Stealing Wishes by Shannon Yarbrough
|
List Price: Our Price: $12.89 You Save: $0.06 (0%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $8.50 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Stealing Wishes
Book Review: Love isn't always as seen on TV
Summary: 5 Stars
I've known about "Stealing Wishes" for two years now. I've read the preview several times, read through the reviews, and considered buying my copy more than once. I've read and reviewed Shannon's guide to POD publishing and have read and contributed to the LL Book Review blog that he runs. In short, I've known Shannon and his writing for years now, but had never really mustered the nerve to read his book. After finally taking the plunge I feel a little silly for waiting.
I should have known that the emphasis here would be on romance and relationships, not the act of sex itself. I should have known that I would end up liking the main character as a person, and that the plot would drive the story. I should have anticipated the subtle philosophy sprinkled throughout the book and the smart writing style that pulled me along with the narrative. I should have known all of that but I let my pre-conceptions of 'gay romance' sway my decision and that's a shame. If you're reading this review and wonder if you really are going to like this book or if it's just not your thing let me set your mind at ease, this is a fun, fast-paced book with a lot going for it beyond the genre.
Blaine's relationships really transcend homosexuality, the 'love' he finds with Edward is the type that thousands of people can relate to, it's a love of being in love more than a love of the person. His self destructive episode is another that people of any orientation can appreciate, who among us has not fought with him or herself to keep in control and occasionally faltered? For me personally, the loss of his creative outlet in the form of photography when embroiled in his new, exciting relationship is a trap that catches many creative people to their detriment.
I thoroughly enjoyed the universal themes in Stealing Wishes. I liked Shannon's quirky writing style and the glimpse into the gay lifestyle, at least Blaine's version of it. I liked the home-y feel of the coffee shop, the real feel to Blaine's relationship with Sallie, and his barely controlled OCD tendencies which gave him character more than they defined him. I thought that the painting of Blaine by Auden was a perfect summary for us all, when we look into the mirror we usually see the demons lurking beneath the surface instead of the beautiful people we really are.
Book Review: Sweet, witty romantic novel encourages those looking for "Mr. Right"
Summary: 5 Stars
Not exactly every gay man's dream date, Blaine is a reclusive, obsessive-compulsive 32 year old coffee barista in a Midwestern city, working for his confidant and best friend, Sallie, who also employs an urban Goth artist, Auden. Blaine's life revolves around numbers, specifically the number 32 ... his apartment number, the number of steps he takes to transverse each block on the way to work, and pretty much every other aspect of his life prone to repetitions or counting. He's also an amateur photographer, concentrating mainly on candid photos of others at a nearby park. When Sallie meets a guy, Blaine is happy for her but feels left out of her life to some extent, even after she hooks him up with a colleague of his, with whom he seems to click on some levels. Everyone is looking for love, but unsure how to picture it as happening to them. Luckily, their friendship provides the strength to focus and keep looking.
Having been recommended to, and enjoyed, Mr. Yarbrough's first novel, "The Other Side of What," I was happy to see that his obvious flair for creating fully-nuanced, complex but realistic characters is again evident. One quickly warms up to the richly supportive relationship between the three main characters in this well-written romantic comedy. A very sweet, engaging story that will brighten your day. Highly recommended light read. Five venti mocha stars out of five!
Book Review: Appealing characters, heart-warming romance
Summary: 5 Stars
Blaine is obsessed with the number 32, which happens to be his age. He lives a very structured life which revolves around this number. His daily routines are set and predictable, never to be deviated from without fear of consequence. The first few chapters of this book make this point eloquently and I thought - "Oh boy, where can this story go from here?!" Well, what a surprise!
I adore Blaine. Despite his foibles he likes himself and is happy with his life. His desires are pretty simple - finding love and connection. Easy to say, hard to do (as many of us know.) This lovely, heart-warming story includes a cast of characters that could be your friends and neighbors they (and their situations) are that well-written and believable.
Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. The pace was great and the story was engaging. Another sleepless night thanks to this author but I could not stop until I reached the end. Would Blaine choose Edward or Auden? Spoiler alert: the ending threw me for a loop! I was sure I knew but, well, I was in for a surprise.
If you enjoy a sweet romance written about "real" people this is a book you'll enjoy.
Book Review: Wonderful characterization
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't recap the plot, as others have already done so quite admirably. Instead, I'm going to get straight to the point... Stealing Wishes is a sweet, charming read. Blaine's obsessive-compulsive behavior is treated with understanding and wry humor instead of pity or condescension, as it so often is in current books and films. Shannon Yarbrough is so convincing that I found myself nodding and thinking "Why, of course, that makes perfect sense! Why wouldn't you want to set your clock for exactly 5:32? And call in sick if you run 2 minutes late?" And even if it wasn't the exact ending I was hoping for, it was definitely the right ending for this story.
Highly recommended!
Book Review: Stealing Wishes
Summary: 5 Stars
AMAZING BOOK!!! Such a page turning. I highly reccommend this book. Living in Memphis and knowing many of the landmarks mentioned in the book I was able to visualize Blaine's story and experiences like I was actually there. You don't have to be from Memphis to enjoy this book. Once you start reading it you won't be able to put it down.