Member Reviews
So I have a daughter, and my best friend has a son, and they are one week apart, and we always joke about them getting married. Not after reading this book!
When Lorrie and Eden’s high school senior children start dating, they think it’s great! Then one night, something happens between the two teens , and the two families are both linked and torn apart. This story was beautifully written and heartbreaking at the same time. I would t really consider it a thriller though.
OMG ! Loved this book. I loved the characters, and couldnt stop reading it to see what happened to them. This book is all about family drama.
Such a Good Family by Caitlin Weaver addresses some very timely issues. Best friends Laurie and Summer are neighbors and their children Knox and Elena begin dating. An accusation of rape occurs and has a ripple effect to not only Laurie and Summer but their community at large. The author does a great job of handling this delicate topic and making you feel empathy for both mothers in this scenario. This would be a good novel for a book club. Thank you to the publisher and #netgalley for providing me with an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
"Such a Good Family" by Caitlin Weaver is a gripping domestic thriller that unravels the complexities of family dynamics, secrets, and betrayal.
The story follows the lives of two wealthy families, whose perfect facade starts to crumble when deep-rooted secrets begin to surface, threatening to shatter their carefully constructed image. Lorrie Keller and Eden VanDoran have been best friends ever since they bonded as newcomers to their affluent suburb when their children were little. They’re used to letting themselves into each other’s houses for coffee after school drop-off and gossiping about their neighbors over wine at their book club. So, when their teenage kids, Knox and Summer, start dating just before graduation, they’re surprised but delighted.
One night, Knox comes home late after a party with scratches on his collarbone. The next morning, Summer ...is in the hospital!
Caitlin Weaver's writing in "Such a Good Family" is incredibly poignant and evocative, bringing to life the intricate layers of each character. The author delves deep into the minds and hearts of the characters, allowing readers to connect with their struggles, flaws, and desires on a profound level. The narrative is told from different points of view, which makes this book an enriching experience for the reader, making them realize the different perspectives on the same problem.
One of the key themes explored in the book is the importance of addressing violence and sexual abuse in the younger generation, especially within the context of a patriarchal society education. Weaver skillfully highlights how a lack of education and awareness can perpetuate toxic behavior and cycles of abuse. By shedding light on these issues, the novel serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of promoting healthy relationships and empowering individuals to break free from harmful patterns.
In her debut novel, Caitlin Weaver delivers a powerful and thought-provoking story that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page. "Such a Good Family" is a remarkable exploration of family, love, betrayal, and resilience, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and insightful literary experience.
Loved the storyline! It had me hooked early into the storyline and It kept me guessing till the end.
Would highly recommend 😀
this felt more like a domestic drama than a thriller but i was invested in the story regardless. the writing style was captivating and being in each characters perspective actually made me feel sorry for them (apart from knox i was absolutely disgusted). whats sad is that this is the reality these days and the book portrayed that very well.
I love dramas involving people's children. I love the moral dilemmas and all of the 'what if' scenarios that come into play.
The story revolves around two women, Lorrie and Eden. Lorrie's son Knox is dating Eden's daughter Summer. The women are happy, believing it to be a perfect match. Then the unthinkable happens. One night Knox comes home past curfew, and he's hiding scratches on his neck. The next day, Summer makes a devastating accusation against Knox. Both mothers are firmly in their child's corner. How can they move forward and get to the bottom of what happened?
Told from alternating points of view of these characters plus a few secondary characters, this was engaging, timely, and at times, frustrating. Some of the actions of the characters just filled me with rage. I'm a little ambivalent about the ending, but overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
"Such a Good Family" by Kaitlin Weaver is a captivating exploration of privilege, family dynamics, and the secrets that can lie beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. The novel intricately weaves the lives of two distinct yet privileged families, delving into their backgrounds and showcasing their differences in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the character development. Both families are portrayed with depth and complexity, making them feel real and relatable. The author masterfully keeps readers guessing about the true nature of the relationship between Knox and Summer, never providing a clear answer and adding an element of intrigue that enhances the story.
The plot and pacing of "Such a Good Family" are exceptional. From the very beginning, the story hooks you in, making it difficult to put down. While the book doesn't rely on huge plot twists, it features a series of well-crafted plot points that keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what happens next. The tension and suspense are maintained throughout, making for a fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Overall, "Such a Good Family" is a compelling read that combines rich character development, a gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes. Kaitlin Weaver has crafted a story that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and Kaitlin Weaver for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions and views expressed in this review are my own.
I personally wouldn’t say this book is a thriller - however - I really enjoyed this book, there are difficult subject matters, but the POV worked really well, I found it a fast paced book and I would like to read more from this author.
