The Whole Thing Together

Gr 7 Up—A winning novel exploring complicated family relationships, love, grief, and forgiveness. Although readers may need to refer to the Thomas/Harrison family tree a few times when starting Brashares's new YA title, they will quickly recognize her familiar style and be engrossed in this emotional story of two teens claiming their places in their complex and fractious families. Following a contentious and extremely bitter divorce, Lila and Robert and their three very young daughters take weekly turns at their beloved shared vacation house in an exclusive beach town in Long Island, NY. Lila and Robert each remarry and have another child only weeks apart, and teens Ray and Sasha grow up sharing the same bedroom in the beach house on alternate weeks but have never met face-to-face. That is, until one day, when they unexpectedly meet at a New York City party and are instantly attracted to each other. As they try to explore their feelings while navigating their families' tensions, a tragedy interrupts a planned celebration. The author's legions of fans will gravitate to this well-plotted work with mostly believable, thoroughly developed, and relatable characters.