📖 For someone who finishes books in about a week, this book took me almost a month to read. Statistically Speaking is heavy from the start and I struggled to read Gemma’s negative inner dialogue for long periods at a time.

I really enjoyed the supporting characters and the overall development of the story, but I had to force myself to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Statistically speaking is a heartwarming read about adoption, community and transformation but the content may be too heavy for some readers.

I loved reading about Gemma Jones and cheered for her as she grew and rolled with what was thrown her way! I was first attracted to this novel by the cover and title. The current cover gives off a romantic comedy vibe but this isn’t strictly a romcom book. The romance with Karim is very charming and provides a grounded levity but the subject matter is more serious and complicated than most romcoms. There are family dynamics, history of abuse and many characters processing grief.

If you’re looking for serious subject matter wrapped within a rom-com with loveable characters–look no further! I would put this on the TBR for later if life is a little too much at the moment and you're reading books to escape.

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

I loved the premise of this book so much but I found the writing style very difficult to stay engaged with. A hard read for me but worth it.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of Statistically Speaking before publication on Dec 3rd.
Lovely story of overcoming the past, Gemma didn't have the best upbringing and ended up in foster care, At 16 she gets pregnant and makes the hard decision to give her baby up for adoption so she has a better life than she can give her. She puts hard work in to make something of herself and becomes a History teacher and makes a good life for herself. "Baby" is never far from her thoughts and when a new student starts in her class who looks a little like her, finds out she is adopted and shares the same birthday as her daughter she thinks this could be her child! Gemma has built so many walls and is very emotionally unavailable so when Karim the hot P.E Teacher makes a move on her she is tempted to run like she normally does.
With my family being foster parents for the past 35 years and looking after 100 children from newborn to teenage mothers with babies and watching them struggle, adapt and overcome past trauma this book really resonated with me. Great writing!

Full of voice and found family, this book is for people who want a thought-provoking, heartfelt read. Gemma is certain she's done the right thing when she gives her baby up for adoption at the age of sixteen, but that doesn't prevent her from wondering about the baby girl growing up. Gemma fights her way out of poverty and family dysfunction, only to build her boundaries so high and strong that it's difficult for her to get close to anyone. Until she meets Katie--one of her young history students--and begins to wonder what Katie's providence really is.

I loved Gemma and her struggles, and was drawn in by the story of what it might be like to give up someone you love, in order to give them a better chance in life.

This book really tugged on my heartstrings as a mother. I thought these characters were so heartfelt and real. Definitely one to read!

This book was good, but not my favorite. I liked how the story started out with the story of Gemma giving birth. I found it funny how she kept making comments about wanting to punch everyone in the face, it’s how I imagine I would feel when giving birth haha. The rest of the book kinda fell short for me - I found it to be very wordy, making me skim over the long blurbs of her describing things.

I did like that Gemma knew a lot of fun facts, and loved her relationship with Margie. I absolutely adored the relationship she grew with Erin & Katie, and how they became a strong support system for her. Karim was such a lovely character, level headed, kind, and supportive. He was definitely the type of partner Gemma needed.

Gemma’s character development gave me joy; she started to open up and really established roots in her life. I am proud of how she developed her relationships, especially with Karim and her mother.

Overall, I liked it, like I mentioned it wasn’t my favorite, and the writing was just over-descriptive / too wordy for my taste.

2.5⭐️

I received an ARC from Harper Muse through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was such a wonderful read for me. It definitely had insights and ideas that resonated with me a lot.

I don’t know how Debbie Johnson does it, but her novels always have me laughing, learning about human nature, and finishing with happy tears in my eyes (I should know better than to finish one of her books in a busy airport).

I immediately loved the main female character from the first chapter. We meet 16 year old Gemma as a 16 year old foster care kid who is having a baby. She knows the best she can do for her infant daughter is to give her up for adoption, but is totally conflicted. She writes a heartfelt letter to her newborn, and it is that letter, that creates such love and respect in the reader for that character.

Despite Gemma’s traumatic childhood and mentally ill mother, she goes to college and becomes a first rate teacher. But the cost of reinventing herself, along with giving up her child, make her an emotional cripple. We meet her as she as at a crossroads and opening herself in her early 30’s as she has never done before.

