On the weekend of July Fourth, shots are fired at a twentieth high school reunion in a small US town, killing fifty-six. Three survive. So begins Everyone Was Falling, an empowering novel of friendship and violence on the verge of an election.
Lucy—whose past trauma hypervigilance leads them to safety—is dubbed the hero. Town treasure, Christy, is the star—using YouTube to garner fame. Donna—the only former Black student of Bixby—becomes the suspect, despite what her wealthy father has done for the town. The three women navigate PTSD and the differences that long ago drove them apart. As the police department fumbles, it’s up to the survivors to lead them to justice.
Fiction | Released September 1, 2020
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“Various intersections of identity and oppression come crashing in on one another as Lee tries to make sense of the carnage that surrounds her characters. The tragedy highlighted in Everyone Was Falling is the mechanism by which Lee’s characters are able to learn about the grave injustices that are present in the world … Everyone Was Falling challenges readers to see the world from a different perspective.”
—Ally Henny, Combing the Roots; The Armchair Commentary
I’d like to recognize Émelyne Museaux (sensitivity reader/consultant) & Laura Major (editor) for their crucial contributions.
READER REVIEWS
Cathartic, healing, and impossible to put downI had this book on my shelf for a little while before reading, just looking at its beautiful cover. I wanted to read it, but was nervous that the storyline was so relevant to our times, it might hit too close to home. I finally opened it while mourning the shootings in Georgia. As I expected, JS Lee writes powerfully and astutely about social issues and structures that have been top of mind for me and many others. What I didn’t expect was how cathartic and healing it would feel to spend time with her characters, processing violence and inequity alongside them. The plot also draws readers in from the very first page. Once I picked this book up, I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading more from this thoughtful and insightful author! —Tria
This is an important bookIf you haven’t been exposed to writing by JS Lee before, you’re doing yourself a disservice. She challenges the reader to look internally whether it is a blog post or a novel such as Everyone Was Falling. You will (hopefully) walk away with greater insight and humility if you allow yourself to put down the defenses.
This book brings together so many truly important stories with compelling characters that should be recognizable to most readers. Women of color will see strong, yet incredibly burdened main characters, which feels consistent with a reality that white society is failing to SEE and the intersection with queer identities and the adoptee community…it’s a powerful combination of topics.
The way she has presented the storylines of the main characters and their interactions with multiple white friends and family who, perhaps well intentioned for the most part, come to a major disconnect…it resonates deeply. We are at a crossroads in society with people who are trying so hard to force their ‘good intentions’ on others. Major recommendation here for those of us in the ‘ally’ segment to read more books that give a strong voice to those who matter most in the conversation. There is always room to listen. JS Lee has some fantastic things to say. —M Kirk
Gripping, Powerful, and NecessaryJS Lee had managed to churn out yet another mesmerizing novel. I became fascinated with her work while reading Keurium, and Everyone Was Falling did not disappoint! Our protagonist had depth and sensitivity, and Lee takes an unflinching look at how the layers of racism unfold for people of colour in majority white communities. The protagonist’s relationship with her white adoptive parents as a transracial adoptee also helped to illustrate the difficulties of navigating overt and casual racism within one’s own family. This work was stunning, and I devoured every page. —Emmy85
This book is badassThe Dedication in J.S. Lee’s Everyone Was Falling reads, “This book is dedicated to all the badass women of color holding each other up in a world that keeps knocking us down.” This book is badass. Lucy and Donna – two of the survivors of a mass shooting – exemplify the support, tenacity, resilience and perseverance we too often expect from women of color. The book challenges the reader to stand for even a moment in the shoes of others, while laying bare the social justice work we all still need to undertake. In short, I cannot recommend Everyone Was Falling enough. —Greg Barbee
Highly recommended!JS Lee does an amazing job shifting and revealing multiple layers of the characters and their relationship to each other and society in relation to the plot. The story and characters mirrors much of today’s America with its complex relations of topics such identity, race, privilege, history, and gender. I very much appreciated the characterization of the protagonist who is a transracial, transcultural, queer adoptee- a rare portrayal in literature. JS balances it all with great suspense throughout each page. Highly recommended! —Anna
Especially poignant nowI was excited to finally read this book last week, as it was the first time I’ve read a book with a Korean adoptee as the protagonist. It’s the story of a mass shooting and the way that the survivors navigate the aftermath. It’s written by a Korean adoptee.
Although the story is set on the verge of the 2016 election, the discussion of race and power is still spot on for today, and also for Australia. It seems especially poignant now, given the very recent hate crimes against Asians in Atlanta. I appreciated the way that the author outlines the interaction between black, white, Asian and Korean adoptee in such an insightful way. The characters are true to life – there are no major breakthroughs or heartfelt apologies that save the day. One of the more problematic characters actually becomes worse by the end of it but that feels more authentic in reflecting my personal experiences as an adoptee.
The book presents a perspective that would benefit anyone’s understanding, no matter what race they identify with. I’m more than happy to share this with anyone and everyone who wants to borrow my copy (which was a little tricky to track down in Australia). I have another by this author that I’m really looking forward to reading next. —Tamara Lee
Very relatableI read this book in 2 days and I never have done that before. I just couldn’t put it down. Very relatable, thought provoking and definitely entertaining read. —Lesli
A compelling story that weaves together so many important themesOnce I started reading J.S. Lee’s “Everyone Was Falling,” I couldn’t put it down! It is such a compelling story, that weaves together so many important themes from gun violence, to racism, homophobia, trauma, adoption, and more. As a queer survivor, I found myself connecting to so many parts of the book, while also gaining insight and understanding from others. I also found myself caring so much for the central character, Lucy. It’s challenging to find stories centered on the aftermath of trauma, that aren’t wrapped up neatly in an unrealistic bow. J.S. Lee paints a more dynamic story of healing and moving forward, which was very validating. Lastly, while not shying away from difficult topics and conversations, “Everyone Was Falling” is also filled with light and hope, which I also appreciated. I definitely recommend this book! —Jennifer
Tackling many of today's issuesA well-written, fast-paced, novel tackling many of today’s issues regarding race, gender, sexuality, religion, adoption, gun control, and the urban/rural divide from an intersectional point of view. The story-line itself is compelling. The subtext is thought-provoking. This may cause some people who haven’t or aren’t willing to examine their own prejudices and socialization to bristle. Those are the places where you need to stop reading and take a look at why that particular section made you uncomfortable. You may not draw the same conclusions as Lee’s characters at the end of the read, but you will have come away more self-aware. —Krystina Schuler
Must read!Another great read by JS Lee! —Justin
Honest, brave, and timelyI’d been waiting for the release of JS Lee’s new book this year and was finally able to read and experience EVERYONE WAS FALLING last week. Honest, brave, and timely, this book will shake you awake in the most necessary ways, challenge you to re-examine your own biases, and give you hope for possibility and healing. I found myself a mess several times throughout, dog-earring pages with lines and sections that resonated to my core. As an adoptee and woman of color, I’m validated and empowered by this novel. This is a must-read especially in these times, and I encourage *all* to check it out.
Jessica Sun Lee, this book is truly everything—thank you for your bravery & courage in sharing this book and your beautiful heart with the world.
