Does Everything You Are Belong on Your TBR List? A Handy Guide
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I totally understand the problem of towering TBR lists. Should you add Everything You Are to the stack? And if you do, where does it fit? Will you read it now, or after your current read, or later when the mood strikes?
I know how hard these decisions are, so I’ve put together a handy little guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Everything You Are addresses complex family dynamics, grief, post traumatic stress, and other difficult topics. It’s not a beach read, and while it has elements of dark humor it is definitely not lighthearted. I love this Instagram review from @one_more_paige
“If you’re anything like me, your reading mood is similar to your wardrobe and it’s been craving something a little more substantial as we enter into the cooler weather. This powerful read is one that will satisfy your need for substance and plot” ~
Another reader, Jennifer, wrote this:
“Everything You Are is a beautifully told story of utter despair versus hope, forgiveness, and redemption. I recommend it for those who enjoy powerful reads.
So if you’re in the mood for something light and funny, this is not the book to read right now. Maybe later, when the mood shifts. But according to these reviewers, if you’re in the head and heart space for a powerful, moving read, Everything You Are might be exactly what you are looking for.
2. An Emotional Rollercoaster. One of my early readers messaged me to let me know that she couldn’t stop crying as she read! Like all of my books, there is light at the end to make up for all of the darkness, but if you don’t want a book that will make you feel, and maybe even cry, then this is not the book for you! Here’s what early readers have to say:
“The author’s lyrical writing held me captivated—I read through my own tears, my heart in my throat, holding out hope for these wounded people to be healed and whole.” ~Susan Peterson
“This one pulled so tightly on my heartstrings and with such a novel written so beautifully and the characters well written and with the music theme weaving in and out of the story, I couldn’t recommend this one enough. A real powerful read!” ~Goodreads reviewer
3. Language and thematic elements: Everything You Are does deal with dark themes of alcoholism, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress. Characters sometimes react with profanity. If four letter words in books are not your thing, then you’ll be much happier reading a different book. My mother would have totally agreed with you, by the way!
4. Apparently, the book is hard to put down and might interfere with life and sleep:
I’ve heard from a number of early readers who said they were having a hard time tearing themselves away from the page:
“I will say this about the book, once you start reading you are not going to want to put it down so make sure that you don't have any plans.” ~ Mary Jackson
So if you’re super busy and can’t afford to get immersed in a book right now, you might want to add it to the TBR for later.
5. A touch of magic: Everything You Are brings a little bit of magic into the character’s every day world. The cello has some properties that are not exactly normal, and there is the question of a possible curse that needs to be broken. If you’re a totally straight up realism type of reader, this book is probably not for you. Here’s what the readers had to say:
“A magical and lyrical story about promises and forgiveness. Every thing you are by bestselling author @kerry_anne_king was everything I wanted it to be” ~Stephani Beltran
“...a gripping and powerful read which weaves the characters around a musical promise given to family members that must be fulfilled. The plot is interesting & keeps the reader engaged until the very end with a twist of fate.”
6. Music. Music is woven through every part of this novel and is an integral part of the journey for all three point of view characters. If you don’t care for musical themes or have a dislike for cellos, then you’ll probably be happier with a different book:
“this story delves into the wonderful magic of music, the special relationship between a musician and their instrument, something non-musicians (like Bradley’s ex-wife) may not comprehend, and the complex psychology behind PTSD. A very interesting and original storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it. ~Joanne Chase
“a book of resilience, love and forgiveness, beautifully written so that I could hear the cello playing as I read it.” ~texicali books
I hope that reading this has helped you gain some clarity on whether or not Everything You Are is a book you’ll want to read, as well as whether it’s a “now” or “later” read for you!
Whatever you decide, please know that I’m one hundred percent in favor of reading what you love. In fact, I’ve just up-ended my entire TBR list to read this lovely and much coveted ARC that arrived in the mail yesterday:
Seriously. Life is short. Read what you love.