The People We Keep, by Allison Larkin

If you enjoy the “found family” trope, I personally think you’ll love The People We Keep, by Allison Larkin. Be sure to hold on tight to you’re heartstrings though because this is a read that’s certain to tug at them.

April is a 16-year-old girl who’s mother passed away and her father is absent most of the time only to drop by on occasion. Left to fend for herself, April drops out of high school and works at a local diner. April eventually leaves her small town after a fight with her dad with no intention of ever returning. The People We Keep finds us following April along her journey of self-discovery and the search to find a place (and people!) she can call home.

This book packs a big punch, so be ready for all the emotions. I laughed. I cried. I was enraged. I cringed. A myriad of feelings as I turned each page. Much of this story, in my opinion, is truly heartbreaking. I loved the way the author was able to write April’s character in a way that had me simultaneously disliking her while also cheering for her to overcome all of her setbacks. A really messed up, twisted, coming of age kind of story.

Along her journey, April meets lots of different people and I really enjoyed each of those characters as well…some more than others. I found myself really frustrated with April for the majority of the book, but had to keep reminding myself of her age and how she was never taught to stay when things got hard. She was a broken girl in a broken world navigating everything alone just wanting to love and be loved in return. Gah. Heartbreaking!

This was a book about the people that come in and out of our lives, the impact they make on us, who we keep for a lifetime, and who we have to let go (whether by choice or circumstance). Overall an excellent read that would make for great discussion (solid book club choice, imo). Don’t sleep on this one…while it took just a minute to get started, once it had me it didn’t let go until the last page. Keep the tissues close by!

4.2 out of 5 stars

TW: domestic abuse; sex with a minor