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Bill's Bytes
A neurodivergent college dropout’s dream of starting a pastry catering business is crushed when the make-or-break order comes in from the wrong city of Austin—the one in Minnesota, a thousand miles away. With his dream on the line, can he shake off his past and become the main character of his own story?
Bill has always felt like a misfit growing up the adopted South Korean boy living in a white evangelical community in Austin, Texas. The neurodivergent college dropout with overbearing parents starts a catering business to follow his dream selling pastries and other delectables. Unfortunately, the make-or-break order is from the wrong Austin—the one in Minnesota. With his dream fading literally a thousand miles away, Bill sets off on a journey with stranger musician Garrett, who must get his magic drum set to the Battle of the Bands in Minneapolis by the same weekend. The polar opposites navigate vengeful bandmates, old flames, sorority girl drug mules, and their own pasts on this heavy yet lighthearted buddy road trip adventure. Can Bill shake off his past and become the main character of his own story?
Bill has always felt like a misfit growing up the adopted South Korean boy living in a white evangelical community in Austin, Texas. The neurodivergent college dropout with overbearing parents starts a catering business to follow his dream selling pastries and other delectables. Unfortunately, the make-or-break order is from the wrong Austin—the one in Minnesota. With his dream fading literally a thousand miles away, Bill sets off on a journey with stranger musician Garrett, who must get his magic drum set to the Battle of the Bands in Minneapolis by the same weekend. The polar opposites navigate vengeful bandmates, old flames, sorority girl drug mules, and their own pasts on this heavy yet lighthearted buddy road trip adventure. Can Bill shake off his past and become the main character of his own story?
225 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2023
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8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 27, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book. A more recent story of coming of age and following your dreams. It reminded me of books like "Lincoln Highway," and "West with Giraffes."
We follow Bill, who is quite likable from the get go. He's a bit of a loner, computer geek, and loves to bake. His favorite thing to bake is his Nanna's secret recipe brownies, so you can see it's impossible not to like him. He decides to go after his dream and become a baker for tech business catering. His first gig, doesn't go exactly as planned, but he is determined to make it work.
Enter Garrett. An unlikely accomplice who is also trying to make his way in the world. They have quite the adventure together on an epic road trip. In the end, this is a story about the unlikely friendships you make, the fulfillment of following your dreams and an example of how life just seems to work itself out if you try.
If you're looking for a fun, feel good novel. This one is for you.
We follow Bill, who is quite likable from the get go. He's a bit of a loner, computer geek, and loves to bake. His favorite thing to bake is his Nanna's secret recipe brownies, so you can see it's impossible not to like him. He decides to go after his dream and become a baker for tech business catering. His first gig, doesn't go exactly as planned, but he is determined to make it work.
Enter Garrett. An unlikely accomplice who is also trying to make his way in the world. They have quite the adventure together on an epic road trip. In the end, this is a story about the unlikely friendships you make, the fulfillment of following your dreams and an example of how life just seems to work itself out if you try.
If you're looking for a fun, feel good novel. This one is for you.
September 29, 2023
I didn’t really get into Bill’s Bytes by J. D Richards until Bill, a young man from a strict and rather toxic, cult-like religious family and community, grew tired of trying to do what was expected of him. He grasped his future in his own hands, started up a catering business and received his first order.
To his horror, he discovered that the order was for Austin, Minnesota and not in Austin in Texas, where he lived. Undaunted, he hires a van and intends to drive the thousand-mile trip to deliver the order, but a mix up at the car hire company means he ends up sharing a van with Garrett, a musician, travelling to a gig in the same area.
Can you say road trip? Sounds like fun, but not when you have drug dealers, DEA agents, shoot-outs, and even a hungry racoon in the mix. It soon becomes crazy and chaotic, and it’s a cool, entertaining story that I ended up reading in one sitting.
To his horror, he discovered that the order was for Austin, Minnesota and not in Austin in Texas, where he lived. Undaunted, he hires a van and intends to drive the thousand-mile trip to deliver the order, but a mix up at the car hire company means he ends up sharing a van with Garrett, a musician, travelling to a gig in the same area.
