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Life and Other Complications
"Effectively balancing a believable young cast with high, real-world stakes. . . engrossing.”- Kirkus Reviews
Seventeen-year-old Aly Bennett has been in love with her friend Luke for years. She hasn't told him how she feels for two reasons. 1) She's the girl with HIV. 2) She lied about how she got it.
Aly never meant to lie. The words just slipped out on her first day of a support group for kids living with life-threatening conditions. It was the day she met Luke and Caroline, who would become her best friends and the closest thing she has to a family. After so many years, Aly doesn’t know how to tell her friends the truth. So she paints and she runs and she tries not to think about the future she can’t have.
But when a Boston prosecutor asks Aly to testify in a trial—and her relationship with Luke intensifies—things become complicated. If she testifies, Luke and Caroline will learn the truth—that Aly has been lying to them for most of a decade. If she doesn’t, a monster could go free, again.
Seventeen-year-old Aly Bennett has been in love with her friend Luke for years. She hasn't told him how she feels for two reasons. 1) She's the girl with HIV. 2) She lied about how she got it.
Aly never meant to lie. The words just slipped out on her first day of a support group for kids living with life-threatening conditions. It was the day she met Luke and Caroline, who would become her best friends and the closest thing she has to a family. After so many years, Aly doesn’t know how to tell her friends the truth. So she paints and she runs and she tries not to think about the future she can’t have.
But when a Boston prosecutor asks Aly to testify in a trial—and her relationship with Luke intensifies—things become complicated. If she testifies, Luke and Caroline will learn the truth—that Aly has been lying to them for most of a decade. If she doesn’t, a monster could go free, again.
266 pages, ebook
Published July 5, 2021
50 people are currently reading
4800 people want to read
About the author
Heather Mullaly
3 books64 followersHeather Mullaly is an award winning author of books for children and teens. A passionate believer in the power of story, when she isn’t writing them, reading them, or listening to them, she can usually be found baking something that involves chocolate, thinking up new story ideas before she’s finished the two she’s currently writing, or hanging out with her family, who happen to be even more fantastic than the characters in her head. She lives in Virginia with her husband and their three teenagers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 4, 2022
In a Nutshell: A well-written YA story that had me captivated till the end.
Story:
While a YA book doesn’t usually have complicated characters with shades of grey, the people in the story are etched well enough to make a place in your hearts. Alyson has a tendency to ramble, which initially gets on your nerves. But as you see what she has gone through, you will come out in her support. Luke is a typical teen heartthrob who does nothing wrong. I would have loved to see his darker side (there are hints of it) but he is still quite memorable. Carolyn, though the third wheel of the trio, is given enough of plot space to make a mark. The rest of the support group kids are also well-sketched within their secondary roles. The parents are more uni-dimensional in comparison but this story isn’t about them. Of the adults, the maximum impact is that of Richard Walsh. I don’t want to go into spoilers but his track is carved in a way totally unlike how such characters are usually detailed out. Creepy but very effective for the story.
The teens in the story, who range from 15-18, all act their age. I have truly begun to appreciate this aspect in YA fiction because most YA books get the age authenticity totally wrong. The romance-related stuff is also perfect for the target age range. It goes deep without going over the top. However, there is certain content which might be triggering. Read my TW list below and take a call accordingly. The author has handled it excellently but it still makes for a very uncomfortable reading experience if you are sensitive about such stuff.
Most of us can’t imagine living life with a life-threatening disease. So the inner thoughts and insecurities of such people is portrayed excellently through the teens in the support group. (Need I say, keep tissues ready?) Their friendship and bonding is the highlight of the story.
Initially, I was very distracted by the writing style. The sentences seemed slightly choppy and there was a fair bit of telling than showing. But once I got caught in the plot, my attention didn't waver even once from the story. That's the power of good storytelling. So if you ask me now how I felt about the stylistic elements of the writing, I have no answer, because after about 5%, I simply forgot to pay attention to that factor. For a relatively new indie author (this is just her second book), this is a job well done.
I completed this book within a single day, which is testament not just to its pace but also to how much the story had me within its grip. It was predictable in certain aspects but not so much as to take away from my enjoyment. (Because of the YA factor, I was mentally prepared for a happy/inspiring ending.)
If you are looking for an emotional and thought-provoking read written in a YA style, do try. Heartily recommended.
4.5 stars from me.
The book covers many dark themes. Here’s a list of possible triggers for you to judge its suitability better: Again, the content is handled very well by the author, but because of how dark it goes, I wouldn’t recommend it to the younger YA segment. It is better for readers aged 16+.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through ‘StoryOrigin’ and these are my honest thoughts about it.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
17 year old Alyson is used to life as a shunned person because of her HIV-positive status. The only friends she has are the peers from a support group for teens with life-threatening diseases, with Caroline and Luke being her best buddies. Alyson is nursing a secret crush on Luke but with their illnesses, she is sure she doesn’t want to act on her feelings.
When she is called to testify in a trial against Richard Walsh, she knows that some of the lies she has told her friends will come crashing down. But she also realises that the only way out is to go ahead with the opportunity to give Richard Walsh his due punishment.
Why is Alyson against Richard Walsh? What lies has she told her friends? Will there be a future for her with Luke? Read and find out.
