Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
What Was Mine
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Simply told but deeply affecting, in the bestselling tradition of Alice McDermott and Tom Perrotta, this urgent novel unravels the heartrending yet unsentimental tale of a woman who kidnaps a baby in a superstoreand gets away with it for twenty-one years.Lucy Wakefield is a seemingly ordinary woman who does something extraordinary in a desperate moment: she takes a baby girl from a shopping cart and raises her as her own. Its a secret she manages to keep for over two decadesfrom her daughter, the babysitter who helped raise her, family, coworkers, and friends. When Lucys now-grown daughter Mia discovers the devastating truth of her origins, she is overwhelmed by confusion and anger and determines not to speak again to the mother who raised her. She reaches out to her birth mother for a tearful reunion, and Lucy is forced to flee to China to avoid prosecution. What follows is a ripple effect that alters the lives of many and challenges our understanding of the very meaning of motherhood. Author Helen Klein Ross, whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, weaves a powerful story of upheaval and resilience told from the alternating perspectives of Lucy, Mia, Mias birth mother, and others intimately involved in the kidnapping. What Was Mine is a compelling tale of motherhood and loss, of grief and hope, and the life-shattering effects of a single, irrevocable moment.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
Clwojick
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Getting back into the swing of reading lately! I‘ve been busy setting up shop + filling orders… but I was able to listen to my audiobooks while making my nail sets. The bottom three books are still in progress but I finished the other 7! Howls Moving Castle was my favourite, but Defending Jacob and Well Met were also fantastic ❤️ Thanks for the little push @Andrew65 I‘m so happy I was able to get through some books!

Andrew65 Brilliant, thanks for playing along 👏👏👏🙌🥳😍 3y
MyNamesParadise I loved Defending Jacob! Have you seen the limited series on Apple TV+ ? 3y
Clwojick @MyNamesParadise I haven‘t! I want to though. 3y
69 likes3 comments
review
la_rose_noire
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

Lucy wants a baby so badly that when she sees the little Natalie sitting alone in the blue shopping cart of a popular store, she picks her up and leaves the store as if the baby were hers. #kidnapping #multipleperspectives #motherhood #helenkleinross

blurb
la_rose_noire
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
review
Margot0817
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Mehso-so

I really enjoyed this book but I must say, the ending was so abrupt that I kept flipping through the acknowledgments wondering where the rest was. How did it end like that?! Like there were at least 20 pages left?! I feel like I have emotional whiplash that will never be resolved. I really enjoyed the book and want to give it a pick very badly but because of this ending I will give it a So-so

blurb
Margot0817
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Loving this so far!

review
Djspens
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

What to do when I wake up at 3:30 and can't get back to sleep? Move to the couch so I don't wake the hubby, and finish my book. Lucy steals a baby left unattended and gets away with it for 21 years. What's a girl to do when she's raised by a mother that loves her while another mother desperately wishes for her return. Which one is "home" to her?

42 likes1 stack add
blurb
Djspens
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

It‘s feeling like spring! Today anyway.... gonna start this audiobook and go for a walk/run! Happy Sunday Littens!

review
YaYa_Reads
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Pickpick

This was not a thriller but this boom totally shook me. So many emotions. A must-read

blurb
Eggs
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚🍁🍂 5y
46 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
gypsymoon
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Pickpick

Very good.

review
LWagoner
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

A quick moving story of a baby kidnapped at 4 months of age. The story is told thru cleverly written vignettes by characters essential to the plot. I couldn‘t put this down. P. 329 “When you forgive, the prisoner you set free is yourself.”