This was a heavy read chock full of difficult emotions, situations and intricate family relationships. I did not understand how the genre was listed as thriller, as it seemed more of a drama to me. I found the characters easy to follow and the storyline unfolded well, keeping the reader involved. I was expecting a bit more of a thriller aspect to the book, but overall solid read.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc, all opinions are my own
"Such a Good Family" was a good read that really got me thinking. Full of family friendships, parenting, and challenging subjects, I couldn't put it down!
There was a lot about this book I enjoyed despite the difficult subject matters it covered. The first half in particular I felt the author dealt well with the characters but then the whole thing seemed to turn and all the characters behaved in the most odd ways so that did become too much of a distraction for me to say I loved it.
I did read it quickly and the different POV’s and timescales worked very well
It isn’t a thriller but not just a family saga either. and it would make a great holiday read.
I went into this book thinking it was a thriller but it's more of a family drama with thriller elements so once I got to grips with that I was utterly engrossed. It follows two best friends whose teenage children start dating. It all seems so perfect but then one night Summer accuses Knox of sexual assault and the novel goes from there. It looks at the way the two women find their friendship fractured and broken, the way the community looks at the two families differently and how boys and girls are judged differently when this happens. I found it a really engrossing novel that really made me feel for both of the women, along with Summer. I really enjoyed the look at female friendship and keep finding myself thinking about this novel since finishing it.
I started out really liking this one but ended up changing my mind. I felt like I didn’t get the complete story of what even happened. The plot just kind of stopped. The characters weren’t really developed and I think it was maybe trying to be a “Me Too” story or prove some point that I missed. I always feel guilty when I don’t like a book but this one just wasn’t for me.
This was a well written book for such a hard topic! This book covered all subjects of rape- different POVs from the victims, people accused, and the family members. The character building that Weaver presented was flawless. Because of the hard topic, I did have a hard time picking the book back up at times; although it took me longer to finish I'm glad I stuck through.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Such a Good Family by Caitlin Weaver. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this advanced reader copy. Lorrie and Eden are suburban moms who are best friends. They play pickle ball, gossip at book club and worry about their marriages and children. When Lorrie’s son starts dating Eden’s daughter, the moms are thrilled. They envision the prom and even wedding bells. Then there is a stunning accusation of sexual assault. Who do we believe? To what lengths will a mother go to in order to protect her child? Interesting story. Not the best writing and a bit unbelievable.
How well do we really know our loved ones?
For the past 15 years, Lorrie and Eden have been inseparable, living just across the street from each other. They share coffee outings at their favorite café, participate in a book club together, enjoy evenings with wine at each other's homes, and have supported one another through carpooling and raising their children side by side. They often joked about their kids eventually getting married. As their children, Summer and Knox, approach high school graduation, they start dating, seemingly fulfilling their mothers' lighthearted predictions. But the idyllic scenario shatters when Eden receives a call that Summer is in the hospital. Upon arrival, the only thing Summer can articulate is "KNOX." This single accusation sends shockwaves through both families, fracturing the once unbreakable bond between Lorrie and Eden. The story delves into the turmoil that follows as the two mothers grapple with the crisis and the lengths they will go to protect their loved ones.
This novel is profound, stirring, and deeply emotional. It challenges readers to empathize with each character and consider what they would do in a similar situation. One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of how the accusation impacts everyone involved, not just the main characters. The multiple perspectives enrich the narrative, though the ending might leave some readers wanting more resolution. Nonetheless, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read.
A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Caitlin Weaver for providing early access to this book in exchange for an honest review!
A definite page turner! Loved the story of families, neighbors, and all kinds of relationships. I liked that although the parents loved their children, they were able to help them, defend them, all while trying to find the truth. Says a lot about parenthood.
This is one of my favorite books of 2024 so far. Such a Good Family follows a number of members of different families who all live in a close-knit neighborhood, after the fall out of a young relationship gone wrong between two children in close families. I loved the perspectives of mothers who doubt or disbelieve their children, but still feel compelled to protect them. This should be made into a HBO mini-series immediately.
Lorrie was so happy when my son, Knox, began dating my best friend’s daughter. Their kids grew up together and they used to joke that they’d get married one day. But when Knox came home late after a party, zipping his hoodie up to hide the scratches on his neck, everything changed.
This book is challenging and raw and will absolutely not be for everyone.
Opening up the age old tale of “he said” “she said” when Summer comes out to say that Knox raped her. It challenges the whole concept of why women are automatically thought to be lying when they make these accusations. It explores the breakdown of two women’s friendships over the accusations made. It explores what led up to the event, as well as the fall out on the people around them.
While it won’t be for everyone, I loved it. I loved the way it was written and how it left no stone left unturned in terms of the characters and the way it impacted all of them. It was just brilliantly put together!