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Under the Family Tree
A raw and emotionally charged story of a courageous teen girl wading through a murky world of family secrets and an unsolved murder case, while searching for the truth about her identity.
What would you do if the life you knew was not what you thought it was?
Living with a single mother who receives annual Christmas cards from the bartenders in town, high school sophomore Dakota Lodi is used to a bumpy ride in life. To cope, she keeps a low profile, obsesses over her awesome music playlists, and hangs out with her only friend, Rosie Peña. It’s a recipe for survival, at least. Until her mother is sentenced to four years in prison on drug charges, and her world is shattered.
How far would you go to learn the truth?
Forced to live with her estranged grandmother, Dakota must find a way to pick up the pieces of her life. She decides to search for the father she’s never known. With the help of Rosie, they track down her mother’s old friends to gather intel, but most of them aren’t interested in reliving the past. And when the girls unearth a cold-case homicide, tensions in the community ramp up. Dakota suspects the case is related to her fathers story, but to learn the truth, she’ll have to keep digging. Even if what she finds might change everything she thought she knew about her family.
What would you do if the life you knew was not what you thought it was?
Living with a single mother who receives annual Christmas cards from the bartenders in town, high school sophomore Dakota Lodi is used to a bumpy ride in life. To cope, she keeps a low profile, obsesses over her awesome music playlists, and hangs out with her only friend, Rosie Peña. It’s a recipe for survival, at least. Until her mother is sentenced to four years in prison on drug charges, and her world is shattered.
How far would you go to learn the truth?
Forced to live with her estranged grandmother, Dakota must find a way to pick up the pieces of her life. She decides to search for the father she’s never known. With the help of Rosie, they track down her mother’s old friends to gather intel, but most of them aren’t interested in reliving the past. And when the girls unearth a cold-case homicide, tensions in the community ramp up. Dakota suspects the case is related to her fathers story, but to learn the truth, she’ll have to keep digging. Even if what she finds might change everything she thought she knew about her family.
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
About the author
Gary Feinstein
1 book17 followersGary Feinstein has worked in science related fields for most of his life. But all of that changed during a cross-country Covid road trip out west. Perhaps it was the thin air of the Montana mountains that rewired his brain, making him think he had an untapped creative side. Back home, he hunkered down with his family and learned that baking sourdough was a wonderful thing. He started writing and never looked back. The result is his debut YA novel, Under the Family Tree. Gary was born in New York and has lived all over the northeast. Currently, he resides in Haddam CT, with wife and fifteen-year-old dog.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 18, 2025
I feel like many of us can relate to Dakota in some way. Especially those of us who had no choice but to "grow up" too soon. Towards the end, I could not put it down because I wanted to know what really happened the night of the murder and how her parents were involved. My heart broke for Dakota at each road block in her journey to find answers to what happened to her father. The timeline was confusing at times, which is why I gave 4 stars. Overall, it was a great story!
October 7, 2024
Under the Family Tree by Gary Feinstein is a story in which sixteen-year-old Dakota Lodi isn’t your average teenager. Along with the common things such as boys, school, and friends, Dakota has a few significant issues she’s dealing with on a daily basis. Not only is her mom drinking heavily and doing some serious drugs, but also Dakota has come to a point in her life in which she thinks it’s time she gets to meet her father, who was never in her life growing up. No matter how many times she has asked her mother for details of her father, her mother gets uncomfortable and skirts the topic. Dakota is determined that one way or another she is going to find out information about her father and see if he’s alive or not.
After one too many drug and alcohol binges, Dakota’s mom is at the wrong place at the wrong time, and gets arrested. Since Dakota is still a minor, there’s no other family who can take her in except her grandmother. Although that sounds like a great plan, her grandmother hasn’t been in Dakota or her own daughter’s lives, by choice, for quite a few years. Dakota’s mom has caused her own mom too much stress and aggravation to want to be an active part of their lives. So when her grandmother hears she is the only person who can take Dakota in, she’s not thrilled with the decision, but takes her granddaughter in nonetheless. It’s while Dakota is staying with her grandmother that she decides to start her own research in finding out any and all information she can about her father. After convincing her grandmother to help her do a DNA test, Dakota is determined that she will find her father one way or another. But when she receives a DNA hit from someone, she’s not sure how she should proceed. Who does Dakota match with in the DNA testing? Does the testing help her find her father? What other information does she find out?
