Sarah Addison Allen is one of my go to authors for Magical Realism and she did not disappoint with her book, Other Birds.

Allen’s books are always filled with family (found or actual) and friends that are going through troubled times, but with a bit of magic and romance are able to overcome. In Other Birds there is a bit less magic then in her previous books, but it was still a wonderful read.

Each of the characters (including the ghosts) get their moments to shine in the story and Allen is able to develop them very well in such a short time. There are some surprises that show themselves towards the end, and I had to grab a tissue to get me through a few of the spots.

The visuals and lessons in this book are still floating around in my head a week after reading it… that’s how I know I’ve read a great book!

This book was excellent! I have read a couple of Sarah Addison Allen’s books before picking this one up so I had a good feeling that this would be a book I would enjoy. I just love the way that she weaves just a hint of magic into her stories and I really believe that she is one of the best when it comes to magical realism. It didn’t take long for me to fall for the characters in this story and I soon found this book very hard to set aside.

After graduating from high school, Zoey decides to move into her mother’s old studio condo at the Dellawisp. Another resident has recently died, leaving a condo full of paper and other items. Zoey takes on the task of clearing out the unit and is soon joined by another neighbor, Charlotte. Zoey and Charlotte work on cleaning together and eventually get to know the chef that lives in the building, Mac. I love the bonds that this group of characters formed over the course of the story. Zoey seemed to be the catalyst that was able to bring everyone together, even Oliver, who says he wants nothing to do with his mother’s things. Every character in the book had an interesting history and I really enjoyed the way those stories were worked into the story.

I really wanted to see everything work out for this group of characters. Each of them deserved to have good things in their lives. I loved that the most important thing that they gained over the course of the story was their relationships with each other. All of the characters were able to find some closure from the things from their past that has been haunting them. There is just a bit of magic sprinkled throughout the novel which kept things very interesting.

I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a delightful story featuring a fantastic cast of characters that I could help but root for. There were a few twists in the story that I found rather surprising as well. I definitely need to read more of this talented author’s work in the future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press.

“There are birds, and then there are other birds. Maybe they don’t sing. Maybe they don’t fly. Maybe they don’t fit in. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather be an other bird than just the same old thing.”

I have always loved Sarah Addison Allen's stories. I was delighted to recieve an ARC from Netgalley for Other Birds.
The story started slow and it took a bit to start. Sarah weaves a whimsical, ghostly tale of a small group of people living in a community together. Secrets unfold and there are quite a few twists. The characters were intriguing and the story kept me entertained.

What a magical, endearing, and memorable book Sarah Addison Allen has given us in Other Birds!

The book opens with Zoey Hennessey, 19, moving into the studio apartment her mother willed her in the well-hidden Dellawisp Condos on Mallow Island, off the coast of Charleston, SC. The complex, consisting of five apartments, was named after the small turquoise birds who inhabit the courtyard of the beautiful cobblesone building shaped like a horseshoe. Zoey will start college in Charleston in the fall.

Zoey's mother died when she was quite young. Her father and his new family have always treated her as an outsider and made it plain that when she turns eighteen, they expect her to move out on her own. Her step-mother already has well thought out plans for Zoey's room.

It's no surprise, given her background that Zoey is a very lonely and quirky girl, used to being on the outside looking in, and longing to find a place where she feels she belongs. As she meets, or is told about, each of her new neighbors, she finds them to be unique and quirky as well. Not only are there people living in the Dellawisp Condos, but three ghosts as well!

The author does a wonderful job of painting each of these colorful and secretive characters vividly and bringing each of their stories to light so beautifully. I love her writing!! It is wonderful to watch as the characters bond and become a found-family to each other. YAY!!!!!

This is a magical, heart-warming read that I won't soon forget. I highly recommend it!

My thanks to St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an e-ARC of the book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

What a sweet story!

Sarah Addison Allen has reminded me once again why I love Magical Realism so much. How can I not love a book whose main character has an invisible bird named Pigeon and who resides in a condo complex with several ghosts and some curious little turquoise birds called dellawisps? It’s not really a question, because of course I’m going to love that!! Like TJ Klune, Allen captures the human spirit so well in a way that both charms and makes you feel for all the characters, while gently giving focus to some pretty heavy topics - in this case childhood trauma and healing old wounds.

