A review by chaptersofchase
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

5.0

Oh my heart, this book is a must-read. 

Thank you, The Dial Press & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Spectacular Things {partner} 

 

Genre: Fiction 

Format: 🎧📖 

Pub Date:  7.1.2025 

Pages: 368 

Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 

 

Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein took me by surprise in the best way. While I don’t usually gravitate toward sports fiction, the mix of soccer, strong female characters, and layered family dynamics pulled me in immediately. It’s a story about mothers and daughters, sisters, and the complicated, beautiful mess of love and loyalty. 

 

The characters are so well-developed that they feel real, flaws and all. I’ll admit—at first, I didn’t think I’d connect with Cricket. She felt distant, maybe even hard to like. But as the story unfolded, her growth was so authentic that I found myself rooting for her with everything I had. 

 

Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆ 

Spectacular Things is narrated by Emily Rankin, who has also narrated Before We Were Yours, Same as it Ever Was, and several other books. Rankin did an incredible job with this narration and brought the whole book to life - highlighting all the very real emotions of this story. If audiobooks are your thing, I highly recommend the audio. 

 

Read if you enjoy: 

🏟 Sports fiction with emotional depth 

👩‍👩‍👧 Family drama 

⚽ Soccer 

💪 Strong  women 

 

This one is emotional, heartfelt, and proof that sometimes the people who frustrate us most are the ones who teach us the most. I recommend adding Spectacular Things to your 2025 reading list. 

 

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