Review of This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg
I have to give a huge shoutout to the publishers for introducing me to Marit Weisenberg! Her storytelling prowess in This Golden State has firmly placed her on my radar, and yes, I’ve already added her other book, Insomniacs, to my excessively overflowing TBR pile. From the start, this book pulls you into a whirlwind of mystery, family ties, and the heart-wrenching struggles of a life lived on the edge.
At the center of this gripping tale is the Winslow family (though that’s not their real name), grappling with a set of rules that dictate their existence. Running for 17 years, they lead a nomadic life, switching states every four months and staying hidden from those who might seek to pull them apart. Rule one? No one can know your real name. Rule two? Don’t stay in one place too long. It’s a heart-pounding premise—the constant tension, along with their close-knit poker nights, offers a poignant glimpse into their unique yet fragile family dynamic. When 17-year-old Poppy, the story’s protagonist, starts asking questions about her past, it spirals them into a dangerous abyss she never anticipated.
The initial quarter of the book had me on the edge of my seat—I couldn’t put it down! I found myself chewing through my nails and nearly ruining my favorite cushion out of sheer tension. The early suspense kept me hooked as I witnessed the family navigating their precarious world under constantly changing identities. But then, just as I was bracing myself for more thrills, the story transitioned into young adult romance with the introduction of Harrison Addison, a rich and charming boy. Here, Weisenberg seamlessly blends two genres, creating a captivating narrative that reveals how Poppy’s relationship with Harrison unfolds against the backdrop of her family secrets.
Poppy’s journey toward discovering her family’s truth is a tense yet beautifully crafted experience. The search for answers initially feels like an innocent teenager merely wanting to know more about her identity, but it quickly transforms into a deeper exploration of loyalty and fear. My personal connection to her struggle with obedience and fear of the truth was palpable—there were moments I was exasperated with her! Why wouldn’t she question more? But then, I quickly understood her motivations through her rebellious little sister, Emma, who embodies the spirit of defiance that Poppy hesitates to embrace.
The writing style is engaging and fluid, with pacing that matches the family’s tumultuous life beautifully. The characters are meticulously developed, making their struggles and triumphs feel authentic. Dan, Poppy’s father, stands out as my favorite character. His complex backstory adds depth to the narrative and his unwavering love for his family resonates deeply.
My only qualm? The abrupt ending left me yearning for more. I found myself with pages of questions, hoping for a sequel because there’s so much left unresolved. I can already imagine penning a fan email to Weisenberg pleading for answers!
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend This Golden State to anyone who loves a gripping tale of family dynamics intertwined with a dash of romance and mystery. It’s a thrilling ride that will keep you on your toes and, like me, might just leave you hungry for more. If you enjoyed the dark twists of Ozark combined with the emotional depth of a coming-of-age story, this one is definitely for you. Trust me—you won’t regret diving into this wild journey!