Al Die Dingen Nu Jij Er Niet Meer Bent

by Emily Spurr

Een teder feelgoodverhaal dat de wonderlijke impact van vriendschap en vertrouwen blootlegt.
‘Al die dingen’ van Emily Spurr is een teder verhaal over verlies en moed, waarin de onvergetelijke vriendschap tussen het jonge meisje Rae en haar buurvrouw centraal staat. Als Rae’s moeder op een dag zomaar is verdwenen, gaat Rae in eerste instantie gewoon door met wat ze altijd doet. Totdat de buurvrouw argwaan krijgt en haar vertrouwen probeert te winnen. Langzaam ontwikkelt zich een vriendschap, maar groeit bij Rae ook de angst dat ze op een gegeven moment de werkelijkheid onder ogen moet zien – en wat dan?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Young Adult, Book Club, Coming Of Age, Mental Health

Unknown Binding

First published March 30, 2021

About the author

Emily Spurr’s first novel, A Million Things, was shortlisted for the prestigious Victorian Premier's Unpublished Manuscript Prize, voted BookBrowse Best Debut Novel of 2021, long-listed for the 2022 Margaret & Collin Roderick Literary Award and Highly Commended for the 2022 Barbara Jefferis Award. It has been published in Australasia, North America, Europe, the UK, China and Taiwan.

Emily Spurr's second novel, Beatrix & Fred, was reviewed by The Weekend Australian as "one the most unique and curious novels of 2023, and that is precisely what makes it one of the best." A wild and darkly humorous tale, it will have you contemplating what it is to be human.

Originally from Tasmania, Emily Spurr lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her partner, their twins and the ghost of a deaf geriatric cat.

Website: https://www.emilyspurr.com/
instagram : https://www.instagram.com/spurr.emily/

Reviews

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Million Things by Emily Spurr

All ten year old Rae has known is life with her mentally ill mother and her beloved dog, Splinter. Routine is the name of the game and it's Rae who keeps up that routine, doing the chores of a functioning adult, to keep the household going, even during the times when her mom disappears, can't get out of bed, can't function at all. Rae is the adult in this house but this arrangement works until her mother can't keep going at all anymore.

There comes a day when Rae's mom doesn't come back from that dark place in her head, doesn't come back indoors from the shed out back. Now Rae's constant task is trying to mask the smell, to discern everything that needs to be done to make things look like the routine of this household has not been disrupted. But a ten year old can only do so much, time is running out, Rae needs a hug, an adult, someone to hold her up.

Lettie, the nosy old goat next door (Rae's mom called their neighbor an old goat and Rae likes to call her that, too) worms her way into Rae's life. Their cantankerous friendship warmed my heart, two people very much in need of human companionship and kindness who also feel the need to hold off closeness because of the hurts in their hearts. I love how the story shows us the kindness of strangers, acquaintances, and new friends. There really are people out there who care even if most people feel the need to stand back a bit until they know it's safe to open up.

I feel drained after this story. You know that things can't keep going on the way they are for ten year old Rae. She's just trying to keep up her front for another day, knowing that this pretend life is going to fall down on her head, since her real life has been blown up by the actions of her mother. I skimmed through the last part of chapter 48 because something happens to the dog, Splinter, who is as much a character in this story as Rae and Lettie. Thankfully friends had warned me about this part of the story and things do get better, even if they are different for Rae and Splinter.

Publication: August 24, 2021

Thank you to Elisha Katz, Berkley, and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Happy Dance 💃💃💃💃💃 Stars!

A Million Things transforms a gut-wrenching story of abandonment and what it’s like to grow up in a house that doesn’t feel safe into an astonishing portrait of resilience, mental health, and the families we make and how they make us in return.

I have not liked the Contemporary genre in the past but with all the stunning reviews, I decided to take a plunge and read it. Wow! I am so happy that I did. Now I have another new genre to read. This one was so good and an emotional read.

[Angela M · Rating 5 out of 5]

55 days in the life of ten year old Rae haunted me, hurt me, made me pause at a moment of discovery and I thought I wouldn’t be able to read more. But my heart had already been stolen by Rae and her elderly next door neighbor, Lettie, and there was just no going back. I had to know how their story would end. I had to know whether they would be okay. This is a heartbreaking story, sad beyond description. It’s gruesome, grueling, gut wrenching and was difficult for me to read. It’s a powerful story of the need we have for compassion, for love, for each other, the need we have for someone to be near when we grieve, the need for someone to pull us out of the depths of despair. It’s so much more, but I can’t bring myself to say much more, other than these are two characters who will stay with me . If you are interested in knowing more about the story line, there are a number of reviews which give that. Absolutely, do not miss the author’s note “Behind the Book”. You will be moved. I was - beyond any words I can find to say here.


I received an advanced copy of this book from Berkley through NetGalley.

[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY TO ONE OF MY TOP BOOKS OF 2021***

This book held me in it’s grip from page one and didn’t let go. I’m seldom left without words, but describing a book such as this one is very difficult. It really has to be read and experienced.

Ten year old Rae has had to take care of herself many times, but only for hours or maybe days. Her mother has mental health issues and Rae is well aware that she doesn’t always look or act like many other moms. She sees other children being driven to and from school, careful lunches packed, lessons or playdates after school. She has become accustomed to sometimes having to make her own dinner, do her homework, get herself to school and of course care for her dog, Splinter, who is her best friend.

When her mother left, “Sometimes I’d flip through the fat blue dictionary, looking for the right word for it, the feeling inside. AGITATED was almost right, but it didn’t quite fit . . .AIMLESS felt close: floaty. I floated but I always had something to do.” “Sometimes we’d just lie in the sun, Splinter's big head on my lap . . . . I guess I was AMBIVALENT. But that wasn’t the right word either because it HURT, YOU BEING GONE. I never did find the right word”.

