Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “The Sum of These Things (A Story of Now, #2)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Read Book

The Sum of These Things

(A Story of Now #2)

Emily O’Beirne (Goodreads Author)

4.43 · Rating details · 310 ratings · 38 reviews

This is an ACE for ISBN13:9783955334710 The Sum of These Things

The Sequel to A Story of Now.

Claire Pearson has already learned a few things this summer. Like falling for a girl is easy. Well, it is if that girl is Mia.

What Claire hasn’t learned yet is that now comes the hard part: learning to trust in this new relationship. And that isn’t easy when no one has ever given yo ...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for

Paperback

Published December 2nd 2015 by Ylva

More Details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Sum of These Things, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about The Sum of These Things

Lists with This Book

And Playing the Role of Herself by K.E. Lane

The Gravity Between Us by Kristen Zimmer

Best F/F Romance Books

909 books — 777 voters

Best Australian LGBTQIA YA

118 books — 31 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

4.43 ·

Rating details

· 310 ratings · 38 reviews

Filter

Sort order

Jan 16, 2016 Jenna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-star, favorites, female-protagonist, bisexual-lead, college, f-f-romance, lesbian-fiction

Okay, wow. I have so many thoughts and feelings. I just read both books in this series in about three days, and one thing I'll say is that the two novels read like one book, one story. The Sum of These Things starts immediately after the events of A Story of Now, like immediately, so it all blends together. Many of the issues that were raised in the first book found closure in the second, though I never felt as though A Story of Now was incomplete.

Characterization in the first book was really ex Okay, wow. I have so many thoughts and feelings. I just read both books in this series in about three days, and one thing I'll say is that the two novels read like one book, one story. The Sum of These Things starts immediately after the events of A Story of Now, like immediately, so it all blends together. Many of the issues that were raised in the first book found closure in the second, though I never felt as though A Story of Now was incomplete.

Characterization in the first book was really exceptional, and somehow Emily O'Beirne managed to up her game here. I don't know if it's because so much groundwork for these characters had already been laid, or simply because the moments felt bigger and deeper, but those moments, those beautiful interpersonal moments, were simply exquisite. Not just the romantic moments between the leads, either; there were wonderful little exchanges between friends, parents, everyone. I felt those moments. They resonated.

So, I do have a pet peeve with romance novels, and it's really a problematic one; I hate it when romances rely on breakups to generate tension, and that's problematic because it occurs in aboooouuuut 98% of said stories. Except, it turns out I don't hate breakups, I just hate contrived plot devices. There is a breakup here, and just like everything that came before it and everything that came after it in the series, it felt natural. How did you do that, O'Beirne? How did you convince me that I was wrong about something I've spent so much time being pissy about?

I know exactly how she did it. In fact, I've already mentioned it: interpersonal moments. There's just no way to describe how very skilled this author is when it comes to writing characters who are present in those moments, characters who are fully aware of the fragility and importance of those moments. There's one scene under a tree on the university campus that will probably go down as one of my favorite scenes in this entire genre simply because the characters are talking through their problems, working through their fears with heartfelt communication and courageous vulnerability. It's just...it's perfect. It is simply, beautifully perfect, and it's stupidly rare in lesfic. Why is that? Seriously, why?

Gah. I never wanted this book to end. If the author spent the rest of her career adding titles to this series, I'd buy every last one of them. I'm on-board to read about these people, one summer at-a-time, until they celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Get on that, O'Beirne. Point me at a Kickstarter campaign or a Change.org petition to make this thing happen.

Alright, enough gushing. This is a book review, so I need to criticize some stuff, because that's what you do in reviews. Uhh, there were a couple of times where there was an extra 'a' or 'the' or a missing 'of' or 'to'. Also, at one point during the book, I got hungry. I'm not sure that was the book's fault, but it's about the only other thing I can think of. So, I guess have a half sandwich available when you read it?

So, there you have it. A couple of reasons to read the book, and a moderate endorsement for supplemental sandwiches. If you read the first book, you probably don't even need this review. You already know O'Beirne can write, you already like the characters (though Claire does sort of implode/explode/allplode in a hideous way here). This one's pretty much a no-brainer: read it. I actually liked it even better than the first book, and I'm always right about the stuff I'm not wrong about. This is one of those things.

