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itsmekhwahish's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Be careful of what you tell yourself.
I first heard Kern Carter say that during a Storytelling and Narratives lecture. As a cohort, we were guided towards thinking about what stories we tell ourselves. What version of the truth do we convince ourselves to believe in?
That lecture and this novel meet ends.
There are very few authors that I've read who practice what they preach. Kern Carter is one of them and And Then There Was Us is a prime-time example.
Coi took me on an intuitive journey where she learned how to forgive her family and taught me how to see my family members in a different light. I was just as torn as Coi through the first half of the novel - I didn't know if I should feel angry towards Coi's mother, Crissy, or feel sorry for her. Which emotion would be appropriate?
The answer lay within the novel itself.
Through Crissy's father, we learn that there is no 'right way' to feel. His words reminded me of the quote from To All The Boys I've Loved Before where Lara Jean says, "You can be mad at someone and still miss them."
What's interesting to note is that Coi's father remains unnamed throughout the novel. We see Coi's estranged maternal side titling him Mister Smart Guy but never quite referring to him by his name. In fact, we learn almost every character's name in the book except Coi's father. It seems like a deliberate choice as it portrays the bond he has with Coi. It reads as though he's the only true family she has.
Given the importance Coi's father had in her life, I did wish we got to read more about their relationship in connection to Crissy. What was the dynamic between the three of them like? How was Crissy's behaviour towards Coi when her father was home? How did Coi's father respond? I found myself wondering about that a lot. I also found myself thinking about Coi and Derrick and the significance of their relationship to the plot of the novel. Apart from the scene revolving around the necklace, where else did the relationship directly impact the flow of the novel?
Although I did have the aforementioned plot-centric concerns, I had none with regard to Kern's writing style. It would be a disservice if I didn't deem the book melodic. The writing had a rhythm to it - every line had significance; and so when Coi said, "I don't cry, not for her, not ever," I knew it meant something. In an interview with Corey Kareem Roberts, Kern talks about being inspired by the Toni Morrison's writing and the desire to be able to write like that. You can see the manifestation of that desire through lines like, "Small piles of snow along the road are like flares guiding us the entire way."
And Then There Was Us does stand to be a novel of its time as we see a generation more actively engaging in conversations concerning 'mommy' or rather family issues as a whole.
I first heard Kern Carter say that during a Storytelling and Narratives lecture. As a cohort, we were guided towards thinking about what stories we tell ourselves. What version of the truth do we convince ourselves to believe in?
That lecture and this novel meet ends.
There are very few authors that I've read who practice what they preach. Kern Carter is one of them and And Then There Was Us is a prime-time example.
Coi took me on an intuitive journey where she learned how to forgive her family and taught me how to see my family members in a different light. I was just as torn as Coi through the first half of the novel - I didn't know if I should feel angry towards Coi's mother, Crissy, or feel sorry for her. Which emotion would be appropriate?
The answer lay within the novel itself.
Through Crissy's father, we learn that there is no 'right way' to feel. His words reminded me of the quote from To All The Boys I've Loved Before where Lara Jean says, "You can be mad at someone and still miss them."
What's interesting to note is that Coi's father remains unnamed throughout the novel. We see Coi's estranged maternal side titling him Mister Smart Guy but never quite referring to him by his name. In fact, we learn almost every character's name in the book except Coi's father. It seems like a deliberate choice as it portrays the bond he has with Coi. It reads as though he's the only true family she has.
Given the importance Coi's father had in her life, I did wish we got to read more about their relationship in connection to Crissy. What was the dynamic between the three of them like? How was Crissy's behaviour towards Coi when her father was home? How did Coi's father respond? I found myself wondering about that a lot. I also found myself thinking about Coi and Derrick and the significance of their relationship to the plot of the novel. Apart from the scene revolving around the necklace, where else did the relationship directly impact the flow of the novel?
