The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is a 3.5-star journey through the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships, mathematical obsession, and the quest for love. The story revolves around Art and Mimi Brotherton, siblings navigating life together after the untimely demise of their parents. Art, a brilliant mathematician, is consumed by the quest to solve a complex mathematical problem, while Mimi, his sister, yearns for a life beyond her caretaking role. The novel delves into their lives, exploring a quirky romantic comedy turned mystery, encompassing heavy subjects such as suicide, terminal illness, and more.
The narrative unfolds through alternating perspectives, offering insights into the bond between Art and Mimi. Personally I was not able to connect with the characters too much. I felt that their relationship was too superficial and not a very strong sibling bond. I do understand why that is done to some extent but there was just something missing. While the first half of the book may be pretty slow, the last quarter captivates with revelations and emotional depth that is meant to summarize why they act how they do. The characters, particularly the neurodivergent Art, are sensitively portrayed, and the sibling relationship is both complex and compelling. The book's mathematical backdrop, referencing the P versus NP problem, adds an original touch, though it might be uninteresting to someone who doest care about that added information.
Despite some initial challenges, the novel redeems itself with a satisfying and emotional conclusion. The author's writing style is commendable, eliciting both tears and contemplation on the complexities of family, love, and loss. The book, while not without flaws, successfully explores intricate human relationships, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy a mix of familial drama, romance, and mathematical intrigue.

This was interesting! I didn't read the premise before I started reading it so I had no idea what to expect but this wasn't disappointing.

It was a little slow at the start but I really loved the familial relationships. It's so much more than two siblings finding their way after the death of their parents. It was a moving potrayal of guilt and responsibility and of course, love. With some maths which I loved geeking out to!

The book started out really slow for me. I took a long time to understand and like Mimi and Art. While I did grow to love them, I'm not sure that I'm any closer to understanding them.

This was such an unexpected novel full of mystery, witty dialogue, interesting characters and wonderfully complex family dynamics. I did not expect the ending but loved the journey each character went to get there. Gnodde did a fantastic job telling the story of a neurodivergent character while also appreciated how brother and sister have deep love and deep blindspots when it comes to one another.

The book focuses on the relationship of two siblings 13 years after the death of their parents.

I felt like the book dragged on and not sure if it’s something I’d necessarily recommend to others. The premise sounded interesting at first but definitely was a struggle for me to finish.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity.*

In THE THEORY OF (NOT QUITE) EVERYTHING, siblings Art and Mimi Brotherton have been caught in the never ending, monotonous loop of life. Every week happens just the same as the week before, and that's how it's been in the years since the tragic double suicide of their parents. Art, a genius mathematician focused on solving the infamous "p versus np", is posed with the most serious problem of his illustrious career-- helping his sister find love.

Mimi, who had resigned herself to being her brother's caretaker for the rest of her life, has decided she doesn't necessarily have to do it alone. But a chance encounter with on of Art's fellow mathematicians may throw the entire, carefully planned, algorithm right out the window.

The story that follows shows what it's like to suffer side by side, but still be alone. And what it takes to break down those barriers.

Overall, the story took a while to get into-- the switching POVs were not clearly marked and made it difficult to fully engage while reading. However, the ending was truly satisfying and brought everything back around. The characters are well developed and well written, and it was easy to relate to Mimi and Art.

This book is a good choice for fans of The Kiss Quotient and The Rosie Project, or anyone looking for a familial book that involves a little bit of math, love, and mystery.

🔹My take - 3.5/5

I really loved the bond that Art and Mimi shared. The possessiveness of Art was totally understandable though not that it was acceptable. Frustrations of Naomi were justified as well since she was pulled down a lot and always remained in shadows of her brother and father. The writing was refreshing and I loved the way humor was included in the story. It was fun to read Rey’s and Mimi’s conversations.

I couldn’t unfortunately finish the book and my ratings are based on the bits that I finished and enjoyed.

Thanks @netgalley and @harperperennial for sharing DRC in exchange for honest review.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I found this book interesting. It’s different than the books I normally read. As a biostatistician I found the math part of the book intriguing. Some parts of the book lagged a little but overall I enjoyed this book. I liked the sibling relationship and the quirky characters. The book touches nicely on a couple of deep topics. It’s funny and emotional with a good mystery.

