You and Me and Us
Book Review - You and Me and Us by Alison Hammer
One of the best things to come out of this social distancing is more time to read, which led directly to my being able to read and review this book by Alison Hammer. I had the opportunity to meet Alison for brunch just a couple of weeks before the shelter-in-place order was issued and we had the best time talking about all things books and Chicago. I learned so much about what the publishing process is like on the author’s side and I shared with Alison what it was like on my side to work with publicists to promote books. She warned me, even back then, that this book was a tear-jerker and she wasn’t joking.
You and Me and Us is about a family who just learned the father/husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. They decide to spend his last summer at their home in Destin, Florida, where they grew up, saying goodbye to friends and family. From the very beginning you know he is going to die, but it still hits you right in the gut, especially after you got to know the family and friends a bit better, growing to adore them (flaws and all.)
This was such a sweet story about coming to terms with a future without a loved one, accepting family and friends for who they are, and forgiving past grievances. It is the PERFECT book to remind you how much you love and adore your family, especially if you are currently in quarantine with them, spending far more time together than any of you wanted. Ha!