It Should Have Been You

The book opens mid-nightmare: Susan 1 stands in her kitchen, syringe in hand, about to inject her sister Greta 2 with poison. Outside, fireworks cascade over the Oakpark summer party while neighbours drink and laugh, oblivious. Greta 2 — who never cries — has tears streaming down her face. She tells Susan 1 to do it. Susan 1 pushes the plunger and Greta 2 slides off the chair to the kitchen floor. Ten days, Susan 1 tells us. Ten days, four deaths, one teenager in hospital, another in police custody, her family destroyed. All because she sent a text to the wrong group. Susan O'Donnell, 1 a math

Lesson 1: The Wrong Group

This principle from It Should Have Been You is backed by Andrea Mara's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 2: Murder at Her Address

This principle from It Should Have Been You is backed by Andrea Mara's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

How to Apply It Should Have Been You's Lessons

The real value of It Should Have Been You lies in its applicability. After reading, the most important step is identifying which of Andrea Mara's principles speak most directly to your current situation.

Consider keeping a journal while reading — noting where the ideas challenge your current approach and where they confirm what you already suspected. The friction of your own resistance often points to the most important insights.

Key Quote

"The Wrong Group" — Andrea Mara, It Should Have Been You

About the Author

Andrea Mara is the author of It Should Have Been You. The book reflects years of research, observation, and synthesis of evidence from multiple disciplines.