Member Reviews
I loved this book. It hooked me straight away and the characters were relatable. I loved the writing style of this author. It was funny in places and warm also. Excited to read more by this author now
I loved the autism representation in this book. I'm not an own voices reader so can't fully comment on how well it was portrayed.
However, I felt it was quite slow and there was not a lot to keep my attention as I read on.
This book was so hard to get into. The writing style was not for me, and whilst this could have been a really interesting read, the idea wasn't executed very well.
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a good read. I really enjoyed the pacing. I think Kristen Hesketh did such a good job on her timeline for this novel.
Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.
An easy-to-read book, with lots of emotions throughout but without being too intense.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Can’t say I like Emma, or any of the adults actually, but the set up was interesting and kept me reading. I’d have liked more development of Freddie and the Bethany/ Megan scene felt rushed considering it was a turning point in the plot. I’d definitely read more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Another Us guides us through a normal life situation which I thought was really interesting, where everything seems to be getting a bit chaotic for main character Emma as she goes through the loss of a job, a marriage and finds out her son's autism diagnosis. As I am not an own voices reader, I can't really speak on the autism representation but I would be interested to see reviews from own voices readers.
An emotional and captivating read that puts ‘real life’ into perspective. There are some difficult moments to consume as a reader but that is part of this books charm. Not an easy read but a captivating and enjoyable one nonetheless
I really did enjoy this book. While I had a hard time connecting with some of the British aspects, I think it gave us a real portrayl of the ups and downs of having a child with special needs. At times, I really wasn't sure what or who I was rooting for but in the end I was very pleased with the result.
The son of the main character is autistic and has put a strain on the family. I couldn't get into this story; the character development did not interest me. Perhaps other people would enjoy this book, but it was not for me.
I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. The whole premise and the way it was handled just felt anxiety-ridden to me, and this in turn made this a very unsettling and anxious read for me, when I am usually reading for escapism and relaxation. As such, did not enjoy it, and also could not connect with the heroine and why she'd even want to go for an affair when her husband was such a dear to her at the start - it just didn't make sense to me, and I could thus not get into the read to enjoy it
The book showed the every day life of family struggling with their autistic son. It is an easy read but also full of emotions.
I loved this book. Emma, the lead character, was so loveable even if slightly annoying. The issues of autism, parenting and relationships are all covered in this book. The slight bits of humour make this an enjoyable read and one you can’t wait to get back to reading.
Thanks to Netgalley, Kirsten Hesketh and Canelo for the advanced e book copy.
Really good read. Would recommend to friends and family. I could sympathise with characters (important for any fiction novel!) and looked forward to picking it up and reading the next few chapters! Interesting plot line and a good ending. Will look out for more novels by the author. Thank you.
Realistic, witty and moving!
‘Another Us’ tells the often untold story of what it’s like to love someone with Autism and how difficult a journey that is, when it’s your own child. So often, the topic of Autism is swept under the carpet and not discussed for the fear of ridicule, judgement or lack of acceptance. Some people are ignorant to what it is or don’t want to know and some just don’t want to say the wrong thing and upset people. It’s a sensitive topic that Kirsten Hesketh depicts in detail and deals with, both with compassion and understanding.
The story follows Emma and Daniel’s life after receiving an Autism diagnosis for their son and the way in which this affects them as individuals and as a whole family. Naturally, they both want the best for their son and as a parent of a child with SEN, Emma is called into action when she joins a group of parents, in order to raise money and awareness of children with needs. We witness situations unfold, that Emma lands herself in, whilst managing the development of new and unexpected friendships. The intimacies of these leave the reader wanting more and needing to know how certain storylines will play out.
From the start, I was nodding and laughing at Jack’s behaviour and Emma’s different plans for dealing with her son and the situations they end up in. It resonated with me, as I could see how it mirrors the dynamics in our family, as I have a child under assessment for ASD (who says things like Jack) and I drew comfort from not being alone in our struggles.
Hesketh captures the rawness and the highs and lows of the prejudice faced by those with disabilities (and especially hidden disabilities). I cried and I laughed with Emma and I also sympathised.
I don’t want to say too much about it because it’s a story that you just need to experience. It’s a story of many, for many - it is beautifully written and heartwarming. Well done Kirsten.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
5☆ A Heart Warming, Uplifting, Witty, Must Read!
When I read the blurb to Another Us I couldn't wait to read it. I have worked with children with Autism and Asperger's and it's really close to my heart.
I absolutely adored the witty yet poignant writing style of Hesketh, she captured the highs and lows, the prejudice disabled people and their families face, it was beautifully written and heart warming.
Emma and Daniel want the absolute best for ten year old Jack. Jack has Asperger's and he views the world around him differently. Which others don't always want to appreciate or understand!
When Emma gets invited to a school meeting for Parents of Children with needs, she never imagined meeting other parents who face the same hurdles she does.
Leading the group is Queen Bea Virginia
who personally I didn't particularly like very much. But I did really like Mandy she was way more supportive and understanding with Emma and Paul!
Then there is Paul who also has just joined the group, he's Son Gabe is yet to be diagnosed but is sure he has Asperger's too. His Partner Hanna refuses to accept that Gabe has different needs.
Paul and Emma hit it off straight away.
With Daniel becoming more and more distant, Paul is there with a supportive ear... or maybe more!
I loved the characters so much, they were wonderfully developed, relatable, endearing, realistic, and relevant.
Hesketh opened up and gave the reader a glimmer of what it was like for a young family of five living with Jack's Asperger's, their every day life not just as a family unit but as individuals and the pressures and strains.
Another Us is such a heart warming, uplifting, witty, poignant story that melted my heart, had me giggling out loud at some of the Antics ( the Fondue Fire 🙈) and left me smiling.
Would I recommend reading Another Us?......Without A Doubt.....100% Yes!!
Thank you to Kelly at Love Book Group Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
A roller coaster of emotions in this poignant novel about a family who is learning to deal with an autism diagnosis. A good read that helps better understand families that learn to deal with what is handed to them.
I thought Another Us was lovely & really liked that the topic matter covered autism. The impact of a diagnosis on the family is explored in this book & we see how it impacts them & the mom in particular. The writing is clear & simple. I commend the author for writing an interesting book on this topic because all of us have something we're dealing with, and it's good to read a book that delves into autism.
‘Another Us’ is a roller-coaster of a ride as we accompany Emma on her journey.
Brave and Brilliant, well written , believable &relatable characters.
As a parent of children with Aspergers this is highly relatable
When her youngest son is diagnosed with Asperger’s, Emma’s world began to change dramatically. As a mom of two kids with autism, Emma’s character was very relatable to me. She is trying to adjust to her new life as a full-time mom with three kids and trying to save her marriage at the same time.
A very relatable and heartwarming story you cannot miss!