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The Truth About Everything
Gut a fish. Rewire a truck. Survive the collapse of the US government. All lessons fifteen-year-old Lark has learned during “homeschool” with her conspiracy-theorist-Doomsday-prepping parents. If only she’d also learned the fundamentals of human biology or even how to read. When Lark gets her first period and realizes how much she doesn’t know, she ignores her fears of everything outside their rural Montana farm and secretly attends school for the first time.
At high school, Lark discovers the world is very different than she has been told, from the basics of the internet to government takeovers that never happened. Lark uncovers the holes in her parents’ beliefs and realizes that she must decide her own truth. But it won’t come without sacrifices.
At high school, Lark discovers the world is very different than she has been told, from the basics of the internet to government takeovers that never happened. Lark uncovers the holes in her parents’ beliefs and realizes that she must decide her own truth. But it won’t come without sacrifices.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
14 people are currently reading
2760 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 24, 2023
Lark has listened for years to her parents’ long lists of evil, corrupting things. The government, religion, schools, sugar, medicine, vaccines, doctors, hospitals, phones, t.v., etc.; the list goes on and on. She accepted their beliefs without question; parents always know what’s best for themselves and their children, right? Until they don’t…
This is a very different coming-of -age book. Lark begins to question how she’s been raised and homeschooled, after going to a public school without her parents’ consent and becoming aware of what she’s been missing out on in life. “Doomsday prepping” is basically all she’s been taught, so Lark is very surprised to learn that there aren’t actually “boogeymen” waiting in every corner to grab her and corrupt her.
Good Y.A. read about the dangers that can arise when children are raised by parents who don’t believe in teaching them to think for themselves.
This is a very different coming-of -age book. Lark begins to question how she’s been raised and homeschooled, after going to a public school without her parents’ consent and becoming aware of what she’s been missing out on in life. “Doomsday prepping” is basically all she’s been taught, so Lark is very surprised to learn that there aren’t actually “boogeymen” waiting in every corner to grab her and corrupt her.
Good Y.A. read about the dangers that can arise when children are raised by parents who don’t believe in teaching them to think for themselves.
October 12, 2022
Rating: 2.5, rounded up
This is a YA book following Lark, a teenager who lives on a secluded farm with her parents, who have decided to live off the grid as anti-government conspiracy theorists. But as a young teenager, Lark decides that she wants to go against her parents' wishes and make her own path by going to school in secret.
I think topics like these in these books have to be written with a certain nuance and understanding. I don't know much about Farr's background, but I know she's a teacher from a family of teachers and don't think she's from a situation like Lark in this book. Truly I couldn't tell if this book was pushing Christianity or mocking it, which isn't great. But the biasness of it all really comes out when describing some people as "normal" (as opposed to Lark's parents' "abnormal") and to traditional school as "real school" (insinuating that homeschool is never and could never possibly also be "real school"). Don't know if this was the intention, but it certainly comes off that way in the text.
I am a liberal and queer person from a rural area in the deep South. I 100% understand where all of this is coming from, but I don't know if this is something someone should tackle when it has never been part of your immediate environment, because everything just comes off as judgmental and, quite frankly, contradictory to the main point Farr is trying to make (bodily autonomy and rights of children). You can't say that you want children to have more say in their choice of education without also acknowledging that some people aren't cut out for traditional schooling, that homeschooling (while yes also used by overly religious & extremists as a way to keep their children from trad schooling) isn't "real school" or a viable option for some people. There's no dichotomy or nuance in this book which is its biggest flaw.
Also with Lark's best friend and sort of love interest Alex, who is supposed to be a Native American kid (who would probably understand what it's like to be a victim of a white government, racism, and boarding schools, no?), but he always gasps and scoffs when Lark doesn't eat chocolate or drink soda or know what internet stuff is. And calls her "home school" as a nickname.
That being said, there are some things that work. I think the actual points the book is trying to make are interesting and fair points. The points are how to slog through endless amounts of information and find what the truth really is, especially when pertaining to science/illness and history. The second point is child autonomy as children have almost zero rights when it comes to making decisions that can affect their life in positive ways, such as with education and health. Again, the point is good but you have to also consider it going the other way and that some teens want to choose homeschooling or GED paths over traditional schooling (it's a bit of an ableist mindset too if you think about it. People on the spectrum or introverts with bad social anxiety might benefit from not being in such a social and chaotic environment and benefit from homeschooling. If someone who is happily homeschooled picked up this book and read that homeschooling isn't "real school" or is "just for religious radicals" and "but what about social engagements/homeschooled kids have no friends" is really a slap in the face). The story overall is fine, though it feels more middle grade to me than YA. I did read it and enjoy reading it, but too often found myself making mental question marks on a lot of topics the author tries to weave in here.
I think Farr is a good middle grade writer and can tell a good story but this piece in particular just comes off a bit as a white, extroverted teacher writing about something she doesn't completely understand on a deep or personal level. I know for a 100% fact that this was absolutely not the author's intention. She clearly has a passion for educating and helping children in the classroom. But intention and what actually comes out on the page are two different things.
So because of all that, I'm a bit conflicted on how I feel about this one, which is sad because I think it has all the elements of a good younger YA book, but I just can't get past some of the ideals presented with lack of dichotomy and willingness to look beyond surface-level situations.
Also, I don't know who I'd recommend this story to. Who is the intended audience?? My 13 year old nephew is homeschooled and I could never recommend this book to him because I think it would hurt his feelings and make him feel stupid or abnormal. But if I gave this to my 17 year old trad school cousins, would they even care about it? I'm not sure.
Thank you to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a YA book following Lark, a teenager who lives on a secluded farm with her parents, who have decided to live off the grid as anti-government conspiracy theorists. But as a young teenager, Lark decides that she wants to go against her parents' wishes and make her own path by going to school in secret.
I think topics like these in these books have to be written with a certain nuance and understanding. I don't know much about Farr's background, but I know she's a teacher from a family of teachers and don't think she's from a situation like Lark in this book. Truly I couldn't tell if this book was pushing Christianity or mocking it, which isn't great. But the biasness of it all really comes out when describing some people as "normal" (as opposed to Lark's parents' "abnormal") and to traditional school as "real school" (insinuating that homeschool is never and could never possibly also be "real school"). Don't know if this was the intention, but it certainly comes off that way in the text.
I am a liberal and queer person from a rural area in the deep South. I 100% understand where all of this is coming from, but I don't know if this is something someone should tackle when it has never been part of your immediate environment, because everything just comes off as judgmental and, quite frankly, contradictory to the main point Farr is trying to make (bodily autonomy and rights of children). You can't say that you want children to have more say in their choice of education without also acknowledging that some people aren't cut out for traditional schooling, that homeschooling (while yes also used by overly religious & extremists as a way to keep their children from trad schooling) isn't "real school" or a viable option for some people. There's no dichotomy or nuance in this book which is its biggest flaw.
Also with Lark's best friend and sort of love interest Alex, who is supposed to be a Native American kid (who would probably understand what it's like to be a victim of a white government, racism, and boarding schools, no?), but he always gasps and scoffs when Lark doesn't eat chocolate or drink soda or know what internet stuff is. And calls her "home school" as a nickname.
That being said, there are some things that work. I think the actual points the book is trying to make are interesting and fair points. The points are how to slog through endless amounts of information and find what the truth really is, especially when pertaining to science/illness and history. The second point is child autonomy as children have almost zero rights when it comes to making decisions that can affect their life in positive ways, such as with education and health. Again, the point is good but you have to also consider it going the other way and that some teens want to choose homeschooling or GED paths over traditional schooling (it's a bit of an ableist mindset too if you think about it. People on the spectrum or introverts with bad social anxiety might benefit from not being in such a social and chaotic environment and benefit from homeschooling. If someone who is happily homeschooled picked up this book and read that homeschooling isn't "real school" or is "just for religious radicals" and "but what about social engagements/homeschooled kids have no friends" is really a slap in the face). The story overall is fine, though it feels more middle grade to me than YA. I did read it and enjoy reading it, but too often found myself making mental question marks on a lot of topics the author tries to weave in here.