Can you say road trip? Sounds like fun, but not when you have drug dealers, DEA agents, shoot-outs, and even a hungry racoon in the mix. It soon becomes crazy and chaotic, and it’s a cool, entertaining story that I ended up reading in one sitting.
September 18, 2023
Bill’s Bytes is the story of William “Bill” Wallace. Adopted from Korea as a baby by his ultra conservative and religious parents, Bill doesn’t get any of the Braveheart references people make when meeting him because his family is so secular, he was never allowed to watch the movie. In fact, Bill is extremely sheltered and has spent his life thus far catering to his father’s idea of his future as a programmer despite his dream of owning his own bakery.
When we meet Bill he’s just dropped out of school and is caught in the grips of depression and anxiety as his parents pressure him to go back while all the poor guy wants to do is bake. Suddenly he gets the opportunity to do just that and hopefully prove himself but everything that can possibly go wrong in the process does.
I will say, that sort of plot is usually very frustrating for me and it was in this case, but I found myself so invested in Bill and his journey that I looked past a lot of the frustration in the constant pitfalls he faced. Honestly, the author’s writing is good enough that I felt he could have done away with the pitfalls, or at least reduced them, and focused more on the friendship Bill gained along the way as well as his personal growth. That’s what I wanted from the story and it was overshadowed by the constant snafus.
I really empathized with Bill and wanted him to have a happily ever after, and maybe he did, but the story felt like it ended a bit abruptly as there wasn’t the closure I was hoping for with his parents. Overall, the story was well written and I did enjoy it despite what I felt were too many antics and a lack of closure.
When we meet Bill he’s just dropped out of school and is caught in the grips of depression and anxiety as his parents pressure him to go back while all the poor guy wants to do is bake. Suddenly he gets the opportunity to do just that and hopefully prove himself but everything that can possibly go wrong in the process does.
I will say, that sort of plot is usually very frustrating for me and it was in this case, but I found myself so invested in Bill and his journey that I looked past a lot of the frustration in the constant pitfalls he faced. Honestly, the author’s writing is good enough that I felt he could have done away with the pitfalls, or at least reduced them, and focused more on the friendship Bill gained along the way as well as his personal growth. That’s what I wanted from the story and it was overshadowed by the constant snafus.
I really empathized with Bill and wanted him to have a happily ever after, and maybe he did, but the story felt like it ended a bit abruptly as there wasn’t the closure I was hoping for with his parents. Overall, the story was well written and I did enjoy it despite what I felt were too many antics and a lack of closure.
September 4, 2023
eARC Book Review -to be released on 9/22/23, available on Amazon!
This coming-of-age novel by JR Richards had me feeling everything. It bends genres by including comedy, action & adventure, family drama, and even a little romance.
We meet Bill, a young twenty-something yet to find his place in the world. With the encouragement from a friend, he sets up a baking business on a whim (though it had been in his heart for a while). It takes him cross-country with several side-characters along the way. There were multiple laugh-out-loud moments and also times that pulled on my heartstrings. I found myself rooting for Bill all through the book.
I loved how the author combined the worlds of coding and baking! Such fun themes.
Bill's Bytes inspires readers to follow their dreams despite what the perceived limitations may be.
The book even includes Nana's fudge recipe at the end 😋
Highly recommend if you're in the mood for something lighthearted, funny, and inspiring!
I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This coming-of-age novel by JR Richards had me feeling everything. It bends genres by including comedy, action & adventure, family drama, and even a little romance.
We meet Bill, a young twenty-something yet to find his place in the world. With the encouragement from a friend, he sets up a baking business on a whim (though it had been in his heart for a while). It takes him cross-country with several side-characters along the way. There were multiple laugh-out-loud moments and also times that pulled on my heartstrings. I found myself rooting for Bill all through the book.
I loved how the author combined the worlds of coding and baking! Such fun themes.
