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Laurel Everywhere
Severe loss. For Laurel Summers, those two words don’t cut it. They don’t even come close. After a car wreck kills her mother and siblings, the ghosts of her family surround her as she wrestles with grief, anger, and the fear that she won't be enough to keep her dad alive either.
Fifteen-year-old Laurel Summers couldn’t tell you the last words she spoke to her mother and siblings if her life depended on it. But she will never forget the image of her mother’s mangled green car on the freeway, shattering the boring world Laurel had been so desperate to escape. Now she can’t stop seeing the ghosts of her family members, which haunt her with memories of how life used to be back when her biggest problem was the kiss she shared with her best friend Hanna.
After the accident, Laurel and her dad are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Her dad is struggling with his grief and depression, unable to cope with the loss of his family. He seeks a way out of his pain, leaving Laurel behind while he struggles to cope with his own mental illness. She is desperate to find a way to hold everything together again and help her father come to terms with the loss so he can come back to her.
Laurel tries to make sense of her pain with the help of her grandparents, her two best friends, and some random strangers. As she struggles to understand who she is without her family, she must come to terms with the items on her List of Things Not to Talk About, learn to trust her dad again, and—on top of it all—keep her heart open to love in the wake of her immense loss, eventually learning that it’s okay to not be okay.
Fifteen-year-old Laurel Summers couldn’t tell you the last words she spoke to her mother and siblings if her life depended on it. But she will never forget the image of her mother’s mangled green car on the freeway, shattering the boring world Laurel had been so desperate to escape. Now she can’t stop seeing the ghosts of her family members, which haunt her with memories of how life used to be back when her biggest problem was the kiss she shared with her best friend Hanna.
After the accident, Laurel and her dad are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Her dad is struggling with his grief and depression, unable to cope with the loss of his family. He seeks a way out of his pain, leaving Laurel behind while he struggles to cope with his own mental illness. She is desperate to find a way to hold everything together again and help her father come to terms with the loss so he can come back to her.
Laurel tries to make sense of her pain with the help of her grandparents, her two best friends, and some random strangers. As she struggles to understand who she is without her family, she must come to terms with the items on her List of Things Not to Talk About, learn to trust her dad again, and—on top of it all—keep her heart open to love in the wake of her immense loss, eventually learning that it’s okay to not be okay.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2020
6 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 5, 2020
this book broke me
June 21, 2020
As I finish my final read through, I’m so excited for folks to meet Laurel. This one is for my family, both found and given. I hope people can find meaning in this story of grief, love, and growth.
November 17, 2020
2.5 STARS
After a drunk driver kills Laurel’s mother, brother and sister, she and her father are left spiraling through grief and depression. Her dad, dealing with his own mental illness, ends up hospitalized. Laurel’s two best friends and a new therapist help her navigate her new normal.
LAUREL EVERYWHERE is a beautifully written, ode to grief but it missed the mark for me. Laurel seems much younger than fifteen years old. Her feelings of grief and her father’s mental illness feel almost romanticized, written by someone who’s imagining how a teen would react rather than someone who’s experienced or worked with adolescents going through those situations.
Erin Moynihan can string together beautiful words to make gorgeous sentences. Her character development, relationships and plots read like characters, written not real relationships and creates plots not like real life. Though not a MG book, MG age, higher level readers will probably enjoy the book more YA age readers.
After a drunk driver kills Laurel’s mother, brother and sister, she and her father are left spiraling through grief and depression. Her dad, dealing with his own mental illness, ends up hospitalized. Laurel’s two best friends and a new therapist help her navigate her new normal.
LAUREL EVERYWHERE is a beautifully written, ode to grief but it missed the mark for me. Laurel seems much younger than fifteen years old. Her feelings of grief and her father’s mental illness feel almost romanticized, written by someone who’s imagining how a teen would react rather than someone who’s experienced or worked with adolescents going through those situations.
Erin Moynihan can string together beautiful words to make gorgeous sentences. Her character development, relationships and plots read like characters, written not real relationships and creates plots not like real life. Though not a MG book, MG age, higher level readers will probably enjoy the book more YA age readers.
August 25, 2020
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an eARC of Laurel Everywhere in exchange for an honest review.
After a car accident causes the death of her mom, brother, and sister, Laurel is devastated. And with her dad suffering from depression, Laurel is left to pick up the shattered pieces of her broken family.
Now she can’t stop hearing the voices of the ghosts fo her family, who haunt her with the painful memories from before.
After her dad tries to end his pain, he leaves Laurel behind to try to heal. Laurel becomes desperate to bring things back to normal. As she copes with the loss of her family, Laurel learns that it’s okay not to be normal.
Laurel Everywhere was an emotional and heartfelt story about the harrowing journey to discovering yourself and the power of love through grief. I was so sad about what happened to Laurel's family, and I wished that I could meet Tansy and Rowan and their mom in this book. It was a great representation for grief and depression, although it did not hit me as hard as I thought it would. Moynihan had a realistic concept, but performed an adequate execution.
Laurel Summers, the protagonist of the book, was an interesting character, but felt one-dimensional at times. Although she says she is 15 years old, she acts younger than her age because of her impulsive and naive actions. Her voice sometimes sounds immature and childish, but at the same time resonates with the readers through her conflicting thoughts and strong emotions.
Although the secondary characters were supposed to play a major role in the plot, they did not. Their personalities felt muted because they didn’t express their feelings and thoughts often, and as a result, they felt unrelatable.
One thing I loved about the book was the relationships between Laurel and her friends Lyssa and Hanna. Their bond was strong, and although they sometimes fight, they are willing to die for each other. Laurel’s devotion to her friends was an important factor in helping her deal with her grief.
Laurel’s relationship with her father was very relatable, and the fact that she worried so much but was caring felt very realistic. They both learn to cope in their own ways and keep going.
I also enjoyed the little messages this story held within its lines, and how the characters came to accept them. Laurel learns how grief affects people differently and how sadness should never be a competition. She discovers that struggles should be shared instead of burdening one person, and though all may be dark, there will always be light.
Laurel Everywhere was a meaningful but poignant story about the impacts of grief and loss, and how people rise again. The characters forge a strong connection with the readers, but there was little growth. The plot felt weak at times, and some parts just fell flat.
See more reviews at thestorybooksisters.wordpress.com
Find me on Instagram @the_storybooksisters
After a car accident causes the death of her mom, brother, and sister, Laurel is devastated. And with her dad suffering from depression, Laurel is left to pick up the shattered pieces of her broken family.
Now she can’t stop hearing the voices of the ghosts fo her family, who haunt her with the painful memories from before.
After her dad tries to end his pain, he leaves Laurel behind to try to heal. Laurel becomes desperate to bring things back to normal. As she copes with the loss of her family, Laurel learns that it’s okay not to be normal.
Laurel Everywhere was an emotional and heartfelt story about the harrowing journey to discovering yourself and the power of love through grief. I was so sad about what happened to Laurel's family, and I wished that I could meet Tansy and Rowan and their mom in this book. It was a great representation for grief and depression, although it did not hit me as hard as I thought it would. Moynihan had a realistic concept, but performed an adequate execution.
