Praise from Readers

With compassion and honesty, Something Better takes readers on a journey through the country of grief and the messy aftermath of love and disaster. Parrish’s clear-eyed writing dives into the question of forgiveness: can we forgive the ones we love when they are the ones who hurt us the most? And can such radical forgiveness be life-changing? This tender story cheered me, moved me, and made me want to linger with its characters for long afterward. A novel with deep wells of heart and oceans of uplift waiting in its pages.

—Blair Hurley,

Author of Minor Prophets and The Devoted


Something Better gently explores grief in its many forms—a young woman’s loss of both parents in a tragic car accident, a married couple’s failure to conceive a child—then places the characters on a collision course through their sometimes-faulty life choices. Infused with keen insight and empathy into our human foibles, and wisdom about grace and forgiveness, Diane Parrish’s deft prose offers a timely reminder that it’s never too late to heal, if only we can take the first step.

—Kristin Koval

Author of the Novel Penitence

With compassion and honesty, Something Better takes readers on a journey through the country of grief and the messy aftermath of love and disaster. Parrish’s clear-eyed writing dives into the question of forgiveness: can we forgive the ones we love when they are the ones who hurt us the most? And can such radical forgiveness be life-changing? This tender story cheered me, moved me, and made me want to linger with its characters for long afterward. A novel with deep wells of heart and oceans of uplift waiting in its pages.

—Blair Hurley,

Author of Minor Prophets and The Devoted


Something Better gently explores grief in its many forms—a young woman’s loss of both parents in a tragic car accident, a married couple’s failure to conceive a child—then places the characters on a collision course through their sometimes-faulty life choices. Infused with keen insight and empathy into our human foibles, and wisdom about grace and forgiveness, Diane Parrish’s deft prose offers a timely reminder that it’s never too late to heal, if only we can take the first step.

—Kristin Koval

Author of the Novel Penitence

"A novel raised to an impressive level of literary elegance, it is all the more impressive to note that "Something Better' is the debut effort of novelist Diane Parrish. Deftly incorporating thoughtful and thought-provoking elements of forgiveness and faith, "Something Better" is a truly memorable read from start to finish."

—Midwest Book Review    


“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Your storytelling truly captivated me, and I found myself deeply empathizing with the characters. They were so well-developed, each with powerful emotions and real-life stories that resonated deeply with me.

The multi-generational character development and the way everyone's stories were intertwined added a rich depth to the narrative. I particularly appreciated the profound messages around forgiveness, humanity, and the interconnectedness of people. Your novel beautifully illustrated how recognizing our interrelatedness can lead to greater understanding, responsibility, and selflessness.

In a world where people are often quick to condemn and pass judgment, your message was a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of the complexity of humans and the power of grace and forgiveness within us. Truly inspirational. I loved it.”

       —Bill Harmer

Executive Director Westport Library

 

“I thoroughly enjoyed “Something Better”! Writing style, character development, plot and all else are first rate. Redemption is a powerful concept.”

—Tony LaRussa

Hall of Fame Baseball Manager and Author of One Last Strike

 

“I loved so many things . . . your depiction of the Connecticut I want to live in. Characters I care about and want more of. The way a single unexpected moment sets everything in motion. The way not only faith, but church, and our uncertain attempts to practice that faith were so adeptly woven into a story that never assumes readers come from within the fold. Trying to figure out which character I identified with the most and realizing the answer was maybe most of them! And above all, thinking about how our attempts to cope with what life throws at us, to grieve terrible losses, to face immobilizing fears, to recognize and make the right choices, and to find ways to keep growing instead of retreating in the face of uncertainty takes the one thing we don’t want to give ourselves - time. How no matter what our intentions, we really only understand what’s going on in and around us in hindsight. So, thanks for a beautiful read. No pressure but a sequel would be great!”

—Lynn Rider

 Yale Divinity School, MDiv, MSW

"Parrish pulls back the facade of the carefully cultivated suburbs with luscious prose infused with flashes of humor and insight, as she quietly questions our notions of forgiveness and faith. Something Better ushers a sparkling new talent onto the literary landscape. “Diane Parrish beautifully constructs a world where things left unsaid create a pathway to redemption.”

—Susan Aronson,

Writer, Producer, Emmy Award Winner


“Something Better explores all facets of love, faith, and forgiveness while maintaining a propulsive plot and unexpected turns and resolutions.”

—Liz Matthews,

Author and Program Director, Westport Writers Workshop


“Diane Parrish's debut novel is a stunning reflection of the human spirit and the complexities that bind our lives together. The intricately crafted story is so absorbing and the characters so authentic that I still expect to bump into one of them at the grocery store.”

—Caroline C. Barney,

Award-winning Author, The Trebor Tales


“In her debut novel, Diane Parrish takes us on roller coaster ride when it comes to our closest bonds and what forgiveness means. Readers will be turning the pages to know the outcome of the three narrators’ personal, entwined journeys.”

—Susannah Marren,

Author, A Palm Beach Wife, A Palm Beach Scandal
and Maribelle's Shadow