A Journey of Identity and Faith: My Take on Someone Like You
As someone who is perpetually intrigued by stories that delve into the complexities of identity, I found myself drawn to Someone Like You by Karen Kingsbury, the sixth installment in The Baxter Family series. Though my previous experience with Kingsbury’s Truly, Madly, Deeply left me less than impressed due to its writing quality, I was hopeful that this latest offering would provide a thoughtful exploration of embryo adoption—an issue close to my heart. What unfolded was both a captivating premise and a bumpy ride through character dynamics and faith, leaving me with mixed feelings.
At the heart of the story is Maddie, who learns about her unconventional origins just as she’s preparing to graduate from college. Her parents, Peter and Brooke, had opted for embryo adoption but chose to keep this life-altering truth from her, claiming that “life got in the way.” While I empathize with the chaos that often envelops family life, I can’t help but question how parents can bear to withhold such a foundational piece of their child’s identity. It raises the urgent question: how do we define “family”? This theme of identity interweaves beautifully with the pain of secrets, but unfortunately, the emotional depth wasn’t always reflected in the execution.
Kingsbury presents dual storylines, one involving London—a character whose arc intertwines tragically with Maddie’s. London’s story takes a dark turn when she finds herself in a near-fatal accident, and her subsequent “death bed conversion” felt rushed and unconvincing to me. It seemed as if the author needed that moment to propel the plot forward but didn’t lend it the care it deserved. The writing is, at times, choppy and filled with ellipses that distract from rather than enhance the narrative.
Maddie’s confrontations with her parents, particularly upon learning the truth about her origins, stand out as some of the more poignant moments in the book. Their dialogue crackled with the tension of betrayal, and I felt a bittersweet ache in my chest as she navigated the tumult of mixed emotions. Yet, McKinney’s quick camaraderie with Dawson—who journeys to find Maddie after learning about her existence—felt somewhat shallow. His tendency to compare her to London didn’t contribute much to their evolving relationship and seemed more like wooden plot progression than authentic connection.
This brings me to Maddie’s fiancé, Connor, whose dismissive attitude toward her feelings about her adoption was troubling. Rather than provide valuable conflict, his emotional rigidity felt more like a plot device, glossing over opportunities for genuine character development. It’s frustrating when potential conflicts fade into the background instead of enriching the storyline.
And while I appreciated Kingsbury’s intention to weave in faith and hope, the delivery often felt forced, overshadowing the narrative. As an adoptive advocate, I found her simplistic portrayal of embryo adoption problematic; it commodified something as sacred as family.
In conclusion, Someone Like You may resonate with readers seeking quick, faith-based fiction filled with family drama. However, if you’re like me and approach these topics with a deeper lens, you might find yourself grappling with the writing’s unevenness and the superficial treatment of profound themes. For me, this book served as a reminder of the importance of narrative integrity, particularly when diving into sensitive subjects that deserve thoughtful exploration. I’m left reflecting on both the characters’ journeys and my own understanding of identity, faith, and family—a discourse I believe is vital.
If you enjoy light Christian fiction with elements of drama, you may find value in this book; just know it may not be the profound exploration you’re seeking.
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