It Could Be Worse - by Dara Levan (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Visceral and moving," (Andra Watkins, New York Times bestselling author), It Could Be Worse is a tale of acceptance and awakening--but not necessarily forgiveness--that reminds us we can choose how our stories end.

Mired in self-doubt and blind loyalty, Allegra Gil suspects her charmed life may be a gilded cage. She has a devoted husband, Benito, two loving children, a thriving therapy practice, and lifelong friends. But when a surprising discovery in a piano bench reveals a shocking family secret, Allegra questions everything she thought she knew about the two people who raised her. Was it true? Did her father, a respected pediatric neurosurgeon, harm instead of heal? And Allegra's mother--how much did she know?

As the past threatens the present, Allegra plays the song of what was, what is, and what may never be in this "powerful and poignant story about letting go" (Jean Meltzer, international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball).

Composed with the cadence of a waltz--up, up, down--through flashbacks to childhood memories in Miami and a music camp in Michigan, It Could Be Worse is a heartwarming, at times heart-wrenching, multigenerational story of a woman supported and embraced by many while shaken to the core by a few. "The gorgeous prose and raw, unflinching narrative both heal and inspire. A stunning debut." (Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of Woman on the Edge)

Dara Levan writes about love, loss, resilience, and how radiance emerges from our breaking points. She's the founder and host of the Every Soul Has a Story podcast and blog. A graduate of Indiana University, Dara is a former pediatric speech-language pathologist who lives in Fort Lauderdale. Learn more at daralevan.com.

Review Quotes

"It Could Be Worse is a portrait of unconditional love--siblings, spouses, friends, children, and chosen family. Its waltz-like cadence crescendos with this pitch-perfect truth: Love is kind. Love doesn't hurt. If you need to step out of soul-sucking relationships once and for all, these words, and this book, are a mighty guide."--Laura Munson, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, and founder of Haven Writing Retreats

"A captivating, empowering read about reclaiming oneself and building the life of your dreams after years of being eager to please but never good enough. Perfect for book clubs."--Julie Valerie, bestselling author of Holly Banks Full of Angst

"A poignant debut about a woman who finds herself amid life's many challenges, complete with childhood flashbacks that create a heartrending story of love, loss, and the strength to overcome."--Emily Liebert, USA Today bestselling author

"A powerful and poignant story about letting go. Dara Levan skillfully explores the effects of narcissistic personality disorder on the entire family. This is a book I will remember for a long time."--Jean Meltzer, international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball

"In her debut novel, Dara Levan beautifully weaves the past and the present in the life of a young mother who struggles to cling to the rose-colored view she has always held of her high-powered father. As the rhythm of the novel moves backward and forward, Allegra confronts some cold, hard truths about this parent she has kept on a pedestal while navigating her own way along the family path. Both touching and funny in equal measure, It Could Be Worse is ultimately a relatable story of growing up and standing up for ourselves. I enjoyed it very much!"--Deborah Goodrich Royce, nationally bestselling and award-winning author of Reef Road, Ruby Falls, and Finding Mrs. Ford

"In her powerful debut novel, It Could Be Worse, Dara Levan examines the many sides of complicated family relationships. Strong characters, childhood flashbacks, buried secrets, and a gut-wrenching decision combine to create a compelling narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned." --Patricia Sands, bestselling author of The Promise of Provence

"Readers will cheer for Allegra Gil, the spirited narrator of It Could Be Worse, who faces boundary-busting parents, a not so easy-peasy pregnancy, the madness of motherhood, a health scare, and the everyday angst of work/life balance with wit and grit. If life gives you lemons, read Dara Levan's delightful debut novel."--Sally Koslow, bestselling author of The Real Mrs. Tobias

"There's nothing more complex than the dynamics of a parent-child relationship...or the secrets that lurk in our past. Dara digs into the landscape of a heartbreaking family with powerful characters and seamless, lyrical prose. A debut with heart."--Rea Frey, bestselling author of The Other Year

"Visceral and moving. A must read for anyone seeking to understand the impact of parent-to-child narcissistic abuse. Inner child trauma is so powerful, so lasting, so tough to overcome. Levan conveys trauma with complexity, compassion, and empathy."--Andra Watkins, New York Times bestselling author

"With a unique melodic structure, It Could Be Worse is an authentic, emotionally resonant novel about how the past deeply affects our present experiences. Dara Levan's extraordinary understanding of human nature and astonishing ability to lay bare the deepest parts of our souls is poured into Allegra, her brave, relatable protagonist, as she seeks to break free of the chains of her childhood and soar on her own terms. The gorgeous prose and raw, unflinching narrative both heal and inspire. A stunning debut." --Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of Woman on the Edge and Watch Out for Her

About the Author

Dara Levan is an author, speaker, and the founder of Every Soul Has a Story, an inspiring podcast in which she interviews guests from around the globe. Dara is the author of the award-winning novel, It Could Be Worse, and a contributor to the USA Today bestselling anthology, On Being Jewish Now.

She is a graduate of Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in English and certificate in journalism. Dara earned her master's degree in communication sciences and Disorders at Nova Southeastern University. Actively involved in her community, Dara is a board member of Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation/Memorial Foundation, board trustee of Interlochen Center for the Arts, and involved in several other organizations. She is a founding member of the Circle of Friends for the Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University and a member of the Authors Guild and the Women's Fiction Writers Association.

When she's not writing in South Florida, you'll find Dara with her family and fur babies, traveling, capturing moments through photos, and talking to strangers who become friends.