The Stories We Don't Tell
Author: Melissa Thayer
Average Rating: 4.27/5.0
Personal Rating: 4.0/5.0
Page Count: 120
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Release Date: 15 May 2015
According to Goodreads:
"Growing up had stolen the truth of us."
A life worth living is a life worth sharing. Growing up in a small town in Montana not worth a name, that kind of life is not one Nick can manage, let alone comprehend. When fate gives him an existence he can barely recognize, he searches for meaning in the future he wishes existed, and attempts to escape a past that cannot be told, save for in the pages of a faded memory.
Melissa Thayer's lyrical and poignant debut novel, part confession and part wistful longing, is an incisive look at love and loss, and what remains of a soul that is dashed against the rocky shorelines of hope.
A life worth living is a life worth sharing. Growing up in a small town in Montana not worth a name, that kind of life is not one Nick can manage, let alone comprehend. When fate gives him an existence he can barely recognize, he searches for meaning in the future he wishes existed, and attempts to escape a past that cannot be told, save for in the pages of a faded memory.
Melissa Thayer's lyrical and poignant debut novel, part confession and part wistful longing, is an incisive look at love and loss, and what remains of a soul that is dashed against the rocky shorelines of hope.
My Opinion:
I received a review e-copy through Xpresso Book Tours, but in no way does that influence my honest opinion for the book.
Let me tell you how long it has been since I have read a book that has made my heart hurt so much...it's probably been since Allegiant, and for all of you who have read Allegiant then you know why.
The story begins with Nick talking to his deceased mother, so right off the bat you pick up that he cared deeply for her and vice versa. Then Nick stops talking to his mother, and more directs the storytelling to the reader. For an added bonus, we also soon get Emma's perspective along with Nick's on their relationship with each other.
I grew frustrated with Nick every time he left her behind. I found myself saying out loud that she wasn't going to be there one of these times that he decides to come back and see her. It was almost like those trips were to ensure that she was still there waiting for him, but also to make sure he was still of her whole world. One of my biggest peeves is when a guy does that. I know it has something to do with making them feel "superior" or "manly" but when you get down to it, it's just plain rude.
BUT. I was so happy to watch how Emma developed as the novel progressed. While Nick turned to drugs, alcohol, and one night stands (he didn't even stay faithful while he was away!!) Emma matured. She slowly came to realize that Nick's behavior of leaving for years and then returning may never end. So, she moved on. Maybe not completely, but she learned how to live her life with a someone who made her truly happy. Someone she could depend on to be there.
The Stories We Don't Tell is a short read, but a short read full of emotions. You won't find a better rollarcoastar in a theme park. You find yourself cheering for when fate brings them together, and then you find yourself smashing your head against the wall when Nick and Emma part ways. This read will leave your heart in pieces, but with your mind contemplating the concept of love and fate.
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Oh lord your review had me tearing up..so this one will require truffles! Lovely review.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely! Tissues and any kind of chocolates are musts while reading this one. Thank you!
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