I went into Twenty-One Truths about Love extremely excited, but a tad apprehensive because I’ve never read a novel that is written entirely in lists! Well, I definitely didn’t need to be worried because I found this novel absolutely brilliant! I was amazed how through the lists I was able to get a full storyline filled with humor, heartfelt times, and cringy moments. Throughout the entire book, I kept thinking that Matthew Dicks deserves a metal for creating such a wildly original novel that is unputdownable! Twenty-One Truths about Love is one of the most entertaining novels I’ve read in a very long time! I highly, highly encourage this 5+++ star book to everyone! I haven’t read Matthew Dicks prior to Twenty-One Truths about Love, but I will be 1-clicking his previous published novels as soon as finish this review—cannot wait to read more from him!

I started off really loving this book, but lost interest about half way through. The story is told entirely from lists which I found very unique & the humor throughout was entertaining. The more I got to know the MC, Dan, the less I liked or connected with him as a person & the way all of his problems get solved at the end just didn’t quite fit. Again, I loved the concept of a story told using only lists - but it needs more depth or a more relatable MC.

I actually enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from a book written entirely in lists, but this did not disappoint. While it may seem a bit disjointed at first you get used to it and it becomes humorous as we follow the main character through his ups and downs in life and his love of his wife and his owning of a bookshop. It was a quick light read and I enjoyed it. I can't wait to read more from the author.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from a book that is written entirely in lists but, I absolutely loved it. The format is so unique and never felt redundant or repetitive. Every character really comes to life with humor and drama as Daniel tries to come to terms with the fact that his life as a bookstore owner is not what he expected. He is having financial worries and his wife Jill, who knows nothing about the financial troubles, wants to have a baby. As he tries to make ends meet and simultaneously make Jill happy, he knows that something will have to change but, he isn't sure what that is. This book is a page-turner from the first to the last. I laughed out loud and could relate to Daniel. His worries are universal and Matthew Dicks does such a great job of making this character likable with his flaws and all. 4.5 stars

Twenty-One Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks was just such a treat of a read. This is a book of lists. Y'all, let me say that another way, this is a fictional story that is built entirely around and told only through lists. How does that even work? Read this, and you'll find out how it can be masterfully done. The story focuses on Dan. Dan owns a bookstore. It's stressful and not exactly going well, and he shares much of this through lists he makes, but hasn't told his wife. Then, his wife shares that she's pregnant. He's excited, but he's also wondering how he can make it all work financially. This really is a love story. Dan loves his family, and he did love/does love the bookstore, but he has to figure out how to make it all work. I would have never thought a story like this could convey so many feels through list, but y'all, it really does. There were lists that made me laugh out loud, others that made me legit tear up, and others that just made me really get the stress that Dan was under. I came to love Matthew Dicks through another "nontraditional" story (Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend - Read. This. Book.), and he's done it again with this one. You won't be able to check this one out until November (my early look is thanks to NetGalley), but add this to your to-read list now because you're going to want to immerse yourself in this gem of a read.

I appreciate having had an opportunity to read and review this book. The appeal of this particular book was not evident to me, and if I cannot file a generally positive review I prefer simply to advise the publisher to that effect and file no review at all.

A novel written in list form. Seriously? Wait…what did you say? A novel written in list form? What kind of book is that???
An engaging, captivating book. Really! My one piece of advice before you start this book- buy some Little Debbie Snacks.
On Amazon, Twenty-one Truths about Love is categorized as “Epistolary Fiction”. (Please don’t confuse “epistolary” with “episiotomy”- which also figures in this book.) Epistolary fiction is a novel written in letter form. I have read books like that, and also books written in diary form. This is the first time that I have read a book that is written in list form- and only lists.
Author Matthew Dicks is an accomplished author and he has crafted a story that will make you laugh, shake your head, tear up a bit, and completely entertain you. The lists, some are long, some short, some use but a few words, amazingly form a complete story. A story that will engage you with a well-rounded main character. Sometimes you want to hug Dan and sometimes you want to shake him. He has many problems, involving his wife, job, family, friends, his whole life. Months by month, list by list, he struggles to work it out.
I highly recommend this book and I also recommend that you read the reviews for this book on NetGalley or Goodreads. (The book doesn’t release until November). Many of the reviewers were braver and more talented than me and reviewed this book in list format- and their reviews work, too! Here’s my favorite item from one of Dan’s lists: “Winners arrive on time. Losers are always unexpectedly stuck in traffic.”
Many thanks to NetGalley, the writer, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital review copy. This is my honest review.

From the beloved author of Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend comes a wonderful new novel about a struggling man, written entirely in lists. This heartfelt story is about the lengths one man will go to and the risks he will take to save his family. Dan doesn’t just want to save his failing bookstore and his family’s finances. His story unfolds entirely in his lists, which are brimming with Dan’s hilarious sense of humor, unique world-view, and deeply personal thoughts.

Holy. Moly.

This book was amazing.
Start to finish.
One day, couch binging, reading.

I am so pumped to have read this book.
This is seriously some great stuff.

It’s not a traditional book with structure of a disturbance or fully building problems. We’re placed into the middle of Dan Mayrock’s life. Lists and all. He doesn’t want his wife to get pregnant, but she does and the rest comes after.

His witty lists, funny descriptions, and real thoughts make this one absolutely a must.

A different approach done really well. The adult fiction market needs a new approach. I’m not asking every author to write like this, but this stands out as a successful way to bring story to light.

