Reviews - Spectacular Things

303 reviews for:

Spectacular Things

Beck Dorey-Stein

4.27 AVERAGE

becsmars's review against another edition

4.25

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

alisebarr5's review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Book Review: Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein

“A sharply observed and tender portrait of sisters, love, and ambition, Spectacular Things is a sweeping story about the impossible choices we’re forced to make in pursuit of our dreams.” That synopsis nails it.

This is a multi-generational tale with well-developed characters, life’s inevitable traumas, and deeply human choices. I rarely read books centered on sports—actually, maybe never—but in this story, soccer wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a living, breathing character. And I embraced it. (although I don’t know if I will rush into another sports backdrop 😊)

Core question: What would you be willing to give up for someone you love?

Key highlights: Generational drama • Strong character arcs • Sports-as-character • Love vs. ambition

ohthatkelli's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

It is hard to resist the cover of this book when you grew up near the Great Lakes. Once you dive into this book, you’ll learn this book is truly about sisters, soccer, and sacrifice. There’s a lot to love. From the time jumps to the full narratives about the women — the single mom, and her daughters. All soccer phenoms. Highly recommend.

deniset's review against another edition

4.25

emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

lostwithoutaplan's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous challenging emotional

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

A tender, tough, and triumphant story about sisterhood, soccer, and the scars that shape us.

This is the story of a family whose lives have always been intertwined with the beautiful game. It begins with a young woman whose dreams of a soccer scholarship are dashed when she finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. As her daughters grow up, they face the heartbreak of losing their mother, the joy and uncertainty of welcoming a new baby into the family, and the terrifying reality of life-threatening complications. The sisters’ journey is anything but easy, yet they face it all with a fierce love for each other and a shared passion for soccer—both of which guide their choices and anchor them through every high and low. A moving, heartfelt read that balances grit with grace. ★★★★