Book Review: Ignoring Gravity

By Sara Steven

There were two primary reasons I felt drawn to Ignoring Gravity. The close relationship I have with my younger sister, number one. The second reason: there was a brief time during my childhood where I was convinced I was adopted. This paranoia was brought on by a passing joke my paternal grandmother told to a friend of hers, not knowing I was in the other room and had heard every word. She told her friend that I must be the mail man’s child, because at eight years old, I didn’t look at all like my father or other relatives in my family. When I heard that, I took it seriously and began to question who my real father was and my identity. A lot to take on when you’re a child, yet it’s a lot to take on for anyone, even for an adult like Rose Haldane.

Rose Haldane is confident about her identity. She pulls the same face as her grandfather when she has to do something she doesn’t want to do, she knows her DNA is the same as his. Except it isn’t: because Rose is adopted and doesn’t know it.

Ignoring Gravity connects two pairs of sisters separated by a generation of secrets. Finding her mother’s lost diaries, Rose begins to understand why she has always seemed the outsider in her family, why she feels so different from her sister Lily. Then just when she thinks there can’t be any more secrets...(Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

After Rose discovers the truth, she makes it her mission in finding out who her biological parents are. In doing so, she creates a lot of chaos within her relationships, primarily with Lily, who is dealing with family drama of her own. Should Rose back down and accept the life she has been given, or should she continue to seek out the life she may have had? The bigger question: Who is Rose, exactly?

I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns that accompanied the characters in this book. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, and knew who Rose’s parents were, the plot would take a sharp detour. I really felt as though I was with Rose on this journey of self-discovery, and when she finally unravels the secrets that have been decades in the making, I was as shocked as she was.

Looking back at my own family photos, it’s quite apparent that I’m my father’s daughter, especially now that I’m a grown-up. We look a lot more alike than I’d ever thought possible. I think for Rose and her family, she will always be a true Haldane, no matter what the outcome. Family is family, and it’s what (and who) you make of it that counts the most. A fantastic read!

Thanks to Sandra Danby for the book in exchange for an honest review.