The Search for Us

THE SEARCH FOR US is a moving YA contemporary about family, responsibility, and coming of age. The story follows Samira and Henry, who are each struggling in their current family situations and wanting to find the father that has been missing from their lives for so many years. Instead, they find each other through the DNA tests that they take.

Samira lives with her grandmother and alcoholic older brother. She has taken on responsibility for her family since her grandfather passed and asked her to look out for them. However, managing her brother's alcoholism, her grandmother's feelings, and her distant mother's relaxed attitude causes her a great deal of stress. Though she wants to go to college and become an entrepreneur, her responsibility for her family may prevent her from reaching her goals.

Henry plays hockey and might be going to college on a hockey scholarship, even though he is not really sure he likes the sport. He has been raised by his Mom and Dad, who are really his aunt and uncle, with his Mama in the picture. This has created a lot of conflict, as his mothers frequently compete for his affection and attention in destructive ways. His aunt and uncle have a multitude of plans for him that he does not agree with, but their severity prevents him from doing what he actually wants - until he meets his sister and he finds himself beginning to consider his own wants and needs.

Their journey to find their father is moving and compelling, with plenty of self-discovery along the way.

What I loved: This was a really moving read about complicated family dynamics, mental illness, alcoholism, parentification, prejudice, parental expectations, coming of age, and finding your own path. Samira and Henry are each dealing with big things in their personal lives, and it is these things that help them to decide to reach out for the seemingly-mythical father they never got a chance to know by taking a DNA test.

Both Samira and Henry are easy to like. Their character arcs are compelling in their own ways as they begin to examine their childhood, their families, and determine what they want their place in their families and the world to be. Samira is beginning to learn that she does not need to bear the responsibility for everyone. Henry is learning to separate himself from parental expectations and hurt to stand up for himself. Each perspective was consuming and heartfelt in its own right, and they blended together seamlessly to create a genuine and emotional read.

The story brings a lot of closure for both characters, and I found it very satisfying. The pacing was just right, with plenty to keep readers engaged along the path to finding their father and getting to know the family they never knew.

Final verdict: With powerful themes and heartfelt characters, THE SEARCH FOR US is a genuine and moving YA contemporary about family, finding your path, and coming of age. Highly recommend picking this one up!