Catherine Ryan Hyde books always make me feel hopeful for the world, and Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe didn’t disappoint. She seems to know how to take her characters through real-life struggles, and yet, you feel like the world can still be a cozy place to live. This is a 5-star book for me. I couldn’t wait to get back to the characters each day to find out how their life was going.
5/5 stars ★★★★★
From the Publisher: Two disparate people―lost in their own way―find an unexpected healing connection in a poignant novel about redemption and chosen family by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Publication Date: November 11, 2025
Purchase the Book: https://amzn.to/48A7wKb
What I Liked About Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe:
Focusing on the themes of hope, addiction, family, depression, and kindness, this book takes you through all of the emotions.
I absolutely love the two main characters: Addie Finch and Jonathan. Addie is a recovering alcoholic who is estranged from her son. Jonathan is a homeless teen that I wish I knew in real life. Their lives become intertwined, and their resilience is what makes them interesting people in the story. You can’t help but fall in love with both of them.
Many times, you come across people who become part of your chosen family. I know that I have those people in my life as well. It can be a special relationship, and filled with unexpected love and kindness. Hyde does a great job of portraying this in her book.
If you have ever struggled with addiction to drugs or alcohol, I think you will also appreciate this story. You see Addie go through the steps of AA, even though she has been sober for 8 years, as this is a constant struggle in her life. Wendy, her new sponsor, doesn’t take any crap from her. Everyone needs a Wendy in their life! I like the way that Hyde showed the struggle of alcoholism, and how it stays with you throughout life.
This is definitely a feel-good book, although it does have some topics that could trigger people. Hyde warns you about it in the beginning of the book. I highly recommend this book. It would make a great gift this holiday season.
My Favorite Quote From Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe:
“You want to know what life has in store for you? Then get up and start living it and you’ll find out. You can’t figure it out in your head first. Put one foot in front of the other. Take a step with your left foot. Then one with your right foot. Repeat as necessary. More will be revealed. Nobody ever got anywhere lying in bed waiting to start something hard, because you will never feel ready.”
It’s a motivating short speech that could apply to anyone. I tend to swirl in my head with any problem, and it makes me almost immobile. I have to have more trust that life and my decisions will work themselves out. Just put one foot in front of the other.
Where To Buy This Book and More:
- Purchase Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe: https://amzn.to/4rHDdtL
- If you liked this book, and you might like these other heartfelt dramas:
- Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde
- Life, & Death, & Giants by Ron Rindo
- The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
- Read more of my book reviews: https://judiholst.com/book-reviews/
- Missed my Top Books of 2024? Find them here: https://judiholst.com/top-20-books-that-i-loved-in-2024/
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Catherine Ryan Hyde for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.
To read more about Catherine Ryan Hyde: https://www.catherineryanhyde.com/
Have you read Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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