Staying up late for this one

This week we take a look at a more recent read for me – this has jumped the review queue because I love it so much. This is one of those books that will make you stay up into the early hours reading. This is one that will rip your heart out and will likely make you cry. Also known as, my favourite type of book!

I don’t know why this book isn’t getting more coverage. It is so so good! If you “enjoyed” A Little Life, Room and On the Savage Side this is the book for you.

Let me introduce you to A Million Things by Emily Spurr. This is one of those books that will stay with you for a very long time. It's a story that is both heart-wrenching and beautiful with an amazing protagonist, a young girl named Rae. She is essentially living on her own after her mother disappears. We get to meet this very independent and brave young girl who is getting herself meals, going to school, looking after her dog, all without an adult around to tell her she should. Rae is doing her best to avoid anyone discovering her mother's absence. The way Rae takes care of the family dog and manages the household all by herself, it's incredibly moving but also kind of distressing. You really feel for her. How long will she hold it together? When will the money run out? When will someone notice there is no parent at home? All of these questions, as well as amazing writing, will have you saying “just one more chapter” until it is 1 am.

One of the standout elements for me was Spurr's writing style. It is straightforward yet full of emotion. She doesn't overdo it with fancy prose, but every sentence seems to hold so much weight. And then there's the amazing characters, including the neighbour, Lettie. The development of the relationship between Lettie and Rae is something special. Amidst the loneliness and the challenges, there's this beacon of hope and friendship that emerges.

The themes of grief, loneliness, and resilience are so tangible in this book. Rae's journey, dealing with the uncertainty of her mother's disappearance and the burden of keeping this secret, is portrayed with such authenticity. It's a testament to Spurr's skill as a writer that she can convey such deep emotions and complex situations through the eyes of a child.

A Million Things is not just a story about a young girl's struggle; it's about the human capacity for resilience and the unexpected forms of community and family that can emerge in difficult times. It's one of those books that really makes you reflect on the challenges some people face and the incredible strength they show in the face of adversity. A very easy five-stars from me for this one. If you’re up for the emotional roller-coaster, add this to your TBR, because life is too short to read bad books.