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The Thunder Beneath Us
To the world, Best Lightburn is a talented writer rising up the masthead at international style magazine James, girlfriend of a gorgeous up-and-coming actor, and friend to New York City’s fabulous. Then there’s the other Best, the one who has chosen to recast herself as an only child rather than confront the truth.
Ten years ago, on Christmas Eve, Best and her two older brothers took a shortcut over a frozen lake. When the ice cracked, all three went in. Only Best came out. People said she was lucky, but that kind of luck is nothing but a burden. Because Best knows what she had to do to survive. And after years of covering up the past, her guilt is detonating through every facet of her seemingly charmed life. It’s all unraveling so fast: her new boss is undermining and deceitful, her boyfriend is recovering from a breakdown, and a recent investigative story has led to a secret affair with the magazine’s wealthy publisher.
Best is quick-witted and headstrong, but how do you find a way to happiness when you’re sure you haven’t earned it—or embrace a future you feel you don’t deserve? Evocative and emotional, The Thunder Beneath Us is a gripping novel about learning to carry loss without breaking, and to heal and forgive—not least of all, ourselves.
Ten years ago, on Christmas Eve, Best and her two older brothers took a shortcut over a frozen lake. When the ice cracked, all three went in. Only Best came out. People said she was lucky, but that kind of luck is nothing but a burden. Because Best knows what she had to do to survive. And after years of covering up the past, her guilt is detonating through every facet of her seemingly charmed life. It’s all unraveling so fast: her new boss is undermining and deceitful, her boyfriend is recovering from a breakdown, and a recent investigative story has led to a secret affair with the magazine’s wealthy publisher.
Best is quick-witted and headstrong, but how do you find a way to happiness when you’re sure you haven’t earned it—or embrace a future you feel you don’t deserve? Evocative and emotional, The Thunder Beneath Us is a gripping novel about learning to carry loss without breaking, and to heal and forgive—not least of all, ourselves.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2016
34 people are currently reading
966 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Blades
5 books117 followersNicole Blades is a novelist and journalist with nearly two decades of experience in the media industry. Her cover stories and features have been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Runner’s World, Women's Health, and more.
Her novels often focus on the façade and filters people put on to face the world. Her new book, WOULD I LIE TO YOU?, will be out Summer 2026! The domestic spy thriller joins Nicole’s previous novels, HAVE YOU MET NORA?, THE THUNDER BENEATH US, and EARTH'S WATERS.
A proud Caribbean-Canadian, Nicole currently lives in New England with her husband and their son. For more, subscribe to Nicole’s newsletter, Come to Find Out… , on Substack and follow her on social media at: TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads.
Her novels often focus on the façade and filters people put on to face the world. Her new book, WOULD I LIE TO YOU?, will be out Summer 2026! The domestic spy thriller joins Nicole’s previous novels, HAVE YOU MET NORA?, THE THUNDER BENEATH US, and EARTH'S WATERS.
A proud Caribbean-Canadian, Nicole currently lives in New England with her husband and their son. For more, subscribe to Nicole’s newsletter, Come to Find Out… , on Substack and follow her on social media at: TikTok, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 13, 2020
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy!
Best Lightburn (love that name, feels kind of like a superhero name) is a top writer at a women’s magazine. It’s not easy being a black, female writer trying to advance in her career, but Best is doing everything she can to move up the ladder (I’d written a terrible pun here, but I decided to spare you instead, so you’re welcome ;). It seems like she has a great boyfriend, job, friends, and life in general, but she’s haunted by a traumatic event from her past. Ten years ago, Best was in an accident with her two brothers and was the only person to survive. As her past starts to catch up to her, her present-day life begins to unravel, until it seems like nothing is under her control anymore.
My description above makes this book sound rather bleak and it does begin with the terrible event. But there are moments of humor and levity in here too. I really enjoyed the writing style, which was rather conversational. When Best narrates, it’s like you’re gabbing with your girlfriend.
As I was reading, I thought the plot and structure was a bit loose. There were scenes and characters that felt more like tangents, rather than additions to strengthen the story. In parts, I wanted more background. I felt like I was supposed to know and care more about certain characters, but I wasn’t shown enough to understand the relationships between these characters.
Still, I thought the underlying story was raw and real. There were moments that, for reasons, made me pause to catch my breath. The pain that Best felt resonated with me. In general, I really enjoyed this novel and I would definitely read more of the author’s work.
Best Lightburn (love that name, feels kind of like a superhero name) is a top writer at a women’s magazine. It’s not easy being a black, female writer trying to advance in her career, but Best is doing everything she can to move up the ladder (I’d written a terrible pun here, but I decided to spare you instead, so you’re welcome ;). It seems like she has a great boyfriend, job, friends, and life in general, but she’s haunted by a traumatic event from her past. Ten years ago, Best was in an accident with her two brothers and was the only person to survive. As her past starts to catch up to her, her present-day life begins to unravel, until it seems like nothing is under her control anymore.
My description above makes this book sound rather bleak and it does begin with the terrible event. But there are moments of humor and levity in here too. I really enjoyed the writing style, which was rather conversational. When Best narrates, it’s like you’re gabbing with your girlfriend.
As I was reading, I thought the plot and structure was a bit loose. There were scenes and characters that felt more like tangents, rather than additions to strengthen the story. In parts, I wanted more background. I felt like I was supposed to know and care more about certain characters, but I wasn’t shown enough to understand the relationships between these characters.
Still, I thought the underlying story was raw and real. There were moments that, for reasons, made me pause to catch my breath. The pain that Best felt resonated with me. In general, I really enjoyed this novel and I would definitely read more of the author’s work.
March 5, 2017
Synopsis
This book follows Best Lightburn, a reporter who works for a prestigious glam magazine. She lives a glamorous lifestyle, dating a sexy, up and coming actor, and living in New York City. But this isn’t truly her life. She has hidden her secrets from the world, and in turn, is hiding from herself.
Ten years ago, Best and her two brothers took a shortcut home, across a frozen lake, on Christmas Eve. When the three of them tragically plummeted into the water, Best was the only one who came out alive.
after years of covering up the past, her guilt is pouring through every facet of her seemingly charmed life. Her boyfriend is going through a mental break, and her new boss is manipulative and deceitful. She has lost the only two friends she has held dear to her, and everything seems to be falling apart.
Although Best is charming and lovely, her past is controlling her happiness. Will she ever learn to let go, and embrace the life that she has left?
My Thoughts // Review
This book took me a minute to get into. The first 100 pages...I struggled through if I’m being honest. The writing was beautiful, and the author has crazy talent. I just wasn’t feeling connected to Best at all. And her decisions throughout the book were questionable.
But as I moved further along in the story, there were so many important themes and messages brought to the table, that Blades handled very well. And, although Best wasn’t the most likable character...she was authentic. And, she learned some very valuable lessons throughout the story. Because of this, she was able to grow immensely as a character, and eventually embrace the art of letting go. I loved this.
There were some super amazing conversations that Best had with various characters throughout the novel, that really stood out to me. And the things said between characters during some of these pivotal dialogues, made me appreciate the novel much more. Blades does dialogue very well. It seemed natural, and the conversations flowed well.
I loved that this was an Own Voices novel. There were many forms of diversity sprinkled throughout the novel, including people of color, and dealings with mental illness.
I am bumping this book's rating down by just 1.25 stars for a couple of reasons: it took me awhile to get into the book, and at times, I felt like some of the mini plot lines (mainly the love interest plot lines), were just filler plots to get to what we all wanted to know: is Best going to face her demons and come clean about her struggles? And, also because I felt like some of the author’s dealings with mental health were brushed past a little too quickly and lightly.
But, all in all, I did really like this novel. I read it in two sittings, and once I got past page 100, I flew through it.
Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
**Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review**
This book follows Best Lightburn, a reporter who works for a prestigious glam magazine. She lives a glamorous lifestyle, dating a sexy, up and coming actor, and living in New York City. But this isn’t truly her life. She has hidden her secrets from the world, and in turn, is hiding from herself.
Ten years ago, Best and her two brothers took a shortcut home, across a frozen lake, on Christmas Eve. When the three of them tragically plummeted into the water, Best was the only one who came out alive.
after years of covering up the past, her guilt is pouring through every facet of her seemingly charmed life. Her boyfriend is going through a mental break, and her new boss is manipulative and deceitful. She has lost the only two friends she has held dear to her, and everything seems to be falling apart.
Although Best is charming and lovely, her past is controlling her happiness. Will she ever learn to let go, and embrace the life that she has left?
My Thoughts // Review
This book took me a minute to get into. The first 100 pages...I struggled through if I’m being honest. The writing was beautiful, and the author has crazy talent. I just wasn’t feeling connected to Best at all. And her decisions throughout the book were questionable.
But as I moved further along in the story, there were so many important themes and messages brought to the table, that Blades handled very well. And, although Best wasn’t the most likable character...she was authentic. And, she learned some very valuable lessons throughout the story. Because of this, she was able to grow immensely as a character, and eventually embrace the art of letting go. I loved this.
There were some super amazing conversations that Best had with various characters throughout the novel, that really stood out to me. And the things said between characters during some of these pivotal dialogues, made me appreciate the novel much more. Blades does dialogue very well. It seemed natural, and the conversations flowed well.
I loved that this was an Own Voices novel. There were many forms of diversity sprinkled throughout the novel, including people of color, and dealings with mental illness.
I am bumping this book's rating down by just 1.25 stars for a couple of reasons: it took me awhile to get into the book, and at times, I felt like some of the mini plot lines (mainly the love interest plot lines), were just filler plots to get to what we all wanted to know: is Best going to face her demons and come clean about her struggles? And, also because I felt like some of the author’s dealings with mental health were brushed past a little too quickly and lightly.
But, all in all, I did really like this novel. I read it in two sittings, and once I got past page 100, I flew through it.
Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
**Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review**
July 24, 2020
This book had some lovely moments in it. Sadly for me, I found it lacking. I wanted a lot more from this. Best was such an amazing type of character, and I felt let down by most of her decisions, especially in the end. I wanted to love this, but I just found it lacking.
September 2, 2016
I discovered Nicole Blades on twitter, where I discover most writers these days. She had been retweeted by someone whose book opinions I respect, so I waited and WAITED until an ARC was available and then immediately pounced.
The Thunder Beneath Us is a story about Best Lightburn, a columnist for a women's magazine not unlike Marie Clare or Cosmo. Upheaval in the structure of The Powers That Be make Best uneasy, but she's got this story idea that could make an amazing feature, if only she could get them to bite on it. The cowardly editors, though want her to do mealy-mouthed weak Vagina stories. So, though she isn't approved, Best wiggles her way into getting an interview with the subject of her story idea-- a woman who survived an honor killing.
Initially, I was very interested in reading about Best's attempts to interview this understandably media-shy woman, as well as the underlying story of her insurmountable guilt surrounding the death of her brothers and her fractured relationship with her parents because of it. None of her friends know-- no one in her life knows- about her two brothers. Best has told everyone that she is an only child, not the surviving child of a terrible accident.
I felt like there was more story that I was interested in reading than the story that I read. I read about her mentally unstable ex (so much about Grant), the mag owner she screwed, the guy she met on the plane on the way to Montreal that she sort of... led on.
It felt like... filler. There I was, flipping pages, trying to get to the good parts, which seemed kind of far between. I wanted to see Best come clean to her friends, to make amends with her parents, to kick that stupid job and her backstabbing co-workers in the throat. I wanted her to let her old boyfriend GO-- did they even love each other? Because I just didn't understand the end, where the {big thing} she was expecting to happen happened. What happens a lot in novels is that heroines get into a predicament and the way they get out of it is to be rescued by someone rich and handsome. When Best lost everything (seemingly) she reached out to someone that she didn't seem to love... because he loved her and offered her the world. Convenient.
Don't get me wrong, The THunder Beneath Us was not a bad read. There are some hilarious characters and caricatures, some gripping emotional scenes (like the ones with her father and mother) and some touching scenes between Best and Grant. I think the story unfolded in the exact way the author meant it to-- over time and with drama upon drama snowballing until Best broke apart.
Likely a satisfying read for those who love a literary drama.
The Thunder Beneath Us is a story about Best Lightburn, a columnist for a women's magazine not unlike Marie Clare or Cosmo. Upheaval in the structure of The Powers That Be make Best uneasy, but she's got this story idea that could make an amazing feature, if only she could get them to bite on it. The cowardly editors, though want her to do mealy-mouthed weak Vagina stories. So, though she isn't approved, Best wiggles her way into getting an interview with the subject of her story idea-- a woman who survived an honor killing.
