Synopses & Reviews
In this timely and provocative novel, internationally bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen takes us inside a family in crisis and a marriage on the brink after a tragic shooting.
How far would you go to save your family?
Every morning, as her husband Mike straps on his SIG Sauer and pulls on his heavy Magnum boots, Jamie Anderson tenses up. Then comes the call she has always dreaded: There’s been a shooting at police headquarters. Mike isn’t hurt, but his long-time partner is grievously injured. As weeks pass and her husband’s insomnia and disconnectedness mount, Jamie realizes he is an invisible casualty of the attack. Then the phone rings again. Another shooting—but this time Mike has pulled the trigger.
But the shooting does more than just alter Jamie’s world. It’s about to change everything for two other women. Christie Simmons, Mike’s flamboyant ex, sees the tragedy as an opportunity for a second chance with Mike. And Jamie’s younger sister, Lou, must face her own losses to help the big sister who raised her. As the press descends and public cries of police brutality swell, Jamie tries desperately to hold together her family, no matter what it takes.
In her characteristic exploration of true-to-life relationships, Sarah Pekkanen has written a complex, compelling, and openhearted novel—her best yet.
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"Pekkanen weaves a satisfying tale of the nuances of marriage and duty and how small kindnesses can reestablish the bonds of family after an estrangement."
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"Sarah Pekkanen is one of my favorite authors of women's fiction, and I was engrossed in CATCHING AIR from start to finish."
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"Once again, Pekkanen delivers relatable characters and story lines, showcasing the strength and perseverance required to make relationships work. This is an entertaining and emotional read for fans of contemporary women's fiction”
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“Internationally best-selling Pekkanen writes novels that offer thoughtful examinations of how the past shapes adult relationships and the differences between men and women. Many of the interwoven story lines are finely wrought, and the book as a whole is compelling.”
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“Ultimately, Pekkanen shows that relationships of any kind take work, expression of love, and the willingness to take risks in order to save them.”
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"Pekkanen is deft at finding each woman's voice, displaying all sides of eventual conflicts. Her strong narrative pulls the reader steadily through the book, with tension mounting as the weather worsens...a solid entry in the "women's fiction" genre."
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"Within a few pages, you'll find yourself emotionally invested."
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"Original and engaging."
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"Heartbreaking and familiar."
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"A compelling and satisfying read...highly recommended."
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"Pekkanen's wry voice and engaging characters keeps things fresh."
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"Smart and soulful, Pekkanen explores the place where self and sisterhood intersect."
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"Fresh, appealing...the story is at turns funny and poignant."
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Praise for Sarah Pekkanen:"Sarah Pekkanen writes with wit and warmth and a deep understanding of the way women—mothers, daughters, sisters, friends—make a place for themselves in the world."
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“Many of the interwoven story lines are finely wrought, and the book as a whole is compelling.”
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"Will grip readers. 5 stars."
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"A standout among standouts."
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"A gripping story of racial profiling, PTSD, and the threads that hold people together. You'll forget it's fiction."
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Praise for THINGS YOU WON'T SAY:"Gripping reading"
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"Fantastic and realistic."
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"Pekkanen tackles a timely topic."
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“Pekkanen reliably builds strong, interesting characters.”
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“Pekkanen offers a conversational writing style and a knack for making readers care about her characters."
About the Author
Sarah Pekkanen is the internationally bestselling author of The Opposite of Me, Skipping a Beat, These Girls, The Best of Us, and Catching Air, as well as a series of linked short stories for ereaders. Her work has been published in numerous magazines and newspapers. She lives with her family, including a rescue dog and cat, in Chevy Chase, Maryland.