Although I did have the aforementioned plot-centric concerns, I had none with regard to Kern's writing style. It would be a disservice if I didn't deem the book melodic. The writing had a rhythm to it - every line had significance; and so when Coi said, "I don't cry, not for her, not ever," I knew it meant something. In an interview with Corey Kareem Roberts, Kern talks about being inspired by the Toni Morrison's writing and the desire to be able to write like that. You can see the manifestation of that desire through lines like, "Small piles of snow along the road are like flares guiding us the entire way."
And Then There Was Us does stand to be a novel of its time as we see a generation more actively engaging in conversations concerning 'mommy' or rather family issues as a whole.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Car accident and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use and Alcohol
thebookishnarwhal's review
5.0
This read was a heartfelt journey of forgiveness and family bonds. “And Then There Was Us” by Kern Carter is a poignant coming-of-age novel who delves into the complexities of family relationships, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of loss. Set against the backdrop of a young girl's struggle to reconcile her past, this book weaves a powerful narrative that resonates long after the final page.
Meet Coi. She’s a resilient 18-year-old who has endured years of physical and verbal abuse from her mother. After being cast out of her mother's home at the tender age of fourteen, she finds solace with her father, creating a semblance of peace in their shared existence. But when her mother passes away unexpectedly, the fragile equilibrium shatters, thrusting her into a whirlwind of emotions.
Carter masterfully crafts characters who breathe with authenticity. Coi's internal struggle feels achingly real and her emotional journey is raw and relatable, making her a protagonist readers will root for.
The heart of this novel lies in its exploration of forgiveness. As Coi reconnects with her estranged family, including her younger half-sister Kayla, she grapples with long-held views about her mother. Carter deftly portrays the complexity of forgiveness, showing that it isn't a linear path but a messy, necessary process.
Coi's lucid dreams serve as a powerful narrative device. Through these dream sequences, readers witness her reliving moments of abuse and emotional trauma. These haunting visions force Coi to confront her past, leading to a profound transformation. Carter's portrayal of dreams blurs the line between reality and memory, leaving an indelible mark.
The dynamics within Coi's family are richly layered. Her interactions with others provides insight into the multifaceted nature of love and pain. The gradual unraveling of secrets and hidden emotions adds depth to the narrative. Readers are invited to reflect on our own relationships, our capacity for forgiveness, and the intricate threads that bind families together. This novel is a testament to resilience, hope, and the healing power of understanding. Highly recommended for fans of thought-provoking YA fiction.
The prose is both lyrical and unflinching. Carter captures the nuances of grief, anger, and vulnerability with precision. The pacing keeps readers engaged, and the emotional crescendos hit like a tidal wave. Prepare to be moved. This is a wondrous read that will linger in your heart, serving as a reminder that forgiveness can be both a burden and a balm. Carter's storytelling prowess shines brightly, making this novel an essential addition to any reader's bookshelf.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Tundra Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Coi. She’s a resilient 18-year-old who has endured years of physical and verbal abuse from her mother. After being cast out of her mother's home at the tender age of fourteen, she finds solace with her father, creating a semblance of peace in their shared existence. But when her mother passes away unexpectedly, the fragile equilibrium shatters, thrusting her into a whirlwind of emotions.
Carter masterfully crafts characters who breathe with authenticity. Coi's internal struggle feels achingly real and her emotional journey is raw and relatable, making her a protagonist readers will root for.
The heart of this novel lies in its exploration of forgiveness. As Coi reconnects with her estranged family, including her younger half-sister Kayla, she grapples with long-held views about her mother. Carter deftly portrays the complexity of forgiveness, showing that it isn't a linear path but a messy, necessary process.
Coi's lucid dreams serve as a powerful narrative device. Through these dream sequences, readers witness her reliving moments of abuse and emotional trauma. These haunting visions force Coi to confront her past, leading to a profound transformation. Carter's portrayal of dreams blurs the line between reality and memory, leaving an indelible mark.
The dynamics within Coi's family are richly layered. Her interactions with others provides insight into the multifaceted nature of love and pain. The gradual unraveling of secrets and hidden emotions adds depth to the narrative. Readers are invited to reflect on our own relationships, our capacity for forgiveness, and the intricate threads that bind families together. This novel is a testament to resilience, hope, and the healing power of understanding. Highly recommended for fans of thought-provoking YA fiction.