The story comes to us in the first person perspective of Alyson.
While a YA book doesn’t usually have complicated characters with shades of grey, the people in the story are etched well enough to make a place in your hearts. Alyson has a tendency to ramble, which initially gets on your nerves. But as you see what she has gone through, you will come out in her support. Luke is a typical teen heartthrob who does nothing wrong. I would have loved to see his darker side (there are hints of it) but he is still quite memorable. Carolyn, though the third wheel of the trio, is given enough of plot space to make a mark. The rest of the support group kids are also well-sketched within their secondary roles. The parents are more uni-dimensional in comparison but this story isn’t about them. Of the adults, the maximum impact is that of Richard Walsh. I don’t want to go into spoilers but his track is carved in a way totally unlike how such characters are usually detailed out. Creepy but very effective for the story.
The teens in the story, who range from 15-18, all act their age. I have truly begun to appreciate this aspect in YA fiction because most YA books get the age authenticity totally wrong. The romance-related stuff is also perfect for the target age range. It goes deep without going over the top. However, there is certain content which might be triggering. Read my TW list below and take a call accordingly. The author has handled it excellently but it still makes for a very uncomfortable reading experience if you are sensitive about such stuff.
Most of us can’t imagine living life with a life-threatening disease. So the inner thoughts and insecurities of such people is portrayed excellently through the teens in the support group. (Need I say, keep tissues ready?) Their friendship and bonding is the highlight of the story.
Initially, I was very distracted by the writing style. The sentences seemed slightly choppy and there was a fair bit of telling than showing. But once I got caught in the plot, my attention didn't waver even once from the story. That's the power of good storytelling. So if you ask me now how I felt about the stylistic elements of the writing, I have no answer, because after about 5%, I simply forgot to pay attention to that factor. For a relatively new indie author (this is just her second book), this is a job well done.
I completed this book within a single day, which is testament not just to its pace but also to how much the story had me within its grip. It was predictable in certain aspects but not so much as to take away from my enjoyment. (Because of the YA factor, I was mentally prepared for a happy/inspiring ending.)
If you are looking for an emotional and thought-provoking read written in a YA style, do try. Heartily recommended.
4.5 stars from me.
The book covers many dark themes. Here’s a list of possible triggers for you to judge its suitability better: Again, the content is handled very well by the author, but because of how dark it goes, I wouldn’t recommend it to the younger YA segment. It is better for readers aged 16+.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through ‘StoryOrigin’ and these are my honest thoughts about it.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
June 7, 2021
Life and Other Complications is a story filled with emotion. Although a quick read, it is packed with events that hit hard and ensure you cannot put it down. It’s a story that will stick with the reader long after finishing and has ensured I want to read more of Heather Mullaly’s work.
Life and Other Complications is one of those books where the blurb ensures the reader knows exactly what they’re in store for when they dive into the story. Sometimes this is a bad thing, but it works with this one. It is a heavy read, and the foreknowledge allows the reader to be prepared for the emotions they are going to be hit with. Not that the book bombards the reader with the heavy details. The information is there, but the story is about a lot more. It is about friendship and love. It is about being true to oneself and finding oneself. It is about all the complications of the teenage years, and it does so while dealing with an additional heavy topic that pulls at the heartstring.
Without a doubt, this is a must read. A few things were a bit too simple and did not feel quite true to life (a lack of reality of certain aspects exist to counter the darkness), but it was not enough to take away my enjoyment of the story. It hit hard and I could not get enough.
Life and Other Complications is one of those books where the blurb ensures the reader knows exactly what they’re in store for when they dive into the story. Sometimes this is a bad thing, but it works with this one. It is a heavy read, and the foreknowledge allows the reader to be prepared for the emotions they are going to be hit with. Not that the book bombards the reader with the heavy details. The information is there, but the story is about a lot more. It is about friendship and love. It is about being true to oneself and finding oneself. It is about all the complications of the teenage years, and it does so while dealing with an additional heavy topic that pulls at the heartstring.
Without a doubt, this is a must read. A few things were a bit too simple and did not feel quite true to life (a lack of reality of certain aspects exist to counter the darkness), but it was not enough to take away my enjoyment of the story. It hit hard and I could not get enough.
October 24, 2025
This story tackles issues no one wants to talk about with compassion and humanity, not to mention well developed characters. Perfect for fans of “The Fault in Our Stars.” I hope to see much more from Mullaly in the future!
June 22, 2021
I loved reading this book. It is a beautifully written, touching story about love, friendship, courage, and overcoming trauma. It's a really quick read, but it's packed with so much heart and emotion. This story is told from the point of view of Aly, who in pieces reveals the harsh traumas she's faced and the ways they still impact her a decade later. Her story is heavy but it's also an important one. It shows her very realistic pain and struggle, but also her encouraging strength and resilience, and that's why I love her as a character. I also love that this is a book that humanizes a teenage girl with HIV, because so often people like Aly are stigmatized and are viewed for their disease rather than who they are as a person. Aly shows us who she is as a person, someone who loves hard and has big fears and has great talents. I truly found myself connected with Aly and was surprised at how invested I became in her story. I was really satisfied with this story from beginning to end, and I loved it's portrayal of really important themes and topics like childhood abuse, HIV stigma, trauma, friendship, family tension, and love. Definitely recommend!
