Still True

By: Maggie Ginsberg

Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley

Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

One summer evening, Lib Hanson is confronted by her painful past when Matt Marlow, the forty-year-old son she abandoned as an infant, shows up on her porch. Fiercely independent, Lib has never revealed her son's existence—or her previous marriage—to her husband, Jack. Married nearly three decades but living in separate houses (to the confusion but acceptance of their neighbors), they enjoy an ease and comfort together in small-town Anthem, Wisconsin. But Jack is a stickler for honesty, and Lib's long-dormant secret threatens to unravel their lives.

When ten-year-old Charlie Taylor arrives at Jack's workshop shortly thereafter, he's not the first kid in town to need help with a flat tire, and Jack gladly makes the repair to his bike. The Taylors are new to Anthem, and Jack soon discovers that Charlie and his mom, Claire, are struggling to fit in, even as Charlie's dad, Dan, is thriving in his new job. Extending friendship and kindness, as well as introductions around the local cafe, Jack assumes a grandfatherly role. What he doesn't see is the drinking that Claire hides from everyone, or the secret son that Lib has allowed to move into her house and the growing attraction between Claire and Matt. When the terrible events of a fateful evening threaten everyone's carefully crafted lives, they must each determine the value of truth for the ones they love.

©2022 Maggie Ginsberg (P)2023 Tantor

A masterclass on human relationships

More than just a good story, as all great books should, Still True draws you into the lives of these characters as if their experiences were your own. Ginsberg shares her innate understanding of human relationships through gorgeous prose and story crafting that rivals any of the masters. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this debut effort.

The storyline

I am not typically a huge reader by any means, however this storyline was so captivating that I would get so excited to drive to work and listen to ‘Still True.’ The author set the scene perfectly in order to tie all the details together throughout the rest of the story. The relationship between lib and Jack and their small town friends was what kept me turning each page. ‘Still true’ is written in a way that during the read you would have 5 different ways for the story to end which is so intriguing. You HAVE to keep reading to the very last period.

Such a good storyline, fresh new ideas

I loved this book. Great storyline with many twists and turns to keep the story flowing. Interesting characters, believable and real. The narration was done well and added to the enjoyment of the book. I hope the author write more books as this was her first.