Nineteen-year-old college student Zoe Hennessy has just inherited her late mother’s Mallow Island condo off the coast of South Carolina, managed by friendly but mysterious, Frasier, and is a new neighbor to four other residents of The Dellawisp: executive chef Mac, henna artist Charlotte, resident busybody/hoarder Lizbeth Lime, and Lizbeth’s estranged and reclusive sister, Lucy Lime. At first glance, they’re a rag-tag group with little in common, but after an event happens that slowly draws these residents closer together, you see just how similar they really are. It’s the newly formed friendships and each character’s gradually revealed backstory that give this book its heart and depth, and by the end I loved all these characters.

Zoe is an energetic ball of charm who’s determined to bring these virtual strangers together, if she can get her often petulant invisible bird, Pigeon, to stop interfering. It’s sweet to watch her friendship with Charlotte grow and, in turn, their friendships with Mac, though the Lime sisters are another issue. I cheered for each character as they confronted the traumas of their past and opened their guarded hearts to each other. The budding romances were also handled with a light hand, so they felt very pure and sweet!

My main difficulty with the story was that it was a bit heavy-handed on the bad parenting theme, which made it a little less believable, but then again, Frasier did say the residents were picked for a reason, so I guess the similar backgrounds were intentional? The ending went a teeny bit OTT for me as well. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this, I love her writing, and there were some fabulous unexpected twists that I didn’t see coming! I highly recommend this lovely story and I’ll definitely watch for more from this author!

★★★★ ½

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and author Sarah Addison Allen for this ARC to honestly review. It’s due for publication on August 30th, 2022.

Other Birds feels little different than previous Sarah Addison Allen novels. I did enjoy it, just took some time to get into.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Mallow Island is right off the coast of South Carolina and on it sits The Dellawisp, a historic building that’s shaped like a horseshoe. It’s named after the tiny fluttery birds who live there with the select humans who are lucky enough to live in its condos. There is magic in the air as Zoey, who inherits her mothers studio sized condo, comes to spend the summer before beginning college. We read about the tenants and the ghosts who live there in alternating chapters. The residents are quirky and endearing and I loved uncovering the secrets they each had that seemed to keep the ghosts around for support. I loved this book and I will miss the residents at Dellawsip. Can’t wait to read another book by Sarah Addison Allen.

The first book from Sarah Addison Allen following monumental losses was well worth the wait. Her work hasn’t changed, except to get deeper and better, steeped with whimsy and magic and a charming story. I feel like this should be a series- there’s so many more stories to tell. I love the idea that our loved ones don’t leave… they linger with us and watch over us until we don’t need their guidance.

The author’s note at the end? Yes you sure did.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen is pure joy, and I predict this will be a big hit in the book world. The story centers around our lead protagonist, 19 year old Zoey Hennessey, who is looking for a place to belong and memories of her dead Mother. Zoey’s father has remarried, and she is no longer welcome in his new life. Hence, she travels to Mallow Island off the coast of South Carolina and moves into her mother’s empty studio condo in a small enclave of eclectic characters. Most importantly, Zoey’s new home is also the home to a flock of rare Dellawisps, turquoise-colored birds with many quirks. Added to this is Zoey’s unusual “bird”, called Pigeon. This small group of characters in Zoey’s new condo forms a home of sorts for each other and a place to belong. When looking for love and security, ghosts, fellow weary travelers, and misfits can become significant. They help Zoey to fly. There is magical realism, coming-of-age plotlines, family, birds and ghosts. I won’t reveal more details because this book is magical and reminds us that we are not alone. It is a book of hope.  #birds #love #family #life #comingofage #secrets #sweet #OtherBirds @sarahaddisonallen #netgalley @netgally #hope #SouthCarolina #mystery #future #life #purpose #belonging @stmartinspress #arc
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley, and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read this book. Pub Date: Aug. 30, 2022.

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Overall I enjoyed this story. The writing is well done with engaging prose and a meandering storytelling style that is endearing in the end. I can understand why people love this author's books as her way of telling a story is measured and peaceful with sprinkles of wisdom thrown in that make you take notice.

