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Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 14 Aug 2020, 01:43
by Sam Ibeh
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Last Dance" by Stephen Manning.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
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Family is one of the most important (if not the most important) things in our lives. It's on this premise that The Last Dance by Stephen Manning is written.

The story revolved around Steve Manning and Mary Ann Lesin, and how they were able to build a life together β€” the battles fought, how they overcame, and how the couple learned to live with the ones they couldn't win.

Steve Manning showed me how good a storyteller he was. I could feel the pain as a result of his loss. He told a love story that was so relatable I could connect to the entire experience. The pages of the book were filled with tales of the love he shared with Mary Ann Lesin.

I loved the author's descriptive style of writing. He described events in a way that painted a vivid picture in my mind; it felt like I was watching them play on a screen. At a point, I felt my emotions stirred as teardrops escaped my eyes. Readers would have to get a hold of their emotions as this book would burst their emotional bubbles. Also, the author painted a clear picture of his wife and the love they shared. He described how loving and motherly she was. I think he did an excellent job explaining, not just on the motherly aspect, but also on her fantastic personality. I saw her as a sweet, loving, understanding, and sacrificial woman β€” someone who was ready to do whatever she could to express her love for Steve Manning.

There was more to the story than a narrative filled with sorrow and pain. The author's sense of humor came to bear in this book. The author's occasional jokes added comic relief, thereby easing the book's emotional tension. Here's an excerpt to bolster my point:
I told her, "I enjoyed meeting your dad, as I suspected, I see a lot of your dad in you. He seems to be a special and caring person, works hard and cares about his family, his friends and his coworkers. In fact, the only negative thing about your dad is that he has a bad golf grip!"
He did veer off a couple of times while explaining some things. However, the narrative was well put together.

This book was plain and straightforward; there were no cacophonic, jaw-breaking, or multi-syllabic words that were difficult to understand. That made it an easy read for me.

The book was written well and professionally edited β€” I could only find one error in it. Therefore, I rate it four out of four stars. If you enjoy tragi-comedic memoirs, then I recommend this book to you.

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Last Dance
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Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 19 Aug 2020, 00:53
by Awesomeliker
What a beautiful, moving story! I haven't read something emotional for quite a while, so this is definitely going in my 'to read' list. Thanks for the amazing review!

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 19 Aug 2020, 02:52
by Star_and_Buck
I don't like the book. I will pass this one.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 19 Aug 2020, 07:50
by AnnOgochukwu
I love books that burst my emotional bubbles and I love love.😊.
Beautiful review.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 19 Aug 2020, 07:55
by Kola+wole
This would make an amazing read. I could almost feel the emotions dripping from this awesome review.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 19 Aug 2020, 08:59
by Maryann Ezeugwu
I like that the author tried to connect with the readers through his descriptions. I don’t mind dropping a few tears. This book is a must read. Great review Sam.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 19 Aug 2020, 20:14
by FEislandqueen13
What would we be without family ? They are the first and last to share our pain and joy. Excellent review.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 20 Aug 2020, 13:46
by Lungile20+
I think I'd love reading this book. It sounds like a good one when one needs a good cry.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 25 Aug 2020, 03:26
by BraItu
The book seems saddening, I don't like sad stories... Thank you for the review

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 26 Aug 2020, 07:08
by Tablito
Mary Ann, Steve's wife was a phenomenal woman who was willing to make sacrifices for her husband.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 01 Sep 2020, 16:00
by Chigo Nwagboso
Beautiful review, I've been indecisive about picking this book, but this review is indeed helpful and I'm downloading it immediately.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 11 Oct 2020, 11:25
by Amy+++
This sounds like a really powerful love story.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 11 Oct 2020, 11:33
by Stephanie Elizabeth
This sounds like a heart-wrenching book about love and loss. I like that the author's writing was all-encompassing--something readers could really get into. I am not sure if I am ready for this book emotionally, but it does sound like a great story. I also like that the author did not overwhelm readers with challenging words. Thanks for the lovely review.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 11 Oct 2020, 11:34
by gen_g
This definitely sounds like an emotional book, I believe that the author's descriptive style certainly added to that. Some instances of comic relief present is also a good idea, I think, to lighten the story a bit. Thanks for the review.

Re: Official Review: Last Dance by Stephen Manning

Posted: 11 Oct 2020, 11:41
by Ferdinand_Otieno
This is an interesting romantic family drama that highlights a mother, grief of losing a son, growth, breast cancer, and love. The book is temporarily discounted on Amazon Kindle and has an amazing OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.