I wish I hadn't taken so long to read this fantastic novel! A timely topic, it was very well-written and had a fantastic plot. Will definitely be recommending!

Thoughtful and thought provoking novel that takes a balanced approach to difficult questions. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

4.5 / 5

This book was sitting on my NetGalley shelf the longest. I’m not sure why I waited so long to read this book. It was published in April of 2018, and I’m surprised this hasn’t gotten more attention. This book shook me.

The story follows three women and their families as the affluent community of Crystal Ridge must allow impoverished students to be bussed into their school district. This lights the wick for what’s to become a powder keg of tension and discord.

No One Ever Asked is a complex look at motherhood, marriage, race, and community. Ganshert gives us a look at the racial issue from many sides and how we should treat others with respect and kindness, and what happens when we don’t. Why we so quick to label or categorize people.

This book certainly made me pause and take stock, and that’s a mark of good writing. I won’t be forgetting these characters anytime soon.

TW: Racism, violence

Thank you to @netgalley and @waterbrookmultnomah for this digital copy.

A well-written book with a message so vital and relevant for now and for always!

The dialogue is great and the characters are realistic. The pace is somewhat slow but I did find some portions really compelling, especially Anaya's story.

The reality of the (school) integration gets explored here when when two different school districts are merged together and the many (mostly racial) prejudices clash.
Everybody comes from different background and everyone has their own truth. Or "truth"? And is truth even important here?

The story is told through 3 POV - middle class mom Camilla appears to have it all; while nurse Jen and her husband are faced with the unexpected realities of a white couple adopting a black child from Liberia. Anaya, the first African-American teacher employed at Crystal Ridge's elementary school, has her own bitter experience with the injustice.

The authoress has shared that her novel is partly based on her own experience when she and her husband has adopted a black child themselves and they have been confronted with the unexpected face (or facets) of racism.

Firstly, the book is wonderfully written. And while a bit heavy, it also offers some interesting food for thought. There is a clear, personal stance present (which might come off as an agenda or a strongly set conviction) - but again, this novel is based on a personal experience, so of course that there is an opinion.

I very much liked this read. But I also have many opinions about it - but I see and say this as a compliment, because the novel has stirred me to think about it - always a good thing!

I like that the authoress is trying to really understand the hearts of her heroines, their stances, experience and pain. In our lives are too much moments of "no one ever asked" and my heart goes out to her in seeing her truly trying her best to understand.
Yet...the change in the characters is unevenly distributed. White middle class mom Camille is, in my opinion, the one who is confronted the most (not with her own prejudices, but with another two very stressful life situations) and who also change the most. This does not sit with me well, because while Camille is far from perfect, she should not be the one bearing the biggest change "just because" she has prejudices. There are the other things to confront, too (yet they have lesser place here) - like Anaya's victimhood mentality and bitterness. While recognizing her hard life experience - nothing good ever comes from being bitter and from not trying to see our own blind spots and mistakes. Jen's character, while challenged by the (many of them unexpected) realities of motherhood, comes off as the most one-dimensional one. Which is a pity, because her story is intriguing.

The issues are hot and relevant and the discussion is needed. But let me say this - I would like to have a fourth character here, the one with their heart truly jaded and racist. And to explore their life experience and the "whys". Because here we have three good females. They might need adjustment here and there (don't we all?), but they are good people. How about having the hard challenge of a "bad" character (or the one we see as bad)? This might do for even deeper discussion.

Having said all that - this is a beautiful and stirring novel (obviously, as seen from my long rant :)). Read this and discuss it. Who knows where the discussion can lead you?

The book was thought provoking and very relevant with POC issue. It also touch other aspect like sexual harasment and adoption. It is quite a heavy theme with many characters, but the book is well written so you wouldnt be confused.

