I decided to read this book after reading "The Devine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood". I wont be reading the third book. There were things in both books that I can only describe as "messed up". While I liked reading short stories about everyones childhoods, the content had thread of darkness running throughout. There aren't really any redeeming characters, and I have no interest in spending any more time on this author. Her books are well written, but lack something none the less. The only feeling either book really roused in me was disgust, and I was never really rooting for any of the characters. No one I could really relate to and enjoy their journey. I don't recommend this series.

Little Altars Everywhere is a classic narrative of a simple country life set in Thornton, Louisiana with alternating narration from the characters. The novel is also divided into two parts wherein time becomes a very important aspect that Rebecca Wells focuses mainly on.

I have to say this first and foremost, Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood, (DSOTYS) the novel after Little Altars Everywhere, is my favorite novel of all-time. I don’t really know how to explain it, but that novel just got me every time I read it. I read it when I was a senior in high school and reread it for like three times after that. DSOTYS is a gem, I can attest that to everyone. So when I finally get my copy of this novel, I was beyond excited because I know in my heart of hearts that I will feel yet again the great effect brought to me by the DSOTYS before. I’m very glad that Rebecca Wells and Little Altars Everywhere did not fail me. Enough of Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood now, let me focus on this piece of gem more on in this review.

Since Little Altars Everywhere is Rebecca Wells’ debut novel, I’m glad that I read DSOTYS first (her second) because it helps me to become more familiar with the characters (in fact I fall in love with them already, remember DSOTYS is my favorite novel!). I truly commend and appreciate Wells’ way of creating her characters because it is very authentic. Leaving all the biases behind, all of the characters are one for the books. If only I can meet every single one of them in person, I would trade anything for it. They make me feel like we are just countries apart from each other. Also, the plot is no ordinary one, just like its characters. This makes me love the story even more because it is different but at the same time no different. (I hope you are getting my point here! ;)) I love the aspect of Little Altars Everywhere wherein the narration varies every entry. That way every character is given the chance to show off their emotions and at the same time gives the readers the opportunity to see their perspectives. Unlike in DSOTYS, I kind of favor LAE’s POV because it gives me more insight of every character’s decision throughout the story. Every entry in this novel is exceptional since it is hard to foretell what’s going to happen at the end of it. I never guess a single entry’s ending right. With that being said, comes my realization that Rebecca Wells is a master creator herself.

This novel is undeniably full of emotions- one time I am laughing with the narrative, and then without further notice, I am crying and contemplating about the scene. That is how great the story is. It really appeals to the readers’ emotions. This has been an amazing start of the year of reading for me. My whole reading process of this novel has been fresh, smooth, and very wonderful that I could not ask for more. I only hope that more readers got to read this fantastic story because it is really worth a read. Ciao!

Didn't like this one as well as YaYa Sisterhood, but it's still pretty good.