Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.

Dawn is a 53 year old Black widowed journalist. Dawn's husband Dale has died of cancer and she returns to her hometown Baltimore to give the ashes to his brother Brent. While there she realises some unresolved career problems coming up again when her nemesis Joe Perkins, also Black, is on the same plane. A movie is planned detailing his Pulitzer prize winning exposé - but he stole the research from her and now makes her out to be the villain.

A complicated story ensues involving her sister Tonyah, an old admirer called Eddie, a diva with the name of Vivienne St Clair, and young journalist Bria. For me, there were too many flashbacks and it took too long to get the proof Dawn needed to take Joe down and then everything happened at once at the end.

The story is told in first person narrative which I'm not sure is the correct one here. I couldn't really get on with this novel, it was too American for me, and it took me forever to read this, which is never a good sign. I expected more of a light-hearted rom-com, instead I got rivalry and revenge for previous and current wrongdoings plus family conflicts, and it wasn't the story I wanted to read. If you enjoy complex family relationships and strong protagonists wanting to right a wrong, this may be for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing this book for review. All opinions are my own.

This book has a few of my very favorite things in it - flashbacks, veiled references to celebrities, internal dialogue contradicting spoken dialogue, family drama then family dinner, 90s music references, and personal growth. I don’t generally LOL but I did “heh” out loud so it is also funny.

I hope to read more from this author!

This was fabulous! A nice, lighthearted read that can brighten up your day and make you laugh. I loved the main character and the way that Streeter keeps you engaged with easy-to-read prose and funny dialogue. The family drama side of the story was well done, even if it was filled with cliques; that’s what makes a story relatable. But I did find it hard to read the text messages and emails. I wish there was a different format that the emails could be in so that it could be easily distinguishable. It took me out of the story because I was confused. Other than that I loved it!

What a well written story. It was an easy and quick read but it was a little much in the family drama department and the ending wrapped up too fast for everything that had unfolded. There was some elements I enjoyed a lot and I look forward to reading more.from this author.

as i was reading this book in the bus this morning, it had me sitting on the edge of the chair the whole time to keep reading and figuring out on the whole drama happening in it. this book is written in the first pov of dawn (fmc), a grieving widow, successful journalist with a dark unresolved past and her getting back to her hometown just unlocks and triggers so many drama and unspoken feelings between her family members.

the characters were all likeable (except for joe) and has their own personality traits and each of them has valid reasons for their own actions. plus, the love between family members is also being portrayed in the book very well and there were a lot of situations showing that unconditional love and support from family members is the best gift you'll ever receive.

it's an overall an enjoyable read for me despite some dialogues get a little cringe, personally but since it does get the points across, i don't really mind it too much.

Streeter's ability to find humor in difficult situations makes this memoir both a laugh-out-loud and thought-provoking read. Her honesty and vulnerability shine through, making it easy for readers to connect with her story. The book also touches on themes of resilience, acceptance, and finding joy amidst life's calamities.

Family and Other Calamities by Leslie Gray Streeter is a very smooth read with well-written characters and intriguing relationships among them. I did find some moments a bit dull, as I wasn’t entirely sure where the story was headed or felt a bit disengaged. Yet, each time, the narrative managed to pull me back in. Bonus points to the author for avoiding overly realistic dialogues, often frustrating me due to their familiarity and lack of depth in the contemporary fiction I’ve read lately. Interestingly, given the material, the book really played like a movie, most scenes seemed somewhat theatrical and sounded like powerful film moments – this is meant in the best possible way. I wouldn't call it a pleasant surprise, as I wasn’t expecting any less, but rather a welcomed discovery. Brutally honestly, though, I didn’t fall in love with the book on a personal level; those contemporary stories are not my favourite reads, so I admire and acknowledge its merits, but I can’t truly scream its name on top of every roof. But it will certainly be recommended to a certain audience I know will crave it, and Leslie Gray Streeter is undoubtedly an author worth keeping an eye on.

Leslie Gray Streeter’s Family & Other Calamities is a refreshing and heartfelt exploration of life’s ups and downs, capturing the chaos, love, and humor that come with family dynamics. Streeter’s writing is witty and deeply personal, making the reader feel like they’re catching up with an old friend over coffee.

This book offers a mix of laugh-out-loud anecdotes and poignant reflections, striking a perfect balance between humor and heart. Streeter doesn’t shy away from the messy, imperfect moments of life, which makes the narrative feel authentic and relatable. Whether she’s recounting hilarious misadventures or delving into heavier topics, her voice remains engaging and honest.

The characters—family members, friends, and others who cross her path—are vividly drawn, each adding their unique flavor to the story. Through them, Streeter highlights universal truths about resilience, connection, and the unexpected ways we find joy in calamity.

Readers who enjoy memoirs with humor and heart will find Family & Other Calamities an absolute gem. It’s a reminder that even in life’s chaos, there’s beauty to be found.

Not gonna bury the lede here (get it? Cause Leslie is a journalist? Whatever, I'm funny) but I'm clearly a fan of Streeter's work. I discovered her on a podcast I listen to religiously (Death, Sex & Money) and immediately snatched up her first book, Black Widow, a humorous but poignant memoir about her relationship with her late husband and his loss. I found her on social media and we have been exchanging quips (about *NSYNC, who we both love) and barbs (mostly about the Backstreet Boys, who I tolerate).

Imagine my delight when I received a request to review her first foray into fiction! Oh my.

I flew through "Family and Other Calamities" in a few sittings and it was exactly the kind of messy, petty family drama I needed. The story follows Dawn Roberts, a widow and entertainment journalist who heads back to Baltimore with her husband's ashes and a whole lot of emotional baggage. Just as she's dealing with her homecoming, her reputation is about to take another hit when her old mentor's exposé is being turned into a movie with her as the villain.

