Sadly not a read for me... After seeing other wonderful reviews I had high hopes, however found this book just a little bit too sad.. I kept putting it down and struggling to pick it back up again... eventually moved to the DNF pile!
Having read other reviews I imagine that if I could persist this would be a more uplifting read, however I found it hard to keep picking up a book that was so sad in its subject matter!

I finished this book a few weeks ago and have tried to figure out how to properly express how I feel about this book. But I find the more I think about the book, the more feelings I have, so I'm just going to write what I feel here. This book is, quite simply, one of my favorite books ever written.

TL;DR This book is incredible. The story, the characters, the plot, every aspect of this book is heartbreakingly superb.

I read "Room" and loved it, yet was still hesitant to pick up a book from a child's point of view. It can so easily go wrong or the voice can seem ingenuine. You don't have to worry about that with Emily Spurr's writing.

Rae is...oh gosh, I literally am tearing up writing this right now, thinking of this brave, spunky, resourceful girl and the situation she's in. She's wonderful, put as simply as possible. Her character is believable, well rounded, and you will love her spirit.

The other two main characters (in my head) are her neighbor and her dog. The relationship between Rae and Splits is easily one of the best parts of this book. Then there's Lettie, her neighbor. This could've easily been a flat character, the relationship could have easily felt rushed or insincere. None of those problems exist in this book.

The story is one that will catch you from the beginning and leave you sobbing at times. I literally had to take a break from this book to full-on ugly cry. I didn't go back to it for days, because I had to prepare myself emotionally for the continuation of the scene that I was reading when I had to stop. It's raw, tender, emotional, and will make your heart ache in the best way.

I wasn't sure how it was going to end, there are so many options. But the ending itself didn't feel like a cop-out or rushed ending (which I feared), instead it fit beautifully with the rest of the book.

I truly cannot wait until this book comes out in the US, I want it in my collection as soon as possible. The only reason I haven't pre-ordered it yet is because I want to see if any signed copies will be available, that's how serious I am about owning this book. I cannot wait to see what the author writes next, and will be first in line to read it.

I received access to an electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author for this opportunity, truly.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. A Million Things is the story of Rae, a young girl whose mother takes her own life... and Rae is the only one who knows. So she continues to go to school, to clean the house, to buy the groceries, and tries to ignore that scratching at her heart. This is a raw, tender, beautifully spare reflection on the realities of grief and depression... and human kindness.

Thank you to Netgalley and Text Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warning: This book deals with mental illness, child neglect, suicide. It contains some violence and very mild language.

This is the story of 10-year old Rae, her dog Splinter, and her elderly next-door neighbor Lettie. Through a series of upsetting events, they become friends. This is the story of mental illness, tragedy, resilience, and recovery. Those are powerful themes to view through the eyes of a child. I appreciate that Spurr faced these themes head-on. She didn’t just focus on these issues, but also on the stigma surrounding these issues.

I loved this book. I read it in a single day and neglected much else. I loved the narration style, the characterization, and how each character in the story developed. I loved seeing the world through Rae’s eyes. I loved how real and flawed both Rae and Lettie are and how well the author helps the reader see their blind spots. I loved reading an unbelievable story and believing it was possible, even though it’s not a bright story, and I hope it never happens in real life.

I heartily recommend this book!

My thanks to NetGalley, Emily Spurr and Text Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I began this book, I thought the premise was interesting. The imagery and sensations of the empty house made me feel so deeply for Rae. The development of her friendship with Lottie tugged at my heartstrings. Two people, so lost, yet comforted by the other's presence in more ways than one. Not to mention the companionship she has in her dog, Splinter.

As the book progressed, and I began to understand what happened to her mother (to be fair, I had a hunch that turned out to be correct), all I wanted to do was reach in and pull Rae into the fiercest hug. The foil of Oscar to Rae, was very well done, and added a bit of frustrated hope for both the reader and Rae.