I think Farr is a good middle grade writer and can tell a good story but this piece in particular just comes off a bit as a white, extroverted teacher writing about something she doesn't completely understand on a deep or personal level. I know for a 100% fact that this was absolutely not the author's intention. She clearly has a passion for educating and helping children in the classroom. But intention and what actually comes out on the page are two different things.
So because of all that, I'm a bit conflicted on how I feel about this one, which is sad because I think it has all the elements of a good younger YA book, but I just can't get past some of the ideals presented with lack of dichotomy and willingness to look beyond surface-level situations.
Also, I don't know who I'd recommend this story to. Who is the intended audience?? My 13 year old nephew is homeschooled and I could never recommend this book to him because I think it would hurt his feelings and make him feel stupid or abnormal. But if I gave this to my 17 year old trad school cousins, would they even care about it? I'm not sure.
Thank you to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2022
I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned from this book but especially the uphill battle of what it means as a child (and as an adult) to question what your parents taught you. While I am sure many people cannot directly relate to Lark’s experience, I’m sure most would recognize the process of learning to separate well-intentioned parents from problematic teachings.
Reading The Truth About Everything was so powerful and thought-provoking that I set the book down several times to process what was happening and what I felt in that moment. Throughout it all, Lark is an admirably level headed person even when I didn't expect her to be because she is an actual child navigating an adult world with even fewer tools than most would have at her age. I am inspired by her character and Bridget Farr does an amazing job at having cultivated such a beautiful story around her. This book had a plot that was more of an emotional journey than a physical action-filled one, and I feel that Farr handled the pacing very well. This is one story I would love to go back and read again to discuss it in depth. 5/5 stars.
Reading The Truth About Everything was so powerful and thought-provoking that I set the book down several times to process what was happening and what I felt in that moment. Throughout it all, Lark is an admirably level headed person even when I didn't expect her to be because she is an actual child navigating an adult world with even fewer tools than most would have at her age. I am inspired by her character and Bridget Farr does an amazing job at having cultivated such a beautiful story around her. This book had a plot that was more of an emotional journey than a physical action-filled one, and I feel that Farr handled the pacing very well. This is one story I would love to go back and read again to discuss it in depth. 5/5 stars.
October 17, 2022
My friends over at Flux Books sent me this ARC and I have to tell you, it wrecked me IN THE BEST WAY.
Bridget Farr wrote a kid-friendly version of Educated (Tara Westover).
I got my heart broken by Lark and her family. As an educator and Idahoan, this story hit in all the familiar painful places.
The first three chapters hit me like a gut punch.
Lark's father subscribes to the sovereign citizen movement, refuses to let Lark go to school or have a social security number, or a drivers license or eat sugar...all while he munches a Snickers and works as a truck driver. Because...you know...the government.
Mental health, first love, and realizing that your parents don't always tell you the whole story are the key themes that have me rooting SO HARD for this book to be successful.
Bridget Farr wrote a kid-friendly version of Educated (Tara Westover).
I got my heart broken by Lark and her family. As an educator and Idahoan, this story hit in all the familiar painful places.
The first three chapters hit me like a gut punch.
Lark's father subscribes to the sovereign citizen movement, refuses to let Lark go to school or have a social security number, or a drivers license or eat sugar...all while he munches a Snickers and works as a truck driver. Because...you know...the government.
Mental health, first love, and realizing that your parents don't always tell you the whole story are the key themes that have me rooting SO HARD for this book to be successful.
October 9, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. I wasn’t sure what I going into when I requested this but I really appreciate Lark’s story and the discussion Bridget chooses to raise in regards to her education and family. Lark is a smart 15 y/o who is learning the ways of the world from her doomsday prepper father and tag-along mother (who’s dealing with mental illness). I appreciate the fact that Lark is shown to be smart, but not academic as she hasn’t step foot in a school and can’t read but longs to. It was a compelling and compulsive read that I think balances the realities of such a situation well. Definitely had many quotes highlighted because *ooft!* As a previous educator and someone who strongly believes in the power of education I felt that it was important to show that it wasn’t because Lark couldn’t learn or had a learning disability, she just had never been taught and there is nothing wrong with home schooling – provided that all academic criteria is met. Bridget handles the topics well, and I think it’s a fine line to straddle that she pulled off. This isn’t a commentary on conspiracy theorists and the dangers of living off the grid, this is about the importance of education and the desire to learn about the world as a whole.
The reason this isn’t 5 stars is that I felt the side characters weren’t overly developed. Jessica was okay, Grandma Betty was a boss and Alex was a sweetheart but there wasn’t much more to it. Whilst I understand its Lark’s story and I appreciated getting Alex’s background, I did feel that if it was a touch longer it would have been able to flesh out a tad more.
And no fault of the author but the eARC was formatted weirdly and so it occasionally took me out the story, but for those reading the eARC just be aware.
Wow. I wasn’t sure what I going into when I requested this but I really appreciate Lark’s story and the discussion Bridget chooses to raise in regards to her education and family. Lark is a smart 15 y/o who is learning the ways of the world from her doomsday prepper father and tag-along mother (who’s dealing with mental illness). I appreciate the fact that Lark is shown to be smart, but not academic as she hasn’t step foot in a school and can’t read but longs to. It was a compelling and compulsive read that I think balances the realities of such a situation well. Definitely had many quotes highlighted because *ooft!* As a previous educator and someone who strongly believes in the power of education I felt that it was important to show that it wasn’t because Lark couldn’t learn or had a learning disability, she just had never been taught and there is nothing wrong with home schooling – provided that all academic criteria is met. Bridget handles the topics well, and I think it’s a fine line to straddle that she pulled off. This isn’t a commentary on conspiracy theorists and the dangers of living off the grid, this is about the importance of education and the desire to learn about the world as a whole.
The reason this isn’t 5 stars is that I felt the side characters weren’t overly developed. Jessica was okay, Grandma Betty was a boss and Alex was a sweetheart but there wasn’t much more to it. Whilst I understand its Lark’s story and I appreciated getting Alex’s background, I did feel that if it was a touch longer it would have been able to flesh out a tad more.
And no fault of the author but the eARC was formatted weirdly and so it occasionally took me out the story, but for those reading the eARC just be aware.
June 23, 2022
What a book! Beautifully written with a unique story that sucked me in the further I got. I loved Lark, she is adorable and innocent and frankly, learning her way in the world. And the world is not what her dad has told her. It was far from it.
Lark was born to extremely government hating parents who believe that the government is there to monitor them. The vaccines, processed food and schooling - to name a few - is a way for the government to control their life. Lark didn't have much options in the belief until one day, she decided that she wanted to go to school. She wanted to learn. To read. To be normal. From that one decision, Lark will have to jump through many obstacles and make many decisions to finally be who she wants to be and not who she was made to be.
It was a charming story of self discovery and helped remind me of what I take for granted. I love how the story was written out and there was consistent pace in story telling. There is EMOTION with this book and I loved every minute of it. It was raw and there were parts that made my heart melt.
The Truth About Everything is a well written book balancing story telling and character development. I found loveable characters and frustrating ones. I found a new point of view. Overall, this is an excellent read that I would recommend to anyone.
Lark was born to extremely government hating parents who believe that the government is there to monitor them. The vaccines, processed food and schooling - to name a few - is a way for the government to control their life. Lark didn't have much options in the belief until one day, she decided that she wanted to go to school. She wanted to learn. To read. To be normal. From that one decision, Lark will have to jump through many obstacles and make many decisions to finally be who she wants to be and not who she was made to be.
It was a charming story of self discovery and helped remind me of what I take for granted. I love how the story was written out and there was consistent pace in story telling. There is EMOTION with this book and I loved every minute of it. It was raw and there were parts that made my heart melt.
The Truth About Everything is a well written book balancing story telling and character development. I found loveable characters and frustrating ones. I found a new point of view. Overall, this is an excellent read that I would recommend to anyone.
