight, how much do you utilise the suspension of disbelief? After all, none of the people there believe in what they’re studying, so why should you. But there is always a tiny hint of “but, what if?” hiding in the background.
So yes, this book is about the theory of human flight. But god, it’s about so much more than that.
Light-hearted ridiculousness has been perfectly balanced by Moriarty with gut-punching devastation. When this book hits hard, it hits hard. Abigail, the narrator, has a tone similar to that of characters such as Kimmy Schmidt and Eleanor Oliphant – and the almost naive outlook that these characters share is mirrored also in the trauma under the surface.
The exploration of self-help books is a potent theme throughout the story. “The Guidebook”, non-chronological chapters of which Abigail had been receiving through the post since she was a teenager, is what draws the key group of characters together, after all. The outlandishness of the book’s purpose – to teach humans how to soar through the sky like birds – lends to the satirical nature of this exploration. And yet, the story also feels – to me, at least – like a kind of homage, too. A cautious one. Via The Guidebook and various other self-help books, and also via her critique of them, Abigail goes on a journey of self-discovery throughout the story.
The final few chapters were so painfully honest, and one scene especially had me particularly choked up with its naked depiction of emotions, long-buried, suddenly surfacing in the most brutal way.
Summing up this book is impossible, but to me the most striking theme is the exploration of past trauma – particularly trauma that has not had its closure.
I definitely recommend this book, regardless of whether talks of “human flight” and “self-help” have put you off. Go into it with an open mind, because it will take you on a journey.
April 2, 2019
What an unexpected joy this novel turned out to be. I went into it fairly blind as to the plot and not at all familiar with the writing of Jaclyn Moriarty. But there were plenty of cover quotes telling me how astonishing, extraordinary, beautiful, uplifting, unique and wonderful that this novel was. And it really was. All of that and more. It’s heartbreakingly honest and beautifully life-affirming. I loved it so much that it’s become one of my favourite reads ever. Yes, ever. That’s how much I loved it.
“I don’t want a man to save me; I am happy with myself. Only, this longing for physical contact is real, a shape with dimension, and it’s all on a continuum with longing for closeness, for friendship, connection, for love. It’s a yearning that reaches back to lost best friends, lost brothers, lost birthdays, lost birthday wishes.”
I really enjoyed the way Jaclyn Moriarty writes. She makes full use of style and punctuation within her narrative. Italics for emphasis and plenty of exclamation points for tone and wit. It’s very clever and not in any way overdone. You really get a true sense of not only what a person is saying but how they’re saying it, allowing for a lot of reading between the lines. The same applies to all of Abigail’s internal dialogue, which was very amusing, and highly relatable. The chapter lengths are also used really well, some being only a sentence long, making their point with short impact, while others are quite in-depth, offering key moments of backstory. With extracts from “The Guidebook” and key reflections on Abigail’s life, this novel is arranged brilliantly, like a quilt with its pieces being stitched together, a little hodge-podge at times until all of sudden you realise that there’s nothing random going on here at all. And it’s funny. So funny, with a sharply clever wit.
“There were two important things about the approaching year 2000: first, the pressure that the artist formerly known as Prince had placed on us by defining the ultimate party as that which takes place on the last day of 1999; and second, the fact that the world was going to be wiped out by the millennium bug (presumably while throwing Prince’s party).”
There are so many themes running through this novel that readers can relate to, and Jaclyn writes with such empathy, that it becomes virtually impossible to not feel everything that Abigail is feeling; she really does put the reader into her main character’s shoes. Loss is examined within many contexts within this novel, and I was struck by how defining a missing family member can be on your life. That absence of closure is such a weight to bear, manifesting itself in so many ‘what ifs’ that all lead to the same road of blaming yourself for things you said or didn’t say, things you could have done differently. I appreciated how Abigail highlighted the ways in which she had not been able to grieve for both her brother and the loss of her husband, because both of these losses were out of the range of ‘normal’. Likening this to Wilbur’s loss and experiences of grief was profound. Poor old Wilbur, trying his hardest to honour his parent’s legacy despite the absurdity of it. He really was a special guy and I liked him a lot. Much of this story is about human connection and there are some excellent scenes where this is demonstrated. I especially loved a scene towards the end that is the very definition of kindness to a stranger in action. It kind of made me want to jump up and clap while grabbing for the tissues – actually, the whole novel kind of made me want to do that!
