altruisticlatte's review
5.0
This is a genuine and good book. I really enjoyed the thoughtfulness and the introspection of this book. Full disclosure: I was sent a PDF copy of this book to read and review it. My honest opinion is that it is very heart warming. It truly captures life's most simple, yet, most complicated issues and details how most young adults, leaving their young adulthood, come to their own conclusions and realizations about themselves and how life unfolds around them. I can personally relate to much of the turmoil our main character, Freddie, went through in this book. From not knowing how to relate yourself to others, where and how you fit into other people's lives, and finding a place or person to truly call home; these are all experiences we have had or will have which makes this book relatable to any human.
I appreciate how Barton touched on the topic of grief. I have suffered much grief in my own life and, it seems, every time I experience it, I experience it in a whole new way. It can be destructive, it can be healing, and it can lead to a deeper understanding of life one only finds at the end of the tunnel of grief and he captured all of its complexities beautifully in this novel.
If anything describes me, 'introspective' is the word so I can deeply appreciate the deep dive into self-reflection that this book provides. However, from personal experience, I know that when sharing one's introspective ideas and thoughts, it can come off a bit preachy and this book certainly played on that boarder between pensive self-reflection and preaching; though, I don't think it hurt the book, story, or writing in the least. At worst, it slowed the book down a tad but not to any unbearable pace.
I have to admit, I'm not entirely sure why the book is titled 'Peach' but I really appreciate the cover art and the title does elicit curiosity so I think it is tactfully titled.
Well done, Barton, on this novel! From my experience reading it, it accomplished everything it set out to.
I appreciate how Barton touched on the topic of grief. I have suffered much grief in my own life and, it seems, every time I experience it, I experience it in a whole new way. It can be destructive, it can be healing, and it can lead to a deeper understanding of life one only finds at the end of the tunnel of grief and he captured all of its complexities beautifully in this novel.
If anything describes me, 'introspective' is the word so I can deeply appreciate the deep dive into self-reflection that this book provides. However, from personal experience, I know that when sharing one's introspective ideas and thoughts, it can come off a bit preachy and this book certainly played on that boarder between pensive self-reflection and preaching; though, I don't think it hurt the book, story, or writing in the least. At worst, it slowed the book down a tad but not to any unbearable pace.
I have to admit, I'm not entirely sure why the book is titled 'Peach' but I really appreciate the cover art and the title does elicit curiosity so I think it is tactfully titled.
Well done, Barton, on this novel! From my experience reading it, it accomplished everything it set out to.
thelexingtonbookie's review
4.0
I was given an eARC of this novel from Fish Out of Water Books and the author in exchange for an honest review. *CORRECTION MADE- Publisher added*
I was contacted by Wayne Barton about his novel Peach, and I'd been seeing it all over Instagram- the 'grammers were loving it. So I was genuinely interested to see what all the hype was about, and very eager to offer a review for Barton and publisher Fish Out of Water Books.
The book starts off introducing an British songwriter named Freddie, who is nearing the prime of his career as he lands in Idaho to work and write songs for Hal, a legendary artist whose career has been slack for years. Hal and Freddie are a little awkward at first in their respect for one another. Hal shows Freddie around the small town (Bliss, population 299) and introduces him to Murphy's Bar and Grill owner Louise, and her spunky daughter Brooke. In mostly quiet observations, Freddie can see that Hal and Louise have a deep affection for each other, and together with Brooke they are close enough to be family, but something is holding Hal back- something he's hiding. When the truth is revealed, Louise comes up with a plan that involves Freddie getting to know the real Hal.
In the meantime, through the work with Hal, the small town atmosphere, and the friendships that Freddie makes, he's able to sort out the all his lady troubles as well as learn about himself and what he truly wants in life.
For me, Peach was a solid read, but there were a few things about the book that made me sit on the fence about it. The pacing of the novel is rather slow- there's a lot of inner-Freddie thoughts that seem to require a lot of time to cover. There's also a little redundancy within those thoughts- like, we get it Freddie, you have girl problems, it's confusing, you are so conflicted...I digress. It's always hard for me to get behind a character I don't empathize with.