When Rae discovers what has happened to her mother, she really doesn’t know what to do. She doesn’t really have any friends, she has no relatives that she knows of, no one to call for help.

Her next door neighbor, Lettie, has always just been that lady that sits on her porch. One day however Rae hears a call from Lettie’s house. She can’t just ignore it, she finds a way into the house and finds her older neighbor on the floor, having fallen and with a heavy bookcase pinning her down. Lettie’s house is a mess, a hoarder’s mess, with a smell that is overpowering. But through the days, Rae and Lettie strike up a friendship which will be helpful to both of them in the end.

Some have said that a ten, almost eleven year old girl, wouldn’t be able to care for herself or continue this ruse for long. But I’m a believer, especially for Rae who has been taking care of herself a lot since a very young age.

As an animal lover, I was warned away from Day 48 by a good friend and I’m glad I was. I skipped over that part to the following day and was still able to process what transpired. It was heart wrenching.

After the ending I wasn’t ready to let go of these characters, they are that well described. I enjoyed the AUTHOR’S NOTES and learned how this book came to be and her own life experiences. Her voice really added to my experience with this book.

Don't shy away from this book, it may make you cry, but it will make you realize how precious each day is and that there is always TOMORROW when things could be made right again.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WARNING: This book will break your heart! 💔

This is a HAUNTING story about 10 year old Rae, and her beloved dog, Splinter as they survive for 55 harrowing days when her mother abandons them.

Sure, she has left before-but never for this long.
No CHILD should have to live like this.

Trying to stay “under the radar” she continues to go to school, walk her dog, grocery shop by tapping her Mother’s credit card at the check-out lane, and pay the bills online.

(I did feel that she seemed a bit TOO wise and TOO articulate for her age…)

But, then her elderly next door neighbor falls, and when she cannot get up, she calls out for help. When Rae hears Lettie’s pleas, she is compelled to respond, and an unlikely friendship is formed.

I am always drawn to books where people find other people that they didn’t even realize they needed and it was heart-warming to experience their growing bond. There are many things to discover about what each of them is hiding.

I was FULLY ENGAGED from page #1, and I read this IMPRESSIVE debut in one day! And, it IS a book that will stick with me…


⚠️ HOWEVER- I should have known better about reading a book that had a 🐶 dog as an integral part of the narrative.

I wish Day 48 had been left unread-that day was heart-breaking even though what occurs was unintentional. Dog lovers may want to skip ahead to Day 49-you will still know what happens but you can avoid the horrific description! No animal lover should have to endure day 48 and it detracted from what was otherwise, a beautifully written story for me. ❤️‍🩹

NOW AVAILABLE and highly recommended!

A buddy read with DeAnn! Be sure to watch for her wonderful review!

I received a gifted copy of this ARC from the Publisher through NetGalley and it was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

[Michael David (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!

A heartbreaking and powerful read about the resilience of a young girl faced with being on her own.

10-year old Rae lives with her mom and her dog, Splinter. Her mom has a history of leaving her for stretches of time. When she wakes up one morning, she knows she’s been abandoned again.

Told over the course of 55 days, Rae goes to school, takes “Splints” for walks, and tries to behave like it is any other day, while studiously avoiding her “old, nosy” neighbor, Lettie.

Then one day, Rae hears Lettie inside of her house, asking for help. She’s trapped under a bookshelf, and Rae helps move it off of her body.

What becomes of that is a friendship of sorts, as both Rae and Lettie are lonely and both have problems that the other one has no experience with. They begin to rely on each other. As the days go by and her mother is still “away on business”, Rae knows she can’t keep up the charade forever.

This is a touching and quietly emotional story that was easy to get lost in and fly through. Rae and Lettie are truly memorable, well-rounded characters. Their growing friendship will stay with me for a long time.

Splints, the dog, is a wonderful companion to Rae...such a fun and loving soul. Heed the advice of many others and skim or skip Day 48 if harm to animals is a trigger. I was made aware ahead of time, and skimmed through the day to get the gist. It’s not easy to read, and you will still know what happens if you jump ahead to Day 49.

Other than that, this is a truly moving and captivating story, and I love that despite the narrator being that of a 10-year old girl, it doesn’t feel like a YA read. The author discusses that in the truly interesting “Behind The Book” segment at the end, so make sure you check that out.

I highly recommend this stunning debut novel, and look forward to more of Emily Spurr’s work.

Thank you to Berkley for providing me with a widget of the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 8/24/21.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

[Kaceey · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars ⭐️

I went into this read rather blind, as I do for most of my reads.

At first, I was shocked, wondering what I had signed up for. But intrigued enough to continue.

Midway I was so captivated I could not put it down. Thinking about the characters any time I had to step away.

By the end, I was in tears. Wanting to crawl into my book and hug the characters.

This is a story of life, strength, and resilience. It centers around 10-year-old Rae and her dog Splinter with their older, lonely, neighbor, Lettie. I am keeping it vague and let you discover the depth within the pages yourself.

Set a weekend aside, have your tissues handy, and enjoy! I cannot wait to hear what you all think!

Definitely one of my favorite reads for 2021.

A buddy read with Susanne! Thank you Susanne for finding this gem for us!

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to Elisha at Berkeley publishing via NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCERPT: I swallow the acid and keep yelling. 'A squashed, leathery, manky-furred cat with a paper plate on top of it.' My shouting's getting higher and squeaky in a way I don't recognize. 'That's not what you keep in a house. That's crazy!'

'A cat?'

'A dead cat!' My breathing sounds funny. 'Dead. A dead thing. Dead.' I can't stop saying the word. I need to stop saying that. 'Dead.' I push past her shaking, biting my tongue to stop my mouth betraying me further. I need to sit down.

'You found my cat?'

