Hazel Says No - a family moves from Brooklyn to Maine, and a shocking event threatens their happiness.

When Gus Blum gets a great opportunity to be a professor and department head at a prestigious college in Maine, the father of two is anxious to take it. Wife Claire is ready to design her own clothing line, and a change could give her that chance. Daughter Hazel is a senior in high school, so she only has a year left before she heads off to college (hopefully Vassar). Eleven-year-old Wolf, who struggles with ADHD, is starting junior high school with dreams of performing in a school play and yearns to fit in and make new friends. The family leaves the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn and moves into their new home in Riverburg, Maine. After a fun summer, things seem to be going well for the Blum family. However, on Hazel's first day of school, something unthinkable happens to her. The impact of a # MeToo event sends the family into a tailspin, leaving the small town shocked and divided.

Author Jessica Berger Gross presents a thought-provoking story in her beautifully written, impressive debut, Hazel Says No. While the crisis revolves around Hazel, each member of the Blum family is a well-developed, interesting, and authentic character. I especially loved Wolf. The novel explores the consequences of speaking the truth when faced with a difficult situation. It sensitively addresses some serious topics yet also includes lighter moments. I enjoyed this fish-out-of-water family story, especially since I grew up in Brooklyn. 

Many thanks to HTP Books | Hanover Square Press for providing an advance copy. I read the book and also listened to the audio version. Narrator Emma Galvin did an excellent job giving each character a distinctive and engaging voice. 

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary Fiction. 

Publication Date: June 17, 2025.

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