*Fun for the Whole Family* by Jennifer E. Smith is a charming and heartwarming novel about family dynamics, secrets, and the unexpected turns life can take. The story follows a family that embarks on a road trip, bringing old tensions and unresolved issues to the surface. Smith’s writing is witty and relatable, capturing the complexity of sibling relationships and the ups and downs of family life. While the plot may feel familiar at times, the characters' growth and the emotional moments make it an enjoyable read. It's a perfect pick for fans of lighthearted yet thoughtful stories about family, personal growth, and second chances.

As a big fan of Jennifer E Smith's last novel, I was so excited for Fun for the Whole Family. Similar in some themes to The Unsinkable Greta James, Smith's new book takes on a larger cast of characters to explore family secrets and grief. A group of siblings meets in a far flung location when one of their own asks for a family trip, even though they haven't been speaking for years. As the book goes on, the reasons for their falling out become clearer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I can't wait to see what Smith is working on next.

"I thought you went everywhere as kids."
"Not everywhere."

As the story opens and then blossoms to a lively adventure, I find myself nostalgic for the roaming my own family did every summer in the 70s and 80s.

I think there's some truth in the idea that family can only be found on the road. Or in strife. Or in togetherness.

I love that this story is told from multiple points of view. After all, the story belongs to more than just one individual.

"But don't worry. They'll be okay."
"How do you know?"
"Because they love each other, even when they don't."

A well-told story, for your own found family.

Thank for your the ARC for this book! I loved Jennifer E. Smith’s book, The Unsinkable Greta James, so I was excited to read this! I enjoyed the family drama and all that goes along with that. I could relate to a lot of this book. I laughed and got teary at points. It was a great adventure of reading! Thank you!

To be honest, family dynamics can always be a challenge and can be difficult to talk about in a book. Yet, this book took me on a roller coaster of emotions and really talked about good content and conversation among characters. It was a quick read and I would recommend it to others!

This book drew me in right away and kept me engaged on every page. Who could ask for more! It is extremely creatively told. I didn’t write too many notes as I was too absorbed in the pages. I’m going to definitely church out this authors previous books.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.

An engrossing story of fractured sibling relationships and of the things that caused their separation. It is a messy story and also a very endearing telling of the sibling reunion, the troubles each one has of their own, and the chance of a reconciliation.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.