June 23, 2021
This is powerful and well written book. It is a must read. It is a quick read in the sense that it flows and is easy to read, however, the content is deep, painful, and important. The characters feel real and are incredibly engaging. Highly reccomended!
June 3, 2021
Mullaly’s incisive and sharply written YA contemporary combines individual struggles, trauma, and teen romance.
Living with HIV is not always easy, but seventeen-year-old Aly Bennett is managing just fine, with Luke Harrison and Caroline Reese, her best friends, by her side. But when the district attorney from Boston asks Aly to testify against her childhood tormentor in a new case, the things become complicated: Luke and Caroline know Aly has HIV, but they have no idea how she got it. Her lie will come to surface if she testifies in the court. But not testifying will allow her tormentor to walk away free again.
Mullaly is excellent when it comes to creating memorable and multidimensional characters who are easy to root for. Watching Aly deal with her inner turmoil while trying to search for some measure of justice for the unnamed young victim is empowering. Aly’s bond with Luke and Caroline is endearing.
The novel’s pacing is smooth, and the tight, assured prose keeps the pages flying. Mullaly weaves teenage drama, familial tension, tentative romance, enduring friendships, and themes of guilt, trauma, childhood abuse, and HIV stigma through the story, as Aly struggles to make the right choice. From the novel’s first few lines, Mullaly conveys the emotions with sensitivity and subtlety, laying bare Aly’s complex inner turmoil right up until the novel’s deeply satisfying finale.
Relevant and deeply poignant, the novel leaves lingering, contemplative questions about childhood sexual abuse and stigma associated with HIV. Mullaly has delivered a winner.
Living with HIV is not always easy, but seventeen-year-old Aly Bennett is managing just fine, with Luke Harrison and Caroline Reese, her best friends, by her side. But when the district attorney from Boston asks Aly to testify against her childhood tormentor in a new case, the things become complicated: Luke and Caroline know Aly has HIV, but they have no idea how she got it. Her lie will come to surface if she testifies in the court. But not testifying will allow her tormentor to walk away free again.
Mullaly is excellent when it comes to creating memorable and multidimensional characters who are easy to root for. Watching Aly deal with her inner turmoil while trying to search for some measure of justice for the unnamed young victim is empowering. Aly’s bond with Luke and Caroline is endearing.
The novel’s pacing is smooth, and the tight, assured prose keeps the pages flying. Mullaly weaves teenage drama, familial tension, tentative romance, enduring friendships, and themes of guilt, trauma, childhood abuse, and HIV stigma through the story, as Aly struggles to make the right choice. From the novel’s first few lines, Mullaly conveys the emotions with sensitivity and subtlety, laying bare Aly’s complex inner turmoil right up until the novel’s deeply satisfying finale.
Relevant and deeply poignant, the novel leaves lingering, contemplative questions about childhood sexual abuse and stigma associated with HIV. Mullaly has delivered a winner.
July 12, 2021
Life and Other Complications is a unique book written from Aly's first person perspective. Her sometimes matter-of-fact and tongue-in-the-cheek opinions on the situation she finds herself in, gives this book a unique voice filled with empathy.
"I have HIV, a virus that attacks your immune system. It literally targets the body's defenses. Which is kind of brilliant and kind of wrong all at the same time. Machiavelli would have loved it. Personally, I'm not a fan."
Aly is in foster care and her only "family" is the support group for kids with terminal illness. We tend to consider cancer as the alpha of all terminal illness that those 'who shouldn't die so young', suffer from. We tend to forget that there are numerous diseases and medical conditions that ail so many children out there and label them as "terminal". I absolutely loved the honesty and lets just throw it out there, approach of this group of friends and how they handled life and other complications. Not forget to mention death, an occurrence that are all to real for these kids.
"According to the speeches made at funerals, all terminal kids are selfless angels, who never feel sorry for themselves and face death without fear. Which is ridiculous. Some terminal kids are nice, some aren't. All of us feel sorry for ourselves at some point. And we're terrified of dying. We just get over it. Because we don't have another choice."
But this is Aly's story and hers is one of those unspeakable tragedies that we tend to shy away from. Why is it so much easier to speak about a child who suffers from cancer than about a child who suffered through terrible abuse, but end up with the same life sentence as the terminally ill, "innocent" cancer patient?
Life and Other Complications do not shy away from talking about this and it opened my eyes to realize how quickly we do just that. Unintentionally or not. Thank you, Heather Mullaly, for giving this story a voice and for not giving up on writing it. I'm sure it will reach its mark, you've aimed the arrow in the right direction.
*Note: Although Life and Other Complications deal with some seriously heavy stuff, it's not a heavy read at all.
Full review is available on Elza Reads
"I have HIV, a virus that attacks your immune system. It literally targets the body's defenses. Which is kind of brilliant and kind of wrong all at the same time. Machiavelli would have loved it. Personally, I'm not a fan."