Bill's Bytes inspires readers to follow their dreams despite what the perceived limitations may be.
The book even includes Nana's fudge recipe at the end 😋
Highly recommend if you're in the mood for something lighthearted, funny, and inspiring!
I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2023
A fun weekend read
If you’re looking for a light hearted young adult book with relatable coming-of-age characters and intertwining storylines with found family, this buddy road trip is for you. Bill and Garrett have such different backgrounds - a geeky baker and a chill rocker - but when they need the same van to follow their dreams, these unlikely buddies team up to help each other out. You will belly laugh with them as they travel and you will achingly tear up with them as they bond. Along the way you’ll meet some other comical characters that keep you on your toes and flipping the pages to find out what happens next. It’s the feel good contemporary book you need this weekend.
Trigger Warnings:
Moderate language, mild gun violence, racist microaggressions, acknowledges the existence of sex and drugs, religious trauma. Overall PG-13-style book
If you’re looking for a light hearted young adult book with relatable coming-of-age characters and intertwining storylines with found family, this buddy road trip is for you. Bill and Garrett have such different backgrounds - a geeky baker and a chill rocker - but when they need the same van to follow their dreams, these unlikely buddies team up to help each other out. You will belly laugh with them as they travel and you will achingly tear up with them as they bond. Along the way you’ll meet some other comical characters that keep you on your toes and flipping the pages to find out what happens next. It’s the feel good contemporary book you need this weekend.
Trigger Warnings:
Moderate language, mild gun violence, racist microaggressions, acknowledges the existence of sex and drugs, religious trauma. Overall PG-13-style book
October 24, 2023
Bill’s Bytes is a fun, comical, coming of age story of two young men in their early twenties who seem very different on the outside looking in. The story starts by showing Bill’s life as an adopted Asian American growing up in a rather traditional religious family. He loves to bake and on a whim sets up a website showcasing his talents and creating a catering business he calls “Bill’s Bytes.” Although many characters throughout the book critique this name, it’s unique spin on his two passions coding and baking. This name later pays off when a computer software company wants him to cater their big event in Austin, Minnesota. The only problem, he lives in Texas.
While attempting to rent a van for his last minute road trip, Bill then meets Garrett, a small time musician who needs a van to get to Minnesota, the same state Bill needs to get to for his new catering gig.
Overall, it’s an interesting and creative take on the simplistic concept of a road trip. The book was not at all what I expected, and has a lot more outrageous elements to it, which makes it that much more interesting and wild. A misunderstanding turns their already odd roadtrip into one that becomes both outrageous and dangerous at times.
It was a fun, unexpected read with elements of finding yourself, race, and learning to discover who you are and where you want to go in life.
While attempting to rent a van for his last minute road trip, Bill then meets Garrett, a small time musician who needs a van to get to Minnesota, the same state Bill needs to get to for his new catering gig.
Overall, it’s an interesting and creative take on the simplistic concept of a road trip. The book was not at all what I expected, and has a lot more outrageous elements to it, which makes it that much more interesting and wild. A misunderstanding turns their already odd roadtrip into one that becomes both outrageous and dangerous at times.
It was a fun, unexpected read with elements of finding yourself, race, and learning to discover who you are and where you want to go in life.
September 28, 2023
I didn’t expect to enjoy Bill’s Bytes as much as I did. The title is perfect for this story, and as I kept reading, I couldn’t help cheering for Bill, who comes to realize that he isn’t actually the main character in his own story. In his own words, he’s a computer science dropout who ended up being a cupcake-making dud, at least until he decides to pursue his dream of becoming a pastry chef.
Bill’s background is just as complicated as his Nana’s secret fudge recipe, and his parents find it hard to support of his dream. Can you blame them? They’ve spent too much money trying to make him into who they want him to be. But Bill was never that person and never felt like he belonged in the strict evangelical community he grew up in. His best friend J.Z is as loyal as friends come and is Beyonce's biggest fan, which I found hilarious considering his name. With help from his friend, Bill scores his first order from a tech firm in the wrong Austin, and he will literally have to go a thousand miles to fulfill this life-changing order.
