Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC audio book. First off, the narrator was fantastic! It was done in such a way that makes you feel like you're in the mind of Bria, a 16 year old whose life has been seriously affected by addiction. Bria's life hasn't been easy and she does what it takes to get by. Her mom left, her dad is drug dealer, she saved her step-mom from OD, she has a crappy boyfriend she refers to as "someboy" and she keeps getting dick pics from an anonymous numbers. You'd think she'd turn away from drugs, but taking a pill here and there to help her cope turns into an addiction that creeps up on her. This is a story about love, loss, addiction, pain, and hope.

4 ⭐️ This book felt like a fever dream, watching an episode of Shameless, and an ode to teenage nostalgia all in one. If you thrive on a tight plot line, this will not be the read for you. But if you enjoy works that explore the raw traumas and triumphs of being a human being, told in a stream of conscious format, I recommend “What’s Not Mine.”

“What’s Not Mine” explores addiction, sex, and discovering one’s self in the midst of trauma as a teenager. It all takes place over the course of a summer, following Bria—a fifteen-year-old who moves in with her Aunt, best friend/cousin, two younger cousins, and her Aunt’s questionable boyfriend, after witnessing the overdose of her father’s girlfriend and her father being sent to prison.

With a mixture of humor and wisdom, Nora Decter transports the reader right into summertime, teenage-hood, and the struggles with addiction, in a uniquely captivating style of writing.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Nora Decter, and ECW Press Audio for the free audio-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I am on the fence with this book honestly. I really liked it, but it was also depressing. I was not a fan of the narrators voice, but then knowing that the book is about a teenage girl who’s a drug addict who has grown up around other addicts, who is very lost, the narrators voice makes sense. Bria is troubled. She is a 16 year old lost girl who finds a “boyfriend” and is addicted to pills. But somehow she shows up for her job, watches her young cousins and keeps them safe, but has demons and not many people look out for her. I like depressing books- but perhaps because I have a 15 year old son, this hit too close to home? I would recommend it though. Thank you for allowing me to read it!!

I received a copy of the audiobook to provide an honest review.
The narrator, Billie Baird, did a great job narrating the cast of this audiobook. She kept the story flowing & engaging.

An honest and gripping story of addiction. Bria, newly 16 years old, finds herself in a dark place where her mother is not in her life, her father is a drug dealer and has recently disappeared, and her stepmother has OD’d (and Bria was the one to find her). She starts to rely on taking pills to get through the day (fentanyl). Eventually she starts to panic when her supply is running low and she realizes just how dependent she has become on the drug. The story is raw and thought-provoking. Very well written.

Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press for the arc of this book.

This is an interesting narrative of a girl lost in her teens. Often, I felt lost in her narrative, sometimes wondering if I had skipped a part or just missed something altogether. However, I think that is partially the point of the book.

This is a girl who is lost in the midst of her teens, drug addicted, missing/lost/dead parents, and sexual "things" she doesn't really grasp along the way. I think there would be days where you wouldn't know one day from the next. When you wouldn't know who you can trust, who truly cares for you, and where home actually is. And in the midst of all of that, you are trying to find yourself- without constant support, while battling addiction, and basically lost.

This book reads like the mind wonderings of a 15/16 yo girl who is addicted. I think I need to listen to it again to get the full impact of what the book really wants to portray, but overall, I think it gets the point across: the sadness and heartbreak of a teenage girl who is alone and addicted.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I will look the others books of the author
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of What's Not Mine by Nora Decter.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me, I just did not get the plot. I was initially hooked, but it went all over the place. Too many messy characters, the main girl herself was scattered confusion. I usually don't mind that, but I need something sensical to sink my teeth into, and I just couldn't find it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.
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I truly do not know how to describe the feeling this book gave me. Nora was such a flawed character who dealt with so many things all at once, I just wanted to give her a big hug. The writing was so sharp and was easily able to draw me in and care for not only Nora but all the other characters too. The ending was so bittersweet, but a great way to end off a book such as this one that deals with heavy topics.