Aly is in foster care and her only "family" is the support group for kids with terminal illness. We tend to consider cancer as the alpha of all terminal illness that those 'who shouldn't die so young', suffer from. We tend to forget that there are numerous diseases and medical conditions that ail so many children out there and label them as "terminal". I absolutely loved the honesty and lets just throw it out there, approach of this group of friends and how they handled life and other complications. Not forget to mention death, an occurrence that are all to real for these kids.
"According to the speeches made at funerals, all terminal kids are selfless angels, who never feel sorry for themselves and face death without fear. Which is ridiculous. Some terminal kids are nice, some aren't. All of us feel sorry for ourselves at some point. And we're terrified of dying. We just get over it. Because we don't have another choice."
But this is Aly's story and hers is one of those unspeakable tragedies that we tend to shy away from. Why is it so much easier to speak about a child who suffers from cancer than about a child who suffered through terrible abuse, but end up with the same life sentence as the terminally ill, "innocent" cancer patient?
Life and Other Complications do not shy away from talking about this and it opened my eyes to realize how quickly we do just that. Unintentionally or not. Thank you, Heather Mullaly, for giving this story a voice and for not giving up on writing it. I'm sure it will reach its mark, you've aimed the arrow in the right direction.
*Note: Although Life and Other Complications deal with some seriously heavy stuff, it's not a heavy read at all.
Full review is available on Elza Reads
October 19, 2021
Aly has been living with a foster family since it was uncovered what her mother's boyfriend Rick was doing to her, and she's also been living with HIV. Joining a terminal illness support group has allowed her to make friends, although she told them she contracted HIV at birth. When a romance develops with her best friend Luke, and a lawyer asks Aly to take the stand to help convict Rick, Aly realizes that her HIV has been hiding her trauma and her fears about sex.
This story was a little bit of The Fault in Our Stars in the setup but with a more upbeat ending and a focus on Aly facing her past and recovering from trauma. The writing was easy to read and the plot moved right along, although at times I felt like it was skimming a bit, and I wanted to sink into the characters more than I did. The idea of Aly's HIV status and Luke's terminal status being a protective layer for her was a really interesting concept that I haven't seen before, as well as the idea of an STD as a result of a sexual assault being a reminder of that trauma.
This story was a little bit of The Fault in Our Stars in the setup but with a more upbeat ending and a focus on Aly facing her past and recovering from trauma. The writing was easy to read and the plot moved right along, although at times I felt like it was skimming a bit, and I wanted to sink into the characters more than I did. The idea of Aly's HIV status and Luke's terminal status being a protective layer for her was a really interesting concept that I haven't seen before, as well as the idea of an STD as a result of a sexual assault being a reminder of that trauma.
June 2, 2024
HILARIOUS and IMPORTANT, this YA novel teaches you to tell the truth and to get your justice! With topics of very detailed sexual abuse and HIV, LIFE AND OTHER COMPLICATIONS really is a must read! I found this book on sale on Amazon, and the cover took me in! The story blew me away with emotions when I finally read it! The story follows Aly Bennett has been in love with her friend Luke for years. But she hasn’t told him yet because she’s the girl with HIV and a secret she has kept from him. For so many years, Aly doesn’t know when she’ll the truth to her friends. So she paints and tries not to think about her future. But when a man from Aly’s past shows up on her doorstep, things become complicated. A fast-paced book that will have you moved by the characters and the story itself!
July 12, 2021
4.5⭐️
Wow. This story is very emotional. It talks about the complicated relationship that individuals have with dealing with HIV. Their experience when others know they have and the protagonist trauma. She needed to tell the truth and face the one who did that to her to protect others from suffering the same consequences as her. The author did a great job writing about all these different obstacles a teenager or anyone who suffers from this stigma. This story does have a strong female protagonist wanting to overcome her trauma. This was a very different type of story and it talked about a sensitive topic I was happy to be able to read this story. Thank you.
Wow. This story is very emotional. It talks about the complicated relationship that individuals have with dealing with HIV. Their experience when others know they have and the protagonist trauma. She needed to tell the truth and face the one who did that to her to protect others from suffering the same consequences as her. The author did a great job writing about all these different obstacles a teenager or anyone who suffers from this stigma. This story does have a strong female protagonist wanting to overcome her trauma. This was a very different type of story and it talked about a sensitive topic I was happy to be able to read this story. Thank you.
May 11, 2023
Loved this book and the teen characters! Life is complicated when you’re 17 and living with an incurable disease.
For Aly, HIV comes with a stigma and the pain of watching others pull away. For years Aly hid the truth about how she contracted it.
But now she’s about to testify in a trial where all things hidden must come to light.
I admired Aly’s courage to speak the truth no matter how horrifying and sad, and for her loyalty to her friends in her teen support group.
The author handles this sensitive topic with a deft touch. The analogy of the biblical Esther having been placed in her position for “such a time as this” resonates and aptly bolsters Aly to her higher calling.
For Aly, HIV comes with a stigma and the pain of watching others pull away. For years Aly hid the truth about how she contracted it.
But now she’s about to testify in a trial where all things hidden must come to light.
I admired Aly’s courage to speak the truth no matter how horrifying and sad, and for her loyalty to her friends in her teen support group.
The author handles this sensitive topic with a deft touch. The analogy of the biblical Esther having been placed in her position for “such a time as this” resonates and aptly bolsters Aly to her higher calling.