“I studied his smile and I saw that two unstable people had built a gossamer house and left it to their son, who had got to work plastering the walls with his own loss. These classes had been built on bewilderment: our own, Wilbur’s parents, Wilbur’s.”
There’s just so much to enjoy within this novel, even when it’s being sad and making you cry! Sometimes it made me laugh while I still had the sad tears raining down my face, and that’s a special kind of novel that can do that. I have deliberately avoided commenting on the plot here because this is one novel you just want to experience without spoilers; less is best, in this case. But I urge everyone to read it, no matter what genre you usually prefer, as this is one novel that has universal appeal, one of those brilliant rare ones that I will quite happily recommend to all.
Thanks is extended to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a copy of Gravity is the Thing for review.
“I don’t want a man to save me; I am happy with myself. Only, this longing for physical contact is real, a shape with dimension, and it’s all on a continuum with longing for closeness, for friendship, connection, for love. It’s a yearning that reaches back to lost best friends, lost brothers, lost birthdays, lost birthday wishes.”
I really enjoyed the way Jaclyn Moriarty writes. She makes full use of style and punctuation within her narrative. Italics for emphasis and plenty of exclamation points for tone and wit. It’s very clever and not in any way overdone. You really get a true sense of not only what a person is saying but how they’re saying it, allowing for a lot of reading between the lines. The same applies to all of Abigail’s internal dialogue, which was very amusing, and highly relatable. The chapter lengths are also used really well, some being only a sentence long, making their point with short impact, while others are quite in-depth, offering key moments of backstory. With extracts from “The Guidebook” and key reflections on Abigail’s life, this novel is arranged brilliantly, like a quilt with its pieces being stitched together, a little hodge-podge at times until all of sudden you realise that there’s nothing random going on here at all. And it’s funny. So funny, with a sharply clever wit.
“There were two important things about the approaching year 2000: first, the pressure that the artist formerly known as Prince had placed on us by defining the ultimate party as that which takes place on the last day of 1999; and second, the fact that the world was going to be wiped out by the millennium bug (presumably while throwing Prince’s party).”
There are so many themes running through this novel that readers can relate to, and Jaclyn writes with such empathy, that it becomes virtually impossible to not feel everything that Abigail is feeling; she really does put the reader into her main character’s shoes. Loss is examined within many contexts within this novel, and I was struck by how defining a missing family member can be on your life. That absence of closure is such a weight to bear, manifesting itself in so many ‘what ifs’ that all lead to the same road of blaming yourself for things you said or didn’t say, things you could have done differently. I appreciated how Abigail highlighted the ways in which she had not been able to grieve for both her brother and the loss of her husband, because both of these losses were out of the range of ‘normal’. Likening this to Wilbur’s loss and experiences of grief was profound. Poor old Wilbur, trying his hardest to honour his parent’s legacy despite the absurdity of it. He really was a special guy and I liked him a lot. Much of this story is about human connection and there are some excellent scenes where this is demonstrated. I especially loved a scene towards the end that is the very definition of kindness to a stranger in action. It kind of made me want to jump up and clap while grabbing for the tissues – actually, the whole novel kind of made me want to do that!
“I studied his smile and I saw that two unstable people had built a gossamer house and left it to their son, who had got to work plastering the walls with his own loss. These classes had been built on bewilderment: our own, Wilbur’s parents, Wilbur’s.”
There’s just so much to enjoy within this novel, even when it’s being sad and making you cry! Sometimes it made me laugh while I still had the sad tears raining down my face, and that’s a special kind of novel that can do that. I have deliberately avoided commenting on the plot here because this is one novel you just want to experience without spoilers; less is best, in this case. But I urge everyone to read it, no matter what genre you usually prefer, as this is one novel that has universal appeal, one of those brilliant rare ones that I will quite happily recommend to all.
Thanks is extended to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a copy of Gravity is the Thing for review.
February 12, 2020
It sounded promising, but in the end was not my cup of tea. I enjoyed the more conventional aspects of the story, and even thought the idea of having a self-help book anchoring the story worked quite well. What let it down for me was the secret. Get rid of that, tone down the whimsy, and there you have a good book.
May 23, 2020
Honestly I would pay to read Jaclyn Moriarty’s shopping lists. She is such a beautiful, insightful writer and I love reading her work. This book was no exception. The story was so captivating, the mysterious Guidebook, the missing brother, Abi’s son and ex-husband. There was so much to be unravelled and it all came together in such an interesting, heartbreaking way.
