Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein tells the story of two sisters who sacrifice to get one of them to the Olympics for soccer.
When I first got approved to read Spectacular Things, I was so excited because I love any book that focuses on the relationship between sisters. BUT this book blew me away! I was hooked from the first chapter and had to know what was going to happen. There’s a reason why it’s a Reese’s Book Club choice. It’s just incredible.
Spectacular Things Overview
Title: Spectacular Things
Author: Beck Dorey-Stein
Pages: 368 Pages
Publish Date: July 1st, 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction
My Star Rating: 5/5 stars! (I loved this book and would recommend it to most people.)
Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/44LKqzA
Synopsis from Amazon
What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?
Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.
As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?
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.
My Review of Spectacular Things
First off, thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and Beck Dorey-Stein for this advanced reading copy of Spectacular Things. I absolutely loved this book!
As a woman who was raised in a family of girls, I love any book that focuses on the relationship between sisters. There’s no love on this planet like the love of sisters.
This book had me hooked from the first chapter and didn’t let go. I loved reading about the relationship between Cricket and Mia. Spectacular Things is a character-driven book that questions just how much siblings would sacrifice for each other.
I need to say that I’m not a soccer fan at all (I mean the kids play it but I know next to nothing about the sport) but you don’t have to be to love this book. Beck Dorey-Stein does a fantastic job of creating and writing the soccer matches and gives them life.
The book starts in 2028 and then takes you back to when Liz, the girls’ mother, was a child. The book continues to follow Liz, Mia, and Cricket throughout their lives and shows pivotal moments that changed their lives. I cried probably about 5 different times for very different reasons.
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. It’s perfect if you are looking for a great summer read.
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Final Thoughts
This book is perfect for anyone who loves sports, books about strong women, and books featuring a dynamic sister relationships. I think this book would be great to read this summer with a cold drink in your hand. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in and keeps you there until the end.
If you have any questions about Spectacular Things, let me know in the comments below. Lastly, if you enjoyed this book review, please don’t hesitate to share this review. I appreciate all the love and support.
Thanks for reading,
Kel
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