Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - The Rest of the Story

Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

The Rest of the Story by Tal Bauer

8 reviews

nerdofalltrades's review

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I went into this book not really knowing what I was getting into, and it ripped my heart out in the most eloquent of ways. I couldn't recommend this more, but definitely check the content warnings as things can be pretty dark.

Content Warnings

mynameisprerna's review

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5.0

10/30/23 Second review:
I did this re-read in the midst of global turmoil when I needed something I knew I would love that I could turn to. And it did not disappoint… although I am very much looking forward to my re-read of the short stories following Lawson & Brody!
I remembered from my first read that

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Shea’s rules around virginity seemed bizarre and clunky. I still think the rules themselves, like where the line is and how immovable it is, are clunky. But this time around I was less bothered by his quest to find his one true love. I think I came around to the fact that it *is* outlandish, and there’s no use pretending that it’s not. But that’s who Shea is - he’s idealistic and he’s a rule follower, even if he made the rule himself We also need it because Morgan needs a brass ring that’s he’s reaching for, something he can use as a metric to prove himself.

With this reading

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I found myself reading about the car crash pretty unemotionally, and I wondered if it simply hadn’t shocked me because I remembered it. But in rereading my review, I see that it was Brody’s story that really made me cry, and that still rang true for me this time.</>spoiler
I don’t remember

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how much it did or did not bother me that the team seemed to have an impossibly small staff with the first read. This time, it did get to me. I understand why it’s needed to keep Morgan as the central figure for everyone and for him to have the most opportunity for growth, so I forgive it. But it just does not make any sense that a barely graduated physical therapist would suddenly be named the coach of an NHL team and no one would question it.

5/15/23 First Review:
I loved this book! I connected deeply with the characters and I found the plot compelling and emotional. Depictions of abuse and survivorship are never going to work for everyone, but I thought they were beautifully done in this book.
Before I read these two books (Gravity and TROTS) I saw a write up about the author that said usually the MCs have their “I love you”s by about 40% of the book, and the third act conflict is something external to them, and boy were they right!
I was a little surprised by this book

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also having a horrific injury as that conflict, but it was different enough and worked. I also thought it was funny that the author repeated the theme of a couple thinking they’re being all smooth and hiding their relationship, and when they come out everyone already knows and has just been waiting for them to say it.

The things about Shea

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waiting for something serious made sense, but when that solidified into waiting for marriage it felt very clunky. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with it, but it felt like an odd choice and I’m not sure it had to be that way. But anyway…
I cried when they were in Dallas and Shea left the bar, and when he came back to Morgan’s bed and begged him to try, relenting to a casual relationship, and again when Morgan got his shit together and finally told Shea they could date.

But most of all, I cried

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for Brody as his story became clearer and clearer at the end, and Lawson’s love for him was breathtaking.

If you haven’t read the two follow up short stories on the author’s website, you MUST! All Your Tomorrows is from Lawson’s perspective and covers the summer, Boise Boy is from Brody’s perspective and takes us from the end of summer into the beginning of the next season. Both are terrific, but All Your Tomorrows had me sobbing.
I read a few reviews from folks who thought that the book was pointless after

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Coates was gone, but…

it’s right there in the title. This was about the rest of the story! It was about what happens when you think the story is over. It was about the coming back from something so awful in several different permutations. I don’t think this author’s style is for everyone, and I guess that’s okay!
The author’s website says there will be more in this hockey universe, and I can’t wait!

Content Warnings