One thing that really struck me was how well she captured the reality of having a four year old. Every conversation between Abi and her son made me wonder if the author had been eavesdropping on me and my daughter. The descriptions of the questions, the frustrations, the games Abi didn’t want to play, the utter and complete love in the face of all this, it was so perfect.
One thing that really struck me was how well she captured the reality of having a four year old. Every conversation between Abi and her son made me wonder if the author had been eavesdropping on me and my daughter. The descriptions of the questions, the frustrations, the games Abi didn’t want to play, the utter and complete love in the face of all this, it was so perfect.
May 1, 2019
I don't list things I am grateful for in life but if I did, 'the whimsical prose of Jaclyn Moriarty' would be one of them.
December 28, 2019
Abigail and Robert siblings of free thinking parents who seem to be like many parents of today who have no boundaries for their children. As a teacher friend explained no discipline in the household makes for a difficult classroom, children already centred only on themselves. As is Abigail, which is obvious throughout the book. The disappearance of her teenage brother remains unresolved, the parent's marriage is shattered and Abigail understandably mentally imagines seeing him from all possible situations. She marries after successfully achieving a legal degree, but really is not ready for marriage with the shadow of the brother still lingering. The marriage fails, a one night stand results in Oscar for which Abigail is really not ready for this responsibility and fails, which the author describes well. In the meantime, beginning about the time of Robert's disappearance strange little Guidebooks arrive initially as presumed by Abigail only for her. Little challenges are given to the recipient to complete and to return to the sender. Out of the blue an invitation is received to discover the Truth of the Guidebooks. Abigail joins the group and along with the instructor Wilbur, embarks on an unusual course of peculiar activities. In the end turn of events and with a connection to the Guidebooks, the truth of Robert's disappearance is sadly revealed, however it brings closure to the family and allows Abigail to finally grieve for the loss of her brother.
July 25, 2019
4.5 stars
What an achingly beautiful story. So much truth about love, loss, and everyday life. Push through some of the oddness of the plot and reach in to discover the real truth--that we need each other through the mundane, the exciting, the mysterious, the difficulties, and the joy. Many, many tears were shed while reading this novel, especially in the last chapters.
This book is both surprising, and yet so comfortable. There's a central mystery (that does indeed get solved, for those of you who, like me, need closure for things like that), but although that is a thread that is woven throughout the tale, it's not really the most important thing, that would be Abi's (and the reader's) journeys to make sense of things when they don't make sense.
Because even if you try to get it all right, you'll miss something important in life. Yet, sometimes it's those misses and confusing things that are exactly the right thing that you find you desperately need.
This is Moriarty's first adult novel and I look forward to reading another by her in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
What an achingly beautiful story. So much truth about love, loss, and everyday life. Push through some of the oddness of the plot and reach in to discover the real truth--that we need each other through the mundane, the exciting, the mysterious, the difficulties, and the joy. Many, many tears were shed while reading this novel, especially in the last chapters.
This book is both surprising, and yet so comfortable. There's a central mystery (that does indeed get solved, for those of you who, like me, need closure for things like that), but although that is a thread that is woven throughout the tale, it's not really the most important thing, that would be Abi's (and the reader's) journeys to make sense of things when they don't make sense.
Because even if you try to get it all right, you'll miss something important in life. Yet, sometimes it's those misses and confusing things that are exactly the right thing that you find you desperately need.
This is Moriarty's first adult novel and I look forward to reading another by her in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 22, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
With one adult fiction book and eight young adult titles to her name, Jaclyn Moriarty has released her latest contemporary fiction novel, Gravity is the Thing, to great critical acclaim. With a front cover endorsement from Marian Keyes, declaring Gravity is the Thing as, ‘Astonishing wonderful’, my interest was definitely tweaked. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover.
Gravity is the Thing relays the tale of Abigail Sorensen, a woman who suffered from a life altering event in her teens, which has never really left her side. Linked to Abigail’s story is the presence of a self help book, titled The Guidebook. With chapters of this book turning up ever since Abigail’s brother disappeared, Abigail can’t help but think the two are connected in some way. Now, many years after the disappearance of her brother and the appearance of The Guidebook, an opportunity comes Abigail’s way. Abigail is sent on a journey to learn more about the mysterious book and perhaps a missing piece of the puzzle to her brother’s disappearance. Readers will find Abigail’s journey a quietly surprising and soulful experience.
