Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein: A Journey of Sisterhood and Dreams
Ah, the allure of a compelling family saga! When I saw Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein come across my radar, I was instantly intrigued. As someone who has often woven through the intricate tapestry of sibling relationships in my own life, the promise of exploring that bond amid the chaos of dreams and ambitions felt irresistible. Thank you to The Dial Press for inviting me to read this via NetGalley! All opinions and statements are my own.
At its core, Spectacular Things follows the lives of Mia and Cricket Lowe, sisters bound together by love yet divided by their fiercely different ambitions. Mia, the responsible one, has always taken on the role of caretaker, navigating the complexities of family duty. In contrast, Cricket is a dynamic force of nature, aiming for soccer stardom in their small Maine town. The way the sisters grapple with their mother’s complex legacy while carving paths for themselves is a poignant tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and self-discovery.
What truly struck me was the warmth of the relationships depicted in the novel. Mia’s devotion to her sister and mother tugged at my heartstrings. I found myself resonating with her sacrifices—she made me reflect on my own familial ties and what family truly means. On the flip side, Cricket’s obsession with soccer was not as relatable to me. Yet, it was fascinating to learn about the sport through her lens. It made me chuckle, considering how my dad and brother often bombard me with soccer stats that go over my head! While the soccer lingo was abundant, it occasionally felt overwhelming amidst the emotional undertones of the story. However, that might just be a personal quirk, given my limited interest in athletics!
Beck Dorey-Stein has a way with words that makes even the complicated family dynamics feel authentic and relatable. The writing flows seamlessly, offering short chapters that keep the pacing lively. However, I must admit that there were moments when the book seemed to stretch out longer than necessary. Despite the captivating narrative, I occasionally found myself wondering, “Where is this leading to?” A slight drag in the pacing can happen in family sagas with deep historical layers, and while I was fully engaged, I could sense the weight of the sisters’ journey.
One aspect of the story that I greatly appreciated was its exploration of sapphic relationships. It’s refreshing to see LGBTQ+ experiences woven organically into family narratives. If this is a theme that resonates with you, you’ll find it prominently featured here.
In conclusion, Spectacular Things delivers a heartwarming and complex portrayal of sisterhood and ambition. If you enjoy stories that delve into family dynamics, sporting dreams, and the delicate balance between loyalty and self-discovery, then this book is a delightful addition to your reading list. Despite its minor pacing issues, the overall experience was profoundly enriching. It left me reflecting on the choices we make in pursuit of our dreams and how those choices shape our relationships. So grab a cozy blanket, prepare for some emotional highs and lows, and let yourself be swept away by Mia and Cricket’s journey. You’ll be glad you did! 🌟💫