3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

This book was interesting to get through and I’d say borderline difficult at times. We’re in Kit’s head for the majority of the story. She’s a young mom to a very hyperactive toddler who rules her entire life. Every day is spent playing house and trying to hold everyone around her together but she’s neglecting herself. Kit’s thoughts are often claustrophobic and dark, swirling with the grief of losing her younger sister Julie a few years prior and a rough childhood which have left lasting scars.

It’s a journey of learning to love yourself, the difficulties of motherhood, and processing grief. There were really lovely sentiments and quotes throughout and it left me wanting to go hug my mom and sisters. Life is beautiful in all of its chaos and this book is a testament to that.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for the ebook. Kit, young mom of a wildly inquisitive daughter, feels anxious and alone in the world, even though her husband tries to be there for her, her mother is constantly calling her, mostly about the police bothering her about being a hoarder, and has her best friend whisk her away to Montana for a few days. He says it’s to get over being dumped by his boyfriend, but really it’s to try and give Kit a break. But Kit doesn’t need a break. Kit needs to let go of her younger sister who died a few years ago. Beautiful Julie seemed to have a lovely life ahead of her— She was the lead singer in their band, but drugs got her and never really let go. A novel about dealing with grief narrated by such a fun lead character.

An important book everyone should read. Kimberly King Parsons put everything into this book. I felt so deeply one every page. Just a stunning example of beautiful writing.

Oh WOW this book - Kimberly King Parsons is one to watch!! Being inside of Kit’s mind for the length of this book was fascinating and entertaining and scary and weird and fun, and I loved it. The depiction of grief over the loss of her sister, Julie, was so real and moving - it made me want to cry and hug my sister. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read anything like We Were the Universe, and I can’t wait to read whatever Kimberly King Parsons does next.