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As Long As We’re Together
A heartstring-tugging, uplifting, modern spin on Party of Five -- a love letter to family, hope, and finding strength in unexpected places.
Even though she has six siblings, sixteen-year-old Novah still knows what it's like to feel lonely. Her friends never remember to invite her anywhere because they assume Novah will be too busy overseeing dinner, baths, and homework -- tasks that fall to her when her parents are at work. She wouldn't mind it so much if her "perfect" older sister, Ariana, wasn’t always excused from helping out. She's the star of the volleyball team, and their parents don't want anything to jeopardize the scholarships she'll need to become the first member of their family to attend college.
Needless to say, Novah feels like she's been given a raw deal, especially when she's forced to cancel a maybe-date with her crush, Hailee.
Then one terrible night, their parents don't make it back home. A car accident takes their lives and leaves seven heartbroken kids on their own. The Wilkinson siblings have no grandparents, no aunts or uncles. Since Ariana has just turned eighteen, she manages to convince the judge to give her temporary custody. If she can keep her family running smoothly, they'll get to stay in their home. If not, they'll be placed into foster care.
Novah will do whatever it takes to keep her family together but finds herself in a constant power struggle when Ariana refuses to take her advice, even once it becomes clear that they are all in way over their heads. Will Novah find her voice and summon the strength to do the impossible? Or will she be forced to say the hardest goodbyes of all?
Even though she has six siblings, sixteen-year-old Novah still knows what it's like to feel lonely. Her friends never remember to invite her anywhere because they assume Novah will be too busy overseeing dinner, baths, and homework -- tasks that fall to her when her parents are at work. She wouldn't mind it so much if her "perfect" older sister, Ariana, wasn’t always excused from helping out. She's the star of the volleyball team, and their parents don't want anything to jeopardize the scholarships she'll need to become the first member of their family to attend college.
Needless to say, Novah feels like she's been given a raw deal, especially when she's forced to cancel a maybe-date with her crush, Hailee.
Then one terrible night, their parents don't make it back home. A car accident takes their lives and leaves seven heartbroken kids on their own. The Wilkinson siblings have no grandparents, no aunts or uncles. Since Ariana has just turned eighteen, she manages to convince the judge to give her temporary custody. If she can keep her family running smoothly, they'll get to stay in their home. If not, they'll be placed into foster care.
Novah will do whatever it takes to keep her family together but finds herself in a constant power struggle when Ariana refuses to take her advice, even once it becomes clear that they are all in way over their heads. Will Novah find her voice and summon the strength to do the impossible? Or will she be forced to say the hardest goodbyes of all?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2023
About the author
Brianna Peppins
3 books105 followersBrianna Peppins is the author of young adult contemporary books, including Briarcliff Prep and As Long as We're Together. She was raised in PG County, Maryland and graduated from Spelman College with a B.A. in Psychology. When not writing, Brianna takes special interest in spending time with her loved ones, social justice issues and is a self-proclaimed movie aficionado.
Briannapeppins.com
Twitter: @Lexi_pep
Instagram: @Lexi_pep
Briannapeppins.com
Twitter: @Lexi_pep
Instagram: @Lexi_pep
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 13, 2023
A really good book! Definitely recommend, even though it doesn’t say it, it is lgbtqia+! It will make you cry though so be warned.
September 3, 2022
4.5 stars! This book really came out swinging to only be about 250 pages long!
Novah has a huge family - her parents and 6 siblings. She loves them all, a ton, but she also feels burdened by her role as one of the oldest children, responsible for not only parenting the younger kids but also picking up lots of shifts at her parents' dog grooming business.
When tragedy strikes and the kids' parents die, Ariana, the oldest, is the sole guardian of the whole brood. Part of the issue is that she, as young as she is, was only granted temporary custody until they can have a hearing to determine whether she's fit to take care of all the kids.
This book follows the kids over a few months and basically is just about the trials and tribulations of being a sibling, adding in the grief of losing parents, the stress of keeping a business running, and the looming threat of being put into foster care. There's tender moments, funny moments, even romantic moments as Novah gets to know a girl she's interested in. There is a really evident power struggle between Novah and Ariana. Novah both resents Ariana for trying to be in charge while also respecting her for giving up her life to keep the family together. Ariana resents Novah for still getting to have a life, somewhat, and respects her for everything she does do for the family.