July 2, 2021
I read some young adult books to know which books will make a good gift for my grandkids. This book far surpasses everything I have read to date. The characters are unforgettable and draw you into their world of fears, hopes and unconditional friendship. It is a love story that will restore faith in the youth of today, make you cry and leave you unable to put the book down until the very end.
August 29, 2021
Aly pulled me in as soon as I started reading her story. I loved every minute of the book. It was a very easy read, had drama, some love, a little suspenseful and I couldn't put it down. I hope to see what else happens in Aly's life.
July 3, 2021
This was such a touching, sweet book. Although the characters each struggled with terminal illnesses, I completely envy their closeness, their incredible way of living. Absolutely inspiring read!!
October 18, 2021
This is by far one of the best fiction books I've read that deals with child sexual abuse. The author has done a wonderful job researching and honestly writing about the feelings, the shame, the lack of self-worth, and the self hate that sexual assault survivors go through. A must read.
July 9, 2021
This is a beautifully written very powerful story told from the point of view of Aly. The story is about courage, love and mostly friendship. Absolutely loved the unforgettable characters and how much support they give.
Even though this is a short read, it's still packed with so much emotions and inner turmoil by Aly. This book is without a doubt a must read. Highly recommend.
Even though this is a short read, it's still packed with so much emotions and inner turmoil by Aly. This book is without a doubt a must read. Highly recommend.
July 7, 2021
This is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and courage. Mullaly addresses many challenging topics and she does it with honesty and compassion. The story is full of rich characters that come to life through her skilled prose and witty dialogue. I found myself laughing out loud, then crying, and laughing out loud again all on the same page! This is a wonderful narrative of how friendship, love, holding space, and compassion can transform an existence, barely surviving, into a full life of restoration and hope. This is a must-read!
July 18, 2021
Books that tackle topics like cancer and death usually take me a while to read because they bring up feelings that I struggle to deal with, but this book was different. Reading it felt like the first time I read The Fault in Our Stars, which leads my to my next point: if you're a fan of TFiOS and John Green, you need this book.
This book was so well-written and had me on a roller coaster of emotions. It wasn't necessarily a heavy read, but it did talk about a lot of things that don't often get talked about, including sexual abuse and terminal illnesses. It also focused on topics like friendship and love, which made it a little easier to read despite the heaviness.
This is such an important book that I personally believe everyone should read. The lessons on friendship and bonds were amazing. I really loved the author's writing style, and I can't wait to see more from her in the future!
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via Lola's Book Tours in exchange for an honest review
This book was so well-written and had me on a roller coaster of emotions. It wasn't necessarily a heavy read, but it did talk about a lot of things that don't often get talked about, including sexual abuse and terminal illnesses. It also focused on topics like friendship and love, which made it a little easier to read despite the heaviness.
This is such an important book that I personally believe everyone should read. The lessons on friendship and bonds were amazing. I really loved the author's writing style, and I can't wait to see more from her in the future!
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via Lola's Book Tours in exchange for an honest review
July 21, 2021
Firstly I absolutely love that this books chapters are broken down into days starting from May 10th all the way through to 6th August. It’s an extremely fast paced book given the time for events to take place, quite a short book that you could potentially read in one sitting.
I found this book difficult to read on an emotional level so I did read it over a few days in between other reads. However I absolutely loved the friendships and compassion throughout.
The characters play a big role in this read and you really connect with them in the way that the author wants you to. For a YA read this completely shocked me, I felt that it definitely allows younger adults to understand more about the world and the effect of a long-standing illness and the importance to be open even when it’s difficult to do so. I would definitely recommend this to any adult though. The writing style is not immature or directly aimed at YA.
You end up having so much respect for Aly with her determination and willpower. The cover doesn’t give anything away but really brings out the emotional aspect built up within this read.
I found this book difficult to read on an emotional level so I did read it over a few days in between other reads. However I absolutely loved the friendships and compassion throughout.
The characters play a big role in this read and you really connect with them in the way that the author wants you to. For a YA read this completely shocked me, I felt that it definitely allows younger adults to understand more about the world and the effect of a long-standing illness and the importance to be open even when it’s difficult to do so. I would definitely recommend this to any adult though. The writing style is not immature or directly aimed at YA.
You end up having so much respect for Aly with her determination and willpower. The cover doesn’t give anything away but really brings out the emotional aspect built up within this read.
July 15, 2021
Hard topics hit with tons of emotion and, yet, don't forget to bring in the wonderful sense of friendship, courage, and love.
The blurb on this one already gives a very good handle on what's covered and what's coming. Usually, this would ruin a read for me before I even start it, but in this case, it was necessary to bring in the necessary mindset to really dive into the tale. Because this one packs a punch on the emotional end. While many books of this nature tend to bog down and border on growing too heavy, this one masterfully keeps that from happening. While Aly has problems and faces many tough moments, there's a golden warmth of caring, love and hope close by to balance it out.
Despite the depth, this is a quick read. There is enough happening to keep the story at a steady pace and brint Aly's predicament across clearly. There were a few things, which came across a bit too simple, but that by no means hurt the tale. I couldn't help but feel for Aly, wonder what would happen next, and cheer for her until the very end.
There's a lot of food for thought in this one, and it's the kind which leaves the reader assured that there is a positive light at the end of the tunnel. It's heavy, yet inspiring. It makes the reader think and yet shows that even dark moments can lead to light. It's worth a read and is sure to capture the interest of even those who tend to grab contemporary fiction with caution. I received a complimentary copy and was engaged.
The blurb on this one already gives a very good handle on what's covered and what's coming. Usually, this would ruin a read for me before I even start it, but in this case, it was necessary to bring in the necessary mindset to really dive into the tale. Because this one packs a punch on the emotional end. While many books of this nature tend to bog down and border on growing too heavy, this one masterfully keeps that from happening. While Aly has problems and faces many tough moments, there's a golden warmth of caring, love and hope close by to balance it out.
Despite the depth, this is a quick read. There is enough happening to keep the story at a steady pace and brint Aly's predicament across clearly. There were a few things, which came across a bit too simple, but that by no means hurt the tale. I couldn't help but feel for Aly, wonder what would happen next, and cheer for her until the very end.
There's a lot of food for thought in this one, and it's the kind which leaves the reader assured that there is a positive light at the end of the tunnel. It's heavy, yet inspiring. It makes the reader think and yet shows that even dark moments can lead to light. It's worth a read and is sure to capture the interest of even those who tend to grab contemporary fiction with caution. I received a complimentary copy and was engaged.
July 9, 2021
What a breathtakingly impactful read! I could not put it down. This journey of struggle and healing will not fail to touch a single heart at the place where we have felt undo shame or guilt. Not only is this a captivating read but it is healing to the soul. It has my highest recommendation.
May 17, 2023
Life and Other Complications is darn heavy for a YA novel and yet it is also so very, very good. It doesn't shy away from really difficult topics; the impact of life limiting and life threatening childhood diseases, the stigma of HIV, child abuse, sexual abuse and inadequate foster care/parenting. It's hard hitting and serious, but it doesn't glorify in the trauma or romanticise it. It's also a book about found family, friendships and living life every day at a time.
This is powerful and heartfelt and it felt absolutely real. The teenagers felt like teenagers, with all their glaring faults. The writing felt sparse to begin with, but once I got into it, I absolutely devoured the novel. It made me laugh, cry and want to hit things in equal measure. Aly has got a rough deal of it. She contracted HIV at the age of seven from her mother's boyfriend. Her mother didn't believe her the first time she told her. And she vanished when doctors told her they'd found evidence of sexual trauma. Aly's foster parents seem more concerned with appearances than truth and so said that Aly contracted HIV from her birth mother who died. Aly has gone along with this lie, only the truth is about to catch up with her as she's been pulled into a case to testify against her stepfather as he's done the same to another little girl.
This is a book about fear, shame, and pain. It is about the uncertainty of living with a life threatening illness, about how the trauma of the past never truly leaves us. But it is also a book about friendship, love and the importance of found family. My heart hurt for Aly, who still feels so much shame for something she had absolutely no choice in. This is a truly powerful novel that is absolutely worth reading.
This is powerful and heartfelt and it felt absolutely real. The teenagers felt like teenagers, with all their glaring faults. The writing felt sparse to begin with, but once I got into it, I absolutely devoured the novel. It made me laugh, cry and want to hit things in equal measure. Aly has got a rough deal of it. She contracted HIV at the age of seven from her mother's boyfriend. Her mother didn't believe her the first time she told her. And she vanished when doctors told her they'd found evidence of sexual trauma. Aly's foster parents seem more concerned with appearances than truth and so said that Aly contracted HIV from her birth mother who died. Aly has gone along with this lie, only the truth is about to catch up with her as she's been pulled into a case to testify against her stepfather as he's done the same to another little girl.
This is a book about fear, shame, and pain. It is about the uncertainty of living with a life threatening illness, about how the trauma of the past never truly leaves us. But it is also a book about friendship, love and the importance of found family. My heart hurt for Aly, who still feels so much shame for something she had absolutely no choice in. This is a truly powerful novel that is absolutely worth reading.
September 14, 2021
Hard topics hit with tons of emotion and, yet, don't forget to bring in the wonderful sense of friendship, courage, and love.
The blurb on this one already gives a very good handle on what's covered and what's coming. Usually, this would ruin a read for me before I even start it, but in this case, it was necessary to bring in the necessary mindset to really dive into the tale. Because this one packs a punch on the emotional end. While many books of this nature tend to bog down and border on growing too heavy, this one masterfully keeps that from happening. While Aly has problems and faces many tough moments, there's a golden warmth of caring, love and hope close by to balance it out.
Despite the depth, this is a quick read. There is enough happening to keep the story at a steady pace and brint Aly's predicament across clearly. There were a few things, which came across a bit too simple, but that by no means hurt the tale. I couldn't help but feel for Aly, wonder what would happen next, and cheer for her until the very end.
There's a lot of food for thought in this one, and it's the kind which leaves the reader assured that there is a positive light at the end of the tunnel. It's heavy, yet inspiring. It makes the reader think and yet shows that even dark moments can lead to light. It's worth a read and is sure to capture the interest of even those who tend to grab contemporary fiction with caution.