But aside from that, I did find myself wanting to know what would happen, how things would play out with Hal and Louise, as which girl would finally pull Freddie's head out of his butt, pardon my french. I liked the setting and could easily imagine Hal's place, with Freddie and Hal working on songs. I thought the incorporation of the song lyrics was a neat addition, aiding to the plot. The twists in the plot were good, and kept me turning the pages, and there were quite a few lines that I immediate thought, oh, that's a good quote.
Peach is definitely one to look for on the bookshelves if you like a slow burning drama, and in the end, I can completely understand the hype.
I was contacted by Wayne Barton about his novel Peach, and I'd been seeing it all over Instagram- the 'grammers were loving it. So I was genuinely interested to see what all the hype was about, and very eager to offer a review for Barton and publisher Fish Out of Water Books.
The book starts off introducing an British songwriter named Freddie, who is nearing the prime of his career as he lands in Idaho to work and write songs for Hal, a legendary artist whose career has been slack for years. Hal and Freddie are a little awkward at first in their respect for one another. Hal shows Freddie around the small town (Bliss, population 299) and introduces him to Murphy's Bar and Grill owner Louise, and her spunky daughter Brooke. In mostly quiet observations, Freddie can see that Hal and Louise have a deep affection for each other, and together with Brooke they are close enough to be family, but something is holding Hal back- something he's hiding. When the truth is revealed, Louise comes up with a plan that involves Freddie getting to know the real Hal.
In the meantime, through the work with Hal, the small town atmosphere, and the friendships that Freddie makes, he's able to sort out the all his lady troubles as well as learn about himself and what he truly wants in life.
For me, Peach was a solid read, but there were a few things about the book that made me sit on the fence about it. The pacing of the novel is rather slow- there's a lot of inner-Freddie thoughts that seem to require a lot of time to cover. There's also a little redundancy within those thoughts- like, we get it Freddie, you have girl problems, it's confusing, you are so conflicted...I digress. It's always hard for me to get behind a character I don't empathize with.
But aside from that, I did find myself wanting to know what would happen, how things would play out with Hal and Louise, as which girl would finally pull Freddie's head out of his butt, pardon my french. I liked the setting and could easily imagine Hal's place, with Freddie and Hal working on songs. I thought the incorporation of the song lyrics was a neat addition, aiding to the plot. The twists in the plot were good, and kept me turning the pages, and there were quite a few lines that I immediate thought, oh, that's a good quote.
Peach is definitely one to look for on the bookshelves if you like a slow burning drama, and in the end, I can completely understand the hype.
goodvibesgoodbooks's review
4.0
This book was sent to me by the author for my honest review. And my honest opinion, is that I need more from this author. This book was an amazing story about life choices, how every choice we make affects us, new friendships, old friendships, loss, heartbreak, and also how to open up your heart again. It was simply amazing.
theknitterwithabook's review
4.0
**I was gifted a PDF copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Are you happy in life? Are you where you wanted or where you want to be? People change, people evolve. You must learn to overcome your grief and learn how to live. You might have an ideal you want to achieve but it might not be the best route, that does not make you a bad person if you want to take another one.
This is a book you need to take time to read. You don't rush through it. You let it sink in. I am not used to meditative books so it was refreshing.
The ending felt a bit weird. Most of the book is reflective and slow paced, you have a lot of introspection, you breathe. But then, you get to the last 30 pages and it's full of jumps and turns. I felt like it clashed with the rest of the book like it was the last chance to get some action and twists. I felt that last part could have been longer so it could match the pace of the book.
I would still recommend to anyone who would like a light and relaxing book.
Are you happy in life? Are you where you wanted or where you want to be? People change, people evolve. You must learn to overcome your grief and learn how to live. You might have an ideal you want to achieve but it might not be the best route, that does not make you a bad person if you want to take another one.
This is a book you need to take time to read. You don't rush through it. You let it sink in. I am not used to meditative books so it was refreshing.
