Million Reasons Why
Heartbreaking yet hopeful, this astute exploration of the bonds and limitations of family is a perfect book club pick." - New York Times bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson
A Most Anticipated by Goodreads * SheReads * E! News * FrolicJessica Strawser's A Million Reasons Why is a fascinating foray into the questions we are most afraid to ask (Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author)--the story of two women who discover a bond between them that will change both their lives forever.
When two strangers are linked by a mail-in DNA test, it's an answered prayer--that is, for one half sister. For the other, it will dismantle everything she knows to be true. But as they step into the unfamiliar realm of sisterhood, the roles will reverse in ways no one could have foreseen. Caroline lives a full, happy life--thriving career, three feisty children, enviable marriage, and a close-knit extended family. She couldn't have scripted it better. Except for one thing: She's about to discover her fundamental beliefs about them all are wrong. Sela lives a life in shades of gray, suffering from irreversible kidney failure. Her marriage crumbled in the wake of her illness. Her beloved mother, always her closest friend, unexpectedly passed away. She refuses to be defined by her grief, but still, she worries what will happen to her two-year-old son if she doesn't find a donor match in time. She's the only one who knows Caroline is her half sister and may also be her best hope for a future. But Sela's world isn't as clear-cut as it appears--and one misstep could destroy it all. A thrilling story of what happens when a long-held family secret comes to light...[Strawser] shows that no one is ever truly a villain or a hero, but instead, we are all a beautiful and messy mix of both. - Associated Press review
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Community Reviews
This was an absolutely fantastic read. There are not many books that I have a hard time putting down but this entry from Jessica Strawser definitely makes the list. I never thought that a story so down to earth as dealing with a medical condition would be of internet to me but the back and forth between the two main characters really pulled me in. In true fashion to her previous works, there are twists that you will not see coming and most likely will not be prepared for, and I love this novel for that. I can’t wait until next year for her next novel!
While the story was interesting and often compelling, I struggled to believe the characters. If a plot twist usually acts to tighten up the story that is woven, this felt to me that until the twist comes into play the pieces of the story are not loosely woven but chopped up and scattered about. Even so, it is a lovely story of sisterhood, it sheds light on those dealing with chronic illness, and the plot does draw you in (even if the decisions of the characters feel out of reach at times).
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