A wonderful and unforgettable debut novel! Set in the 80’s, this explores the lives of two young sisters living in a small town during the time of their young neighbor’s disappearance.

It was an innocent time and the neighborhood kids spent their summers at the club swimming or at the local lake with the woods nearby. On the day the little girl disappeared, the sisters had gone to the lake with their neighbors. Somehow none of them realized the moment when she disappeared.

The repercussions of this event throughout the small town and its effect on the families caused them to lose a bit of their innocence. It also caused tension in many relationships, especially between the sisters.

This is a coming-of-age story that explores the complicated interactions within a family and deals with some sobering topics in a delicate manner. Be prepared—this is a tissue-worthy novel.

Book clubs will have much to discuss with this pick and I think many readers will love this book just as much as I did. Not having had a sister, I loved their relationship with the ups and downs and most of all their love for one another.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group-Dutton for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer my honest review.

A bit difficult to finish as I found it tended to wander on off the plot but all in all an enjoyable read.

A coming of age novel set in the 1980's, although sometimes it feels more like the 1950's to this reader. This is also a "what if" novel -what if I did this or what if I did that differently-that sort of thing.

It is an in-depth look at what happens in a small neighborhood/small town when a 4-year-old goes missing at the lake one day. It was also an in-depth look at sisters who are only one year apart in age—jealousies, secrets (some huge ones), crushes, lies, etc. But, of course, the adults have their secrets too.


This neighborhood is fascinating, and all of the characters are fascinating. But unfortunately, I will be one of the few who didn't connect or like any of the MAIN characters. Especially not Borka and Audrina.

I didn't have a sister that close to me in age, so I don't know if this is really the way close in age sisters really act. It just seemed off to me. Oh, some of their antics I could see sisters doing, but some things were just so hurtful that I don't know how they could forgive each other.

There is a bit of a twist and an interesting chapter at the end of one of the sisters describing her adult life. Of course, anything else I could say would be a spoiler.

*ARC supplied by the publisher-Dutton/Penguin Books, the author, and NetGalley.

Bee has always been jealous of her younger sister Audrina. She tells this story of tragedy and secrets set in an atmospheric New Jersey town. She's in 7th grade when Max and his sister Sally move in across the street and then she's jealous again when Audrina seems to grab Max's attention. And even more so when Audrina gives Sally a bracelet she always wanted. And then...4 year old Sally goes missing and everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. Bee keeps secrets too even as her family and others in the town are pulled to and fro. No spoilers from me but know that many years later, Bee will still be soul searching and looking for answers. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An intriguing coming of age novel perfect for those who were teens in the 1980s but enjoyable for everyone else as well.

I had an interesting experience when I finished Our Little World. I enjoyed the book and felt that the ending was satisfactory, but as I closed the book, my first thought was, "what was the point?". It's hard to explain what I'm trying to say, but I can assure you that I don't mean it in an insulting way to the author or her work. I just felt that the book had a few plot lines that felt like they were leading to a climax - which kept intrigued throughout, waiting to see where the story led....and then it kind of led....nowhere. The loose ends were tied up, but it just felt like a build up that led to a plateau. Maybe it was partially because we learn from the beginning of the book that the main character, Bee, loses two people during her childhood. So as a reader, I knew that was coming all along - and so when that happened, I thought "Okay...now what?".

It's a unique book in that it's a mystery, a coming-of-age story, and a family drama - which all sound like they'd make up a heavily plot-driven novel - and yet it's very character-driven. While I could certainly appreciate the 80's nostalgia, the thoughts and feelings that Bee dealt with, and the unique relationships between some of the characters, I just wasn't sure what the point of some of it was. I can't specifically refer to which plot lines or relationships I'm talking about without giving away spoilers, so I have to leave it at that. There were just certain things that could've been left out entirely and it would've had no impact on the story.

That all being said, I did actually like the book. It was very atmospheric and I think the author captured the time period, the angst of being a pre-teen/teen, and the myriad relationships that we've all had at that age very well. I also think I need to accept that I prefer plot driven novels (with well-developed characters) over character driven novels, which is why I say that none of this is meant to insult the author or her work. Despite my preference for more plot, I really did like this book, whether or not I feel like I understood the point and purpose of the story. I do think this book will be well-received and well-loved by many.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the e-galley in exchange for my honest review.