December 1, 2022
i never thought i’d read a five star book again 😞 thank you universe
October 20, 2022
An incredibly powerful and timely story about the importance of education and the dangers of misinformation. Lark’s voice as a protagonist shines just as bright as the plot. And it was lovely to see her take flight. Every teenager needs to read this book!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
⭐️ Summary quote from the book:
“Kids believe their parents all the time. All parents lie. Some parents tell nice lies like Santa Claus and others say everything’s fine when they’re getting a divorce and your parents tell you that the government puts fluoride in the water to numb the masses.”
⭐️ More quotes:
“The man got a dove and a rainbow as a reward for his preparation. Dad got a cellar full of canned chokecherries and a couple of used rifles. We’re still waiting for the rain.”
“Mostly, it’s just quiet. A quiet that makes me wonder what else could be going on inside my brain if I went to school.”
“I’m the only child who walks in the house, but not the only one who lives here.”
“I guess I should have told you.
The pain in my stomach meets a new burning in my chest.
I guess I should have told you.
What else don’t I know? What else aren’t they telling me?”
“I know how to do this. I know about chickens and eggs. But I don’t know about me.”
“A patriot and a racist? Doesn’t seem like a person could be both.”
“Houses in town are like people in town: cleaner, softer, not weathered by the wind and dirt. I don’t want to be a town kid, Mom says. Town kids are weak.”
“The shelves are stacked with different colors of paper, colors I didn’t know existed in paper or in life. I want to touch them, hold them close to my eyes. I knew school would be different, but I thought colors were certain as snow in November.”
“Finding truth is like predicting the rain. Nothing I can hold on to. Nothing to be sure about.”
“I know about pheasants, but I don’t know about photosynthesis. And now, I never will.”
“A no today can be a yes tomorrow. The beginning doesn’t have to determine the ending.”
⭐️ Many thanks to @tbrbeyondtours and @fluxbooks for my gifted copy!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
⭐️ Summary quote from the book:
“Kids believe their parents all the time. All parents lie. Some parents tell nice lies like Santa Claus and others say everything’s fine when they’re getting a divorce and your parents tell you that the government puts fluoride in the water to numb the masses.”
⭐️ More quotes:
“The man got a dove and a rainbow as a reward for his preparation. Dad got a cellar full of canned chokecherries and a couple of used rifles. We’re still waiting for the rain.”
“Mostly, it’s just quiet. A quiet that makes me wonder what else could be going on inside my brain if I went to school.”
“I’m the only child who walks in the house, but not the only one who lives here.”
“I guess I should have told you.
The pain in my stomach meets a new burning in my chest.
I guess I should have told you.
What else don’t I know? What else aren’t they telling me?”
“I know how to do this. I know about chickens and eggs. But I don’t know about me.”
“A patriot and a racist? Doesn’t seem like a person could be both.”
“Houses in town are like people in town: cleaner, softer, not weathered by the wind and dirt. I don’t want to be a town kid, Mom says. Town kids are weak.”
“The shelves are stacked with different colors of paper, colors I didn’t know existed in paper or in life. I want to touch them, hold them close to my eyes. I knew school would be different, but I thought colors were certain as snow in November.”
“Finding truth is like predicting the rain. Nothing I can hold on to. Nothing to be sure about.”
“I know about pheasants, but I don’t know about photosynthesis. And now, I never will.”
“A no today can be a yes tomorrow. The beginning doesn’t have to determine the ending.”
⭐️ Many thanks to @tbrbeyondtours and @fluxbooks for my gifted copy!
October 27, 2022
Thank you so much to TBR and Beyond Tours and Bridget Farr for allowing me to be part of this experience and also providing me with complimentary ARC and media kit!
Review originally posted on my blog. For a list of warnings, tropes, and representation for this book, check out BookTriggerWarnings.com.
The Truth About Everything is a book that was difficult, emotionally, to read. The story follows a 15 year old girl named Lark who for her whole life lived under the belief that her parents were the be all end all of education. Raised by two conspiracy theorists who believe that the government is constantly trying to brain wash and control the masses, Lark’s understanding of what counts as truth is severely underdeveloped and uncritical. When she finally works up the courage to secretly enroll at a Christian private school near her house, Lark finally opens herself to new opportunities.
At its heart, I think The Truth About Everything is a book that asks the reader to think about two main questions: how do we distinguish between fact and fiction? and what counts as child abuse? It’s a story about a teen learning what it means to be free, and it’s a story about a teen struggling with the idea that her parents love for her could actually be the thing causing her the most harm. I think this book opens up a lot of lessons and new questions for people to think about. Particularly, what does it mean to question everything you’ve ever known or been taught and what does it mean to consider the idea that you may have a form of parental Stockholm Syndrome.
I do feel the need to point out that there are some things in the book that you might have to suspend your disbelief for. For one, the book puts a lot of emphasis on the fact that Lark doesn’t really know how to read and has a very limited vocabulary. This makes sense considering how her parents gave up on homeschooling her early on, but it doesn’t really make sense with the fact that the book is written in first person present. For me, I think I would have preferred to write the book in first person past as a way of showing her educational progress. I am aware, however, that YA authors are often pushed to write in first person present and that the tense of the writing might not be indicative of the characters personal timeline.
The other main thing that I had to read past was the fact that Lark seemed strangely willing to discount her parents teachings at basically any sign of push back from her friends/schooling. Based on how long Lark has spent believing her parents, I thought this paradigm shift happened unrealistically quick in her.
Review originally posted on my blog. For a list of warnings, tropes, and representation for this book, check out BookTriggerWarnings.com.
The Truth About Everything is a book that was difficult, emotionally, to read. The story follows a 15 year old girl named Lark who for her whole life lived under the belief that her parents were the be all end all of education. Raised by two conspiracy theorists who believe that the government is constantly trying to brain wash and control the masses, Lark’s understanding of what counts as truth is severely underdeveloped and uncritical. When she finally works up the courage to secretly enroll at a Christian private school near her house, Lark finally opens herself to new opportunities.
At its heart, I think The Truth About Everything is a book that asks the reader to think about two main questions: how do we distinguish between fact and fiction? and what counts as child abuse? It’s a story about a teen learning what it means to be free, and it’s a story about a teen struggling with the idea that her parents love for her could actually be the thing causing her the most harm. I think this book opens up a lot of lessons and new questions for people to think about. Particularly, what does it mean to question everything you’ve ever known or been taught and what does it mean to consider the idea that you may have a form of parental Stockholm Syndrome.
I do feel the need to point out that there are some things in the book that you might have to suspend your disbelief for. For one, the book puts a lot of emphasis on the fact that Lark doesn’t really know how to read and has a very limited vocabulary. This makes sense considering how her parents gave up on homeschooling her early on, but it doesn’t really make sense with the fact that the book is written in first person present. For me, I think I would have preferred to write the book in first person past as a way of showing her educational progress. I am aware, however, that YA authors are often pushed to write in first person present and that the tense of the writing might not be indicative of the characters personal timeline.
The other main thing that I had to read past was the fact that Lark seemed strangely willing to discount her parents teachings at basically any sign of push back from her friends/schooling. Based on how long Lark has spent believing her parents, I thought this paradigm shift happened unrealistically quick in her.
October 9, 2022
The Truth About Everything is a novel that I think everyone should read. Lark has lived on her rural farm all her life, and she knows how to clean a fish, hunt on her own, rewire and fix trucks, and how to survive the inevitable collapse of the US Government.
Lark is one of my new favourite characters, and while I would not survive in her world, I think she could do well with the current state of the world right now. The dynamic between herself, her family and friends is something that isn’t always shown in novels like this, but I’m glad it was, as it makes her much more believable.
This was a super fast read, and yet I didn’t want it to end. The epilogue at the end helped a bit, but I would love to learn more about Lark’s family and how they made the decisions that were pre-established in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Flux and the author for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Lark is one of my new favourite characters, and while I would not survive in her world, I think she could do well with the current state of the world right now. The dynamic between herself, her family and friends is something that isn’t always shown in novels like this, but I’m glad it was, as it makes her much more believable.