There are so many different parts of this book that I was not expecting, and I found many of them to be quite beautiful, but heart-breaking at the same time. She writes the character of Rae well, but I think that sometimes there needed to be a suspension of disbelief while Rae cared for herself. I find it hard to believe that no one could have realized what actually happened to Rae and her mother to the point where the story comes out nearly 50 days later.

This book was slow-paced, and a combination of character-driven and plot-driven story lines. However, I was able to read this book within two days. I did enjoy this book, and it did tug at my heartstrings, but I think it could have benefitted from more backstory on Rae through her narration. We only find out so much about her, and I think it would have been interesting to have more knowledge about her mother as well. The ending, with the introduction of a new character, kind of jarred me in a way that I didn't expect. I was frustrated with how everything turned out for Rae, and I think Lottie deserved more as well.

Despite this, I will be patiently waiting for Emily Spurr's second novel, whenever that may arrive, because I think she will bring a perspective to the table that is missing in Adult Fiction.

3.5/5 stars.

A story of darkness and coping. I liked how the author doesn’t gives us all the details and leaves the reader to fill the blanks and during the read fills the completes the story with more and more details.
Young 10 years old Rea is left alone to cope with everyday life while her only companion left is her faithful dog Splinter. An interesting story how to keep a secret and create illusion of normal life. How establishing friendship with an odd old neighbor and helping another person can help yourself.
I really loved this book from the dark moments when you feel cornered with no way out to the sweet dog strolls and road trip along the Great Ocean Road.

I was immediately drawn into the synopsis of this book, but I had trouble reading it from the diary point of view. I was unable to finish it, but I fully see why so many people loved it - hence my rating. I think if you can read the diary entry style and go with the flow of this one, you would enjoy it, but for me, it's not my personal style. I would want to read more from this author.

I don't even know where to start... Resilient Rae and quirky Lettie have a place in my heart forevermore. Beautiful, lyrical writing. Brave, bold, brilliant characters. An absolute assault on all the senses in the most incredible of ways. My heart broke and swelled and broke and mended again a dozen times. Rae's internal dialogue is at times, soul-crushingly heartbreaking. I can't remember sobbing with such feeling at a single sentence. Emily Spurr speaks directly to my soul. This wonderful novel has just insinuated itself into my top 5 books of all time. I didn't want it to end. And if there is not a follow up to A Million Things so I can catch up with Rae and Lettie again, then the world will be a much, much greyer place. I want to share Rae's journey into adolescence and adulthood but how on earth can Spurr improve on perfection and I almost want this to be just a perfectly isolated gem in the world of literary masterpieces. I can't wait until publication day when I will be purchasing many copies! THANK YOU.

Thank you to Netgalley, Text Publishing and Emily Spurr for the absolute honour of reading this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest (and unworthy!) review.

A Million Things is a story that will be hard for anyone who reads it to forget.
Rae is ten years old, brave, smart, and left alone at home with only her dog Splinter and memories of her mother.
She soon finds herself often in the company of her neighbor, Lettie, who is looking out for Rae and needs some help of her own. But, what happens when someone who needs help doesn’t want it?
Emily Spurr writes so beautifully and clearly from Rae’s perspective, I soon felt such a caretaker’s concern for Rae myself. And one aspect of this book that can’t be ignored is the sensory aspect—smells and sounds are woven through so well, you sense them along with Rae.
This book broke, but also bolstered, my heart. I will think of Rae and Lettie often.
Thank you to NetGalley and Text publishing for this digital ARC.

I was intrigued at the first sentence, and before the end of the first chapter, I was hooked.

This heartfelt and clever story is told through the perspective of ten-year-old Rae. She is accustomed to her mother taking off for a few hours, or even for a few days, when she has had enough. This time, however, Rae knows will be different. Rae must keep up appearances and no one must know that she is alone. The capable girl takes care of the dog, herself, the house, yard, and even does the grocery shopping and pays the bills on-line, all while keeping up with school. When her old nosy neighbor needs help, she and Rae form an unlikely friendship and begin to look out for each other.