The blurb on this one already gives a very good handle on what's covered and what's coming. Usually, this would ruin a read for me before I even start it, but in this case, it was necessary to bring in the necessary mindset to really dive into the tale. Because this one packs a punch on the emotional end. While many books of this nature tend to bog down and border on growing too heavy, this one masterfully keeps that from happening. While Aly has problems and faces many tough moments, there's a golden warmth of caring, love and hope close by to balance it out.
Despite the depth, this is a quick read. There is enough happening to keep the story at a steady pace and brint Aly's predicament across clearly. There were a few things, which came across a bit too simple, but that by no means hurt the tale. I couldn't help but feel for Aly, wonder what would happen next, and cheer for her until the very end.
There's a lot of food for thought in this one, and it's the kind which leaves the reader assured that there is a positive light at the end of the tunnel. It's heavy, yet inspiring. It makes the reader think and yet shows that even dark moments can lead to light. It's worth a read and is sure to capture the interest of even those who tend to grab contemporary fiction with caution.
September 8, 2022
This is a story that tugged at my heart. More than once I shed tears. But I am the sort of person who can "live" the book while reading it and gets emotionally invested easily.
I can't imagine the horrors that the main character went through in her life, that no child should ever have to live through. I can't imagine having a group of friends that are all waiting to die from one terminal illness or another. The book shows just how uninformed people remain about terminal illnesses, especially HIV/AIDS and how mean children and teens can be.
I am glad that in the end she shared the whole truth with her friends, that she found the strength to stand up for what is right even if the justice was for another child and not herself.
The author also highlights some of the flaws in our foster care system in this country. While she had a roof over her head and food to eat and clothing to wear, she wasn't given the love that she should have been given by her foster family. They took her for the accolades they could get from others for being so "sacrificial" and unfortunately her case worker, the prosecutor and her court appointed guardian all knew this but knew that to find her a loving foster home would probably never occur, and they would risk uprooting all of the positive relationships she had made from being with one family for years and being part of a community.
I can't imagine the horrors that the main character went through in her life, that no child should ever have to live through. I can't imagine having a group of friends that are all waiting to die from one terminal illness or another. The book shows just how uninformed people remain about terminal illnesses, especially HIV/AIDS and how mean children and teens can be.
I am glad that in the end she shared the whole truth with her friends, that she found the strength to stand up for what is right even if the justice was for another child and not herself.
The author also highlights some of the flaws in our foster care system in this country. While she had a roof over her head and food to eat and clothing to wear, she wasn't given the love that she should have been given by her foster family. They took her for the accolades they could get from others for being so "sacrificial" and unfortunately her case worker, the prosecutor and her court appointed guardian all knew this but knew that to find her a loving foster home would probably never occur, and they would risk uprooting all of the positive relationships she had made from being with one family for years and being part of a community.
July 11, 2023
An Emotional rollercoaster ride towards healing…
The book tells the story of Aly, a girl with HIV as she faces her traumatic past with the help of her friends from her support group who all are suffering with life threatening conditions of their own. When she gets a chance to put the person(monster) that is responsible for her ruined life to prison, she has to face the dilemma of either facing her past head on and testify which would need her to come clean to her friends (or) to let the monster run free.
It is a good book with wonderfully written characters. It reminds us that not everything is what it seems and sometimes the monsters come disguised as the kindest Angels. It would make you go through all the emotions from sadness to anger, it is a tough topic to discuss but the author handles it wonderfully with her elegant and witty writing style. The heartwarming ending is beautifully wrapped up and the journey of Aly as she bravely accepts that not everyone's the same and realizes that it is not her fault that things ended up the way it did was empowering to read.
I received a free copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. These are my honest thoughts regarding the book.
The book tells the story of Aly, a girl with HIV as she faces her traumatic past with the help of her friends from her support group who all are suffering with life threatening conditions of their own. When she gets a chance to put the person(monster) that is responsible for her ruined life to prison, she has to face the dilemma of either facing her past head on and testify which would need her to come clean to her friends (or) to let the monster run free.
It is a good book with wonderfully written characters. It reminds us that not everything is what it seems and sometimes the monsters come disguised as the kindest Angels. It would make you go through all the emotions from sadness to anger, it is a tough topic to discuss but the author handles it wonderfully with her elegant and witty writing style. The heartwarming ending is beautifully wrapped up and the journey of Aly as she bravely accepts that not everyone's the same and realizes that it is not her fault that things ended up the way it did was empowering to read.
I received a free copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. These are my honest thoughts regarding the book.
May 22, 2022
before i begin my review, please be aware of the content warnings if you’re considering reading this book:
child molestion and sexual assault, mentions of suicidal thoughts, self harm, HIV, and topics of death and shame/guilt over being molested
(i think that covers most of it but please read with caution. take care of yourself first and foremost)
okay now for my review: i won this in a goodreads giveaway and here’s an honest review of what i thought
this book was intense. it took me a while to read it because i needed to take breaks. that being said, reading this was an enlightening experience. i’ve never realized the extent to which some child sexual assault survivors blame themselves instead of their abusers. they feel shame and bury the secret and believe themselves to be dirty for being abused. they believe others will judge them. but that’s not true. and if anyone who has been sexually assaulted sees this, what happened was not your fault.
this book was hard to read. but it was also worth it.
child molestion and sexual assault, mentions of suicidal thoughts, self harm, HIV, and topics of death and shame/guilt over being molested
(i think that covers most of it but please read with caution. take care of yourself first and foremost)
okay now for my review: i won this in a goodreads giveaway and here’s an honest review of what i thought
this book was intense. it took me a while to read it because i needed to take breaks. that being said, reading this was an enlightening experience. i’ve never realized the extent to which some child sexual assault survivors blame themselves instead of their abusers. they feel shame and bury the secret and believe themselves to be dirty for being abused. they believe others will judge them. but that’s not true. and if anyone who has been sexually assaulted sees this, what happened was not your fault.
this book was hard to read. but it was also worth it.
