Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - A Duet for Home

This beautifully diverse story shows a part of America I rarely stop to think about: the families and children who struggle with poverty and homelessness. Karina Yan Glaser is very gentle in broaching subjects like parents struggling with mental illness or holding down jobs, a government who doesn't see unhoused families as anything but statistics to be obliterated, and the courage often needed to stand up for your own human rights when facing against impossible odds.

The story did feel kind of unfinished. But I think that was the point.

We don't know whether Tyrell is still going to have to move or not before his mom is able to hold down a job. We don't know how long June, Maybelle, and their mother is going to be in the shelter. We don't know if Ms. G is going to ever get the justice she deserves after being fired. We don't know if Maybelle will ever get to adopt Nana. We don't know what happens to Jameel after he is taken away.

I think that's kind of the nature of being unable to care for yourself or have stable, consistent living conditions to thrive in. It's heartbreaking.

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imstephtacular's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.75

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bella_cavicchi's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

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

5.0

Oh gosh, I wasn't prepared to CRY while reading today. I will read anything Karina Yan Glaser writes, and her first standalone novel is a thoughtful example of what she does best: writing stories about found families and standing up for what's right, all against the vibrancy of New York City. Sure, the ending might be unrealistic, but I simply don't care. Let us celebrate literature that celebrates community. I loved it.

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readingbooksinisrael's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring

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

2.5

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amykuc's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

I've loved all of the Vanderbeekers and was so excited to read the new book by Karina Yan Glaser's newest stand alone novel. I was not disappointed. This book deftly tackles some tough topics-homelessness, death of a parent, an incarcerated parent and mental health. None of these are covered in a heavy-handed way but deals with the emotions and effects of these issues. This book also details the effects that a strong emotional support systems gives all of us when dealing with tough times. Whether you've already loved the Vanderbeekers or this is your introduction to Karina, you won't regret this read.

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