This debut novel from Emily Spurr is beautifully written. I enjoyed reading this story slowly, taking in the beautiful imagery the author painted with her words.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC.
#AMillionThings #NetGalley

This book really threw me right in the middle of the plot, with all the emotions, feelings of sadness, panic, heartbreak and loneliness as I fell in love with Rae, Lettie and especially Splinter.
There are secrets that are unimaginable, yet continuance, and a developing friendship for Rae (ten) and Lettie( elderly) that made me cry at times.
It is survival of the fittest and it sure isn't easy without someone who cares, not concerned, but cares!
"A Million Things" is well written with details that will create a feeling that you actually have these wonderful characters as friends. *You will need tissues*
I loved this novel and very sad that I finished this delightful novel! Ten stars!

I hope that perhaps we will be able to see how these people manage as time goes by?
I can hope!

My heart broke into a million pieces as I read this book!

Rae is a brave 10 year old girl haunted by a secret and struggling to navigate the world alone, now that her Mum is gone. Her only companions - her faithful dog, Splinter and her newfound ally, neurotic and reclusive neighbour, Lettie.

It’s hard to put into words what I loved about this story, it had me mesmerised right from the jarring beginning. Told in first person from 10 year old Rae’s perspective, I quickly became aware that this was no ordinary little girl. Rae is a plucky and determined child who has the maturity of one who - grappling with maternal mental illness - has had to grow up a lot faster than others her age.

Emily Spurr very cleverly depicted Rae’s thoughts and feelings through the character’s inner dialogue, which - consider yourself forewarned- is at times soul crushing. This made for a really unique and compelling narrative.

Rae’s relationship with her dog Splinter was so sweet, he is an integral part of her story and as such features in almost every scene. I was fondly reminded of the special relationship that my boys shared with their “brother-dog”, Henry. A childhood bond with a pet is so pure.

A Million Things is a story that will break your heart, but ultimately buoy your spirit. It is a reminder of the power of connection and friendship. Rae is certainly a character that will stay with you long after you’ve finished this story.

Thanks to NetGalley, Text Publishing and to author, Emily Spurr for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of this astonishing book.

“Knowing you is not one thing, it was never one thing. It’s a million things.”
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This book broke my heart into a million little pieces. It’s the story of 55 days in the life of Rae, who’s managing to keep up with all her day-to-day activities in the sudden absence of her less than stable mother. Her dog, Splinter, is her best friend and they do everything together. There is also Lettie, the crass old lady that lives next door. However, one day Lettie experiences a fall, and her and Rae develop a very unlikely friendship. These two help each other out in more ways than one. Rae eventually tells Lettie everything, including where her mom is, after a tragic accident leaves her in the hospital.
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While reading, it’s easy to forget Rae is just a 10 (almost 11) year old girl. The things she goes through and how she carries herself often make you think otherwise. This little girl is fierce, brave, and undoubtedly loyal. She loves her people (and Splinter!) so much and will do anything to protect them; even if that includes punching the annoying neighbor boy in the nose.
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This book was beautiful written. I loved the style and inner monologue of Rae. It is like one giant letter to her mom. Great for fans of Eleanor Oliphant and All The Ugly and Wonderful Things.
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TW: suicide, violence towards animals, mental health

I read a quote recently about how when you finish a book it's so sad because you fall in love with the characters but that's all you will ever know about them once you finish, so it is heartbreaking. We'll, this is one of those books. I'm going to need Emily Spurr to create a blog or something where we get to just check in with Rae and Lettie once every few months. Not too much to ask?

This book got me from the very beginning. Told from the viewpoint of 10 year old Rae, it is difficult to review without giving things away, but she's a resourceful, clever little girl who I fell completely in love with. She and her trusty sidekick Splinter come into contact with the nosy old lady who lives next door, Lettie - and the story unfolds from there. Rae would get on well with Molly Hook (All Our Shimmering Skies) and Super Gumboots Willa (A Lifetime of Impossible Days). She's one of those girls who are a glorious mix of guts and innocence.

It is a lot darker than I was expecting. I sat with my hand over my mouth in some parts, and I cried my eyes out in others. At one point I stopped reading and covered my eyes so that I did not have to read the next part. It is that good!

