Scan barcode
A review by amy_sutt
A Million Reasons Why by Jessica Strawser
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars -- check content warnings if you have sensitive triggers
One side effect of the prevalence of genetic testing is that lots of previously unknown secrets come to light. In this story, Sela after being pressured by her best friend and ex registers her DNA in hopes of finding a family member that she can approach about a kidney transplant. This leads her to Caroline, who is in the database on a whim from a previous Christmas gift. This starts a long trail of revelations which rock Caroline's world - from the affair her dad had, to a conversation her mom had with her former love, to things in Sela's life.
This story - through those twists - is a lot about love. Love within marriage, between mother and daughter, between sisters, and between a parent and their children. I will say I almost thought there were too many twists, almost making it over the top and taking me out of the story, but the author reigned things back in just before I hit that point. I thought the mental gymnastics Caroline put herself through were a bit extensive, maybe too much, but as an overthinker myself, I can't say it's truly unrealistic. Sela's story just made me sad, but I thought the overall ending was a satisfying one.
One side effect of the prevalence of genetic testing is that lots of previously unknown secrets come to light. In this story, Sela after being pressured by her best friend and ex registers her DNA in hopes of finding a family member that she can approach about a kidney transplant. This leads her to Caroline, who is in the database on a whim from a previous Christmas gift. This starts a long trail of revelations which rock Caroline's world - from the affair her dad had, to a conversation her mom had with her former love, to things in Sela's life.
This story - through those twists - is a lot about love. Love within marriage, between mother and daughter, between sisters, and between a parent and their children. I will say I almost thought there were too many twists, almost making it over the top and taking me out of the story, but the author reigned things back in just before I hit that point. I thought the mental gymnastics Caroline put herself through were a bit extensive, maybe too much, but as an overthinker myself, I can't say it's truly unrealistic. Sela's story just made me sad, but I thought the overall ending was a satisfying one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Death of parent
check content warnings if you have sensitive triggers
One side effect of the prevalence of genetic testing is that lots of previously unknown secrets come to light. In this story, Sela after being pressured by her best friend and ex registers her DNA in hopes of finding a family member that she can approach about a kidney transplant. This leads her to Caroline, who is in the database on a whim from a previous Christmas gift. This starts a long trail of revelations which rock Caroline's world - from the affair her dad had, to a conversation her mom had with her former love, to things in Sela's life.
This story - through those twists - is a lot about love. Love within marriage, between mother and daughter, between sisters, and between a parent and their children. I will say I almost thought there were too many twists, almost making it over the top and taking me out of the story, but the author reigned things back in just before I hit that point. I thought the mental gymnastics Caroline put herself through were a bit extensive, maybe too much, but as an overthinker myself, I can't say it's truly unrealistic. Sela's story just made me sad, but I thought the overall ending was a satisfying one.