Review of The Tally Man

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Jeff Kanda
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Re: Review of The Tally Man

Post by Jeff Kanda »

Wow! This story seems really interesting. I guess I'll be needing my quote book to write down some quotes as I read this book.
Thanks for the engaging review!
Nemanja Jankovic
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Post by Nemanja Jankovic »

"The Tally Man" by Tod Benjamin is a book in which the main character is Charlie Horace Stoker, a successful salesman. Charlie's carelessness will lead to his girlfriend getting pregnant, which will lead to a forced marriage.
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Post by azza lia »

Wonderful review! The theme sounds intriguing. The author did an amazing job to make the readers rooting for Charlie. I'm not sure this is my cup of tea, but if I have a chance, I'd love to read it sometime in the future. 
Alissa Deann Devargas
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Post by Alissa Deann Devargas »

'Most importantly, he lets us know that wealth, success (and sometimes, hard work) will not always satisfy the deep-seated longing of a human being.'
This got me thinking. I guess there's more to this book than meets the eye.
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Post by Jeanne Rose »

Interesting storyline. Not my cup of tea though. I’ll check the first book. If that interest me I’ll proceed to this one
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Post by Gayatri Tripathi »

I enjoyed reading your detailed review of The Tally Man! The way you highlighted Charlie’s character as a "flawed perfectionist" was insightful, especially when you mentioned how weaknesses can add either beauty or ugliness to life depending on how they’re handled. It’s fascinating to see how the author delves into deep themes like love, mentorship, and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond wealth and success.

I’m intrigued by the idea that love, or the lack thereof, creates a void that drives people’s actions. Your mention of the greatest bachelor finally professing his love for Millie Stoker adds an interesting dynamic to the story, and I’d love to see how that plays out. The theme of mentorship also resonates with me—I agree that investing in others can be incredibly rewarding.

It’s unfortunate that the cover didn’t match the quality of the story, but I’m glad to hear that the editing was top-notch! Your review makes me curious to explore Charlie’s journey and the unexpected choices he makes. Thanks for sharing such a thorough and thoughtful analysis of the book!
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Post by Victory Ositaorah »

The decisions of our youth could be very shallow. This book has a lot to teach and I would love to know how Charlie's life generally.
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Sherika Martin
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Post by Sherika Martin »

I read the sample and was uncertain whether I wanted to purchase the book for a full read. Your review leads me to lean heavily towards making the purchase. Perfectionism is an allusion, in my opinion, and weaknesses help us become better people when properly addressed. I'd now like to see how this author treats Charlie as the perfectly imperfect character. Your assessment of this book is greatly appreciated.
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Post by Seamstress »

Definitely not my cup of tea, because even though I like historical fiction as a genre, the story about a flawed perfectionist's life constantly taking a downward turn doesn't appeal to my tastes. Unfortunately, I will have to skip the book, but congrats with BOTD, anyway!
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Post by Melods7610 »

In addition, to be loved and to give love in return is still the greatest feeling any man can have. When this doesn't happen, a void is left in the heart of such persons. And all they do revolves around filling up that void,
So true!!! Tó be loved makes u free
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Post by Moisés Alcántara Ayre »

Just by reading the review of this promising book, I know this is a story I look forward to reading: a love story that shows that deep-seated longing of a human being to love and be loved. This story demonstrates how imperfect love can be and how fruitful it can become--the ebb and flow of love!
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Post by Supritika Ghatak »

Charlie Horace Stoker marries a Catholic woman in Tod Benjamin's "The Stoker Trilogy, Book II: The Tally Man" without any romantic feelings for her. He has a mentor who helps him succeed professionally, but his personal life is still chaotic until he finds true love.
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Post by Love Ukaegbu »

Seeing that this book, "The Stoker Trilogy, Book II: The Tally Man" by Tod Benjamin, comes with the theme of love makes me very curious to read it. Although, I wonder how far a forced marriage can go. Congratulations on the book of the day.
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Post by Isaac Ozo-okafor »

Charlie's life's story is very much an interesting story for me, how that marriage cut him so young and unprepared, all these and more makes this book an interesting read for me.
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Post by tarafarah7 »

Today's BOTD is a historical fiction novel that follows Charlie on his life journey through a successful career and a love life filled with ups and downs. Readers of the genre, as well as those who enjoy romance novels and books about business, will find the characters to be well-developed and the storyline to be engaging. Thanks so much for your helpful review and keep up the great work! :-)
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