Although I am familiar with Jaclyn Moriarty by name, I haven’t investigated her work until now. I was intrigued enough by the blurb and cover of Gravity is the Thing. I sat down to read Gravity is the Thing over the weekend and the pages, as well as the time literally flew by. I was utterly absorbed!
It is hard to shelve this book in a category. I would say Gravity is the Thing falls into the category of the most recent resurgence of up-lit, heart-warming fiction or life lit style, with a whiff of mystery. I have really come to appreciate these books and the relevancy they have to our lives. I am confident readers will find some semblance in the experiences of Abigail, Moriarty’s lead protagonist. Moriarty also tackles some resonating themes in this novel, from choices, illness, loss, grief, hope, single parenthood, relationships, friendships, family, life goals and fulfilment. Each is touched gently by the careful and tender words of Jaclyn Moriarty. I think the segment of the story that left the strongest impression on me was the loss of a sibling, so young, in such bewildering circumstances. The case presented in Gravity is the Thing offers with no set answers, or firm goodbyes.
‘I’ve said goodbye a hundred times, a thousand, yet I’m always on this carousel, turning and turning, and he’ll always be there, my brother Robert, always there, and always gone.’
Abigail, Moriarty’s lead, and her experiences really touched my soul. It is hard not to develop a sense of attachment to Abigail. As a mother of young children myself, I was able to sympathise with Abigail greatly and I wanted her to find what she was looking for. Abigail’s journey is just magnificent to follow, filled with plenty of startling, sad, happy and contemplative moments. There is also a heart-warming ensemble cast, from Abigail’s family, to dear Wilbur. I was impressed with Moriarty’s characterisation, many of these characters will be hard to forget.
I really loved the mystery side of Gravity is the Thing, for me, it was the primary reason why I couldn’t put this book down. The mystery is structured really well and the final outcome surprised me. The narrative layout implores you to keep reading the book and it pulls you right in. There are short chapters and longer chapters, defined by present day happenings and flashbacks. I was a little unsure as to how it would all pan out, but I placed my faith in Moriarty and it paid off.
Gravity is the Thing was a book that left me with plenty to ponder on. The combination of Moriarty’s unique wit, embracing prose and authentic characters made this novel a book I have no hesitation in backing. Jaclyn Moriarty has a new fan!
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Gravity is the Thing is book #53 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge .
With one adult fiction book and eight young adult titles to her name, Jaclyn Moriarty has released her latest contemporary fiction novel, Gravity is the Thing, to great critical acclaim. With a front cover endorsement from Marian Keyes, declaring Gravity is the Thing as, ‘Astonishing wonderful’, my interest was definitely tweaked. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover.
Gravity is the Thing relays the tale of Abigail Sorensen, a woman who suffered from a life altering event in her teens, which has never really left her side. Linked to Abigail’s story is the presence of a self help book, titled The Guidebook. With chapters of this book turning up ever since Abigail’s brother disappeared, Abigail can’t help but think the two are connected in some way. Now, many years after the disappearance of her brother and the appearance of The Guidebook, an opportunity comes Abigail’s way. Abigail is sent on a journey to learn more about the mysterious book and perhaps a missing piece of the puzzle to her brother’s disappearance. Readers will find Abigail’s journey a quietly surprising and soulful experience.
Although I am familiar with Jaclyn Moriarty by name, I haven’t investigated her work until now. I was intrigued enough by the blurb and cover of Gravity is the Thing. I sat down to read Gravity is the Thing over the weekend and the pages, as well as the time literally flew by. I was utterly absorbed!
It is hard to shelve this book in a category. I would say Gravity is the Thing falls into the category of the most recent resurgence of up-lit, heart-warming fiction or life lit style, with a whiff of mystery. I have really come to appreciate these books and the relevancy they have to our lives. I am confident readers will find some semblance in the experiences of Abigail, Moriarty’s lead protagonist. Moriarty also tackles some resonating themes in this novel, from choices, illness, loss, grief, hope, single parenthood, relationships, friendships, family, life goals and fulfilment. Each is touched gently by the careful and tender words of Jaclyn Moriarty. I think the segment of the story that left the strongest impression on me was the loss of a sibling, so young, in such bewildering circumstances. The case presented in Gravity is the Thing offers with no set answers, or firm goodbyes.