July 4, 2023
Easy/fast to read - but at the same time hard to read because of the very serious topics. The story had me hooked from beginning to end (although it did wrap up quickly). It has not very surprising young love themes (complicated a little by previous trauma and HIV) but in a believable way. Is it right to say you enjoyed a book if you cried a lot reading it?
Definitely spoilers - but some people might want to avoid the book for the very serious themes. If you think you might be one of those people it's probably wise to click on the spoiler content to judge for yourself:
Definitely spoilers - but some people might want to avoid the book for the very serious themes. If you think you might be one of those people it's probably wise to click on the spoiler content to judge for yourself:
June 23, 2025
Life and Other Complications is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant YA novel that explores the weight of secrets and the courage it takes to tell the truth. Heather Mullaly delivers a compelling narrative through Aly, a teen grappling with a life-changing diagnosis while hiding a truth that could alter everything.
What makes this story stand out is its honesty Aly’s voice feels raw, real, and deeply human. Mullaly handles heavy topics like HIV, grief, and emotional trauma with sensitivity and grace, while still maintaining a thread of hope throughout. The pacing is strong, the supporting characters feel authentic, and the emotional impact lingers long after the final page.
This book is more than just a teen drama it’s a reminder that even when life feels complicated, there’s strength in vulnerability and healing in truth. A must-read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven YA fiction.
What makes this story stand out is its honesty Aly’s voice feels raw, real, and deeply human. Mullaly handles heavy topics like HIV, grief, and emotional trauma with sensitivity and grace, while still maintaining a thread of hope throughout. The pacing is strong, the supporting characters feel authentic, and the emotional impact lingers long after the final page.
This book is more than just a teen drama it’s a reminder that even when life feels complicated, there’s strength in vulnerability and healing in truth. A must-read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven YA fiction.
May 20, 2023
Life and Other Complications
HEATHER MULLALY
Review by Author Roy Murry
Seventeen-year-old Alyson has a secret and has lied about it for ten years - the source of her HIV. Unfortunately, her friends all have different levels of deadly sicknesses.
The situation is eating at her mind and soul. Her friends, Luke and Caroline, have no idea why she is not returning Luke's love for her.
The secret is coming out because Aly must testify in a trial. As a result, her innermost feelings are destroying her relationships.
Interwoven in their friendships are feelings only teenagers can define. With well-written, revealing conversations, Ms. Heather Mullaly dabbles into Aly's predicament with concern for victims of horrendous crimes.
What Aly finds out, in the end, quoting John Lennon, "Love is the answer, and you know that for sure; Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow."
HEATHER MULLALY
Review by Author Roy Murry
Seventeen-year-old Alyson has a secret and has lied about it for ten years - the source of her HIV. Unfortunately, her friends all have different levels of deadly sicknesses.
The situation is eating at her mind and soul. Her friends, Luke and Caroline, have no idea why she is not returning Luke's love for her.
The secret is coming out because Aly must testify in a trial. As a result, her innermost feelings are destroying her relationships.
Interwoven in their friendships are feelings only teenagers can define. With well-written, revealing conversations, Ms. Heather Mullaly dabbles into Aly's predicament with concern for victims of horrendous crimes.
What Aly finds out, in the end, quoting John Lennon, "Love is the answer, and you know that for sure; Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow."
June 5, 2023
Wow!
There are so many distressing and upsetting traumas in this book that leave you on the verge of tears and heart break.
As much as this book is written as fiction, there are too many truths and realities in it and I can not explain the emotions Aly's mother brought about in me. Towards the end she made me feel physically ill and glad that Aly ended up safe.
I love the support group and its variety of people and I love Luke.
I do wish the story had an epilogue into their future and I hope their lives turned out as beautiful as Aly's dream when she considered a future.
This author has so much talent but I won't be returning to any of her works in the near future as I'd like to stick my head in the sand of fantasy on not the harsh realities of our world for a little while.
There are so many distressing and upsetting traumas in this book that leave you on the verge of tears and heart break.
As much as this book is written as fiction, there are too many truths and realities in it and I can not explain the emotions Aly's mother brought about in me. Towards the end she made me feel physically ill and glad that Aly ended up safe.
I love the support group and its variety of people and I love Luke.
I do wish the story had an epilogue into their future and I hope their lives turned out as beautiful as Aly's dream when she considered a future.
This author has so much talent but I won't be returning to any of her works in the near future as I'd like to stick my head in the sand of fantasy on not the harsh realities of our world for a little while.
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