AND Now she has to clear her name.

What really worked for me was the voice. Since I have listened to her podcast FIne Beats & Cheeses- look it up!--I could not only HEAR Leslie telling me this story, but she has a distinct style that I've picked up from her work as a journalist and her memoir that already stands out. The dialogue is sharp and witty -- I love biting sarcasm and fun banter. It's like seeing a meme that you know your friend would love only to discover your friend posted it.

I also love how Streeter nails family dynamics. Lemme just... Joe is a piece of work, but Dawn's sister? Listen. *Slow blink.* If you know, yo know.

I especially appreciated how the book doesn't shy away from the subject of death and dealing with the aftermath-- something Streeter is well-versed in. I'm wondering if this is going to be out in audio because I would absolutely live in this world again.

Of course, I always have a nit--the ending feels a BIT rushed considering all the complex relationship drama, but honestly, endings are hard and that didn't stop me from eating this book WHOLE. It is a a warm, funny, touching story about... you know...death. But also facing your past, exposing absolutely horrid people and finding new beginnings in unexpected places.

If you're in the mood for a book that balances humor with heart and family drama with personal growth, Family and Other Calamities is worth picking up.

Family & Other Calamities follows Dawn Roberts, our FMC, through a trying time of widow-dom made even more complicated by her former colleague's attempts to sully her name and reap the benefits. The plot is both emotional and comical, and keeps the reader wanting to get to the end for some resolve for our FMC! I really enjoyed the humorous aspects of this novel, the ongoing bickering between siblings, parents, etc. felt genuine and wholesome. Some areas of dialogue felt forced, or maybe a little cringe, in a way that does not necessarily move the plot forward-- but these moments don't last long and the story easily gets back on track. The city of Baltimore is highlighted in a way throughout the entire story becoming a character in its own way. I will miss Dawn's family (& other calamities), as they were well developed and felt truly real!

As a reader with a background in journalism, I adored this premise. Combined with Dawn's grief journey and road to self-discovery, "Family and Other Calamities" was a raw, funny reflection of life. Streeter crafts an honest, compelling family dynamic, that feels authentic. The emotional undercurrent paired with the journalistic main plot made for an engaging, fun read.

That being said, the only caveat of this book for me was the tone. While the structure of the book (much of which was told through flashbacks) was interesting, some of the flashbacks seemed like easy ways out for exposition. Additionally, the first-person, conversational tone was a little bit too informal for my personal taste, but I can see how it would appeal to other readers.

Overall, this was a funny, compelling and heartfelt novel that I really enjoyed reading.


Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️
This book is an emotionally charged reminder of how chaotic yet meaningful family relationships can be. It’s a quick read that lingers, leaving you with plenty to reflect on about the connections that hold us together. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I was left craving more resolution after such a deep and intricate buildup.

I was kept intrigued by the premise, and ultimately, this book was a reminder of how messy family can be—yet still, they’re family, through and through.

I wanted to like this book but struggled to get into it.

The book was well written but was slower than I like.

Thank you Netgalley

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.

It is a delightful and heartwarming novel that perfectly balances humor and emotional depth. Leslie explores the chaos of family dynamics with relatable characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. At the same time, the book touches on love, relationships, and the struggles we face when trying to navigate life's unpredictable situations.

The story flows smoothly, making it an easy and enjoyable read. I particularly loved how the author captured the complexities of family relationships—messy, imperfect, yet full of love. The pacing keeps readers engaged, and the mix of comedy and heartfelt moments ensures there's never a dull page.

Overall, this is a great pick for anyone looking for a feel-good read with a touch of real-life struggles and humor. Leslie Gray’s writing style is accessible, refreshing, and engaging. I highly recommend it!

This story started slow, but kept me pulled in until the end. It felt like a lighthearted drama dashed with mystery and the right amount of humor and humility. The main character, Dawn, is flawed and self-aware, where many of us find ourselves; however, many of her other characteristics I didn’t find relatable. Her battle with grief was written expertly, hitting close to home for those of us who have walked that same journey. Her disputes and conflicts with family, friends, and coworkers seem petty and exaggerated at times, but forgiveness and selflessness are the solutions that bring peace, which I appreciate as a resolution.

Overall, I feel like I got to experience a few days in the life of a journalist, giving me a new perspective on the people behind the press.

I was intrigued by the synopsis of a woman going back to her hometown and dealing with her past, but I had a hard time connecting and caring about the protagonist and the story. It just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

An excellent and light read with some witty dialogue and a character that you’re rooting for from the first page! This is a great story about a woman who returns home to settle her affairs as a new widow and is forced to confront a secret she thought she left behind. With family dynamics that immediately pull you in, and twists and turns that make you want to read the book in one sitting, I highly recommend this one!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it!! I like how they had to face the facts and own up to what had happened. It also was fun to see how an adult going back to their hometown was, since that is not always a big thing that happens. I liked this book overall!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Family and Other Calamities by Leslie Gray Streeter

Dawn is a successful entertainment journalist who has recently been widowed. She returns to her hometown with her husband's ashes and finds out that a movie is being made of the corruption she uncovered 30 years ago as a rookie journalist, but with some key facts changed or obscured, and credit given to her nemesis Joe.

What a fast and fun read this was! Loved feisty Dawn and her family of strong women. Lots of humorous dialogue and scenes with an aging star and an and coming young journalist, but real heart too. And a page turner which has you cheering Dawn on in her quest to clear her name and be acknowledged for her work. Very highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.