No More Empty Spaces: A Novel

by D.J. Green

It’s 1973 and Will Ross, a divorced American geologist, has signed on to work on a troubled dam in a remote, rugged part of Turkey. He decides to take his children with him, but they think they’re only going for their usual two-week stint of shared custody, not to live there. Once in Turkey, Will struggles for control—of his family, his work, the landscape the dam is to be built on, and, ultimately, himself. Alongside these emotional conflicts, he, his children, and everyone else involved in the dam face powerful external forces—of erosion, dissolution, landslides, and earthquakes. Whether they let themselves see it or not, natural hazards impact their lives every day. And so do their intractable human natures. Science can help them understand those forces and engineering can help control them, but each character gradually comes to realize that the landscape they stand upon, and the landscapes of their lives, will shift and shake regardless of the choices they make. The question, then, how will they respond?

Timely and gripping, No More Empty Spaces will make you think about how you relate to yourself, your family, and the Earth and its ever-changing processes.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2025

Reviews

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 effort for geologist turned author D. J. Green, as she takes us to Turkey in 1973-75 time period during which a dam is being constructed and which provides a lot of the drama in the book. Green also spices up the book with a family in turmoil to begin the book, a romance that blooms in Turkey, some fascinating insights as to Turkey's culture and geography and a pretty interesting local supervisor of the dam who is the main antagonist of the book. We follow Will Ross and his 3 children who he has taken to Turkey as part of his new job working as a geologist for the company constructing the Kayakale Dam in rural Turkey. Will was divorced and on a whim decided to take the kids with him after he had returned them home only to find his Ex-wife passed out naked on the living room floor. The kids thought this was only a two week trip, and when they found out the true duration of the trip the two oldest boys showed their instant displeasure. Only 4-year old Didi was happy to be with her daddy. We quickly are introduced to Paula, the company school teacher, and it is obvious that there will be an attraction between her and Ross. The entire dam project had come to a standstill and thanks to that predicament the author gives us a really splendid overview of the areas geography, geology and the incompetence of the engineer who never seems to have detected all the fault lines, and issues that caused the construction to stop, as well as issues that could cause the completed dam to collapse. We are introduced to Turkish culture and geography during the families trips with Paula to cities, cultural sites, the Mediterranean Sea and other cities in Turkey. The best parts of the book deal with the region, the culture and the geology which are quite good. The romance is telegraphed, and the ending is rushed. But for a first time effort I thought it was a very good book. And, it makes me want to go on future geologic adventures with D.J. Green.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful journey of navigating life, love and business. None of them are easy but the rewards are worth it both for Will and his family and for you the reader. Beautifully written, this story takes you to Turkey while also giving you a geological education as Will helps build and save a dam that's in trouble. Will's three kids are fully realized with distinct personalities and charm and Will got lucky with Paula as a partner. I felt for all the characters as they experienced the highs and lows of life. I especially enjoyed the relationships the characters have with each other. This is the author's debut and she really knocked it out of the park as Will's son Rob would say.

Thank you to the author, She Writes Press and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: NO MORE EMPTY SPACES
AUTHOR: DJ Green
PUB DATE: 04.09.2024 Now Available

I have never quite read a novel like DJ Green’s debut about a geologist whose work in a dam in Turkey uproots his young children from the New Jersey suburbs to Kayakale a small village feigning shock to Will’s family. I love the parallels drawn in the story with Will’s job and the engineering challenges of keeping the dam stable, and then of his family life as he keeps everything from crumbling beneath his feet

I thought the story was moving and what kept my attention is the historical setting of 1970’s Turkey, the family drama, and the geological feats of keeping the mighty Euphrates at bay.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, 4 if I'm being generous. I enjoyed this book, mostly. Yet it didn't feel very plausible (an American geologist takes off with his three children for a gig in rural Turkey in the 1970s without any custody issues [?!?]). There's a real focus on the interior struggles of the main character as well as his son, to the detriment of other character development. And I also felt that much of the feeling of Turkey in the 1970s was missing - the geological landscape descriptions were there, but I didn't get much sense of the atmosphere of the locale - the tastes of Turkish food, the challenges of living abroad (especially with children!), how to even begin obtaining many of the creature comforts of home, etc. Having spent several weeks on a remote Greek island in the early 2000s, I can't even imagine what moving to Turkey decades before that would be like, and this book didn't really answer that. Will buys an airplane, but never seems to need, say, deodorant or toothpaste. In any case...for a first time novel, this was a well-written and engaging book, and explores family dynamics and interior struggles of purpose, career, and ethics very well.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.J.Green, the Author of “No More Empty Spaces” has writing and intriguing novel filled with adventure and a family saga.This reads like a non-fiction novel, but is a fictional debut. This is a perfect April book honoring the earth’s attributes and flaws. The author writes in a descriptive way and vividly captures many of the scenes in Turkey, and also describes her characters. The timeline for this story is set in 1973 and goes to the future when it pertains to the characters and events.