5 stars. Favorites shelf. ...more

flag 19 likes · Like · see review

Oct 28, 2015 Tiff rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-absolute-favs, ya

Do you know that feeling where you totally excited but kind of terrified at the same time? Kind of like the start of a marathon you’ve been training months for, you know it’s going to be fine, but you really want that great finish. That is how I felt a few days ago when I started Emily O’Beirne’s newest book The Sum of These Things (A Story of Now #2). I absolutely adored her first book, A Story of Now. It unexpectedly stole my heart, and became one of my absolute favorite books. So, you can see Do you know that feeling where you totally excited but kind of terrified at the same time? Kind of like the start of a marathon you’ve been training months for, you know it’s going to be fine, but you really want that great finish. That is how I felt a few days ago when I started Emily O’Beirne’s newest book The Sum of These Things (A Story of Now #2). I absolutely adored her first book, A Story of Now. It unexpectedly stole my heart, and became one of my absolute favorite books. So, you can see how a sequel to one of your favorites is going to be either a renewal of your love or an utter disappointment. Well, I can honestly say Emily O’Beirne did a number on my heart again, everything, and I mean everything about this book was spectacular.

Mia and Claire are two amazing characters. They are so different from each other, and yet their relationship so spectacularly works. Each of them has her own character flaws, and it is the other’s strength. In the last book (pause if you have not read the last one, go get it now, read this later!), we saw how Mia wavered with her sexuality, second guessing Claire’s interest in her and finally making that giant leap of faith and getting the girl. Claire was the strong one, while never being in a relationship with another girl, she didn’t make a big fuss about it, and it wasn’t a huge deal to her. She liked Mia romantically and that was enough. In this latest book, Mia is the quiet strength of the duo.

While the romance is alive and well between Claire and Mia, life tends to get in the way of that all-consuming love. Claire goes from being super slacker to being right on the cusp of getting her life in order. She is applying herself in regards to figuring out who Claire wants to be. She tends bar to have a cash flow, but she has begun volunteering at a community center for kids as well. Her days are filled with playgrounds and grant writing, and her nights filled with slinging booze. While Claire is running ragged, Mia has much more free time before she begins her medical studies. Here is where the conflict of the book lies.

Mia’s freedom is where Claire’s insecurities find a foothold. Claire is confident in who she is, but she also has insecurities. In her mind she often questions, “Is she enough for someone”? Her mother’s constant slights over time have worn her down, and her failed past relationship with Brendan has made her take pause when Mia begins to flourish socially. She begins to question her worthiness.

The conflict is understandable and relatable, and the dialogue is what makes this book flat out amazing. In my opinion, Emily O’Beirne does dialogue and character development with the best of the best. The interactions between the characters are the highlights of the book. The dialogue is how real people talk, whether they're flirting, romancing or fighting, it is just good! Tying it back to my marathon analogy, Ms. O'Beirne would have totally qualified for Boston with this book. Happy reading! ...more

flag 14 likes · Like · see review

Jul 26, 2018 Michele rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Well now I have to read all her damn books.

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Mar 22, 2017 lov2laf rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: location-australia, bisexual-character, college, drama, established-couple, excellent-dialogue, family-theme, favorites, finding-self, fluid-sexuality

This is an excellent sequel to 'The Story of Now'. I wouldn't say this is a standalone at all. There are way too many references to what occurs in the first book and, if you're picking this up first, why haven't you read the first book yet? Go, go read it...and then come back here...

So many romances focus on the initial "falling in love" phase without seeing what occurs afterwards when conflicts creep into the relationship. Here, we get it in a really realistic way. And the conflict isn't just o ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Jan 24, 2016 Just a man's point of view rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: personal-growth, romance, lesbian, young-adult

The plot is not so original, as it follows the old romance pattern: love, split, love again.
But the story is engaging, emotionally compelling, full of witty dialogs, all-round described characters, even the secundary ones.
It's a well written YA romance about understanding ourselves and our place in life, growing up, overcoming personal insecurities, finding the courage to stand against all odds, expecially inside the family.
The two main characters, Claire and Mia are really lovable.
I liked this ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Jan 29, 2018 Arien rated it really liked it

Shelves: angst, lesbian-romance, drama

4.2 stars for both books. They're well written and it's not often I like a book so much that's in first person. But they were tough to get through for me.

When I read a good book or watch a good movie I tend to disappear, there is no me anymore, just the characters and everything they're going through. I'm simply incapable of distancing myself from these fictional characters, especially in this case where it's not only written in first person but also in present tense. So all that angst, uncertai ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Dec 21, 2015 Stephanie rated it really liked it

I read these two books back to back which was nice. There was a LOT MORE extraneous verbosity in this one. The angst was high level! I had to remind self though, that these are young 20 somethings and that the angst is pretty high in general at that age! Overall this is a nice sequel. I would have done 3.5, but rounded up because I did really enjoy the story.