The first thing that came to this reviewer’s mind was just how complicated Dakota’s life truly was. Instead of her worrying about who she might have a crush on or what her and her best friend, Rosie, were going to do together over the weekend, Dakota was worrying about her mother drinking and doing drugs too much, which one day may lead to her mother doing such a mixture that could cause her to not wake up. Her mother was truly being selfish in taking care of only her needs and none of her daughter’s needs. I felt that Dakota was better off staying with her grandmother even though that wasn’t the most ideal situation for the either of them.
What was admirable was just how determined Dakota was in finding any information out about her father. Since her mother was useless in supplying Dakota any information, it was refreshing to see her unwavering in trying to find who her father was and whether or not he was still alive. It was extremely important for Dakota to finally find out some kind of information about him and she resorted to any means to achieve her goal. At times, she chose some undesirable actions just to achieve a small tidbit of information, which didn’t always pan out to be the truth. Seeing a sixteen-year-old so determined in achieving her goal was refreshing and made reading her story a pleasurable experience for this adult reader.
One thing worth mentioning was that even though this story was written with teens in mind, there were plenty of references written throughout this story, on varying topics, that adults can easily relate to from their past or present life. So although this book is under the teen category, adults can easily find themselves enjoying this coming of age story.
Quill says: Under the Family Tree by Gary Feinstein is one story where readers will find themselves investing in both their time and emotions and because of this, they’ll hope that Dakota finds the peace she’s looking for with whatever information she does find. Well done!
After one too many drug and alcohol binges, Dakota’s mom is at the wrong place at the wrong time, and gets arrested. Since Dakota is still a minor, there’s no other family who can take her in except her grandmother. Although that sounds like a great plan, her grandmother hasn’t been in Dakota or her own daughter’s lives, by choice, for quite a few years. Dakota’s mom has caused her own mom too much stress and aggravation to want to be an active part of their lives. So when her grandmother hears she is the only person who can take Dakota in, she’s not thrilled with the decision, but takes her granddaughter in nonetheless. It’s while Dakota is staying with her grandmother that she decides to start her own research in finding out any and all information she can about her father. After convincing her grandmother to help her do a DNA test, Dakota is determined that she will find her father one way or another. But when she receives a DNA hit from someone, she’s not sure how she should proceed. Who does Dakota match with in the DNA testing? Does the testing help her find her father? What other information does she find out?
The first thing that came to this reviewer’s mind was just how complicated Dakota’s life truly was. Instead of her worrying about who she might have a crush on or what her and her best friend, Rosie, were going to do together over the weekend, Dakota was worrying about her mother drinking and doing drugs too much, which one day may lead to her mother doing such a mixture that could cause her to not wake up. Her mother was truly being selfish in taking care of only her needs and none of her daughter’s needs. I felt that Dakota was better off staying with her grandmother even though that wasn’t the most ideal situation for the either of them.
What was admirable was just how determined Dakota was in finding any information out about her father. Since her mother was useless in supplying Dakota any information, it was refreshing to see her unwavering in trying to find who her father was and whether or not he was still alive. It was extremely important for Dakota to finally find out some kind of information about him and she resorted to any means to achieve her goal. At times, she chose some undesirable actions just to achieve a small tidbit of information, which didn’t always pan out to be the truth. Seeing a sixteen-year-old so determined in achieving her goal was refreshing and made reading her story a pleasurable experience for this adult reader.
One thing worth mentioning was that even though this story was written with teens in mind, there were plenty of references written throughout this story, on varying topics, that adults can easily relate to from their past or present life. So although this book is under the teen category, adults can easily find themselves enjoying this coming of age story.
