rubywarhol's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so this is obviously the best book I've read in 2021 because it's the only book I've read in 2021 so far. But I'm pretty sure by the end of the year it'll still be at the top of my list.
I have read "One Day" and "Me Before You" and similar books by "more famous" authors and honestly, they don't compare.
I was not expecting this much deep emotion and self reflection from what sounded like an entertaining, easygoing, but kind of superficial chicklit book from the back-cover blurb. The narrative voice was surprisingly feminist and respectful as well which, to be honest, is rare for male authors in this category.
Despite the magical element of time travel (which I enjoy anyway), the story felt so real and tangible, like I was watching a film. It was heartwarming, immersive, relatable, and kept me on my toes with the plot twists and tactically omitted information on what was actually going on. This book managed to shatter me and piece me back together multiple times in a row. For a £4 Tesco book it was absolutely magical.
I have read "One Day" and "Me Before You" and similar books by "more famous" authors and honestly, they don't compare.
I was not expecting this much deep emotion and self reflection from what sounded like an entertaining, easygoing, but kind of superficial chicklit book from the back-cover blurb. The narrative voice was surprisingly feminist and respectful as well which, to be honest, is rare for male authors in this category.
Despite the magical element of time travel (which I enjoy anyway), the story felt so real and tangible, like I was watching a film. It was heartwarming, immersive, relatable, and kept me on my toes with the plot twists and tactically omitted information on what was actually going on. This book managed to shatter me and piece me back together multiple times in a row. For a £4 Tesco book it was absolutely magical.
alifromkc1907's review against another edition
3.0
Read June 2023 ⌚️
•
Gut Instinct Rating: 1
Characters: 2.63
Believability: 3
Uniqueness: 4
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 3
Story Line: 3.33
Title Relevance: 3
Artwork Relevance: 5
Audiobook Narration: 4.25
Overall: 3.33
•
Gut Instinct Rating: 1
Characters: 2.63
Believability: 3
Uniqueness: 4
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 3
Story Line: 3.33
Title Relevance: 3
Artwork Relevance: 5
Audiobook Narration: 4.25
Overall: 3.33
literatureaesthetic's review against another edition
3.0
After finding out that All About Us was a retelling of A Christmas Carol, I knew I had to read it. I'm glad that it wasn't a disappointment.
This book deals with love, loss and change. It was the perfect book to read during Christmas time and an even better book to end the year with. The overall message of this story, is that it's never too late to change. If there's something in your life that you're unhappy with, change it. I think that's a great message to keep in mind and start 2021 off with.
I loved the groundhog day theme. Usually I find that trope a little bit repetitive, however I adored it in this novel.
Overall, this was heartening, lovely book and I'm glad to have read it!!
This book deals with love, loss and change. It was the perfect book to read during Christmas time and an even better book to end the year with. The overall message of this story, is that it's never too late to change. If there's something in your life that you're unhappy with, change it. I think that's a great message to keep in mind and start 2021 off with.
I loved the groundhog day theme. Usually I find that trope a little bit repetitive, however I adored it in this novel.
Overall, this was heartening, lovely book and I'm glad to have read it!!
chezzreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
nicquinn25's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
encounterswiththemoon's review against another edition
4.0
Ellen wrote about a character who was riddled with regrets, accumulated by various scenarios in his life. Ranging from conversations had with his parents, decisions he made in his youth, actions made towards his spouse & characteristics in his personality that he allowed to over-power his conscious state.
I'm not sure what it was about this book that I enjoyed so much. I admit to being apprehensive as the story began as the plot revolves around time travel & re-living events, which might sometimes come across as tedious because the main character is vocalizing thoughts & feelings which are all quite closely linked. However, Ellen was able to weave a story in which all the events that were revisited felt authentic & intriguing. There were moments in the story where I knew that I wasn't the only one who might have experienced such events, thoughts & feelings & given the chance, I might also want a couple of extra moments to change what was said or how I interpreted events in my life.
This is a good book & deals with genuine issues & I feel, presented them in a way that made me truly appreciate the main character, the storyline & how real these situations are for many of us.
I'm not sure what it was about this book that I enjoyed so much. I admit to being apprehensive as the story began as the plot revolves around time travel & re-living events, which might sometimes come across as tedious because the main character is vocalizing thoughts & feelings which are all quite closely linked. However, Ellen was able to weave a story in which all the events that were revisited felt authentic & intriguing. There were moments in the story where I knew that I wasn't the only one who might have experienced such events, thoughts & feelings & given the chance, I might also want a couple of extra moments to change what was said or how I interpreted events in my life.