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Dec 22, 2015 Catherine rated it it was amazing

I absolutely adored this book and am not sure where to start with this review too many good things to tell! I’ll try to keep it short.

I fell in love with the characters in 'A Story for Now' and my love continued to grow in this book. A big aspect of what I loved about this book is Mia and Claire's relationship which was a perfect example of what a real relationship looks like between two people made for each other. They have their issues and don't always get it right the first time round but con ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Dec 02, 2015 Jen rated it it was amazing

Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

The Sum of These Things is the sequel to one of my top reads for 2015, The Story of Now. The fact that this is only author Emily O'Beirne's second novel highlights just how talented of a writer she is. The last time we saw twenty-year-old Claire Pearson, she was happy and had a girlfriend in the person of Mia Prince. But with all stories that give us the happily-ev Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

The Sum of These Things is the sequel to one of my top reads for 2015, The Story of Now. The fact that this is only author Emily O'Beirne's second novel highlights just how talented of a writer she is. The last time we saw twenty-year-old Claire Pearson, she was happy and had a girlfriend in the person of Mia Prince. But with all stories that give us the happily-ever-after we look for in romance novels, you wonder about what happens after. Stories continue, after all, because that's how real life works and not everything can be as perfect as it may seem. In the case of Claire and Mia, their relationship is still in that honeymoon stage where it feels as if the possibilities are endless. Of course, with the possibility of things going right is the real possibility of things going awry and how Claire deals with the latter is at the very crux of this story.

Claire is still finding her footing in the world she lives in, although she's making inroads as to which direction she'd like to go career-wise. The pressure to create a more solid life plan is constantly there, courtesy of her overbearing but concerned mother. Volunteering at a community center during the day and working at the bar at night gives her purpose and a source of income, respectively, but leaves little time for Claire to indulge in her still-new relationship with Mia and that becomes part of the reason why she feels as if Mia's forging new friendships with people that Claire knows little to nothing of affects her more than you would expect. Claire and Mia react to things differently and that becomes even clearer in this sequel. The both have patterns of behavior that they need to break free from or risk losing each other.

What I love best about this book duet is that it isn't merely about Claire's love story with Mia; it's about Claire's life story right now. Her situation, that of trying to figure out what it is she wants to do in the near and distant future, is a familiar one. She may not necessarily choose the same path that others think is best for her, but this is her journey, and if she gets lost along the way or takes a longer route, it still remains her journey. I think that's just one of the reasons that Claire was such an easy main character for me to relate to. I see a lot of me in her, both at that age and now. Claire, Mia, and their friends are all works in progress, as we all are, and witnessing their struggles and triumphs makes for a very endearing read. The Sum of These Things joins its fab predecessor on my list of 2015 favorites. I happily give it five-plus stars. ♥
...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Feb 10, 2016 Heinerway rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: australia, friends, new-adult

Very good sequel. Although it's not really a sequel but the second part of a single novel. And this time with a lot less alcohol!

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Feb 29, 2016 Bree Paige rated it it was amazing

Shelves: students

It was sweet very sweet..
I hope the author make an another sequel when the semester start then of course after school and when they become professional. I hope for that.

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 06, 2017 Ana rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

it's cheesy, romanti and a light read.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 26, 2015 Lu Cas rated it really liked it

When Emily O’Beirne offered a copy of this book for me to consider reviewing I got incredibly excited! I loved a Story of Now and was very interested to know how this story was going to play out, let me tell you, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED.

We’re back with Claire, she’s still having problems with her mother but her relationship with herself is amazing, she’s feeling comfortable with her sexuality and her relationship with Mia.

This time they have to juggle work, university plans, family, friends and o ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 27, 2015 Starsandsun18 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Emily O'beirne is my new fav author. ❤

...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

May 04, 2016 Emanuele rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Emanuele by: Bruna Accioly

Shelves: favorites, 2016-lgbt

For this book and the purpose of doing a good review I will use Agnes' (Despicable Me) words:

- It's so fluffy I'm gonna die!