Laurel Summers, the protagonist of the book, was an interesting character, but felt one-dimensional at times. Although she says she is 15 years old, she acts younger than her age because of her impulsive and naive actions. Her voice sometimes sounds immature and childish, but at the same time resonates with the readers through her conflicting thoughts and strong emotions.
Although the secondary characters were supposed to play a major role in the plot, they did not. Their personalities felt muted because they didn’t express their feelings and thoughts often, and as a result, they felt unrelatable.
One thing I loved about the book was the relationships between Laurel and her friends Lyssa and Hanna. Their bond was strong, and although they sometimes fight, they are willing to die for each other. Laurel’s devotion to her friends was an important factor in helping her deal with her grief.
Laurel’s relationship with her father was very relatable, and the fact that she worried so much but was caring felt very realistic. They both learn to cope in their own ways and keep going.
I also enjoyed the little messages this story held within its lines, and how the characters came to accept them. Laurel learns how grief affects people differently and how sadness should never be a competition. She discovers that struggles should be shared instead of burdening one person, and though all may be dark, there will always be light.
Laurel Everywhere was a meaningful but poignant story about the impacts of grief and loss, and how people rise again. The characters forge a strong connection with the readers, but there was little growth. The plot felt weak at times, and some parts just fell flat.
See more reviews at thestorybooksisters.wordpress.com
Find me on Instagram @the_storybooksisters
June 18, 2020
I received an advanced copy of Laurel Everywhere from Ooligan Press through Edelweiss+. It's currently slated to be available for purchase on November 10th, 2020.
Reading Laurel Everywhere feels like listening to a teenager's pulse. I'm a big fan of character heavy stories and Laurel Everywhere did not disappoint. Throughout the novel, protagonist Laurel narrates her life after a sudden tragedy kill her mother and siblings and land her father in a mental institution. It's a story of loss, coping, and personal growth.
I'm obsessed with the pacing and word choice of this book. More than anything I've read recently (and Laurel was the 4th book I read yesterday so that's saying quite a bit), Laurel Everywhere felt like a constant stream of thought. You could feel Laurel's anxieties and fears and eventual calms in frantic flurries of conflicting thoughts and memories that made the book extremely gripping.
My main issue with the story is one that's likely unique to people in my age bracket. Laurel mentions being 15 frequently and as someone who was recently 15, her age doesn't quite feel like it matches up with her mental maturity, views on life and family, and the relationships she's forged. Laurel's interior voice definitely felt teenaged, but closer to that of a 17 year old while her spoken dialogue and impulsive actions occasionally dip closer to 13 or 12. The occasional juvenile tendencies weren't jarring because going through that level of tragedy that suddenly would likely make someone behave differently, but while the difference between 15 and 17 might seem insignificant, if you ask any teenager or anyone who's recently been a teenager, they'd likely tell you that they had a big personality shift between the ages of 16 and 17 that if feels like Laurel and her 15 year old friends have skipped ahead to. As an 18 year old who can remember being and talking to mainly 15 year olds a few years ago, the age felt like a glaring disconnect, but if you're outside of my age bracket it probably won't effect your read at all.
Reading Laurel Everywhere feels like listening to a teenager's pulse. I'm a big fan of character heavy stories and Laurel Everywhere did not disappoint. Throughout the novel, protagonist Laurel narrates her life after a sudden tragedy kill her mother and siblings and land her father in a mental institution. It's a story of loss, coping, and personal growth.
I'm obsessed with the pacing and word choice of this book. More than anything I've read recently (and Laurel was the 4th book I read yesterday so that's saying quite a bit), Laurel Everywhere felt like a constant stream of thought. You could feel Laurel's anxieties and fears and eventual calms in frantic flurries of conflicting thoughts and memories that made the book extremely gripping.
My main issue with the story is one that's likely unique to people in my age bracket. Laurel mentions being 15 frequently and as someone who was recently 15, her age doesn't quite feel like it matches up with her mental maturity, views on life and family, and the relationships she's forged. Laurel's interior voice definitely felt teenaged, but closer to that of a 17 year old while her spoken dialogue and impulsive actions occasionally dip closer to 13 or 12. The occasional juvenile tendencies weren't jarring because going through that level of tragedy that suddenly would likely make someone behave differently, but while the difference between 15 and 17 might seem insignificant, if you ask any teenager or anyone who's recently been a teenager, they'd likely tell you that they had a big personality shift between the ages of 16 and 17 that if feels like Laurel and her 15 year old friends have skipped ahead to. As an 18 year old who can remember being and talking to mainly 15 year olds a few years ago, the age felt like a glaring disconnect, but if you're outside of my age bracket it probably won't effect your read at all.
September 30, 2020
Maybe Dad and I will never be the same again and maybe that’s OK, because we’ll create a new normal and I’ll get mad at him for leaving me sometimes and he’ll apologize a lot and maybe we’ll never get over it, but we’ll move on, somehow.
On my blog.
Actual rating 2.5
Rep: lesbian mc, Black bi li, Black side characters, side character with depression
CWs: family death, discussions of grief, attempted suicides of side character (inc. overdose)
Galley provided by publisher
This is, in all honesty, a book which suffered because of the mood I was in, reading it. At that point, I was in the kind of slump where, no matter what you pick up, none of it grabs you. So, while this book did grow on me, I think it would have benefitted if I’d read it at another time.
If you like books like Saving Francesca or Words in Deep Blue — books that talk about loss and grief, essentially — then this book is one you will definitely not want to miss.
Laurel Everywhere follows Laurel, who has just lost her mother and two siblings in a car crash, and who, along with her father, is struggling to cope. The story tracks them (though primarily Laurel) as they start to come to terms with their loss, with the help of friends and family.
As I said, I read this book at the wrong time, because any other time and I would have liked it a lot more. It’s well-written and almost made me cry a good few times. And yet.
It’s not like I had massive issues with the book. Yes, occasionally Laurel felt a little selfish, but that’s to be expected. She is grieving after all. Genuinely about the only thing I could actually point at as being an issue was the fact that the book doesn’t use the word lesbian. It doesn’t use labels at all, in fact, so I guess that’s some kind of equality. But Laurel doesn’t like boys, says “I like girls” at least once, you would think I could get a mention of the word, right? Not so.
But then, that’s a trend in YA contemporary lit.
So, really, all I have to say is, if the premise of this book appeals to you, do ignore my rating and pick it up for yourself. You won’t regret it.
August 11, 2020
I am beyond glad that I choose to read this, this novel is to be released on November 10th, 2020 and I urge EVERYONE to give it a read. I would recommend this YA novel to anyone going through loss.
FULL REVIEW UP ON THE BLOG!!!!
FULL REVIEW UP ON THE BLOG!!!!
April 19, 2021
Fifteen year old Laurel Summers has just lost her mother, her brother, Rowan and sister, Tansy in a horrific car accident. Now, all that's left of their family is Laurel and her father. Laurel's father is dealing with severe depression and grief as he leaves Laurel to attend a bereavement camp and improve his mental health. Laurel's father leaving her is just a little too much for her to handle, Laurel begins to spiral. She has her best friends to lean on, Hanna, who is practical and knowledgeable and Lyssa who is unpredictable and insightful to help ground her in reality as she tries to help her father by finding a rowan leaf and tansy flower that he was so desperately searching for.