There is romance, new friendships, multigenerational characters and personal growth. This is one of the most satisfying novels I have read in a long time. Although I would class this as women’s fiction, some of the hallmarks of literary fiction, such as a keen insight into the human condition, are present. This is a wonderful novel!

*****Publishing December 3, 2024****

The book begins with Gemma, aged 16, having a baby she is giving up for adoption. Her life is a mess, so she knows she can’t keep the baby! The book fast forwards 18 years later to when Gemma is working as a teacher. She thinks about the baby she gave up for adoption often, especially as the baby will turn 18. Will she decide to try to find her?

This wonderful story is from the first person’s point of view of Gemma. It’s genuine, heartfelt, and you learn all the ways that Gemma has been a statistic and how, statistically speaking, she overcame the odds stacked against her. A foster teen, pregnant at 16, and how she worked hard to create a stable life and job!

This author did a fabulous job capturing all the emotions of what Gemma was experiencing in life! I absolutely flew through this book as it keeps your attention and wanting to know the outcome! It’s a story that stays with you long after it’s finished! It’s one of those books that will spark great discussion, so perfect for book clubs!

Thanks to Harper Muse, I was provided an ARC of Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A nice cozy story about life and all it's messy. A coming of age, a romance, a story about mother and daughters and best friends and dogs. It was the right book to pull me out of a reading slump.

Book Review: Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson

Debbie Johnson's Statistically Speaking is an emotionally rich and whimsical journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the messy beauty of family and identity. A novel that strikes the perfect balance between humor and heartache, it immerses readers in the life of Gemma Jones, a high school history teacher who is grappling with unresolved trauma, unspoken secrets, and the simmering hope of reconciling with her past. For fans of character-driven stories filled with poignant insights and quirky, endearing humor, Statistically Speaking is a must-read.

Plot and Premise
The novel centers around Gemma, a thirtysomething single woman whose life is seemingly well-ordered from the outside. As a history teacher, Gemma revels in the certainties of the past—fixed dates, solid facts, and clear outcomes. However, her own history is anything but tidy. Gemma's inner life is riddled with unresolved anxiety, most potently triggered by the decision she made as a sixteen-year-old to give up her newborn daughter for adoption. Ever since, this decision has haunted her in ways she hasn’t fully processed. At times, she finds herself compulsively counting her socks as a coping mechanism for the waves of anxiety that crash over her—an amusing yet telling manifestation of her need for control in an uncontrollable world.

At the heart of Gemma's emotional turmoil is the approaching milestone: the baby she gave up will soon turn eighteen. This is the year when many children who have been adopted might seek out their birth parents, and Gemma is wracked with uncertainty and hope. In a twist that’s both serendipitous and nerve-wracking, a new student named Katie arrives at Gemma’s school. Katie is tall, red-haired, and about to turn eighteen—just like the baby Gemma gave up. As Gemma begins to wonder whether Katie could be her long-lost daughter, the boundaries between her past, present, and future start to blur.

Yet, Statistically Speaking is not just a story about a mother searching for her child; it’s about Gemma searching for herself. Her life is filled with supportive figures—her adorable elderly neighbor, Margie, and the charming PE teacher, Karim, who might just be interested in more than casual banter. As Gemma navigates her growing feelings for Karim, her bond with Katie’s mother, and the possibility that she may have found the daughter she lost, the novel blends humor and heartache in equal measure.

Themes
Debbie Johnson weaves a rich tapestry of themes throughout the novel, including motherhood, identity, and the relentless pursuit of closure. Gemma’s story is a nuanced exploration of what it means to reconcile with the person you used to be, while still making room for growth and change. Her obsessive counting of socks symbolizes her need for control—a control she cannot apply to her own life, especially when it comes to her unresolved grief about giving up her daughter. The novel delves into Gemma’s psyche, highlighting how anxiety and unresolved trauma can affect day-to-day life in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

One of the novel’s most touching aspects is its exploration of motherhood and the different forms it can take. Whether it's Gemma’s longing for a daughter she never raised or the close bond she forges with Katie’s mom, Johnson presents a heartfelt commentary on what it means to love, nurture, and connect. The novel refuses to simplify the complexities of adoption, showing both the emotional cost and the potential for healing.

The idea of self-discovery is equally central. As Gemma begins to understand that finding her daughter (if Katie is indeed "Baby") may not fill the void she feels, she embarks on a journey of finding peace with her decisions and embracing the woman she has become.