For me personally, this book just did not work out. After multiple attempts of reading at different points within the month and even using books in between as buffers, I just could not get myself into the story. I thought that I might like the mathematical aspect as I've read other stories with similar storylines, but I just could not find myself connecting with the characters in a way that made me want to continue hearing about their story. I really liked the premise but the pacing was so slow that I just don't find myself reaching for it to see if maybe it will get better in the end

I wanted to read this debut novel as it reminded me a bit of the play Proof in the description. I wasn’t expecting this book to emotionally punch me the way it did. What a beautiful story about a brother and sister navigating the world through a veil of trauma. I hope my young son and daughter continue unconditionally loving each other as they grow up, and hopefully they will not endure the heartache of Mimi and Art. Mimi, the “ordinary” one, is the definition of patience with her brother Art, the “repressed genius.” Are they codependent? Yes, but there is so much more to these characters, and I appreciated how much care was given to their details and personalities. It’s obvious that the author Kara Gnodde is as protective of them as they are each other. The supporting characters of Rey, Frank, and Ernest were nicely drawn as well. As irritating as Art could be, there was no truly unlikable primary character in this book. The plot was tight and plausible, even in the moments when the math discussions whizzed right over my head. I definitely recommend this as long as you are not in a difficult place with a parent or sibling. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper paperbacks for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I had a feeling I would like this book when I saw that the epigraph was was a quote from one of my favorite poems dating back to Grade 10 English with Mr. Crawford in 1977. (Rationalists, wearing square hats, think, in square rooms...) Also, I'm always up for quality stem novels

The first few chapters reminded me of other books with a character on the autism spectrum, and I often find there's something that always seems a little false. I gave it time to develop and this turned out to be an extremely well written novel with impressively executed characters and plot.

After the trauma of their parents’ joint suicide in their early adulthood, siblings Art and Mimi have lived together and looked after each other. Art is a brilliant mathematician at work on a proof that may change mathematics, or even the world. Mimi has struggled to have a meaningful career, and devotes a lot of her time to keeping Art’s world predictable and secure, but change is inevitable. When Mimi falls in love with another mathematician (not as talented as Art), it triggers a series of events that bring them all to some very different, difficult, but ultimately better places. In this debut fiction, Gnodde handles complex emotions with expertise and subtlety. I recommend this book, which will have wide appeal.

I have to say though, without sharing any spoilers, that I was disappointed with how the novel depicted the aftermath of an attempted sexual assault. I don't think that's how we do it nowadays. It was a small part of the narrative, but I expected something different and better.

I'm not really sure how I feel about this one. The sibling relationship was just way overboard. I struggled to finish this. The math was also a lot. I think this just wasn't a book for me.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This is a book that I was not expecting. It is not a light and fluffy romance. It is primarily the story of the relationship between siblings and the dedication they feel towards one another. Art and Mimi still live together after losing their parents. Art is a brilliant mathematician, intent on solving a puzzling equation. Mimi works as a Foley artist and basically takes care of Art. When she starts becoming lonely for a relationship, she turns to Art for advice. His plan is very analytical and involves mathematical statistics to find the right match. Ironically, Mimi meets Frank at a mathematician event and the two begin a secret relationship.

However, a storybook happy ending is not in the cards for Mimi and she, Frank, and Art have to deal with a major event.

This book packs a powerful emotional punch. I am still reeling.

I am certain that there are readers out there who will devour this book. The quirky characters, the search for love, and the complex brother/sister relationship between Mimi and Art as they navigate loss and new beginnings. That said, this story was just a wee bit too mathematical for me! Many thanks to #NetGalley and Harper books for my gifted copy!

“It’s the Halting Problem. All outcomes are possible until one outcome actually happens. Until you know for sure, you don’t know anything.”

While the cover may lead you to believe this is a silly romcom, The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is actually a deeply profound, emotional novel about love in all its forms, from siblings, to best friends, to romantic partners. Kara Gnodde's debut is a stunning example of sacrifice, family, empowerment, and of course, math.

Summary:
Orphaned as young adults, siblings Art and Mimi Brotherton only have each other to rely on. Art, a mathematical genius and professor, relies on Mimi to make his meals, do his laundry, and provide him with routine. Mimi, a sound designer for movies and TV, relies on Art as her last familial connection. Devoted housemates and caregivers, the two have lived their lives side-by-side since their parents passed a decade ago, and if it were up to Art, they would happily remain so until the bitter end. However, Mimi has other plans. Nearing thirty, Mimi has decided it's time for her to find a romantic partner to settle down with. Despite dreams of meet-cutes and whirlwind romances, Mimi knows her brother's mathematical prowess will be able to find her a suitable boyfriend in no time. And, if Art has a hand in her relationship, Mimi secretly hopes it will be easier for him to let her go.