Laurel Everywhere is an insightful exploration into a teenager's grief. From the very beginning, when Laurel was left in her namesake bush, I could feel her grief, frustration and anger rolling off of the page. Laurel sees herself as the family peacekeeper between her older brother Rowan and younger sister Tansy but can't seem to find her own peace as she still sees the ghosts of her deceased family members. It was interesting to read Laurel's thoughts and mental breakdown as she not only dealt with the death of her siblings and mother, but what she felt like was abandonment from her father as dealt with his own grief. Laurel's inner dialogue also deals with her coming to terms with her sexuality while dealing with the fact that Hanna is someone she can reliably lean on, but does not want to talk about their relationship. I liked that Laurel's sexuality was not at the forefront of the story, rather just one more normal thing that a fifteen-year old girl is dealing with. The ending did not tie everything up neatly, since dealing with grief is a long process, yet it showed hope and healthy steps in the right direction for Laurel and her father.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Laurel Everywhere is an insightful exploration into a teenager's grief. From the very beginning, when Laurel was left in her namesake bush, I could feel her grief, frustration and anger rolling off of the page. Laurel sees herself as the family peacekeeper between her older brother Rowan and younger sister Tansy but can't seem to find her own peace as she still sees the ghosts of her deceased family members. It was interesting to read Laurel's thoughts and mental breakdown as she not only dealt with the death of her siblings and mother, but what she felt like was abandonment from her father as dealt with his own grief. Laurel's inner dialogue also deals with her coming to terms with her sexuality while dealing with the fact that Hanna is someone she can reliably lean on, but does not want to talk about their relationship. I liked that Laurel's sexuality was not at the forefront of the story, rather just one more normal thing that a fifteen-year old girl is dealing with. The ending did not tie everything up neatly, since dealing with grief is a long process, yet it showed hope and healthy steps in the right direction for Laurel and her father.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
July 16, 2020
I received a free digital ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Laurel Everywhere follows a fifteen year old girl (Laurel) in the aftermath of the deaths of three immediate family members in a car crash. Shortly thereafter, her father disappears and is revealed to be suffering from depression. The construct of the book is excellent, but nearly all of the plot occurs in the beginning of the book. Laurel often behaves in an immature manner, exhibiting impulsive and rash behaviors. I initially thought this would provide for a great character arc, but there wasn't really any character growth by the end of the novel. The story feels repetitive as Laurel cycles through the same reactions of grief interrupted only by impulsive decisions, and Moynihan often relies on the "telling" rather than "showing" method of writing. While younger teens with family members struggling from depression may find comfort and relate to Laurel, depression isn't explored as deeply as it could be. Older teens will likely find Laurel too juvenile to relate to. This YA novel was promising but fell short of my expectations overall.
Laurel Everywhere follows a fifteen year old girl (Laurel) in the aftermath of the deaths of three immediate family members in a car crash. Shortly thereafter, her father disappears and is revealed to be suffering from depression. The construct of the book is excellent, but nearly all of the plot occurs in the beginning of the book. Laurel often behaves in an immature manner, exhibiting impulsive and rash behaviors. I initially thought this would provide for a great character arc, but there wasn't really any character growth by the end of the novel. The story feels repetitive as Laurel cycles through the same reactions of grief interrupted only by impulsive decisions, and Moynihan often relies on the "telling" rather than "showing" method of writing. While younger teens with family members struggling from depression may find comfort and relate to Laurel, depression isn't explored as deeply as it could be. Older teens will likely find Laurel too juvenile to relate to. This YA novel was promising but fell short of my expectations overall.
November 20, 2020
I may not be the right reader, and this is definitely not the right time in my life for a book that's mostly sad and depressing. I'm all for calling attention to mental health issues and have family members who struggle, but the story just didn't seem to really go anywhere. Too repetitive. And I had a hard time believing the main character was only fifteen. Decently written overall, but not one I would have kept reading if I didn't feel obligated to.
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher through LibraryThing.
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher through LibraryThing.
March 15, 2021
Laurel Summers already had things to worry about after a kiss with her friend Hanna made their relationship awkward, but when most of her family dies in a car crash she goes numb to the world around her. While her dad is overtaken by his own grief, she has to try to manage and understand her own emotions and learn to lean on her friends when she's in need.
I love this book! The way this story talks about grief and mental illness in young adults is so beautiful. I can see many people connecting with Laurel since we have all unfortunately lost someone close to us and had to try to figure out how to move on without them. Also, who doesn't want more young queer love stories?!
I love this book! The way this story talks about grief and mental illness in young adults is so beautiful. I can see many people connecting with Laurel since we have all unfortunately lost someone close to us and had to try to figure out how to move on without them. Also, who doesn't want more young queer love stories?!
March 16, 2021
This one hit close to home for me. My sister was in a bad accident a few months back having lost her friend in the passenger seat. She was 16 then (17 now) and I think she might have related to Laurel and a lot of what she continuously couldn’t help but feel. My sister, like Laurel made sure to comfort and care for others with the loss instead of her own self grieving. I enjoyed reading from the perspective of Laurel, as it helped me better understand my sister and a little bit more into the mind of a young teenager. A beautiful novel, leaving an ache in my heart.
Read
December 9, 2020Laurel Everywhere follows the life of Laurel Summers, a 15 year-old girl who has recently lost her mother, brother, and sister in a car accident. We watch Laurel navigate her own grief, and the grief of her father, who is not entirely honest with his daughter. This novel sheds light on how different people process grief differently. Some of the most important take aways are that you cannot compare your grief to another and determine who is more sad, you cannot discount you own grief because of the experiences of other, and finally, that it is okay to be happy and sad at the same time.
I have a few things that really irked me about this book. First, the connotation surrounding the character Hanna did not sit well with me. Hanna represented a brilliant, knowledge hungry, independent woman that was prepared to stand up for herself and other women. Often Hanna's ideas were considered outside and almost irrational; it was a lot of "Hanna thinks this," I just felt that Laurel did not support all of Hanna's ideas on how women should be treated (with the example of Laurel's older brother Roman).
The next thing was that the author told more than showed. I got a lot of details about the characters, but they still felt really one dimensional because the characters were not allowed to show their personality. I feel like this really stunted the novel. All the right ideas were there, but the execution made this book a two star book for me.
I do think this is good for a younger audience: 12-15 year olds, but it is not really a book that can transcend the age grouping.
I have a few things that really irked me about this book. First, the connotation surrounding the character Hanna did not sit well with me. Hanna represented a brilliant, knowledge hungry, independent woman that was prepared to stand up for herself and other women. Often Hanna's ideas were considered outside and almost irrational; it was a lot of "Hanna thinks this," I just felt that Laurel did not support all of Hanna's ideas on how women should be treated (with the example of Laurel's older brother Roman).
The next thing was that the author told more than showed. I got a lot of details about the characters, but they still felt really one dimensional because the characters were not allowed to show their personality. I feel like this really stunted the novel. All the right ideas were there, but the execution made this book a two star book for me.
I do think this is good for a younger audience: 12-15 year olds, but it is not really a book that can transcend the age grouping.
September 18, 2020
Review by Lisa Pineo
*I received this eARC from Ooligan Press via Edelweiss+ in return for an honest review.