Characters
The characters in Statistically Speaking are wonderfully crafted, full of quirks and humanity. Gemma, in particular, is a deeply relatable protagonist. Her anxieties, insecurities, and hopefulness make her an empathetic figure, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates the emotional rollercoaster of her search for "Baby." Johnson skillfully portrays Gemma’s internal monologue with wit and humor, making even her most anxious moments feel endearing rather than overwrought.

Karim, the PE teacher who shows interest in Gemma, provides a gentle romantic subplot that doesn’t overshadow the primary narrative but instead complements Gemma’s journey. His easygoing nature contrasts with Gemma’s more uptight tendencies, and their chemistry is subtle yet charming.

Margie, Gemma’s neighbor, adds another layer of warmth to the novel. She embodies the idealized version of a "wise older neighbor" character, but with enough personality and backstory to avoid being reduced to a stereotype. Margie is supportive without being overbearing, and her interactions with Gemma provide some of the novel's most touching moments.

Katie and her mother are equally intriguing characters, especially given the emotional stakes of their relationships with Gemma. Johnson carefully unfolds their dynamics, allowing for moments of tenderness, confusion, and introspection.

Tone and Style
One of Debbie Johnson's strongest suits as a writer is her ability to blend humor and emotion. There are laugh-out-loud moments throughout Statistically Speaking, especially when Gemma’s internal anxieties lead her down ridiculous paths of overthinking. But this humor is never flippant; instead, it serves to endear Gemma to the reader and to lighten the weight of her emotional struggles. Johnson’s dialogue is snappy, and her prose is accessible without being simplistic. The novel’s breezy tone makes it a page-turner, but it also allows for deeper emotional moments to land effectively.

Comparisons to works like Bridget Jones's Diary are apt—both novels feature witty, self-deprecating heroines who are navigating complicated personal lives. However, Statistically Speaking has a more poignant undercurrent as it deals with themes of loss, adoption, and healing. There’s also an echo of Amazing Grace Adams in Gemma’s emotional journey, making the novel feel both contemporary and timeless in its appeal.

Conclusion
Statistically Speaking is a heartwarming and emotional story about life, love, and the intricacies of finding peace with one’s past. Debbie Johnson has crafted a deeply relatable protagonist in Gemma Jones, whose struggles with anxiety, motherhood, and self-identity will resonate with readers. The novel’s balance of humor and pathos, combined with its well-drawn characters and compelling emotional stakes, makes it a standout in contemporary women’s fiction.

Whether you’re drawn to stories about family reunions, enjoy character-driven narratives that blend humor with heart, or are simply a fan of Johnson’s previous work, Statistically Speaking is a novel that will leave you both laughing and reflecting long after the final page.

Fue un libro doloroso, agridulce, esperanzador e inspirador, lleno de amor.

Gemma era una adolescente que sufrió mucho en su niñez y también en su adolescencia. Su madre era bipolar y adicta, por lo que vivió en casas de acogida. A los 16 años, quedó embarazada y supo que no quería que su bebé viviera lo mismo que ella, así que tomó la difícil decisión de darla en adopción.

Ahora, Gemma es maestra de historia. Tiene una buena vida, o eso podría parecer, pero los sucesos de hace 18 años la dejaron marcada y vive con mucho miedo: miedo de volver a amar a alguien, de no amar a nadie, de volverse importante para alguien y de perder a más personas. Es una contradicción andante, pero se entiende por todo lo que ha pasado.

Su hija está por cumplir 18 años, y Gemma siente tanto miedo como ilusión de que se comunique con ella.

Intenta no acercarse mucho a las personas, pero cuando conoce a Katie, una de sus alumnas que se acaba de mudar, siente una conexión especial, ya que le recuerda cómo sería su hija. El mismo día, conoce a Erin, con quien inmediatamente hace clic y se vuelve amiga. Todo parece indicar que su vida está por cambiar para algo mejor y que finalmente está abierta a dejar que la gente se le acerque. Resulta que Erin y Katie son madre e hija, lo cual está bien, pero Gemma se entera de que Katie es adoptada y que su cumpleaños es el mismo día en que ella dio a luz. Ahora no puede sacar de su mente la posibilidad de que Katie sea su hija. No sabe qué hacer: ¿debería compartir sus sospechas o sería mejor volverse más cercana a ellas para obtener más información o debería alejarse?

