This is a novel told in lists. I wasn’t sure whether this would be a hit or miss. For me, it turns out to be something in between. Dicks advances the plot remarkably well in this format. Overall, this was an entertaining and enjoyable read, but the middle third dragged a bit.

I understand that the concept of writing a book made up of lists is a unique way to tell a tale. Unfortunately, I was bored for most of the reading of the lists and it almost felt like the I was being cheated of reading a real book. My opinion is probably going to be very different from other readers, because this concept is one never seen done before and people love to jump on a bandwagon and say how great and innovative it is. I simply was bored. The narrator - the main character Dan- was, again in my opinion, uber-annoying. To the point it took me almost 2 weeks of picking the book up and putting it down again because I couldn't stand more than a chapter of reading. The fact that the 21 truths weren't told until the very end was annoying as well.

This book is written entirely in the form of lists made by protagonist Dan Mayrock, who obsessively writes them in a notebook as a way to process the world, everything from daily life things like budget and business ideas or pros/cons of having a baby, to amusing observations about things like why he finds certain types of people annoying, to deep thoughts about why he's never come to terms with his father's leaving the family or his feelings of competing with his wife's first (now deceased) husband. I wondered how you could get any plot from just a series of lists, but I think it turned out to be really well done, slowly unveiling the details of what's going on in the life of a struggling man: the ups and downs of his marriage and their decision to have a baby, his baggage regarding his estranged father, and his worry and schemes about what he can do to fix his failing business, the failing of which he has not made known to his wife. Admittedly I did skim a couple of the lists that weren't exactly salient to the plot line, so I think the book could be a bit shorter, but a lot of the lists that were just lists rather than plot drivers were really amusing or insightful. A clever format with lots of good one-liners. Plus I was super endeared to Dan (even if his hapless handling of problems makes a type-A person like me itchy) right away because (a) he's a bookstore owner and so some of his lists are "books of the month" for his store and I loved seeing what titles showed up there and (b) because I just LOVE LISTS. Overall I found the book to contain delightful darkly humorous observations on life in the way of Goodbye, Vitamin (one of my favorite reads of 2018) and the funny/warm-hearted story of a hapless but trying character reminiscent of ones from Matthew Quick (Silver Linings Playbook, The Reason You're Alive) or Jonathan Tropper (This Is Where I Leave You), so if you liked those, definitely pick this one up when it releases in the fall.

In Twenty-One Truths About Love: A Novel by author Matthew Dicks, Dan Mayrock is an obsessive list writer. But not just shopping lists or recipe lists or the normal ones we all make and, if you are like me, always forget. He tells the story of his life - lists about his jealousy of Jill's first and late husband, Peter, his regrets, his brother, his financial worries and about the rather extreme plan he concocts to solve those problems but most of all, about his love for Jill and the baby they are expecting.

When I saw Twenty-One Truths About Love: A Novel for request on Netgalley, I was intrigued. I mean, a novel made up entirely of lists - how would that work? Turns out, it works quite well. It is warm, charming, and frequently hilarious. And much of this is down to Dan - he is at times sweet and at others frustratingly inept but always lovable, sympathetic and, above all, relatable even when or perhaps mostly when he is at his most dithering.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

Whilst this was a good read overall, I did not like the main character and actually thought he was a bit of a 'wet blanket'. Furthermore, I was interested to read a book comprised entirely of lists- however this format did not suit my reading style either. I would suggest readers try the novel, as each personal reading style is unique, but be prepared for some adjustment before you can really get into it.

This book will make you laugh. It won’t make you cry, but it will definitely make you laugh. Dan/Daniel (never Danny unless you’re Bill) writes lists, about everything. This book is a compilation of his many notes. Throughout his lists, Dan struggles with regret from quitting his job, and of jealousy of his wife’s dead husband. The lists show his journey to acceptance in himself, with his absent father, and with his marriage.

It’s a fast read and an enjoyable one.

Loved this book! Written in a series of lists it catches the reader and offers an insight into life lessons regarding love, parenthood, honest and integrity. Would highly recommend.

This story was told in a very unique format. The entire book is written through a number of lists from Daniel Mayrock’s perspective. Daniel is happily married and is expecting his first child, a time that should be happy for them both. But Daniel is keeping a financial secret from his wife and he is consumed with anxiety and fear of losing Jill. It all seems to come out in his lists.. He has lists for things he hates, for ways he think the world would be better, for how many times he’s eaten a snack cake today, and everything else that rattles around in his head.
It was entertaining and some of his lists made me laugh out loud.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press foe this advanced copy.