‘I’ve said goodbye a hundred times, a thousand, yet I’m always on this carousel, turning and turning, and he’ll always be there, my brother Robert, always there, and always gone.’
Abigail, Moriarty’s lead, and her experiences really touched my soul. It is hard not to develop a sense of attachment to Abigail. As a mother of young children myself, I was able to sympathise with Abigail greatly and I wanted her to find what she was looking for. Abigail’s journey is just magnificent to follow, filled with plenty of startling, sad, happy and contemplative moments. There is also a heart-warming ensemble cast, from Abigail’s family, to dear Wilbur. I was impressed with Moriarty’s characterisation, many of these characters will be hard to forget.
I really loved the mystery side of Gravity is the Thing, for me, it was the primary reason why I couldn’t put this book down. The mystery is structured really well and the final outcome surprised me. The narrative layout implores you to keep reading the book and it pulls you right in. There are short chapters and longer chapters, defined by present day happenings and flashbacks. I was a little unsure as to how it would all pan out, but I placed my faith in Moriarty and it paid off.
Gravity is the Thing was a book that left me with plenty to ponder on. The combination of Moriarty’s unique wit, embracing prose and authentic characters made this novel a book I have no hesitation in backing. Jaclyn Moriarty has a new fan!
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Gravity is the Thing is book #53 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge .
December 6, 2019
Quirky
I’d say the quirkiest book read this year
Well I say book but its more like a friends ramblings or thoughts shooting out left, right and centre and all revolves around Abigail
Abigail has been randomly receiving letters and quips and advice from a kinda self help couple for years, suddenly there is to be a meeting of all the people who have been receiving these letters
And the reason behind it
Which is totally bizarre
I really fell for Abigail in all her zany weirdness and hilarity and trust me she made me laugh, out loud, many times, hard to describe her but her musings, rants and off topic convo’s ‘with you’ are as disarming as they are brilliant!
The story moves forwards, backwards and wherever it fancies to be honest and we get to meet the other people in this ‘chosen group’ and what is happening and happened to them
Its a busy book with many larger than life characters all having ‘events’ thrust at them
There is a sadness throughout the book re Abigails missing brother Robert who disappears age 15 and the discovery of what exactly happened to him
Chaotic and irrelevant but manages not to offend, bolshy yet cute, many words to describe this bizarrely wonderful creative mad read 😃😃
9/10
5 Stars
I’d say the quirkiest book read this year
Well I say book but its more like a friends ramblings or thoughts shooting out left, right and centre and all revolves around Abigail
Abigail has been randomly receiving letters and quips and advice from a kinda self help couple for years, suddenly there is to be a meeting of all the people who have been receiving these letters
And the reason behind it
Which is totally bizarre
I really fell for Abigail in all her zany weirdness and hilarity and trust me she made me laugh, out loud, many times, hard to describe her but her musings, rants and off topic convo’s ‘with you’ are as disarming as they are brilliant!
The story moves forwards, backwards and wherever it fancies to be honest and we get to meet the other people in this ‘chosen group’ and what is happening and happened to them
Its a busy book with many larger than life characters all having ‘events’ thrust at them
There is a sadness throughout the book re Abigails missing brother Robert who disappears age 15 and the discovery of what exactly happened to him
Chaotic and irrelevant but manages not to offend, bolshy yet cute, many words to describe this bizarrely wonderful creative mad read 😃😃
9/10
5 Stars
May 4, 2020
DNF... Written like a grammar school child, I found it underwhelming in all respects and not worth going beyond the first 10 chapters.
July 7, 2019
We are introduced to Abigail Sorensen in 2010. She is a single mother of four year-old Oscar, owner of The Happiness Cafe and resident of Sydney, Australia. Life is not a thing to be taken too seriously by Abi.
Abi has a lot on her plate and one day she receives an invitation to an all-expenses-paid trip to an island to finally learn the “truth” about The Guidebook and its author. As a result of the trip, Abi spends the next year in a support group peeling away the layers of her life.
The Guidebook comes into Abi’s life in 1990 (out of the blue) at the same time her brother, Robert, disappears on the eve of her 16th birthday—never to be heard from again. Abi receives random, quirky chapters of the book periodically in the mail that include instructions, peculiar musings, and insights into Western philosophy. In anguish, Abi is convinced the two events are connected and her search for the truth about Robert’s disappearance is ensnared with her search for the truth about life and how one should live it.