I'm sitting with my head in my hands. Not thinking about the shed. Not thinking about the leathery cat body. This was a mistake. I've been working all day and all I've managed to do is clean a hallway. And the crazy old cat-smothering goat isn't even thankful. As soon as I can get to my feet I'm going home. She can deal with the council and get kicked out of her house and I'm going to stay the hell away from it all. They'll be so preoccupied with this pile of shit they probably won't even look at my yard. It's not like you can smell anything else when you're inside her house. I shouldn't have got involved in the first place. She's nothing to me. I don't need her or her stinking house and definitely not all the trouble she's about to bring with her.

'You found my cat?' She drops a plastic bag - it looks like it's got banh mi in it - on the chest and sits on the porch in front of me. I glance at her face. Her eyes are huge. Her face is so pale the little red veins near her nose look like they've been drawn on with pen. 'You've found Sylvester?'

'Who?'

'My cat. I thought he ran away.' She looks horrified. 'He was-'

I don't know what to say. I glance over to our yard, at the bin where I dumped the stiff, leathery, hole-filled carcass. I remember the sparkle I focused on as I shovelled the body off the floor. 'Did he have a collar with jewels on it?'

She puts her head in her hands. 'Oh God.'

I hover my hand near her head, then pull it back and slip it into my pocket. There are tissues in there. I kneel in front of her and offer her one. She takes it, holds it in her hand, nods. And we sit there like that, the two of us and a yard full of rubbish bags.

ABOUT 'A MILLION THINGS': Rae is ten years old, and she’s tough. She’s had to be: life with her mother has taught her the world is not her friend. Now suddenly her mum is gone and Rae is alone, except for her dog Splinter.

Rae can do a lot of things pretty well for a kid. She can shop and cook a little and take care of Splints and keep the front yard neat enough that the neighbours won’t get curious. But she is gnawed at by fear and sadness; haunted by the shadow of a terrible secret.

Lettie, the old woman who lives next door, might know more about Rae than she lets on—but she has her own reasons for keeping the world at arm’s length. When Rae finds out what they are, it seems like she and Lettie could help each other.

But how long can a friendship based on secrets last?

MY THOUGHTS: Funny. Sad. Heartbreaking. A Million Things will have your emotions all over the place. I laughed. I cried. A lot.

Rae is a resourceful ten-year-old. She's had to be. Even more so now. But in reality, how's she going to hold it together now that her mother's not there? How long can she make the meager amount of money in the bank account last? How long before someone notices that her mother is no longer there, and calls in the authorities? Someone like the nosy old goat next door.

Lettie is the nosy old goat next door. She thinks Rae's rude. But she watches out for her all the same. She doesn't want the authorities poking their noses in either, for reasons of her own.

When someone down the street reports Lettie, these two form a mutual protection society and slowly, a friendship. But, even together, they can't hold off the authorities forever.

A Million Things is one of those rare, beautifully written books that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It is a story of resilience, grief and friendship. The characters are so very real, they could have stepped off the page and into my lounge. I simply couldn't get enough of this book.

The story takes place over 55 days, and is told from Rae's point of view. Her dog, Master Splinter, is another important character in this book. He is all Rae has left from 'before'.

This is a moving read. A very emotional one. A beautiful one. One that I am going to be recommending to everyone.

Yet another new, extremely talented, Australian writer for me to follow. Please put me down for her next book now.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#AMillionThings #NetGalley

I: @spurr.emily @text_publishing

T: @SpurrEmily @text_publishing

#fivestarread #contemporaryfiction #australianfiction #familydrama #sliceoflife

THE AUTHOR: Originally from Tasmania, Emily lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her partner, their twins and a deaf, geriatric cat.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Text Publishing via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Million Things by Emily Spurr. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page.

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Simply the Best!! Brilliant & Completely Heart-Wrenching!

When I picked “A Million Things” for my book buddy Kaceey and I to read, I had no idea what I was getting into, I saw that this novel had great ratings and that was all I needed to know.

As soon as we started reading it, both of us were blindsided. Shocked beyond all recognition if you will.

This book was NOTHING like anything we had ever read before and honestly, we both asked ourselves what we had gotten ourselves into… and yet we kept reading. There was just something addicting about it.

Once we got a little bit further and realized what we were reading, we were all in. Completely Hooked!

What became readily apparent is that “A Million Things” stole our hearts. It is beautiful, devastating, gut-wrenching, and incredibly smart.

So, what is it about you, ask?! I wish I could tell you but that my friends would be spoiling the plot which, in this case, is something I just cannot do. All I will say is that it features a young girl named Rae. Bright, sweet, smart, and precocious, Rae captured my affection in every way possible.

The only other thing I’ll say is that this IS a MUST-READ! It is truly one of the most incredible and inventive books I’ve ever encountered and it needs to be on your TBR.

A buddy read with Ms. Kaceey that impacted us both greatly.

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for the arc.

Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

” I know you’re not there. But the silence is like a held breath, the silence of listening, the silence of our life.”

It is not uncommon for ten-year-old Rae’s mother to disappear on her once in a while, leaving her to fend for herself. But this time is different. Rae knows her mother isn't coming back but is unable (and unwilling) to accept the truth behind her mother’s absence. Rae’s only comfort is her faithful dog Splinter and memories of good times with her mother. However, Rae manages to keep up the pretense of a normal life – taking care of the house and Splinter, cooking and cleaning, attending school and going about her normal routine. She is cautious not to arouse suspicion that she is living alone in her house and is conscious of not drawing "attention" to herself by any out –of character behavior – at school or otherwise.

“So busy. Everyone’s busy. The whole world is busy. If I keep my head down no one will look.”

Lettie, Rae’s elderly, reclusive neighbor who is a habitual hoarder, takes note of Rae’s comings and goings and is curious about her mother’s whereabouts. Rae manages to make up excuses and keep up the pretense though she is annoyed with Lettie with whom neither she nor her mother was ever close friends. But when a bookshelf in Lettie’s home topples over and leaves Lettie pinned underneath, it is Rae who helps her and they gradually become friends helping each other in more ways than either of them fully realize.