This story shows how easy it can be to fall into addiction, even as a teenager. It sparked some painful memories for me, which is admirable. I love books that can make me feel something.

Sixteen-year-old Bria is a hard character to dislike. I think a lot of people will be able to see some aspect of themselves in her.

I *get* why the dick pick storyline was included but the resolution felt very much rushed over, in turn causing the whole thing to seem unnecessary.

The narration was okay! I wish there was more emotion behind it, seeing as how this was a very emotional story. However, I know that wouldn’t be for everyone!

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed Billie Baird’s narration of this book! She seamlessly brings all the characters to life and makes you feel like you’re along for the ride in this young girls descent into addiction. This is one of those books where it feels like not much of significance is happening, yet it’s something that will stick with me for years. I have a seventeen year old daughter who I know would also love the story so I’ll definitely be gifting her a copy soon!

Name of Book: What’s Not Mine
Author: Nora Dector
Narrator: Billie Baird
Publisher: ECW Press Audio
Genre: YA/Teen
Pub Date: April 2, 2024
My Rating: 2 Stars
Pages: 248


The blurb got my attention
~ For fans of Miriam Toews, an absorbing, darkly funny story of family, addiction, and survival ~

However, I should have read the following review before deciding on this
The summer Bria turns 16 is a rough one for her. Her mother is out of the picture, her drug-dealing father has disappeared, her
stepmom has OD’d (with Bria saving her), her boyfriend is borderline abusive and someone keeps sending Bria dick pics

Although I am not the target audience for this story however as a High School Guidance Counselor I love to read YA stories. It pleases me when I can recommend a book as well just talk about books and encouraging reading for fun other than text books.
Unfortunately this did not work for me. I hung in there hoping it would ‘get it’. Sorry to say, it never got to the point of enjoyment. 😥

Want to thank NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for this early audio.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 2, 2024.

The writing here is stunning, it came rushing in like an unexpected smack to the head and kept me absolutely riveted to the spot. The narration was spot on and the combination of the two was perfect. I felt this story. Terrified for Bria, fuming with her father and willing her aunt and cousin to notice what’s happening before it’s too late for her to make it back. Someboy is written so well, I thought “I know you” “I see you” scuzzy piece of crap user and abuser.

The ending was lovely, however I must say I’d really like to see a follow up, I want to follow Bria’s next journey and I’m rooting hard for her.

Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audio book in return for an honest review.

"What’s Not Mine" by Nora Decter is a poignant and thought-provoking coming-of-age novel that delves deep into the complexities of teenage identity, family dynamics, and the search for belonging. Through the eyes of the endearing protagonist, Roxy, Decter navigates the tumultuous journey of adolescence with sensitivity and insight, offering readers a compelling narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

At the heart of the story is Roxy, a teenage girl grappling with the weight of her family's secrets and the burden of her own insecurities. As she navigates the ups and downs of high school life, she finds herself drawn to a group of misfits who challenge her preconceptions and offer her a sense of belonging she has never known. Along the way, she confronts difficult truths about her family, her friendships, and ultimately, herself.

Decter's writing is raw and honest, capturing the essence of teenage angst and uncertainty with authenticity and empathy. From the awkwardness of first love to the pain of betrayal, the author explores a wide range of emotions with sensitivity and nuance, inviting readers to empathize with Roxy's struggles and triumphs.

What sets "What’s Not Mine" apart is its unflinching exploration of the complexities of identity and the ways in which our pasts shape our present and future selves. Decter deftly weaves together themes of family secrets, mental health, and the quest for self-discovery, painting a rich and multifaceted portrait of adolescence that is as relatable as it is compelling.

While the novel may deal with heavy subject matter, it is ultimately a story of resilience, redemption, and the power of friendship to overcome even the darkest of obstacles. As Roxy navigates the challenges of her teenage years, she learns valuable lessons about forgiveness, acceptance, and the importance of staying true to herself.

In conclusion, "What’s Not Mine" is a powerful and evocative coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers of all ages. Nora Decter's exquisite prose, compelling characters, and poignant storytelling make this novel a must-read for anyone who has ever felt lost, alone, or unsure of where they belong.