Abi’s consciousness awakens to the realization that life is not only filled with, heartbreaks but also with the discovery of serendipity and magical thinking.
Initially, as I read this book I thought that Abi’s whimsical patter was immature, that when Robert disappeared, this tragedy stopped her emotional development. But as I moved deeper into the story, I found that this was only one of many layers to Abi’s makeup. Her deep-dive into the reading of popular self-help books and Socrates demonstrated Abi’s ability to educate and grow her emotional intelligence.
Gravity Is The Thing asks us “Is anything possible if we truly believe?” It is not, BUT there is the power of connection if we choose to acknowledge it.
Due for release July 23, 2019, Gravity Is The Thing will take readers on a heartrending and uplifting journey.
Thanks to Harper for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Abi has a lot on her plate and one day she receives an invitation to an all-expenses-paid trip to an island to finally learn the “truth” about The Guidebook and its author. As a result of the trip, Abi spends the next year in a support group peeling away the layers of her life.
The Guidebook comes into Abi’s life in 1990 (out of the blue) at the same time her brother, Robert, disappears on the eve of her 16th birthday—never to be heard from again. Abi receives random, quirky chapters of the book periodically in the mail that include instructions, peculiar musings, and insights into Western philosophy. In anguish, Abi is convinced the two events are connected and her search for the truth about Robert’s disappearance is ensnared with her search for the truth about life and how one should live it.
Abi’s consciousness awakens to the realization that life is not only filled with, heartbreaks but also with the discovery of serendipity and magical thinking.
Initially, as I read this book I thought that Abi’s whimsical patter was immature, that when Robert disappeared, this tragedy stopped her emotional development. But as I moved deeper into the story, I found that this was only one of many layers to Abi’s makeup. Her deep-dive into the reading of popular self-help books and Socrates demonstrated Abi’s ability to educate and grow her emotional intelligence.
Gravity Is The Thing asks us “Is anything possible if we truly believe?” It is not, BUT there is the power of connection if we choose to acknowledge it.
Due for release July 23, 2019, Gravity Is The Thing will take readers on a heartrending and uplifting journey.
Thanks to Harper for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2024
Now that I'm done reading this book, I'm honestly not sure how I feel about it. I think I wasn't a huge fan of the book, but there were parts that I liked about it. I would definitely recommend that people borrow this book instead of buying it. It's not going to be for everyone, so don't spend the money, especially if you have no intentions of keeping it after.
I liked Abigail's character. I thought she was really witty and funny. At times, it was a little odd, and her decisions were a little confusing, but overall, I felt like I could identify with her charming, awkward self. I also liked the tone of the ending. How everything ended up coming together and working out. It was a happy ending that I think people could get on board with for the most part. I also liked how we found out the fate of Robert. I was worried as I was reading that there would be no conclusion on that end.
However, through most of this book, I found myself stopping and thinking, "What on Earth am I reading???" I didn't understand the whole flying thing at all. When Abigail explains that she thinks it's a metaphor for letting go of different things in your life that bring you down, I was all for that explanation. I thought, "Yes, okay, then I can sort of see where The Guidebook and the flying lessons were going." But then at the end when everyone just started to friggin' fly, I was irritated that this bizarre idea came to life. No, people can't fly, Antony explained it when he said our bodies aren't designed to hold us up in the air. But there it is! Is this another metaphor? Did it mean something else happened, and it went completely over my head?
And why was Oscar so aggressive with his Mom? I mean, I know kids can be aggressive and all, but this kid slapped Abigail right across the face and said she deserved it? And she just doesn't say anything when he kicks her or hits her. I don't understand why she didn't say, you know, "ow...that hurts, don't do that, you little monster!" Okay, maybe not call him a monster, obviously, but say SOMETHING.
Even though I just said earlier that I liked that we learned the fate of Robert, I was kind of disappointed about how that went about. When I read the excerpt for this book, it sounded like a mystery about Abigail's brother's disappearance and her quest to find him. So then, when I started reading about flying lessons and self-improvement, I was worried I fell for the old bait-and-switch. That the author drew the reader in with the promise of a mysterious disappearance and then goes in a completely opposite direction. But then they finally do reveal what happened to Robert near the very end, and his fate is just as bizarre as the book itself! He decided to move to the North Pole to cure his MS and then broke into a cabin and ended up falling through a frozen lake and drowning? What? It's the perfect stupid idea for a young person to have, but I had gotten the impression that Robert was a little smarter than this and not as impulsive. He just drops his life and goes across the globe? I thought he and Abi had this super tight bond?
