Another Life follows the stories of single mother April, her daughter Laura, Paul, and Ben - - all members of the same church and all struggling to cope with their personal circumstances. The story is told in alternating viewpoints by each of the characters. What I liked most about the book was that each of these characters did seem real to me and multi-dimensional. They struggled within their own minds, and readers were made privy to these struggles in a way that let the reader remain sympathetic to the characters even when they were making poor decisions.

Unfortunately, I do think the book tried to tackle a bit too much . . .the dangers of online dating, homosexuality, substance abuse, foster care, race, abortion, religious hypocrisy, teen pregnancy, inappropriate relationships, divorce - - all of these were at least touched upon. It was too much.

In addition, the level of writing felt very young adult, but I'm very unclear on whether or not that was the target audience. There were a few scenes that made me think it wasn't, but all the other elements and how it was written seemed like young adult is the right target. Personally, I think that is the demographic that will enjoy this story the most.

Finally, the epilogue seemed to wrap up the stories of April and Laura nicely, but the reader is left hanging about what happens to Paul and Ben in the end. It felt a little unfinished.

Thanks to Netgalley for a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )