Review by Scarbaby -- ByTheWay by Dennis Santos
-
Scarbaby
- Posts: 44
- Joined: 27 Feb 2021, 21:45
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 36
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-scarbaby.html
- Latest Review: The Mindset by Ace Bowers
Review by Scarbaby -- ByTheWay by Dennis Santos
[Following is a volunteer review of "ByTheWay" by Dennis Santos.]
ByTheWay by Dennis Santos is a captivating work of fiction that touches on several relatable themes: discovering your passion, falling in love, experiencing loss, and finding hope. The reader meets the protagonist of the book, Dalan, right before the happiest day of his life—the day he marries his soulmate, Jennifer. Following an honest and beautiful exchange of vows, Dalan and Jennifer travel to their quaint and intimate honeymoon destination; notably so, it’s there at the same location where some of Dalan's best—and worst—childhood memories were born.
During their time away, Dalan and Jennifer explore their humble surroundings and their remarkable love for one another; ever so often Dalan speaks of his emotional past and Jennifer lovingly comforts him. Everything in Dalan’s life seemed like it was falling perfectly into place and the last thing he was prepared for was yet another tragedy—the most heart-wrenching of all. Dalan, eventually coming to feel more alone and conflicted than ever before, yearns for an escape—a fresh start. And so, a “fresh start,” blossoming friendship with a man named Buddy, and a forever-changed mindset is exactly what he receives.
While reading ByTheWay, I experienced a surplus of emotions emerge at various points of the book. Though some of these emotions were more painfully raw than others, all were profound in contributing towards my positive response of the book. There were moments I found myself effortlessly reading along as if I’d fallen into the perfect, mindless story, and other times when I felt the exact opposite. The vulnerability and grit demonstrated by Dalan made me feel very connected to him and to his personal journey. While the book introduced many difficult themes and powerful emotions to surface, I also felt a sense of comfort while reading. The author acted as a trusted and familiar guide through the easy times and the unsettling ones.
Being someone who finds themes of individual struggle and triumph very intriguing and captivating, it took me some time to adjust to the more fiction-rich components of the book. However, I do feel the author blended realistic human experiences and emotions well with the futuristic and sci-fi aspects of the book. With that being said, I don't feel there are any negative aspects of the book to report.
ByTheWay by Dennis Santos is a creative, captivating, and reflective work of fiction that deserves a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. With only a few minor grammatical errors to report, this book was well edited and flowed effortlessly. The author took the reader on a journey of loss and hardship and ended it with one of hope and inspiration. With an uplifting and descriptive writing style, the implementation of strong character development, and use of light-hearted dialogue, the author kept the reader focused and energized from start to finish.
I would recommend this wonderful work of fiction to anyone with a sense of imagination and who may be interested in stories of hope, healing, and inspiration. The lessons presented in this book can reach many different audiences ranging from younger adults to older adults. Sure, a younger adult may relate to different parts of the book more or less than an older adult but that's what makes this book so powerful and relevant.
******
ByTheWay
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
ByTheWay by Dennis Santos is a captivating work of fiction that touches on several relatable themes: discovering your passion, falling in love, experiencing loss, and finding hope. The reader meets the protagonist of the book, Dalan, right before the happiest day of his life—the day he marries his soulmate, Jennifer. Following an honest and beautiful exchange of vows, Dalan and Jennifer travel to their quaint and intimate honeymoon destination; notably so, it’s there at the same location where some of Dalan's best—and worst—childhood memories were born.
During their time away, Dalan and Jennifer explore their humble surroundings and their remarkable love for one another; ever so often Dalan speaks of his emotional past and Jennifer lovingly comforts him. Everything in Dalan’s life seemed like it was falling perfectly into place and the last thing he was prepared for was yet another tragedy—the most heart-wrenching of all. Dalan, eventually coming to feel more alone and conflicted than ever before, yearns for an escape—a fresh start. And so, a “fresh start,” blossoming friendship with a man named Buddy, and a forever-changed mindset is exactly what he receives.
While reading ByTheWay, I experienced a surplus of emotions emerge at various points of the book. Though some of these emotions were more painfully raw than others, all were profound in contributing towards my positive response of the book. There were moments I found myself effortlessly reading along as if I’d fallen into the perfect, mindless story, and other times when I felt the exact opposite. The vulnerability and grit demonstrated by Dalan made me feel very connected to him and to his personal journey. While the book introduced many difficult themes and powerful emotions to surface, I also felt a sense of comfort while reading. The author acted as a trusted and familiar guide through the easy times and the unsettling ones.
Being someone who finds themes of individual struggle and triumph very intriguing and captivating, it took me some time to adjust to the more fiction-rich components of the book. However, I do feel the author blended realistic human experiences and emotions well with the futuristic and sci-fi aspects of the book. With that being said, I don't feel there are any negative aspects of the book to report.
ByTheWay by Dennis Santos is a creative, captivating, and reflective work of fiction that deserves a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. With only a few minor grammatical errors to report, this book was well edited and flowed effortlessly. The author took the reader on a journey of loss and hardship and ended it with one of hope and inspiration. With an uplifting and descriptive writing style, the implementation of strong character development, and use of light-hearted dialogue, the author kept the reader focused and energized from start to finish.
I would recommend this wonderful work of fiction to anyone with a sense of imagination and who may be interested in stories of hope, healing, and inspiration. The lessons presented in this book can reach many different audiences ranging from younger adults to older adults. Sure, a younger adult may relate to different parts of the book more or less than an older adult but that's what makes this book so powerful and relevant.
******
ByTheWay
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Mindset by Ace Bowers