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 20, 2018 M the avid reader rated it it was amazing

Excellent sequel to A Story of Now
Before reading this book, be sure to read A Story of Now; neither book is a standalone read, nor is it meant to be. The Sum of These Things picks up where A Story of Now ends so having both books handy for a smooth reading transition is my suggestion.
The trajectory of Mia and Claire’s relationship is so realistic that at times I truly disliked Claire and the decisions she makes, actions she takes in their relationship. They’re both younger adults but their confl ...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 14, 2017 Rose Lily rated it it was amazing

I wish I can rate her book higher than 5 stars.

After reading this book, all I can say is "wow". My heart aches and I want more of their story. The story is simple yet, all the characters are likeable. Yes, even her mom. The 2nd book made their feelings for each other stronger and clearer. I like Claire and Mia's relationships. I like how I understand their feelings (I'm single since birth). You can feel their emotions, feelings etc. I felt like I really really know them. The story might be pred ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 30, 2017 Ruby Ridge rated it it was amazing

Loved this book! I wanted to follow the story of Claire and Mia and rushed to get this book
The first book was excellent but with this sequel Emily O’Beirne hits it out of the park. It is a fairly long book (kept me awake for a couple of nights) but in a good way in that the characters were developed.
Thoroughly recommend these books and also 'Future Leaders of Nowhere' - Emily O’Beirne is a writer to watch (or better yet read)

flag Like · see review

Apr 11, 2018 Des rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, lgbt, e-book

This was lovely, it goes so well with the first book. Where the first book was about discovery this was about their relationship and the high and lows. I really enjoyed it, some things were a bit frustrating but overall I could make sense of everything. I was putting myself in situations and was like, well I would do or think like this. A good sequel to a good book.

flag Like · see review

Nov 21, 2018 Corvida rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I only read the first book to get to this one, but by the time I got to this one, I'd already fallen in love with these characters. This was such a beautiful follow-up to the first book and I really enjoyed the writing, characters and storyline. I kind of wish there was a third book just to keep following the characters. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

flag Like · see review

Mar 08, 2018 The lone wolf rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, ff-romance, fiction

I fall in love with Mia!

flag Like · see review

Feb 03, 2016 Rebecca Knecht rated it liked it

I will start this review by being honest and admitting that for the longest time, ‘The Sum of these Things’ didn’t really pull me in. It wasn’t that there is anything wrong with the characters, style, or even the plot, as far as I can tell – it just took me a good 100 pages to find something that really grabbed me and made me want to continue reading. If I hadn’t promised to write a review in exchange for the copy I received, I might have put the book down and chosen something else to read by th I will start this review by being honest and admitting that for the longest time, ‘The Sum of these Things’ didn’t really pull me in. It wasn’t that there is anything wrong with the characters, style, or even the plot, as far as I can tell – it just took me a good 100 pages to find something that really grabbed me and made me want to continue reading. If I hadn’t promised to write a review in exchange for the copy I received, I might have put the book down and chosen something else to read by that time. As it is, I’m glad that I had a reason to continue.

A lot of queer literature recommendations come with the selling point: ‘The characters are just a regular part of the story! The focus isn’t on their sexuality or coming out!’ I admit I’ve given a few recommendations like that myself, and I stick by them: having literature about queer people that does not make it seem like being queer is the be all and end all of our existence is immensely important. But reading ‘The Sum of these Things’ as a story in which the protagonist’s discovery of her sexuality and negotiation of her new relationship plays a huge part also reminded me that sometimes, it really feels like queerness takes up an awful lot of space in our lives. And I believe it’s important to be honest with that, too. Especially if questioning and defining identity falls into a time where lots of other new decisions need to be made – as is the case with Mia and Claire and their respective college and career choices – spending time thinking about labels and relationships can feel a trivial and self-indulgent. Shoulndn’t you be spending the time you just spent angsting over what you feel for your best friend deciding on your courses for next semester? Isn’t a detailed career plan more important than being able to explain why, exactly, you are gay and not bi or the other way round?

O’Beirne strikes a nice balance in answering this question: Yes, a large part of her novel is made up of (more or less awkward) explanations of identity and new relationship cuteness. But she never neglects the framework in which this takes place, neither Claire’s and Mia’s ambitions for their own lives nor the expectations they are confronted with by various parental and other units.
What I liked about ‘The Sum of these Things’ is that it gives its readers a coming out story that makes it very clear Claire and Mia are in a privileged position – neither is directly endangered by their coming out, and their entire social circle seems eager to demonstrate their acceptance. But the story still does not gloss over the painful parts of coming out to a parent who does not know how to deal with the revelation, who – even if it’s just in the moment – says hurtful things that stick.