Quill says: Under the Family Tree by Gary Feinstein is one story where readers will find themselves investing in both their time and emotions and because of this, they’ll hope that Dakota finds the peace she’s looking for with whatever information she does find. Well done!
January 9, 2025
"Under the Family Tree" by Gary Feinstein is a captivating Teen & Young Adult Fiction novel. The story follows Dakota Lodi, a high school sophomore navigating a turbulent family history. With her single mother serving a four-year sentence at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, Dakota moves in with her grandmother, Lucinda, in Zionsville.
Determined to uncover the truth about her father, Dakota begins questioning the conflicting stories her mother shared over the years. With the support of her best friend, Rosario Peña, aka Rosie, she embarks on a journey to uncover her roots. However, her quest hits a snag when Lucinda refuses to support a DNA test. Undeterred, Dakota starts piecing together clues, including leads involving her mother’s friend Anika Powers and her possible father Jimmy Ray Coleman.
This book masterfully weaves family secrets and teenage resilience into a gripping narrative. Feinstein’s engaging writing, coupled with a fast-paced plot and well-developed characters, keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The title perfectly encapsulates the essence of the story, and the eye-catching cover adds to its charm. If you're a fan of stories packed with emotion, intrigue, and self-discovery, this one is a must-read!
Determined to uncover the truth about her father, Dakota begins questioning the conflicting stories her mother shared over the years. With the support of her best friend, Rosario Peña, aka Rosie, she embarks on a journey to uncover her roots. However, her quest hits a snag when Lucinda refuses to support a DNA test. Undeterred, Dakota starts piecing together clues, including leads involving her mother’s friend Anika Powers and her possible father Jimmy Ray Coleman.
This book masterfully weaves family secrets and teenage resilience into a gripping narrative. Feinstein’s engaging writing, coupled with a fast-paced plot and well-developed characters, keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The title perfectly encapsulates the essence of the story, and the eye-catching cover adds to its charm. If you're a fan of stories packed with emotion, intrigue, and self-discovery, this one is a must-read!
January 21, 2025
I enjoy immersing myself in Young Adult coming-of-age stories, and this time I picked up Gary Feinstein's novel, Under the Family Tree. The book follows Dakota Lodi, a teenager raised by her single mother. When her mother is sentenced to four years in the Ohio Reformatory for Women, Dakota decides it's time to uncover the truth about her father.
Her mother always claimed he died in a motorcycle accident when Dakota was just two years old. But during a prison visit, Dakota begins to suspect her mother may be hiding something. Enlisting the help of her best friend, Rosie, Dakota embarks on a journey to track down Anika Powers, her mother’s closest friend, who might hold the key to discovering her father’s identity.
Feinstein has crafted an engaging and heartfelt story that pulls readers into Dakotaworld. The title of the book perfectly captures the essence of the book, and the gripping plot kept me hooked from start to finish. I found myself so absorbed in Dakota’s journey that I lost track of the real world around me. This is definitely a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories!
Her mother always claimed he died in a motorcycle accident when Dakota was just two years old. But during a prison visit, Dakota begins to suspect her mother may be hiding something. Enlisting the help of her best friend, Rosie, Dakota embarks on a journey to track down Anika Powers, her mother’s closest friend, who might hold the key to discovering her father’s identity.
Feinstein has crafted an engaging and heartfelt story that pulls readers into Dakotaworld. The title of the book perfectly captures the essence of the book, and the gripping plot kept me hooked from start to finish. I found myself so absorbed in Dakota’s journey that I lost track of the real world around me. This is definitely a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories!
January 21, 2025
Few books manage to captivate readers from the very first page, but Gary Feinstein's Under the Family Tree does just that. From the moment the story begins, I found myself drawn in, particularly by the relatable and endearing character of Dakota.
Dakota's life is shrouded in unanswered questions, especially about her father. Her mother, who has always been secretive about his identity, prioritized keeping Dakota close. However, when her mother is sent to prison for four years, Dakota is forced to live with her grandmother. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a journey to piece together her father's story. What truths and revelations will she unearth along the way about her family?