This was a super fast read, and yet I didn’t want it to end. The epilogue at the end helped a bit, but I would love to learn more about Lark’s family and how they made the decisions that were pre-established in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Flux and the author for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 30, 2023
This book made me angry and sad.
Angry that people like Lark’s doomsday parents exist.
And sad that Lark’s homeschooling is by someone so incompetent. Ok, angry again.
Yet Lark is hungry for knowledge and learning, and that fire can’t be quenched.
So this was an uplifting story. It helps to have a friend like Alex and well meaning social workers. But the bigger issue is how some people should never be parents at all.
Angry that people like Lark’s doomsday parents exist.
And sad that Lark’s homeschooling is by someone so incompetent. Ok, angry again.
Yet Lark is hungry for knowledge and learning, and that fire can’t be quenched.
So this was an uplifting story. It helps to have a friend like Alex and well meaning social workers. But the bigger issue is how some people should never be parents at all.
January 17, 2024
I loooveddddd this book. The way it was written, the fact that I felt so connected to Lark, just all of it. I would recommend this so everyone!
October 10, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My Selling Pitch:
Do you want to read about a girl home-schooled by right-wing conspiracy theorists as she tries to attend public school?
Pre-reading:
This cover looks dirty at first glance, but it isn't meant to be.
Thick of it:
It's immediately giving Educated by Tara Westover.
Oh, Alex you sweet angel boy.
Story is getting a bit preachy.
Why make it icky with burger grease? They’re being cute? I don’t like how a lot of the dialogue in this book doesn’t seem right for their ages, though. It’s too mature sometimes.
Yes, thank you for not letting her be able to guess his computer password.
Smidge of an author-insert fantasy sin with the love interest being into her crying over books, but I'll let it slide.
Jesus christ, this boy is an angel.
Yikes on the haircut fights. Real healthy relationship right there.
Lark’s mother is a heinous bitch for that.
Post-reading:
This book is good, and fine, and entertaining, but it doesn't go far enough to be a must-read. Sometimes the dialogue feels a bit off with high school teenagers sounding like emotionally mature adults. It sounds a bit stilted at times. I wish it had gone darker (does this count as darker?); you have a girl who doesn't know what kissing or periods are, getting a boyfriend, and access to the internet and it's never really addressed. You have her mother having all these miscarriages with mental illness, and yet Lark's curiosity about them is never addressed by more than a bullet point on a list. Lark says she doesn't believe in god, but her family treats the dead babies like they're with them, so what does she believe? The side characters as a whole aren't super developed, but the book is pretty sparse on their scenes. Alex is an angel baby who deserved more time spent on him. I've seen some criticism of this book’s portrayal of homeschooling, and I think it's a bit unfair. The author isn't going after homeschooling, just Lark’s particular version of it-or lack thereof. I think the book would be stronger if her dad did have some helpful ideas (we’re told about the vanilla against gnats) that don’t come from other people. It's like the book is almost trying to be balanced and make the statement that people can be conspiracy nutjobs and still have valuable lessons in them, but that falls flat when all the value comes from information that that character explicitly googled and that by extension Lark could easily find out herself. I dunno, I wish it was longer too. I want to see more of the impact her upbringing has on the rest of her life. It's almost too easy of a read for what should be pretty heavy subject matter. I miss the weight.
Who should read this:
Fans of children escaping their culty parents
Do I want to reread this:
No
Similar books:
* Educated by Tara Westover-memoir about escaping religious extremism for education
* Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young-memoir about a girl escaping a cult for education
* Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens-girl raised in poverty and self educates
My Selling Pitch:
Do you want to read about a girl home-schooled by right-wing conspiracy theorists as she tries to attend public school?
Pre-reading:
This cover looks dirty at first glance, but it isn't meant to be.
Thick of it:
It's immediately giving Educated by Tara Westover.
Oh, Alex you sweet angel boy.
Story is getting a bit preachy.
Why make it icky with burger grease? They’re being cute? I don’t like how a lot of the dialogue in this book doesn’t seem right for their ages, though. It’s too mature sometimes.
Yes, thank you for not letting her be able to guess his computer password.
Smidge of an author-insert fantasy sin with the love interest being into her crying over books, but I'll let it slide.
Jesus christ, this boy is an angel.
Yikes on the haircut fights. Real healthy relationship right there.
Lark’s mother is a heinous bitch for that.
Post-reading:
This book is good, and fine, and entertaining, but it doesn't go far enough to be a must-read. Sometimes the dialogue feels a bit off with high school teenagers sounding like emotionally mature adults. It sounds a bit stilted at times. I wish it had gone darker (does this count as darker?); you have a girl who doesn't know what kissing or periods are, getting a boyfriend, and access to the internet and it's never really addressed. You have her mother having all these miscarriages with mental illness, and yet Lark's curiosity about them is never addressed by more than a bullet point on a list. Lark says she doesn't believe in god, but her family treats the dead babies like they're with them, so what does she believe? The side characters as a whole aren't super developed, but the book is pretty sparse on their scenes. Alex is an angel baby who deserved more time spent on him. I've seen some criticism of this book’s portrayal of homeschooling, and I think it's a bit unfair. The author isn't going after homeschooling, just Lark’s particular version of it-or lack thereof. I think the book would be stronger if her dad did have some helpful ideas (we’re told about the vanilla against gnats) that don’t come from other people. It's like the book is almost trying to be balanced and make the statement that people can be conspiracy nutjobs and still have valuable lessons in them, but that falls flat when all the value comes from information that that character explicitly googled and that by extension Lark could easily find out herself. I dunno, I wish it was longer too. I want to see more of the impact her upbringing has on the rest of her life. It's almost too easy of a read for what should be pretty heavy subject matter. I miss the weight.
Who should read this:
Fans of children escaping their culty parents
Do I want to reread this:
No
Similar books:
* Educated by Tara Westover-memoir about escaping religious extremism for education
* Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young-memoir about a girl escaping a cult for education
* Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens-girl raised in poverty and self educates
July 19, 2022
"A no today can be a yes tomorrow. The beginning doesn't have to determine the ending."
Lark has grown up in the farm with her parents, who are antigovernment. She doesn't have a birth certificate or vaccines. She has never been to a doctor or school. Her parents don't allow her to have sugar or processed food. She knows how to gut a fish, ride a truck, and use a gun, but there is much she doesn't know and when she secretly enrolls herself in Willow Creek School, Lark's life is changed. Soon, Lark is introduced to a new world. Words she can read, a new language she picked easily, true history rather than conspiracies, the internet, algebra, and photosynthesis. There are challenges she must face to reclaim the education she had never been provided with. Lark's character is well-developed and believable. She is so innocent (its adorable and frightening at the same time).
The Truth About Everything follows Lark's discovery of herself, of shedding the layers she had never questioned before. The book explores the effects of polarization and conspiracies in the modern world, and the haunting effects they leave on the children.
Thanks to NetGalley and Flux for providing me with an ARC of The Truth About Everything in exchange for an honest review.
Lark has grown up in the farm with her parents, who are antigovernment. She doesn't have a birth certificate or vaccines. She has never been to a doctor or school. Her parents don't allow her to have sugar or processed food. She knows how to gut a fish, ride a truck, and use a gun, but there is much she doesn't know and when she secretly enrolls herself in Willow Creek School, Lark's life is changed. Soon, Lark is introduced to a new world. Words she can read, a new language she picked easily, true history rather than conspiracies, the internet, algebra, and photosynthesis. There are challenges she must face to reclaim the education she had never been provided with. Lark's character is well-developed and believable. She is so innocent (its adorable and frightening at the same time).
The Truth About Everything follows Lark's discovery of herself, of shedding the layers she had never questioned before. The book explores the effects of polarization and conspiracies in the modern world, and the haunting effects they leave on the children.
Thanks to NetGalley and Flux for providing me with an ARC of The Truth About Everything in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2023
This book was both eye opening and very disconcerting. Knowing people who home school and learning how unmonitored that program is leads me to fear for the generation of students who are being home schooled. Unfortunately the evidence of mental iIllness on the part of both the mother and father compounded the possibility that Lark would never have succeeded in learning to read or to realize the world outside of her farm was somewhere she wanted to explore. This book gave our book group plenty to discuss. Definitely recommend it.
August 16, 2023
The Truth About Everything is a smart and engaging book about growing up, learning to think for yourself, and discovering and following the truth even when it puts you in conflict with the people you love most.
I was captivated with Lark's story, her strength, her intelligence, and her willingness to pursue truth and knowledge, to work to overcome the dissonance between what she has always been told and what truly is.
I was captivated with Lark's story, her strength, her intelligence, and her willingness to pursue truth and knowledge, to work to overcome the dissonance between what she has always been told and what truly is.
March 24, 2024
Lark Justus Herbst knows about the world through her father’s eyes, through his teachings on their small farm in rural Montana. She’s been homeschooled her entire life. Her parents left society behind before they had Lark, moving to a small homestead where they are as fully self-sustaining as any folks can hope to be. Lark can hunt and fish, she can farm and preserve food, she knows how to fix machines and has been able to drive since she was nine. But Lark is missing other things, like math and science, like an accurate grasp on history and enough literacy to read the books her dad thinks she can. It feels like she has enough, until one day it doesn’t. But when she starts to see what she’s missing, Lark knows she needs to keep learning any way she can. The only thing she doesn’t know is whether she’s ready to leave her world behind - and whether her parents will ever understand.
The Truth About Everything is a moving story about a teenaged girl realizing that her life with prepper, anti-government parents doesn’t have all the answers she hoped for. I’ve seen some reviews that compare this to the nonfiction memoir Educated, and there are many similarities between the circumstances around Lark’s childhood and that author’s story. Lark is curious, but obedient. She would never go against her parents restrictive rules at the start of the story, despite wondering about the world outside her small farm. She knows only a handful of people - her neighbor Mike, his nephew Alex, her maternal grandmother, her parents - and has never been to a public school or even to any public places. Her family is almost fully off the grid, and although times are almost always lean the Herbst family is fiercely independent. Lark starts to become more curious about the world when she starts to realize that her parents don’t know all the answers. Her dad takes stints of long-haul trucking to make the money they need for many basic supplies, and it’s in one of those times away that Lark enrolls herself in a small nearby school and starts going to classes. Her worldview is challenged over and over, and her perceptions about her life change drastically over the course of the story when she realizes that her parents may not have the facts straight about many things she thought they knew. Things finally come to a head after a series of breaking events that keep pulling her farther from her parents’ shuttered lifestyle. It’s sort of heartbreaking, but Lark’s story is also hopeful and full of transformation. I especially appreciated her friend Alex, who has known her for a long time and always been kind, and who is a constant supporter while Lark is trying to learn and attend class and open up her mind to the real world. He pushes her when she needs it, but lets her be fully in charge of her own choices - they have a really great relationship and it’s in part due to his honesty and unwavering friendship that Lark feels like a life outside her parent’s farm is going to be worth fighting for. The whole book felt tense and emotional, and it was amazing seeing Lark start to fill in the pieces of knowledge she thought she knew with the real information she learns in school. Her inner dialogue becomes more and more punctuated with questions once she starts going to school too, like her mind is opening up to all the things she never knew she was missing but wants to know more of now. The Truth About Everything is an impactful read, and Lark’s journey from farm to school is full of promise and a good reminder to appreciate knowledge and never lose a sense of curiosity about the world.
The Truth About Everything is a moving story about a teenaged girl realizing that her life with prepper, anti-government parents doesn’t have all the answers she hoped for. I’ve seen some reviews that compare this to the nonfiction memoir Educated, and there are many similarities between the circumstances around Lark’s childhood and that author’s story. Lark is curious, but obedient. She would never go against her parents restrictive rules at the start of the story, despite wondering about the world outside her small farm. She knows only a handful of people - her neighbor Mike, his nephew Alex, her maternal grandmother, her parents - and has never been to a public school or even to any public places. Her family is almost fully off the grid, and although times are almost always lean the Herbst family is fiercely independent. Lark starts to become more curious about the world when she starts to realize that her parents don’t know all the answers. Her dad takes stints of long-haul trucking to make the money they need for many basic supplies, and it’s in one of those times away that Lark enrolls herself in a small nearby school and starts going to classes. Her worldview is challenged over and over, and her perceptions about her life change drastically over the course of the story when she realizes that her parents may not have the facts straight about many things she thought they knew. Things finally come to a head after a series of breaking events that keep pulling her farther from her parents’ shuttered lifestyle. It’s sort of heartbreaking, but Lark’s story is also hopeful and full of transformation. I especially appreciated her friend Alex, who has known her for a long time and always been kind, and who is a constant supporter while Lark is trying to learn and attend class and open up her mind to the real world. He pushes her when she needs it, but lets her be fully in charge of her own choices - they have a really great relationship and it’s in part due to his honesty and unwavering friendship that Lark feels like a life outside her parent’s farm is going to be worth fighting for. The whole book felt tense and emotional, and it was amazing seeing Lark start to fill in the pieces of knowledge she thought she knew with the real information she learns in school. Her inner dialogue becomes more and more punctuated with questions once she starts going to school too, like her mind is opening up to all the things she never knew she was missing but wants to know more of now. The Truth About Everything is an impactful read, and Lark’s journey from farm to school is full of promise and a good reminder to appreciate knowledge and never lose a sense of curiosity about the world.
May 2, 2024
3.5 Stars*
I originally received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
"The Truth About Everything" follows Lark, a 15-year-old girl who lives out on remote land in Montana with her parents. Her parents believe the US government is bound to collapse, and they must do everything they can to live off the grid and prepare for the day it all goes awry. Lark has never questioned her parents, or her upbringing, because she has never known anything different. But Lark desperately wants to attend school like other people her age. So, Lark secretly attends a nearby high school, and she slowly learns that her parents' limited way of thinking might not all be true.
I really enjoyed the idea of this story: a young girl who desperately wants to learn and be educated, so she rebels against her parents to attend school. Knowledge is so powerful, and seeing Lark learn that and become a stronger person was amazing. I also really appreciated that when Lark learned that something her father taught her might not be true, she did not judge him or get upset, she just started questioning things. I think this is such a mature approach to learning your parents might be flawed in their reasoning.
I think this story was presented in a very respectful way. There are people who do not trust the government and who do not believe in the same things as everyone else, and that is okay. The author never seems to criticize those with a Doomsday prepping belief, but rather the author strives to paint a picture of scared people who are trying to do the best they can with the knowledge they are presented. I also think this book is appropriately marketed for "young adult", and I think it is a great opportunity for teenagers to either feel seen or learn about another human experience.
This book was highly engaging and once I started it, I could not put it down. I was so curious to see what would happen to Lark and her parents.
Lark's father was a bit much for me to take because him and I have such differing ideas, but I appreciated him as a character, and I appreciated seeing inside the mind of someone who believes different things than me. He makes what I think is a radical decision at the end of the book that really upset me. Although I think this aligns with his character and provided a more authentic reading experience, I was upset for Lark, and it really hindered my enjoyment of the resolution.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a YA book about characters who are skeptical of their government.
I originally received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
"The Truth About Everything" follows Lark, a 15-year-old girl who lives out on remote land in Montana with her parents. Her parents believe the US government is bound to collapse, and they must do everything they can to live off the grid and prepare for the day it all goes awry. Lark has never questioned her parents, or her upbringing, because she has never known anything different. But Lark desperately wants to attend school like other people her age. So, Lark secretly attends a nearby high school, and she slowly learns that her parents' limited way of thinking might not all be true.
I really enjoyed the idea of this story: a young girl who desperately wants to learn and be educated, so she rebels against her parents to attend school. Knowledge is so powerful, and seeing Lark learn that and become a stronger person was amazing. I also really appreciated that when Lark learned that something her father taught her might not be true, she did not judge him or get upset, she just started questioning things. I think this is such a mature approach to learning your parents might be flawed in their reasoning.
