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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Young Adult/New Adult, Family Drama, Fiction

Book Review:
''Without Merit'' is a unique and poignant departure from Colleen Hoover's typical romance-heavy novels, delving deep into the complexities of family, mental health, and the secrets we keep. The story is narrated by Merit Voss, a teenager living in a converted church with her highly unconventional and dysfunctional family. Feeling invisible and burdened by the family's collective lies and unspoken tensions, Merit decides to make a bold confession that she believes will shatter their fragile dynamic forever. What follows is a chain reaction of revelations that force each family member to confront their own truths. Hoover tackles serious issues like depression, suicide, and infidelity with her signature empathy and nuanced character development. The novel is infused with her trademark wit and charm, balancing heavy themes with moments of genuine humor and romance (particularly with a charming boy named Sagan). ''Without Merit'' is a story about the weight of secrets, the importance of communication, and the messy, beautiful reality of loving an imperfect family. It's a compelling and thoughtful read that proves Hoover's range as a storyteller, offering fans a different but equally impactful experience.