My ratings: * I hated it ** It was okay *** I liked it **** Really good ***** Great
TW (trigger warnings): Death of family members, suicide attempt, mental illness, parental homophobia
Description from the publisher:
"Severe loss. For Laurel Summers, those two words don’t cut it. They don’t even come close. After a car wreck kills her mother and siblings, the ghosts of her family surround her as she wrestles with grief, anger, and the fear that she won't be enough to keep her dad alive either."
I liked "Laurel Everywhere." I didn't love it but it was an easy read and it kept my attention. I expected it to end a few times by the time it finally did but I guess the author was trying to tie up all the loose ends. The author did a good job with character development for most of the characters but I still didn't really invested in them. Even thought I wasn't totally taken in by the novel I think the topic is important for young adults. The author wrote the grief, anger and heartache of a fifteen year old girl going through terrible loss, at the same time as regular teenage situations like a first love, very honestly and realistically. 3.5 stars
*I received this eARC from Ooligan Press via Edelweiss+ in return for an honest review.
My ratings: * I hated it ** It was okay *** I liked it **** Really good ***** Great
TW (trigger warnings): Death of family members, suicide attempt, mental illness, parental homophobia
Description from the publisher:
"Severe loss. For Laurel Summers, those two words don’t cut it. They don’t even come close. After a car wreck kills her mother and siblings, the ghosts of her family surround her as she wrestles with grief, anger, and the fear that she won't be enough to keep her dad alive either."
I liked "Laurel Everywhere." I didn't love it but it was an easy read and it kept my attention. I expected it to end a few times by the time it finally did but I guess the author was trying to tie up all the loose ends. The author did a good job with character development for most of the characters but I still didn't really invested in them. Even thought I wasn't totally taken in by the novel I think the topic is important for young adults. The author wrote the grief, anger and heartache of a fifteen year old girl going through terrible loss, at the same time as regular teenage situations like a first love, very honestly and realistically. 3.5 stars
July 13, 2020
4.5 stars.
This book was such a beautiful and heartfelt exploration of grief. Laurel was such a flawed character which made it so inter to be in her head. I was so connected to her and all the characters that I literally couldn’t put this book down. It was so character driven which was the main force of this story and it was wrapped up so well. This book was amazing and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
This book was such a beautiful and heartfelt exploration of grief. Laurel was such a flawed character which made it so inter to be in her head. I was so connected to her and all the characters that I literally couldn’t put this book down. It was so character driven which was the main force of this story and it was wrapped up so well. This book was amazing and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
did-not-finish
June 12, 2020Shelved to be read at a later date. I don’t think this writing style is for me; it felt a bit juvenile & the sentences were choppy. I didn’t see much of a personality in Laurel but I’m going to try picking this up again later.
Thank you to LibraryThing and Ooligan Press for an ARC to review.
Thank you to LibraryThing and Ooligan Press for an ARC to review.
November 29, 2020
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from LibraryThing ER in exchange for an unbiased review.
This is a touching emotional story about loss, grief and healing. The characters and storyline are more on level with young teens than young adults. The subject matter is serious but not inappropriate for this emerging generation. Laurel Summers is 15 years old when her mother and two siblings, Rowan and Tansy are killed in a horrific car crash. Laurel and her dad were driving in a separate car and the guilt weighs on them tremendously.
They seem to go through the motions of getting through the formalities of the funeral not quite experiencing the depth of their loss. Laurel’s paternal grandparents go back to Arizona and are overwhelmed when they receive news that their son had gone missing and eventually in the hospital. Laurel’s dad decides to take her hiking but it ultimately turns traumatic when she falls into a laurel bush. She is shocked that her father continues on the path without her. She is unable to find him and is overcome with grief that her only living parent has left her.
Laurel has a tremendous support system with her friends Hannah and Lyssa. The girls have grown up together supporting one another over the years. Hannah’s parents take care of her until her grandparents arrive from Arizona. When her father is eventually found confused and suicidal in the forest, he placed in the hospital where he must face his grief. Meanwhile, Laurel attempts to maneuver her emotional landscape alone.
The story had a strong beginning but then seemed to lose structure and cohesiveness. There is a lot of discussion about crying and not crying and confusion over self regulation of emotions. The characters did not feel relatable to me on different levels. The sense of loss and grief and discovering how to go on can be overwhelming.
Although the themes resonate with present day there seemed to be inconsistencies with the actions and intentions of the characters. For example, through all the trauma and grief her grandparents allow her to fly alone to Kentucky. She is struggling to cope with the loss of her family and feelings of abandonment when her father left her on the hiking path. The focus seems to be entirely in the father and his mental health ignoring that this 15 year old might need some counseling. Her irrational behavior is understandable given the situation and it’s uncomfortable that there is minimal guidance available to her.
Ultimately, the book tells a powerful story of life and loss and moving past grief.
This is a touching emotional story about loss, grief and healing. The characters and storyline are more on level with young teens than young adults. The subject matter is serious but not inappropriate for this emerging generation. Laurel Summers is 15 years old when her mother and two siblings, Rowan and Tansy are killed in a horrific car crash. Laurel and her dad were driving in a separate car and the guilt weighs on them tremendously.
They seem to go through the motions of getting through the formalities of the funeral not quite experiencing the depth of their loss. Laurel’s paternal grandparents go back to Arizona and are overwhelmed when they receive news that their son had gone missing and eventually in the hospital. Laurel’s dad decides to take her hiking but it ultimately turns traumatic when she falls into a laurel bush. She is shocked that her father continues on the path without her. She is unable to find him and is overcome with grief that her only living parent has left her.
Laurel has a tremendous support system with her friends Hannah and Lyssa. The girls have grown up together supporting one another over the years. Hannah’s parents take care of her until her grandparents arrive from Arizona. When her father is eventually found confused and suicidal in the forest, he placed in the hospital where he must face his grief. Meanwhile, Laurel attempts to maneuver her emotional landscape alone.
The story had a strong beginning but then seemed to lose structure and cohesiveness. There is a lot of discussion about crying and not crying and confusion over self regulation of emotions. The characters did not feel relatable to me on different levels. The sense of loss and grief and discovering how to go on can be overwhelming.
Although the themes resonate with present day there seemed to be inconsistencies with the actions and intentions of the characters. For example, through all the trauma and grief her grandparents allow her to fly alone to Kentucky. She is struggling to cope with the loss of her family and feelings of abandonment when her father left her on the hiking path. The focus seems to be entirely in the father and his mental health ignoring that this 15 year old might need some counseling. Her irrational behavior is understandable given the situation and it’s uncomfortable that there is minimal guidance available to her.
Ultimately, the book tells a powerful story of life and loss and moving past grief.
July 28, 2020
Although this book covers important themes — like finding happiness alongside grief, and coming to terms with who you are — it's only an okay story. The characters were distinct, the friendships were satisfying, and the emotions were powerful. The events of the story felt very realistic. But despite these strengths, the plot felt meandering and the writing itself sometimes felt a little weak.
All of the characters in the novel, both living and dead, are given characteristics and personalities that are fun to see and follow. If they're portrayed unrealistically, it is at least unrealistic in a way that is enjoyable to read. By the end of the novel, we feel as though we know how each of them might react to something.
Furthermore, it was nice to see that even when Laurel's plans went off the deep end, the story didn't follow. She may have wanted to run away to Scotland, but she didn't. She may have wanted to storm the prison, but minors can't go in alone. She may have wanted to swim with a new tattoo, but it became infected. The whimsy and chaos of Laurel's mind is firmly grounded in reality, not indulged by unresearched authorship.