Our Little World is part coming of age, part mystery set in 1980s New Jersey. Throughout the book there are two back to back tragedies involving young girls -- connected, yet not. The book is told from the perspective of pre-teen Borka who has witnessed the disappearance of a neighborhood toddler and has lost her sister. At such a young age Borka ("Bee") is ridden with guilt that it takes both physical and mental control of her body. At times I felt the story lagged when it touched on the more internal musings of Bee and that mystery aspect was what gripped me and moved the story along for me. Would recommend to fans of Ask Again, Yes and Saint X.

Coming of age novel about two adolescent sisters set against the backdrop of the mysterious disappearance of their 4-year-old neighbor in a sleepy mid-1980s suburb.

The premise of Our Little World really intrigued me as did the 80s setting and comparison to Everything I Never Told You, but I really didn't care for this novel. I think what didn't work for me was rooted in the first person narration. I find first person narration can be excellent, but it's a tough thing to pull off. It just didn't work for me here. Not enough plot and/or character development to keep things adequately moving.

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton, I was provided an ARC of Our Little World by Karen Winn via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


*****Publishing May 3, 2022*****

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A story of sisterhood, tragedy, family dynamics, and resilience! Set in the mid 1980’s, Borka who went by Bee was misunderstood and considered to be a tomboy by her family, while her sister, Audrina was the favored, beautiful and popular sister. When a new family moved into their neighborhood, Bee and Audrina become fast friends with Sally and her brother, Max. All is good until Sally disappears at one of their lake play dates. How long will it take to find her? How will the community respond and what secrets will be revealed? A page turner that is hard to put down. Great book club pick as it will lead to many great discussions!

Karen Winn's Our Little World is a nostalgia-bomb of atmospheric suspense, a taut coming-of-age that makes you question your own childhood choices. Through Bee, we get an examination of the loss of innocence, both literal and metaphorical, as well as a crisp, character-driven study of jealousy, loss, and familial bonds.

Big thanks to Dutton and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for honest review consideration.

Our Little World is a heartbreaking story of a girl recanting the story of her traumatic youth. The disappearance of a lively little girl, in a small and “safe” town sends everyone in it on a trajectory that will change their lives forever.

Audrina and Bee are inseparable sisters, yet as they get older the reality of jealousy and competition gets in the way. Although this is a mystery through and through, the complexity of family and secrets gives this story so much more depth. Although it was a simple story with predictable outcomes, the words kept me hooked. If you’re looking for a quick and intriguing read, I highly recommend this one!

Our Little World by Karen Winn was a coming of age story about sisters. It was a compelling story that I read in close to one sitting.

This was such a nostalgic read! It took me back to my middle school days, trying to figure out my own path in life, the bond between my brother and I.

This story makes you feel all the feels- grief, death, sibling rivalry, family secrets, crime, friendships, first kisses and first loves.

This was a story about middle schoolers who become friends and then tragedy strikes. This was a heart wrenching yet beautiful story, and was written so wonderfully.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Our Little World is an apt title because that is exactly what this book does - draws you into the character's little world. Karen Winn has crafted a moving book that will leave me thinking about it for a while.

It's 1985 - it's a small town where everyone knows each other. Bee and her sister, Audrina, get new neighbors across the street, the Bakers. Bee and Audrina befriend the son Max, who is also around 12, and his 4 year-old sister, Sally. All is well until one summer day when Sally disappears during their visit to the lake. No trace of her is found and rumors swirl while parents keep their children locked up at home. With nothing else to do, Bee and Audrina spend most of their time together and their complicated yet deeply connected relationship crystalizes. But when tragedy strikes again, Bee is forced to look at their relationship (and their family) with painful honesty.

What Winn does so well here is capture how a 12-year-old girl would react to the disappearance of a young child. There is fear and confusion but also a strange excitement and fascination. Bee and Audrina watch the news every day. Bee is briefly popular at school when her peers realize she knew Sally. It's too much for them to really comprehend so they try different ways of coping. Bee and Audrina's relationship is also well done. There's deep love but also deep jealousy and competition. There's secrets and longing and anger and kinship. It was a very realistic depiction. While the disappearance is what sets the story in motion, it's Bee and Audrina's relationship that will keep you reading.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a coming-of-age novel centered around sisters, Bee and Audrina, growing up on a cul-de-sac in New Jersey during the mid-80s, before the internet and cell phones. A time when kids were free to play outside without a care in the world. Until one day, Sally, the 4 year-old girl that lives across the street disappears from the lake. Did she drown? Was she taken? They were there with her brother, Max, but no one saw where Sally went. That afternoon forever changes them and their relationships with friends and each other. There are other events that change their childhood as well, none seem to be for the better. I found it to be, overall, just a depressing story. I do think it’s fairly well written, especially considering this is the author’s debut novel, but I felt it dragged at times.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and provide an honest review.

