Summary of Pieced Together, by Jenn Faulk

Welcome to the wonderful (and somewhat chaotic) world of Pieced Together, where the pieces of life are anything but straightforward! Jenn Faulk's 2019 novel whisks us away on a journey filled with family drama, secrets, and the kind of relationships that make you wonder if therapy should really be included in the family plan.

At the heart of this tale is none other than Laney, our protagonist, who is navigating through the maze that is her life. She's like a puzzle with a few missing pieces, desperately trying to fit everything together while also trying not to lose her mind in the process. Laney's life gets a serious shake-up when her estranged grandmother, a woman with a penchant for secrets and an impressive talent for stirring the pot, re-enters her life. And let's just say, think of this reunion as a family dinner where someone inevitably spills the beans. Yup, things are about to get messy.

As the plot unfolds, Laney is forced to confront her past, her dysfunctional family, and all those lovely skeletons lurking in the closet. Seriously, there's enough drama here to fill an entire season of The Real Housewives. With each chapter, readers are treated to a comedic twist on the notion of 'family values'-because nothing says 'I love you' quite like airing your dirty laundry in public, right?

Then there's the romantic subplot, because what's a family saga without a little romance? Cue the swoon-worthy love interest, who might just be the human equivalent of a warm cookie fresh out of the oven-comforting, but perhaps not the best for your heart health. Spoiler alert: Laney's love life is about as tangled as her family tree, leaving us all guessing as to whether she'll ever figure it out or just need to hire a genealogist on the side.

But wait, there's more! Laney and her family aren't just piecing together their relationships; they're also confronting the reality of their own identities. As they unearth long-buried emotions and tackle those oh-so-awkward conversations, we're reminded that sometimes, family is what you make of it, not just who you're related to by blood. It's all very enlightening, or maybe a bit of a psychological rollercoaster-but definitely in a relatable way that makes you nod along in agreement (or horror).

Pieced Together is, at its core, a humorous yet poignant look at the complexities of familial bonds and the crazy ways we try to hold our lives together. So, if you enjoy tales where family reunions are fraught with tension, laughter, and more secrets than you can shake a stick at, grab your metaphorical glue and dive into this delightful mess. Trust me, you'll want to experience the wild ride of Laney's life-just don't forget to hold on tight!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.