That being said, although the book is well-grounded and the characters fill it well, much of the story felt directionless, particularly the beginning. It felt hard to get into at first, because it was just depressing episode after depressing episode, none of them really seeming to lead anywhere. This improved as the story went on, but even still, Laurel often felt like she was going from thing to thing with only a very vague sense of which thing would come next.
Beyond that, Laurel's internal dialogue and dialogue with other characters did sometime feel a little self-indulgent of the author. It felt like the kind of dialogue we all imagine ourselves having, but know we never actually would have. Perhaps this is supposed to be a symptom of grief, but it makes Laurel sound un-self-aware and childish.
Overall, this book felt more meaningful than it felt interesting. It wasn't bad, it just also didn't really stand out. There was no real sense that this was a story I needed to hear, and more importantly that it was a story I needed to hear out of the mouth of this character.
All of the characters in the novel, both living and dead, are given characteristics and personalities that are fun to see and follow. If they're portrayed unrealistically, it is at least unrealistic in a way that is enjoyable to read. By the end of the novel, we feel as though we know how each of them might react to something.
Furthermore, it was nice to see that even when Laurel's plans went off the deep end, the story didn't follow. She may have wanted to run away to Scotland, but she didn't. She may have wanted to storm the prison, but minors can't go in alone. She may have wanted to swim with a new tattoo, but it became infected. The whimsy and chaos of Laurel's mind is firmly grounded in reality, not indulged by unresearched authorship.
That being said, although the book is well-grounded and the characters fill it well, much of the story felt directionless, particularly the beginning. It felt hard to get into at first, because it was just depressing episode after depressing episode, none of them really seeming to lead anywhere. This improved as the story went on, but even still, Laurel often felt like she was going from thing to thing with only a very vague sense of which thing would come next.
Beyond that, Laurel's internal dialogue and dialogue with other characters did sometime feel a little self-indulgent of the author. It felt like the kind of dialogue we all imagine ourselves having, but know we never actually would have. Perhaps this is supposed to be a symptom of grief, but it makes Laurel sound un-self-aware and childish.
Overall, this book felt more meaningful than it felt interesting. It wasn't bad, it just also didn't really stand out. There was no real sense that this was a story I needed to hear, and more importantly that it was a story I needed to hear out of the mouth of this character.
February 17, 2021
*This is somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4 to me, mainly because Laurel reads a bit younger than 15.
Laurel Everywhere is a lot to handle, and I mean that in a good way. People tend to have an assumption that young adult literature can't tackle difficult themes, but this book is a perfect example of how good YA lit can be at doing just that. It's a heavy book, much of it reading as an internal stream of consciousness as fifteen year old Laurel Summers processes the recent loss of her mother, brother, and sister. Her father is on the brink of mental collapse. On top of it all, she recently shared a kiss with her best friend Hanna, leaving the two of them in an awkward state of emotional turmoil. Everything piles up quickly, leaving Laurel to either slip into her own downward spiral or hike her way out of the dark. Her emotions are heavy and confusing, something that I think many of us find relatable. Can we be happy and sad at the same time? Is it okay to forget some things about the people you've lost? There are a lot of firsts for Laurel in this book, and reading through her experiences are both saddening and heartwarming.
As someone dealing with their own mental health issues, it was sometimes hard to get through this book, but I'm glad that I did. There are very sweet moments in the story that help balance out the bitterness. Just when something feels too sad, another happy moment occurs. The main theme of the book may feel like loss, but it also leans heavily into family and friendship. I really liked the moments when Laurel was able to forget, just for a moment, and laugh with her friends. I think, however, what I really appreciated in this book were the moments when Laurel went to therapy and when her dad admits to her that he's been struggling with depression. There is still a huge stigma surrounding the discussion of mental health, and I think it's really important that this YA novel doesn't try to hide or glorify it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone not matter how old they are
Laurel Everywhere is a lot to handle, and I mean that in a good way. People tend to have an assumption that young adult literature can't tackle difficult themes, but this book is a perfect example of how good YA lit can be at doing just that. It's a heavy book, much of it reading as an internal stream of consciousness as fifteen year old Laurel Summers processes the recent loss of her mother, brother, and sister. Her father is on the brink of mental collapse. On top of it all, she recently shared a kiss with her best friend Hanna, leaving the two of them in an awkward state of emotional turmoil. Everything piles up quickly, leaving Laurel to either slip into her own downward spiral or hike her way out of the dark. Her emotions are heavy and confusing, something that I think many of us find relatable. Can we be happy and sad at the same time? Is it okay to forget some things about the people you've lost? There are a lot of firsts for Laurel in this book, and reading through her experiences are both saddening and heartwarming.
As someone dealing with their own mental health issues, it was sometimes hard to get through this book, but I'm glad that I did. There are very sweet moments in the story that help balance out the bitterness. Just when something feels too sad, another happy moment occurs. The main theme of the book may feel like loss, but it also leans heavily into family and friendship. I really liked the moments when Laurel was able to forget, just for a moment, and laugh with her friends. I think, however, what I really appreciated in this book were the moments when Laurel went to therapy and when her dad admits to her that he's been struggling with depression. There is still a huge stigma surrounding the discussion of mental health, and I think it's really important that this YA novel doesn't try to hide or glorify it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone not matter how old they are
June 5, 2021
I borrowed Laurel Everywhere from a friend to read over spring break this past year, and I'm SO GLAD that I did. In fact, I plan to buy my 15-year-old younger sister a copy ASAP, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any teen that's starting to explore the depths of their emotions and identities.
Laurel Everywhere is the story of Laurel Summers, a young teenager who loses her mother and both of her siblings in a tragic car accident where Laurel is the sole survivor. After the accident, Laurel and her father both struggle to cope with their loss. Laurel's best friend Hanna is the only one who can get through to Laurel, but as if the loss of her family and a distant, grief-stricken father aren't overwhelming enough, a secret kiss between Laurel and Hanna before the accident has made things awkward between them.
"Hanna’s hands are warm against mine. Before the funeral, we hadn’t really spoken for a few weeks. She says it’s because she was busy, but I know it’s because we kissed and things got messy between us. But then my family died and I guess that made us forget about everything else, at least for a bit." (10)
Laurel's story is well written, extremely relatable, and I particularly enjoyed that this title includes a bicurious main character without making her sexuality the centerpoint of the story. In addition to being a lovely recommendation for teenage YA readers starting to explore their emotions and/or identity, I believe that Laurel Everywhere would be a wonderful recommendation for young teenagers that have also recently experienced severe loss. Reading Laurel Everywhere was cathartic; it will make you want to hold your loved ones close and simultaneously remind you, it's OK to not be OK.
Laurel Everywhere is the story of Laurel Summers, a young teenager who loses her mother and both of her siblings in a tragic car accident where Laurel is the sole survivor. After the accident, Laurel and her father both struggle to cope with their loss. Laurel's best friend Hanna is the only one who can get through to Laurel, but as if the loss of her family and a distant, grief-stricken father aren't overwhelming enough, a secret kiss between Laurel and Hanna before the accident has made things awkward between them.