The beginning was a little rough as I found it slow and I was struggling to find the point, the reason why I should care about these characters living in this complex. A lot of reviewers have used the phrase "magical realism" to describe this story and while I wouldn't call it magic per se I would definitely call it longings of the heart that is all too real for many. Loss, longing, a desire to find yourself, your community, your family so much so that you're holding on to something that doesn't exist anymore. Every character we're introduced to living at the Dellawisp is longing for something and this is the story of how they find what they're looking for and let go of the past that binds them.

Hidden from prying eyes, was the magical Dellawisp. Built for the birds, it became a haven for a few lost people and a place where they found a home.

Following her high school graduation, Zoey arrived at the Dellawisp in an attempt to feel closer to her mother who had passed years ago. Though that connection was lacking, Zoey did bond with her neighbors, all of whom were haunted by ghosts of their own.

I loved the way Allen incorporated ghosts into this story. Some were literal, while others were figurative. Regardless of their nature, these residents were able to face their past, make peace with their ghosts, and forge forward because they found each other. I was shedding happy tears and patting my heart as it filled with warmth and joy. I simply adore stories like this.

The book had a bit of mystery, lots of atmosphere, a touch of romance, and so much love. The relationships that developed between the residents were what delighted me the most. Found family is a favorite trope of mine, and Allen assembled quite a wonderful one here. I loved learning about their pasts, watching them overcome those things that were holding them back, and seeing them form important human connections.

Overall: A breathtaking and magical tale.

Other Birds introduces the reader to the neighbors who inhabit The Dellawisp apartment complex, named after the local, mischievous, turquoise birds of Mallow Island, off of the South Carolina coast. Zoey is on her way to college, but first living for the summer in the condo that she inherited from her mother, in an attempt to become closer to her mother's memory. Along the way, she discovers more about herself, the residents, their mysterious lives and the lives of those they have loved and lost, while reconnecting them to hope, new lives, new loves, new created families and new futures. I absolutely loved this book as it described the beautiful island, the enticing foods and the colorful characters that came alive in this magical realism story, so much so, that I WISH that is was an actual place that I could visit (I already do love Hilton Head Island, SC!). I longed for a bit more--wishing that there had been longer, more detailed back stories for some characters. such as Frasier & Zoey's mom and more resolution for some stories such as Oliver's (I felt that the secret isn't something that should be kept until the end of time as it is a life changing secret and everything in the book seemed to be pointing in that direction). The book had twists--some that I saw coming (and instead of being disappointed that I figured it out, I eagerly cheered it on when it happened!) and others that were surprising. This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading her other books!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ (4/5)
Pub Date: 8/30
Genre: Fiction/Magical Realism

Found family, whimsical characters, a sprinkle of magical realism, ghost stories and the underlying theme of letting go of the past -- "Other Birds" will pull at your heartstrings & warm your heart all at once. You won't want to stop turning the page to see how all the characters intertwine.

Although this book has a slower start, once you meet all of the quirky characters you begin to see the threads forming, the connections made. Although there is a string of sadness woven throughout, it's definitely overshadowed by hope and new beginnings. The result is an enchanting story with more magic than sadness. I was immediately drawn into the world the author created because of the vibrant and descriptive writing. The ending was very touching and gave me that warm hug feeling.

Enchanting, atmospheric, emotional.

"Stores aren't fiction. Stories are fabric. They're the white sheets we drape over our ghosts so we can see them." Roscoe Avanger

**Thank you to Sarah Addison Allen,St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!**

I love Sarah's books and magical realism is one of my favorite genres so I really enjoyed this as expected. I loved the setting and all the characters, I did disagree with Frasier's decision about Oliver though, I'm still kind of mad about that.

Charming characters who all have some healing to do with ghosts from their past before they can get closure and open up to new experiences and a deeper understanding of their identities in the present.

No one is perfect, but everyone is loveable, almost everyone, in this light supernatural, magical realism read about an island and its inhabitants. The romance is just enough, the friendships are everything, and the mystery and anticipation had me cheering on Zoey and her crew.

This book found me after a string of reads that just weren’t doing it for me. It was a welcome retreat, and I’d recommend it for anyone who wants warm-hearted characters who are a little socially awkward but unfold with the gentle prodding of one daringly authentic protagonist with a knack for seeing into the heart of people.

