DNF 10%

I have a personal policy of rating books that I DNF as 3 ⭐ so as not to offset the overall rating for a book that I didn't complete. But truthfully, I had a long hard think about breaking it for this book.

So I think that a lot of people take trigger/content warnings at the start of books as I bit of leftie fluff but this book absolutely needs them. In the first 10% we are thrown extreme homophobia (internal and very external), fatphobia, ableism, some serious bullying, including causing someone to receive stitches and deliberating spilling a hot beverage over someone with no regard to the risk of burning the completely innocent person just trying to survive the complete rubbish that bullies deliver on a daily basis.

And you know what, our main character did all of this. Our main character? 'Donick Walsh: king of the school bullies' is not really a fair description of the pain that this main character has caused over the past six years from the opening chapters.

Maybe this story is for someone and maybe there is some personal growth to be had for this main character. And I absolutely understand the concept of a redemption arch but honestly, when your main character is actively this horrible of a person for six long years I cannot support this story. I cannot support or root for a romance because Michael is an absolute fool if he falls in love with this main character after everything that has occurred.

Frustratingly, what I read was actually well written, it is just that the main characters faults are waaaayyyyy too serious for me to get over. When you have 100 books in a TBR pile I am not spending a week of my life with this main character.

Heads up! This review might come across as a critical thinking college paper as I cannot step away from the main theme of Donick Walsh and the Reset-Button. I have been impacted on a personal level as a child, teenager, and later as an adult. Bullying has no age limit for the tormentors or the targets of their vindictiveness.

Nathaniel Shea writes a brilliant story about a young man who realizes, identifies, and attempts to self-correct his bullying behavior. Nick is complex. He admits to a lot of acts of destruction to others. Taking a hint from someone he once targeted and Cher from Clueless, he starts his apology tour. The best part of this tour is that he is not looking for forgiveness. He is just honestly apologizing for his acts of torture. Some accept his apology and some do not, which I think is a partly true response. I personally think that most would listen to his apology and move on and not become friends with him, but this is fiction so anything is possible.

What kicks off this negative behavior towards others is what is displayed at home from his own father. There is an incident that is a turning point in Nick’s growth as a person that impacts the next 6 years of his life until another life changing event happens. Fate…fickle bitch.

There is a confusing part of the story and it is just one line, but it just makes no sense to me. At Location 4679 Mrs P. praises Nick for overcoming his past and changing. Then at Location 4766 she says to Nick, referring to one of Nick’s former friends, “People like that…mean-spirited people, they never change, that boy will always be that way, I’m sure.” This makes no sense. Nick was exactly this way. He did what his friend did and much worse. I am so confused by this conversation and the message it sends to Nick that he can never truly change. Coming from a teacher and someone he respects…that’s messed up. I wish the author had not put this line in the story or had it said by someone else if Shea was trying to convey this thought that bullies cannot change. Or even have Nick address it to Mrs. P. that he has changed.

The supporting cast is diverse and casts a wide net as bullying usually affects them most versus cis-white humans. There are a wide range of phobias addressed from weight, identity, sex, neurodiverse, disability, to pregnancy. Nick and his teammates picked on them all. There is also infidelity and secrets kept within the rainbow circle. Parental abandonment and homophobia. Shea packs it all in.

There was an issue with the copy of the book I received. Every sentence that had a word that began with the letters “Th” had the actual “th” letters missing. Annoying. Plus there were other spelling and grammatical errors within the book. New chapters merged with the ending of the last chapter sentence.

Shea wrote a fantastic story. Uncomfortable. Heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. I am so glad that I am not in highschool anymore. (whew) Donick Walsh and the Reset-Button is a mix of Clueless, Love, Simon, and Glee. The happy-ending at the end, makes it all worth it.

