Meh? I feel like you either hate or love this book. I admittedly almost DNF'd it about halfway through. It spent far too long building up the story of Barb and Ethan. I did enjoy the twist about 75% through, and it redeemed it a bit for me, but I still was just totally meh about it. I did enjoy the tie in of the pandemic, but would probably not recommend it to friends.

DNF. Unfortunately, this was a book I started multiple times but could just not get into. I appreciate having the opportunity to read this book, it was just not a good fit for me as a reader. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted review copy.

This odd novel shines a spotlight on isolation, lack of socialization, and the aftershocks of childhood loss when exacerbated by a major global pandemic. No TW is needed: all tragedy referenced is done so in a bloodless, almost clinically way. There is no sex and zero or near zero offensive language in the entire book. I will be frank in admitting that this was a hard book for me to love, and if my enjoyment were the only factor, I’d have given this book 2 stars. However, it was highly thought-provoking, and it would be a fantastic choice for book clubs given how ripe for discussion it is.

The essential story of The Boys centers on a nerdy but apparently hot programmer, Ethan, who falls in love with vibrant co-worker, Barb. We learn early on about the childhood tragedy that seems to have fed into Ethan’s social awkwardness and his (initially) seemingly minor neuroses and perhaps fixed habits. We learn that Barb is ready for kids but Ethan isn’t quite there yet, but he wants to make her happy so they work towards this goal.. Then the pandemic hits. Ethan begins struggling with leaving the house (goodness knows I can relate). One day, Barb suddenly brings home two boys for them to foster. Ethan struggles with a strong desire to protect the boys from everything, and isolates even more. This is very frustrating for Barb, and she and Ethan become more and more estranged. Ethan takes the boys on a trip to Italy, where a shocking discovery is made.

Narration was adequate, but a bit monotone for my liking.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and publishers Spiegel & Grau by OrangeSky Audio for the ARC of this recorded book in exchange for my honest review.

The Boys by Katie Hafner, BJ Harrison (Narrator)

Extremely introverted, brilliant, nerdy Ethan thought he'd continue a life of solitude. It was better that way since he didn't fit in anywhere. He has a job he loves, things he likes, his routine, and being himself is so much more doable than fitting in...fitting in isn't going to happen. He seems to have no idea how good looking he is or that there could be someone out there for him.

Then he meets Barb and he's met his match. They bond over jukebox oldies at a favorite eatery. Then they move in together, they marry. Then Barb brings home two boys to foster and, with the help of the pandemic, Ethan slides into total isolation, just him and the boys.

How did Ethan and Barb go from such a happy, loving couple to the insensitive, cold Barb and the phobia ridden Ethan? Barb has left the boys and Ethan and he's going to forge on, protecting the boys with all he can conjure, not allowing himself to fail like he failed many years ago.

It's when Ethan takes the boys on a bike trip in Italy, a trip Ethan took a few years back with Barb, that we really understand how wrong some things are and how far Ethan has to go to claw back to a place where he can meet Barb halfway. This worked for me although I had questions when the story was over but I'm not sure answers would make the story better. Digging too deep might ruin Ethan's story about his past and his present.

Thank you to Spiegel & Grau by OrangeSky Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

A heartwarming debut novel by Katie Hafner. All about love, relationships and forgiveness.

Ethan Fawcett is an introvert and when he meets Barb, he takes a chance and asks her out. They spend the first date listening to music for hours. I loved this idea. Their relationship develops rather quickly as he moves in with her and they get married.
One day Barb brings home two young brothers to foster. They had never talked about children, and Ethan is hesitant and Bard is encouraging say they can do this. Unfortunately the tables turn and Ethan becomes the active parent and is obsessed with their upbringing. Barb and Ethan’s relationship becomes estranged and Barb moves out.
Ethan takes the boys, Tommy and Sam on a biking trip in Italy, and realizes how different the boys are and realizes something that can alter their initial plan. He decides he wants to repair their marriage and will do whatever it takes. A bold move on his part changes the course of their live. Heartwarming!

I really liked this story about love and loss and finding us one’s self. The Author threw in a curve that made me ask myself should I start over and re-read it with a new perspective?

Here is the story of Ethan and Barb. How they meet ,find love with each other. marry and
decide to start a family. So far a pretty typical story but there is a twist to the story that word if I write more it will become too much of a spoiler I highly recommend this book. The author does a great job with details and making each character come alive I really liked Barb in the beginning but in the middle and towards the end I just didn’t think she was the woman for Ethan. I’d love to hear a follow up story about what happens to him next.

Thank you to NetGalley, orange sky audio and the author for a chance to listen to this arc

This is cute funny quirky and a blast. Lots of android fun and good booker the summer so go and get it

The pandemic aspect may be too soon for some readers, but this is engaging and well-narrated. A recommended purchase.

What a gem of a book! This story follows a man in his late 30s caring for his two foster children as he approaches the 30th anniversary of his parents’ death. It’s a frustrating read in the best way - and that twist!!

I’m at a loss for words right now. This one was strange. I do think it’s thought-provoking and something that I’ll want to revisit later.

I was first interested in the story because a lot of it takes place during the pandemic. Ethan and Barb are married. We get a glimpse of Ethan’s upbringing and losses. We see his relationship with Barb grow and flourish.

That is, until they adopt twin boys from a Russian orphanage. Then the pandemic hits. All our relationships were put to the test with the hardships we faced. Missing work, losing money, loss of our social support groups. So of course being new parents is stressful and he takes a very hands on approach while Barb is more relaxed.

They grow apart and resentful of each other and eventually she is gone. So he decides to take his boys to Italy, where he and Barb shared such a lovely trip long ago. That’s when we begin to learn the secrets Ethan has and why he’s acted the way he has.

I think at its core, it’s a powerful story about the loneliness and disconnect with reality we faced during the pandemic.

Thank you Net Galley for an audio ARC of The Boys by Katie Hafner. This one started off strong for me but fizzled out. It must be just me because the ratings on this book are phenomenal.

A great story. I'm still not sure if I think the sudden resolution near the end is reasonably realistic or not, but these is--either way--a lot of interesting things going on here.


Review copy provided by publisher.