Spectacular Things: A Novel

I’m just going to say it…I loved this book! It touched me on so many levels and I found it so relatable. Soccer…I’ve learned to love the game. The references of all that goes into the training and the sacrifices were spot on. The sister dynamics, along with the mother/daughter interactions are always somewhat hard to capture, but this storyline was so well done. It really highlights what it means to be a family. The illness reference hit very close to home for me. These characters were raw, life threw so much at them, but I loved their development and the ending was all that I hoped it would be. This book is to soccer what Carrie Soto is Back was to tennis. This book was emotionally charged and I can’t stop thinking about it. show more Have tissues handy. This will definitely be in my Top 10 for 2025.

I’ve never read this author before but she is now on my radar. I look forward to her next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Dial Press for this ARC. This is my honest opinion. show less

Mia and Cricket grew up emulating their single mother's love for soccer. Trained to be the best they could be, Mia is asked to take on a support role for her younger sister when Cricket shows potential to make it to the National team and beyond. Mia dutifully obeys and becomes a second caretaker for Cricket. When tragedy strikes, Mia puts her life on hold to take care of Cricket and make sure that her soccer dreams are not dashed. Pushed even more to succeed in soccer for her mother, Cricket puts all of her energy into the game, determined to be the best goalkeeper, no matter the cost. As Mia settles into her life as caretaker, she builds a career and finds love, but is afraid to upset Cricket's progress as she climbs closer to her show more goal. When both sisters are finally in a good place, Mia turns the tables and needs to ask Cricket for a life-changing favor.

Spectacular Things is an emotional story of the complex emotional bond of sisterhood. Masterfully told, the story begins with the turning point in Mia and Cricket's relationship and then vaults back in time to help understand the depth and intricacies of their relationship. Mia, Cricket and their mother, Liz are all deeply developed and realistic characters. I could feel their emotional toll as they dealt with sacrifice, grief, and what success should look like at different points in their life. Liz's strength and determination in the face of adversity was passed down to both Mia and Cricket along with her undying love for soccer. Mia and Cricket had very different childhood experiences, Mia took on the role of a caretaker very early, believing sacrifice was how she showed love and was loved. Cricket was very well cared for and believed excelling at soccer was her destiny and would protect and elevate her mother's memory. Weaving together a rollercoaster of life events, Spectacular Things tells an amazing story of relationships, family bonds and what we are willing to do for love.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein is a recommended domestic drama following the relationship between two sisters which will be highly enjoyed by those who enjoy lots of soccer talk.

The novel opens with Mia giving birth while watching her sister Cricket playing for the US Women's Olympic soccer team on a TV at the hospital. Mia has a medical emergency after the birth. The novel then jumps back in time to follow their mother Liz Lowe. Liz was a high school soccer star when she found out she was pregnant as a senior and her promising soccer career ends abruptly. She gives birth to Mia and as soon as possible has her training to play soccer. Five years later Cricket is born and it is clear she is born to play soccer and be a star. show more

While the narrative shows devotion to and sacrifices made for your family, it also shows some dark secrets which should have been exposed, tragedies, and flawed behavior. (Take note, the girls father was a predator.) As a sister of two, I thought the narrative would follow a reciprocal relationship between the sisters rather than Mia being expected by Liz to sacrifice and give up her activities and time at a young age so Cricket could be a star. Mia's sacrifices continue throughout the plot.

Admittedly, I really disliked Cricket for almost the entire novel which really held back my enjoyment. Along with the slow pace, all the focus on soccer did not help hold my attention. I wish this overwhelming plot point had been mentioned in the description as I would have not requested it. It also felt like it was a bit too long winded and repetitive. This was just an okay read for me. Thanks to Random House for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/07/spectacular-things.html show less

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars!

I really enjoyed this one!

I listened to the audiobook through the library but I’m planning to buy a copy to my personal library.

This is such a touching story about two sisters, family, sacrifice, and grief. The story follows Mia and Cricket, but it also gives us their mom’s story, which adds depth to everything that happens later.

What stood out most to me was the character development. The characters felt so real, and I found myself completely invested in their lives and wanting to know what was going to happen next. It was fast-paced, I ended up flying through it.

I loved the focus on sisterhood and family. It really highlights the sacrifices we make for the people we love and how those choices can show more impact an entire family for years. There were definitely moments that tugged at my heartstrings and made me stop and think.

Overall, this was a beautiful, deeply touching read. A book I’ll definitely be recommending to others. 📚💕 show less

This book started so strong. Within thirty pages, I was already rooting for these people and crying for more than one reason. It feels like a refreshed Kristin Hannah story, with characters full of heart, easy to relate to, and easy to feel for in every way. The villain here is simply the unfairness that life throws at you. The writing is simple, not impressive, but easy to follow. It lost me with the pace. It drags. I was bored and had to remind myself to stay invested. Feelings are a little too over-explained, a little too indulged. Everyone always seems to know exactly what the other needs, which leans into sticky-sweet rather than believable. It still got me in my feelings a few times, and the characters are likable enough. I show more didn’t learn anything about myself or the world, and it wasn’t much of an escape or a fantasy either. It was fine, but not an author I’d rush to pick up again.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Dial Press for access to this book. show less

Soccer sisters. Cricket is a star and Mia is her number one fan.

They were raised by a single mom, Liz, who worked hard to help her youngest, Cricket, to be the best in soccer. Meanwhile, she asked Mia to be supportive by cleaning and cooking so her sister could concentrate on the sport.

Later, in their 20s, their sisterly love was knocked over by what baseball fans would call a classic curveball. Mia had a serious medical scare and needed a kidney transplant. Her husband asked Cricket to help out. Would Cricket stop her high-speed goals to save her sister? Donating a kidney would mean she would need to drop out from her sights on the gold at the Olympics.

This is the point where you would stop early in the book to think about your own show more siblings if you are fortunate like me to have them. Would they possibly save your life at the peak of their professional career?

The story has a lot of other complex issues throughout with the relationships of the sister’s family and friends from 1989 to 2030. I wish I knew more about some of the relationships like the sister's dad.

The story revolved mostly around soccer which wasn't the best for me as I’m not a dedicated fan. However, for all those that love the sport, it will likely be a hit. The characters were charismatic and the chapters were short. While it was predictable, there were some heavy issues to think about.

My thanks to The Dial Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this advanced book with an expected release date of July 1, 2025. show less

After their mom dies suddenly, Mia takes care of Cricket, ensuring that Cricket follows her dream of being a soccer star. Then, when Mia needs something from Cricket that may end Cricket's career, Cricket has a difficult time handling it, and retreats from Mia.
A look at the strength of sisters, the love of a mother, and what you will do for the other.
I really enjoyed it, especially the back story of their mom and their lives leading up to the pivotal moment.