Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes

By: Kathleen West

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Perfect for fans of Where’d You Go, Bernadette and Small Admissions, a wry and cleverly observed debut novel about the privileged bubble that is Liston Heights High—the micro-managing parents, the overworked teachers, and the students caught in the middle—and the fallout for each of them when the bubble finally bursts.

When a devoted teacher comes under pressure for her progressive curriculum and a helicopter mom goes viral on social media, two women at odds with each other find themselves in similar predicaments, having to battle back from certain social ruin.

Isobel Johnson has spent her career in Liston Heights sidestepping the community’s high-powered families. But when she receives a threatening voicemail accusing her of Anti-Americanism and a liberal agenda, she’s in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Julia Abbott, obsessed with the casting of the school’s winter musical, makes an error in judgment that has far-reaching consequences for her entire family.

Brought together by the sting of public humiliation, Isobel and Julia learn firsthand how entitlement and competition can go too far, thanks to a secret Facebook page created as an outlet for parent grievances. The Liston Heights High student body will need more than a strong sense of school spirit to move past these campus dramas in an engrossing debut novel that addresses parents behaving badly and teenagers speaking up, even against their own families.

Critic reviews

"A wry, engaging debut."--People magazine, on Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes

More praise for Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes

"Just as good as Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies."--Kirkus (starred review)

"Fans of Where'd You Go Bernadette will flip for this clever, drama filled debut novel."--Woman's World

"A smart and delightful story of entitlement, friendship, and overparenting, with page-turning twists galore. West writes across lines of class and generation with grace and ease. A big-hearted debut."--Bruce Holsinger, author of The Gifted School

"As intriguing as it is timely. West provides a funny and shocking glimpse into American parenting through the lens of an out-of-control stage mother who has lost all sense of boundaries."--Amy Poeppel, author of Limelight

"A cutting and witty examination of modern parenting that excels in suburban relatability, West's debut novel will pique the curiosity of fans of Maria Semple's Where'd You Go, Bernadette."--Booklist

"Helicopter parenting and high school politics at their worst--and funniest. A smart, fast-paced, and deliciously entertaining debut!"--Meg Donohue, USA Today bestselling author of You, Me, and The Sea

So much deeper than at first expected!

On the surface, this appears to be a light, rather satirical view of a privileged community and the school located there. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the author has so much more to impart. She has created multi-faceted characters, The kind of people we have all encountered in our every day lives. Their trials and tribulations, hopes and dreams, echo those of every person existing in the world today. This is a poignant, powerful story, one I am eager for the world to embrace.

Good read.

I loved it! At first it was hard to keep up with everyone but once I got them all down I loved it! such a good little story!

Moms Behaving Badly

With multi layers, entertaining characters, insightful social commentary and sharp-witted dialogue this was a really SOLID satisfying read. The narration was perfect, Julia Whelan is always on point!! If you’re looking for a “smart”ish escape, this one is such FUN!!!!

Definitely enjoyed it

Light read. This performer is my favorite....she could read me some economics book and I'd love it. Its a good story.

Awful adults, great kids

Audible listen. The wonderful narrator Julia Whelan elevates every book she reads.

Parents and teachers behaving badly. Nearly every adult in MINOR DRAMAS & OTHER CATASTROPHES is awful and the ones who aren’t terrible are only slightly above average. The kids behave more maturely than the adults, and they made the book listenable.

I had empathy for Isobel, she didn’t push the envelope beyond what a good English teacher would, though I can see why the heads helicopter parents would explode. I’d want my child to be taught by an Isobel.

MINOR DRAMAS & OTHER CATASTROPHES is an above average story only IF you have a high tolerance for privileges characters behaving badly.