I think this story was presented in a very respectful way. There are people who do not trust the government and who do not believe in the same things as everyone else, and that is okay. The author never seems to criticize those with a Doomsday prepping belief, but rather the author strives to paint a picture of scared people who are trying to do the best they can with the knowledge they are presented. I also think this book is appropriately marketed for "young adult", and I think it is a great opportunity for teenagers to either feel seen or learn about another human experience.
This book was highly engaging and once I started it, I could not put it down. I was so curious to see what would happen to Lark and her parents.
Lark's father was a bit much for me to take because him and I have such differing ideas, but I appreciated him as a character, and I appreciated seeing inside the mind of someone who believes different things than me. He makes what I think is a radical decision at the end of the book that really upset me. Although I think this aligns with his character and provided a more authentic reading experience, I was upset for Lark, and it really hindered my enjoyment of the resolution.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a YA book about characters who are skeptical of their government.
October 27, 2022
"About this I am sure: I will not live my life by old answers to new questions. I won't ignore the things I know to be true simply because he's told me different. And I can't do this anymore."
15 year old Lark lives on a farm with her government hating, doomsday prepping parents. It's been her normal for her entire life. She's never questioned their way of living or the things her father has told her until she gets her first period and her first thought being "I lost a baby." When she was explaining her symptoms to her mom, she was finally but vaguely told what was actually happening. She didn't completely understand until her local friend Alex, a male, gave her more information later on.
"'I mean, I've picked up stuff for my mom before. At the grocery store. Or the Conoco. It doesn't weird me out. Here.
Out of his pockets, he pulls three squares-one yellow, one red, and one black.
'This isn't great chocolate, but it should do the trick.'
'What's it supposed to do?'
Alex shrugs, dropping the chocolate in my open hand.
'Not sure, exactly, but my mom always craves chocolate when it's that time of the month.'
It's monthly? Mom didn't mention that. Another something I should know.”
To Lark, eating anything with sugar is unheard of. According to her parents, it'll make her incredibly sick as it's the governments way of poisoning their bodies. But yet, her dad will eat snickers and her mom will drink soda.
When Lark's dad keeps giving her books to read, not knowing she actually can't read them, and Alex tells her stories about his school, she yearns for more knowledge. She immediately knows she wants to go to school.
When her dad leaves for his trucking job, she decides to enroll at the Christian school down the road, secretly. Right away Lark realizes life is a lot different than she's always been told and it's not as scary as her dad has made it seem.
Obviously it's strange for a 15 year old to be enrolling alone and it isn't long before her mom finds out. Lark uses the secret visits to her grandmas when dad is away as leverage leading her mom to say yes to school, at least until her dad comes home.
"It won't last. Not forever. Probably not even past the week until dad returns. Because she says yes, for now, but she's a petunia to Dad's frost. She'll hold up for awhile, but he'll get to her and she'll turn-drooping, limp, the truth seeping out of her withered veins.
Being in school and making friends lead to Lark finally realizing she has a right to make her own choices despite her controlling father and a mother who stays in bed all day withdrawn from life and Lark.
This finally leads Lark in her journey to self discovery.
I found this book to be so frustrating. Lark was an incredibly naive girl but she was hardly to blame. Her parents were beyond selfish. The girl got strep and they refused to get her checked out leaving the sickness to linger far beyond it's normal course.
Her mother lost many, many babies and they act as if they're still alive. I completely understand grief. But the moms grief over her lost babies has her severely depressed that she sleeps all the time and barely leaves her bed. But still, the father does nothing about it. It’s clear she needs help but they refuse to get it.
Lark makes it clear they her parents’ homeschooling methods aren’t enough especially since they have pretty much stopped doing it with her. But they do nothing to give her an education. And they get angry whenever Lark asks questions (or gives ver inaccurate answers) or when she asks for anything more than what’s provided.
My main issue was that nothing really happened in the entirety of this book. It was a long monologue of a severely complicated family and there was no real resolution.
This book got three stars from me as it just wasn't entertaining and could have been a much better story. This held a lot of promise but just didn't give in the way it could have.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Flux , for providing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based on uncorrected text which did not sway my feedback either which way. All thoughts are my own.
Please check out this review (will be published 10/28) and many others on my blog, sweetbooksomine.com
October 16, 2022
Its quiet and simple plot masks a much more complex story of coming-of-age under unusual circumstances.
The Truth About Everything is a quiet story about a girl struggling to learn about her world, think for herself, and gain the wisdom to separate fact from fiction. The simple life the Herbst family is living is very precarious. At any time, a minor mishap on their remote farm could have deadly repercussions, and with her parents’ beliefs, there are few workable backup plans.
Lark is a bright and engaging character, and it was fun seeing her take chances and enjoy her school experiences. Her constant fear of discovery by her parents was heartbreaking, and I was worried that, at any moment, her father would become violent. He just felt so angry and tightly wound all the time. Her father and mother are a sad and scary pair; their fears blinding them to the danger and harm they inflicted on their daughter. However, Lark’s friend, Alex, was a sweet guy, and I liked how he supported her in trying to expand her choices.Lark’s sheltered and deprived life will undoubtedly catch the attention and imagination of young readers. No television, internet, hunger pains, going through her first menstrual cycle without prior preparation from her mother, and then not having the standard supplies to take care of herself at her disposal will be shocking to many. But even little things, something as mundane as having never tasted chocolate candy, will be an eye-opener. The mother and father freely eating and drinking food and beverage forbidden to their daughter was pretty low. The more that was revealed about her life, the more the story’s tension built. Lark needed help.
With a brave and curious heroine and its quiet, simple yet absorbing plot, I recommend THE TRUTH ABOUT EVERYTHING to young adult contemporary fiction readers who like a strong female protagonist in an unusual coming-of-age situation, living off the grid, or a rural Montana setting.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through NetGalley and TBR and Beyond Book Tours.
May 8, 2022
3.5 stars
I received an ARC for this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“I will not live my life by old answers to new questions. I won’t ignore the things I know to be true simply because he’s told me different.”
Reading this book felt like watching a very addicting reality TV for the first half.
With the fast-paced start of the book, you immediately get thrown into the situation that will change the protagonist – Lark – life forever.
The book is just as fast to establish every role each character will fulfill during the book, and none of them will actually stray from their paths. Not her conspiracy father, not her mother that blindly follows Lark’s father, not the boy-next-door Alex whom she confines in. The same goes for every character every introduced in this story. Lark seems to be the only one allowed to change and have a character arc.
Lark’s naivety is portrayed in a funny way to the reader which made me giggle especially during the first one hundred pages, while simultaneously being angry at her parents for forcing it onto her. Lark’s curiosity is wonderful to read during the entirety of the entire book. Her need for knowledge and understanding doesn’t come from nowhere, but it is shown just how her brain works. It made me sympathize with her immediately.
Furthermore, the book makes a point to show that she isn’t stupid, just uneducated.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot, and it achieved its goal of making me feel a variety of emotions from anger to happiness, to sadness.
It’s an easy read that doesn’t require much own thought to distinguish between “good” and “bad”.
Sadly, I feel that if the book wanted to make a statement regarding conspiracy theories and the harm, they can cause it felt a little flat.
Otherwise, a thoroughly enjoyable YA novel with an amazing, eye-catching cover and many quotable passages I wanted to shove into the face of people like Lark's parents.
I received an ARC for this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“I will not live my life by old answers to new questions. I won’t ignore the things I know to be true simply because he’s told me different.”
Reading this book felt like watching a very addicting reality TV for the first half.
With the fast-paced start of the book, you immediately get thrown into the situation that will change the protagonist – Lark – life forever.
The book is just as fast to establish every role each character will fulfill during the book, and none of them will actually stray from their paths. Not her conspiracy father, not her mother that blindly follows Lark’s father, not the boy-next-door Alex whom she confines in. The same goes for every character every introduced in this story. Lark seems to be the only one allowed to change and have a character arc.
