Falling Apart, and Other Gifts from the Universe, a review by Joanna

Addie Finch is a 62 year old recovering alcoholic in Southern California who lost her career as a police officer, and now scrapes by as a nighttime security guard. When she finds a homeless teenager who has been injured by a brutal predator, she feels compelled to help him – a move that will change her life.

I don’t recall ever seeing a trigger warning from the author at the start of her books before – this warns that it features mention of the attempted sexual assault of two young people, although these scenes are not described. It’s also about addiction, the problems of the unhoused, historic child abuse, and the abandonment of a child, but it’s not as depressing as it sounds. If anything, the friendship between Addie & Jonathan evolves too quickly to be truly believable.

CRH books always feature an amazing young person who is wise beyond their years, but Jonathan was almost too perfect, forgiving and understanding, considering what he’s gone through. I liked the minor characters like Wendy, Addie’s no-nonsense sponsor, and Bill her kindly brother. This felt shorter than her other novels, and while it was as readable as ever, I wanted more from the story. 4.5 rounded down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the Advance Review Copy. This will be my 500th review for NetGalley! Falling Apart, and Other Gifts from the Universe is available now.