Susie Finkbeiner’s book, All Manner of Things, took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It pulled me right back into my growing up years. I was roughly the same age as the heroine Annie Jacobson during the 1960s and remember well the less complicated times, as well as the angst of the Vietnam War. I knew men (boys, really) who were being drafted and others who were enlisting because their draft numbers were at the top of the list. I knew men who died while serving their countries—ones who I had been going to high school and college with not that long before.
Finkbeiner is a master at taking a slice of history and making it come alive on the page. Her knowledge of the subject matter is evident on every page, and her writing is emotional and honest. The characters are multi-layered and realistic, and I could easily relate to them. Powerful themes of the importance of family, pushing through our fears, and keeping on when the way is hard, add an inspirational dimension to the story.

I thought the addition of letters written to and from different characters in the story was a stroke of genius. They gave an extra insight into the thoughts of the different people. This novel occupies a special place in my heart and will definitely be in my top reads of the year. It’s one for the keeper shelf! Warning: you might want to keep a box of tissue handy while reading this book!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner will fill your heart and touch your soul. As a child born in the 60’s; my memories of this era play in my mind through rose colored glasses. I have many happy memories and only a vague recollection of the war and the news of the war. Not many novels are set during this era making this an extra special book! Growing up in a small Michigan town near lake Michigan made it such fun reading about a fictional Michigan town near the lake. I was brought back to the 60’s through the mention of songs, TV shows, foods, saying and phrases that were popular, styles described in the book and more, how fun! But this book is so much more than “Fun”! This is an important story to read. It is also, at times, a difficult story to read. I kept thinking about all those who served in this war, all their families. I kept imagining that this fictional story was indeed a reality for so many! This is an important story to read. It is a story of great joy, great courage, great hope, great faith, and ultimately the happiness that comes from knowing and living in that Faith ❤

"Sometimes he feels so far, as if to never reach us. We call for him, we beg him to come . . . Then we see his power on display and remember, he has gone nowhere."

Annie Jacobson has experienced a lot of "leaving" in her eighteen years. First, her father and now her older brother. Volunteering for service to his country, Mike Jacobson begins the path that is destined to place him at the very epicenter of the Vietnam War. In the meantime, back at home, Annie's world tilts dangerously to the side when her estranged father rejoins what remains of his family, re-opening old wounds in a manner that brings both hope and heartache.

Using letters to form conversations that might otherwise have never been spoken, this family digs deep to believe that "all will be well". It's a story that begs to be told, and this author proves to be the perfect story teller.

"Live today and then tomorrow, and then the next day . . . . . Don't duck and cover."

I received a digital copy of this book from Net Galley as well as a print copy from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

This book is full of fabulous flawed characters you WILL grow to love, a time full of volatility and change, loss, comfort, angst, tragedy and, when you most need it, hope. Annie Jacobsen is so real to me, and all those she dealt with throughout this deep, real, heart-wrenching story of a family in Michigan in 1967 are not leaving me for a VERY long time. A microcosm of much of the volatility of that time, told in a very personal way, and with a hope so often missing in the midst of difficult and changing times. If you are looking for a light, sweet read, this ISN'T it - but if you want to live the authentic life of this time and place, I can't recommend All Manner of Things more highly.

Oh, my...my heart is full.

Susie Finkbeiner has penned a beautiful story of family and the love we share in the many relationships we hold in life. That of a child, sibling, spouse or friend. This is a story of how we care for each other through the hardships life brings and how we should treasure the sweet every day moments as memories are being created to last a lifetime. It is also a story of relying on our faith in God, that He knows of our suffering and promises that all will be well. This emotionally charged tale belongs on the keeper shelf, to be revisited again and again.

A few of my favorite quotes:
"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."

"Just remember, there's a light in the darkness. The darkness cannot understand it. But that light isn't for the darkness, It's for you. It's so you can find your way home."

"I believed that, as Oma said, we were meant for eternity. That life on this side was a prelude to the real life ahead of us. At least that is what I hoped for."

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.