This book tells the story of Donick Walsh, a high school senior and former football player who has been pretty terrible to his classmates for years. When his graduation status is in danger, he must participate in the senior review in order to complete high school. His former best friend Michael is one of the “theater nerds” and certainly wouldn’t want him around. In addition, Donick has a lot of things to make up for – terrible things that he’s done to his classmates through the years. He would like to press the reset button on his life, make new friends, and maybe admit a secret he’s been keeping even from himself. Throughout the book we see chapters from both Donick and Michael’s point of view and we learn the reason why their friendship broke up. All the while, both boys are fighting feelings for each other. I really enjoyed reading this book and feel like my high school students would really enjoy it as well. While there are some language issues such as homophobic remarks and swearing, the is otherwise pretty clean. High school students should have no problem with the content.

This was a very enjoyable book and I found the characters to be very interesting. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Review for: "Donick Walsh and the Reset-Button" by Nathaniel Shea
Source: ARC from NetGalley
Score: 4/5 stars

The book "Donick Walsh and the Reset-Button" mainly follows Donick's journey of self-acceptance and repentance after a football career-ending injury. Secondly, the story follows Donick and Michael's relationship as former friends.

The book explores coming out and the impact of bullying.

Plot:
There are two perspectives in the book.
Firstly, the plot follows former football quarterback Donick and his journey of trying to make amends for his past acts of bullying and discovering his sexuality. Additionally, we see Donick trying to reconnect with a former friend who he has treated very poorly in the past.
Secondly, the story follows Michael as he navigates his former friend Donick re-entering his world of theatre and the arts.

The plot is engaging and really builds up the challenges that both of main characters are experiencing. Throughout the book, we see Donick trying to be a better version of himself and we see his struggles with who he was in the past. Conversely, we see Michael's character become a less endearing version of himself as he struggles to cope with how Donick treated him in the past and his current struggles with acceptances to colleges.

Overall, the plot is full of emotion and lots of opportunities to connect with the characters.

Writing:
The book is mostly paced well. There are a lot of things that are tackled in the book and there is time to breathe and expand throughout the book. Content warning: there is many instances of homophobia and derogatory terms used.

The only challenge I had with the writing was that it felt repetitive at times. I feel like the book could have merged a few of Donick's mission together so it still felt fresh.

Overall, the book is paced well and discusses some heavy topics.

Characters:
Overall, the characters are likeable. The two main characters are written with such care and was allotted a lot of space to develop. Throughout the story, we see the changes in each of our main character. Donick becomes a better version of himself while Michael becomes a more cynical version of himself.

The supporting characters add a lot to the story and help the plot be expanded into different areas. It was also nice to see family included in the book so we are given an opportunity to discuss how nurture can impact a child's beliefs/development.

Finale:
Overall, the story tackled many heavy topics with very developed characters.

I got this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

I loved elements of this book so much! The dual perspective is something I love to see in books, never as fun when you're trying to guess what everyone else is thinking! The vibe the book have off was hilarious, fun and reminded me of the Disney channel at times! The cover gripped me and made me want to read it.

Spoilers......

There was one thing I couldn't shake off and that's why I gave this a four star. Donick Walsh, former bully and quite frankly a moron. His "quest" is to redeem himself but was he trying? I don't know, I couldn't really connect with him like I did with others in the book and that took the "I need to read this book" away a little bit.

I did really like the charcter development, the storyline behind each of them and how their story was told throughout the book. It's a recommended read that's for sure.

All opinions are my own.

In the captivating world of "Donick Walsh and the Reset-Button," Nathaniel Shea delivers an enthralling tale that combines elements of adventure, self-discovery, and the pursuit of redemption. With a blend of thought-provoking themes and heart-pounding action, this novel takes readers on a transformative journey that will leave them pondering the nature of identity, second chances, and the power of human resilience.

"Donick Walsh and the Reset-Button" explores the profound idea that our past doesn't define us, and we have the ability to reinvent ourselves if we dare to seize the opportunity. The story follows the protagonist, Donick Walsh, a man haunted by his troubled past and searching for a way to hit the reset button on his life. When a device capable of altering reality falls into his hands, Donick is faced with a choice that could rewrite his own destiny and the fate of the world itself.