This is a good book & deals with genuine issues & I feel, presented them in a way that made me truly appreciate the main character, the storyline & how real these situations are for many of us.
julibug86's review against another edition
3.0
Cute retelling of A Christmas Carol, but I think he went too many times to the ghost of Christmas past. Could've done with less jumps backwards.
bigskybooks's review against another edition
4.0
All About Us
By: Tom Ellen
Harper 360
@harpercollins360
All About Us is a British fiction, retelling of Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol, both of which are right up my alley! Then, when I saw this book was recommended for fans of Josie Silver, I couldn’t click the request button on NetGalley fast enough!
Our story begins in December, nearly Christmastime, with Ben and Daphne’s marriage on the rocks; The usual spark is missing. Ben receives an email from his old friend Alice saying she’s in town and wondering if they could meet up. Ben always thought of Alice as the girl that got away. He starts wondering what his life would be like if he never met Daphne and ended up with Alice...
He pushes this passing thought aside and meets a friend for a drink at the pub. That same evening a stranger sells him a mysterious watch and when he wakes up the next morning he’s shocked to see that it is 15 years earlier. The exact day he first kissed Daphne, leaving Alice in the friend zone!
This book zig and zags from present, past, and future with Ben reliving important and deciding moments of his life. Would he do everything the same again?
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book gave me all the feels. I literally read it in one sitting. It deals with love, loss, and friendship all tied up in a pretty little christmas bow. I also enjoyed that this book was from a male POV. My favorite parts were when he got to go back in the past and be with his Mom, who had passed away.
Thank you @netgalley and @harper360 for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Out today 10/13 . . . Put this one on your holiday to be read list!
By: Tom Ellen
Harper 360
@harpercollins360
All About Us is a British fiction, retelling of Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol, both of which are right up my alley! Then, when I saw this book was recommended for fans of Josie Silver, I couldn’t click the request button on NetGalley fast enough!
Our story begins in December, nearly Christmastime, with Ben and Daphne’s marriage on the rocks; The usual spark is missing. Ben receives an email from his old friend Alice saying she’s in town and wondering if they could meet up. Ben always thought of Alice as the girl that got away. He starts wondering what his life would be like if he never met Daphne and ended up with Alice...
He pushes this passing thought aside and meets a friend for a drink at the pub. That same evening a stranger sells him a mysterious watch and when he wakes up the next morning he’s shocked to see that it is 15 years earlier. The exact day he first kissed Daphne, leaving Alice in the friend zone!
This book zig and zags from present, past, and future with Ben reliving important and deciding moments of his life. Would he do everything the same again?
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book gave me all the feels. I literally read it in one sitting. It deals with love, loss, and friendship all tied up in a pretty little christmas bow. I also enjoyed that this book was from a male POV. My favorite parts were when he got to go back in the past and be with his Mom, who had passed away.
Thank you @netgalley and @harper360 for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Out today 10/13 . . . Put this one on your holiday to be read list!
klavda's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.75
pam_sartain's review against another edition
4.0
All About Us by Tom Ellen is the story of Ben. He's finding life very hard, and is wondering if he made the right choices. He's with Daphne, but should he have ended up with Alice?
It's Christmas Eve, and when he gets given a watch by a mysterious man at the pub, he puts it on, but he doesn't realise what's about to happen to him. When he wakes up the next morning, it's not Christmas Day, instead it's 5th December, 15 years before, when he made his choice between Daphne and Alice.
This is a heartwarming, sad, sweet and funny story of Ben's past, his decisions, and the consequences.
I really enjoyed the book overall, even if I did find some sections sad and hard to read. It really is a very good book, and one that has a lot of Christmas in it, if you're looking for something festive!
All About Us is being published on 15th October 2020, and is available from Amazon , Waterstones and your local independent bookshop .
You can follow Tom Ellen on Twitter .
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to HQ .
It's Christmas Eve, and when he gets given a watch by a mysterious man at the pub, he puts it on, but he doesn't realise what's about to happen to him. When he wakes up the next morning, it's not Christmas Day, instead it's 5th December, 15 years before, when he made his choice between Daphne and Alice.
This is a heartwarming, sad, sweet and funny story of Ben's past, his decisions, and the consequences.
I really enjoyed the book overall, even if I did find some sections sad and hard to read. It really is a very good book, and one that has a lot of Christmas in it, if you're looking for something festive!
All About Us is being published on 15th October 2020, and is available from Amazon , Waterstones and your local independent bookshop .
You can follow Tom Ellen on Twitter .
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to HQ .