Heart-wrenching, emotional, compulsively readable. A touching, intimate exploration of universal themes of trust, conformity, and the impact of family dynamics.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Offering warmth alongside a detailed account of Jewish traditions, a family trying its best in difficult situations, and a sensitive depiction of grief and its solaces, it’s a rich and complex book for readers navigating new independence.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A moving, gorgeous, and life-affirming exploration of grief, faith, and how we can build ourselves a joyous life after everything seems to have fallen to pieces. This book will leave a handprint on your heart.” — Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of In the Wild Light
“I was swept away by Naomi Milliner’s The Trouble With Secrets. A moving and heart-opening book, its story and characters are unforgettable. Milliner's intimate focus on love and loss in a close-knit Jewish family makes this a very universal story, written with tremendous grace. It is a beautiful novel that will appeal to readers of all backgrounds who have borne the weight of carrying secrets for too long.” — Ruth Behar, author of Pura Belpre Award winner Lucky Broken Girl and Newbery Honor winner Across So Many Seas
“The Trouble With Secrets immediately captures the reader with a vivid, engaging cast of characters who will make their way into your heart and stay there. Becky is a protagonist to root for — flawed but goodhearted and full of love. Her journey to understand what is right and what matters is one that will resonate with readers and keep them turning pages all the way to the bittersweet finale.” — Mari Lowe, author of National Jewish Book Award and Sydney Taylor Book Award winner The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman and Sydney Taylor Book Award winner Aviva vs. the Dybbuk
“Heartfelt. An intimate, unfiltered look at tragedy and grief in one contemporary family.” — Booklist
“The novel’s impactful and detailed Jewish representation makes this a story worth reading, and may act as a teaching tool for cultural education and a love letter to Jewish tradition. A rich novel depicting the dangers of keeping secrets and the power of enduring love and promises after sudden loss.” — School Library Journal
“Addresses a sensitive topic with a welcome portrayal of characters rethinking long-held assumptions.” — Horn Book Magazine
Dara Rosenberg excels at narrating this emotional audiobook, which begins as seventh-grader Becky is dressing for her older sister Sara's funeral. Rosenberg leads listeners from the sad "Now" chapter to the lighter "Before" chapters, when Becky secretly "borrows" her mother's credit card to get her beloved older brother a gift. The theme of secrets is introduced against the backdrop of a loving Jewish family, and Rosenberg warmly invites listeners into their traditions. Tension mounts as Sara fears her father's disapproval and hides the fact that she's dating a non-Jew, a deadly mistake. Past and present meet with Sara's death and the grief that consumes the family before they right themselves by revealing truths and tenderness. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine
★ 2025-02-01
A Maryland seventh grader prepares to become a bat mitzvah while still worrying about typical middle school challenges.
From the dramatic opening sequence, readers are deeply immersed in 12-year-old Becky’s world, infused with food, friends, and family traditions. As part of a close-knit Jewish family, dark-haired, blue-eyed Becky, a talented flutist, navigates the pressures of observant life as a rabbi’s daughter while comparing herself to her seemingly perfect siblings. From maintaining appearances, to making questionable decisions, to grappling with interfaith relationships, the depiction of loving relationships among Becky and her siblings, parents, friends, and extended family is central to the charm of the story. Becky’s kind-natured good intentions come through in her actions, such as supporting a friend or choosing thoughtful presents for her brothers. But as she discovers the dangers of idealizing those around her and makes her own flawed choices, the tension rises. Employing a dual timeline, Milliner’s sophomore novel juxtaposes poetic present-day vignettes with richly detailed chapters set in the past, together showing Becky’s insights and growth. This heart-wrenching, emotional, compulsively readable work traces the evolution of secrets and lies. From minor omissions to catastrophic revelations, they strain relationships and test unshakable bonds, leading to tragedy but ultimately concluding with hope and a clearer path to self-awareness and understanding.
A touching, intimate exploration of universal themes of trust, conformity, and the impact of family dynamics.(Fiction. 8-12)