There's the lesbian representation, and there's also autism representation - the youngest sister in the family has autism and is virtually mute, by choice, and communicates with sign language and a dry erase board. It seemed well handled enough, but I'm not the authority on this rep by any means, so let me know.
It's just a sweet book about a family and family struggles and the high points of being a family. Definitely worth reading!
Novah has a huge family - her parents and 6 siblings. She loves them all, a ton, but she also feels burdened by her role as one of the oldest children, responsible for not only parenting the younger kids but also picking up lots of shifts at her parents' dog grooming business.
When tragedy strikes and the kids' parents die, Ariana, the oldest, is the sole guardian of the whole brood. Part of the issue is that she, as young as she is, was only granted temporary custody until they can have a hearing to determine whether she's fit to take care of all the kids.
This book follows the kids over a few months and basically is just about the trials and tribulations of being a sibling, adding in the grief of losing parents, the stress of keeping a business running, and the looming threat of being put into foster care. There's tender moments, funny moments, even romantic moments as Novah gets to know a girl she's interested in. There is a really evident power struggle between Novah and Ariana. Novah both resents Ariana for trying to be in charge while also respecting her for giving up her life to keep the family together. Ariana resents Novah for still getting to have a life, somewhat, and respects her for everything she does do for the family.
There's the lesbian representation, and there's also autism representation - the youngest sister in the family has autism and is virtually mute, by choice, and communicates with sign language and a dry erase board. It seemed well handled enough, but I'm not the authority on this rep by any means, so let me know.
It's just a sweet book about a family and family struggles and the high points of being a family. Definitely worth reading!
May 3, 2023
Inspired by Party of Five, As Long As We're Together follows seven siblings, aged 5-18, whose parents are both killed in a car crash. The siblings struggle to band together through their grief and make ends meet, hoping that the eldest child will be granted full custody and they won't be separated. Our narrator is sixteen-year-old Novah, who prior to her parents' death felt like it fell on her to be "the responsible one" and after their passing chafes at her older sister Ariana's attempts to be in charge. Much of the tension throughout the book arises from Novah and Ariana's interpersonal conflict, as their burdens become heavier and resentment festers between them.
This is an ambitious concept to tackle in 250 pages, but Peppins mostly succeeds. The family and each of their reactions to tragedy are well-conceived and realistic. There are moments of sadness, frustration, tenderness, and triumph. I loved the love these siblings clearly have for each other. The tone overall stays fairly light and sweet; while the characters do struggle, the writing style is quick and straightforward. There's no time to really delve into the emotionality of what's happening, or linger with the character's inner turmoil. I was disappointed by the lack of detail surrounding the logistics of the siblings' life post-parents. For example, we're told that money is tight but don't actually see any affects of this, such as a scene where their card gets declined in the grocery line. With only one vehicle for the family, the younger kids are constantly hiring Ubers, but there's no mention of how expensive that would be. There's never a moment where one of the kids doesn't get picked up from school because a plan fell through, or a sudden sickness throws a wrench in the schedule. Novah stresses about finding time for a news anchor internship she wants, and Ariana insists that they'll "make it work" because it's important for Novah to be able to pursue her dreams, which is wonderful, but how do they "make it work"? Other conflicts are introduced but never resolved, such as one of the younger siblings getting into fights and detentions, or are introduced only to be immediately solved, like discovering that the 17-year-old brother lost his job months ago only after he's already found a new job and nothing has to change.