“Memories are a bit like houses, don’t you think? They scaffold all this stuff. Curate it; give things a place so you feel safe and secure. And you step through the rooms and remember what was. But it’s not real, they’re just walls. And before you know it, most of your life is just memories, some of them not even that clear. And it’s just a house that reminds you what it felt like when you thought it was a home. You don’t realize how ephemeral it is. How temporary. That it’s just all going to be something you remember. And the memories that made you feel safe, made you feel like you, are just a flimsy reminder of what’s gone to dust and that every second that passes is going to be the same, just something you remember.”

Narrated from Rae’s PoV as if in conversation with her missing mother covering 55 days since her mother has been gone, A Million Things by Emily Spurr simply breaks your heart. At times, the voice in Rae’s head does sound mature for a ten-year-old but then again, she is a child who has been living with a mother who is mentally ill (as is strongly indicated in the narrative) and we can assume her maturity is a result of having to cope with the situation. The author touches upon some difficult themes such as mental health, child abandonment and grief. Animal lovers might find some incidents towards the end of the story upsetting. This is also a novel about kindness and compassion and how outward appearances may not always reveal a person’s inner struggles.There are some lovely moments of friendship and understanding between Lettie and Rae, but at the end of the day, this is about a traumatized child whose life as she knew it is falling apart. It’s only a matter of time till the truth is out in the open. Rae is a memorable character – one you keep rooting for throughout the narrative and beyond. The author does a brilliant job of describing Rae’s innermost thoughts - her sorrow, confusion and fear and love for her dog and friendship with Lettie are beautifully expressed in simple yet elegant prose. Overall, this is a beautifully written but immensely sad and heartbreaking story about a brave and resilient young girl who you will be thinking about long after you finish the book.

[Canadian Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a story. Usually when the protagonist is a child, I think, nah, not for me. I dislike YA. BUT, this one was an exception. An exceptional exception.

Ten year old Rae is alone. Her mother one day just went out to the shed and hung herself. Rae keeps on living by herself and befriends her old goat neighbour, Lettie.
Two lonely souls who connect and save each other. And a wonderful dog, Splints.

Themes of mental illness: depression, suicide, abandonment, hoarding and a kid trying to hold it all together.

My heart hurts. It’s broken into a million pieces.
5⭐️

[Susan's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaking, but beautiful read.



Rae's Mom is gone -no spoilers here - and ten year old Rae is left to fend for herself. But Rae has had to fend for herself from a very early age. In slow, painstaking revelations, we discover that Rae's Mom was emotionally volatile. Rae loved her Mom fiercely, but she was not blind to her "difficult side." You begin to suspect that there was some underlying medical issue: bi-polar or the old-time label of manic depression. Her mother always tried to make reparations after one of her fierce or frightening outbursts, but the damage was done. Rae learned to guard herself, to be watchful, to trust no one, to keep secrets. So, when her mother "leaves," she tells no one.

Rae tries to keep to herself, but, despite her best efforts, all kinds of people are intent on insinuating themselves into her life: Oscar, the new kid at school; his mother Lucy, who keeps asking about Rae's mother, and Lettie, Rae's next door neighbour (who is a chronic hoarder.)



My mind was completely boggled by the notion that a ten year old would be able to carry on as usual, but Rae is an exceptional girl. She grew up way too fast, coping with her mother's mercurial emotional mood swings. My heart breaks for children who have lost their childhood to this type of psychological hardship. Many of us have scars of this nature: no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors. Rae was so foolhardy, but brave! I was so afraid for Rae after her encounter with that creep in the park late one night.



I loved Lettie, Rae's curmudgeonly guardian angel of sorts. Loved how she soothed all of life's ups and downs with copious amounts of tea and biscuits. Lettie's side story had me decluttering my own closets. (Mind you, I had an emergency bathroom renovation sprung on me and it was time to toss all those bottles of shampoo, body wash and perfume that were gifted to me and that my allergies couldn't tolerate. Lovely to receive these items as gifts, but ... time to go! I felt much like Lettie did: getting rid of the items that I associated good memories with was sometimes sad.)

Oscar's mother Lucy is portrayed as in interfering busy body - almost demonic. Rae feels hunted and threatened. She just wants to be left alone.



There are many wise and ponderous comments and observations made in this story. Rae is only ten years old, so hearing Rae tell Lettie that she felt empty, and that was why Lettie hoarded so many things was a bit hard to swallow, but by this point I had come to respect Rae's intelligence and never say die fighting spirit. I suspect that Rae understood the feeling of emptiness, especially after her mother "left." Rae speaks so little so that everything she does say is like a "revelation" bomb exploding.

All the masks come off in this slow-moving drama when the truth is finally exposed. The last few chapters were so heartbreaking. Tears came to my eyes many times. Poor Splinter - what a loyal, loving dog!!! Sniffle, sniffle. Good boy!



I wanted to rate this one a full 5 stars, but the story was often a tad slow and took a while to build up. We certainly got a sense of time suspended, of Rae's own emotional inertia, but, as I said, it made for slow reading at times. Also, the precocious ten year old... hmmm, there was practically no child left in her. I've met my share of precocious child geniuses (I think most of my grand-nieces and nephews are geniuses and just too adorable!! But despite their ability to rattle off car engine sizes and makes and models, etc, they still had a childish element to their characters. That was what was missing from Rae for me - none of the worldly ignorance that most children don't shed until their early teens - when they suddenly think they know it all and can fix all the problems of the world that we grownups keep creating!)