Shea's writing style is a harmonious blend of vivid imagery and meticulous attention to detail. The narrative is skillfully crafted, unfolding with an irresistible blend of suspense, mystery, and profound introspection. Each chapter carries a sense of urgency, urging readers to dig deeper into the labyrinthine plot and unravel the enigmas hidden within.

One of the notable strengths of this book lies in its ability to make readers question their own perceptions of reality. As Donick embarks on a dangerous and unpredictable journey, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own hidden agendas and secrets. The intricate web of relationships and unexpected twists keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly flipping the pages to uncover the truth.

Shea tackles weighty themes such as the nature of identity, the consequences of one's actions, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Donick's transformative arc, readers are reminded of the power of redemption and the potential for personal growth, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

"A mesmerizing blend of heart-stopping adventure and soul-stirring redemption!"

"Nathaniel Shea weaves a spellbinding tapestry of reality and reinvention."

"Prepare to be gripped by the pulse-pounding narrative of Donick Walsh and the Reset-Button!"

"An electrifying journey that challenges our perceptions and leaves us questioning our own existence."

"With its thought-provoking themes and exhilarating twists, this book is an unforgettable ride!"

"Donick Walsh and the Reset-Button" is a literary gem that pushes the boundaries of imagination and provokes contemplation on the human condition. Nathaniel Shea has crafted a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will captivate readers from the very first page, leaving them eagerly anticipating more from him.

dnf @ 50%

i received an arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

a lot of this book was cute and an important story, so i will put my review of the rest of what i read below. however, there was one thing that made me not finish this book, and it was the constant refusal to use singular 'they'. anytime one of the main characters (aka a queer teenager) was talking about someone whose gender they didn't know, the character would say "he or she". this happened enough times that it had to be deliberate. the singular they pronoun for someone whose gender you don't know isn't new. also, a queer book should know better and be inclusive of people who aren't men or women. i expected better. the fact that it happened over and over was also disheartening. so many people who could read this book could feel excluded because of this. i couldn't continue to read a book that was being purposefully transphobic when it should absolutely know better. and i do believe that it is intentional because this book came out in 2021, it is a queer story, and anyone writing queer stories in this decade should have absolutely been exposed to the idea of non-binary people before.

anyways. some parts of this book were good, and i will put those here.
- i liked how donick was self aware and trying to change. he understood what he had done wrong and how it affected people. he felt bad about it, and had to grapple with how to move on.
- i liked how different people forgave donick in different ways, either by becoming friends or just letting go of anger, and how he didn't expect people to suddenly love him because he said he was sorry.
ok actually that's basically all i liked i just thought it was pretty compelling.

now all the non-dnf-worthy stuff i didn't like
- how michael's family was obviously supposed to be the perfect nuclear family, and how they all had special nicknames and how michael's little siblings were his whole world and all that. it made me want to vomit. it was so clearly a move to make everything about him seem perfect in comparison to donick, who has an abusive asshole father and a dead mom (of course his mom is dead). kill me.
- the weird equivalising of gay = likes dick. not gay = attracted to men. nope, had to be dick. this actually really fits with the transphobic tendencies i noted above and it was really uncomfy.
- that time michael called a girl who was his friend "a fantastic little actress" like ew no. also my dude is literally trying to go to theater school he has no ground to stand on.
- calling it Craig's List instead of Craigslist was dumb and made me laugh.
- too many exclamation points! it made it read like a young ya, even though the characters are 17-18 and it is clearly meant to be an older ya. ruined the power of a lot of sentences because reading "damn i miss my friends!" is not fucking compelling lol.
- the kids these days are absolutely not on facebook my dude.
- too many ya authors, this one included, have never met a single teenager.
- hops around in time in a confusing way. basically, poorly written alternating pov so you'll get a scene from one character's pov and then the next chapter in the other character's pov starts before that scene. super confusing.
- the idea that just because it is a costume means it doesn't, and even shouldn't, be comfortable.
- tons of stereotyping and cliches.
- why does donick have an ipod and a phone? music goes on the phone? again, this came out in 2021 so it doesn't make any sense.
- lots of harry potter references (omg even more transphobia)
- finally a plot thing. i'm not spoilering this because people should know that it is part of the text because it is stupid and bad. so basically donick gets an old phone and is texting michael from it as a "secret admirer" even though michael doesn't want to talk to him or be his friend. BAD BEHAVIOUR. also even old phones need a sim card and a plan? but yeah donick is forcing himself through michael's boundaries and i do not support it

anyways that's all i can think of right now. don't read this book.

