As a devoted fan of Sarah Addison Allen’s writing, I have been patiently and hopefully waiting for her to release a new novel. Thanks to an advanced e-reader copy from Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press, I did not have to wait for my pre-ordered copy of Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen to be able to read her latest. I could not have been more delighted! Other Birds is a beautifully written novel about 18 year old Zoey and her journey to make a life for herself at her inherited home, The Dellawisp, which is nestled in a hidden part of Mallow Island near Charleston, SC. Sarah Addison Allen masterfully weaves together a lovely story about Zoey and her fellow Dellawisp residents highlighting the power of kindness, love, and community. If you are a Sarah Addison Allen fan, you will be absolutely thrilled with Other Birds. If you have not yet discovered Sarah Addison Allen’s books, don’t miss this one releasing on August 30, 2022.

This is a very peaceful ensemble story that deals with healing and reconciling struggles from your past. Zoey moves to The Dellawhisp and is the driving force behind quite a few people facing their personal demons, their history, and their unresolved business. There is no other way I can think of to describe this as healing and pleasant. It was just so heartwarming and I feel much better for having read it.

What I liked: it was a happy, positive, believable story without being sickly perfect with everything magically going right. I enjoyed that it was realistic with otherworldy elements. Nothing crazy to make the story weird though. Characters made decisions that seemed plausible and not just ones to drive the plot.

What I didn't love... not really anything. There was one section that either felt out of sequence or like a time jump wasn't super clear. It was something very simple but basically someone started a job and had given someone else a gift and then a chapter or two later talked about applying for that job and gave said gift. I may have missed the indicator on a time switch. It really didn't affect the story and maybe I just was confused.

I liked this one quite a bit. unique characters and setting and overall moving story of the connections between people. My first by this author, and will look for other of her books that are supposed to be even better than this one

I’m obsessed. The characters and their stories had me intrigued from start to finish. Their backstories are mysterious and so very interesting. Such a unique band of misfits finding family amongst themselves. It felt mysterious and heartbreaking with stories of love and learning to love woven throughout. Such a modern and touching take on loss and what happens after death. Every time I think back on what I just read I think of more things I loved about this book. I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Sarah Addison Allen's book Other Birds is a beautiful novel not to be missed. Normally, I never cry while reading a book, but this novel brought me to my knees. The story touched me in an extraordinary way.

Synopsis:
Eighteen year old Zoey feels alone. As a result of her mom's passing, all Zoey has left is faded memories and an old condominium her mom left her called The Dellawisp. The condo is located on Mallow Island in South Carolina. In an effort to reconnect with her mom, Zoey moves into The Dellawisp apartment. There she meets her unusual neighbors including a kind-hearted chef, a woman hiding out, two grouchy sisters, a once famous author and several ghosts. Each has a past and dreams of a better future, but their stories do not end here. Can they coexist?

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen is quirky, raw and heartwarming. Readers adjust to following along with the plot despite there being a large number of characters. To fully enjoy the book, you must suspend disbelief and follow along with the storyline. You will enjoy Sarah Addison Allen's enchanting writing if you like magical realism.

Other Birds is available on August 30th. (5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for allowing me to review this outstanding novel. Your kindness is appreciated!

Other Birds – Sarah Addison Allen

Zoey Hennessey and her faithful companion bird, Pigeon (whom only she can see), are on their way from Tulsa, OK to Mallow Island, South Carolina. Zoey has plans to start school in Charleston and has made the decision to move into her deceased mother’s condominium in a small building called the Dellawisp. Named for the tiny colorful birds that inhabit this island, the small building is tucked away in a quiet area, and upon seeing it for the first time, Zoey can’t help but feel a rush of happiness.

As she settles in with the help of the Dellawisp’s old caretaker, Frazier, she is curious about her new neighbors. She first encounters Lisbeth Lime, an eccentric middle-aged woman who tells Zoey in no uncertain terms that she wants quiet, as she searches for a story she’s lost. Then there’s Charlotte, a young artist who paints henna tattoos, Mac, who is a chef & finally Lucy Lime, Lizbeth’s sister, who never ventures out of her condo. Intrigued by this cast of characters, Zoey settles in and begins to meet the group.

