The Epic Story of Every Living Thing by Deb Caletti - HIGH

The Epic Story of Every Living Thing by Deb Caletti, 403 pages. Labyrinth Road. 2022. $19.

Language: R (100 swears 50 'f'); Mature Content: R (mentions of having had sex, teens drinking, mention of sexting) Violence: PG13 (mention of sexual assault)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Harper’s life seems perfect (boyfriend, social media following, grades, future plans), until the end of her junior year. Unexpectedly dumped, she also discovers that her anonymous sperm donor father (who her mother has always refused to discuss) has also fathered at least 42 others. These major events lead Harper to Hawaii with some of her newfound half-siblings, in search of answers about their elusive father. What they find will change every single one of them, and the entire world, for the better. 

Although there is a LOT of swearing, the storyline is compelling and the characters are so real that readers will be drawn in almost immediately. Besides the obvious themes of wrestling with what makes us who we are - is it DNA, or is it something else? - are other broad and powerful themes. Woven throughout are subtle lessons about being addicted to the “likes” of social media, becoming buried in our phones, and how to be present in our modern world. Crippling anxiety is another recurring theme, along with how to come to terms with being unable to control everything. Personal growth, finding resilience and bravery within ourselves, refusing to let others define and limit us, the beauty and majesty of every living thing on the earth, and the complicated definitions of what makes a “family” are just a few of the reasons readers will find Harper’s journey so profound and personal. Absolutely moving, this is one of my favorite reads in a long, long time. Most of the main characters are Caucasian, but there are multiple side characters from many different cultures, orientations, and backgrounds. LGBTQ relationships mentioned.

Tammie H, Librarian