I'm not sure I can do this book any justice in a review. I finished it a couple of days ago and the grip it has on me will not let up. This is Sarah Addison Allen's first book since the loss of her mother and I am so very glad she is back. She is always a beautiful author but I really think this book is something truly special.

Zoey is 18 years old, almost 19 and has moved to a small island to start the next chapter of her life. She moves into an apartment that her mother left her when she died. I compare the apartment complex to the Island of Misfit Toys from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Each one seems like an outcast but together, they make up a beautiful family. The book focused on grief and the aftermath of losing someone but more importantly, this is a book about found family. It's about processing your grief and navigating the world without your loved one.

There were also ghosts and I thought this part was also really well done. There is nothing about this book I hated. Sarah took a hard subject (grief) and turned it into something really amazing. I haven't had a 5 star read since June but this book just raced up to the top of my 2022 favorites.

Take care of yourself with this one. There are a lot of trigger warnings that should come with the story and if you are interested, please feel free to contact me for more information.

Other Birds comes out on Tuesday, August 30 and I highly suggest you pre-order this one and be ready to get engrossed. Many thanks to St. Martins Press for an early gifted copy.

A true gem. Haunting, beautiful, and hopeful that will stay with the reader for a long time. A tale of stories, ghosts, and love - lost and found. So glad Sarah is writing again.

Other Birds, by Sarah Addison Allen, is a magical story about a young woman named Zoey, who is trying to find her place in life. She returns to Mallow Island, where her late mother once lived, a small, winsome island off the coast of South Carolina. While living in her inherited studio, she connects with other residents of the complex. They are an unusual and unique cast of characters, each with their own pasts, troubles and secrets, and each looking for something more in their lives.

Zoey lost a sense of belonging and family when her mother died when she was a child, and as she now seeks a connection to her past, she finds unexpected connections with her neighbors. Their lives are all unalterably changed for the better by knowing Zoey, and her life is irrevocably impacted as well.

This is a tender story of finding healing from life’s hardships, finding a place for yourself in this world, and finding connection with others as a means forward. The magical elements made this an enchanting tale. This story is descriptive, heart-warming and charming. Other Birds is definitely a one-of-a-kind story.

Perhaps the sweetest story I’ve read this year, Other Birds proves through a cast of lovable characters and the mystique of Mallow Island that your past does not define you, and eventually, no matter how hard it may be, a time will come where the best thing you can do is to let go.

Zoey finds herself at the beginning of a new adventure. Heading to college and away from her family that wants no part of her, she moves to Mallow Island and into her mother’s old apartment in the hopes of getting to know the woman she barely remembers. Zoey’s sweet, kind spirit and desire to find herself in the midst of the life she almost had binds her small community at the Dellawisp together.

Charlotte has never had the luxury of the safety to be herself. Running from her past, she always maintains a barrier between herself and those around her -- until now.

Mac, a professional chef with a heart of gold and a soft spot for cats, is the epitome of ~ soft boy summer ~. A past ripe with abandonment and loss leaves him with a desire to be loved and clinging to the one person who took him in.

There are so many nuanced characters who bring heart to this story -- Frasier, Oliver, Lucy, Lizbeth -- I could go on all day! Each character is troubled by their past, but as they come together and grow to genuinely care for each other, Other Birds blossoms into a beautiful story of found family.

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did if I’m being honest, but going into this book I didn’t really know what to expect. But, this book took me by the hand and guided me along.

“𝐼𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒, 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒.”

This book is about holding grudges, escaping your past, grief, struggle of identity, lost connection, friendship and the struggles of letting go of loved ones who have passed on.

A small island located off the coast of South Carolina there lies a forgotten small condo complex with a group of misfits. A well-known author hiding in plain sight, a talented chef who can’t let go of his past, a recluse who sees everything, a know-it-all nosy neighbor, a runaway escaping her past life, and a young teenager trying to salvage a connection of her late mother’s past. When a tragic accident brings these people together, secrets and betrayals come to the forefront and beautiful friendships form.

This was the perfect palette cleanser between the romance and fantasy novels I’ve been reading and it was almost therapeutic to read a book that was a little slower paced but filled with beautiful life lessons.

Other Birds debuts 8/30 and if you’re a huge fan of found family, this is one the cutest ones!

Read if you like: small towns, found family trope, real life problems, mystery, magic realism, birds, ghost stories, food correlating to love, finding yourself.