There’s charm, there’s love, and there is determination. Sure, Dan gets whiny and complains at time, but you know what? This is real life and I honestly couldn’t have asked for something better.

Unique and quirky. Would love to hear more from another point of view. I can imagine how his wife, Jill, could write her lists and there could be an excellent contrast.

Effective. Witty. Funny. Emotional. This book knocked it out of the park.

Thanks, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one!

*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

3? 3.5? I actually really liked this book and the only reason it didn’t get a higher rating is because Dan is actually the worst and I don’t like that things worked out for him in the end.
Bill? Love him. Jill? A goddess. Steve? Want to know more about him. Peter? I wish he was alive too. Dan? Shut up already.
I do love how much Dan loves his wife but I wish he would have focused less on Peter and focused more on other alternatives for cash than resorting to crime. Even if it was the DAR.
I absolutely love the style this was written in, it gives the reader such a unique first person perspective and we don’t actually see the main character interact with anyone so we really have no choice but to trust what he says.
I hope to be able to read more from this author, ideally a book with a less morally ambiguous main character.

This was a different approach!!

Book of lists - it threw me for a minute..
then I could see what the list writer/author was saying

The football lists were funny.

"The single greatest thing you can do to
guarantee your future success is to read a lot."

Matthew Dicks' Twenty-one Truths About Love did not make my list of favorites. IMO the list concept was not cohesive and was very hard to follow.

Funny and quick to read, I simultaneously thought Dan's lists were hysterical and proved he utterly lacked confidence in himself and his relationship with Jill. Loved his friendship with Dan, his lists about Kimberly, and the ridiculous thoughts in his mind.

I tried, because I was intrigued to see how it would play out, but I just couldn't do this one... The list idea was a clever construct, but like so many non-traditional clever constructs, I struggled with it and ultimately couldn't find enough story in it to keep my attention. It is entirely possible I am the wrong generation for this one - a reader born and bred on twitter and sound bites would likely be a much better fit than someone who grew up with newspapers, epic sagas, and seven-book series! Seriously though, it's a fun idea - just not a good fit for me. I found it tough to parse out where things were supposed to be heading or to get enough character development to find myself lost in the story, as opposed to the minutiae of daily life.

If I hadn't seen this book on NetGalley I don't think I would have picked it up to read. Who writes a book of all lists - how will that be an enjoyable read? Well, it was! It is amazing how fast the lists morph into a story. And for the author's sanity, I'm glad he wrote this book - it would be hard to keep this many lists in your head at any one time. It's a compelling story and often witty; albeit sometimes I think he is trying a tad too hard at it. Try it - I think you'll like it.

I'm looking forward to hearing what others think of this book and what the author comes up with for his next book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early release in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This was a very uniquely written book. One would think it would be incredibly hard to tell a story just using lists. I found Dan's list funny and sometimes sad. I liked that he showed his vulnerable side in his lists. He also had no problem expressing when he was wrong. I think I would have liked to her a bit more of Jill's side of their life but that would have been a much different book.

If you are looking for a new interesting way to hear/read a story this book is for you!!

I really loved Bill. He was such a warm addition to this book.



I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press

Unfortunately, this format is just not for me. It was a very original idea, I just lost interest after a few pages. Won't be reviewing.

Quick read, what I would call a palate cleanser. Format works better than expected. Expect some cries of "white male privilege." I'm probably too old for this book - too much millenial angst.

The concept of this book - and the way it is written, in small postings/list form - is quite new to me. Because of this format, you can easily burn through the book in one day. However, the main character, Daniel, is not very likable. It's hard to have sympathy for a character who seems so spineless as to let pretty much everyone walk over him throughout the whole book. That being said, the story kept my interest and I finished it with maybe a tear or two in my eye. I won't recommend it but I also won't say don't read it.

Twenty-one Truths About This Book
1. Dan is not a good guy and that's okay.
2. He is, in fact, an interesting character.
3. The list format of this book was the real draw. It made an otherwise simple plot structure compelling and the overall book completely devourable.
4. Dan and his comments on his wife's religion became a bit over the top. It could have been a place for a perfect discussion about households with mixed religious backgrounds. But, in the book's defence, this made sense for his character (Is this one point? I'm classing it as one point)
5. Jill is an angel, she has no flaws. Because her husband idolises her.
6. I like Patrick more than Dan.
7. Jill probably did too.
8. I think Dan likes Patrick more than Dan,
9. Steve is the real MVP of this whole book.
10. Scratch that. Bill is the MVP and every time he got emotional it hurt my heart.
11. The interactions between Jill and Bill seemed a bit over the top.
12. That's my issue with the book and why it is a 5-star read. Dan came out on top. He got everything he wanted. The lack of consequences for him was truly astounding. He wasn't even the one to fix his own mistakes.
13. The titular list was kind of a letdown. But its a good book title.
14. Didn't really like the poem at the end.
15. But the character interactions were gold.
16. I want a little Debbie Snack Cake.
17. Dan is funny.
18. Again about the structure. It tells me everything I need to know without being boring and lets the writer hold the perfect amount back from the reader so the intrigue is still there.
19. I will now be wary if I ever go to a bingo hall.
20. I want Bill to adopt me.
21. I want Dan to face the music. I hope he’s a good dad.

(ARC sent via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

This book is written in list format. I just couldn't get into the style and didn't enjoy it. It is a quick read and it was interesting his style of writing but I couldn't get into the story.