A Million Things

📚 ❤️ BOOK REVIEW ❤️ 📚

Title: A Million Things

Author: Emily Spurr

Genre: Fiction

#mommaleighellensbookclub

September Pick

I started this book one evening with the intention of only reading a little bit . . . to get a feel for the story, but somehow I didn’t stop until I had finished the entire book.

(Despite my husband complaining to turn off the lights for bed!)

It was that good! It’s no secret that I love a coming-of-age story and I’m also a sucker for a story of a friendship between a young person and older person. So this was right up my alley. It spoke to my heart.

For as long as Rae can remember it’s just her, her Mum, and their dog Splinter. Life is pretty ordinary. They go for walks and cook meals together. Sometimes her Mum disappears on solo walks to clear her head. Rae’s used to these episodes. And besides, she always comes back…

Until one morning Rae wakes up with the back door open and no Mum. So Rae just carries on like she’s there. She goes to school. She does the grocery shopping. Cooks herself noodles and eggs. Takes Splinter for walks. She tries to hide the truth and fly under the radar because after all, she is only a ten year old girl. She’s not ready to face the truth, anyway.

Lettie is Rae’s grumpy older neighbor who is harboring her own secrets and sadness. When Lettie falls one night and Rae comes to rescue her the two begin to rely on each other and form an unlikely friendship.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 This book is so many amazing things. It lives up to its title ‘A Million Things’ It’s when the world is still going on around you, and nothing feels the same and you feel all alone. When your home no longer feels like home. It’s a young girls resolve and resilience. It’s an excellent portrayal of mental health and how families can be the ones we find for ourselves. Wow, am I blown away that this is a debut! Emily, I can’t wait to read what you write next!

*Two silly sweet moments I loved in the book: Lettie wearing ugly shoes because she felt like she had to rescue them from the store and them laughing over it. And the way Lettie and Rae had hot chocolate dates together as their friendship grew. 🥰🥰

Content Warning: Contains Suicide.