I apparently had a lot more to say about this book than I realized. Overall, I thought it was a light read that took a stab at personal growth and deeper meaning with metaphors that I didn't understand. If I take it at surface level, then it was a very silly book.
I liked Abigail's character. I thought she was really witty and funny. At times, it was a little odd, and her decisions were a little confusing, but overall, I felt like I could identify with her charming, awkward self. I also liked the tone of the ending. How everything ended up coming together and working out. It was a happy ending that I think people could get on board with for the most part. I also liked how we found out the fate of Robert. I was worried as I was reading that there would be no conclusion on that end.
However, through most of this book, I found myself stopping and thinking, "What on Earth am I reading???" I didn't understand the whole flying thing at all. When Abigail explains that she thinks it's a metaphor for letting go of different things in your life that bring you down, I was all for that explanation. I thought, "Yes, okay, then I can sort of see where The Guidebook and the flying lessons were going." But then at the end when everyone just started to friggin' fly, I was irritated that this bizarre idea came to life. No, people can't fly, Antony explained it when he said our bodies aren't designed to hold us up in the air. But there it is! Is this another metaphor? Did it mean something else happened, and it went completely over my head?
And why was Oscar so aggressive with his Mom? I mean, I know kids can be aggressive and all, but this kid slapped Abigail right across the face and said she deserved it? And she just doesn't say anything when he kicks her or hits her. I don't understand why she didn't say, you know, "ow...that hurts, don't do that, you little monster!" Okay, maybe not call him a monster, obviously, but say SOMETHING.
Even though I just said earlier that I liked that we learned the fate of Robert, I was kind of disappointed about how that went about. When I read the excerpt for this book, it sounded like a mystery about Abigail's brother's disappearance and her quest to find him. So then, when I started reading about flying lessons and self-improvement, I was worried I fell for the old bait-and-switch. That the author drew the reader in with the promise of a mysterious disappearance and then goes in a completely opposite direction. But then they finally do reveal what happened to Robert near the very end, and his fate is just as bizarre as the book itself! He decided to move to the North Pole to cure his MS and then broke into a cabin and ended up falling through a frozen lake and drowning? What? It's the perfect stupid idea for a young person to have, but I had gotten the impression that Robert was a little smarter than this and not as impulsive. He just drops his life and goes across the globe? I thought he and Abi had this super tight bond?
I apparently had a lot more to say about this book than I realized. Overall, I thought it was a light read that took a stab at personal growth and deeper meaning with metaphors that I didn't understand. If I take it at surface level, then it was a very silly book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2020
Abi Sorenson began receiving random chapters of The Guidebook, a self help manual, when she was sixteen. It was a pivotal time for her as her beloved brother Robert had disappeared the day before her birthday, leaving a deep void in her life. At times the The Guidebook seemed ridiculous, other times offering insight into the pain and uncertainty she was experiencing.
Now twenty years later, Abi is a single mom making a go of her Happiness Cafe, and raising her young son. When she is offered an all expenses paid weekend retreat where the secrets of The Guidebook are promised to be revealed, Abi makes plans to go. The weekend proves to be a disappointment, but it does lead Abi to a path of self discovery and new friendships.
Whimsical and imaginative. At times funny, at times sad, concluding with Abi realizing "Eventually, you will find the kindness to forgive your former self for hope, and for mistakes, and the courage to angle the anger in the right direction."
Now twenty years later, Abi is a single mom making a go of her Happiness Cafe, and raising her young son. When she is offered an all expenses paid weekend retreat where the secrets of The Guidebook are promised to be revealed, Abi makes plans to go. The weekend proves to be a disappointment, but it does lead Abi to a path of self discovery and new friendships.
Whimsical and imaginative. At times funny, at times sad, concluding with Abi realizing "Eventually, you will find the kindness to forgive your former self for hope, and for mistakes, and the courage to angle the anger in the right direction."
August 23, 2023
There is such a feeling of lightness and sense of joy in this book that it's impossible not to feel uplifted by it.
Moriarty's writing style is light and breezy, funny but also heartbreaking at the same time.
