Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the beautiful new book by an absolute favorite, Anna Quindlen - 5 stars!
Annie Brown dies suddenly in her late 30s of a brain aneurysm, leaving behind her husband and 4 children to grieve her loss, along with Annie's best friend from childhood, Annemarie. We follow along their path in the wake of Annie's death for the next year.
You already know this book will be gorgeously written because it's by Anna Quindlen, but this simple book of grief is so much more in her capable hands. Told from the POVs of Bill, eldest daughter Ali (only 13), and Annemarie, we see the family deal with Annie's loss in different ways. Ali has to grow up too soon and takes charge of her siblings, while Bill tries to move on without really facing all of his new responsibilities. Annemarie falls back into her dangerous addictions without Annie to keep her on track. But what I really loved were the more subtle themes of knowing in your heart and soul what will make you happy, and then being true to that. Letting those around us really see us and help us when we need it and stand up for us. Sometimes friends do that more than family (contrast the nursing home resident with Bill's mom!). This is an absolute must read - while it's sad, it's also uplifting and hopeful. I know I will keep thinking about this family.
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