Sure enough, Art develops the perfect code for Mimi to find a boyfriend using a dating website. Yet, when Mimi meets another mathematician at one of Art's awards ceremonies and hits it off, she quickly abandons the formula to pursue Frank, a quirky, romantic, stargazer who seems head-over-heels for Mimi. Because Frank is in the math community, Mimi feels compelled to keep her last name a secret, fearing he would have preconceived notions attached to the Brotherton name, or worse, would want to get close to her because of her father and brother's famous proof, the Millennium problem: p versus Np, which Art has dedicated his life to solving. But the longer her and Frank are together, the more Mimi realizes she can trust him not only with herself, but with Art.

Yet when Frank and Art meet, Art immediately distrusts the other man in Mimi's life. Already a paranoid man, Art becomes convinced that Frank is also pursuing p versus Np, and goes out of his way to sabotage Mimi and Frank's relationship, unwittingly straining his own relationship with Mimi in the process. As the tensions grow between all parties, Mimi realizes she needs to make a choice: a life taking care of her brother with no chance of love, or a loving life with Frank without her brother's approval.

Everything comes to a breaking point when Art is hit by a car and hospitalized in critical condition. Suddenly Mimi is reliving her parents' deaths all over again, fixating on their unfortunate demise as she waits at her brother's bedside, unsure of who to trust, who to love, and who to believe. Will Mimi be able to choose her own future? Or will Art and Frank's rivalry choose it for her?

Thoughts:
The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is one of the most thought-provoking books I've read in a long time. I saw a lot of my own brothers in Mimi and Art's characters, which made this an even more heartbreaking read, but I also just saw a lot of myself in Mimi with her uncertainty for her future. From her education to her career to her love life, Mimi never felt fully onboard with her decisions, and as a college senior about to graduate, I definitely relate to Mimi's constant questioning of her choices in life.

In regards to the writing, Kara Gnodde's debut was captivating. Gnodde managed to write about highly theoretical mathematics without sounding boring or condescending, which is a feat few can manage, but she also was able to weave math into the theme and message of her story so effortlessly. The idea of the Halting Problem, which is referenced in the pull-quote, is really the problem of life, the true theory of not quite everything: will any input, or choice, halt at one point, or will it run for infinity? Will our outcomes forever be impacted by our choices, or do we ever get the chance to start again? With any job entered, any relationship begun, the halting problem is at stake. Will you get fired (a halt), or will you stay at one job until retirement? Will you break up, or will your love last until death? Gnodde's interwoven math theories do more than just prove Art's genius; they inspire the reader to think about life deeply and theoretically.

I truly loved everything about this novel. From the mystery established in chapter one with t=0 at Art's car accident, to the slow build of Mimi and Frank's love story starting at t=a year prior, to the puzzle of their parents' death at t=13 years ago, Gnodde masterfully kept me on the edge of my seat waiting for reveals while simultaneously sunk deep into my bed, reveling in her good story telling.

Overall:
The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything was one of those books that made me sit silently staring into space for five minutes after finishing because I needed to process. A beautiful blend of literary fiction, romance, mystery, and women's fiction, Gnodde exemplified what it means to write about true love beyond the bounds of courtship. I cannot wait to read everything Kara Gnodde ever writes.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially those looking to be introspective, philosophical, and blown away.

For more reviews, check out my website: oliviakwalker.com

What an enjoyable book! I liked how the author developed the story with the two main characters that are brother and sister. It was a tad slow at first but then it picked up! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars!

The cover of this book is a little misgiving and that has probably skewed my review a bit. I definitely thought this book was going to more quirky in a romantic-comedy sort of way but it ended up being a drier The Big Bang Theory meets dramatic soap opera. I enjoyed the relationship between Mimi and Art and the unbreakable bond they've built through their shared childhood traumas. I did not see Mimi's love interest, Frank, as an appealing character and unfortunately did not sympathize with her struggle between choosing her brother or boyfriend. For me, the choice was easy considering the history she has with both characters.

I did think this is written very well and, out of all the numerous books I've read, I've never come across characters as unique and fully conceptualized as Mimi and Art. I'm interested to see what Kara Gnodde writes next!

Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Perrenials and Paperbacks and Kara Gnodde for allowing me to read this as an ARC.

This is too depressing it starts with loss and then just gets dry. Not to my taste. DNF.

*****************I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion.**********

Quirky and off-beat, this is the story of a brother and sister who have become incredibly co-dependent upon the death of their parents. The story follows along as the sister, Mimi, decides it is time for her to start dating. Her brother, Art, wants to use math to help her find the right person. When Mimi finds someone outside of Art's equation, problems ensue. Adding depth to the story is the slow reveal about how their parents died and Art's work with a mathematical theory. A lot of the problems in the book would have been avoided if the characters had been upfront and honest with each other. But then we wouldn't have this story to read.

This one was way to slow for me. I felt the story was super busy, and I had a hard time following certain plot points.