A Million Things

By: Emily Spurr

Narrated by: Rebecca Bower

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Rae is 10 years old, and she’s tough. She’s had to be: life with her mother has taught her the world is not her friend. Now suddenly her mum is gone and Rae is alone, except for her dog Splinter.

Rae can do a lot of things pretty well for a kid. She can take care of herself and Splints, stay under the radar at school and keep the front yard neat enough that the neighbours won’t get curious. But she is gnawed at by fear and sadness, haunted by the shadow of a terrible secret.

Lettie, who lives next door, might know more about Rae than she lets on. But she has her own reasons for keeping the world at arm’s length. When Rae finds out what they are, it seems like she and Lettie could help each other.

But how long can a friendship last when it’s based on secrets?

Tender, funny, heartbreaking - A Million Things is a story of grief and resilience, told with eloquent simplicity. In brave, spiky Rae, Emily Spurr has created a character you will never forget.

©2021 Emily Spurr (P)2021 W F Howes

Critic reviews

“An original and impressively assured debut. A gem of a novel.” (Graeme Simsion)

“Poignant, uplifting and beautifully written.” (Catherine Jinks)

"Direct, assured writing, hard-hitting emotion and a wonderful sense of optimism. A Million Things is a debut to treasure, with characters whose dignity shines through their struggles.” (Jock Serong)

Oh jeeeez. This should be a classic

This book made me really care about these characters. They were so real, even the absent one's. They were rich and fit into their world so well. Even the minor characters came alive.

Such a good book. But be careful you will cry. Cry a lot.

Rebecca Bower has done a brilliant job with this narration. Her Australian accent may bother some people, as the referencing Australian geography may. But this is an Australian book and we are so used to British places and accents, American places and accents so it shouldn't be too hard for them to get used to Australian accents and places.

Such a good book!