Lark’s naivety is portrayed in a funny way to the reader which made me giggle especially during the first one hundred pages, while simultaneously being angry at her parents for forcing it onto her. Lark’s curiosity is wonderful to read during the entirety of the entire book. Her need for knowledge and understanding doesn’t come from nowhere, but it is shown just how her brain works. It made me sympathize with her immediately.
Furthermore, the book makes a point to show that she isn’t stupid, just uneducated.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot, and it achieved its goal of making me feel a variety of emotions from anger to happiness, to sadness.
It’s an easy read that doesn’t require much own thought to distinguish between “good” and “bad”.
Sadly, I feel that if the book wanted to make a statement regarding conspiracy theories and the harm, they can cause it felt a little flat.
Otherwise, a thoroughly enjoyable YA novel with an amazing, eye-catching cover and many quotable passages I wanted to shove into the face of people like Lark's parents.
October 11, 2022
When I read the blurb, which mentioned prepper, it was pretty much a: “shuddup and take my money” situation, except this was an ARC, so I preordered it instead. Lark is so typical of children of doomsday/prepper parents. Her world is limited to what her parents tell her, and that world is inadequately small; she just doesn’t know it. So when she enrolls herself in high school without them knowing, she starts to realize just some of what she’s been missing in life.
I homeschooled my daughter for years. But we’re not doomsday people, so we reported to our state. And honestly? It was a ton of work if you’re not doing it online through an online school. You had to submit an overall plan of what you would be learning, prepare daily lesson plans, and then do a comprehensive end-of-the-year evaluation. But, it was totally worth it because when I did enroll her in school, they wanted to skip her ahead 2 grades. So when you read of Lark, her homeschooling should shock you, as it did me. I have nothing but empathy for her.
While the characters aren’t wholly in depth, Lark is, and that works to keep her at the forefront. This is a story of dealing with a prepper father and a mother with mental illness, who has practically checked out of everything. It’s a story of a young woman finding herself. Teens question the world around them, and it’s hard to do when you don’t have access to that world. Watching Lark unlearn some of the negative aspects of her world was an absolute joy. I think readers are going to enjoy this one.
I homeschooled my daughter for years. But we’re not doomsday people, so we reported to our state. And honestly? It was a ton of work if you’re not doing it online through an online school. You had to submit an overall plan of what you would be learning, prepare daily lesson plans, and then do a comprehensive end-of-the-year evaluation. But, it was totally worth it because when I did enroll her in school, they wanted to skip her ahead 2 grades. So when you read of Lark, her homeschooling should shock you, as it did me. I have nothing but empathy for her.
While the characters aren’t wholly in depth, Lark is, and that works to keep her at the forefront. This is a story of dealing with a prepper father and a mother with mental illness, who has practically checked out of everything. It’s a story of a young woman finding herself. Teens question the world around them, and it’s hard to do when you don’t have access to that world. Watching Lark unlearn some of the negative aspects of her world was an absolute joy. I think readers are going to enjoy this one.
April 25, 2022
I received an ARC for this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a lot. It had an overbearing, conspiracy theorist dad who “homeschooled“ his daughter. The book went through the journey of his daughter, Lark, in learning about the world and uncovering the truth about all the things her father had told her. It deals with depression, anxiety, growing up, and touches on late learning or possibly even a learning disability without calling it out.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very quotable. It filled me with rage at times, but during others I was so proud of Lark. I would definitely recommend this to high school readers who might be struggling with figuring out who they are separate from their parents. While some of the topics may seem heavy, it really gives great insight into how a young person might think about, and deal with, a newfound sense of self and distrust of their parents.
While I wish there would’ve been a happier ending for Lark and her parents relationship, I really admire her bravery and decision in the end about public school and learning about the government and different events on her own. I loved her excitement for learning throughout the book as she started going to school and really embraced it. Overall this book is definitely worth a read. It’s a quick, new point of view that is not often written about, and it’s it’s an important topic.
This book was a lot. It had an overbearing, conspiracy theorist dad who “homeschooled“ his daughter. The book went through the journey of his daughter, Lark, in learning about the world and uncovering the truth about all the things her father had told her. It deals with depression, anxiety, growing up, and touches on late learning or possibly even a learning disability without calling it out.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very quotable. It filled me with rage at times, but during others I was so proud of Lark. I would definitely recommend this to high school readers who might be struggling with figuring out who they are separate from their parents. While some of the topics may seem heavy, it really gives great insight into how a young person might think about, and deal with, a newfound sense of self and distrust of their parents.
While I wish there would’ve been a happier ending for Lark and her parents relationship, I really admire her bravery and decision in the end about public school and learning about the government and different events on her own. I loved her excitement for learning throughout the book as she started going to school and really embraced it. Overall this book is definitely worth a read. It’s a quick, new point of view that is not often written about, and it’s it’s an important topic.
October 8, 2022
So, I wanted to read this book because the summary reminded me of Educated.
Listen, it did NOT disappoint. It reminded me of a mix of Educated and Where the Crawdads Sing.
Lark has been homeschooled her whole life. Except, not really. Her parents are conspiracy theorists, prepping for the end of the world. Who needs to know about photosynthesis when the end comes? All you need to know is how to survive off the land. But what happens when Lark wants to know more?
Here’s the thing, I know people like this. Some people might think that this is too far-fetched, but it’s not. Sure, not all homeschooled people are like this. But, situations exist like this, too.
I thought Lark’s story was captivating. She’s confused, questioning, and doubtful. I really felt for her. When you’ve been raised to believe one thing, it’s shattering to learn that maybe everything you’ve been taught is wrong or the partial truth.
I felt really invested in the story. I was cheering for Lark while also being fearful that her dad would find out the truth. I was also beyond frustrated with the mom’s behavior. Basically, I couldn’t stop myself from reading the next chapter. I had to know what was going to happen.
Overall, a great book. I’ve been straying away from YA contemporary lately but this was a breath of fresh air. It’s interesting, unique, and worthwhile. I highly recommend this one! (Especially if you enjoyed Educated)
Thank you Flux for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Listen, it did NOT disappoint. It reminded me of a mix of Educated and Where the Crawdads Sing.
Lark has been homeschooled her whole life. Except, not really. Her parents are conspiracy theorists, prepping for the end of the world. Who needs to know about photosynthesis when the end comes? All you need to know is how to survive off the land. But what happens when Lark wants to know more?
Here’s the thing, I know people like this. Some people might think that this is too far-fetched, but it’s not. Sure, not all homeschooled people are like this. But, situations exist like this, too.
I thought Lark’s story was captivating. She’s confused, questioning, and doubtful. I really felt for her. When you’ve been raised to believe one thing, it’s shattering to learn that maybe everything you’ve been taught is wrong or the partial truth.
I felt really invested in the story. I was cheering for Lark while also being fearful that her dad would find out the truth. I was also beyond frustrated with the mom’s behavior. Basically, I couldn’t stop myself from reading the next chapter. I had to know what was going to happen.
Overall, a great book. I’ve been straying away from YA contemporary lately but this was a breath of fresh air. It’s interesting, unique, and worthwhile. I highly recommend this one! (Especially if you enjoyed Educated)
Thank you Flux for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
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October 13, 2022Thought-provoking, filled with emotion, yet fun at times, THE TRUTH ABOUT EVERYTHING is the story of 15 y/o Lark who’s parents have raised her in a very unconventional manner. She knows how to survive a governmental collapse, how to survive an apocalypse, how to hotwire a car, how to do most anything in the name of survival. Her parents are anti-government conspiracy theorists who have passed on their ways of thinking to her. When she secretly attends school, she soon learns that everything she’s been taught really isn’t how the world works, and that leads her on a journey of self-discovery and questioning as she grapples with knowing that everything she’s been taught is a lie.
Stories of doomsday preppers and conspiracy theorists are fascinating to me, and I will always jump at the chance to read about them. This book was a perfect example of how harmful those ways of thinking can be and how often far from the truth their ideals are. My heart broke for Lark as she realized that her parents didn’t prepare her for the real world, choosing to prepare her for the unknown rather than give her the tools she needs to survive regular life. There are quite a few takeaways from this book that I think anyone could benefit from, most notably never stop questioning things.
Bottom line — a fantastic coming-of-age story, and certainly one I recommend. 4.5 stars. Many thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours and the publisher for providing a digital copy.
Stories of doomsday preppers and conspiracy theorists are fascinating to me, and I will always jump at the chance to read about them. This book was a perfect example of how harmful those ways of thinking can be and how often far from the truth their ideals are. My heart broke for Lark as she realized that her parents didn’t prepare her for the real world, choosing to prepare her for the unknown rather than give her the tools she needs to survive regular life. There are quite a few takeaways from this book that I think anyone could benefit from, most notably never stop questioning things.
Bottom line — a fantastic coming-of-age story, and certainly one I recommend. 4.5 stars. Many thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours and the publisher for providing a digital copy.
June 4, 2022
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for a review.
It is very rare that I start a book and cannot accomplish anything else until it is finished, and even more rare for that type of book to be YA. This book did it for me though. I was so intrigued with Lark and her story from the very beginning. Her thought process, relationship with Alex, and how she navigated the world was not written in a typical YA fashion. I loved how the author used the example of 9/11 to show Lark how her previous education had been lacking and allowed her the opportunity to work through that as we went along with her. There were minimal characters introduced to us, and the ones that we did meet were important to the story. I felt that they were well fleshed out and I was invested in the characters.
I wanted to hate her parents and went into the book expecting that to be the case. In the end. I couldn't hate them, as much as I wanted to, and could empathize that they truly thought they were doing what was best for her. I know that there are a minority of individuals who share the views of Lark's parents and that Lark's experience could be a reality for many children across the country.
It is very rare that I start a book and cannot accomplish anything else until it is finished, and even more rare for that type of book to be YA. This book did it for me though. I was so intrigued with Lark and her story from the very beginning. Her thought process, relationship with Alex, and how she navigated the world was not written in a typical YA fashion. I loved how the author used the example of 9/11 to show Lark how her previous education had been lacking and allowed her the opportunity to work through that as we went along with her. There were minimal characters introduced to us, and the ones that we did meet were important to the story. I felt that they were well fleshed out and I was invested in the characters.
I wanted to hate her parents and went into the book expecting that to be the case. In the end. I couldn't hate them, as much as I wanted to, and could empathize that they truly thought they were doing what was best for her. I know that there are a minority of individuals who share the views of Lark's parents and that Lark's experience could be a reality for many children across the country.
June 26, 2022
One of the things I learned reading cult narratives is how easy it is to control someone. If you can control their information, control their sources of knowledge, then you can control everything. This isn't a cult - exactly - but the principles are the same; Lark's father wants her to believe and act exactly as he does, so he keeps her near him all the time and makes sure she has no other source of knowledge.
Until she sneaks off to school, anyway.
I liked this story - it says important things that we should be talking about, especially in light of decisions made in American law yesterday - but outside Lark's family, I found the characters a little flat. Alex was lovely, but he didn't have much of a personality in my opinion. Jessica has even less; she's just nice and religious in a non-overbearing way. Jessica's not a huge part of the story, but Alex is, so it' a shame we don't know more about him.
I really enjoyed the story, though. It was lovely to watch Lark find her feet, and her mind, and start to think for herself. I'd love to check back in on her later and find out how her parents are doing.
A recommended read, if only to teach people that we should all be thinking for ourselves!
Until she sneaks off to school, anyway.
I liked this story - it says important things that we should be talking about, especially in light of decisions made in American law yesterday - but outside Lark's family, I found the characters a little flat. Alex was lovely, but he didn't have much of a personality in my opinion. Jessica has even less; she's just nice and religious in a non-overbearing way. Jessica's not a huge part of the story, but Alex is, so it' a shame we don't know more about him.
I really enjoyed the story, though. It was lovely to watch Lark find her feet, and her mind, and start to think for herself. I'd love to check back in on her later and find out how her parents are doing.
A recommended read, if only to teach people that we should all be thinking for ourselves!
November 3, 2022
Written with a tension that is sometimes akin to a horror novel, the Truth About Everything is the story of what happens when you don't grow up in order.
Lark is a strong, mature, hardworking 15 year old who believes that the world those who love her have outlined for her is the world as it truly is. When cracks start to show in that world she explores the dissonance with the passion for knowledge that her parents always reinforced. That exploration draws her further out of the bubble that has always protected her and deeply into conflict with those who love her most.
The Truth About Everything is a young adult novel about the scariest parts of becoming an adult. About self-awareness and awareness of others and the knowledge that someone loving you isn't always a shield from them harming you. About discovering your power and the difference between -having- freedom and -using- freedom.
If you are an adult coming to this book looking for something to feel judgement about you will find it. Like the real world, the population of the Truth About Everything have strong feelings about the world and each other and say so. But the book is never -about- those things. It is a book about choosing engagement over fear, more knowledge over less, and the joy of discovery.
Highly recommend.
Lark is a strong, mature, hardworking 15 year old who believes that the world those who love her have outlined for her is the world as it truly is. When cracks start to show in that world she explores the dissonance with the passion for knowledge that her parents always reinforced. That exploration draws her further out of the bubble that has always protected her and deeply into conflict with those who love her most.
The Truth About Everything is a young adult novel about the scariest parts of becoming an adult. About self-awareness and awareness of others and the knowledge that someone loving you isn't always a shield from them harming you. About discovering your power and the difference between -having- freedom and -using- freedom.
If you are an adult coming to this book looking for something to feel judgement about you will find it. Like the real world, the population of the Truth About Everything have strong feelings about the world and each other and say so. But the book is never -about- those things. It is a book about choosing engagement over fear, more knowledge over less, and the joy of discovery.
Highly recommend.
May 29, 2022
The author calls this book "the question of how we determine the truth".
What if all you knew was the very little your parents taught you? If you didn't know enough to know what you didn't know? I always tell my students that education is really about asking questions and finding the answers.
But Lark doesn't have that option. "Finding truth is like predicting the rain. Nothing I can hold on to. Nothing to be sure about." When she slowly begins to question, the answers aren't what she expected to find.
This book deals with some heavy issues, including mental health and depression, but also foster care, neglect, and political stress. The author handles these each deftly, with sensitivity and care, while nudging the reader to think for themselves.
Lark's situation may be unique to the story, but stories like hers need to be told. Read more, study the past, and keep asking questions!
"I won't come back - I could, I might want to - but I won't need to. I can look up and see the clouds and know it's just rain. I see it now. The truth."
Triumphant, and full of the power of questions and answers.
What if all you knew was the very little your parents taught you? If you didn't know enough to know what you didn't know? I always tell my students that education is really about asking questions and finding the answers.
But Lark doesn't have that option. "Finding truth is like predicting the rain. Nothing I can hold on to. Nothing to be sure about." When she slowly begins to question, the answers aren't what she expected to find.
This book deals with some heavy issues, including mental health and depression, but also foster care, neglect, and political stress. The author handles these each deftly, with sensitivity and care, while nudging the reader to think for themselves.
Lark's situation may be unique to the story, but stories like hers need to be told. Read more, study the past, and keep asking questions!
"I won't come back - I could, I might want to - but I won't need to. I can look up and see the clouds and know it's just rain. I see it now. The truth."
Triumphant, and full of the power of questions and answers.
June 6, 2022
There is a strong bond between fathers and daughters. Lark's father is a conspiracy theorist who distrusts the government and has moved his family into a rural area away from the city and towns. Her father homeschools Lark. He provides for his family from their farm and he is a long haul trucker. He is not a physically abusive person, but he has kept his wife and daughter away from relationships with other people. Lark has learned how to survive and protect herself, but she has no idea of what the world is really like. When things she hears from her one good friend suggests that her father may not, in fact, know everything, Lark decides that maybe she might like to go to school, so she enrolls herself while dad is away on a trucking trip. When her dad comes back, he is upset with her, and she has to choose between her father and her desire to go to school. This would be a very good read for some seventh through ninth grade readers. I received an ARC and was not pressured for a positive review.
Ramona Thompson
Ramona Thompson
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