—Ferera Swan
nuanced relationshipsA really great book with many layers. I love when an author can bring in nuanced relationships. It touched on subject people tend to shy away from while having a bit of mystery. It was an easy read and kept my attention. After reading this hook it inspired me to buy more books from JS LEE. —Thresa
Great read for the current times!!!!!I should disclose that I am a Korean, trans, adoptee. The main character in this book is my hero. I wish I could articulate things as well as she does to the other people in her life. This is not my story, but there are so many things about this character that are relatable for me as an international adoptee raised in a white, military family in mostly, predominantly white communities. I wish that every potential adoptive parent of a child of color were required to read this. I am so grateful to JS for giving us adoptees that can’t articulate well, a voice. And of course, in one of the more vulnerable parts of this book (where I believe all adoptees are connected), I cried. Thanks again JS for being brave enough to produce an excellent read that will reach non-adoptees in a way that is so, so important. —Wilder
yet another great novelanother great novel by js lee! tackling racism, sexism, queerphobia, and a plethora of marginalized stereotypes in her usual style from a transracial adoptee’s perspective (a perspective far too often silenced and/or overlooked in society) js lee tells us of three women dealing with their trauma in small town america after being the only survivors in a terribly tragedy in their home town. her characters are detailed enough to feel like you actually know them and just broad enough to ‘match’ them to just about anyone you can think of in your life… to me, that makes her stories all the more intriguing and engrossing. her style almost tells several stories intertwined and i feel that’s important as most of her work also involves bringing attention to the intersectionalities of racism and trauma… it allows her stories to be read over and over again on several different levels and points in your own personal healing journey. on a personal note, this particular book had a whodunit twist to it and i found that to be a pleasing variety without focusing too much on the mystery itself… rather the mystery wrapped around to help narrate her story as opposed to the story being about the crime itself. —the howling tiger
A powerful book for our times!I read JS Lee’s wonderful book slowly. I did not want it to end. As with her previous books, I feel in love with the protagonist inmediately and wanted to enjoy her story longer. Problem was that the story was fascinating and I also wanted to see it unfold! All of JS Lee’s characters are vivid, real and many are very relatable. The last conversation between Lucy and Christy was like dejà vu. So many of the conversations felt familiar. I loved every page, every chapter, every word. It is a powerful, progressive, smart, witty book with a lot of heart. The end is incredibly satisfying, so moving, so lovely! JS Lee is a gifted writer. She is very visual in her descriptions of scenes and events and at the same same time so poetic in the ways she writes about her character’s emotions. The books also had the kind of sense of humor I love too. One final little detail I so enjoyed were the witty titles of every chapter. And perhaps a superficial thing but the dust cover and the cover of the book match! The same gorgeous image is shown twice to be enjoyed and that is not common at all! Do not miss this jewel! —Claudia
I have never felt more seen and validatedAs a queer, transracial adoptee, Lucy definitely know what it’s like to feel in-between. After surviving a mass shooting, she is thrown back to her hometown and forced to face people who made her childhood far less than ideal. Her two friends, Christy and Donna, survived with Lucy and now must navigate life after trauma with the shooter still on the loose. As Lucy spends more time examining her trauma and identity, she realizes that perhaps survival isn’t strong enough to keep her friendships intact.
Like with Keurium, JS Lee has stunned me again. I have never felt more seen and validated by a book than with hers. Everyone Was Falling begins with the aftermath of a school reunion shooting and immediately threw me into the aftermath. I found every scene extremely relatable and relevant as a woman of color and adoptee. The dialogue could be heavy and forced me to pause several times as I reflected on my own experiences. There was a moment when I thought, “Ugh the aggressions just never end!” I realized that is life. This book is reality for many and hopefully a wake up call to the others.
I particularly enjoyed how thought out each perspective was. There was never just a black-and-white situation. You saw all sides and were shown how characters came to behave the way they do. This forced me to examine my own implicit biases and roles in society. It reminded me that what matters is those who show compassion and put in the effort to understand. I was reminded that you aren’t going to awaken everyone. Some are set in their ways and sometimes you just have to remove yourself from the situation for your own health and safety.
This (and Keurium) is a book I recommend to ALL. You do not have to be a person of color, adoptee, or member of the LGBTQIA community to get something out of this book. It will spark uncomfortable, but entirely necessary, conversations and will lead you to more compassion for others.
Be aware this book covers topics including: adoption, sexuality, mass shootings, and trauma. Passages may be triggering to readers. —Lilly Schmaltz
Read this!!!This book. I am in awe. Please, please, please read this book. It feels like a slice of my soul has been carved out and put on paper. Every emotion I’ve felt as an adoptee raised in a white dominated hometown has been validated. The triggers, the people and most importantly the inner monologue. This book has given my inner child room to heal and change. It paints the picture I know all too well, being surrounded by people who don’t look like you, by people who would rather praise you for your white attributes than your asian ones. I have struggled for so long on controlling my reactions, words, and bias. This book has given me the opportunity to find peace with myself and those around me, and for that I am grateful. —lena
fascinating, poetic, gripping, and real novel!I opened this book late one night and didn’t put it down until I’d finished it. Everyone Was Falling is haunting, poetic, and real. As a transnational transracial Queer Asian adoptee, the main character feels authentic and holds back no punches to describe their experiences. This is as much a novel as a reflection of the disturbing racial and political moment. Worth it! —Elizabeth Wexler