The characters are amazingly original.
This truly is a lovely feel-good book with a heart-wrenching mystery which makes for very compelling reading.
Moriarty's writing style is light and breezy, funny but also heartbreaking at the same time.
The characters are amazingly original.
This truly is a lovely feel-good book with a heart-wrenching mystery which makes for very compelling reading.
May 20, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced digital cooy of Gravity is the Thing by Jaclyn Moriarty in return for my honest review.
Gravity is the Thing has a very intriguing premise, but one that was lost in its execution. For years, Abi has mysteriously received in the mail chapters from The Guidebook, lessons and activities to navigate life. Abi relied on The Guidebook to uncover the mystery of her sixteen year old brother’s disappearance, convinced that he would return and that there was a connection between the two because the chapters started arriving on the day he disappeared. Flash forward, Abi is a single mother, divorced , and has received an invitation to a weekend retreat to learn the truth about The Guidebook. This was such a unique and engaging beginning. There was a cast of interesting characters with revealing back-stories. The novel tackled substantial issues, but with compassion, and in many ways this book was extraordinarily charming. I am very attracted to a quirky story. In fact, I search them out, but this novel takes quirky to a new level, sometimes to distraction. The story veered off in an odd direction, and too much time was spent there; after awhile it was all too much to absorb.
That being said, there were special moments that felt real and true. Oscar, Abi’s little boy, is spot on. I could have read about him forever. He was precious, loving, inquisitive and precocious, but also stubborn and demanding. The mother-son relationship was so recognizable, relatable and honest. Hats off to the author because these pages were brilliant. Abi’s loves for her son is palpable, and the reader falls in love with him too.
The disappearance of Abi’s brother and the effects it had on her and her family were also well done. The author captured the feelings of coping with such a loss over time and how the loss infiltrates all aspects of life. Although, the mystery was resolved, this reader found it improbable and unrealistic.
Abi’s marriage to Finn was another storyline that touched me. It was hopeful and loving, hurtful and messy. It was relatable and honest. It was these life moments, that the author portrayed incredibly realistically that reached me and connected me with the story.
I was glad I read the novel. I wish there had been more explanation of The Guidebook, why it was written, why specifically it was sent to certain children, and what it was trying to accomplish. This was the focal point of the novel, and yet there was too much left unexplained. 3 1/2 stars.
Gravity is the Thing has a very intriguing premise, but one that was lost in its execution. For years, Abi has mysteriously received in the mail chapters from The Guidebook, lessons and activities to navigate life. Abi relied on The Guidebook to uncover the mystery of her sixteen year old brother’s disappearance, convinced that he would return and that there was a connection between the two because the chapters started arriving on the day he disappeared. Flash forward, Abi is a single mother, divorced , and has received an invitation to a weekend retreat to learn the truth about The Guidebook. This was such a unique and engaging beginning. There was a cast of interesting characters with revealing back-stories. The novel tackled substantial issues, but with compassion, and in many ways this book was extraordinarily charming. I am very attracted to a quirky story. In fact, I search them out, but this novel takes quirky to a new level, sometimes to distraction. The story veered off in an odd direction, and too much time was spent there; after awhile it was all too much to absorb.
That being said, there were special moments that felt real and true. Oscar, Abi’s little boy, is spot on. I could have read about him forever. He was precious, loving, inquisitive and precocious, but also stubborn and demanding. The mother-son relationship was so recognizable, relatable and honest. Hats off to the author because these pages were brilliant. Abi’s loves for her son is palpable, and the reader falls in love with him too.
The disappearance of Abi’s brother and the effects it had on her and her family were also well done. The author captured the feelings of coping with such a loss over time and how the loss infiltrates all aspects of life. Although, the mystery was resolved, this reader found it improbable and unrealistic.
Abi’s marriage to Finn was another storyline that touched me. It was hopeful and loving, hurtful and messy. It was relatable and honest. It was these life moments, that the author portrayed incredibly realistically that reached me and connected me with the story.
I was glad I read the novel. I wish there had been more explanation of The Guidebook, why it was written, why specifically it was sent to certain children, and what it was trying to accomplish. This was the focal point of the novel, and yet there was too much left unexplained. 3 1/2 stars.
August 15, 2019
Perfect. Funny, quirky, weird, happy, sad. The kind of book that you finish with tears in your eyes in the middle of an airport and you don’t even care because it was just that good.
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