Family Don't End with Blood: Cast and Fans on How Supernatural Has Changed Lives

A Must For Any Fan of Supernatural!

To be honest, I bought the book because, well, Supernatural! (duh!) I've been a fan of the show for a few years and have fallen in love with two brothers from Kansas who spend their time fighting monsters, "saving people, hunting things." At the same time, I fell in love with two guys from Texas who have shared so much with us, the Supernatural fandom. They're young enough to be my own; I'm so proud of all they manage to do for the Show, the fans, their families, all of it. That they and their friends are willing to share with us what this fandom, this family, means to them is special. The words written by fans and crew, folks we don't know? Some of whom we've never heard of? As Dean Winchester would say, "Awesome!" Lynn Zubernis does a wonderful job pulling together heartfelt stories from cast, crew, and fans alike. I laughed, cried, and then laughed while I cried. It's that good. She put the book together in a way that it flows, up and down, meandering through topics (some funny, some heart-wrenching, all good) gently and smoothly. At the same time, you can read a chapter and put it down to come back to later. No need to rush through it. (And there are several side articles that explain a few of the charities and organizations that some of these people started/are a part of. Contact information included.) If you're a fan of Supernatural, or if you just want to read what Misha Collins, Kim Rhodes, Jared Padalecki, Matt Cohen, or any one of several other cast members, crew, or fans who contributed, have to say about this Fandom, this is that book. If you're interested in learning more about the Fandom and how it's affected the lives of the people in and around it, this is that book. If you're looking for something that validates you as a fan of a little show that doesn't play by the rules yet still keeps going after 12 seasons, this is that book.

I was incredibly excited for this book to come out, and knew that I would end up reading it in one sitting (as Lynn’s previous books have all been page turners!): it did NOT disappoint! What surprised me was just how emotional I was throughout the book – even within the first few pages of Lynn’s introduction I already literally had tears streaming down my face. It’s because this book captures exactly what makes the SPNFamily SO incredibly special with how the fans and the cast are there for each other, being supportive and loving every step of the way. I know the show has changed my life in a multitude of ways, and being able to read fellow fan’s stories about how much it affected theirs always makes my heart soar. I know a lot of people will end up picking this book up solely for the cast submissions, and let me tell you, those were amazing in and of themselves (though I would tell you to please read the fan ones as well because they are just as gorgeous). The cast opened up their hearts, and you can feel the love emanating from their pages that they wrote so freely on. I absolutely cherish these stories, these love letters to the fans. Thank you again Lynn for putting this beautiful piece together! It is a must have for any SPN fan, and I highly recommend it for those unfamiliar with the show as it gives you the perfect inside look at the magic that is the SPNfamily.

There is nothing to NOT love about this book. BUY IT.

I didn’t start watching Supernatural until about two months before the series finale. I vaguely knew about the show, but had no idea what it was even about. The only good thing to come from COVID was the massive amount of boredom I had that led to me giving Supernatural a shot. As a first responder, especially a first responder during COVID, I found the show to be oddly relatable. Like Dean, there have been times during the pandemic where I just needed a win. Supernatural became that win for me. I binged the entire 15 seasons in less than two months and dove head first into the SPN fandom. Supernatural gave me a much needed escape from the doom and gloom of working on the ambulance. It was an odd feeling having a tv show become so important to me, but I’m beyond grateful that it did. I haven’t been in the SPN family for the last 15 years, but I’m here now and to me, that’s all that matters. This book cemented that for me. I started reading this book and didn’t put it down until I was finished. Jared’s chapter brought me to tears. Like many first responders, I struggle with mental health day in and day out. In general, society has worked so hard to normalize talking about mental health, but in the first responder world, it can still be a very taboo subject. But like many fans, I found comfort in Jared’s story, it was a gentle reminder that I’m not alone. Lynn, thank you for this book. You are such a talented writer. Keep sharing your talent with the world 💙

When I originally purchased this book, it was with the intent to read the chapter Jared wrote. Friends told me it was a very emotional experience for them. Between Rob's chapter and Jared's chapter, my friends were in tears while reading. I expected to be devastated. While Jared's chapter and Rob's both hit me hard, it was the fan chapters that were the most intense. This is the book that you can show to your friends and family when they don't understand that Supernatural show you watch or why you want to spend your hard earned money on conventions. This is the book you will show people when they tell you the cast members don't actually care about you and that the "SPNFamily" isn't a real thing. This book is a flashlight illuminating the dark parts of ourselves as people (not just as fans or actors) that we're oftentimes afraid to examine. When you read this book (which you will) please read it with an open heart and an open mind. Do not be afraid to look at the dark parts. Do not avoid the things that will make your heart skip a beat, tears form in your eyes, and your breath catch in your throat. Do not be scared to quietly whisper "Me too," as you read these compelling stories of people finding their home and their hearts in this fandom. This is the book that screams "YOU ARE NOT ALONE AND YOU ARE LOVED" as loudly as it can with so many different voices.

I love a collection of essays from fans and cast about the impact this show and fandom have had in their lives. My only caveat is the book is "Family Don't End With Blood", yet the cover is very much exclusionary of the other characters in the show this line comes from, especially Castiel who has been in the show for a decade. The Winchesters have adopted many characters as family through the years, considering the title and the content, you would think the book itself would represent that rather than the opposite.

I never write any type of review, but I will for this. I would give it a million stars if I could, and not just because it is Supernatural. I put off reading it for weeks, because I had an idea of how hard Jared's part would be to read...not because it would be bad but rather the opposite. He and I share one major thing in common....definitely not height, looks, or talent...any of which I'd gladly take. No, we each suffer from depression. Many times he (and also the show) have helped me to keep fighting. My highlight in life was the moment i was able to share with him and Jensen about my struggles and their roles in helping me. It is and forever will be my profile pic...which may be awkward in 30 years, but it is what it is. With this being the final season of a show which is more than a show to me....a show that often gave me one thing to look forward to each week...I've tried my best to jot really think about it, and I knew this book would bring everything to light. It did. And it is still hard. But it is worth it. So all of that to say this...my simple review: if you struggle with anxiety, depression, or any other mental or emotional issue....if you know someone who does....if you want to understand people who do...if you simply want to see that there is still good in the world....read this book. And always keep fighting. Love, Jeff Ackenback

Si te gusta la serie te gustará el libro. Son pequeñas historias de fans hablando de la influencia de la serie en su vida o en su evolución personal. Además hay entrelazadas aportaciones de actores de la serie, incluyendo Jared y Jensen. Es fácil de leer y hay fotos en blanco y negro de fans con los actores.

A terrifically moving and insightful compilation.

Livro incrível falando de uma série ainda mais incrível, escrito por pessoas sensacionais!

Describe las experiencias de algunos fans las cuales son muy fuertes algunas de ellas, y como tomaron todos los valores de esta serie, como lealtad, amor, fortaleza, fé, esperanza, y los aplicaron en su vida, obteniendo una mejor calidad de vida emocionalmente, lo cual los ayudó a superarse en los demás ámbitos. También cuenta lo que este programa ha hecho a sus actores, que a diferencia de los demás ellos lo han tomado muy personal, tomando las cosas buenas de sus personajes y llevándolo a su vida diaria. Jared en especial creo que caracterizar a Sam le ayudó a superar sus demonios en la vida real. Excelente libro.

It's really a wonderful experience to read this book. I couldn't fit the words to explain how awesome it is. Fan or not everyone should read it. Also quality of the book is very good.