Feinstein’s descriptive writing and smooth narration bring Dakota's journey to life. Watching her grow from a dependent teenager into a bold and determined individual is inspiring. The plot is enriched by unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on edge.
If you're looking for a compelling read, don't hesitate to pick up this book. It's an emotional and engaging story, especially relatable for teenagers navigating their own struggles and questions about identity.
Dakota's life is shrouded in unanswered questions, especially about her father. Her mother, who has always been secretive about his identity, prioritized keeping Dakota close. However, when her mother is sent to prison for four years, Dakota is forced to live with her grandmother. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a journey to piece together her father's story. What truths and revelations will she unearth along the way about her family?
Feinstein’s descriptive writing and smooth narration bring Dakota's journey to life. Watching her grow from a dependent teenager into a bold and determined individual is inspiring. The plot is enriched by unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on edge.
If you're looking for a compelling read, don't hesitate to pick up this book. It's an emotional and engaging story, especially relatable for teenagers navigating their own struggles and questions about identity.
May 26, 2026
I read Under the Family Tree by Gary Feinstein before seeing the author speak at a local venue. This is a young adult novel, but it has a lot of issues that make it relatable for an adult as well. Dakota is a high school sophomore who is living a tough life. Her single mother ends up in prison, and Dakota has to live with her grandmother, who has not been part of her life. She is also looking for her father. The story is about friendship, growing up, and family love. #underthefamilytree #garyfeinstein #youngadult #bookstagram #booklover #reader #bookblog #lovetoread #fictionreader #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram #takeapagefrommybook #readallthebooks #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #booknerd #whattoread #readingtime #bookaddict #ilovetoread #ilovebooks #needtoread #readallday
May 14, 2025
This book is quite interesting; tackling many controversial topics while also showcasing the traditional teenage angst. A great read for sure! A twisting mystery of a cold case murder as a young girl struggles to find her father and take care of her addicted Mom. Tackling the disease of addiction, and seeing her mom for the person she is. A woman in emotional pain. Finding family through DNA ancestry kits and the awkwardness that comes with that.
November 17, 2025
I came across Under the Family Tree and found it to be a gripping and emotionally powerful story. Gary Feinstein creates a vivid, realistic world where Dakota’s journey to uncover family secrets and face unexpected challenges feels both intense and heartfelt. The mystery, the family drama, and the courage of the main character kept me fully engaged from start to finish. I genuinely enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates suspenseful, character-driven fiction.
August 18, 2025
This is a very interesting YA book. The author has an unusually accurate perception of the world the characters live in. This is not a YA fantasy story but a description of a young woman who seeks to find out the truth about her family as she navigates late adolescence. It's also a bit of a detective story with interesting plot turns. Worth the time for a read, even for an adult.
December 3, 2024
Wonderful book! I'm usually able to figure things out before they're revealed, but not with this one. Gary captures teenage angst and the desire to know and understand who we are and where we came from.
May 6, 2025
Great book
This was a great, easy read. The main character is likeable. The "reveal" at the end was relatable.
Great book for teens.
This was a great, easy read. The main character is likeable. The "reveal" at the end was relatable.
Great book for teens.
June 27, 2025
Good read
Great read for young adults. It had a good story line. I would recommend it to my granddaughter to read. She would enjoy it.
Great read for young adults. It had a good story line. I would recommend it to my granddaughter to read. She would enjoy it.
May 29, 2025
good
I feel like this book could’ve been edited more. There was a lot of unnecessary information that was written & unrelated or didn’t really confuse to the story. Overall I enjoyed the writing style & the theme of the book was interesting. I won this book & was not really disappointed- I just thought it was a bit long.
I feel like this book could’ve been edited more. There was a lot of unnecessary information that was written & unrelated or didn’t really confuse to the story. Overall I enjoyed the writing style & the theme of the book was interesting. I won this book & was not really disappointed- I just thought it was a bit long.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews