All This and More by Peng Shepherd is a dystopian, choose-your-own-adventure novel that delves into the complexities of choice, autonomy, and the ripple effects of our decisions. The story follows Marsh, a 45-year-old recently single mom selected to participate in a reality TV show that allows her to redo her previous life choices using a process called quantum bubbling. This technology creates iterations of reality branching off from one moment, allowing contestants to explore different life paths.

Marsh, feeling undeserving and overwhelmed, sees this opportunity as a way to escape her mundane and disappointing life. She married her college sweetheart Dylan and had a baby, which derailed her law career. As she works as a paralegal, her best friend Jo makes partner, and she catches her husband cheating on her. These events lead her to reconnect with her high school sweetheart Ren, but this relationship also falls apart on the day she gets fired. Desperate for a change, Marsh signs up for the show.

As Marsh navigates her choices on the show, she realizes that altering her past is not as simple as she thought. Shepherd poignantly elucidates how even when we get what we want, it usually comes with sacrifices. Marsh struggles with the ripple effects of her decisions on the lives of those around her, grappling with the moral implications of changing not just her life but the lives of her loved ones. The word “Chrysalis” begins to haunt her through various realities, raising questions about the illusion of choice and the stability of the quantum bubble.

The novel's format, reminiscent of childhood adventure books, enhances the reader's connection to Marsh and adds a nostalgic touch. The active choices readers make and the commentary from the show’s viewers raise questions about compliance and the shared responsibility in someone else’s choices. These investigations echo the butterfly effect, a central theme in the novel, highlighting how every decision impacts not just Marsh but the entire world around her.

Marsh's unwavering motivation is her daughter Harper. Despite the chaos of her choices, Marsh consistently seeks paths that will benefit Harper, showing her moral compass and the lengths she will go to ensure her daughter’s happiness. This focus on Harper adds depth to Marsh's character and highlights the sacrifices parents make for their children.

However, despite the intriguing premise and thematic depth, I found it difficult to connect with the characters and was not particularly moved by Shepherd’s prose. The ending also felt abrupt, quickly wrapping up a long and complex story. Nonetheless, All This and More is a fun, nostalgic multiverse read that explores profound questions about autonomy, agency, and the impact of our choices.

For readers who enjoy speculative fiction with a philosophical bent, this book offers a unique blend of introspection and adventure. It’s a thought-provoking journey that will resonate with anyone curious about the paths not taken and the consequences of our choices.

📖 Recommended For: Fans of dystopian and choose-your-own-adventure novels, readers who enjoy exploring the consequences of choices and their ripple effects, those intrigued by quantum mechanics and multiverse plots.

🔑 Key Themes: Quantum Physics and Multiverse Exploration, Autonomy and Free Will, Mother-Daughter Bond, Moral Dilemmas and Sacrifice, Impact of Choices on Others, Reality and Illusion.