Read, Run, Ramble

Title: Things You Won’t Say

Author: Sarah Pekkanen

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Publisher: Washington Square Press

Publication Date: May 26, 2015

Format: egalley via Edelweiss

Synopsis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My review (published at Read, Run, Ramble):

Thank you Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss for providing me with an early copy of this book!

WOW, just wow! Sarah Pekkanen is such an amazing writer and I adore her characters, along with the relationships she creates. Things You Won’t Say is her latest and now my favorite of all her novels (though it is very hard to choose a favorite).

The main storyline here is beyond relevant in today’s world – cops vs civilians. Pekkanen explores the side that we don’t see in the media; the side that suffers equally in the aftermath of all the chaos. She takes us deep into the lives of the cops and their families who deal with the opposite side of the tragedies we see played out on the nightly news.

Jamie and Mike seemingly have a rock solid relationship within their white picket fence. Christie and Mike have seemingly built the perfect non-marital relationship after an unplanned pregnancy. Lou and Jamie have, to the outside onlooker, moved on after their mother’s untimely death. Together, the entire crew have what appears to be a ripple-free dynamic. Yet, what happens when they’re thrust into everyone’s worst nightmare? After two shootings rock the world they’re all living in?

I’ve read some reviews and seen some talk revolving around how unlikable all the characters are in the novel. In this story, it isn’t necessarily about having likable or even relatable characters. Because really, how many of us reading the novel have been through a situation similar enough that we could even hope to relate. That isn’t what this story is about. Situations like the one Pekkanen has written about don’t tend to bring out the best in people. People just trying to survive and make it through. She wrote REAL people – not perfect, happily ever after people. I, for one, would have been highly disappointed had she written her characters in that manner.

Additionally, and as always, Pekkanen’s writing is on point – her words flow off the page, creating a world that is hard to believe isn’t real. I felt I was walking through the story even when I wasn’t reading the book – reality and fiction indeed became intertwined! I actually woke up this morning thinking I needed to call Jamie and check on her (I’m NOT kidding)!

A relevant story with authentic characters and rich writing. A heart-pounding plot with tender as well as tragic undertones. Things You Won’t Say offers readers a story they likely won’t forget.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.