On his journey to finding himself, Bill meets Gareth, a musician who is the complete opposite of Bill and is a member of the band Five Shots Fired and believes “the Universe” always looks out for those who chase their dreams. Bill and his new friend go on the craziest buddy road trip adventure of betrayal, mistaken identities, out-of-control college girls, gangsters, and an opportunistic raccoon that brings Bill to the point where he has to take charge of his life to become the main character in his own story.
Some of my favorite parts are:
The fudge recipe at the end and the code talk at the end of the earlier chapters.
The number of times characters point out that Bill has misspelled Bites as Bytes.
The author’s clever use of baking metaphors, “All the while he dissolved into his own thoughts as if they were caramelized sugar.”
The memorable quotes “He had forgotten how much energy it took to show gratitude for being rescued from the SK orphanage every Sunday morning.”
“I’m just trying to figure out if you’re the dumbest smart person I know or the smartest dumb person I know.” I love Gareth.
And last of all “I’ve always been the side character living in someone’s else story. I’m like furniture to someone else’s house.”
This book was a fast-paced wonderful read. Sure, it took me a little time to get used to the writing style, but I’m glad I read "Bill's Bytes", and you should too if you want to escape into the heartwarming story of a misplaced boy who finds his true self in this crazy fudge of a world.
Bill’s background is just as complicated as his Nana’s secret fudge recipe, and his parents find it hard to support of his dream. Can you blame them? They’ve spent too much money trying to make him into who they want him to be. But Bill was never that person and never felt like he belonged in the strict evangelical community he grew up in. His best friend J.Z is as loyal as friends come and is Beyonce's biggest fan, which I found hilarious considering his name. With help from his friend, Bill scores his first order from a tech firm in the wrong Austin, and he will literally have to go a thousand miles to fulfill this life-changing order.
On his journey to finding himself, Bill meets Gareth, a musician who is the complete opposite of Bill and is a member of the band Five Shots Fired and believes “the Universe” always looks out for those who chase their dreams. Bill and his new friend go on the craziest buddy road trip adventure of betrayal, mistaken identities, out-of-control college girls, gangsters, and an opportunistic raccoon that brings Bill to the point where he has to take charge of his life to become the main character in his own story.
Some of my favorite parts are:
The fudge recipe at the end and the code talk at the end of the earlier chapters.
The number of times characters point out that Bill has misspelled Bites as Bytes.
The author’s clever use of baking metaphors, “All the while he dissolved into his own thoughts as if they were caramelized sugar.”
The memorable quotes “He had forgotten how much energy it took to show gratitude for being rescued from the SK orphanage every Sunday morning.”
“I’m just trying to figure out if you’re the dumbest smart person I know or the smartest dumb person I know.” I love Gareth.
And last of all “I’ve always been the side character living in someone’s else story. I’m like furniture to someone else’s house.”
This book was a fast-paced wonderful read. Sure, it took me a little time to get used to the writing style, but I’m glad I read "Bill's Bytes", and you should too if you want to escape into the heartwarming story of a misplaced boy who finds his true self in this crazy fudge of a world.
November 29, 2023
"Bill's Bytes" by J. D. Richards is a heartfelt and inspiring novel that takes readers on an emotional journey through the life of Bill, a neurodivergent college dropout with an unyielding dream of establishing a pastry catering business. Richards beautifully captures Bill's unique perspective and struggles, allowing readers to empathize deeply with his character.
The story's central conflict arises when Bill's aspirations are dealt a crushing blow when he receives an order from the wrong Austin—a city a thousand miles away in Minnesota. This setback forces Bill to confront his past and reevaluate his determination to become the protagonist of his own life.
Richards masterfully weaves themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams throughout the narrative. Bill's character development is both authentic and heartwarming, making him a relatable and endearing protagonist. Readers will find themselves cheering for Bill as he faces adversity head-on, displaying a remarkable strength of character.
What sets "Bill's Bytes" apart is its ability to depict the neurodivergent experience with sensitivity and authenticity. Richards paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by neurodivergent individuals, giving readers a deeper understanding and appreciation for their unique perspectives.
The pacing of the novel is spot-on, keeping readers engaged and invested in Bill's journey from start to finish. Richards' writing is both evocative and thought-provoking, making "Bill's Bytes" a captivating and emotionally resonant read.
The story's central conflict arises when Bill's aspirations are dealt a crushing blow when he receives an order from the wrong Austin—a city a thousand miles away in Minnesota. This setback forces Bill to confront his past and reevaluate his determination to become the protagonist of his own life.
Richards masterfully weaves themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams throughout the narrative. Bill's character development is both authentic and heartwarming, making him a relatable and endearing protagonist. Readers will find themselves cheering for Bill as he faces adversity head-on, displaying a remarkable strength of character.
What sets "Bill's Bytes" apart is its ability to depict the neurodivergent experience with sensitivity and authenticity. Richards paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by neurodivergent individuals, giving readers a deeper understanding and appreciation for their unique perspectives.
The pacing of the novel is spot-on, keeping readers engaged and invested in Bill's journey from start to finish. Richards' writing is both evocative and thought-provoking, making "Bill's Bytes" a captivating and emotionally resonant read.
September 25, 2023
J. D. Richards' "Bill's Bytes" is a captivating coming-of-age novel that skillfully blends elements of fiction and young adult themes. At its heart, this book is a story of resilience and self-discovery, centering around Bill, a neurodivergent college dropout with an indomitable dream of running a pastry catering business. However, when a crucial order arrives from the wrong Austin, a thousand miles away, Bill's dream appears to crumble before his eyes.
Richards paints a vivid and relatable portrait of Bill, a young man who has always felt like an outsider in a predominantly white evangelical community. As readers follow Bill on his unexpected journey with musician Garrett, they are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, from hilarious escapades to poignant moments of reflection.
The dynamic between Bill and Garrett, polar opposites brought together by fate, is a highlight of the novel. Their interactions are laced with humor and sincerity, making them instantly endearing to the reader.
"Bill's Bytes" is a tale of redemption, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. Richards skillfully navigates the challenges of self-identity, family expectations, and the search for purpose. Readers will find themselves rooting for Bill as he strives to become the main character of his own story. This book is a delightful journey that leaves a lasting impression, and it's a must-read for anyone who enjoys heartwarming coming-of-age tales.
Richards paints a vivid and relatable portrait of Bill, a young man who has always felt like an outsider in a predominantly white evangelical community. As readers follow Bill on his unexpected journey with musician Garrett, they are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, from hilarious escapades to poignant moments of reflection.
The dynamic between Bill and Garrett, polar opposites brought together by fate, is a highlight of the novel. Their interactions are laced with humor and sincerity, making them instantly endearing to the reader.
"Bill's Bytes" is a tale of redemption, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. Richards skillfully navigates the challenges of self-identity, family expectations, and the search for purpose. Readers will find themselves rooting for Bill as he strives to become the main character of his own story. This book is a delightful journey that leaves a lasting impression, and it's a must-read for anyone who enjoys heartwarming coming-of-age tales.
September 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this. I found it easy to see the world through Bill’s eyes. He’s been conditioned to believe there’s only one right way to live, and he’s spent his life shoving his own dreams aside in order to become what his parents want him to be. But when he just can’t take it anymore, he drops out of college and attempts to start a catering business.
This leads to a comedy of errors, where he begrudgingly partners with a dreamer musician to embark on a thousand-mile road trip. Along the way their path becomes entangled with a murderous guitarist, some inept drug smugglers, a hitman, the cops, and a feisty raccoon. The coincidences are delightfully contrived, and several scenes had me laughing out loud.
But the drama hit close to home as well. Particularly the scene at church, when Bill just isn’t feeling it, but has to play the part to please his parents. His social anxiety is all too relatable, and it’s easy to sympathize with his problems. Though I’m not a programmer, I very much enjoyed the snippets of code that show how Bill mentally processes his problems. It’s unique and it really drives home how Bill thinks differently than most people. Some of the other characters look like walking stereotypes at first, but prove to be deeper than they first appear.
In short, this is a book about learning how to live your own life, not the life others have planned for you. It’s a powerful message, and an entertaining book.
This leads to a comedy of errors, where he begrudgingly partners with a dreamer musician to embark on a thousand-mile road trip. Along the way their path becomes entangled with a murderous guitarist, some inept drug smugglers, a hitman, the cops, and a feisty raccoon. The coincidences are delightfully contrived, and several scenes had me laughing out loud.
But the drama hit close to home as well. Particularly the scene at church, when Bill just isn’t feeling it, but has to play the part to please his parents. His social anxiety is all too relatable, and it’s easy to sympathize with his problems. Though I’m not a programmer, I very much enjoyed the snippets of code that show how Bill mentally processes his problems. It’s unique and it really drives home how Bill thinks differently than most people. Some of the other characters look like walking stereotypes at first, but prove to be deeper than they first appear.
In short, this is a book about learning how to live your own life, not the life others have planned for you. It’s a powerful message, and an entertaining book.
October 9, 2023
"Bill's Bytes" is a compelling narrative that ingeniously weaves elements of humor, self-discovery, and unconventional friendships. As we dive into the life of Bill, an adopted South Korean boy in Austin, Texas, we bear witness to his pursuit of a life less ordinary in the face of societal expectations. Misadventures ensue as a simple mistake leads him on a thousand-mile road trip filled with oddball encounters, from vengeful musicians to a peculiar raccoon, all of which provide layers of laughter and heart.
One of the novel's standout features is its seamless blend of Bill's neurodivergent perspective with snippets of code, giving us a unique lens into his world. As he grapples with social anxiety and familial pressures, his character becomes endearingly relatable, urging readers to reflect on their own life choices.
However, it's the introduction of Garrett, an eclectic musician, that truly enriches the story. Their contrasting personalities bring forth a delightful dynamic, adding depth to the humorous escapades they find themselves in. The myriad of colorful characters they encounter, while seemingly stereotypical at first, unravel to show depths and layers that break conventions.
At its core, "Bill's Bytes" delivers a poignant message about forging your own path and the serendipities that come from embracing the unexpected. This is a must-read for anyone in search of both laughter and profound introspection. Highly recommended.
One of the novel's standout features is its seamless blend of Bill's neurodivergent perspective with snippets of code, giving us a unique lens into his world. As he grapples with social anxiety and familial pressures, his character becomes endearingly relatable, urging readers to reflect on their own life choices.
However, it's the introduction of Garrett, an eclectic musician, that truly enriches the story. Their contrasting personalities bring forth a delightful dynamic, adding depth to the humorous escapades they find themselves in. The myriad of colorful characters they encounter, while seemingly stereotypical at first, unravel to show depths and layers that break conventions.
At its core, "Bill's Bytes" delivers a poignant message about forging your own path and the serendipities that come from embracing the unexpected. This is a must-read for anyone in search of both laughter and profound introspection. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2023
A murderous guitarist, inept drug smugglers, a raccoon – quite a mix!
This story effortlessly weaves humor and heart into an exciting journey of self-discovery. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Bill's world, a young man who breaks free from societal expectations to follow his dream of starting a catering business. His unique perspective, portrayed through snippets of code, adds a fascinating layer to the narrative.
The humor in this book is simply delightful. Bill's unlikely partnership with the dreamer musician, Garrett, leads to a series of comically contrived situations that had me laughing out loud while sitting on the train on my way to work. The interactions with eccentric characters like a murderous guitarist, inept drug smugglers, and a feisty raccoon add an element of unpredictability and entertainment.
Bill's struggles with social anxiety and the pressure to conform to his parents' expectations are relatable to many readers. The book delivers a powerful message about the importance of living life on your own terms, not the path others have chosen for you.
This story effortlessly weaves humor and heart into an exciting journey of self-discovery. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Bill's world, a young man who breaks free from societal expectations to follow his dream of starting a catering business. His unique perspective, portrayed through snippets of code, adds a fascinating layer to the narrative.
The humor in this book is simply delightful. Bill's unlikely partnership with the dreamer musician, Garrett, leads to a series of comically contrived situations that had me laughing out loud while sitting on the train on my way to work. The interactions with eccentric characters like a murderous guitarist, inept drug smugglers, and a feisty raccoon add an element of unpredictability and entertainment.
Bill's struggles with social anxiety and the pressure to conform to his parents' expectations are relatable to many readers. The book delivers a powerful message about the importance of living life on your own terms, not the path others have chosen for you.
September 27, 2023
Bill's Bytes is such a great and interesting read about a loner who begins a baking business across country and I have to admit, it is one of the most original reads I have ever read. I absolutley loves everything about this book!
This work has humor, some romance, adventure and keeps you engaged throughout the whole story as it unfolds from beginning to end! It has friendly and not so friendly characters, and you can see yourself in Bill's shoes as he navigates through every meeting and adventure. Choices and reactions he has is on point, and it will have you laughing throughout the story!
I loved the cover, the topics, the characters and the scenes the author created in my head and was not confusing at all like some other worls do. I didnt have to reread to understand anything, and to me it was a fast paced novel, like a legit movie, which I think if this was a movie I would 100% pay to see!
Kudos to the authot for being original, hilarious and knowledge of how to reach a specific audience! I recommend this to anyone looking for a fun read!
This work has humor, some romance, adventure and keeps you engaged throughout the whole story as it unfolds from beginning to end! It has friendly and not so friendly characters, and you can see yourself in Bill's shoes as he navigates through every meeting and adventure. Choices and reactions he has is on point, and it will have you laughing throughout the story!
I loved the cover, the topics, the characters and the scenes the author created in my head and was not confusing at all like some other worls do. I didnt have to reread to understand anything, and to me it was a fast paced novel, like a legit movie, which I think if this was a movie I would 100% pay to see!
Kudos to the authot for being original, hilarious and knowledge of how to reach a specific audience! I recommend this to anyone looking for a fun read!
September 28, 2023
Bill’s Bytes is an original tale about a boy from Korea who was adopted by a couple (who are rather set in their ways and have limited ideas about Bill's future prospects).
Bill is well cared for but is not afforded the opportunity to grow and learn from exploring the world in the way he secretly desires. Bill's father has set ideas about his son becoming a programmer and discounts that Bill's baking skills are his true talent. This means Bill is afraid to speak up about his dream of having his own bakery.
Bill ends up dropping out of school and his mental health declines as his parents push him to return to his studies - in reality he is itching to bake instead.....An opportunity to bake arises, however there are a few stumbling blocks along the way and Bill's confidence wavers as he tries to prove his worth as a baker. The strength of this book is Bill's friendship with J.Z. I found their exchanges quite endearing. The constant set backs were a little overdone. but on the whole this was a heartwarming and unique read.
Bill is well cared for but is not afforded the opportunity to grow and learn from exploring the world in the way he secretly desires. Bill's father has set ideas about his son becoming a programmer and discounts that Bill's baking skills are his true talent. This means Bill is afraid to speak up about his dream of having his own bakery.
Bill ends up dropping out of school and his mental health declines as his parents push him to return to his studies - in reality he is itching to bake instead.....An opportunity to bake arises, however there are a few stumbling blocks along the way and Bill's confidence wavers as he tries to prove his worth as a baker. The strength of this book is Bill's friendship with J.Z. I found their exchanges quite endearing. The constant set backs were a little overdone. but on the whole this was a heartwarming and unique read.
October 5, 2023
Fun road trip story
This is an entertaining tale of two young men traveling together from Texas to Minnesota, and also a story about growing up and figuring out who you really are. Some of the comic misunderstandings and adventures they run into are pretty far fetched, but the human reactions of the likable main characters kept it enjoyable.
Bill is a very sympathetic protagonist, experiencing an episode of depression and anxiety at the start, such as many young people go through as they try to figure out adulting. He is unable to come to terms with the conflict between the life his parents want for him and the life he doesn’t quite dare to imagine for himself.
When he finds the courage to pursue his dream, he naturally begins to gain confidence in himself and take charge of his future. His friendship with a freewheeling musician helps him learn to find his own path and to trust the universe a little. But he also learns why you can’t fast travel when enemies are nearby…
This is an entertaining tale of two young men traveling together from Texas to Minnesota, and also a story about growing up and figuring out who you really are. Some of the comic misunderstandings and adventures they run into are pretty far fetched, but the human reactions of the likable main characters kept it enjoyable.
Bill is a very sympathetic protagonist, experiencing an episode of depression and anxiety at the start, such as many young people go through as they try to figure out adulting. He is unable to come to terms with the conflict between the life his parents want for him and the life he doesn’t quite dare to imagine for himself.
When he finds the courage to pursue his dream, he naturally begins to gain confidence in himself and take charge of his future. His friendship with a freewheeling musician helps him learn to find his own path and to trust the universe a little. But he also learns why you can’t fast travel when enemies are nearby…
October 2, 2023
Man, "Bill's Bytes" by J.D. Richards was a rollercoaster for me! At first, I was like, "Why would Bill drop out of college to make pastries?" But as I kept reading, I totally got it. The book's all about Bill trying to figure out who he is and what he really wants, and I think that's something a lot of us can relate to.Bill and Garrett's friendship is like the heart of the story. They're total opposites, but somehow they click. Their road trip together is filled with all these wild moments, funny characters, and some real-life lessons. I especially liked how Bill thinks - he sees things differently, and the little bits of computer code were a cool touch to show that.At the end of the day, "Bill's Bytes" tells us it's okay to be different and to follow our own path, even if it's not what everyone else expects. It's got humor, heart, and some life lessons that really hit home. If you're looking for a book that's fun but also makes you think, give this one a shot. It's worth it!
October 2, 2023
At first, I wasn't too sure I would be interested in this book, but after the first chapter I was hooked. "Bill's Bytes an absorbing fictional story about an adopted South Korean by clueless parents who hide behind their religious beliefs to try to control their son, whom they have no emotional understanding or appreciation for. I felt for Bill, and by the second chapter, could not put this book down. I identified with his profound sense of emptiness, of his yearning to follow a passion yet conflicted with his parents' desire to follow a different life path. So many of us can relate to that. But as the story continues, it evolves into so much more, showing us more about Bill and how he relentlessly chases his dream. I began reading this late at night and was going to stop till the next day, but had to find out how it ended. You'll laugh, feel sorrow and frustration, and root for Bill, great book!
September 30, 2023
It was hard not to like the underdog in this fun and quirky story. The titular character, Bill was an adopted South Korean boy in an evangelical American family. His hopes to combine both of his loves - computer coding and baking - and set up his own business called 'Bill's Bytes' was at odds with his strict parents' hopes for him. Both Bill and his road trip friend, Garrett, were likeable, sympathetic and believable in their actions. Things got wild and wacky along the way with DEA, a hitman and a rampant raccoon. Some of the anarchy was made funny by Bill worrying whether it was an opossum or a raccoon and the fear that it may have been rabid. I really did enjoy reading about a main character who was both neurodiverse and minority ethnic, as this is one of few books I've come across with either, nevermind both.
September 22, 2023
I really enjoyed Bill's Bytes. A little campy, a little slap-stick, a little heart-warming - everything I'm looking for in a buddy-road trip was here. The character development for the MC was deeper than I had expected, and some parts were incredibly sad. This genre change for the author was refreshing. Fast-paced read, and I enjoyed the closure at the end.
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