I spent many of my formative years reading and devouring Jennifer E. Smith's YA novels, so I was instantly intrigued by her transition into writing for adults with The Unsinkable Greta James and, now, Fun for the Whole Family. And well, let me tell you: this book delivers everything you'd want in a literary fiction novel. It takes place in multiple points of view and multiple timelines, so readers really get to see what the Endicott siblings were like over the years and even different perspectives on the same tragedies and traumas. Smith writes with as compelling, gripping language as ever that completely pulls me in. I literally couldn't put this book down, and luckily I was reading on a plane, where I had an uninterrupted window to do so. Each character (specifically the main siblings) was equally authentic and gripping to follow. I was intrigued by each of their individual journeys, too. Like, I equally care about each of the siblings versus just one.

Fun for the Whole Family was easily one of the best books I've read in 2024, hands down. It was just so intriguing, unique and compelling. There's not much in the market like this one. Fun for the Whole Family is truly nothing like any of Smith's YA novels (two of which inspired Netflix rom-coms), because it's completely tragic and heartbreaking and real AF. Then, the epilogue literally made me cry, like, for real. Overall, just wow. take all five of my stars, please. It was just so poignant and vulnerable and real times a thousand.

This book offered an intriguing journey, though the title set up expectations for a more lighthearted story than what unfolded. Instead, it delves into deeper, darker themes as it follows four estranged siblings who reunite in North Dakota after an unexpected invitation. The road trip chapters stood out to me—they were vibrant and entertaining, filled with vivid descriptions of the places they visited. While the present-day storyline was often heartbreaking, the way the siblings gradually mended their fractured relationships added a heartfelt touch. Overall, this is a compelling family drama with moments of both sorrow and redemption.

Family dynamics, secrets, being stranded in a cabin-- all told from multiple POVs? Sign me up. This was beautifully written and I loved the stories of the Endicott family. I found myself rooting for all of them at different times, and also wanting to yell at all of the misunderstandings. Jennifer E. Smith just earned a spot on my autoread list.

Thank you to NetGallery and to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book about a family of siblings coming together after a major family strife. It was well written and beautiful.

This was a decent read, but it was not fun for the whole family, and the cover does not give the right expectations.
Four siblings used to go on road trips with their mom when she deigned to show up, and Gemma was the one who had to step in to actually be responsible for her other three siblings when it happened. But now they haven't talked in years, all because none of them know all the details about one heart-stopping event that blew them to the wind. They have all made judgments and assumptions about that day, and it takes one sister's request to force them back together, where they reluctantly hash things out.
I liked the first half of this book a lot more than the second because it was easier to track with each character, but once they were altogether and snowed in, it got a bit crazy in my head. Then even more characters showed up, and I just couldn't enjoy it with any kind of focus.
The writing is good. I think most readers will be glad they read it. It was just far too cluttered with siblings and partners for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this book and leave a voluntary review.

I won’t lie, I forgot I had requested this title but I am glad I did. I thought this was a fantastic, interesting book that really went over family dynamics and how to navigate through hard times. This was very easy to read and I got through it in a day. Great book and I’m excited for its publication date.

I was not expecting this book to completely take over my life for the last 24 hours but once I started I truly couldn’t put it down. I know this isn’t gonna hit for everyone… but me and my mommy issues? Ya this one hit a little too close to home and I cried (shocker) a LOT. I related to Gemma the most throughout the whole story and it honestly just made me wanna give 16 year old Ali a hug 🥲 if you love stories about families and siblings and everything that comes with that… pleaseeeee add this to your TBR!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was such a pleasant surprise!!! I could not put this down, I finished it in one day! The short chapters and multiple POV’s made the story flow so effortlessly, and before I knew it I had formed a connection to the characters and a need to know what would happen next.

This dysfunctional family of four siblings grew up close and grew apart even quicker in adulthood. Maybe an impromptu weekend in North Dakota is just want the four need to rehash and rebuild what was broken.

"Fun for the Whole Family" sends Jennifer E. Smith into my *must read* list of authors. I was a casual reader of her (beloved) teen books and while I enjoyed her first foray into adult fiction, this book is already one of my favorites of 2025. Heartbreaking, funny, sweet, awkward; Smith crafted a real family that I am so glad I go to be part of, for a short time. I would recommend this book to a wide range of readers.

