“This emotional, visceral novel haunted me in the best ways. Jennifer Gilmore has written something of real depth, which will leave readers thinking for a long time about the lives that other people lead, as well as the ones they might have led. If Only is gripping and shiveringly beautiful; a true achievement.” — Meg Wolitzer, bestselling author of The Interestings and Belzhar
“Gilmore’s gritty multigenerational tale not only seeks to ask adoption’s toughest questions, but dares to offer no easy answers: Not to be missed.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Gilmore brings special yet subtle artistry to her interwoven story, weaving motifs and even seemingly extraneous people through the different iterations to keep each version connected with the others.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“Distinctly poetic in quality, Gilmore’s prose and dialogue flows easily and naturally.” — Booklist
“Ideas regarding the butterfly effect (“My life exists because of a swish of that butterfly’s wing,” Ivy speculates. “I could be anywhere. I could be anyone. Am I the best me possible?”) will likely inspire readers to stretch their imaginations.” — Publishers Weekly
“An emotional, sensitively wrought novel about identity, chance and fate.” — People Magazine
“Raw stories about adoption may be this lauded author’s specialty ... If Only is a work of heart, labored over and full of finesse. Take time to process it.” — Christian Science Monitor
“If Only enchants through its blend of mystic grandeur, and the messy anguish and joy of human connections, those inborn and those chosen.” — Brooklyn Rail
“The story of IF ONLY was touching in a way I’ve never read before….[Gilmore] really knows what she is doing. The book was captivating, especially for its realism and complex pull.” — Teen Reads
“Gilmore’s writing is emotionally raw yet beautiful, touching upon some traditional Y.A. themes… with an almost mystical feel.” — New York Times Book Review