Book Details

Being is Better by Marjorie Jackson.
Series: Better Together, #1, #1
Published by Emery Press Books on 10/16/2021
Genres: Disability, Fiction / Coming of Age, Family Life, Friendship
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 314

Fourteen-year-old Amber has battled medical challenges – specifically epilepsy – her whole life. Due to her physical limitations, she has no friends but does her best to trudge through each day with a smile.

Fellow “middle-school senior” Missy has struggles of her own. Following her brother’s death in Afghanistan, her father uprooted them from everything familiar, only to divorce Missy’s mother and move away, leaving Missy friendless and angry, forced to care for her deeply depressed mother.

Two girls with different pasts, both fighting loneliness.

Can they learn to overcome life’s struggles and tragedies? Can they find each other and battle teen awkwardness together?

Source: Received from the author or publisher for review.

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Purchase Links for Being Is Better

Amazon-Paperback

Amazon-Kindle

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My thoughts on Being Is Better

Being is Better is a Middle-Grade or Young-Adult novel that will touch the heart of every reader, no matter their age.

Fourteen-year-old Amber has epilepsy which causes her to blank out, have memory issues, fatigue, and as expected, trouble fitting in at school.

Missy is also a “senior” in middle school. After her brother was killed in Afghanistan, her father moved them to a new area. Her mother is struggling with depression, leaving Missy lost, friendless, and overwhelmed.

When the two finally meet, their sweet friendship gives them both some salvation.

The story is told from dual points of view. It did take a bit too long for them to meet, in my opinion. But that is probably because I was so anxious for each girl. Hidden diseases can be such a difficult subject to deal with. I thought the author handled these with care and empathy. The writing style is excellent and I learned so much from reading this book.

While Amber has a great support system at home, her problems stem mostly from issues at school. Middle-Grade is tough on everyone, let alone someone labeled as “different”. That is a hard issue for any child to overcome. Missy has absolutely no support at home but relishes her new friendship. Amber’s family does a wonderful job of including Missy in their life.

The tale shines a spotlight on many areas of life, friendship, teens, depression, and epilepsy that you don’t normally see covered in a book aimed at this age group. I found it delightfully refreshing.

I highly recommend this story to all readers. The next book in the series is already out so no waiting. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Missy and Amber.

I received a digital copy of the book from the author or publisher to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

Read my review of Book Two, Beyond Invisible.

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About Marjorie Jackson.

Marjorie Jackson

Somewhat of a late-blooming author, Marjorie "Marji" Jackson wrote her Better Together Duology in her fifties. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she was a passionate crafter and volunteer.

She lived with her family in beautiful, rural Colorado amongst the deer and the antelope, before succumbing to a rare breast cancer in January 2021, which she had fought for two years with grace.

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