BOOK REVIEW: The Secret to Belonging

 

THE SECRET TO BELONGING
by Megan E. Freeman
Available September 15

Finding your way in the world as a young adult is never easy; doubly so if your family is especially difficult. The heroine of The Secret to Belonging knows this all too well, and unravels what it means to escape from a toxic life and find oneself abroad — all in second-person verse.

Because, well, "you" are the protagonist of this story: a young woman in the 80s who goes to the top of the world to find out who she really is.

Our narrator lives in a home in which she is all but invisible, her parents' focus being entirely on her self-destructive brother. When her college fund disappears, she takes another opportunity: studying abroad in the north of Norway. She leaves for 13 months knowing none of the language, learning as she goes. She finds friends along the way, warmth from a welcoming host family, and even love with a local boy. With time to live for herself, she discovers life's highs and lows: the joy of learning a language, the beauty of creativity, and the heartbreak of betrayal from friends. And all these experiences together give her the strength to make a life-changing decision when the time comes.

If you come from a difficult family yourself, The Secret to Belonging isn't an easy read. But that's the sign of a good and relatable book. If it hits something in you at some point, no matter how painful, it's doing its job. And this book is equal parts beautiful and difficult, pulling the reader from the glory of the Northern Lights to the tragedy of a family tearing itself apart from the inside.

The form of this book isn't just for show, either. Freeman's free-flowing verse throws the reader right in the midst of the protagonist's feelings, the second-person format inviting you to really feel these moments in your own heart. It's a book that's easy to lose yourself in, one that moves quickly but still feels full. It's a warning to recognize when your life is at a dead end and needs changing. And it's a testament to the transformative nature of travel, even (and especially) when you plunge in with no safety net.

TEA PAIRING: Magical Library Butterbrew
This butterscotch black tea reminds me of candy and comfort during cold, dark winters. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Owens' Apothecary
This month's featured candle blends cocoa cake and rosemary scents to give the ambience of a cozy shop... or, perhaps, a cozy family home like the one our heroine visits. Be sure to check out more seasonal and book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!