While As Long As We're Together is very heartfelt, it skimmed a little too close to the surface for me, with too much telling not showing. Deeper character development and a slightly grittier approach would have made this a more successful experience for me. 2.5 stars
TW: parent death, car crash, grief, CPS visits, anxiety and panic attacks, ableism, pet abandonment
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
⭐2023 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge⭐
12. A book published in spring 2023
This is an ambitious concept to tackle in 250 pages, but Peppins mostly succeeds. The family and each of their reactions to tragedy are well-conceived and realistic. There are moments of sadness, frustration, tenderness, and triumph. I loved the love these siblings clearly have for each other. The tone overall stays fairly light and sweet; while the characters do struggle, the writing style is quick and straightforward. There's no time to really delve into the emotionality of what's happening, or linger with the character's inner turmoil. I was disappointed by the lack of detail surrounding the logistics of the siblings' life post-parents. For example, we're told that money is tight but don't actually see any affects of this, such as a scene where their card gets declined in the grocery line. With only one vehicle for the family, the younger kids are constantly hiring Ubers, but there's no mention of how expensive that would be. There's never a moment where one of the kids doesn't get picked up from school because a plan fell through, or a sudden sickness throws a wrench in the schedule. Novah stresses about finding time for a news anchor internship she wants, and Ariana insists that they'll "make it work" because it's important for Novah to be able to pursue her dreams, which is wonderful, but how do they "make it work"? Other conflicts are introduced but never resolved, such as one of the younger siblings getting into fights and detentions, or are introduced only to be immediately solved, like discovering that the 17-year-old brother lost his job months ago only after he's already found a new job and nothing has to change.
While As Long As We're Together is very heartfelt, it skimmed a little too close to the surface for me, with too much telling not showing. Deeper character development and a slightly grittier approach would have made this a more successful experience for me. 2.5 stars
TW: parent death, car crash, grief, CPS visits, anxiety and panic attacks, ableism, pet abandonment
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
⭐2023 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge⭐
12. A book published in spring 2023
May 22, 2023
Is someone cutting onions? No? Okay..
Another target hit exactly on the spot by Brianna Peppins! As Long As We're Together is a book about longing, opportunity, confounding, and grief. I love the LGBTQ Rep, as well!
I really loved this and the characters, and when I tell you I was IN TEARS at this ending!--Happy tears, of course. Can't wait to see what else you have in store, Brianna!
Another target hit exactly on the spot by Brianna Peppins! As Long As We're Together is a book about longing, opportunity, confounding, and grief. I love the LGBTQ Rep, as well!
I really loved this and the characters, and when I tell you I was IN TEARS at this ending!--Happy tears, of course. Can't wait to see what else you have in store, Brianna!
July 28, 2023
I ADORE THIS BOOK! It is possibly my new favourite. It’s meaningful and sad and happy at the same time. The representation is amazing - autistic rep, lesbian rep, poc rep, teen caretakers, grief/parental loss, big families. It’s honestly so worth a read and is just amazing.
November 3, 2023
So this is more middle grade ish for me when I read it but I think anyone from the younger grades to older can pick this up and digest fairly quick. I think that some of the plot lines felt a little too drop and go. I think younger readers may not be as quick to notice but I’m not sure how a 18/19 year is expected to pay her family’s mortgage / rent and run the shop without any adult assistance ? Plus the family is large and if money was tight as was claimed, it took me out when I noticed the Ubers that were being taken and the lack of actual money coming in (minus the shop & Zion’s incomes.) Minus those minor instances, a sad book but hopeful with lesbian rep with our MC Novah. I liked that there was no coming out storyline, it was just accepted without a bat of an eye.
July 3, 2023
I want to start by saying that the storyline of this book is wonderful!
I grabbed this book on a whim while at a school book fair where I work. I knew it would read young and it did. I still enjoyed it though and made sure my rating wasn’t affected by this fact. If you are ages 12-18, a great read! If you are 19+, it might feel too young.
This book revolves around seven siblings who tragically lost their parents to a car crash one night and their battle to stay together as a family. It’s emotional, and frustrating while also being heartwarming, and inspiring.
I also want to add that I love when I see LGBTQ+ relationships within books where it’s just accepted. I don’t need every LGBTQ+ character I read about to have to struggle with being accepted. In this book, it was just a fact about Novah and I appreciate that.
I grabbed this book on a whim while at a school book fair where I work. I knew it would read young and it did. I still enjoyed it though and made sure my rating wasn’t affected by this fact. If you are ages 12-18, a great read! If you are 19+, it might feel too young.
This book revolves around seven siblings who tragically lost their parents to a car crash one night and their battle to stay together as a family. It’s emotional, and frustrating while also being heartwarming, and inspiring.
