There is not a cell in his chauvinistic body that is likeable. Bob-well it’s a pity he didn’t die much earlier in the book. Indeed Bob and Aida Whitman, the almost unbelievably selfish elderly parents of this family, are amongst the most unpleasant people the reader feels glad they have never met! In spite of this, Aida is such a character that she is a delight to read.

It is one of a very few novels I have ever read where the central issue is what to do with the oldies, especially if they made your life hell as a kid (and are continuing to do so) and you don’t much like them. This wry portrait of a dysfunctional family is beautifully written and funny as well as poignant. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an e-version of this book in exchange for an honest review. Please stop by my author website at and my blog about movies, art and food at or follow me on Twitter: Instagram: or on Facebook. I love to create mixed media art with a Zen sensibility and visit our adult children, Maya (in San Francisco), and Keith (in Los Angeles). I live in Carmel, CA with my husband, Doug, and calico cat Mao.

I am currently working on a second novel, Deeds Undone, a murder mystery that picks up where Things Unsaid left off. , THINGS UNSAID has been ranked #2 on the 'Top 14 Books about Families Crazier than Yours.'Ī former Stanford professor in Buddhism, writing and art are both forms of meditation, which I practice every day. Pushcart Prize Nominee, USA Best Books FINALIST, Readers Favorite SILVER Medal for Best Fiction in Drama, and the WINNER for New Adult Fiction from Beverly Hills Book Awards (National Indie Excellence Awards). Paul is the award-winning author of THINGS UNSAID.

Things Unsaid by Diana Y. Paul