I still highly recommend this excellent, heart-stirring novel. I'm rating this a 4.4 out of 5 glowing stars. That ending was exactly right.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start about this book? That it broke my heart from almost the first page? That I loved both Rae and Lettie, but most of all Splinter? That I both wanted to rush through this but never have it end?
The book covers 55 days in the life of 10 year old Rae and her dog, Splinter, after her mom disappears. Rae is an amazingly competent young lady and looks to manage on her own. But I still wanted to just hold her in my arms and care for her. Lettie is her elderly neighbor who has a hoarding problem. They slowly form a friendship. But still, it’s obvious this is a situation that can’t continue long.
Second person narrative is hard to pull off. But I loved it here, as Rae talks to her mom.
It’s amazing to think this is a debut novel. Make sure to read the Author’s “Behind the Book” which explains where she found the idea for this book. I highly recommend this book. It’s one of my favorites of the year.
My thanks to netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten year old Rae must grow up too soon after her mother abandons her.. she’s left with only her dog, Splinter..and her nosey Old Goat neighbor Lettie.
We see what has happened with her mom early on..
Rae has to carry on tending house, going to school, caring for her dog and keeping the secret of her mom’s disappearance because she is pushing down the truth of what she isn’t ready to face.
This is a story of resilience, the families that we make, and mental illness..
Heartbreaking but I was riveted!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted a fast and heartfelt read. “A Million Things” by Emily Spurr is consistently being rated high by my respected GR friends. I was not disappointed.

To enjoy this novel, one must accept the premise of a child possessing adult emotions and reactions…and at times, even logic. It’s like one of those movies where the teens save the world from oblivion, outsmarting even the government. You enjoy the movie, but it’s almost fantasy. But it’s a fantasy you want to believe.

Well, no world is being saved in this one, but a 10-year-old girl is left to her own devices and functions beyond her age ability. Adorable Rae awakes one morning, and her mother is gone. Sadly, this is not unusual, as her mother is a single parent with obvious emotional difficulties. She needs to leave often to clear her head. She can be gone for a few days, but she always comes back. Throughout Rae’s life, Rae has been left alone for extended periods of times, and she’s learned how to cope. From the first couple of chapters, the reader learns of what life has been like for Rae. Her internal dialogue is what makes this story a beauty.

Rae decides to continue as if her mother were there. She goes to school, walks her dog, Splinter, does the grocery shopping, even pays bills online. She’s done this many times and has become competent. Fifteen days after her mother leaves her, Rae has an unexpected moment with her curmudgeonly neighbor, Lettie. Rae slowly begins an unlikely friendship with her hoarding, crotchety neighbor.

As time goes by, and Rae’s mother remains truant, Rae finds covering for her missing mother more and more difficult. Plus, she’s got limited funds. The pressure of keeping authorities at bay when she has a do-gooder council woman living a few doors down begins to weigh on Rae.

Rae helps Lettie when the do-gooders try to interfere in Lettie’s life. Through Lettie, Rae (and the reader) learns the emotional impact of hoarding. I gained much compassion for hoarders reading this story.

What makes this novel special is Rae’s innocence and her inherit need to be kind. Through Lettie, we learn compassion and not being judgmental. We learn of how do-gooders can be harmful when they don’t consider what people’s situations are.

Rae will go down as a memorable character for me, similar to how we all remember Nancy Drew and her plucky spirit. Although Rae doesn’t solve mysteries, she remains plucky throughout the 55 days that she is alone and without her mother. Rae will be remembered for her resilience and resourcefulness.

Trigger warning: you will cry. Ugly cry. Major ugly cry. It’s worth the tears.

Thank you GR friend Tania who was the motivating reviewer for me. This is a gem of a story.

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

lonely old people: destroy me every time.

lonely children: destroy me every time.

sad pets: destroy me every time.

ALL THREE IN ONE? i'm ruined.

this book was very sad and sentimental in a very on-purpose way. it's part of that matt haig / fredrik backman / Be Kind And Empathetic And Embrace Life sort of cheesy novels with a moral subgenre that's been so all over everywhere lately.

is that genre my cup of tea? no. i did not like The Midnight Library and i only enjoy fredrik backman when the stars align.

but is this a bad book? also no. it's quite sweet.

you know, if you're into that sort of thing.

bottom line: calling all optimists and people with kindness in your hearts - i am not one of you, but i have a book recommendation!

---------------
currently-reading updates

binge reading sad books just to feel alive

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challenging myself to read as many review copies as possible this month because i'm addicted to projects!

ARC 1: spaceman of bohemia
ARC 2: in search of us
ARC 3: aerialists
ARC 4: the sound of drowning
ARC 5: unleaving
ARC 6: the other side of luck
ARC 7: romanov
ARC 8: the storm keeper's island
ARC 9: gut check
ARC 10: when force meets fate
ARC 11: sisters in hate
ARC 12: before i disappear
ARC 13: big time
ARC 14: stolen science
ARC 15: have a little faith in me
ARC 16: invitation to a bonfire
ARC 17: the splendor
ARC 18: how to be luminous
ARC 19: the little women cookbook
ARC 20: while we were dating
ARC 21: the lost girls
ARC 22: wait for it
ARC 23: your life has been delayed
ARC 24: a million things

[Kerrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Million Things by Emily Spurr is the poignant story of a ten-year-old girl named Rae over the course of 56 days when her mother leaves her. While I mostly enjoyed the story, I found parts of it to be unbelievable.

3.5-stars rounded up to 4.

[DeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Emotional Stars (rounded up for the tears) **Now available

This book really snuck up on me and then proceeded to rip my heart out. It has been a while since I had to stop reading because of the tears pouring down my face. You have been warned!

Rae is a precocious ten-year-old and so loves her trusty dog Splinter. Rae is taking care of the house, getting to school, walking Splinter, everything seems just fine. Then the nosy older neighbor Lettie cries out for help one day. Soon Mae is spending more time with Lettie as they both deal with secrets and loneliness. I really liked the development of their friendship and relationship.