Each of the have their sorrows, their history, their regrets and their dreams and as relationships begin to grow, we learn more about these various individuals and how they came to be at the Dellawisp - with the occasional interjection by some ghosts who have stayed nearby to see some stories finished. This is a poor description for an absolutely wonderful book, filled with moments of loneliness, despair, hope - but mostly love - with just the right touch of magic!

I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley & St. Msrtin’s Press in exchange for an objective review. Do you love to read?? Visit netgalley.com and start reviewing books today!!

At the age of 18, Zoey moves from her home in Tulsa, OK to a small island off the coast of South Carolina called Mallow Island. It's a post-humous gift from her mother Paloma, who passed away when Zoey was a child, and she's given a studio apartment in a condominium complex called the Dellawisp, named after the tiny birds that reside on the island. Upon her arrival, Zoey is introduced to Frasier, the building's caretaker, and her neighbors: Charlotte, the struggling henna artist; Mac, an executive chef at a lauded restaurant; Lizbeth Lime, the suspicious and snoop of a neighbor dealing with a hoarding problem; and Lucy Lime, her reclusive sister that she holds a long-term grudge against. When Lizbeth suddenly passes away, it's the catalyst that brings these residents together in their small community.

"Other Birds" is definitely more of a character-driven novel, versus a plot-driven one, but it was one I couldn't get enough of. Sarah Addison Allen rotates between different characters' perspectives and alternating timelines to give both context and storyline to her novel; while this can be overwhelming and difficult to keep track of at times, it's paced and structured smoothly so that I never felt lost. I loved as well the inclusion of magical realism, and the perspectives of different ghosts that linger amongst these characters, which also shed light into their backgrounds and actions. She's able to build each person up individually with an impressive amount of complexity and depth for such a short novel, and I loved Zoey's resilience and positivity, which ultimately brings these characters together.

This is such a touching novel about the importance of family, both by blood and found. I found a number of similarities between this novel and "The Island of Missing Trees", so definitely recommended for readers who loved it as well!

Sarah Addison Allen’s books are always must reads for me. This one did not disappoint. It had her trademark touch of magic and beauty, and it was a lovely book to get lost in for a few days. The characters were great and her writing is so poetic. Another great one by this author! I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely beautiful. I loved every minute of this. Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me review this ARC.

I am a long time fan of Sarah Addison Allen, and have eagerly waited on news of a new book from her. When I found out she had a new book Other Birds coming out this summer, I knew I had to read it.

Allen's newest book takes place in South Carolina and has several POVs as it follows several people living in a small condo unit called the Dellawisp Condos, named after the birds that reside there. This is the story of found family, ghosts, love, and loss. I couldn't put it down. Allen has such a way of telling a story, and this might be an all new favorite from her. I found myself tearing up a few times from touching moments.

I highly suggest reading this if you crave a book that has themes of home and found family, and you like a touch of magical realism.

Zoey comes to Mallow Island off the coast of South Carolina to go to college. Or is it to make a connection with her deceased mother who loved the island and left her an apartment in the Dellawisp, a unique small complex hidden down an alley but named after the birds that live there. Oh, Zoey brings her invisible bird with her.
The other residents of the Dellawisp become a part of Zoey's life - a legendary author, a lonely henna artist running from something, a brilliant chef who is deeply grieving, two estranged sisters living in neighboring apartments and keeping secrets, a son of one of the sisters who returns to the island reluctantly, and three ghosts. Zoey begins to change their lives while they change hers. Lovely magical realism and full of hope, Sarah Addison Allen continues to delight readers.

I loved other books be Sarah Addison Allen so I was excited to receive her newest book. I enjoyed the magical elements in her other books; however for me this book wasn’t it. I did not finish after reading 40%. I didn’t feel like I could connect to any of the characters and the pacing was slow. I can see how some would enjoy this book but it wasn’t for me.

This book follows Zoey as she leaves her home and moves into her mother's studio apartment before heading off to college. There, Zoey meets a cast of characters and ends up forming a "found" family.

