A review by lediamond4
The People We Keep by Allison Larkin

emotional 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

3.0

The first half of this book started strong.  It was compelling, I liked all of the characters including the protagonist.  I enjoyed reading April's interactions with everyone, whether they were friends or foes.  Allie Larkin did a wonderful job grabbing my attention and tugging at my heartstrings.  April's struggles and her determination make her a compelling main character and it's easy to root for her.  You laugh and cry with her.  But she's also flawed in a realistic way.  She frustrated me the way a friend would when she made choices I didn't necessarily agree with, and at the same time I understood that she was largely motivated by fear and her history of abandonment/trust issues.

Unfortunately, it dropped off quite a bit after April left Ithaca.  It felt repetitive and she moved too quickly through a larger cast of characters that was difficult to keep track of.  It never felt settled in the second half and I understand that was part of the plot because April herself couldn't settle down, but the pacing felt off.  

*SPOILERS* I HATED the pregnancy/baby trope.