The Center of Everything

THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING by Laura Moriarty Set in the 1980s, this story follows Evelyn Bucknow at fourth grade and through to her high school graduation. Evelyn lives with her single mom, Christina (Tina), in an apartment complex located in the small town of Kerrville, Kansas. At first I didn’t like this character driven, coming of age story, but as I kept reading the characters eventually grew on me. I loved and hated all of them at certain points in the story. I appreciate how the life choices of the characters were explored instead of being glossed over or glamorized. I was a little kid in the 80s, but I do remember some things about that era. I appreciated the references to Ocean Pacific sweatshirts, Keds and friendship pins! Overall, despite the abrupt yet hopeful ending, I really enjoyed this. It was a bit slow paced, but it’s a compelling, relatable, well written story. Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

I usually avoid books featuring child narrators like the plague, but when I recently picked up The Center of Everything, the writing was so winsome and Evelyn and her mother's precarious situation so compelling that I kept reading. And I'm so glad I did, because I got a lot more than I bargained for: The Center of Everything is a novel that I actively looked forward to returning to every night so I could see what the characters were up to, and toward the end I rationed out the pages so I could stay in Moriarty's Kerrville, Kansas a while longer. The character of Tina is a particular triumph; Moriarty gives her wit and warmth and shatters preconceptions about welfare mothers while remaining true to situation. Wise and compassionate and laugh-aloud funny, The Center of Everything is a book to be treasured and reread. Wonderful novel.

I really enjoyed this book. But in reference to other comments, why in the world is it that some reviewers feel the need to summarize the entire book thereby giving way too much away for the new reader? I find it so disturbing that I now just quickly glance at the number of stars given and never, ever delve into a lengthy review. After you read some of these, why read the book? I hate that.....

The writing is excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Through the fresh voice of a wise young girl, Evelyn Bucknow, her life in the state of Kansas and all the supporting characters surrounding her come alive. She is indeed the center of everything and we immediately respect her--especially her ability to rise above very unfortunate circumstances. No matter how eccentric, bizarre or pathetic the people in her life are, we see them through her loving eyes. Even characters that might be considered villains, her proud and bitter mother, the snobby classmate and her equally snobby sidekick for example, are all presented with redeeming qualities. With several historical references, even if they're only as far back as the 1980s, the story is believable and well told. We've all shared many of Evelyn's thoughts while coming of age. A quick read with exceptional attention to detail, I think it's well worth your time. Michele Cozzens, Author of A Line Between Friends and The Things I Wish I'd Said.

I was quite surprised to read that the previous reviewer found this book "depressing", I found it completely inspiring...my daughter saw this book in SEVENTEEN Magazine and HAD to have it...she loved it so much that I read it as well....my husband is reading it now, too...I wish this book had been around when I was growing up....the main character, Evelyn, does face many hardships, and Moriarty completely nails what it feels like to live on the outskirts of nowhereville, but she learns through trial and error that your choices define you more than your circumstances....the voice of Evelyn rings so true, and I love that the mother, Tina, is neither a saint nor a sinner...details about the 1980's, from a child's perspective, bring the story to life...I am going to recommend this book to everyone...anyone who feels that life isn't always fair will find this book inspiring....very well written, apparently this is her first novel, and I would love to read more of her work.

Laura Moriarty is a wonderful new writer, who has come up with a winner with her first novel. This is nominally the story of Evelyn Bucknow, of Kerrville, KS, daughter of a struggling single mom, and granddaughter of a kind, evangelical grandmother. But really, this is Moriarty's attempt to paint an illuminative portrait of the kind of family who got lost in the shuffle in Ronald Reagan's America (the story takes place in the 1980's, when Reagan is the president). And she succeeds beautifully, with a fully realized portrait. She treats this family, and all of the books' characters, with so much dignity and respect that it is impossible not to root for all of them. Laura Moriarty is going to change the way we look at poverty in this country, as well as the way we look at the state of Kansas (where I happen to live!).