"Hanna’s hands are warm against mine. Before the funeral, we hadn’t really spoken for a few weeks. She says it’s because she was busy, but I know it’s because we kissed and things got messy between us. But then my family died and I guess that made us forget about everything else, at least for a bit." (10)
Laurel's story is well written, extremely relatable, and I particularly enjoyed that this title includes a bicurious main character without making her sexuality the centerpoint of the story. In addition to being a lovely recommendation for teenage YA readers starting to explore their emotions and/or identity, I believe that Laurel Everywhere would be a wonderful recommendation for young teenagers that have also recently experienced severe loss. Reading Laurel Everywhere was cathartic; it will make you want to hold your loved ones close and simultaneously remind you, it's OK to not be OK.
December 2, 2025
🌿Laurel Everywhere absolutely wrecked me—in the best way possible! 🌿
I think this is one of those rare books that sneak up on you and then suddenly you're at a bus stop with tears streaming down your face (...totally not speaking from personal experience...), trying to figure out which sentence did you in. I should probably clarify: I usually only cry about books with animal deaths; human-centered grief takes a lot more to get me. Erin Moynihan managed to cut straight through that shield. The grief in this story presents as so raw and present that I couldn't help but break with Laurel with each chapter.
What struck me more with this story is how grief is framed. There's never a magical, breakthrough moment, no unrealistic "I'm better now". Instead, Moynihan shows us that grief isn't linear, letting Laurel move at her own pace. One step forward, three steps back. The narration forces readers to sit in the grief, sadness, confusion, guilt, and the occasional stolen moment of joy.
Laurel's voice is tender and real, the kind of teenage perspective that isn't cliche or stereotypical, that can be present in YA fiction. The fragile threads of her relationships with memory, family, and friends are the things she's trying to hold on to while everything else slips away. And somehow the book manages to balance that heaviness with genuine warmth. There are soft moments, unexpected laughs, and quiet scenes that reminded me that healing isn’t always loud—it’s slow, steady, and sometimes invisible until you suddenly realize you’re not hurting in quite the same way anymore.
My Favorite Quote: "Just because something is everywhere doesn’t mean it’s less beautiful."
I’m still thinking about this one. 🌿💛
I think this is one of those rare books that sneak up on you and then suddenly you're at a bus stop with tears streaming down your face (...totally not speaking from personal experience...), trying to figure out which sentence did you in. I should probably clarify: I usually only cry about books with animal deaths; human-centered grief takes a lot more to get me. Erin Moynihan managed to cut straight through that shield. The grief in this story presents as so raw and present that I couldn't help but break with Laurel with each chapter.
What struck me more with this story is how grief is framed. There's never a magical, breakthrough moment, no unrealistic "I'm better now". Instead, Moynihan shows us that grief isn't linear, letting Laurel move at her own pace. One step forward, three steps back. The narration forces readers to sit in the grief, sadness, confusion, guilt, and the occasional stolen moment of joy.
Laurel's voice is tender and real, the kind of teenage perspective that isn't cliche or stereotypical, that can be present in YA fiction. The fragile threads of her relationships with memory, family, and friends are the things she's trying to hold on to while everything else slips away. And somehow the book manages to balance that heaviness with genuine warmth. There are soft moments, unexpected laughs, and quiet scenes that reminded me that healing isn’t always loud—it’s slow, steady, and sometimes invisible until you suddenly realize you’re not hurting in quite the same way anymore.
My Favorite Quote: "Just because something is everywhere doesn’t mean it’s less beautiful."
I’m still thinking about this one. 🌿💛
April 1, 2021
"Laurel Everywhere" is about the struggle of a 15-year old with regards to her family's crisis — partially with an identity crisis. She faced a family problem when her mom and siblings died. Then her father struggled with depression. Shre's troubled with her identity, too, because she tends to compare herself to almost everyone around her, especially her family. Wherein, this is an honest, true issue of teenage years.
The story keeps me going with the curiosity of how they will cope, knowing how deep the wound is. Losing a mother and two siblings in a car accident due to a reckless truck driver will surely drive me crazy. The drive to know how Laurel and her father cope is important for me. It somehow keeps me guessing why the characters act that way until it is revealed in the latter part of the story. I particularly like the scene where Laurel's friends are there with her, given that they, too, have scattered pieces trying to solve. The story shows how powerful the love of friends and family is. I also like the parts where Laurel realizes what life may bring to people. I love how the book shows the need to reach out to others, the relief it can give when accepting the depth of pain you are having. I also like how Laurel becomes courageous enough to speak to unknown people to ask for help, when in fact, she doesn't want one, to find what her father wants to find. (Read the book. I don't want to be a spoiler. Lol!)
I can say that this book is a so-so one because I can't help feeling lost with the characters. Her friends seemed too perfect. An unrealistic one. I honestly not a fan of reading LGBTQ+ books. Excuse for that. Yes, I have lots of friends who belong to that specific community, but I do not find it appealing to me personally reading such. Though the story doesn't focus on that, that is one of the reasons why I was able to finish the book. Also, there are grammatical errors I saw. Typographical errors are evident, too. Specifically speaking, the spaces are 0. There were at least, I think, four of it.
If you are interested in a book that will open your heart to understand some teens who identically encounter all or one of the characters fight, then read this. When you are in pain, losing someone you love most or a family member, "Laurel Everywhere" is for you. If you are looking down on yourself and don't feel special or loved, this book is your mirror.
P.S.
The rating is 3.5 ⭐.
Thank you, LibraryThing Early Reviewers and Ooligan Press, for choosing me to read this for free!
The story keeps me going with the curiosity of how they will cope, knowing how deep the wound is. Losing a mother and two siblings in a car accident due to a reckless truck driver will surely drive me crazy. The drive to know how Laurel and her father cope is important for me. It somehow keeps me guessing why the characters act that way until it is revealed in the latter part of the story. I particularly like the scene where Laurel's friends are there with her, given that they, too, have scattered pieces trying to solve. The story shows how powerful the love of friends and family is. I also like the parts where Laurel realizes what life may bring to people. I love how the book shows the need to reach out to others, the relief it can give when accepting the depth of pain you are having. I also like how Laurel becomes courageous enough to speak to unknown people to ask for help, when in fact, she doesn't want one, to find what her father wants to find. (Read the book. I don't want to be a spoiler. Lol!)
I can say that this book is a so-so one because I can't help feeling lost with the characters. Her friends seemed too perfect. An unrealistic one. I honestly not a fan of reading LGBTQ+ books. Excuse for that. Yes, I have lots of friends who belong to that specific community, but I do not find it appealing to me personally reading such. Though the story doesn't focus on that, that is one of the reasons why I was able to finish the book. Also, there are grammatical errors I saw. Typographical errors are evident, too. Specifically speaking, the spaces are 0. There were at least, I think, four of it.
If you are interested in a book that will open your heart to understand some teens who identically encounter all or one of the characters fight, then read this. When you are in pain, losing someone you love most or a family member, "Laurel Everywhere" is for you. If you are looking down on yourself and don't feel special or loved, this book is your mirror.
P.S.
The rating is 3.5 ⭐.
Thank you, LibraryThing Early Reviewers and Ooligan Press, for choosing me to read this for free!
