pagesandpurrs 's review for:

Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein

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.