A Scientist, Her Snails, and a Family Mystery: Reviewing Abbi Waxman's Christa Comes Out of Her Shell.

Title of the Book Christa Comes Out of Her Shell

Author's Name Abbi Waxman

Genre Women's Fiction | Contemporary Romance

Publication Date 2024

Rating Middle Shelf

Normally, I try to stay away from books that explore families with a dysfunctional dynamic. Mostly because we all have families with some level of dysfunction, and it’s stressful enough. I really don’t need to be reading about it. However, this book approaches it from a different angle. We meet the family after they’ve done the work; they’ve gone to therapy, and they’re actively trying to heal, which made it a more pleasurable read for me.

Christa comes out of her shell and follows a snail scientist who is doing research on a little island in the middle of the Indian Ocean to avoid her family. Then she gets a call from them, letting her know that they have found their mysterious father who disappeared two decades ago—a father whom Christa has never met. Not only does she have to go back to deal with her family, but she also has to meet her mysterious and very famous dad. All the while, she’s trying to figure out what to do with an old crush who has mysteriously reappeared and wants her.

Much like Abbi Waxman's other books, we are introduced to a quirky main character who instantly steals our hearts. Christa is a socially awkward nerd who prefers her snails to people.

Along with lovable leading ladies, families also take center stage in Abbi's books, and this family is no different. We are introduced to Christa's very opinionated mom and sisters. But, as I mentioned earlier, we meet them after they have done the work, so it’s nice to see a character come to terms with family members trying to be better and watch her navigate that.

This is a book I enjoyed reading. Christa is a fun character, and we also get to unravel a mini-mystery around why her dad disappeared and why he came back. As someone who loves a mystery, I found that entertaining. The only issue I have with this book—though it’s not really an issue—is the love interest. He was nice and everything, but I wasn’t particularly interested in his story at all. I think there are so many things happening in this book that I could have done without him. However, he is the reason we get one of the funniest scenes in the book, which happens towards the end when Christa is on a carousel. I was laughing through that whole scene, so perhaps we needed him in the book after all.

Much like Abbi Waxman's other books, this one is also funny and heartfelt. It is fast-paced, and with an engaging mystery, it will keep you glued to the page and make you want to devour this book.

If you enjoy a little mystery, sister dynamics, and a quirky scientist, I think this is a book you'll absolutely enjoy. Have you read this book? What did you think? Please let me know in the comments!