Will Ross, the protagonist of the story loves adventure, and is an American geologist. He is currently working in a remote area of Turkey on a damn. Due to family circumstances, Will is obliged to takes his three children with him. There is a double theme, the evolution of nature, and the evolution of his family. Due to the unpredictable circumstances of nature and politics, Will has his work cut out for him. His children’s ages vary, and they show their feelings about being in a different country. As an animal lover, I appreciate that the author has included a dog. There is adventure, risk and danger.

I appreciate that the author discusses the problems of alcoholism, mental health, communication, honesty, the importance of family and friends. I would recommend this thought-provoking book to others.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a nice job mixing science, family drama, a coming of age story, and romance. It also feels like a travel log as it describes a variety of places in and near Turkey.

The book is written in 5 parts with an epilogue. It runs from the 1970s to 2011 with most of the book taking place in 1970s Turkey.

Will Ross, who is a geologist, takes his 3 kids and goes to work on a dam project in a remote area of Turkey.

The author explains the scientific part of the problems with building a dam which does have its own pivotal part in the plot.

The book tells about Will and his relationship with all three of his children. Will and Kevin, his oldest son, is the main focus of the family drama.

Kevin is 15 and finding his own way after being essentially tricked to coming to Turkey.

My favorite character in this book is Paula who is a teacher in the compound that is teaching all the kids of the American’s working on the dam. Learning more about her, seeing her relationship with Will’s kids, and watching her relationship with Will was the highlight of this read for me.

I also loved the descriptions of not only the area around the dam but also all the trips that Will, Paula, and the kids take during the course of the read.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I can’t believe it’s DJ Green’s first novel. She is a fantastic writer and I always looked forward to continuing to find out what the characters were experiencing. Interesting to get a geologist’s perspective and also the sailing adventures were educational! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Green!

[Zach Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! I really appreciated how it was written from different perspectives. It gave a great description on how different characters perceived the events unfolding. Also the book never really slows down from start to finish which is always a great way to read.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a great book! I really enjoyed it. The interaction between the family in this story is incredible! This book tackles some deep issues: parent child, alcoholism, homosexuality, with great tenderness. The fact that dogs are in this book is a wonderful bonus. I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this story was set up. Told from different perspectives over a long period of time. I don’t know much about geology but the author explained what Will was doing in an easy to understand way which made it more engaging and interesting. Kevin and Paula’s perspectives were my favorite to read about. I loved how Paula took to the children right away and helped when their dad couldn’t. The bond that Kevin made with Buddy was so sweet. I loved how much it involved nature and the community. I wish I could read the earth like Will and it makes me appreciative all natures landscapes even more.

Thank you @geologistwriter and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will wants to do right by his children and his work projects. When Will’s ex is found unreliable he takes the kids with him on his job, a dam in Turkey. In this contemporary fiction book you have family, adventure, and following your heart. The author brings the characters to unique ruins and places that I would love to see and I feel I did through this book. I loved learning about Will’s job in a nontechnical way. Will is the star of the book and his love for his children really shines through.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good family story and this one has an interesting plot line. The descriptions of Turkey and the geology of the landscape were fascinating to me and I really enjoyed the science behind fixing and saving the dam. I liked the way it paralleled what was happening with Will, Paula, and his kids as they adjusted to a different lifestyle. Traveling and living in a foreign country is such an enriching experience and described beautifully in this novel. As a dog lover I also appreciated the love shown for these animals.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite uncle is a geologist who has worked all over the world so I found this book fascinating. I would have devoured this book even if I didn’t have the connection with my uncle. The story line was unique and tied to the building of a dam in Turkey. But there was so much more to it - - a family adventure/“A benture,” single parenting, family dynamics, ethical dilemmas, alcohol dependency, a rescue pup and so much more. This book gets all the stars from me - - a beautifully written and thought provoking debut.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the 70’s this book is about be trials and tribulations of a family that is uprooted from New Jersey to Turkey. William, a geologist takes a job to work on a dam. I loved the family drama that comes with such a change to move somewhere totally different , the adjustments are not easy. What I loved the most was the times described in that part of the world in the 70’s. Will had to not only have a great responsibility to his job but also to secure and je his family together . Very interesting and quick read. An easy five star read for me!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great debut!
Compelling, engaging and moving, an historical fiction story about nature and family bonds that was simply fascinating. I loved the writing and the setting transported me to beautiful landscapes in Turkey.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and She Writes Press for this tour invite and gifted copy.

𝗡𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 by Deborah Green released April 9, 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

[Mary Jeneverre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written with a view of geology and family life. I was completely surprised. The book shows how one specific decision could make a difference in shaping the family's journey into life. I love how the story describes the landscapes of Turkey.

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful debut novel. Amazing writing held me captive until the last page. I loved it.

[Wrightnj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging debut novel about family, interacting with the land, and hard choices concerning both.

[Eduardo Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much heart! (And brain, and courage... but that's another story). Green starts off strong, with emotional tension and conflict, and maintains the pace. The characters are mostly believable: their maturity and self-aware stretches credulity at times, ... but I'm 100% OK with that. Just this week a friend and I were conversing about the importance of speaking to the potential in people—to who they could be; to who you see in them—and by doing so uplifting them and helping them manifest their promise. This is what I see Green doing, and I love it. There are countless inflection points in the book where a kind intention, a step back to reflect, makes a critical difference to a relationship and/or an outcome. (There are bad decisions too. This is no fantasy.)