I love the way that Zoey brought the group of people together in her apartment. The element of ghosts added a touch in the way only Sarah Addison Allen can.

Thank you so much, Netgalley for this book!

OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen is a beautiful story of finding friends who become family. Four lonely people trying to make their way through life alone meet on Mallow Island. With the help of some ghosts, Zoey, Charlotte, Mac and Oliver might have a chance at leaving old hurts behind and attaining acceptance and happiness. Delightful and touching, this novel left a smile on my face and in my heart.

This is the story of Zoey, who inherits an apartment within a small complex tucked away on an island in South Carolina. She slowly gets to know some of her neighbors, and helps to unravel a mystery. As with all of the author’s books it’s full of whimsy and magical realism. It was a lovely summer read and I am so grateful to have a new book by one of my favorite authors.

Of note, I received an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Zoey is about to turn 19 and start her freshmen year of college when she moves from Tulsa, OK to her late mothers studio apartment on Mallow Island, SC. The small apartment complex (only 5 units including her own) is full of residents who keep to themselves, all holding on to the past in one way or another, until young Zoey arrives. Zoey brings with her an invisible bird named Pigeon and an urgent need for connection, as her father and stepmother have essentially ignored her for years. Zoey's arrival finds the residents coming together, forming their own little family and unearthing secrets along the way.
Other Birds was a very quick, light, charming read. It contains elements of the spirit world but that shouldn't discourage anyone who does not enjoy any type of fantasy or supernatural. It's minimal and does not take away from the story, if anything, it adds to it. Great read, I would recommend this for sure and will certainly look for more by this author.
Thank you to St Martin's Press, the author and NetGalley for access to this ARC.

"This was an enchanting tale filled with magical realism and moments of pure love that won't let you go."

"Between the real and the imaginary there are stories that take flight in the most extraordinary ways."

The characters in this book are Zoey, a girl on the run, two estranged middle aged sisters, a lonely chef, a legendary writer, and three ghosts along with Zoey's quirky and secretive neighbors.

I loved this quote in the book.

"I told her that's what I want too, for someone to love me so much t
that they can't let go of me. She says its about the love you give not the love that you get.
But the way I see it, its not really love if you aren't loved back.
Its just something you make up."

This was such a cute charming story. It was so magical. I loved Garden Spells by this author so much more but I loved this one too.
I loved the ghosts in this story. They were not scary ghosts.
There is so many things that I loved about this book. There are some surprises in this book. I loved the magical realism. I loved the characters too, especially Zoey. The writing was beautiful.
I loved Mallow Island and felt like I was there along with the tiny turquoise birds.
After I finished reading it, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

This was a buddy read with DeAnn!

I want to thank Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press, for the copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
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This story is one of such beauty. Of families made, or families born. Of running away from the past and embracing it. Of ghosts that linger in our lives, and finding hope and love in the present. Definitely my first Sarah Addison Allen book, but certainly won’t be my last.

Sarah Addison Allen delivers another great book! I love the quirkiness of the characters and the story. It evolves as you get deeper into the book and has a wonderful and a little surprising conclusion. This is a magical unique story with characters that draws you into their worlds. Each character has a unique story and a few of them surprised me. I love in this book the way friends turn into more.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of Other Birds.

"There are birds, and then there are other birds. Maybe they don't sing. Maybe they don't fly. Maybe they don't fit in. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather be an other bird than just the same old thing."

I am a complete lover of Sarah Addison Allen novels- she has a way of conjuring up such a sense of magic and whimsy that you fall in love with immediately. I immediately googled Mallow Island- I have such a weakness for small islands- sadly, it isn't real. We meet several characters, all alone and lost, broken in their own ways, and see them slowly come together, all the while learning some history of this small, haunted town. There were several plot points that I predicted at the end, but I enjoyed this story so much, I don't even care. I adore novels like this- quirky, likeable characters, small town charm in a unique location, a random ghost or two, a bit of mystery. Highly recommend Other Birds (as well as ALL her other novels!)