Gemma is a teacher who had given a baby up for adoption at the age of 16, 18 years ago. This being the main plot point, and her journey through grief and self acceptance. I found this book to be a bit of a hard read as my expectation were for a stronger romance aspect although I do respect Gemma’s personal journey through the book. It was a good read!

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so lovely! I really enjoyed everything about it but I especially liked the way the characters were written. Like I was happy when Margie, Erin or Katie came up. And Gemma was a very relatable character that you like as soon as the book starts.

Rarely you come across a story where it is as easy as it is to read as a rom com and it is within the same space in terms of writing and you know yes there is a love story there but it is a sub plot and the main story is about something bigger.

What you read in the synopsis is only half of what more there is. Dealing with teenage pregnancy, the story deals with the guilt of giving it up while hoping there is better life ahead and the repercussions of that guilt that affect in moulding the individual. The story also tries to understand the nature versus nurture and delves into the feelings of both biological and adoptive parents.

However most importantly it dives deep into the recess of our main character’s mind and her traits. It explores how parental and generational trauma can have ripple effects and how one tries to break that cycle. It deals with self reflection, overthinking and then with a bunch of really good friends shown the other perspective too that there is an another way to see things as well (and some tough love). The book celebrates and revels in these moments of female friendships of different generation of women. They argue but also support each other but are not afraid to dish out tough love either.. they are each other’s Wonky Cushion (read the book to get that)

Yes there is a love story in there too and thank goodness, even though it is an interfaith and probably interracial, those things are never brought up coz there is no space for it in the story to contribute. It is just told as two people falling in love and also being human as well without resorting to usual tropes - bow to the his majesty King I Love You the First. (Again read it to get that)

However in places, the writing does resort to broad strokes. Given the length and plot progression it is understandable but a little more would have been nice after that climax and its progression… as overthinker as the character was in the beginning and mind you there is a lot of that, it can be a bit much but again she is an overthinker, there is bound to be much lol but it can get a tad tedious. The beginning took me a while to get into it but then it really picks things up.

Nevertheless, despite these minor inconveniences it is a delightful read. Our heroine goes into as dark places but also learns and navigates it all with a certain humour. As much as planned and calculated one can be, the story celebrates that life is meant to be lived and sometimes it is good to throw caution to the wind. Sometimes we are often are our worst enemies and need to recognise those patterns and as well as need and can rely on good friends and chosen family to get us out of it.

It is wholesome and definitely worth a read. Thank you Harper Muse and Net Galley for the eARC in exchange for the review

Fine, but nothing to get excited by.

"Statistically Speaking" by Debbie Johnson follows Gemma whom, 18 years ago had a baby she chose to give up for adoption. At 16 she was ill-equipped to raise a child, and coming from a childhood in the system, chooses to change the pattern. However, this choice has significant implications on her present self, she is self-reliant, anxious and constantly distances herself from having intimate relationships with friends or partners.

This book is more of a journey of self-discovery and realising that it's sometimes the family we make along the way that shape the people we become. The romance is definitely there, but it is not the whole plot. I think this worked well for Gemma's pathway to self-discovery.

I thought the characterisation throughout the novel was well done. The emotions of Gemma, and all those around her felt real, and well constructed. I particularly liked Karim, and his ability to use the learnings from his own personal struggles to help Gemma through this difficult period of her life.

The pacing of the book fluctuates, with moments of intense action interspersed with slower, passages. While this variation can enhance the emotional rollercoaster of Gemma's journey, it occasionally leads to a lack of narrative cohesion. I did not particularly love how this book started, and felt that elements of the first couple of chapters could be woven throughout the book which might have made it more engaging for readers.

Whilst this was not my favourite read, I feel that there were elements to appreciate in Gemma's journey of love, loss, and rediscovery. This book was a 2.5 stars for me.

Thanks NetGalley and Harper Muse for the complimentary ARC in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did it was really good. I do recommend it given how the main character, Gemma deals with certain situations. Her counting socks, that's a good way to keep her mind off of things, that's for sure.

4 stars

Just finished reading 'Statistically Speaking' and I'm really glad I did. This novel was surprisingly wholesome even with dealing with grief, pain, loss, and suffering. It follows teen pregnancy, found family, motherhood, and the impact of our youthful years. The story felt very original, like a breath of fresh air.

