Things We Didn't Say
The story begins with Casey moving in with Michael and his three children. Her sudden role as mother is daunting since Casey's ex-wife, Mallory, the children's birth mother, is a highly dysfunctional woman who is determined to undermine Casey. As with many patched together families there are many problems. Angel, the oldest daughter, remembers how bad life was with her mother but resents the new woman in her father's life and suspects Casey has secrets. Dylan has a good relationship with Casey and Jewel has made an adjustment. A family crisis brings Mallory into the house and the friction causes all the problems to rush to the surface. Each chapter is written by one of the main characters, a device to gain insight into the thoughts and actions of each. Though I became involved with the characters, their apparent inability to make good choices frustrated me . This is a book in need of someone with a cool head.
Rated of 5
by Lauren T. (Orlando, FL)
Things we didn't say by Kristina Riggle
Things we didn't say deals with themes of alcoholism, divorce, step-parenting, runaway teens and keeping secrets. However, none of these themes is presented in a new or interesting way. The characters are one-dimensional, without enough background to fully flesh them out. The reader never gets to know any of these characters well enough to like them. I was disappointed in this book since I am a step-parent and was hoping to find characters and stories to connect with in some way, but this was not the case. The book is readable but definitely not a page-turner. It left me wanting a better story with more interesting people.
Rated of 5
by Lesley M. - Perry Branch Library (Gilbert, AZ)
Things We Didn't Say
This book is good at conveying the struggles of a family in crisis. The characters are well defined and easy to associate with. The plot and language is simple and could appeal to young adults who struggle with divorce and family issues.
Rated of 5
by Carol J. (Isle, MN)
Things we Didn't Say
I prefer books that allow for escape, or teach me something new; neither of which were present in Kristina Riggle's "Things We Didn't Say". Her characters were believable and fairly authentic, with an accurate, if not predictable storyline.
"Things We Didn't Say" could prove to be an interesting book club discussion. Would be appropriate for older adolescents and might be a beneficial discussion for the appropriate group.
Rated of 5
by Donna N. (sherwood, or)
Things we didn't say
This was pleasant read. The use of telling the stories from each character's point of view was a great format, and the book kept me reading, but I was disappointed that the story was wrapped up so quickly. A few too many quick fixes for the topic... I think younger adult readers who are going through some of the same issues as this family would find this a story relatable. Could provide some good discussions.
Rated of 5
by Eileen L. (Danvers, MA)
Well Intentioned but a tad contrived
This book is a nice, quick read with mostly likeable, if not a bit typecast, characters. Casey, the protagonist, finds herself in the middle of a sinking family and in the role of the "stable one", which is not a role she feels she can live up to. So while the story is interesting it just struck me as contrived and generic. I guess, for me, the book only the seemed to want to scratch the surface of the characters lives. Also, all the eventually revealed "secrets" were anti-climatic. Not a bad book, but not a book that stayed with me after I turned the last page.
Rated of 5
by Daveann D. (Eureka, MO)
Disappointed
I was looking forward to this book. I hoped that it would pick up and become more interesting and exciting, but it never did do that for me. I did finish it in hopes that there would be a great surprise or a great ending, again to no avail. Just not enough character or plot building for me.
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of 5
by Joan P. (Owego, NY)
of 5
by Daveann D. (Eureka, MO)