The ending felt a bit weird. Most of the book is reflective and slow paced, you have a lot of introspection, you breathe. But then, you get to the last 30 pages and it's full of jumps and turns. I felt like it clashed with the rest of the book like it was the last chance to get some action and twists. I felt that last part could have been longer so it could match the pace of the book.
I would still recommend to anyone who would like a light and relaxing book.
elle_reads's review
3.0
BOOK REVIEW⠀
[Peach] A young songwriter finds his way with an older mentor.⠀
#gifted for an honest review⠀
//⠀
WHAT I LIKED⠀
Wayne Barton truly immerses you in his introspection. The first sentence is beautifully simple and mind-boggling. His later description of Freddie Ward’s epiphany was one of my favorite sentences. How he dealt with grey area themes like the wish for a blank start and the pull between what society expects versus someone’s personal obstacles was unique. I can’t quite put my finger on how his characters feel on all levels, and I’m not sure his characters know either. It’s a shared uncertainty I love. There is one pretty good twist (though I felt it was a little too easily resolved) and a few flashbacks I thoroughly enjoyed.⠀
//⠀
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⠀
The main character was my main problem. Freddie Ward is a shy, talented guy who worries about causing others pain. It sounds like a surefire great character! In fact, I LOVE imperfect characters! But he isn’t allowed to totally fail. His falling is cushioned by attempts to make you love him no matter what. Let me hate him, and then make me fall back in love with him. ⠀
//⠀
The book takes awhile to pick up. For me, I think Ward’s characterization is the reason why. Besides the small jewels like the one I mentioned earlier, there's some fluff in the beginning chapters. I started to skim at times because I felt I read the line “grab a beer” so often. Freddie and Hal’s relationship is definitely awkward at first, but I think it could have fleshed much of this out and the story left standing would have a greater impact. The hidden gems which had me questioning my own life experience made the fluff worth it!⠀
//⠀
Recommended if you like: The Notebook, The Fault in Our Stars⠀
//⠀
Peach (by Wayne Barton) ⚡️⚡️⚡️✨3.5/5⠀
//⠀
#peach #waynebarton @FOWbooks @peachthebook @waynebarton⠀
#ellesbookreviews2019
[Peach] A young songwriter finds his way with an older mentor.⠀
#gifted for an honest review⠀
//⠀
WHAT I LIKED⠀
Wayne Barton truly immerses you in his introspection. The first sentence is beautifully simple and mind-boggling. His later description of Freddie Ward’s epiphany was one of my favorite sentences. How he dealt with grey area themes like the wish for a blank start and the pull between what society expects versus someone’s personal obstacles was unique. I can’t quite put my finger on how his characters feel on all levels, and I’m not sure his characters know either. It’s a shared uncertainty I love. There is one pretty good twist (though I felt it was a little too easily resolved) and a few flashbacks I thoroughly enjoyed.⠀
//⠀
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⠀
The main character was my main problem. Freddie Ward is a shy, talented guy who worries about causing others pain. It sounds like a surefire great character! In fact, I LOVE imperfect characters! But he isn’t allowed to totally fail. His falling is cushioned by attempts to make you love him no matter what. Let me hate him, and then make me fall back in love with him. ⠀
//⠀
The book takes awhile to pick up. For me, I think Ward’s characterization is the reason why. Besides the small jewels like the one I mentioned earlier, there's some fluff in the beginning chapters. I started to skim at times because I felt I read the line “grab a beer” so often. Freddie and Hal’s relationship is definitely awkward at first, but I think it could have fleshed much of this out and the story left standing would have a greater impact. The hidden gems which had me questioning my own life experience made the fluff worth it!⠀
//⠀
Recommended if you like: The Notebook, The Fault in Our Stars⠀
//⠀
Peach (by Wayne Barton) ⚡️⚡️⚡️✨3.5/5⠀
//⠀
#peach #waynebarton @FOWbooks @peachthebook @waynebarton⠀
#ellesbookreviews2019
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