12 likes1 stack add
review
Callemarie
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

This book was really great. I felt nervous listening when the truth comes out of what Lucy had done but then I had conflicting feelings about how Lucy was treated. Yes she kidnapped a baby which makes her absolutely the worst but then it‘s like well she raised that baby and provided her with everything possible in life. So it then became difficult to hate her. The audio was great, the story was great. I definitely recommend it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

18 likes2 stack adds
review
CathyJ
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Mehso-so

I thought the storyline of this book had a lot of potential, but it just didn't have enough momentum for me. I almost bailed halfway through, but decided to stick it out.

review
mrslamping
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
This post contains spoilers
show me
post image
Mehso-so

This was a so-so book. I had such high hopes for it but the ending totally killed it. It just ends - no big ending, no happily ever after or tragedy, nothing. It leaves you thinking, “That‘s it??!!!” I can think of a million better ways to end this book!!

blurb
mrslamping
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Enjoying my new pick #currentread #winenot #wineandabook

review
Booklover4ever
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Bailedbailed

Book has a interesting plot but close to the end it took a major nosedive and it didnt have a good ending in my opinion which made the whole book suck.

blurb
brookerhi
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Day 9: Cover with Autumn Vibes - This book has been on my #TBR list for awhile. It's about a woman who kidnaps a baby from a shopping cart. What, say what?! #septinbooks17 #bookstagram #readingchallenge #fallforbooks #autumnvibes 🍂🍄🍁🍃🌾

1 like1 stack add
review
AmberB1
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Pickpick

I love the way that this book had alternating perspectives. This story details that kidnapping of a baby from an IKEA store. I enjoyed the way that it was told in past tense and gave everyone's perspective. Interesting.

blurb
Bks4Wrms
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

The characters in this book are both literally and figuratively a #LongLongWayFromHome. #RockInMay

Cinfhen Our book club was heavily divided on this book, but I thought there was lots to discuss and rather enjoyed the story (edited) 8y
Bks4Wrms @Cinfhen There is lots to discuss! I really liked this book. 8y
23 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
spinesvines
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

???? Cheers! A definite page turner! In efforts not to spoil the book for other readers, What Was Mine gave me just the amount of crazy and WTH's that I enjoy when reading a book of this nature. Although the subject matter is any parents worst nightmare, I thoroughly enjoyed how the author somehow made me as a reader feel empathy for Lucy.  My emotions were all over the place which is the recipe for a good read for me. #spinesvines

5 likes1 stack add
blurb
Bookwm85forever
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

My husband is out delivering packages for UPS and I'm in bed with a book. 😊

Lauren.Archer My hubby works at UPS also, I do miss him in December, but can get some good reading in. 8y
Bookwm85forever One more week!! I hate the long hours during peak season but enjoy the extra money:) 8y
Leetha_rose I used to work at UPS! ((Less book time for me, but more money to buy books!!)) 8y
8 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
Susanita
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

This month's selection for my #bookclub but I bailed in frustration. Since I'm a completist, I might come back and pick it up later, but right now I just can't even. The meeting is tonight, but I'll probably stay home and watch Rocky Horror. #timewarp

review
MoreBooksPlease
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Mehso-so

I'd give What Was Mine ⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/2 ⭐️'s. It wrapped up too neatly, left me wanting more rage and raw emotions. It was a quick read, I liked it, but I felt I wanted more...more intensity. If my baby was taken from a shopping cart, I'd be a raving lunatic....I don't know that yoga & throwing rocks in the ocean would help me....too neatly tied up for me.

blurb
DimeryRene
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Borrowed this book so long ago. Ready to finally get to it. Rainy weather outside. Perfect for reading. ☔️

review
Yourfriendlylibrarian
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

A point of view smorgasbord! Ross impressively leads the reader to feel empathy for the villain. A page-turner that leaves you wanting more! The kind of novel that never lets you forget it's story or characters long after you turn the last page.

Josie Well, I'm sold!! Great review 8y
10 likes3 stack adds1 comment
blurb
Em890
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

This publishing degree is not doing so good for my wallet. It gives me an excuse to buy new books.

quote
Sharpeipup
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Book 2 of my very first #24in48 #readathon

6 likes1 stack add
blurb
Sharpeipup
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Quick break from #24in48 #readathon to walk to the farmers market for snacks...mango, apples, pears. Oh my!

review
everfree7
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Pickpick

I enjoyed the novel but I wanted more exploration of how Mia and Lucy managed their relationship after the fact.

