I really loved this YA because its about siblings. Theres not many stories with this dynamic! And it has tough subjects. This book would be more appropriate for more mature teen readers. Such a beautiful story. Thank you netgalley and Susan Azim Boyer!!

I really enjoyed reading this book from Susan Azim Boyer!

Such a compelling journey of what family truly means and how powerful a sibling connection can be as well. Samira is a strong heroine who literally is the glue to her family as she carries the burdens of everyone. Henry lives in a complex dynamic of two sets of parents that explores the meaning of parenthood and who is 'credited' with raising the child. Once the two meet -- they literally become the support system that they both need as well as the encouragement they need to follow through with meeting their biological father. The book also has such rich ethnic and cultural elements that are not predominantly seen in mainstream novels.

Definitely give this one a read if you're up for an emotional ride of two half-siblings discovering one another as they embark on a journey of meeting their biological father.

I liked Susan Azim Boyer’s debut Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win, but The Search for Us is a gem! A story about two Iranian-American half-siblings finding each other and both searching for their father for different reasons.

I let out a sigh of frustration after the first sentence because this story is written in third person, and I like my YA books in first person. But after a few pages, I had forgotten my irritation entirely and drowned myself in the story and just couldn’t stop reading until the end.

The Search for Us has so much to offer. A glorious cover. A dual narrative. Distinctive voices. A girl who takes far too much responsibility for her family. A boy who follows his (adoptive) parents' dreams instead of his own. Alcoholism. PTSD. Anxiety. Depression. Iranian heritage. A diverse cast. A perfect pacing.

I fell in love with Henry, but I had a love-hate relationship at first with Samira. So stupid because I recognized so much of that girl in myself. But maybe because of that? Those lists! She was only caring about other people and completely forgot what she wanted, what she needed. And in a way, Henry was the same, doing exactly what his (adoptive) parents had planned for him.

Be aware that this YA novel isn’t a romance. It’s a story about family relationships. About two teens both growing up in a white family while having an Iranian-American dad they’ve never met. About how that family can support you or can let you down. About how mental health issues can influence those relationships.

I loved this story with all my heart and even got teary-eyed at the end. Thank you, Susan, for giving me the opportunity (again) to read your second book early.

Sadly I missed Jasmine Zumideh Needs a Win but it’s now added to my list.
But I do know that her second novel was an emotional filled story that I couldn’t have loved more if I tried.

The Search for Us by Susan Azim Boyer is a thought provoking YA story that won my heart.
I really loved being on this self discovery journey with Samira and Henry.
Trying to find their place in the world and on the search to find their father was an emotional but amazing journey.
Susan Azim Boyer did an outstanding job creating fantastic characters who I wanted nothing but the best for. And rooted for their happiness the entire way.
An uplifting contemporary that I just loved losing sleep over.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Wednesday Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This was a great book! I enjoyed the DNA match aspect as that is something that has always interested me. I appreciated how the story handled multiple difficult topics, including the touch on codependency. Many people can relate to that experience and it is nice to feel like your story has a voice. Very well-written!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend The Search for Us! The story was unique and original, the characters were carefully crafted and well-rounded and the plot was full of action and interesting twists and turns. Strong writing throughout and lots of important contemporary themes. A great YA read!

Two teens with complicated family lives discover they are half-siblings and decide to search for their biological father together.

Samira Murphy is the glue that keeps her family together, especially since her grandfather passed away. She lives with her grandmother and her brother, Kamron, in Santa Rosa. Her mother lives in Oregon, and Samira doesn't remember the father who left when she was only two years old. When Kamron gets his second DUI, Samira is desperate to get him into a treatment center, but her family can't afford it. She decides to take a DNA test in hopes of finding her Iranian father, thinking maybe she can get the back child support he owes.

Henry Owen has been raised by his strict aunt and uncle, whom he calls "Mom" and "Dad." His biological mother, whom he calls "Mama" is still in the picture, but there's always been tension between his two mothers. Henry wants to know more about the father he never knew, but his parents are mute on the subject. So, at the urging of his girlfriend, Henry takes a DNA test hoping to be matched with his biological father.

Through the DNA tests, the teens find each other. They decide to look for their father together and, in the process, get to know each and support each other. When they receive shocking news about their long-lost father, their new relationship is put to the test.

Susan Azim Boyer has created two distinct main characters, each with a compelling backstory. Although both have families that love them, they are both struggling with unique family issues as they feel the loss of a father they never knew. Samira's belief that she must take responsibility for her family and Henry's fear of disappointing his parents will resonate with many teens. Boyer sensitively handles issues of alcoholism and incarceration by focusing on the experiences of the characters that led to their destructive behaviors. The Search for Us is a novel about family, hope, sacrifices, and love that never gets too sappy or preachy.