How do we define family? This debut made me ponder that. There are also elements of mental illness and hoarding -- how do we best help people?

I read this one in just a day and these characters are memorable and it definitely stirred up my emotions. I will be watching for more from this author!

This made for a terrific buddy read with Jayme, be sure to read her review as well.

Thank you to BookBrowse for my copy of this one to read.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5 stars

What a wonderful book. Thank you to my Goodreads friend Angela M. for bringing this one to my attention.

A Million Things is a quiet book about a 10-year-old girl abandoned by her loving yet troubled mother and befriended by an “old goat” of a hoarder next door. The story is sad, wrenching may be a better word, but delivered in muted tones that complemented the contemplative, reflective nature of the tale. It is simply but brilliantly written.

The girl is Rae and the neighbor is Lettie. Rae is on her own along with her dog Splinter (“Splints”). Lettie is basically on her own with all her stuff. They both need more help than they can possibly give each other, but in the short run their bond is vital.

This book, by the way, is the author’s debut effort. It is about mental illness that is too fierce to let pure love win out. It is also about the albatross of mental illness that does not let one function as one should and as one desires. Mental illness overwhelms fierce love and overwhelms what one consciously knows is the reasonable way to live. The book also addresses how two broken people can come together for one another as they attempt to overcome their struggles.

This read is addictive. So easy to fly through. It made me cry towards the end. I want more of these characters though the author has stated there will not be a sequel. Ms. Spurr feels she has left them in a good place, and realistically, I think she did. Do not fail to read the author’s note at the end entitled “Behind the Book” where Ms. Spurr shares the deeply personal reasons why she needed to write this novel. Ms. Spurr has her second book coming later this year, and the idea for a third book is in the works. I can’t wait to read them.

I highly recommend A Million Things to all readers of meaningful fiction. This one will prick your heart.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful debut novel that will not only make you laugh and cry but also fall in love with the delightful characters.

Told from the point of view of Rae, a nearly 10 year old whose mother has left her home alone. Rae's used to looking after herself as Mum often storms out of the house and disappears for a while or is angry or distant and in no mood for dealing with a child when she's home. So, Rae is good at being quiet and self-sufficient; getting herself ready for school, fixing her own meals, walking her big black dog Splinter, buying supplies from the shop with her Mum's debit card and doing her homework. This all makes her seem a lot older than most nearly 10 year olds, but she still misses her mum and wonders what she'll do when her money runs out.

Rae only knows the next door neighbour as a nosy old goat who sits on her porch watching what's going on in the neighbourhood, but when she hears her calling for help one day, she clambers in through a window and pulls her out from under a heavy bookcase. She discovers the old goat is called Lettie and is not too scary, although her house is in a terrible state with piles of hoarded books, magazines and all manner of stuff. From then on Rae and Lettie form a sort of alliance, looking out for each other and sharing hot chocolate and biscuits on Lettie's front porch.

I loved the close relationship that develops between the young girl and the older woman, both of them spiky and independent. Neither of them was too nosy or intrusive on the other's feelings, but caring and there for each other and to keep others who would meddle at bay. Rae's relationship with her dog Splinter also reminded me of how children can receive comfort and reassurance talking out their problems to their pets in the absence of friends and family. Although dark and sad at times it's a wonderful story of hope and resilience for these two unlikely friends who have been through so much.

With many thanks to Text Publishing and Netgalley for a copy to read

[PattyMacDotComma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★
“At first, before I moved to the couch, I tried sleeping in your bed: wrapped in your doona, one of your T-shirts pressed to my nose. Each breath in taking a little more of you, till all your scents were gone. Till only the warm, swampy smell of dog and the nothing smell of me were left and your pillow held only the shape of my head.”

Rae’s a ten-year-old girl, talking to, and badly missing, her absent mother. The book is written this way, with Rae telling us her story over 55 days, something like a journal, but it isn’t written. We're just hearing her thoughts. She’s resourceful and smart, loves their dog, Splinters, and loves school.

What she doesn’t love is the old goat who lives next door, the sticky-beak neighbour, Lettie, who seems to sit on her front porch just so she can spy on Rae’s house. Rae is being very careful not to call attention to herself so nobody will realise she’s home alone. She’s one of those kids who’s watched how her mother does things and has filled in for her in the past when her mother obviously needed help.

She is distressed but has found ways to cope.

“It’s 342 footsteps till home, depending on which way I cross the road. I didn’t used to be a counter, not like Quentin at school, but I’ve found it helps when I’ve got a head full of bees. I look at my feet and count the steps and the bees get less loud. Or maybe they like numbers.”

Oscar is another boy she finds strange, a boy down the street who really just needs a friend, but Rae thinks he’s spying on her so rebuffs him regularly. Splinters she trusts. Anyone else, not so much. It’s the dog who’s keeping her sane, making her stick to a routine. But nights are bad. She often imagines her stomach pains as a rat, gnawing inside her chest.

“I wake as usual to the cold pinching my face. The TV is muted but the screen lights the room, chasing away the shadows from my sleep, with their pointy teeth that rip and bite and eyes that shine in the dark. Now it’s TV light and the sound of my tight frosted breaths. My heart settles.

The house is cold and all the quiet things are loud. The fridge, the clock, my breathing, Splinter’s. He sleeps on the couch with me. I don’t put him out at night.”

She’s started making her own rules (the dog's on the couch all night), but she kind of apologises or explains to her mother as she does it.

She notices how some houses look cheerful and happy because they have chairs with cushions on the front porch and plants in pots. So while she’s out and about with Splints (as she calls him), she pinches some to brighten up their house. She’s also a little light-fingered in other places, but she’s quick and clever about it.

It’s not a spoiler to say that she gets to know the old goat next door, Lettie, who has serious problems, but Rae is torn between being friendly and helpful or keeping as private as possible – not calling attention to herself.