The prose is both lyrical and unflinching. Carter captures the nuances of grief, anger, and vulnerability with precision. The pacing keeps readers engaged, and the emotional crescendos hit like a tidal wave. Prepare to be moved. This is a wondrous read that will linger in your heart, serving as a reminder that forgiveness can be both a burden and a balm. Carter's storytelling prowess shines brightly, making this novel an essential addition to any reader's bookshelf.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Tundra Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
spinesinaline's review
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thanks to Tandem Collective and Tundra Books for a copy for the readalong!
I really appreciate books for younger readers that take on serious themes, and I felt that Carter handles the difficult subject of abuse well. The teen MC Coi is allowed to feel all her feelings, sometimes putting her at odds with those who truly care about her, but it’s balanced with many adult voices in the book emphasizing that blame or shame is not something Coi needs to carry for herself.
The book fell short for me more in the writing than the themes, as it felt like there was more exposition than needed. I would’ve loved for some moments to have been shown rather than described in the narration. Still, I love what this book offers for young readers and taking note of the content warnings, I think it’d be an important read for many.
I really appreciate books for younger readers that take on serious themes, and I felt that Carter handles the difficult subject of abuse well. The teen MC Coi is allowed to feel all her feelings, sometimes putting her at odds with those who truly care about her, but it’s balanced with many adult voices in the book emphasizing that blame or shame is not something Coi needs to carry for herself.
The book fell short for me more in the writing than the themes, as it felt like there was more exposition than needed. I would’ve loved for some moments to have been shown rather than described in the narration. Still, I love what this book offers for young readers and taking note of the content warnings, I think it’d be an important read for many.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Drug use
aliterarygoodtime's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
dylanmallas's review
3.0
"And Then There Was Us" by Kern Carter is a thought-provoking novel with an engaging protagonist and deep introspection, earning it a respectable 3.5-star rating from me. Coi's inner dialogue is a highlight of the book, offering a unique glimpse into her psyche and making her a relatable and complex character. The way the author delves into her thoughts and emotions adds depth and authenticity to the story, making her struggles and growth all the more compelling.
However, there are some aspects of the book that left me wanting more. One significant issue is the rushed resolution. The climax of the story felt somewhat abrupt and left a number of loose ends that could have been tied up more satisfactorily. It's as if the story was building towards something more substantial, but then it concluded with a somewhat underwhelming resolution, leaving the reader with questions and a sense of incompleteness.
Another area where the book falls short is in the development and resolution of the relationship between Coi and Derrick. While their connection is a central part of the story, it felt underdeveloped and lacking in depth. The evolution of their relationship could have been explored in more detail, allowing readers to better understand their feelings for each other. The lack of a more satisfying resolution for their relationship left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
In conclusion, "And Then There Was Us" is a book that excels in portraying the inner world of its main character, Coi, and her journey of self-discovery. However, it falls short in terms of the rushed resolution and the underdeveloped relationship between Coi and Derrick. While it's a worthwhile read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives, it may leave readers wishing for a more thorough exploration of certain plot elements.
However, there are some aspects of the book that left me wanting more. One significant issue is the rushed resolution. The climax of the story felt somewhat abrupt and left a number of loose ends that could have been tied up more satisfactorily. It's as if the story was building towards something more substantial, but then it concluded with a somewhat underwhelming resolution, leaving the reader with questions and a sense of incompleteness.
Another area where the book falls short is in the development and resolution of the relationship between Coi and Derrick. While their connection is a central part of the story, it felt underdeveloped and lacking in depth. The evolution of their relationship could have been explored in more detail, allowing readers to better understand their feelings for each other. The lack of a more satisfying resolution for their relationship left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
In conclusion, "And Then There Was Us" is a book that excels in portraying the inner world of its main character, Coi, and her journey of self-discovery. However, it falls short in terms of the rushed resolution and the underdeveloped relationship between Coi and Derrick. While it's a worthwhile read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives, it may leave readers wishing for a more thorough exploration of certain plot elements.
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