January 10, 2021
I received an electronic copy of this book as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
If I had been browsing in a bookstore, I may have picked this book up, but I almost certainly would have put it down after the first few pages. The exposition is heavy-handed and contrite, and does not evoke any emotion for me. However, since I received it as part of the early reviewers program, I kept reading in order to give it a fair review.
It took almost half the book before I was interested in the story. The central plot of Laurel looking for the plants her siblings are named after to give to her dad was interesting and unique, but it takes almost a hundred pages before the idea is introduced. Everything between the point where she finds out what her dad was looking for when he left and the end of the story was engaging, though -- right up until the end. I felt like the last chapter was totally unnecessary; it felt like an epilogue, and the chapter before it would have made a much more powerful ending.
Overall, Laurel Everywhere was alright, but it is not a book I will likely read again, and it's not one I'd recommend to others. The narration does a lot of telling instead of showing, which doesn't leave the reader with anything to think about after they close the book and dampens the potential emotional power of some of Laurel's experiences. Likewise, all of the thematic elements are spoon-fed to the reader, to the point that the author seems to be shouting at the reader through the page.
If I had been browsing in a bookstore, I may have picked this book up, but I almost certainly would have put it down after the first few pages. The exposition is heavy-handed and contrite, and does not evoke any emotion for me. However, since I received it as part of the early reviewers program, I kept reading in order to give it a fair review.
It took almost half the book before I was interested in the story. The central plot of Laurel looking for the plants her siblings are named after to give to her dad was interesting and unique, but it takes almost a hundred pages before the idea is introduced. Everything between the point where she finds out what her dad was looking for when he left and the end of the story was engaging, though -- right up until the end. I felt like the last chapter was totally unnecessary; it felt like an epilogue, and the chapter before it would have made a much more powerful ending.
Overall, Laurel Everywhere was alright, but it is not a book I will likely read again, and it's not one I'd recommend to others. The narration does a lot of telling instead of showing, which doesn't leave the reader with anything to think about after they close the book and dampens the potential emotional power of some of Laurel's experiences. Likewise, all of the thematic elements are spoon-fed to the reader, to the point that the author seems to be shouting at the reader through the page.
May 6, 2022
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I'd planned on reading it over the weekend and ended up reading it in a day. Despite the enormous tragedy Laurel and her family experience, she is blessed to have two best friends like Lyssa and Hanna to help her through it. I've been out of high school for many years now, but the dynamics these three share brought me back to the best and worst of those days in a profound way.
People deal with trauma in all sorts of ways: some are healthy while others are not, and the rest fall somewhere along the spectrum. But these coping mechanisms are deeply personal and not always in our control, so the best way to help someone should always include grace and compassion. I loved that even though Laurel is hurt and angry at her father for his response to their shared trauma, part of her healing comes from having compassion for him and going on a mission to find what she believes can help him heal.
To me, the best part of this book is the frank language and dark humor the author uses to express Laurel's thoughts and feelings regarding her trauma and recovery, and her willingness (or lack thereof) to discuss them. Dark humor and brutal honesty are coping mechanisms I rely on as well at times, so these qualities made Laurel a very relatable character. They also likely contributed to my enthusiastic page turning.
Do note that this book contains depictions of death, mutilated bodies as a result of a horrific vehicle crash, and suicidal thoughts and actions.
People deal with trauma in all sorts of ways: some are healthy while others are not, and the rest fall somewhere along the spectrum. But these coping mechanisms are deeply personal and not always in our control, so the best way to help someone should always include grace and compassion. I loved that even though Laurel is hurt and angry at her father for his response to their shared trauma, part of her healing comes from having compassion for him and going on a mission to find what she believes can help him heal.
To me, the best part of this book is the frank language and dark humor the author uses to express Laurel's thoughts and feelings regarding her trauma and recovery, and her willingness (or lack thereof) to discuss them. Dark humor and brutal honesty are coping mechanisms I rely on as well at times, so these qualities made Laurel a very relatable character. They also likely contributed to my enthusiastic page turning.
Do note that this book contains depictions of death, mutilated bodies as a result of a horrific vehicle crash, and suicidal thoughts and actions.
June 2, 2023
"I'm crying the kind of tears that make it so I can't breathe, and I try to open my mouth to scream, but nothing comes out except for a whisper because I don't have enough breath in my lungs to scream."
Laurel Everywhere was such an emotional read. Laurel's mother, sister Tansy, and brother Rowan are killed by a truck driver, and Laurel and her dad must learn how to deal with their new norm.
From the very beginning, I could feel Laurel's grief. From the memories of her family all over her home to not being able to see them in the flowers around her-- when all she ever sees are laurel leaves. Not only does she have to deal with the fact that she won't ever see her mother and siblings anymore, but also that her dad left her in the middle of the forest days later.
I felt such empathy for Laurel because the author does a great job of making you feel Laurel's grief. Friendship is also an important theme in this story. Her two best friends, Hanna and Lyssa, rally around her to make sure she knows she has people to turn to when she needs them. Laurel never knows if she'll be able to forgive the truck driver or her dad. She can't even talk to the one person who'd make this all better, her mom.
This book talks about grief, and seeing Laurel go from drowning in that grief to accepting that it's okay to move on yet still remember them was so moving. It was a great read! I recommend everyone to read it!
Laurel Everywhere was such an emotional read. Laurel's mother, sister Tansy, and brother Rowan are killed by a truck driver, and Laurel and her dad must learn how to deal with their new norm.
From the very beginning, I could feel Laurel's grief. From the memories of her family all over her home to not being able to see them in the flowers around her-- when all she ever sees are laurel leaves. Not only does she have to deal with the fact that she won't ever see her mother and siblings anymore, but also that her dad left her in the middle of the forest days later.
I felt such empathy for Laurel because the author does a great job of making you feel Laurel's grief. Friendship is also an important theme in this story. Her two best friends, Hanna and Lyssa, rally around her to make sure she knows she has people to turn to when she needs them. Laurel never knows if she'll be able to forgive the truck driver or her dad. She can't even talk to the one person who'd make this all better, her mom.
This book talks about grief, and seeing Laurel go from drowning in that grief to accepting that it's okay to move on yet still remember them was so moving. It was a great read! I recommend everyone to read it!
August 15, 2023
Laurel Everywhere is a YA novel told from Laurel's first person POV. It tells the story of the immediate aftermath of an accident that took the lives of all her family members except for her father.
Laurel is fifteen and she experiences the big teenage emotions that a teenager would realistically have and makes impulsive decisions as any teenager would. She grapples with grief in a thoughtful, yet age-appropriate manner. I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of story details that real people who were grieving would notice.
I appreciated that the loss of her family didn't immediately make Laurel super wise or responsible. She was still a teen, but in the process of going through grief, she learns a lot about love, relationships, and family.
I enjoyed learning about the personalities of Laurel's family members through Laurel's recollections. And I couldn't help but laugh out loud at certain points. Sometimes Laurel's impulsive actions were hard to relate to because I couldn't imagine doing it myself, but they felt true to Laurel's character. I also appreciated how much Laurel's friends rallied around her and how much of Laurel's grieving process was eased by the strong friendships she had, as well as supportive grandparents.
Overall, Laurel Everywhere is a tender coming-of-age story that brought a tear to my eye. I would definitely recommend this YA novel to anyone looking for an emotional, yet hopeful story about grief.