Gemma, the protagonist, is a history teacher who had a baby when she was 16. She's still dealing with the guilt and pain of not choosing to raise her child. The start of the book hooked me, the letter for the baby (Geoff with a G), and everything.

The plot was a bit slow, I'd say, and Gemma's monologues sometimes seemed never-ending (skimmed through those a few times). Despite the slow pace, the book covered everything, from Margie's story to the hot PE teacher, Karim.

The side characters were hilarious and quirky. I loved the bond Gemma shared with Margie, Katie, and Erin, not to forget Bill, her walking buddy.

The way Gemma dealt with anxiety and stress with statistics and counting was really real and relatable, sometimes funny too. I liked the bond between Karim and Gemma; their romance was simple. I also loved that the book wasn't solely focused on romance; it was women's fiction, and every woman in the story had a tale to tell, from Margie and Katie to Gemma's mom as well.

I devoured this book, but felt the ending could have been a bit more. It felt predictable, and I wanted to see more of Gemma and her daughter.

Overall, this was a good read anyone can enjoy on a quiet evening. For me, it's a one-time read, but I would recommend it to anyone who feels guilty, sad, or suppressed. This novel offers closure that many need.

This book deals with sensitive content: miscarriage (3rd person), drug addiction, teen pregnancy, adoption/fostering, childhood trauma/abandonment, drug and alcohol mentions/addictions, mental health issues (bipolar disorder, OCD).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Muse and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This novel follows Gemma, 18 years ago, having given birth to a child as a teenager, she decides to give her up, to provide her with better opportunities but she never really let go of her. This follows teen pregnancy, (found) family, motherhood and the impact of our youthful years on us.

This novel was very touching. I really enjoyed the themes, motherhood, adolescences, family, friendship and love. This story felt very original, like breath of fresh air.

The tittle did not make sense to me, I expected statistics, but nothing was there, some counting but I would say that was not enough for it to be part of the title. The start of the novel was quite shocking (first chapter) but the letter was wonderful and really got be attached to Gemma.

The pacing was nothing exceptional, but I never felt bored, which is always wonderful. Similar to the writing style, I really enjoyed the letters, I wish that had been implemated more within the novel. I really enjoyed the setting, as an British reader, knowing the places really helped me visualise the story.

Gemma and the characters around her, supporting her were wonderfully written. The characters felt real, with human emotions, behaviours and struggles. I enjoyed the representation of copying mechanisms for anxiety, like the counting. This novel did not feel like a romance but I lit-fic with some romance, which really made the romance that much better as they were really connecting and being human. The different relationships that were descripted really made this book amazing, from the found family, the friendships and more.

It emotional touched me but nothing like most books, I believe certain readers will feel greatly touched by the story and the characters.

I really enjoyed the ending; it left us hopeful and asking for more.

I enjoyed my read very much. I would recommend to many readers.

Statistically Speaking is as much a story of coming of age through intense adversity, as a story of Girl Power and friendship with a lovely little romance thrown in. Gemma's story has a heart wrenching start leading to empowering relationships sprinkled with clever humor. An engaging and fantastic read!

Statistically Speaking is a heart-warming and hopeful book about chosen family and not judging a book by its cover.

The red-headed main character, Gemma, has had a difficult upbringing, struggles to make genuine connections and mostly keeps things to herself. Most importantly: giving up her daughter for adoption at birth when she was only 16 years old, which has been haunting her ever since. Did she make the right choice? How did her daughter turn out? Is there resentment? As her daughter will soon have her 18th birthday, Gemma is anxious whether she will try to contact her. When she meets a red-headed student that has been adopted herself and shares the same birthday as her baby, she starts to wonder whether this might be her.

The book at times reads like a journal, being written from Gemma's perspective. Not a lot of statistics though (except for some compulsive keeping count of steps and drinks). So if you're curious about what are the odds of this story, you'd have to do your own research. It is generally a fun read though, and at times a bit sad.

This book is labeled as romance, which is not a genre I typically read, and I wouldn't classify it as such myself. It is much more about the different types of relationships between families and friends, opening yourself up and seeing things from different perspectives.

I received an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

2.5 stars. Thank you, NetGalley for the arc. I just got really bored of this book, but the ending was really heartwarming. It was hard to get through and I just found myself not really wanting to read.

i’m sorry but i couldn’t get past the first chapter… starting a book with a birth scene is just not the vibe for me.

Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

This book full of emotions. I can have my sympathy toward Gemma who has those kinds of dark past: pregnant in very young age, didn't have proper childhood life, had problematic mother etc. That's why she has trauma which made her overthink anything.

This book dive deep into Gemma thoughts and emotions, and I love how Karim being super understanding with her circumstances. It's not romantic type of book, but it's show us about how "mature" relationship happen.

At first, it made my emotion drained because of how Gemma think about everything, it gives us lesson: your denial traits can hurt somebody. After the story goes, I love how Gemma's character develop and how she started accept the truth.

I can say, it's heart-warming story about mother-daughter relationship.

Gemma’s life has never been easy - she grew up with an addicted mother, was in and out of the care system, and found herself pregnant at 16. Due to her and her mother’s issues, she decides to give her daughter up for adoption, even though she wants more than anything to keep her and love her. 18 years later she wonders if she will ever get to meet her daughter, and she finds herself slowly putting down roots and making friends, all the while counting, arranging, and using all sorts of coping mechanisms to deal with her life.

Both Heart warming and Gut Wrenching. This book took you on a journey. This will not be a re read for me but it is nice once of read.

Not my usual read but I found Gemma's story heartwarming. The author took on tough subjects like teen pregnancy and adotion with grace.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review Statistically Speaking!

I enjoyed this story. It was heartbreaking, and an emotional roller-coaster dealing with Gems trauma. This story follows Gem who has 16 had a baby whom she never named and gave her up for adoption knowing she could not provide for her. After the birth of baby it jumps forward 17 years and Gem is doing well for herself but keeps her self isolated not forming any relationships until it all changes. her baby will turn 18 this year and Gem can't help but wonder who she is and where she is. This brings so much emotion and turmoil and grief. Lots of feels. I love her family that she creates when she allows her self to form connections, and begins to heal. Just beautiful.
Trigger warnings / content warnings
Adoption, fostering
Childhood trauma, abondonment
Teen pregnancy
Drugs and alcohol mentions, addictions
Mental Health Issues such as bipolar and OCD
Some language including f bombs
Implied sex, all closed door.

I absolutely loved this book! The female main chapter was so likable and she makes you feel for her too. I really loved the characters development.

“Statistically Speaking” is a book that offers a heartwarming journey with great characters and strong narratives. The emotional depth is palpable, making it a touching read for those who appreciate a good story. However, the sweetness at times felt too cloying. I also wasn’t a fan of the drama with Margie at the end, it felt too rushed. Loved everything else with her and Bill though!! Despite these minor drawbacks, the book has its charm and will resonate with readers looking for a similar experience. It’s a solid read.

Gemma’s life has never been easy - she grew up with an addicted mother, was in and out of the care system, and found herself pregnant at 16. Due to her and her mother’s issues, she decides to give her daughter up for adoption, even though she wants more than anything to keep her and love her. 18 years later she wonders if she will ever get to meet her daughter, and she finds herself slowly putting down roots and making friends, all the while counting, arranging, and using all sorts of coping mechanisms to deal with her life.

Statistically Speaking is a thoughtful and wrenching showcase of a woman’s isolated attempt to survive - a daily look at someone freed from the care system, undergoing a teenage pregnancy and adoption, and her life as she ages attempting to get it right. She desperately tries to keep order through facts, counting, and moving constantly. Gemma as she is beginning to let people in, and how much of a process this is, is a struggle that is hard to watch but so rewarding. This story is beautifully cathartic and is definitely more than a romance, although we get romance, but it is a love story to yourself, allowing others in, and how to overcome the things that have weighed you down. It is all very raw and heartbreaking - but so worth it. I found the romantic interest to be a little bit too perfect from day 1, but the rest of the story was so compelling. Aces!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

📖 Statistically Speaking
✍️ Debbie Johnson
🗓️ Dec 03 2024
📝 Harper Muse

Pretty much 18 years ago, teenaged Gemma gives up her baby for adoption. She feels like she can’t give the baby girl the life she deserves.

Back in present time, Gemma has a hard time letting people into her heart. When meeting a new student the age her daughter now would be, old feelings resource.

This is a story about (found) family, adoption and teenage pregnancy. It’s a story dealing with very sensitive topics. The author handled that really well. It’s definitely a sweet and also heart wrenching story about Gemma’s journey to forgiveness.

I am not sure how happy I was with the ending, but other than that, I did enjoy this book.

⭐️Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own, I was under no obligation to review.