The writing is evocative, rich, with an exquisite eye for detail. It's hard to believe this is a first novel. I loved the attention to geology and engineering and integrity, but a couple of times the science felt cut short. I wonder if some parts got lost out of fear of losing the reader? Hey editors, science nerds read, too! It was serendipitously fun to read this so soon after The Emerald Mile: that gave me useful background context about dam construction.

I was delighted to see Angle of Repose in cameo, then stunned to learn, in the Author's End Notes, about Stegner's theft. Am still feeling indigested a day later but am grateful to have learned the truth no matter how ugly.

May we all end up as la-di-da, spiritually enlightened types.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you had any books surprise you recently?

𝐍𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 is a book that took me by surprise. The premise seemed pretty straightforward. Will Ross is a geologist who is divorced with three kids. He has just signed up to help with a project that involves troubleshooting a dam in Turkey.

Due to issues with his ex-wife, Will brings along his three children, who are unhappy about going. It seems the project engineer is not happy that Will is there either. Yet Will’s scientific knowledge of what lies below the earth's surface is crucial to the dam’s stability.

The story becomes a fascinating blend of science and human emotion. Will is working to repair both the subterranean spaces below the dam and the cracks threatening to break his family apart. I was surprised by how involved I became in this family and Will’s work. I was thankful for Paula, the young school teacher, who tried to make them feel welcome in this new country.

The vivid descriptions of Turkey’s rugged landscape made a perfect backdrop for this transformative story of natural forces and the power of family bonds.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @geologistwriter for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[G.P. Gottlieb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Ross, an engineering geologist, shares custody of his three children with his ex-wife, but decides to take them to a remote area of Turkey where he’s been hired to analyze the site of a damn. The kids face the trials of learning the language, grappling with being far away, and being in a blended family. Will faces enormous problems at the building site in this lovely story centered on geology, engineering, science, landscape, and adventure. It’s a beautifully written novel about how a loving family can provide balance against the emotional and physical challenges of living on this fragile earth.

I was honored to interview the author for a podcast: https://newbooksnetwork.com/no-more-e...

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel and couldn't put it down!

When Will Ross, a divorced American geologist, is hired to work on dangerous damn in a remote part of Turkey, he takes his three children with him. Once there, Will and his family embark on a physically and emotionally precarious journey. A journey where each of the novel's complex and finely drafted characters are forced to confront the shifting landscapes of family and the costs of unconditional love. No More Empty Spaces is rich in science, culture and beautifully rendered landscapes, but for me this was a story of the heart and the empty spaces that only love (no matter the cost) can fill in each of us.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This geological adventure of building a dam in Turkey involves Will's family, an adventure, and plenty of family drama. I do empathize with 15-year-old Kevin (the oldest) as he's displaced on the other side of the world. A fan of multiple POV, this story wove the tapestry together seamlessly. While there are five parts to the story, they include a forty+ year timespan. The characters are well developed and I especially liked Paula. Common themes include mental health and alcoholism, communication and family/friends. This emotional story will stay with you and drive your desire to visit Turkey!

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

No More Empty Spaces by D.J. Green is a fascinating debut novel.
The story is set in Turkey in 1973 which is my birth year, so I found this fascinating.


Will Ross is a geologist. He has his children with him, I found this really interesting the family dynamic of having his children on a job in Turkey. I am not sure the children really like being in a foreign country.

There is a lot of adventure and danger that Will and his family face.

This was a good book that I enjoyed. Looking forward to more books from this author.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turkey has been on my list to visit and I was thrilled to spend time there via D.J. Green's story about a geologist building a dam. Will takes his children --one a teen age 15 there to keep his family together. The book is rich with details about this exotic place and the work to build the dam. The author grabs the readers confidence immediately in this well researched and expertly written novel. I highly recommend this book.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You can't stop the wind, but you can adjust your sail."

Fantastic "first" book by Author D. J. Green!

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 for me! It's a beautifully written slice of life story. The ending warmed my heart and made me so glad I read the book. There are some slow parts but overall, loved it.

[Jenny Pohly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one sitting, which does not happen often for me. Loved the rock talk! Good story, maybe under developed at times, but nonetheless fun to read. Also I hated Will for the majority of the book.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I’m a little biased though. It’s written by a former geologist, the main character is a geologist, and I’m a geologist. You don’t have to be a geologist to enjoy it though.

[Richard Leinheuser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story drew me in right away. Protagonist Will Ross has a lot on his plate. Unhappy kids, a hostile reception from the new boss, a lack of organization and direction at the project site. A growing realization that there’s a disaster in the making, and nobody’s listening. Are they setting him up to be the fall guy?
I felt immediately transported to a dry and dusty company town in a rugged and remote area of Turkey. Locals are standoffish, Turkish is a difficult language, and exotic foods are the local fare, but the family finds a way forward when a good-hearted woman comes to their rescue.
Geo info was blended seamlessly into the story. Uncertainty along the way kept the tension on but at the end they really do sail into the sunset! A great read!