Ask Again, Yes

Book #48: Carol's selection and due to ongoing lockdown, the meeting was held via Zoom!

I was provided an advance copy of this novel from the publisher, Scribner, through Netgalley.

4.5 stars.

The first half of Ask Again, Yes was a solid five star read for me, while the second half seemed to lose a little of its steam. But just a little. I never wanted not to keep reading, though. Keane does a remarkable job establishing the setting and characters for this novel. It's the perfect book club book, plenty to digest, discuss, and debate. Plenty of family drama, with plenty of unexpected results, and with an ending that satisfies. I will be eager to read her next book!

#popsugarreadingchallenge2019 (prompt #40b)

I feel like everyone has a relationship with mental illness. Either they themselves have dealt with one or they know a relative or even a stranger on the street or in a shelter who has. But maybe not. I definitely think that would affect what you think of this book. I loved the messiness and the hope intertwined in all of the different relationships. I also loved that things weren't nearly left behind when a character wanted to move on. A beautiful novel.

The story starts slow, and is told from different characters perspectives. I thought it was an interesting and at times heartbreaking look at how mental health impacts families. I think it suffers from trying too hard to tell too many things - is it a love story? a coming of age story? a recovery story? But overall I enjoyed reading it.

So many triggers. But if you've ever been in a relationship where trust was broken, this will be a healing balm for your soul.