The slow pace of ‘The Sum of these Things’ was definitely one of the reasons I found it hard to get into, and still have mixed feelings about it. However, it also provides necessary space for all of Claire’s relationships – not only with Mia, but with her parents, her brother, her friends – to develop in a way which feels not only authentic, but also very connected to her character development. Rather early in the novel (p.80), Claire realizes that her relationship with Mia gives her a sense of “gravity she has never really felt before,” and of being “more adult.” By the end of the novel, it feels like her various relationship- and identity-related experiences have turned her into a confident person who manages to not only feel, but project this in her interactions. This is not to say that Claire starts out as an entirely insecure character – on the contrary, her standing up to, and shutting down the biphobic idea that ‘bi people in a monogamous relationship turn gay or straight,’ results in one of my favorite scenes early on. But one of the immensely enjoyable aspects of the novel, to me, was to see the protagonist face her insecurities and not only resolve the issues resulting from them, but draw personal growth from them.

So, if you feel like coming out stories are overdone, I would definitely not recommend ‘The Sum of these Things’ – unless you are looking for a book that might change your mind. It is also probably not the novel for you if you look for lots of action or lively character interaction from the start. If you like narratives that take their time, and focus on the relationships between a few recurring characters, with lots of cuteness and a fair deal of ‘I am an adult, but what the f*** does that mean’ soulsearching, ‘The Sum of these Things’ is for you!
...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 13, 2017 Len rated it it was amazing

It’s a very well written book. I love how the author is so good at describing those sweet little moments between the leads, just so sweet that I would want to snuggle up with or kiss someone too. I wish for a 3rd book, perhaps when they’re already professionals. Emily O’Beirne is certainly one of my fave authors.

flag Like · see review

May 06, 2016 Christine Close rated it really liked it

was sent this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was a novel that targeted a specific audience. I felt it was aimed at young adults and that it would be well accepted and appreciated by them, but also something that older lesbians could relate to.

A novel that deals with a young woman coming to terms with her sexuality and dealing with the problems associated with all aspects related to "growing up", parents, education a future profession and social accep ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 11, 2015 Renata rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Here we get to see the relationship between Claire and Mia actually start, evolve, and then go through some turbulence, mainly because of Claire's insecurities and (view spoiler).

Claire is still trying to leave the past behind, but can't help sometimes projecting what happened at the end of her relationship with Brendan on her relationship with Mia and, obviously, her insecurities end ...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 26, 2015 Daniela W rated it it was amazing

Shelves: do-read

After reading A Story of Now (review here) I was really excited for the next part. Well and a little bit wary, because a lot of the time second parts aren't as good as the first one. Luckily not in this case!

The Sum of These Things picks up where the story ended, which I really liked. No big time gasps that get explained in a few words, the reader gets to experience everything along with Claire and Mia. And you really experience everything. I've felt the happiness, the anger and the sadness myse ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 01, 2016 Jaie rated it liked it

Shelves: read-2016, queer, pub-ylva

I read this right after reading A Story of Now. You should probably read that book first as this is really a sequel and likely doesn't stand on its own that well. I enjoyed that book so much - the character work, the dialog, and the atmosphere was so lovely and captivating. But this book suffered even more from the slow pacing. I stopped and started numerous times and finally finished it only because I was committed to reviewing it. I mean, there was an entire chapter about receiving an invitati ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 23, 2015 Andrea rated it it was amazing

This is the sequel of "A story of Now" and like many sequels kind of disappoint, this one didn't. It kept the characters true to themselves and developed them more but didn't change them too much or in an unbelievable way. Mia and Clare are two very relatable and great characters. They are very different but I think that is what makes them work. This book is less concentrated on finding their love or figuring out their sexually but more about fining time for each other. They are both busy and li ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 19, 2015 El rated it really liked it

Emily O’Beirne is the kind of writer who writes with emotion, not with imagery. It’s not the visual that matters in her book, it’s the feelings that are evoked, and Mia and Claire’s relationship is sure to make any reader feel everything they do. The way Emily writes is just beautiful, and I found myself highlighting line after line as it caught my attention.

The second book picks up just where the first one left off. Claire is struggling with what she wants to do with her life, and Mia is nervou ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 02, 2016 Carina rated it liked it

The dialogue and interactions with other characters are the best part!

I went into this blind, so I really didn't know there was a prequel to this. Although it's good by itself, it felt like I was missing some really important backstory (which I was) or characterization (that too) or setting, or inner motivations, or... something.

It's good. Read the books in order!

flag Like · see review