Emily Spurr's writing is incredible - the book is quite olfactory and the way smells are described made it so that you could almost smell it yourself. Also the anxiety and stress described at times for both characters was so spot on - it made my stomach tighten and you could feel exactly what they were feeling.

I could rave on all day. I love this book and when it is published I will be getting myself a physical copy and it will be going straight on my favourites shelf. Rae and Lettie are going to stay with me for a long long time and I will recommend this book to one and all!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Text Publishing for approving the advanced ebook for me.

I liked how this book was written from 10 year old point of views. This book is beautifully written and I love the author style of writing you get a real feel for the characters. It is heartwarming and sad story and a your girl and her next door neighbour who has her own problems but they find each other and give comfort to one another which is lovely. This book is about being on your own , obsessions grief and love.
I highly recommend this book to other people. I will definitely be reading more books from this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Emily Spurr

Heartbreaking but lovely, without spoilers, is the best way for me to describe this book. I loved Rae and I was so in love with her resilience. Definitely worth a read!

I read this in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down.
I went into this book knowing nothing, and you should do the same. Don’t read too many reviews, just go read the book!

If you are one who can’t do that though...
It started with a gut punch. I didn’t know if I could read this. But the writer’s craft drew me in. The ambiguity of not knowing at the beginning had an almost thriller feel as I tried to figure out who. Who was left behind? Am I being vague right now? Yes, go read the book!

The climax of the book was so emotional, once again, I almost had to stop. Serious gut punch. But I was mentally relieved during the falling action, so see it through to the end. This is an emotional roller coaster! These characters will live in your heart for a long time.

If you liked Where the Crawdad’s Sing, Room and Ove, mix them together and you have A Million Things.

This book is: great for discussion for a book club, memorable, serious, triggering for parental suicide, abandonment.

This book is not: a beach read, light reading, feel good, forgettable.

#AMillionThings # EmilySpurr #NetGalley

4.5. What an incredible read.

In this book, we follow Rae, a 9-going-10-year-old girl whose mother has disappeared. She is struggling to make sense of things. Her dog, Splinter, is the only one who knows the truth and keeps her company in a house full of memories.

As others have pointed out, it is hard to get sold on the girl´s POV right away. But then, as the story evolves, you see how the circumstances in life shape her, and you get invested in Rae´s story. She is resilient and intelligent and way too mature for her age, and yet she is just a kid that misses her mother.

Being alone takes a toll on her, and people are starting to notice her mother is not there. You see the cracks getting bigger and the panic attacks settling hard. However, the unlikely friendship between Rae and her elderly neighbor Lettie helps in many ways. Lettie is a very complex character and a somewhat bitter lady that also suffers in silence. Their relationship was portrayed beautifully, adding another layer of issues and themes to the story, which I really enjoyed.

The climax of the book was well crafted and heartwrenching, and by the end of the book, I was crying. It is a book about grief and loneliness, as well as it is about hope and finding friendship in unexpected places.
Loved it.

Thank you #Netgalley and #AMillionThings for the ARC

Rae a remarkably mature 11 year old girl has to figure out what to do after her only parent, her mother is gone. Lettie lives next door in a "hoarder house" and hasn't moved past the tragic death of her young daughter years ago. Rae continues to clean and cook for herself, attend school and take care of her dog Splinter all while keeping the secret that she has no mother to herself.
I almost stopped reading this at the beginning because it seemed so unlikely and bizarre but I liked Rae's true grit and determination and the blooming relationships between Lettie and Rae.. Two lost souls who can help each other live their life all while hiding their secrets.
The book got better and better though and I wanted to keep reading and root for Lettie and Rae to have good lives. The ending was satisfactory also.

Oh my gosh, I was not expecting to get so invested in Rae's life, but I did. I wasn't sure about the book from the beginning, since it's written a little stuttery, but this is going down as one of my favorite books. This book brought out so many emotions in me- I was nervous for Rae the whole time, I felt for Lottie and everything she was going through, and Splinter... Let's just say I cried a few times towards the end. What a journey. Highly recommend this book.