Char reviews and loves ‘Statistically Speaking’

Your past shapes who you are and how you handle things. Some people have a harder childhood, and because of that, they tend to run when stressed and don’t make roots. Gemma in ‘Statistically Speaking’ by Debbie Johnson does just that. With her own past haunting her, she runs from anything that could create roots.

Gemma had a baby at sixteen, and she gave that baby away for adoption. That baby is about to turn eighteen, and Gemma has thought about her every day. As a high school teacher, Gemma’s life looks like any other thirty-something. She has friends and someone she’s interested in, but no one knows about her past. One day, at the start of a new term, a girl stands in the way of everything Gemma has held close. The girl could be the baby she gave away. Does she want to go through the pain of finding her daughter? Will she set down roots or run when given the chance?

This book is a beautiful work of fiction. While I was never pregnant as a teenager or given a baby up for adoption, I found the characters to be incredibly relatable. I appreciated Gemma’s struggles, which felt so real and human. I can see how doing this at a young age could change your future. I would also be like Gemma and think about that child every day. I loved how supportive the people around her were and how Katie handled the situation. Also, I think everyone should dance out their problems! The writing was so heartfelt that sometimes I felt like sitting in the room with Gemma and Margrie. Overall, I just felt surprised by how well this book played out. I loved the characters and the writing. Anyone can find something in this book to enjoy.