I also want to add that I love when I see LGBTQ+ relationships within books where it’s just accepted. I don’t need every LGBTQ+ character I read about to have to struggle with being accepted. In this book, it was just a fact about Novah and I appreciate that.
December 29, 2023
There was just nothing here. The characters never developed (except in a very telling way, no showing) and the premise is unbelievable.
October 24, 2023
Novah is used to giving up a lot for her family. Her parents have seven kids to take care of and a dog care business called Lively Pups to keep up and running. It's a lot of work, and everyone has to pitch in. And Novah's okay with that, most of the time. But sometimes its frustrating, or even unfair - like when she has to miss hanging out with her friends -again- because she has to help her little siblings with homework, or when she has to cover a shift at Lively Pups for her sister, Ari, so Ari can go hang out with friends.
But when her parents die suddenly in a car crash, Novah knows she will have to give up a lot more for her family. And she's ready to do that, because the most important thing is to make sure they can all stay together. That's what their parents would have wanted. Ari, who recently graduated high school, is named by the court as their conditional guardian, and the family has several months to prove they can make that arrangement work or the siblings will go into foster care and likely be separated into different homes.
Novah now finds her responsibilities to her siblings and to the family business growing, while also trying to navigate grief, school work, friendships, a new crush, teenage mistakes, anxiety, and her challenging relationship with her older siblings Ari and Zion - both of whom are keeping secrets, and missing family events and work shifts while expecting Novah to pick up the slack. As her resentment and anxiety grow, Novah feels caught between doing what is best for her siblings and honoring her own needs.
The character development and authentic sibling relationships really shine in this character-driven retelling of the TV show Party of Five. Publisher-recommended for ages 12+ and grades 7th-9th.
But when her parents die suddenly in a car crash, Novah knows she will have to give up a lot more for her family. And she's ready to do that, because the most important thing is to make sure they can all stay together. That's what their parents would have wanted. Ari, who recently graduated high school, is named by the court as their conditional guardian, and the family has several months to prove they can make that arrangement work or the siblings will go into foster care and likely be separated into different homes.
Novah now finds her responsibilities to her siblings and to the family business growing, while also trying to navigate grief, school work, friendships, a new crush, teenage mistakes, anxiety, and her challenging relationship with her older siblings Ari and Zion - both of whom are keeping secrets, and missing family events and work shifts while expecting Novah to pick up the slack. As her resentment and anxiety grow, Novah feels caught between doing what is best for her siblings and honoring her own needs.
The character development and authentic sibling relationships really shine in this character-driven retelling of the TV show Party of Five. Publisher-recommended for ages 12+ and grades 7th-9th.
December 9, 2023
Ok the smaller siblings are so cute. And the mc's gf is cute. And the dogs, however little we seem them, are cute.
But wow is that mc insufferable, and yet we're supposed to agree that she's not selfish? To her credit, she does love and take care of her little siblings, but even before their parents dies, she's so reluctant about all of it. Understandably of course, given that she's 16 and sort of the one falling through the cracks of 7 kids needing time and support from parents who own a small business. At first, I really empathized, and sure she's 16 and prone to stupid decisions and stubbornness, but this did not make me root for her as a person. As a sibling, yes, I wanted her family to get through this. As a friend, yes, I wanted her honestly amazing group of friends to make it. As a girlfriend and budding journalist, though? Couldn't care less.
But wow is that mc insufferable, and yet we're supposed to agree that she's not selfish? To her credit, she does love and take care of her little siblings, but even before their parents dies, she's so reluctant about all of it. Understandably of course, given that she's 16 and sort of the one falling through the cracks of 7 kids needing time and support from parents who own a small business. At first, I really empathized, and sure she's 16 and prone to stupid decisions and stubbornness, but this did not make me root for her as a person. As a sibling, yes, I wanted her family to get through this. As a friend, yes, I wanted her honestly amazing group of friends to make it. As a girlfriend and budding journalist, though? Couldn't care less.
May 26, 2024
I teach 6th grade, and picked this book up for our classroom library one day at the book fair. I decided to give it a read myself to e sure it was appropriate for my kids. There’s slight language, although sparse, included that helped me to decide that my class wasn’t quite old enough for this one. I think it would be perfect for 8th grade and up.