Omg, this was probably one of my favorites her I’ve gotten to read this year alone, there will be certainly lots of naysayers who will not like the list format of the book, but I personally loved it, the concept was very unique and for the lack of a better term, on trend because of bullet journaling popularity. The content and ease of language was awesome, I could really relate to what the main character was going through in his adult life, aside from quitting my job and opening a bookstore though lord knows I’ve dreamt of it. Just a fabulous, fun and easy read with real life feelings and realities.

Twenty One Truths about Love was adorably cute. In this book we meet Dan and Jill and their adorable story. At the end of the story I felt as if I knew Dan and Jill and was a part of their story. This book made me feel so many emotions but most of all I felt hope.

Twenty-one Truths about Love.....is a book uniquely written in lists. Yes, in list form. Clever for sure. And actually, not a bad way to read a book.......Matthew Dicks took a “leap of faith” here and it worked. The book is funny, laugh aloud at times, begs you to read some of the lists to your husband, wife, partner, anyone sitting next to you who could use a chuckle. Okay....so Dan, the main character and the incessant writer of lists, made some bad choices. One of them was quitting his teaching job, where he enjoyed both gainful employment and a promised pension, to open a book shop, without researching the viability of book shops in present times. But he was disenchanted with teaching. He took a chance......it happens. After I got over my judgmental opinion of that decision being moronic, I allowed myself to sit back and enjoy the ride. You will not be sorry you decided to read this book. It’s light, yet contains struggles, but the struggles are dealt with humorously. Matthew Dicks is a clever writer and we can all glean something relatable in many of the lists. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

This book is made of lists...I truly didn't get it. I almost didn't even bother reading it, but I'm glad I did.
It is a super quick read because its in lists for the most part, but that is what made it so enjoyable. Plus it dealt with a bookstore (which I loved). Its obvious that Daniel was a obessive list maker and to be honest, I liked him except for his judgemental tendecies.

good read!

Well I love the cover, I love lists, and can respect a list maker. That’s the extent of my love for this book. It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just that without a narrative,I’m simply reading endless rantings of a neurotic weakling who would rather list all the places he peed instead of getting his life together. There is only so much of a whiny man that I can take...

What I did NOT like about this book:

The format is kind of strange -- just lists, lists, lists
Daniel is sometimes very annoyingly self-centered
A great deal of the plot is left to the reader’s imagination
Planning a robbery is just DUMB
Agonizing over planning a robbery gets tiresome
Daniel seems to have an obsession with penises (his and others’)

What I REALLY liked about this book:

The format is innovative and entertaining -- lists, lists, and more lists
Some of the lists are absolutely hilarious! I laughed out loud several times
Daniel is a bookseller -- I love any books that feature bookshops and booksellers.
His comments on teaching and teachers are perfect!!
Despite the sparse narrative (none, actually - just lists) the plot and accompanying emotions come through loud and clear and I became attached to all the characters, even Daniel
There’s actually some really good advice here -- about teaching, parenting, marriage, turning right on a red light, and so much more.
A great read -- quick and easy to follow, but with so much depth (surprise!)

I can find very little to recommend with this book. The format was not something I found enjoyable and couldn't concentrate enough to even get involved with the story.

I washroom sure about this book being written only in list form. It wasn't for me. I couldn't get invested in the storyline or even find a storyline. I finally gave up on this book midway through.

I enjoyed the style of the book......telling a story in a collection of lists. I felt like I was in his mind and really got to know Dan. Especially the self doubt, fears, and love. I laughed at Dan's insights about quitting teaching, opening a bookstore, marrying a widow, his parent's divorce, and the concept of fatherhood. I recommend this book strongly to anyone who enjoys an intimate view of a man's mind; A great story of belonging, love, and family.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I enjoyed the alternative approach to telling a story and the use of lists. With that being said, I often found Dan to be depressing and gloomy. I also found that he would contradict himself when writing lists of things he does not like, but then goes and does them himself. Despite this, I was compelled to finish the story because there were questions that I wanted and needed to be answered, not to mention I wanted to find out what happens in the end.

Interesting approach to a novel... entirely written in lists. It took me some time to get into the rhythm of it, but once I did the book just flew. I can't honestly say I enjoyed this book, as I found Dan to be incredibly annoying and so lacking in confidence that it made me cringe. At the same time, I could see elements of friends and family members in him, and perhaps that helped me keep reading, as I am always looking for ways I should respond to them. The novel had a great conclusion.

This book is hilarious. I loved it--it is written entirely in lists. I read it in one sitting. I ddin't think I would be so into it but as soon as I started it, I could not stop reading it. Dan, that narrator and list writer, is sooo funny and honest. He has issues and flaws and he doesn't lie about them either which makes this books so good. He has a great personality and kept me interested from his very first list to his very last. Could not stop reading this one! Thanks to NG and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this awesome, perfect-for-summer novel!!! Highly recommend this one!!! SO fun!!