And Sometimes Why: A Novel

By Rebecca Johnson

To the McMartin family, it seems like an ordinary morning at the breakfast table. Parents Darius and Sophie are quietly observing their daughters’ argument over whose turn it is to take the car that they share. Sixteen year old Helen- popular, pretty, outgoing – wants to go break up with her boyfriend, while eighteen year old Miranda – serious, smart, quiet- must decide whether to attend her college freshmen orientation or shop for new clothes. Finally, Helen agrees to catch a ride with a friend; a seemingly minor decision that will ultimately change their family forever.

While Miranda makes friends with a few fellow classmates, Helen breaks things off with Bobby, her guitar playing, motorcycle riding boyfriend. He takes the break up surprising well, asking only for one more night together for old time’s sake. Helen agrees and they ride off together on his bike. What Helen doesn’t know is that Bobby is actually a 37 year old drug dealer with an alias and an alcohol problem; this ride will be her last.

Rebecca Johnson has created an interesting premise here and the characters of the McMartin family are well drawn. For me, problems arise when other characters, like a good looking game show host and a lonely filmmaker, take center stage. Although the characters are connected, their relationships sometimes feel tenuous and only distracted me from Helen’s story. If the author had focused more on the McMartins, I think it would be a more satisfying book. Still, And Sometimes Why is an engrossing look at one family’s tragedy and how it affects the lives of other people as well.