Lettie and Rae share hot chocolate and a pizza on Lettie’s front porch, which is lovely - until Lettie asks an awkward question.

“The rat jerks awake from its pizza and chocolate coma and stabs its claws into my chest. I swallow.”

Rae is very descriptive and frequently refers to the rat, but there are times when her language is far more adult and literary than sounds right for her, which immediately made her unbelievable to me. I suspect that’s just me, and I imagine most readers overlook that in favour of the mood and the spell of the story. I just wish those excellent phrases could have been added by a third-person narrator instead of Rae.

This will find a lot of fans, I’m sure, and end up on many lists of favourite books. I can imagine the film already.

Thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for the preview copy from which I've quoted.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me almost a year to read this one. I knew it was going to be heartbreaking, and I kept waiting for the right time. This was probably not the right time 😂, but I was drawn to the book and went with it.

Before I begin, I took the trusted advice of many fellow reviewers and skipped Day 48 of the book. Day 49 clues you in to what happened without the detail.

Rae at 10 years old is living on her own with her dog, Splinter, when her mother leaves, as she often does, and then does not return home.

What ensues is fifty-five days of Rae surviving, going to school, and attempting to live on her own until her mom returns. Her neighbor, Lettie, has a fall and calls out for help; it’s then that Rae makes a friend and lets her guard down.

Rae’s worst fear is that her mother’s abandonment will be discovered, and she does everything she can to keep up appearances.

A Million Things hooks the reader from the very first chapter. What a heartrending opening. It goes without saying that Rae is a resilient character and wise beyond her years. The writing is smooth and quick-paced, which had me reading the story even faster. I was invested and had to know what would happen next for Rae. I appreciated how the author addressed mental health, including depression and hoarding.

Thank you to Berkley for the gifted ecopy. I also bought a copy for my shelf.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

’Silence isn’t really silent. It’s not loud, exactly. But it sits under things, making the little sounds stand out, my heartbeat in my ears, the sharp echo of the kitchen clock, the fridge humming. I move, and the rustle of me fills my head...Time goes weird. It keeps tripping over itself and dropping things. I stand in one room and then I’m sitting in another, but how I got there is gone.’

Rae is only 10-years old when she suddenly finds herself alone with her dog Splinter. Her mother is gone... physically close by but … no longer among the living when Rae finds her in the garden shed. As lonely as she is without the one person who is supposed to care for her, care about her, she’s spent so many years having to do things for herself that she is well versed in things like paying bills online, and manages to take care of herself and her dog, Splinter. The absence of her mother goes largely unnoticed since it seems her mother allowed Rae to wander on her own, or run errands on her own often enough.

Next door is Lettie, an elderly woman who it seems is incapable of getting rid of things that no longer serve a purpose, and is drawing attention with the things not only cluttering her house, but her yard, as well. Rae manages to befriend her, more as a way to distract attention from her as she doesn’t want the other neighbors’ prying eyes to be focused on her. One neighbor in particular seems to have it in for Lettie, and in order to keep that nosy neighbor and her son - who happens to be in Rae’s class - away from what she’s trying to hide, she decides she must help Lettie to keep those prying eyes off of her. Over time, a bond develops between the two, and while Rae doesn’t share her secret with her, Lettie allows her to share her story in her own time.

”Memories are a bit like houses, don’t you think? They scaffold all this stuff. Curate it; give things a place so you feel safe and secure. And you step through the rooms and remember what was. But it’s not real, they’re just walls. And before you know it, most of your life is just memories, some of them not even that clear. And it’s just a house that reminds you what it felt like when you thought it was a home...And the memories that made you feel safe, made you feel like you, are just a flimsy reminder of what’s gone to dust and that every second that passes is going to be the same, just something you remember.”

The son of the nosy neighbor happens to be in Lettie’s class, and since it appears neither of them have friends in school, he attempts to become her friend. Under the circumstances, she is reluctant, but over time he continues to win her over a teeny bit at a time.

This is an introspective look into grief. There are no rules, thank heavens, to how it should affect one person or another, the process of grief differs from person to person. At the same time it is so much more than a story about grief. It’s heartbreaking at times, humorous, loving and tender at others, but reveals the bonds that can be formed by reaching out that have the power to change more than one life.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Spurr’s writing is a lovely way to begin the New Year. Even though there’s a lot of sadness in the pages of ‘A Million Things,’ there’s hope, too, and resilience, and one of my favorite themes from 2021, ‘found family.’ Rae is a tough little girl. One gets the sense she’s had to be. Her Mom goes off sometimes and leaves her alone. Rae has her dog, Splinter, and she has her routines. She likes school, her teachers, the kids at school, but mostly, Rae comes across as a loner. This time when Mom leaves her alone, things are different.

I love Spurr’s prose in the beginning paragraph:

“Silence isn’t really silent.

It’s not loud, exactly. But it sits under things, making the little sounds stand out: my heartbeat in my ears, the sharp echo of the kitchen clock, the fridge humming. I move, and the rustle of me fills my head. Splinter laps water from his bow. His eyes tell me when it’s time to eat. Alarms go off when it’s time to wake.”

Across the road lives a grumpy old woman that Rae thinks of as an ‘old goat.’ Lettie has been through her own school of hard knocks, which has caused dysfunctions and a withdrawal from the world. Circumstances will close the gap between Rae and Lettie and create an opportunity for a unique friendship. Need might be the opening gambit but authenticity and warmth furnish the fuel for its continued growth. There’s a story behind our dysfunctions and loneliness that can be satisfied through connection and relationships. This story resonates because Spurr has tapped into our universal needs of safety and belonging.

