Far From the Tree

★★★★ (4/5)

Back to back Book Nerd posts mean you’re in for 100% less funny (me) and 100% better quality (haha!) .... time for a brand new review on another lovely book.

I don’t often delve into YA reviews because I feel like the genre can get a little over done- every young reader posts, the themes tend to be similar, and I don’t feel like I have a leg to stand on with booknerd opinions. But still, let’s just say that to YA true form, this gave me 100% of the feelings and I have yet to recover so I'm giving it a try.

Let’s hope this review breaks the mold!

Overview:

Far From the Tree by Robin Benway takes place in modern-day and is told from the perspective of three adopted (separately) siblings who eventually meet at a very influential time of life. You have Claire- who just had a baby during her junior year of high school, Maya- who is a loudmouth “non bio” kid in a family struggling through divorce and addiction, and Joaquin - a foster kid who finally might have found the family and love he has always craved but has never been able to accept. They come across each other and connect in the way that is as awkward as you would expect, but their bond is sweet and inspiring, and I loved the book in the same way.

Let me start with a shoutout to @mcbrooks who is my younger brother and best friend. I felt a lot of really deep connections with the characters in this book individually, but I think it was the overall theme of sibling love that really got me - I strongly believe that even if my brother and I had met after being separated at birth or something, the kinship would instantly be there. I often say we should have just been born as twins. The same turns out to be true about the different protagonists' bonds which gave me an instant connection to the story.

In addition to the overall theme, I think what made me have so many real “feels” about the book was how relatable the characters felt to me. Without going into too much detail, I can connect to each protagonist in this book, despite having never been adopted. I just love how familiar the feelings of insecurity and general lack of identity translate across age and demographic. Also this book will tug on your heartstrings so have the tissues ready (but in a good way!!).

Overall, I loved this book. My last book club (shoutout to Pittsburgh) read this and I’m so glad I jumped on board after the fact. I give it 4/5 family photos and encourage you all to give it a read!