Laurel is fifteen and she experiences the big teenage emotions that a teenager would realistically have and makes impulsive decisions as any teenager would. She grapples with grief in a thoughtful, yet age-appropriate manner. I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of story details that real people who were grieving would notice.
I appreciated that the loss of her family didn't immediately make Laurel super wise or responsible. She was still a teen, but in the process of going through grief, she learns a lot about love, relationships, and family.
I enjoyed learning about the personalities of Laurel's family members through Laurel's recollections. And I couldn't help but laugh out loud at certain points. Sometimes Laurel's impulsive actions were hard to relate to because I couldn't imagine doing it myself, but they felt true to Laurel's character. I also appreciated how much Laurel's friends rallied around her and how much of Laurel's grieving process was eased by the strong friendships she had, as well as supportive grandparents.
Overall, Laurel Everywhere is a tender coming-of-age story that brought a tear to my eye. I would definitely recommend this YA novel to anyone looking for an emotional, yet hopeful story about grief.
December 6, 2021
After the devastating loss of her mother, sister, and brother, fifteen-year-old Laurel Summers feels she has to pick up the pieces of her life but doesn't know how, especially when her father, suffering from depression, spirals in his grief.
Laurel Everywhere is immensely emotional, touching on themes of love and loss and showing that "it's OK to not be OK". The story is told from the perspective of Laurel as she learns to cope with the loss of not only her mother and siblings, but also the temporary loss of her father when he is sent to a bereavement program to help with his mental health. A good support system is always so important in tragic situations like the loss Laurel suffers, and she has that in her grandparents and her best friends, Lyssa and Hanna, as she figures out how to keep her grief from overwhelming her.
I thought this book was thought-provoking and raw, as Laurel's narrative comes across as completely honest and even brash sometimes as she struggles through her grief from her family's passing and her father's distance. Laurel also sees the "ghosts" of her family throughout the book, comforting her in her hardest moments, which I thought was such a poignant detail; Laurel does not want to lose the memories of her family, and this manifestation of them in her thoughts and feelings really drove her character development as she navigated her sorrow.
Laurel Everywhere is immensely emotional, touching on themes of love and loss and showing that "it's OK to not be OK". The story is told from the perspective of Laurel as she learns to cope with the loss of not only her mother and siblings, but also the temporary loss of her father when he is sent to a bereavement program to help with his mental health. A good support system is always so important in tragic situations like the loss Laurel suffers, and she has that in her grandparents and her best friends, Lyssa and Hanna, as she figures out how to keep her grief from overwhelming her.
I thought this book was thought-provoking and raw, as Laurel's narrative comes across as completely honest and even brash sometimes as she struggles through her grief from her family's passing and her father's distance. Laurel also sees the "ghosts" of her family throughout the book, comforting her in her hardest moments, which I thought was such a poignant detail; Laurel does not want to lose the memories of her family, and this manifestation of them in her thoughts and feelings really drove her character development as she navigated her sorrow.
May 21, 2022
I enjoyed this book because not only am I a sucker for queer representation, but also for what it's like to be a queer teenager with struggles unrelated to sexuality. The things Laurel goes through and the grief she has in this book feels very real and not like the sanitized or "right" way grief is sometime portrayed. Laurel's friendship with Hanna and Lyssa was another bright spot for me. It reminded me of my two best friends and I when we were fifteen, each one of us having wildly different personalities, but fitting together somehow.
I also enjoyed the writing style, it felt like a fifteen-year-old girl was narrating the story. That being said, there were moments in the plot that seemed a bit too unrealistic, even for a grieving teenager. The scenes in the airport with Laurel hanging out for 12 hours and talking to random strangers felt a bit out there. Same thing with her attempting to see the man who killed her family at the prison. While grief can make people do strange things, I had a hard time believing these ones.
Overall, I would say Laurel Everywhere is a solid story about the survivors of a terrible tragedy, the grief a father and daughter deal with in their own ways, and the unexpected support that comes in strange ways. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a good bout of angst.
I also enjoyed the writing style, it felt like a fifteen-year-old girl was narrating the story. That being said, there were moments in the plot that seemed a bit too unrealistic, even for a grieving teenager. The scenes in the airport with Laurel hanging out for 12 hours and talking to random strangers felt a bit out there. Same thing with her attempting to see the man who killed her family at the prison. While grief can make people do strange things, I had a hard time believing these ones.
Overall, I would say Laurel Everywhere is a solid story about the survivors of a terrible tragedy, the grief a father and daughter deal with in their own ways, and the unexpected support that comes in strange ways. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a good bout of angst.
Read
July 8, 2022This book portrays the different forms grief can take. After a tragic car accident kills Laurel Summers' mother, brother, and sister Laurel and her father are left completely adrift. While her father sinks into his own depression, leaving Laurel feeling abandoned, Laurel herself experiences visions of her dead family. At times that consoles her, and at others infuriates. Laurel's best friends Hanna, whom she happens to be in love with, and Lyssa do their best to help her through with varying degrees of success. I wanted this to be a really good book. I was excited by the representation of the importance of topics such as grief, loss, and friendship. Unfortunately, I found Laurel nigh-on insufferable. The author oversimplified complex thoughts, resulting in faulty logic that informed the characters' actions. What's possibly worse, much of the prose was highly repetitive, as if reiterating the characters' unsound reasoning would trick the reader into accepting their validity. In equal parts due to her unfair and severe judgment of her father's pain, her misdirected anger at her own irrelevant actions, and nonsensical logic leading her to make self-sabotaging decisions. In short, Laurel is a selfish teen going through a traumatic shitstorm that she is in no way emotionally mature enough to deal with.
February 10, 2021
3.5 stars
I am drawn to both fiction and non-fiction books that address grief, because our culture fails quite a bit at addressing something so universally experienced. Laurel Everywhere explores 15 yo Laurel's life after it has been upended by the tragic death of her mom and siblings. Erin's writing is beautiful and the book was an easy read. Laurel's character felt a bit contrived at times and she vacillated between seeming wise beyond her years to being very selfish and impulsive. However, grief is unpredictable, so even though I could not relate, there's no way to say how someone else 'should' or 'would' behave in that situation. I also feel like I want to judge Laurel's lack of character development, but then I wonder if that was intentionally done to portray how nonlinear grief really is.
I do think that this book would be helpful for young people going through grief and tragedy. Whether they can relate to Laurel or not, I think provoking thought and dialogue about how grief changes you is so important.
I received this e-book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I am drawn to both fiction and non-fiction books that address grief, because our culture fails quite a bit at addressing something so universally experienced. Laurel Everywhere explores 15 yo Laurel's life after it has been upended by the tragic death of her mom and siblings. Erin's writing is beautiful and the book was an easy read. Laurel's character felt a bit contrived at times and she vacillated between seeming wise beyond her years to being very selfish and impulsive. However, grief is unpredictable, so even though I could not relate, there's no way to say how someone else 'should' or 'would' behave in that situation. I also feel like I want to judge Laurel's lack of character development, but then I wonder if that was intentionally done to portray how nonlinear grief really is.
I do think that this book would be helpful for young people going through grief and tragedy. Whether they can relate to Laurel or not, I think provoking thought and dialogue about how grief changes you is so important.
I received this e-book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
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