I cannot possibly add anything extra to the wonderful reviews already written by others. This was an amazing story with thought out, dimensional characters. The hook here is the dual POV that shows forgiveness isn’t granted just because you ask for it and that it can be toxic for the victim as well to refuse to confront the past instead choosing to let the bitterness control their life. Would definately reccomend and this will find its way onto my classroom shelf.

I was nervous to read this book, even though it was the cover that was what really got me into it. The description however, kind of made something curl up inside me and hide from the world. It reminded me a lot of growing up queer in the late 90s and early 00’s.

I sincerely hope that kids act better than they do in this book, which was very reminiscent to that time period. I don’t know if it was realistic to the here and now, but it was very realistic to a high school experience I know myself and a lot of my friends both at my school, and at other schools went through when it came to our peers.

I am of course, reading this now as an adult, and I do realize a lot of those people who seemed so horrible then, were doing it for a reason, like Donick, or were just genuinely horrible people (like some of his ex-friends). It doesn’t excuse the behaviour, but speaks a lot to how much discussion needs to be had about humanity, our differences, and leading with kindness toward each other instead of aggression. (Some exceptions required.)

I really did fall in love with so many characters within this book, including Donick (he needs so much therapy), and Michael (so does he.) As well as the side characters such as Brent, and Calista. Adorable little Liam.

The energy when writing about the production was enticing and frenetic, and the story of redemption left me with a lump in my throat and eventually tears flowing down my cheeks.

Not everyone can fix everything bad they’ve done in the world, and not every apology deserves to be met with forgiveness, but that yes, apologies should be given when you do things, from the small bad moments to the true unforgivable things.

I was a little sad to close the book, and I think I will buy it when it comes out.

*Note to publishers regarding formatting*
Firstly, thank you very much for the free e copy of the book. I read the book on my phone through the net gallery app. I found the formatting of the e-book a little annoying. I have read 100s of books on my phone and 3 other books through the net gallery app and had no formatting issue with this other books. If this book is being published as an e-book I would recommend looking at the formatting if possible. I believe the issue is to do with the margin size, it makes the text too small, each page has to be manually zoomed in.

I enjoyed this book and I would recommend to others.
Nick used to play football but got injured now he has to take part in the school review to get all his credits and graduate. I liked the use of the injury as a plot device, I hope that a real high school would be a bit more understanding about a student taking time off because they got injured playing for the school football team! But it's was an interesting concept. I also like how the book started with Nick wanting to change and be a better person, but there is still characters growth throughout the story.

*Spoilers below*
The two main characters spend about half the book not talking to each other. Nick has been horrible to Michael for years. I like the fact that Michael doesn't forgive him straight away. The book takes place over the course of a few months which can sometimes make the chapters drag on a bit and I would liked the romance to take place sooner in the story.

The second half of the book is more gripping and definitely more fun to read. I love the party scene where Nick speaks to Michael's parents, the acceptance and love he receives from them is beautiful and moving to read.

I enjoying reading from Nick's perspective more as Michael seemed a bit self-centred and shallow at times. I enjoyed the ending although I wish the story had continued a few more chapters to see what they decided to do after high school and the prom scene.

I liked how Nick's father was written the complicated relationship between him and his son, I am glad there was a resolution but it did seem a little rushed.

This book was such a fast and intriguing read! I had such a hard time putting this book down and I loved it from start to finish. The only thing I thought was missing from this book was the whole collage issue. We never really find out where the two main characters are going to end up, even though the whole collage issue is a pretty big deal in this book.

