327 reviews for:

Spectacular Things

Beck Dorey-Stein

4.25 AVERAGE

pagesandpurrs's review against another edition

5.0

emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Loved the footie backdrop, stayed for the sibling relationship. I coincidentally started Spectacular Things just as the Premier League was starting its new season, and this book just got me right in the mood. Not only that, but it hit me hard in the feels just within the first couple of chapters as we feel the crowd come alive at the 2028 Olympics. What Spectacular Things captures so well is the emotion and intensity of being in a stadium and how all-encompassing football can be. The sibling relationship between Cricket and Mia really brings this book home, and Spectacular Things does a wonderful job in exploring the sacrifices and journeys families take for one another. I loved Cricket and Mia, and I rooted for them all the way through.

Being a football fan myself, I loved everything about this, and I'm glad there's a book capturing women's football so well. But also, this book importantly highlights the impact of the pay-to-play system within the US and how it impacts the families of those wanting to play.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

domineauspizza's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

sarahrmcgrew's review against another edition

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

alisonswing's review against another edition

4.25

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (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

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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

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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. ★★★★

lindsaybrown's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No