What happens to the child or children of mentally unstable adults? Emily Spurr takes a running go at this scenario and crafts these dimensional, deeply flawed, magnificent characters. Spurr’s prose is straightforward and mostly unadorned, but it’s insightful and a joy to read. It’s easy to get caught up in this story. I want to hug Rae and tell her it will be okay, but she’d be the first to say, “Will it?” She’s a prickly girl, with good reason. The title reflects Rae’s connection to her mother. A person is made up of ‘a million things’ and so are our bonds, the threads that weave the tapestries of kinship, and of friendship. A poignant story about a girl with grit and determination and an old bereft woman who learns to open her heart again.

[Theresa Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten-year-old Rae has gotten used to her mom leaving to clear her head, but this time, her mom doesn’t seem to be coming back. So Rae goes to school, walks her dog, and buys groceries from what remains in her mother’s account. She also befriends (grudgingly at first) her neighbor, an elderly woman who is a hoarder. The fact that they both have secrets binds them together.

This is an utterly outstanding novel. The fact that it’s told from the point of view of a ten-year-old provides a wonderful way of telling a sad, memorable story. You’ll definitely want to read this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 24, 2021.

[Kathryn in FL · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 AMAZING, MAY MAKE YOUR HEARTBREAK STARS

I don't need to own a crystal ball to know that this terrific coming of age story will be voted by readers for 2021's Goodreads Best YA Book!

I flew through this rather quick read, observing Rae cope with her mother's departure. Fearful of the consequences of being alone, she keeps it a secret. She takes on responsibilities, no child should in hopes of avoiding any signals that things are awry at home. Soon it becomes apparent that others are getting suspicious and she seeks the assistance of an elderly next door neighbor, Lettie, who is dealing with her own struggles.

Lettie is old but she surely isn't suffering from any mental challenges and gives Rae some gentle nudges toward accepting her circumstances. Meanwhile, Rae offers similar support for Lettie and they form a unique bond. When social services come sniffing around, Lettie finally confronts Rae that she, Lettie needs to speak to her mom to help her continue her charade. As each struggles with acceptance of their unfortunate relationship challenges, their bond gives them courage to acknowledge their present circumstances. But suddenly, before the agreed upon deadline for Lettie to speak with Rae's mom, Rae's life is turned upside down. I won't give that part away except to say, it was like a punch in the stomach and I had to skim about 8 pages or I would have cried hard.

I loved this story. These beautiful characters were very well developed and their quirks were often endearing. There were chuckles at some of the dialogue which took some of the sting away from the very severe circumstances both main characters were experiencing. The writing was superb and didn't come across as superfluous. The plotting was consistent throughout, the end was quick and I was so sad when it ended (not because of the ending but because it was over). I went to run errands and realized thinking how much I wanted to read it, only to quickly remember that there was no more! It was so awesome, I even read the book club discussion questions and the acknowledgements with enthusiasm.

I anticipate that people will compare it to "When Crawdad's Sing" (I loved this more) and "This Tender Land" for its powerful characters and delivery. Depending on the individual, I expect some will enjoy this more. Definitely has "successful movie" written all over it. So Hollywood, start negotiating for the rights. This smells like money.

This is a keeper, don't get the copy from the library, buy it! You're welcome.

ON SHELVES AUGUST 24, 2021

Trigger Warning: Animal Injury

Disclosure: I received an ARC paperback in a Goodreads Giveaway in return for my honest opinion. I am grateful to Goodreads, the publisher Berkley Penguin and Ms. Spurr for a fabulous debut story, keep them coming...

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story with or about a dog will typically and easily touch my heart. But, the touching part of this novel can be attributed to the ten year old, Rae, who just happens to own a dog. Thank God for a dog by her side in such a situation as hers, and more so for a neighbor I thought could never be a friend. Those who are lost in this world often find one in need, or maybe it's simply meant to be, for no child should endure what lies behind and ahead of Rae. Loved this because hearts truly are resilient. Sometimes they need help to find the way through. As characters can't forget one another, I won't forget them either.

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful 🤩

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm trying to figure out how to feel about this book. Should I give it five stars for trying so hard to pull on my heartstrings or be honest and go with the middle ground of 3 stars? Hell with it...3 stars.

Rae is a ten year old girl who lives with her single mom. Her mom is gone (Not a spoiler) so Rae has to be very self sufficient with her dog Splinter. All the while hiding the fact that she is living with no supervision.
She then befriends the next door neighbor Lettie-who has a whole lot of problems herself.

So looking around...people love this book. I did also but it was to a point. I kind of felt manipulated by too much sadness in this sucker. I loved the writing and the characters are top notch. I just thought it was way over the top with sadness and I just had to stretch my imagination too far for some of it to be believable.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a ten year old, Rae is a tough little girl who knows how to take care of herself. Dealing with her mother who suffers from mental illness has not been easy for Rae. Then one day Raes mum is gone and Rae and her dog Splinter are all alone.

Rae is more than capable of keeping house as in cooking, cleaning, shopping and looking after Splinter so the neighbors don’t begin asking questions. Keeping house is one thing, but Rae is still only a ten year old girl who misses her mum.

Lettie the elderly next door neighbor normally sits on her front porch each day, but one day Rae hears Lettie calling out and when Rae finds a way of getting into Letties house she discovers that Lettie has had a fall. Whilst helping Lettie it’s obvious to Rae her neighbor is a hoarder and it’s surprising she hasn’t had a fall before now. Not only is the house a mess, but it has a strong smell that takes your breath away and it’s over, the next few days Rae and Lettie form a very unlikely friendship.

A Million Things by Australian author, Emily Spurr is a very powerful heartbreaking book. This book pulls at the heartstrings and I was left emotionally exhausted once I’d finished it. I don't remember when I last cried and laughed so much in a book. This was an exceptionally well-written story and it's a story that will stay with me for a very long time. If you enjoy reading books that take you on an emotional roller coaster than I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you read this book you will not be disappointed.