Reviews

The Weird Sisters is one of my favorites, and I was eagerly looking forward to this. It did not disappoint. The story is centered on three sets of parents have adopted four biological siblings, and work together as a large extended family so the children can continue to have close relationships. Solitary, quiet Ginger is single mother to the eldest daughter, who is about to start middle school and who is starting to lead Ginger toward changes that challenge her comfort levels. Tabitha, mother of the twins, is a take-charge organizer who doesn't realize that she steps over other people's boundaries. And Elizabeth, who has the baby of the family, is reeling from months of intensive IVF treatments and parenting a newborn. The story is mostly focused on these three mothers, and the challenges they face, and their struggle with what being a family means to them. I found this thoughtful and I enjoyed it a lot. And of course I would read another by this author.

kinsa's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

kellyhook_readsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

ANY OTHER FAMILY is not just any other family drama.

The story follows four biological siblings and three sets of adoptive parents who vow to raise the children together despite living in three different households.

Tensions run high when this unconventional family takes their first summer vacation together. They receive a surprising call from the children’s biological mother announcing she is pregnant and looking for a family to adopt her baby.

Interspersed throughout the novel are brief excerpts from families that are seeking to adopt. I love the representation of the varied experiences of people looking to build their families through adoption and the emphasis that each story is different. The author’s note is incredibly thoughtful and touches on additional issues surrounding adoption that weren’t covered in the story.

As an adoptive mother herself, author Eleanor Brown brings her own authentic perspective to the story. Her novel raises interesting questions about what constitutes a family, motherhood expectations and the complexities of living in community.

RATING: 4.5/5
PUB DATE: July 12, 2022

A big thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

blueashbobbie's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

thebookybabe's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

clarrro's review against another edition

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3.0

This book kept its theme up front and prevalent. Would have enjoyed a bit more variety, and sometimes it was cloying, sentimental and a bit too much bla bla bla.

jawolffe's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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