Very interesting story of siblings and their past histories. So well crafted with layers to the story that struck so many emotions and thoughts about the situation as well as the characters.

This book was just okay to me. I wasn't really able to connect with the characters or the plot line. I enjoy family dramas, and while this one did have some redeeming features, overall it wasn't my favorite.

This was an interesting read, but the title was somewhat misleading. I expected a more lighthearted story, but it turned out to be darker than I anticipated. The narrative revolves around four estranged siblings who reunite after one of them invites the others to North Dakota. I enjoyed the road trip chapters, which were fun to read and showcased the places they visited. While the present-day events were heartbreaking at times, I loved how the siblings ultimately reconnected. Overall, it’s a good family drama with some heartbreaking moments.

Thank you to NetGallery and to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books

Jennifer Smith writes about dysfunctional families finding their way back together, and Fun for the Whole Family is no exception. I really enjoyed reading about how the Endicott siblings drifted apart, then reunited on the anniversary of their mother's death to find (ultimately) that they want to be a family again. Almost passed on this one due to the title, which doesn't fit the book, but I'm glad I picked it up anyway. It reminds me to allow my siblings more latitude to be themselves and hug them tighter.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and Ms. Smith for an advanced copy. I'm looking forward to more books from you.

FIVE BIG STARS! Loved this book so much about family and forgiveness. All of the characters were distinct and well-formed, and all relatable and lovable in their own ways. Well-balanced and heartwarming book.

5/5

Have read and enjoyed others by this author. I thought this one was a light, easy read. Good characters and an enjoyable plot.

The four Endicott siblings have issues - with their lives and with each other. Over the course of a long weekend in a small town they come together for the first time in years to uncover secrets, rehash old injuries, and learn to accept who they are now. As the oldest of four siblings, I found the dynamics pretty accurate and enjoyed watching the Endicott’s through the years in the chapters from the past as well as their present journeys, together and apart.

Story of a dysfunctional family whose mother used to take them on driving trips around the country, trying to get to every state. Now years later, the siblings have gone their own way, but are summoned to North Dakota to spend the weekend together.

I love Jennifer E Smith’s writing and I always have. This was no exception, and I would continue reading her books in a heartbeat.

I think my issue is largely that this book is not what I was expecting it to be in tone from the cover and description and the pacing just felt off. I couldn’t get into the story or the characters the way I wanted to because of it.

The Endicott's are a bit of a dysfunctional family. Essentially left to fend for themselves by their parents, oldest sister Gemma ends up parenting, except when Mom Frankie magically reappears for roadtrips with the kids. The siblings grow up close since they really only have one another to depend on, but a big fight draws them apart and its been three years since they've really spoken or seen each other. Out of the blue, Jude sends a text to each sibling asking them to meet her in North Dakota. What starts out as an awkward reunion of the siblings ends up revealing truths about their past and starts to bring them together once again.
I went in to this book with low expectations, I think because of the title. I don't love the title and I think it could be better. But I actually really enjoyed the book. It was a quick read. The narration is back and forth between current day and the past and rotates amongst the four siblings, but it flows very well. The characters were interesting and the storyline itself was well written. I'd definitely recommend to a friend!

Let me clear: I went into this book optimistic, and I left completely joyful and teary-eyed. This book had all of the hope of siblings reunited, mending fences and forging bonds. It's not often that even I, an HSP, cries while reading, but yes, I cried while reading the story of sisters Jude and Gemma and their brothers Roddy and Connor, reuniting in the wake of their mother's death.

What was hard-hitting for me was the fact that siblings can often go in completely different paths, much like in my own family, where I've unfortunately lost two siblings. This made me want to run out and tell all of my friends, "SQUEEZE YOUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS JUST A LITTLE TIGHTER." It's easy to forget how much those formative years are imprinted upon us, much like with the Endicott siblings, once inseparable, now they'd all gone their separate ways until this moment where a text message changed everything.

I love a multi-POV story. I love fully-round, dynamic characters, and I love when an author doesn't shy away from dealing with difficult issues, and often problematic mother/child relationships. And this one delivered all of that.

Gosh, I loved this and I want to say so much more, but I don't want to spoil it. I can't wait for it to be out in the world and in the hands of readers. Just a lovely book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the eArc!