The Undoing of Thistle Tate by Katelyn Detweiler (272 pages)
The Undoing Of Thistle Tate Starts With A Secret
Thistle Tate is a seventeen-year-old bestselling author. Her Lemonade Skies series is super popular (think Twilight or Hunger Games) and the deadline for the third and final book is only weeks away. And she just kissed her long-time best friend, crush, and next-door neighbour, Liam, for the first time. But Thistle’s hiding a dark secret: She’s not the actual author of the books that bear her name. (And I’m not telling who is!) When Thistle meets superfan Emma and her cute brother, Oliver, the guilt becomes unbearable. Then an accident tilts her world, and the deadline for the third book passes without the book being finished. With her unknowing agent and editor nagging her, Thistle tries to craft an ending with Oliver and Emma’s help. But just as she’s convinced she can write the last few chapters, her secret gets leaked to a big-time blogger, and her life comes undone around her.
Compelling Family Drama And A Great Love Triangle
The concept of this one drew me in easily—a teenage author with a secret plus romance and family drama? I was sold, and luckily, the story lived up to my expectations. When Thistle was a toddler, her mother passed away in a car accident, and her father has always refused to talk about her. But now, in the midst of the authorial drama, and maybe in an effort to get some perspective on it, Thistle demands answers about her mom. What she learns changes what she’s always thought into something a bit harder to understand. Yet, this family storyline doesn’t overpower the confusion of the love triangle (which I loved!). Liam’s always been there for Thistle, but their new relationship isn’t perfect. And when she meets Oliver, she’s enraptured by his natural charisma. The classic trope (the always-there boy next door vs. the new, mysterious boy) didn’t feel overplayed or underdone. It felt just right, especially as complications made Thistle’s decision… well, complicated.
The Bottom Line: 4/5 Brookie Stars
The Undoing of Thistle Tate is an intriguing peek into the world of publishing and an inspiring take on family relationships. I enjoyed it for its introspective look at human connection and mental health, as well as the easygoing but still gripping romance. If you’re looking for a book that’s bookish but also carries deep themes of family, health, and love, I recommend this one!
Looking for something new to read? Head over to our Brookstore to see what’s available!
Jamie Mitchell is a writer, library assistant, former bookseller, and all-around lover of the written word. She’s currently working on her fifth novel, and if you’re wondering where the other four are, they’re safe on her laptop and in need of rewriting. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband, and enjoys traveling, bookstagramming and experimenting with gluten-free flours.
Favourite book: Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Favourite brunch spot: 1823 Bakehouse