For me personally I enjoyed the book. I loved the way the characters loved and supported each other even when it was hard. Some parts of the story felt predictable, but it didn’t take away from the story. I appreciated the care the author took with topics like grief, autism, and anxiety/mental health.
Overall it was a touching story about family, love, community, and tenacity.
For me personally I enjoyed the book. I loved the way the characters loved and supported each other even when it was hard. Some parts of the story felt predictable, but it didn’t take away from the story. I appreciated the care the author took with topics like grief, autism, and anxiety/mental health.
Overall it was a touching story about family, love, community, and tenacity.
May 1, 2024
I loved this book. Because this family is really trying so hard, so so hard. You learn with them, you cry with them, and you laugh with them. Novah, our main character, is only 16 yo, that sometimes do believe that she knows better. I have to admit I do the same thing, so let's say this book made me reflect a lot about how I behave with my family and sometimes. She has of course lots of qualities but this is something that marked me. But otherwise, the family dynamic is amazing and a quick and easy read. Would 100% recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2023
The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable. Peppins does a great job of balancing the comedic and dramatic elements of the story. The climax of the novel is both satisfying and emotionally resonant.
December 26, 2023
This would be a really relatable book for teens who have experienced loss, family conflict, or just the struggles of life. It was relatively well written and even though it felt a bit predictable, it would probably be less so for a teen.
April 18, 2024
The first part of this book is very chaotic and the parents kind of bugged me as they expected their kids to set aside their own dreams to help chase theirs. I loved the rest of the book and it is a tear jerker. I loved the growth in the older characters.
April 28, 2024
I really liked the storyline, and it was quick to get through. Novah did get on my nerves sometimes with her decision making but she is 16. I found myself empathizing more with Ari instead. The way the whole family came together towards the end was very touching
May 10, 2023
I liked it
September 29, 2023
I liked this much better than Party of Five.
October 3, 2023
This book is such a good one. I love how the author made this book come to life while reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2023
This was a Blackett Book club book
February 14, 2024
Another One - DJ Khaled Voice
Loved it. Brianna does such a good job at using words to create family portraits. It almost seems like she personally invites readers to accompany the Wilkinsons at their dining room table to get first hand insights to their joys and sorrows. She handled grief, responsibility, hope, and community in ways that beckon readers towards self examination.
Loved it. Brianna does such a good job at using words to create family portraits. It almost seems like she personally invites readers to accompany the Wilkinsons at their dining room table to get first hand insights to their joys and sorrows. She handled grief, responsibility, hope, and community in ways that beckon readers towards self examination.
March 7, 2024
This one really got me. Beautiful
Want to read
April 4, 2024😔
September 28, 2023
3.5⭐
I picked this one up because I needed a short book- and this one with only 250ish pages was the perfect pick. I dove into this and finished in an hour and a half. This book had family, friendship, working, with a little dash of relationships. Adorable!
I picked this one up because I needed a short book- and this one with only 250ish pages was the perfect pick. I dove into this and finished in an hour and a half. This book had family, friendship, working, with a little dash of relationships. Adorable!
January 15, 2024
Rlly good!
January 9, 2024
“As Long As We’re Together”, despite being such a short and simple book, was very fun to read. As someone who’s not an avid book reader, I never once got bored or wanted to put it down. Not that it’s fast paced, I just desperately had to know how the problems the kids faced would be solved. (Even though a few minor issues they faced were either solved too easily or never discussed again). I love when a book can put detailed imagery of its scenes in my mind, and this novel did just that. I felt more self-aware, as I began to wholeheartedly understand the benefits of having your loved ones with you through every milestone in your life, the love and the loss. Kids and teenagers aren’t perfect and make mistakes and Brianna Peppins conveyed just that. However, you can only overcome the adversity that grief brings you when you face the ups and downs of life and have confidence in your future.
Not to mention, Peppins included a lot of representation in her characters for people of color, people on the spectrum, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Not to mention, Peppins included a lot of representation in her characters for people of color, people on the spectrum, and the LGBTQ+ community.
May 21, 2024
I liked the plot, but I didn't like some details of a supporting character.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews