Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers’ Favorite

Nora is a forty-year-old woman who enjoys the same routine. She, her husband, Brad, and their two children vacation in the same place every year. However, this year her husband decides to disrupt their routine. Brad confesses to Nora that he wants a separation. He tells her that he feels confused, unhappy, boxed in, and needs some time to figure things out. This news hits Nora hard. She thought everything was perfect and that they had a great marriage. But when Nora asks him what made him unhappy, Brad doesn't give her a proper explanation. Thus, Nora begins to blame herself. The separation confuses their children as well. Will Nora and Brad regain their earlier relationship or get a divorce? You can find out more in Becoming Nora by Margaret Farrell Kirby.

Becoming Nora is a profoundly rich and moving portrait of losing yourself and becoming your own person in equal measure. It's a gripping story filled with the ups and downs of marriage that’s masterfully constructed. Nora's development entranced me. This remarkable story explores the cost of not developing a solid identity and not expressing your wants and needs in your marriage. Margaret Farrell Kirby compels us to contemplate the complex dynamics of marriage and family life. Between relatable marriage issues, inspiring character development, and plot twists, this is a book to treasure and share. It especially reminds married women with kids to stop feeling responsible for other people's happiness or to make things right for everyone.