Almost Family by Ann Bancroft is a remarkable exploration of the power of support groups, and a woman’s ability to find meaning in unexpected connections at the darkest moment of her life. Liz Millanova is broken in many ways: her daughter is estranged from her and her marriage is in tatters. Now, she suffers from stage four cancer. A support group is the last thing that Liz wants, but since it doesn't hurt, she gives it a try. The group meets at Nordstrom's employee training lounge. It is here that a relationship develops between Liz and two other patients. They decide it is time to enjoy life on their own terms so they leave the group and form what they call the Oakland Mets. Dave is gay and Rhonda has dark secrets of her own that she hides beneath the veneer of religious devotion. As these characters explore ways to enjoy life, Liz learns to let go, to let others in, and to mend her relationship with her daughter.

Bancroft is a wonderful storyteller whose ability to create engaging and lovely characters shines through this narrative. The Mercy’s Thriving Survivors is a place that readers will love to explore and the connection and banter between the snarky Liz and other members of the support group is hearty and enlivening. The author balances the grim subject matter with humor, which lightens the narrative and makes it utterly engaging. The juxtaposition of the absurd and the characters’ search for meaning in the last days of their lives is one of the strongest points of this narrative. I loved the motivation in these characters and how well it is conveyed. Their journey tells the reader one important lesson: It is never over until it is over. Ann Bancroft’s characters are believable and relatable and the author has the ability to put these characters into situations that are realistic. She skillfully explores their emotions, making them feel like people who live next door. Almost Family is a rollicking, humorous ride that had me rooting for the characters.

In Almost Family by Ann Bancroft, Liz Millanova, diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, reluctantly joins a support group but finds solace among fellow patients. Despite her initial hesitation, she gradually embraces the group's camaraderie, bonding with Dave and Rhonda. Themes of faith and forgiveness emerge, and Liz reassesses her priorities, leaving her job and hoping to reconcile with her daughter, Marisa. Dave and Rhonda also carry unresolved family issues, fostering a deeper connection within the group. Amidst personal turmoil, they unite, offering mutual support and resolving to reconnect with family, release past grievances, accept the heartache of goodbyes, and cherish moments with loved ones. Their collective experiences underscore the significance of relationships, whether through blood ties or the cherished companionships that evolve into a surrogate family.

I was drawn to Almost Family by Ann Bancroft because of the similarities between Liz's journey and that of my wife's mother, a San Francisco East Bay native, a die-hard A's fan, and a woman who fought breast cancer to the very end. Bancroft's novel felt personal, and in many ways, I felt like I was reading into some of the emotions of a woman we knew and loved deeply. I liked how the Bay Area came to life in Bancroft's writing and how the interconnectedness of a collection of areas is reflective of the diversity of Liz's, Dave's, and Rhonda's lives. They are united; they are similar, but they are each unique in their individual concerns. This can only be accomplished through great character development, which Bancroft is particularly skilled at. Occasionally the narrative could wander off into the weeds, but, overall, the pacing has the hallmarks of true literary fiction; it is more introspective and a little philosophical, and as a result, I am certain that readers who enjoy intentionally thoughtful work will find pleasure in what Bancroft has crafted. Recommended.

Liz has been through a lot. Due to the alcoholism of her husband and other issues, her marriage falls apart. Her daughter, Marisa, is very distant and constantly takes her father's side. Things go from bad to worse when Liz is diagnosed with breast cancer. She puts treatment on hold for a month to be with her new lover, Lyle. Later on, the cancer metastasizes to the bone, which puts her life in shambles. Liz finds the idea of a support group repulsive, but she eventually joins one where she meets interesting people with incredible stories. Rhonda is married to the pastor's brother, and despite Liz not being religious, she bonds with Rhonda. Another interesting person she meets is Dave. To find out about Liz's journey and how things unfold between her, Dave, and Rhonda, dive into Almost Family by Ann Bancroft.

As I was reading Almost Family by Ann Bancroft, I was hit by a variety of emotions. This wonderfully crafted work got me thinking about death and its finality. How does one prepare for death and live one's life to satisfaction? I loved how vivid the author was with the descriptions of the events and emotions of the well-developed characters, which made them relatable. The steady pacing and the well-crafted dialogues, which were highly engaging, also brought the story to life and added to the overall readability of the book. I also loved other themes explored, such as tolerance and respect for people's choices in life. I am looking forward to reading something else by Ann Bancroft.

Coping with the aftermath of her divorce, the last thing Liz Millanova expected to hear was that the cancer she thought she had beaten had somehow come back. Faced with the real possibility of losing this fight, her doctor refers her to a support group for people facing similar conditions. Liz has never been one to give up quickly, and the thought of joining such a group puts her off. However, in Rhonda and Dave, she sees kindred spirits who share the same intention of making the most of what little time they have left. Liz picks up helpful advice from her new friends, but is she willing to put their advice to work in getting her affairs in order in Ann Bancroft’s Almost Family?

There's no time like the present to make amends, as Ann Bancroft’s novel shows. The characters are crafted exquisitely, with Bancroft going the extra mile to ensure they are as relatable as any individual you come across each day. I love the easygoing nature of the conversations between the characters. It ranges from mildly humorous to ridiculous most of the time, but the brutally honest remarks give their conversations the gravity one would expect in a story with death as a central theme. A particular example is when resident realist Dave has a piece of wisdom to share or an assignment he wants to force his fellow Oakland Mets to complete. Liz’s letter to Marisa is deep and emotional as she bares her heart, fearing the possible backlash that may follow. Almost Family is a well-written, thought-provoking story from a gifted writer.