La llegada de Erin y Katie, junto con su amistad con Margie, su vecina, su perro Bill y su reciente pretendiente, Karim, le cambiarán la vida para siempre. Juntos pasarán por muchas experiencias y le enseñarán el poder de la amistad y el amor.




"... So that’s why I am writing this. So you can feel better. So you will always know that I didn’t give you away because I didn’t love you, or because you did anything wrong. I do love you, more than I’ve ever loved anyone. It’s weird and huge and really unexpected, how much I love you"


"...I’m going to stop now, and I am going to just say this— you are loved, and you are perfect, and you are going to be brilliant.
I’m sad I won’t be around to see that, how brilliant you’ll be, but I think maybe you’ll be less brilliant if you get stuck with me as your parent. Having a mum around isn’t always for the best if it isn’t the right mum.
Shine on, lovely Baby. I wish all the awesome for you.
Lots of love, Your mum (my name is Gemma, by the way)

PS— I have met you now. You are amazing. The most beautiful thing I have ever seen, and the best thing I have ever done. You will never be mine, but I will be forever yours."







Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't know what to expect when I requested Statistically Speaking. The title grabbed me first. I adore Nerd Love. I was hooked the second I read that Gemma was a history geek. For her to be a teacher was the icing on the cake. She has querks that had me laughing and maybe identifying just a little. I ended up in total geek heaven when a new student, Katie, is just as much into history as Gemma. Just like history itself, Statistically Speaking is a very dramatic tale.

Gemma had a difficult childhood. She is still running from her past. She has avoided entanglements by being a traveling teacher, fleeing when things get tough. Her lastest assignment has her walls slowly crumbling.

The supporting characters are the wonderful. Gemma is so lucky. I could only hope she would realize it before it was too late. Get ready for the unexpected. Get ready to yell in frustration. Get ready to close the book with a great big smile.

This was such a touching, heart-warming yet in a realistic rather than let's close our eyes to things happening in the world around us way. One of my icks with some fiction, especially romance is how quickly it glosses over massive moments or issues in the interest of getting to the HEA. Johnson's writing is slow and purposeful with just the right mix of spice (it's a low hum) and joy to complement the sadness that permeates this book.

Also, just before I tell you anything else, please know that the ending is perfect (10/10).

This read follows Gemma who is a teacher, begrudgingly putting down roots and trying to resist the cute gym teacher's looks and flirty comments. What no one else sees is the pain she's lived through and is still combatting on a daily basis, especially as some really important and potentially life-changing dates draw near. Johnson deals with this all so expertly and kindly and I love the attention she gives this topic, really gives it its due.

this wasn’t for me, i had a very hard time getting into it and engaging with the plot in the way i would have wanted to

thank you to netgalley for an arc of this in exchange for my honest feedback!

This book hit on many very real topics. It starts with the voice of a 16 year old girl, Gemma, but most of the book is from Gemma, the 34 year old. She goes through very real struggles. This book touches on generational trauma, adoption, teen pregnancy, love, coping, addiction, and found family.
We see the characters evolve in a very realistic, true to themselves way. It made me not want to put this book down. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. This was a great read. I was teary eyed in the beginning, rooting for everyone all the way through and left happy by the end. A truly heartwarming story of growth through trauma.

I did really love the romance weaved through, and the ending resolution. Not sure how I felt about the relationship between the main character and her mother. I understood it's significance but I'm not sure we needed to face it head on necessarily.

This was such a heartwarming and beautiful novel. I loved the mental health rep. I can see this being such a healing story for so many readers. I hope bookclubs everywhere will pick this one. It has so much heart

A story about adoption, told 18 years later from the 16yoa that gave up her daughter.
Gemma grew up in the foster care because her own mother kept her but couldn't commit and leave behind her own addictions and demons to care for her. Trying to not repeat history and give her own child a better life she made the hard choice of adoption. Gemma spent a lifetime being unnoticed, quiet and moving to prevent herself from getting attached to any place or anyone. Until an older neighbor, Margie, and her dog, Bill, work their way into her life. Then a PE teacher, Karim works his way slowly into her heart. Her daughter will soon be turning 18 and she hopes (and fears) she will look for her. A new school year brings a new student, that shares her daughter's birth date, could she have found her without knowing?
A story of neglect, coping, awkwardness, friendship, forgiveness, family and love.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse