Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - The People We Keep

Sixteen-year-old April Sawicki learned she had to look out for herself. Her father left her to go live with his girlfriend and their new baby. She had been alone in a motorless motorhome for some time. April was failing school and often cut classes or missed altogether to pick up shifts at the local diner, Margo’s. Margo was like a mother to her since her mother left when April was young. April’s prized possession was the guitar her father gave her on her last birthday. She spent as much time as she could writing songs and creating music. April decided to try singing at a local open mic night at the Blue Moon Café. She sang her heart out and the crowd loved her songs. After a fight with her father, April felt it was time to leave and find her own way. Her father had broken her guitar during the fight, but she hoped she could find a way to use her talent to make a living. The story followed April as she found friends who became family, found the courage and strength to forge her way alone, and found a life she never imagined.

This was such an interesting story. One could not help but feel for April. Her childhood was difficult. I could not imagine striking out alone at sixteen, but she kept going to get the life she wanted. Along the way, she met people who taught her to love and others who reminded her to be distrustful. I loved that she remained in contact with Margo. Margo was such a wonderful character. Even though April didn’t stay in one place very long before she moved on again, each person she connected with left a little piece behind in her. I loved meeting April and reading her story.

Content warning: April’s father was emotionally and physically abusive. April was also sexually assaulted while out on the road as well.

Content Warnings

amberlfaris's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.25

Content Warnings

amandajt11's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

Content Warnings

saradoxical's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

I'm not usually someone who pays attention to Content Warnings, but the underage/adult relationship in this book threw me, and made me severely uncomfortable. I believe that was the point, but before I review this book I wanted to mention that.

Otherwise, I loved it. Top ten, probably. A keep on my shelf for a reread book.

Book Riot included this book on a list of overrated classics as what to read instead of On the Road and as someone who's tried and failed to read Jack Kerouac's classic? I was intrigued.

I loved April, and cheered for her throughout the book, finding the narrative real and sometimes painfully honest. Again, I wasn't a fan of one of her relationships, but it was still strikingly honest writing. April's life as an independent musician just trying to survive traveling from town to town reflects on the decisions we make in our lives, the what ifs that could drive us mad, and the people who become part of our stories along the way. If I had one other complaint?

The narrative wraps up too neatly, however I don't mind too much. I was rooting for April.

(A note: The rating I've given this book has increased, from my initial reaction to how it's sat with me. 5 stars, all the way.)

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clo_l's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

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

4.0

This book was an emotional rollercoaster. The story of a young girl, left to fend for herself, never knowing love, companionship or security. April has lived a million lives in the span of this book. She has loved & left, over and over and over. Never feeling worthy enough to stay with the people she truly loves & who love her back. It was hard, reading about her falling into the same patterns and not allowing herself to settle down. I absolutely love the characters in this book, especially Margo & Ethan. The ending is bittersweet and hopeful, although I need MORE!

I need to know what else happens, does Justin come around? What about Robert? Who does little Max grow up to be? Ughhhh I seriously need more! I’m not ready to let go of April.

Content Warnings