This might be a must-read book if you ever want to understand some of the aspects of understanding race in our culture. Although this book looks at the lives of three different women, I think there is enough male perspective that guys might enjoy it as well. As I write this review, I am not completely certain what terms to use that will not seem racial or prejudicial. I am a white woman in my mid-40's. I have been blessed with friends with many skin tones and ethnic backgrounds. I always want to be respectful of our differences yet not magnify them. I think this fictional book could start many conversations.

Here are some of the topics addressed in this book ...
-What it might be like to be a black person (both a teacher and a student) at a primarily rich white school.
-What it might be like to adopt a child who has dark skin when yours is white
-How it might be possible to feed into stereotypes
-What it might be like to be too involved in your community and not involved enough in your own family's lives
-What it might be like to have grown up surrounded by racism
-How it might be possible to be an accidental racist
-How it might be possible to demonstrate unintentional or even purposeful discrimination
-What it might be like to try to understand another person's perspective

I definitely do not want to give any spoilers, but I will say that an event is implied earlier on in the book that is not fully revealed until the end. (I had a really hard time not skimming ahead!) This story did not solve every problem. But the author makes you think and makes you ponder. If you read this book with a discerning mind, the pages just might change your perspective forever. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and to WaterBrook for providing me with an e-book copy to read. All opinions are my own!

The prologue of this book opens up with a bang and it's not until the very last pages that you finally get some resolution. The ending is totally worth the wait because I loved seeing how the characters developed through out the book as they wrestled with issues of racism and social class, school segregation, adoption, and sexual harassment. I know what some of you might be thinking. That sounds like a lot of heavy subjects in one book, but it was just amazing to see how the author took three women's lives and combined them. To tell you the truth, I was pretty confused at first because the first few chapters had so many characters being thrown at me that I could barely keep them straight. But then, it slowly all came together and I began to see how one character was going to influence another character and how one event led to another. ( If I had to teach a lesson about cause and effect, this book would be chock full of examples.) As I slowly figured out how the three main characters lives were merging, I became more and more hooked. Normally, I give a brief synopsis of what a book is about in my reviews, but this time I don't want to say too much. Readers should let this book simmer in their minds at each new revelation and savor its messages like I did. Despite its tough topics, the message of forgiveness at the end will leave you feeling refreshed and wishing you could keep reading more. I was very grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

A small town school district becomes a microcosm of racism in this compelling novel by Katie Ganshert. Based on facts, No One Ever Asked follows the stories of three women, each affected when students from a failing school district are given the choice of attending a better one. Students from South Fork High school are primarily minorities, while wealthy middle class whites attend Crystal Ridge High. This situation leads to conflict and an ending that is, although somewhat predictable, totally gut wrenching.

No One Ever Asked is told in the voices of the women, each trying to protect her family. Camille is the confident PTA leader, mother of three, whose seemingly flawless suburban life is marred by a surprise separation from her husband. Anaya is a new second grade teacher in the integrated school, trying to protect her younger brother who is now a South Fork star athlete. Jen and her husband have adopted a seven year old daughter from Liberia and Jen is troubled by her inability to bond with the troubled young girl.

Kate Ganshert weaves these stories together with skill and sympathy. The situations are real and believable. All her characters have realistic flaws. There are no winners here. I could not put his book down. It is a perfect book club read. 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley, Water Brook and Katie Ganshert for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read this book for review.

No One Ever Asked covers some tough topics on bullying and racism that is evident today. Not only are students racist but that trickles down from the parents along with the bullying. I loved this book overall. The only con I have is the misinformation on “diabetes”. The type the character has is clearly Type 1 Diabetes but it wasn’t differentiated as that. A few other facts were incorrect as well.

Overall, this was a great read and I would read more by this author!

NO ONE EVER ASKED by Katie Ganshert has been on my "to-read" pile for quite a while. Set in Missouri, Ganshert's novel features multiple story lines, including one that revolves around Anaya, a young woman of color and the first in her family to graduate college and take a teaching position. There also is Camille who is the chairwoman of the PTA and Jen, a single Mom struggling to support her child. Each woman faces challenges due to changes in accreditation and the resulting shifts in school assignments in their community.

I will be honest here and say that I sampled excerpts and have unfortunately not read the entire book. Normally, when I lose NetGalley access to a work prior to finishing it, I assign a neutral rating of 3, but in this case I am rating NO ONE EVER ASKED as a 4. This is based in part on the fact that this title won the Christy Award, and was recommended by Library Journal for book discussion groups. Also, the public reviews (averaging 4.25 on GoodReads) are certainly positive and our public library owns a copy. NO ONE EVER ASKED by Katie Ganshert is published by Waterbrook & Multnomah who specialize in Christian non-fiction and fiction titles as a part of Crown Publishing Group.

This is a book that shows that racism is still alive and well. The author Katie Ganshert writes a story of an inner school on the verge of closing, where some students are able to transfer to a more affluent suburban school. It shows the parents, teachers and students opposing and trying to adjust to the new situation. The story also tells of past racism in history. Many of the characters are surprised by theirs and others racist feelings and many characters grow to accept the busing situation and make thrive from the experience.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion. 5 out of 5 stars. This would make a great book club selection.
Nikki

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview this ARC of No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert.

This was another book driven by race issues that blew my mind. If you have ever seen the movie Crash, No One Ever Asked took a very similar approach.

When a nearby low income school loses it's funding, it's families are offered busing into the wealthier schools if they desire. This sparks an outcry from the affluent suburbans who are not interested in hosting "those students." However, they are adamant, this is not an issue of race, it's simply a matter of safety.

But perspectives are all shifted that first year when a mom with a black daughter, a black teacher from the poor school district, and a mom who is adamant in putting a stop to the busing, all find themselves closely connected. Prejudices are checked and actions have consequences...

This is well written and based on true events. I took notes to myself the whole time on how to check my own racism and strive for more equality and kindness.

A well written book, great character development, with a deep, thought provoking story dealing with prejudices and discrimination.

Three different points of view that kept me totally engrossed. How Ganshert deals with racism is very realistic, but respectful in the way it is addressed.

Christian faith elements
Gorgeous, poignant, heartfelt read. So many issues and the fact that this was taken from headlines makes it all the more wrenching. Families, community, schools, parents, children, teachers, students, all the multiple story lines intermingle and come together to bring a powerful message to the reader. Facing the 'real' world and seeing things through multiple lenses and hopefully multiple view points made for an introspective, reflective, and I believe hopeful read. This is so relevant to today. The multiple perspectives of all the situations and the multiple story threads intertwining was so beautifully told. Highly recommend for any reader.

No One Ever Asked is my second book by Katie Ganshert, an amazing storyteller who can weave real issues into page turners! I enjoyed this one very much and could relate to the way Camille, Jen and Anaya reacted to new situations, even though I've never adopted a child, I've never taught in a school and I don't live in the United States. I think that says a lot about Ganshert's talent! Not only did she weave a good story, she also provided me with more insight into the consequences of racism and segregation - from the perspective of three women- and much food for thought.
I look forward to more books by Katie Ganshert!

With thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for the reviewer copy.

A deep, thought-provoking book on a difficult subject.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Katie Ganshert's, "No One Ever Asked" is an amazing book. It's about three women who have to deal with the problems in their lives and also the racial tensions when another school, who has lost their accreditation, is sent into their affluent school district. This story is so relevant today with all the tensions in society today.

All three women included in this story make us feel their pain and joys. Camille Grey, who has it all together, or so it seems. Jen Covington who is a new adoptive mother and Anaya Jones a first year teacher. Wonderful characters in difficult situations. Looking forward to reading more of Ms. Ganshert's books.

I received this e-book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Absolutely fantastic had me gripped!!! Loved it! Can't wait for more from.this author. Storyline was great, characters were easy to.connect with

Thank you for the advanced copy