2 likes1 stack add
quote
everfree7
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

everfree7 Thanks! That one looks like my kind of book. Will get it from library! 7y
3 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
everfree7
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Enjoying this novel so far

review
Cinfhen
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Mehso-so

If a genre of books existed for PERFECT FOR LIFETIME MOVIE CHANNEL this book would be an ideal fit! I was fully immersed in the story but found the writing simple and generic. This is definitely a beach read~ If you are looking for fine literature, skip it!

blurb
Cinfhen
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Mindless reading seems to be my best option. Started this book on the commute to NY this morning and I was able to get to page 97! About to board train back to Philly, maybe I'll finish it before the day is over

blurb
TamiSmith
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Totally diggin this book. Quite intriguing, sad and relatable. Don't we all lose our children somehow?

1 like1 stack add
review
BibliophileBytheSea
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

Two professional woman, one a mother and one desperate to be a mother lives converge in the worst possible way. When one woman is distracted by a work call on her cell, the other takes her infant daughter and for 21 years raises it as her own. Addictive read with sympathetic charcters.

19 likes2 stack adds
review
jamreads
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

Excellent read, a thrilling page turner! Not wanting to spoil the book for others but the story gave me just the amount of crazy, suspense and WTHs that I enjoy! Although the subject matter is any parents worst nightmare, I thoroughly enjoyed how the author somehow made feel empathy for culprit. 4🌟

quote
BibliophileBytheSea
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

"I especially hated lying to Mia, as I tucked her into bed, nodding along with the Berenstain Bears, who informed us never, ever to lie because 'trust is one thing you can't put back together again.' I stroked Mia's arm as I read her the story, feeling sorry that she was being raised by a liar."

BibliophileBytheSea This story is so good💕💕💕 9y
24 likes3 stack adds1 comment
blurb
Niks_Nook
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Taking a break from WWII reading..

2 likes1 stack add
quote
BibliophileBytheSea
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

"Kidnap. Parse the word. It ought to mean lying down with baby goats. Words can be misleading."

bermudaonion This book made me empathize with a character who did something horrible. The audio was terrific! 9y
15 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
RandomBookMuses
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

Reviewed by Urania https://goo.gl/E8fTzb

4 likes1 stack add
review
Thecraftybookharlot
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Mehso-so

It was good. The ending could have been better.

review
bermudaonion
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

Ross managed to make me empathize with a character who stole a child. This book kept me on the edge of my seat.

LitHousewife Sounds great to me! 9y
Kaylamburson Oh sounds exciting! I love books told from the psychopath's point of view and that actually make you sympathize with them. PERFECT DAYS by Raphael Montes and Caroline Kepnes' YOU are amazing books that do just that. 9y
18 likes8 stack adds2 comments
review
Celiafae
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image
Pickpick

Not only did I love this book but everyone I've recommended it to likes it also. Thank you, Target.

blurb
squibblesreads
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

IS ANYONE GOING TO BEA/BOOKCON?! I'll be there! 🙋🏻 Because I have to take time off work/school, I've been so busy and haven't had time to read but last night read a little of this! A good look at humanity and family dynamics.

23 likes3 stack adds
review
steph_peregrine
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
Mehso-so

Too many narrators make the short chapters choppy and confusing, but a valiant attempt to make the abductor into the anti-hero.

blurb
Mrsringor2011
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

quote
thebookwheel
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

"Sometimes you have to choose from two wrong choices. Sometimes, the right choice is which choice feels the least wrong."

1 like1 stack add
blurb
nikkimutch
What Was Mine: A Novel | Helen Klein Ross
post image

Haven't been able to stop reading it this morning-and I have to leave soon for an appointment! I thought I would just read a chapter or two with my coffee. Going on my list of possibilities for my next book group.