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 Ariel F. (Madison, WI) "Things we Didn't Say"
Enjoyable quick read. The storyline is fairly predictable, but keeps your interest. At times, I wanted to scream at one of the main characters and say have confidence in yourself and leave. Many of us deal with problems of dysfunctional families and want to just walk away. I found the handling of an addiction/recovery believable.
Would recommend this for a book club for a thoughtful discussion about having a teenager and dealing with the teen years, living with someone and not being married, ex-wife, and insecurity.
Rated of 5
by Joan P. (Owego, NY) 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 Beth C. (Sioux Falls, SD) "Things We Didn't Say"
Kristina Riggle's current book is a nice piece of women's fiction. It deals with a dysfunctional family and their efforts to cope. The way she handled addiction recovery and lapse seemed quite realistic.The characters are well-drawn, so it is easy to care about them. Each of them is suffering in ways that seem age appropriate. There are enough topics within the book to make it a good choice for a book group discussion.
Rated of 5
by Melissa K. (Oviedo, Florida) Things We Didn't Say
A very compelling read. I couldn't put it down. The characters are well developed, and the storyline is realistic. The topic of family was presented in a contemporary fashion. I especially loved that the ending provided conflict resolution without being too syrupy. I am anxious to read another book written by Kristina Riggle.
Rated of 5
by Malinda N. (Westhampton, NY), Southold Library Things We Didn't Say
This novel was a quick read. It is the type of book that you want to read after you have finished a difficult or particularly thought provoking novel. It doesn't require much thought on the reader's part. The story outcome and characters are predictable. It has enough of a plot to keep the reader going until the end but the characters are not as developed as they could be which is a disappointment. I started the book with the expectation that I would encounter complex characters who were grappling with unsettling life changes. The making of such characters is possible within the story but the author fails to do so which makes what could be a very good book only an average book. I wouldn't recommend it to patrons as a bookclub choice.
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of 5
by Lauren T. (Orlando, FL) 
of 5
by Ariel F. (Madison, WI) 
of 5
by Beth C. (Sioux Falls, SD) 
