Author: Caron McKinlay
Genre: Metaphysical Fiction
Page Count: 317
Rating: ❤❤❤❤
Backstory
Hi friends. I'm back with another hot take on the latest books I've read. This one is a bit different than the usual books I pick. Got a little bored with the usual and needed something else for a second. Usually I turn to Colleen Hoover when I want to read something a little...softer. For lack of a better word. But I wasn't feeling the lovey dovey this time either. On my Instagram I follow this page called Girl With the Pink Ski Mask (check out her page here ) that does a lot of book reviews and book related content. Give her a follow if you haven't already. It's one of my favorite accounts because you can always count on an honest review. No matter what the hype about the book is. I do look forward to her posts, because I know I can get an honest opinion on whether or not a book is worth the read, not to mention the ski mask thing is pretty genius.
Anyway, she had mentioned this book and how good it was. I was curious. After reading so many thrillers back to back, I was feeling the need to be less "thrilled" and just entertained for a bit. As much as I enjoy the murder, murder, kill, kill books, every now and then I need a quick palette cleanse. Saw that this one was available on the Kindle Unlimited app so, of course I had to charge up the Paperwhite and give it a go. So without further ado, let's get after it.
Synopsis
Excerpt from Amazon
Trapped between life and the afterlife, three women meet and share their stories while discovering the truth about the men in their lives—and about themselves.
Suspended in an eerie state of limbo, an entity called the Gatekeeper tells Nikki, Ronnie, and Mrs. Hawthorne they are on the cusp of entering the afterlife—but only if the women can persuade him that in their earthly lives, they knew the meaning of love.
Fragments of their memories return, plunging them back into their pasts, and forcing them to face the desires, disappointments, addictions, lies, and obsessions they battled in life.
But before time runs out, will they find the answer to the ultimate question: what is love?
My Thoughts
See what I mean? Definitely different than the norm for me. I tend to stay away from books that deal with the paranormal side of life because I have never been able to wrap my head around the idea of talking to a ghost. I am probably the only person on this planet that didn't give two blinks about whether or not Casper was friendly. If he ain't paying a bill, he can get up out of my house. Please and thank you.
So yeah. I shy away from the paranormal. Things involving afterlife and ghosts and all that. This book seemed a little different though. I'm not sure what it was that made me decide to give it a chance. Maybe it was the co-sign from Girl with the Pink Ski Mask. Who knows? Either way, I am glad I decided to give this book a chance.
What I Liked About The Storytellers
The plot was one of the most creative I've seen in a while. Not many can pull off something like this and keep it interesting. Or maybe they can. I don't read a lot of these books so I really don't know, but from where I'm standing, this is a unique story. I had assumed it would be a silly story about 3 women having a conversation with a "gatekeeper" whining about their love lives but it was so much more than that. This was a story about self-realization and finally finding self-love.
All three stories were incredibly unique. All three women had a story to tell and all of them were equally interesting. Ronnie's story was my favorite though because girl?? What is you over here even DOING?! She put in unbelievable amounts of effort for one guy. A guy I'm still not even convinced that she really wanted to be with. She just wanted to win. To the point where I was actually shaking my head as I read. Word of advice girlies, if it takes THAT much effort to keep a man, just let him go. I beg. Drop him.
The ending was amazeballs. I loved it because at first it felt like it came out of left field, but then when you sat there and thought about it, there were subtle hints throughout the story. All of the hints completely flew over my head as I was reading. I was irritated at first, thinking the author just stuck a convoluted ending into a book that had so much potential, but then the dots started to connect and I was shooketh. I pride myself on being able to figure out the big twist in a book before it happens. This one escaped me. So brownie points for that.
What I Didn't Like About The Storytellers
Not much to really say. I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would. Honestly, truly. The only thing that got on my nerves a bit was the overuse of the word "daft" but I think that is more of a location thing. No one around me uses the word, but I'm sure the author hears and uses it often because of where she is located. So I won't hold that against anyone.
Recommend or Nah?
If you haven't been paying attention in class thus far, The Storytellers by Caron McKinlay is 100% Booky Babe Approved! Super sweet story with an important life lesson tucked into the ending. There are a few people specifically that I really want to read this, in the hopes that they'll grasp the message. If you're interested in giving this book a shot, which you should, you can get it from Amazon by clicking the banner below to purchase.
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So there you have it folks. Grab a copy of The Storytellers to add to your TBR list. You won't regret it. After you're done reading, please make sure you join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook. I'd love to know your thoughts on the book. Did the ending catch you by surprise as well? Which story was your favorite? I can't wait to hear from you! and be sure to check out my short stories page here. All short stories are originals written by Yours Truly. Straight from my twisted noggin. I’d love to know what you think. Until then,
Happy Reading Babes!❤