If you are a book lover — and I assume you are or why would you be reading this review? — you will want to read this book. The underlying premise, that we each bring a different perspective to our reading experience, is nothing new, but the story is engaging and the writing is perfection. In the opening chapter alone, I had to restrain myself from underlining almost every paragraph. Language lovers will surely understand what I mean:
. “And Miranda’s mother had turned herself into the human equivalent of the perfect house—elegant, well appointed, and impervious to the elements.”
“ Time had detached the mesh from the screen door, the metal fabric curling back like the spiral of a conch shell”
[And after Miranda had not felt inspired to visit her studio in awhile]:
“When Miranda opened the door to her studio, the spiders looked up in surprise.”
Writing that is perceptive, beautiful, and witty and all in the cause of telling a complex and perfectly balanced story.
The narrative is centered on the writing and publishing of a book titled Theo, The story is told through multiple times and places and people. Some are firmly connected while others less so and others seem more like lost opportunities. Of course, it won’t be long before you will want to get your hands on a copy of Theo, but the details of that story unfold slowly and deliberately in the course of this book and it will tantalize you to the end.
My advice is read this book and discuss it with others. You may find that No two persons will have the same reaction, but you will all love it.

I was drawn in from the first page -- this book was so clever and interesting. I loved it. It is a story within a story and follows a book and 10 people who are touched by it (ie who read it and how/why). It reminded me that we all have our own stories and they affect how/why/when we interact and relate to certain books. I also loved how the author connected the characters and intertwined the stories. The only thing I didn’t love was the title (I can’t seem to remember it!) and reading on a kindle was hard — I think a print version would have been easier so I could flip back and forth. Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my thoughts.

Alice has written a debut literary novel that’s caused a minor stir in the book world. As readers encounter the book, each finds something different in the story that resonates. No Two Persons introduces us to nine of those readers who are loosely connected and have their lives changed by the book.

The summary is simple, but I cannot even articulate how beautiful this book is. It may be a case of “right book, right time” for me, This book wonderfully illustrates the transformative power of books.

This is not a fast-paced beach read, but I read it on the beach and couldn’t put it down. It’s structured as a series of connected short stories–not my favorite format–but I loved every one of them. I love books about books, and this is quite possibly my favorite I’ve ever read.

“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.”― Anna Quindlen, How Reading Changed My Life

It is true, no two persons reads the same book. We got into them with our own histories, our own points of view and are own interests. What one person loves, another may not. In this book, there is one book and it changes many lives. Alice has always wanted to be a writer. She has always written but it is only when something happens that she writes her debut novel titled "Theo". Her book will not only change her life but it will change the lives of nine readers who read it.

“No two persons ever read the same book.”- Edmund Wilson

This was a beautifully written book that tells the story of each person who reads Alice's book and the impact the book has on them. This is something that all book lovers can relate. We have all read a book that moved us, that spoke to us, that was there at the right time and felt as if it was written for you at that time in your life. There are beauty in the words and in the connections.

Each of the characters in this book have something going on in their lives. They are struggling and dealing with their individual issues. None of them read the same book when they find themselves reading "Theo"

I enjoyed and connected to the concept of this book. Very original, very moving and very well done.

This is a story about a book and the ten different people who read it and how it impacts them all differently over a ten-year period. It was profound how the book uniquely moved each of the readers. This was such a beautiful story and I loved the fact each character is connected to each other, and the book, in some small way. I loved getting to know each character and how the book touched their life in a multitude of ways.

As an avid reader, the book spoke to me. The premise was such an intriguing one and was executed flawlessly. Every voice was clear and concise and the author did a wonderful job doing so. Do not let the long chapters fool you. I usually dislike long chapters but they work here and they flew by as I was absorbed into each story giving the reader an in-depth look into each individual character. The writing is lyrical in a simplistic way that flows beautifully and before you know it, it is complete in a very satisfying way.

The topics that this book covers all but guaranteed a 5 star rating from me: the writing process ( and how it can be shaped by trauma) the joy/ power of reading, imposter syndrome in multiple stages of life, and a publishing process full circle ( writer, publishing agent, audiobook narrator “the internet”, and the readers it impacts)

It all comes full circle at the end, with beautiful moments of connection between characters laced throughout. I have a feeling this will be a top 5 of the year for me!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced copy for review. This novel will be published on May 2, 2023.

I truly loved this novel, and I think readers who enjoy books about reading/writing/publishing will also love it. The structure weaves different characters/story arcs in each chapter (some become interconnected later on), and how a particular book called "Theo" impacts their lives in unique ways. I was very impressed with how the author fleshed out each chapter and new set of characters--they all have incredibly different lives and challenges, and I really enjoyed getting to know all of them. The downside to this is not getting to spend enough time with characters you want to know even more. Their chapter ends, and while their story may be woven in a bit later on in the book, I still felt like there were many questions left unanswered.

I also enjoyed the author's writing style--it was succinct but literary. Words are not wasted, and the ones used are beautiful and explanatory. While this is an emotional book, it never felt too flowery or over-the-top.

I'd recommend this novel to readers who enjoy books about books and the love of reading. This was a quick read for me, and it really blew me away with it's poignancy. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

If you’re into really great character build, this is a great choice for you. Told from multiple POVs, I expected this one to be somehow centered around how their lives were influenced by this book, and I assumed all of their paths would cross……but not quite. I wanted more about the creation of “Theo”, the book in question, and I feel like we got a taste but I wanted more. I’ve said in multiple reviews that I’m a very plot-driven reader - I love a plot that makes me feel, and this one has zero plot….like every time I thought it was going somewhere, we met a new character and started over again, and I honestly couldn’t really keep them all straight.

That being said, I’m landing on 2.5 stars rounded up because I can tell the author is a really talented writer and does a great job with her descriptive character development, I just think maybe I’m the wrong audience for this one.

Again, a thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy in exchange for this review!

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ONE!! This will be on my top reads for 2023. This story was written for book lover. It's a unique story, each chapter follows a new character as they connect with a book called Theo. As the story progresses, we begin to even see overlap between the characters, and it's very heart warming. I loved all the stories shared, and while I think the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly, I will buy a copy and share with the book lovers in my life!

This book is wonderful. I could not put it down and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful, beautiful breath of fresh air! I had been in a major slump and this love letter to books and reading was just what I needed.

We start out with a young woman writing a book- then the remaining chapters are pretty much short stories (?) where a new characters is given a back story in which they somehow encounter the book (called THEO). I did think that the stories would eventually converge in a way, but they didn't. I think there were maybe 3-4 characters that overlapped, but not majorly. I was really wanting them to overlap since I'm not a huge fan of short stories but the structure really worked. Even though they were short stories, given that the constant was the book, it didn't seem as disjointed as a short story collection. AND- even though each character gets 1 chapter, they were incredibly developed. Some book don't develop a character after an entire novel. It was very impressive.

The writing was fantastic- I am NOT EVER a highlighter, but damn if I didn't highlight on my kindle throughout the whole book!!! It seemed like every page there was a breathtaking line. Again, just overall so impressive. I loved it and I hope it is well received by the masses.

This story was amazing. You start off with the author of a novel that she pours herself into creating. Then it branches off into several other stories of people who are directly impacted by the title. Over the course of the novel, you get more glimpses into the content of Alice's lone novel. Eventually, Alice ends up reintroduced into the story as she is directly connected to a few of the other readers.

Just like in life, no two people are impacted the same way by Alice's novel. Each brings their own personal story into their reaction to her story.

Overall, a great read.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister
This book is about a book, Theo, each chapter is about a different person who you get to know and can almost feel what they are going through and experiencing and they seem to find this book at the right times/points in their life when it's needed. It comes full circle from beginning to end with starting with Alice and ending with Alice and yet most of the chapters have a way of intertwining, and how each person can read a book and relate differently to it. While reading this book, it made me want to read Theo even though I knew the book didn't exist.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

Rather than rehash the synopsis of this book I'll say I was completely captivated with by the individual stories. It's broken up in the way of short stories yet most of these short chapters have a way of intertwining. Fifty people can read the same book yet you'll have differing opinions and takes on the story. Bauermeister's book is about a book called Theo, the creation of of fictional author Alice Wein.

Alice Wein is central to to the story in the begining. It's her desire to create and write. Her older brother Peter is very important in her life at home where neither feels a connection. He encourages her, he makes them picnics and they talk. He sends her postcards - Allie, girl. Wish you were here.
Later on, tragedy and a very supportive college professor finally impel Alice to create the novel called Theo.

The readers who end up with Theo in their lives are from different walks of life. One is William, a widower with no hope of moving through his grief. Another is a golden boy actor who experiences a non-fatal yet life changing medical condtion. Nola's story was a heartbreaker. A young high school girl struggling to hide her homelessness. I was very moved by her story and happy to see her turn up later in the book. I won't recap all the scenarios as this moves from the year 2010 through 2019.

Netgalley kindly gave me an advanced readers copy of this book. It will be published May 2, 2023 by St. Martins Press. All opinions are mine and I was not compensated for my review. Thank you, Netgalley!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. “ONE book, NINE readers, TEN changed lives” I could not put this book down. To me it was a unique story and I enjoyed it so much.

I would call this book a series of interconnected short stories; while some characters pop up a couple of times, each chapter can stand on its own, and each tells the story of an individual with their own struggles who is touched in some way by the power of a book. The book within the book is what ties these stories together (so beautifully illustrated on the cover), and the work as a whole is a beautiful tribute to the power of the written word and its ability to connect people with very different backgrounds.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister is AMAZING. I knew from previous reviews that I was going into a very special book... but actually reading it is an entirely different thing. I highlighted so many sentences, sometimes multiple paragraphs because I was so blown away. A book that celebrates the power of great stories and the powerful bond between booklovers. Highly recommend!

I really enjoyed the sentiment of no two people reading the same book and a book about a book. Erica has a beautiful writing style that transports you into the characters worlds and is both immersive and intriguing. Truly enjoyable reading experience.

BOOK: No Two Persons
AUTHOR: Erica Bauermeister
RATING: 5 stars!
GENRE: Literary Fiction
PUBLISHER: @stmartinspress
PAGES: 320 pages
PUB DATE: 5/2/2023

THANK YOUs: MANY thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

PERSONAL NOTE TO THE AUTHOR @ericabauermeister: I found myself feeling just like Juliet. Not wanting the end to draw near. Not wanting Alice’s or any of the other characters’ stories to end. Truly, thank you.

FAV QUOTE: “I think each story has its own life. In the beginning, it lives in the writer’s mind, and it grows and changes while it’s there. At some point it’s written down, and that’s the book readers hold in their hands. But the story isn’t done, because it goes on to live in the readers’ heads, in a way that’s particular to each of them. We’re all caretakers of the stories. Writers are just the lucky ones that get to know them first.

SYNOPSIS: Alice is young and talented, and ever since she can remember she’s wanted to be a Writer. So with the help of one person believing in her, she writes an extraordinary debut novel. Throughout the book we get to see how the story resonates in the lives of 9 specific readers (an Assistant, an Actor, an Artist, a Diver, a Teenager, a Bookseller, a Caretaker, a Coordinator, and an Agent), and how it transforms each of them.

REVIEW: This was my first book by New York Times bestselling author, Erica Bauermeister and I devoured it! She has such a poetically, descriptive writing style that completely drew me in. It’s deeply-moving and proves how just ONE book can affect each person that reads it, and how It can be both unexpected and beautiful.

Happy reading!

Absolutely loved each story and didn't want any of them to end. It's the kind of book you can't put down, and when you finish, you want to go back to the epigraph and begin again!