A review by ivi_reads_books
Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

From page one, the love between the siblings shines—it’s the emotional anchor of this story. I enjoyed the time jumps and the multiple POVs, which added depth to their journeys and showed how each sibling processed their unconventional childhood differently. 

The book is supposed to be set in all 50 states, but some states only get a quick mention, which made the premise feel a bit gimmicky. It’s really mostly set in North Dakota, and at its heart, it’s about sibling dynamics shaped by absent parents and the legacy of growing up in a family that turned dysfunction into a spectacle. 

Some siblings go on to lead very public, successful lives, while others struggle more quietly. The exploration of these contrasts was engaging, but the reveal of the family secrets at the end felt a little anti-climactic. 

Still, if you enjoy stories about messy families, fame, and how childhood shapes us, this one is worth checking out. 

Thanks to Ballantine Books for the advance review copy.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings