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

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.

Another must read for all Supernatural fans. The author captures the cast and show perfectly, with quotes and stories from the cast! Well worth the money. Would recommend.

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.

The SPN family never ceases to amaze. I actually got this quite a bit ago. But that doesn’t mean the book just sat. It’s a nice little nugget to have in your bag or in the car. Some people don’t always have the time to rewatch the show for the upteenth time 😂 or the ability to attend all the conventions. But they want to feel that sense of closeness, connection, family…. This book helps to bridge that gap. You can have all the blood family in the word and still feel incredibly alone or outcasted. Then you can have chosen family that you discover are becoming lifers. And that is perfectly OK!! Family does NOT end with blood

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 💙

Late comer to the show… now feel like a part of the family. Great essays included in here. Looking forward to reading the authors other book(s)

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.