Other than that everything else was so good! It was well written, the characters were amazing and the plot was so addicting. I loved the whole second chance theme!

I can’t wait to read this book again sometime and I’m really excited for it to be published to I can buy a copy of it! I can definitely recommend it if you like a cute, but serious queer romance with second chances, redemption and a lot of drama!

I like character-driven books like this in dual POV, especially if they're about ex-friends and second chances. Nick and Michael talk so much about their thoughts and emotions, and they'll really get into it, that it's like I'm reading journal entries. Anyway, the eARC I received has poor formatting and missing letters, and even though I tried not to let those things get to me, it still affected my reading experience. But overall, this makes a good read. I hope this gets an audiobook.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC!

It took a little longer for me to finish this, primarily because of life and other stories I wanted to read.

Donick Walsh had a chance to reset his high school life, which seems like a "typical" high school plot, but given the fact that Nick was the football star and needed to do a theater recital in order to pass and graduate on time threw him into a loop that kind of "forced" him to change. And by "forced", I mean, would the story still be the same if he didn't injure his shoulder?

I love the fact that the readers go through the motions of understanding, adjusting, and accepting because it's not always sunshine and rainbows. The added fall-out story with Michael at the start gave the journey to accepting who he is an interesting twist.

The only comment I would make is that it would be nice to have a bit more story of how Nick got to his injured shoulder, like a precursor of the before and now the after.

I absolutely LOVED this book! This book talks about gender stereotypes, family drama, true friendship, coming out, and redemption. I loved this books take on forgiveness and friendship.

Thank you for Netgalley giving me this arc for exchange for honest review. This book was amazing. The book was written very well. The book was about boy named Donick. He was a good football player but got injured that ended football for him. He was also a dancer. He was a big bully but realised that that was wrong and was determined to make up for the things he to his fellow students. He also liked boys but did’t tell anyone because he tought it would be awful if people knew. Will he make amends with the people he hurt?

We get it, Donick. You're an asshole.

I really wanted to like this book, but it was not for me at all. Some of the side characters kept me reading further (Liam was nice) but it felt like the two main characters were very shallow, just stuck in their past and I couldn't get anything out of them.

Also the homophobia throughout the book got too heavy for me to enjoy any other element that I might have found enjoyable.

This book just wasn't for me. I didn't really connect with the characters. This book is a dual POV. One of Michael and one of Donnick. Donnick (or nick) is made out to be the asshole who turns better. We. didn't really get to read much of the asshole part because that happend in the past. Nick's POV was a bit annoying to read. We constantly read his thoughts which is only about how mean he was to Michael in the past. And when he speaks to him he constantly says the same annoying apology.

Which brings me to my next point. The dialogue felt really unnatural. No real person would talk the way the people in this book talk. It felt a little like a movie script which I personally don't like in books.

The whole book was also a bit repetitive for me which is the main reason I dnf'd.

What I did like were the supportive parents of Michael and Liam as a character. Also the cover is beautiful. I believe this is the authors first book and I definitely see a lot of potential.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this opportunity!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was sweet to the core. It has a diverse cast and a great message: rebuilding your life and atoning for your past mistakes. With beautiful imagery, the emotional beats were perfection, and the pop culture references were excellent.

I found myself racing between which MC I was rooting for more in their development--a healthy balance of face palms when they were wrong and pure excitement when they were right.

It had an adorable moment of a crush realization, expertly described. The conflict moments in act three were chef's kiss, along with a twist that made me take off my glasses and pace around the room twice before returning.

I felt like I could have done with a few trigger warnings before reading this book. It features intense homophobic language, reference to a past suicide attempt, and occasional ableist terms. However, at the end, it left me wanting more of Nick and Michael's world.

I wish I liked this better it has an interesting premise and plot but it just wasn't for me and I didn't like the writing style or the dialogue and overall it just felt a little lackluster to me. It also dragged particularly after the first thirty percent.

This was an okay read but I just really didn't vibe with it at all.