I read this as part of a big read event and I think it had something for everyone in this big family drama. A few annoying characters but overall it was good. ( )

lol this was so bad. nothing happened for so many chapters and then when things did happen it went so fast because there was no prior development. this could have benefited A LOT from trimming down on the subplots that didn't further the plot along. honestly this felt like a high schooler turning in a book for a class aka a writer who needs lots of help. also the cat? what a waste of words. and the romance?? could've been cut completely out and it wouldn't have changed the book one bit. every character in this book is silly and not in a good way ( )

3 Stars. Would not recommend. ( )

Full Review: https://readingbeyondthebookcover.com/a-very-typical-family/

A Very Typical Family was a journey that I didn't expect to enjoy.

The characters aren't likable, but their flaws are what make them real and relatable.

The book is medium paced, and we spend a considerable amount of time with Natalie as she takes a trial-and-error approach in mending or forging a relationship with each of her siblings. There's not one way to build a bridge with either of them, so witnessing Natalie's efforts in trying to reclaim lost time is inspiring and heartwarming.

The major theme of this book is forgiveness. Forgiveness is not always expected, nor is it given. When either occurrence happens, it's suprising to at least one party; either the forgiver or the forgiven. In A Very Typical Family, we see how lack of explicit forgiveness can warp connections.

Another social theme highlighted throughout the book is the evolution of familial relationships. Natalie hasn't seen her siblings in years. The large gap of time contributes to her being out of touch and blindly navigating how to communicate with them. People change, and that's something that Natalie comes to grips with in each situation she's placed in that involves her siblings, Lynn and Jake.
These themes and the character development is what I enjoyed most about the book.

Along the way of meeting the requirements of her mother's will, Natalie meet people. One of those people becomes a romantic interest that's somehow obvious and not so obvious to read because of the interference of other characters. Considering Natalie's purpose of returning home to settle her mother's estate, romantic elements in the book felt out of place to me.

I've read that some readers enjoyed the romance because the flirting was cute, and I can see how it would be a focus for some. I didn't really care much for it. However, I did appreciate how exposure to a supportive relationship helped the main character realize her worth.

Natalie was so accustomed to being under the influence of her so-called "found family," Teensy and Paul, that she thought that what they had to offer her was all that she's capable of experiencing. It was sad to witness, though extremely rewarding once Natalie removed her rose-colored glasses. All the red flags were blurring her vision.

This Sierra Godfrey book is the first I've read. It will not be my last. Her writing style is easy to follow, and the story she's constructed for the characters in A Very Typical Family is impactful.

You should choose A Very Typical Family for next book pick, especially if you enjoy complicated family dynamics and second-chance stories. ( )

Natalie is working for an architecture firm in Boston, thinking she will be getting a promotion. When her boyfriend, Paul, gets the job instead, she is blindsided and very upset. Her roommate and best friend, Teensy, Paul's sister, sympathizes with Natalie, but also supports her brother. Paul tells Natalie he wants to marry her, but Natalie has received news that her mother has died, and she must return to Santa Cruz along with her 2 siblings to inherit a Victorian mansion, their childhood home. However, Natalie and her siblings haven't seen each other or spoken in years. With nothing to lose, Natalie heads to CA to reconnect with her siblings.
Good but predictable. Read as part of the Big Library Read 2023. ( )