The publisher sent me an ARC of this book and it's not my typical genre. The book starts off with a 4 year old girl going missing, which isn't the easiest subject to read about. When I started to read it, I wasn't too excited about it but then quickly changed my mind. This book really surprised me and I think I'll think about it for a while. This is a beautiful debut. The writing was excellent. This book takes place in the mid-80's and I loved the nostalgia of the era. This book also has so many layers - I really loved how the author wrote about the relationship of the sisters. I have one sisters so found it pretty relatable. This book is a coming of age story, dealing with first love but it also is sort of a mystery/suspense. It sort of reminded me of the 1991 movie The Man in the Moon with Reese Witherspoon.

It's heart-wrenching and beautiful. I really enjoyed the journey the author took us on. A slight spoiler but the book deals with Type 1 diabetes. I was diagnosed in 1993 so reading about someone diagnosed in the mid-80's was so fascinating and exciting. I've never read a book that dealt with diabetes the way this book did. I felt like I was reading about my experience. It didn't feel too clinical or out of place in the story and I just loved how seamlessly and accurately the author was able to include this in the story. It really touched me.

This is a slow, character-driven story but I really enjoyed it. There are some trigger warnings for this book - death of a small child being one of the biggest ones but while it was a big theme of the book, it wasn't that big of the book if that makes sense. The focus is more on the coming of age story for Bee.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Set in the 1980's when the world was a bit more idyllic, this book brought back memories of children playing outside, not glued to their devices, and enjoying a suburban summer. But all is not as it seems. Young Sally disappears and the dark underbelly of suburbia is shown. Its a story of Igrief, guilt, resentment, second thoughts, sacred bound of sisterhood, jealousy, sibling rivalry, being the favorite of your parents, and of course family secrets. A promising debut novel. Recommended for all public libraries.

This was a solid read that touches on themes of grief, coming-of-age, sisterhood, and family. I found that I was pleasantly surprised upon finishing it, as Winn does an excellent job of tying up all loose ends in the final chapter and epilogue. This is definitely one of those books where you are left completely satisfied. The general tone of this book is melancholy, as it deals with grief; however, there are moments that are lighter (e.g., the sister dynamics between Bee and Audrina) that give some relief. Although I don't have a sister, I bet that this book would resonate with other women who do.

I was born in 1986, so technically I wasn’t “with it” enough to have nostalgia for the era, but I gotta tell ya - I love an 80s period piece. Our Little World by Karen Winn was a gripping page turner for me. Though I am an only child, I appreciated the sisterly bond depicted here and could feel all of the things (paranoia, loss, hunkeredownedness - I made that word up) the community experienced in the wake of a disappearance as if I were there. This is an impressive debut novel and I graciously thank Dutton and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. [Note: As I finished this book and am typing this review on a plane, I plan to elaborate my review further on social media upon return to land; please stay tuned.]

Karen Winn's Our Little World is a solid debut. Set in a small town during the 1980's, she has captured that time perfectly. I enjoyed the references to '80's pop culture. The author would mention certain shows or clothing and it would take me right back.

The book focuses on Bee Kocsis, her family and the events that happened one summer when Sally, the four year old neighbor girl disappears. The repercussions of that day impact Bee and those around her for a long time. Even though a great deal of the story is solidified by the physical setting, the character development is critical as well.

Bee and her younger sister, Audrina have a tumultuous relationship. They don't communicate with one another very well and it leads to a great many misunderstandings between the two. This book demonstrates how insecure young girls can be and shows that the smallest thing can often seem so monumental. It's simply part of growing up and trying to adapt when your body is changing. The hard thing for Bee is that she had very little stability around her at this time in her life. Her parents weren't the most diligent and were frequently distracted with other things or people. It made life so much harder for Bee.

This is a slow moving study of life in a small town thrown into turmoil by a missing child. Having grown up in a small town in the 1980's myself, I found it very realistic. Ms. Winn did a wonderful job of painting a picture for us with her words.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

A coming of age tale hidden by a mystery. I thought this would be another fast-paced thriller about a poor little kidnapped girl. It's much more the story of a girl trying to figure herself out while dealing with her conflicted relationship with her sister and the boy next door, and by the way the neighbor kid disappears.