Author: Alice Archer
Narrator: Daan Stone
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Run Time: 9 hours and 53 minutes
Category: Contemporary
At a Glance: You’ll enjoy Everyday History if you give it a chance to win your heart. By the end, you’ll be rooting for true love to take this couple to a happy place.
Reviewed By: Mike
Blurb: Headstrong Ruben Harper has yet to meet an obstacle he can’t convert into a speed bump. He’s used to getting what he wants from girls, but when he develops a fascination for a man, his wooing skills require an upgrade. After months of persuasion, he scores a dinner date with Henry Normand that morphs into an intense weekend. The unexpected depth of their connection scares Ruben into fleeing.
Shy, cautious Henry, Ruben’s former high school history teacher, suspects he needs a wake-up call, and Ruben appears to be his siren. But when Ruben bolts, Henry is left struggling to find closure. Inspired by his conversations with Ruben, Henry begins to write articles about the memories stored in everyday objects. The articles seduce Ruben with details from their weekend together and trigger feelings too strong to avoid. As Henry’s snowballing fame takes him out of town and further out of touch, Ruben stretches to close the gaps that separate them.
Review: Ruben Harper has met the man of his dreams. Unfortunately, that man is his former teacher and mentor, Henry. Ruben has just graduated high school, and he goes after Henry with the intent of making Henry his first, and last, and everything.
Shy, bookish Henry is not so sure Ruben should be settling for the first man he sees. But, Henry gives Ruben part of a dream and they make love. Ruben doesn’t quite understand why Henry is reluctant, even after they share “histories” and passion. It pulls them apart, but it pushes Henry to examine the history of ordinary objects. Through his explorations of the seemingly mundane objects in our lives, and telling their stories, Henry becomes famous and sought after. Ruben continues his pursuit of Henry, from afar. So many things besides age and inexperience keep them apart.
Told in a shifting perspective that uses catch phrases rather than character names makes it a bit difficult for listeners to get into the story. It takes more effort than it should for the narrator to find a way to communicate these shifting points of view. The narration is better than average, and he really does a job of getting into the words of the book. But listeners should be patient with the audio. What works on the page does not always translate easily into narration. Stone is more than capable, but the unusual chapter breaks take getting used to. The characters are all given a nice and even treatment, and voices are distinct enough to keep the listener aware of who is speaking. Female characters here are also distinct, which is a welcome event with many male narrators. The book is on the longish side but tells a complete story that doesn’t need to be continued in a next book, so there are a number of characters for the narrator to play with. I think all of them are given full characterizations. Even the seemingly minor ones.
This is a nice book with a good story and above average narration. Just be patient getting used to the style. Buy it if you get the chance. The story is fairly unique, but it is still a romance novel with the usual obstacles to true love. You’ll enjoy Everyday History if you give it a chance to win your heart. By the end, you’ll be rooting for true love to take this couple to a happy place.
You can buy Everyday History here:
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