Book Review: Wreck by Kate Baer
There’s something wonderfully serendipitous about discovering an author whose work resonates with our own life experiences. I first encountered Kate Baer’s talent in her debut novel, We All Want Impossible Things, which quickly drew me in with its emotional depth. So, when I found out that Wreck was selected as Good Morning America’s Book Club pick for November 2025, and that I’d actually won two copies to share through my Little Free Library Shed, I was ecstatic! It felt like a sign to dive back into Baer’s world.
Wreck is the second installment in her series, seamlessly continuing Rocky’s journey from where we left her in Sandwich. While it’s possible to enjoy Wreck as a stand-alone, I strongly recommend reading Sandwich first to fully appreciate the rich character development. In this latest narrative, we fast-forward a couple of years, plunging into the chaos of family dynamics and the emotional complexities of health challenges.
As I navigated Rocky’s journey through her uncertain health crisis—a plotline that unnervingly mirrored my own recent experiences—I found a familiar sense of déjà vu. Just like Rocky, I’d faced my own health mysteries last year. The tension built from endless tests and the weight of being “special” in a medical sense struck a chord deep within me, making this book incredibly personal. The cost of this emotional upheaval—a mix of worry, temptation to self-diagnose, and the desire for normalcy—made me reflect on my own moments of vulnerability.
Baer captures this beautifully in her writing, making it accessible yet poignant. One line that particularly resonated was how Rocky grapples with her "compulsion to take care of everybody," a tension harmonizing between nurturing others and carving out a life of her own. The 93-year-old father living temporarily with the family brings both humor and heartache, showcasing the messy realities many families face.
I found that Baer’s dialogue is lively and sometimes chaotic, reflecting real family interactions that can be both annoying and amusing—an experience many readers might relate to. The pacing of the narrative works well, especially at just 210 pages, allowing readers to quickly immerse themselves into Rocky’s trials and tribulations without feeling bogged down by detail.
The overarching theme of caregiving juxtaposed with self-preservation is beautifully woven into the fabric of the narrative, invoking a sense of empathy in readers. I often caught myself wishing for a resolution to Rocky’s health woes while simultaneously laughing at the absurdities that accompanied her family life.
Ultimately, I would give Wreck a solid 3.5 stars. It’s a touching exploration of family dynamics, health crises, and the inevitable wrecks life throws our way.
For those who have navigated illness, caregiving, or just the joyful messiness of family life, this book will likely resonate. Although it is a relatively quick read, prepare to linger on its themes long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’ve personally grappled with illness or caregiving, this book might just speak to your soul, echoing your own emotional landscapes.
If you’re intrigued by this journey, I invite you to check out my reviews of Baer’s previous works, We All Want Impossible Things and Sandwich, for more insights. Happy reading!
“We All Want Impossible Things” Review
“Sandwich” Review
“The Lost Art of Dying” Review