Someplace Like Home was a decent read. As a coming-of-age story of sorts, it led me on a journey through a tumultuous plot that highlighted the ebbs and flows of life as young Jenny. I appreciated the relatability of generational trauma and the search for ones voice through a sea of uncertainty. I also deeply appreciated the emphasis on family to tell a story reflecting self identity. The plot did seem to drag along for a portion of the book; however, I can appreciate the intention to build the story to allow the reader to fully immerse into the plot as it unfolds, for that I am grateful.

Heartbreaking, tender, and infuriating all in one. Appalachian fiction is one of my favorite genres and this was an excellent example. Jenny's mom is distant, her dad is hardworking but doesn't have a lot of time for her or her siblings. She meets Rob and thinks she is about to start a new and exciting life but ends up in a rundown trailer up the holler after a devastating motorcycle accident. I found myself rooting for her but also wanting to shake her at times. The last part told from the perspective of her daughter Charlie definitely ended the story on a high note. It was ultimately very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading other works from this author.

Very good read. I couldn't put it down. Thank you for allowing me to read and review this advanced copy.

I was drawn into this book because the cover was absolutely beautiful!
The author lets you know when you first open the book that it’s somewhat based on her mother’s life.
The book follows Jenny Caudill living in foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It starts off with her life as a child up until her adult years. From a poor family to an abusive relationship(trigger warning) Most of the book it is through Jenny’s eyes but the last part is out of her grown daughter’s eyes looking back at her childhood.
This is a raw, full of emotion type of book. It does get a bit graphic, for people that aren’t into that. What a wonderful story of heartache, hard times and over coming the impossible. I would recommend it to anyone. Not only is it a beautiful cover but it’s a great read as well.

For anyone that is interested(I plan on reading it as well) this book was written after the author wrote a memoir about her life. The memoir is called In the Shadow of the Valley. Someplace Like Home is my first by Bobi Conn but I would love to read her memoir as well.

Jenny is a young girl growing up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and wearing her sisters hand me downs. The first time she receives any attention is from an older boy, a man, named Rob. He isn't particularly nice to her but she likes the attention and agrees to marry him. Her mother disapproves and when he treats her badly tells her that she's made her bed. It's a decent read although not particularly gripping and there are other books that cover this sort of topic a bit better but its still worth reading.

Conn is a talented storyteller. I enjoyed her previous memoir and hoped this one would leave me feeling the same way. It came close! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I always like mother and daughter relationship books and Conn uncovered a lot about hers. Four stars.