Initially, I was very interested in reading about Best's attempts to interview this understandably media-shy woman, as well as the underlying story of her insurmountable guilt surrounding the death of her brothers and her fractured relationship with her parents because of it. None of her friends know-- no one in her life knows- about her two brothers. Best has told everyone that she is an only child, not the surviving child of a terrible accident.
I felt like there was more story that I was interested in reading than the story that I read. I read about her mentally unstable ex (so much about Grant), the mag owner she screwed, the guy she met on the plane on the way to Montreal that she sort of... led on.
It felt like... filler. There I was, flipping pages, trying to get to the good parts, which seemed kind of far between. I wanted to see Best come clean to her friends, to make amends with her parents, to kick that stupid job and her backstabbing co-workers in the throat. I wanted her to let her old boyfriend GO-- did they even love each other? Because I just didn't understand the end, where the {big thing} she was expecting to happen happened. What happens a lot in novels is that heroines get into a predicament and the way they get out of it is to be rescued by someone rich and handsome. When Best lost everything (seemingly) she reached out to someone that she didn't seem to love... because he loved her and offered her the world. Convenient.
Don't get me wrong, The THunder Beneath Us was not a bad read. There are some hilarious characters and caricatures, some gripping emotional scenes (like the ones with her father and mother) and some touching scenes between Best and Grant. I think the story unfolded in the exact way the author meant it to-- over time and with drama upon drama snowballing until Best broke apart.
Likely a satisfying read for those who love a literary drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2016
I received a free copy through Goodreads.
---
I did not enjoy this book at all. I felt that Best was really selfish in trying to run away from what happened that night 10 years ago, or however long ago (the book was a bit inconsistent, I think it bounced between 10 and 18 years ago or something, either way I got annoyed with this book part way through so whatever). After the unfortunate deaths of her brothers in Quebec, she grew up and went to New York City to hide from the sordid details of her family. She spent years putting up barriers and keep everyone at arms length (friends and her parents). But when her boyfriend ends up in rehab and her name gets dragged through the gossip magazines, she flips out when a reporter started digging into her past.
And what does she do? Well she runs away.... into the arms of her boss' boss, to Canada, to someone else. She was totally irresponsible in deflecting all her colleagues at work while she was suppose to be working on her assignment (whereas her pet project eventually devoured her time and the last 1/3 of the book), ignoring all calls from everyone and pushing away her understanding and loving boyfriend (who was going through some issues).
The whole affair with the top boss was so meh. Like that's it?! A weekend spent together and that was it?! The blurb on the back had me thinking there was going to be something big and sinister that could explode if anyone ever found out about the affair, but nope, nothing really happened.
Oh and her friends. Ugh they are all so annoying. Not the makeup guy, he is so sweet. But the Singh sisters, I'm so fed up with their fights and feuds with Best. Get over it people!
I found that this book was trying way too hard to be hip and appeal to a certain crowd, but it failed. The story could definitely use more polishing. At least the redeeming point is the family dynamics, eventually we see real human emotions when the entire family comes together and the truth is finally spoken about.
---
I did not enjoy this book at all. I felt that Best was really selfish in trying to run away from what happened that night 10 years ago, or however long ago (the book was a bit inconsistent, I think it bounced between 10 and 18 years ago or something, either way I got annoyed with this book part way through so whatever). After the unfortunate deaths of her brothers in Quebec, she grew up and went to New York City to hide from the sordid details of her family. She spent years putting up barriers and keep everyone at arms length (friends and her parents). But when her boyfriend ends up in rehab and her name gets dragged through the gossip magazines, she flips out when a reporter started digging into her past.
And what does she do? Well she runs away.... into the arms of her boss' boss, to Canada, to someone else. She was totally irresponsible in deflecting all her colleagues at work while she was suppose to be working on her assignment (whereas her pet project eventually devoured her time and the last 1/3 of the book), ignoring all calls from everyone and pushing away her understanding and loving boyfriend (who was going through some issues).
The whole affair with the top boss was so meh. Like that's it?! A weekend spent together and that was it?! The blurb on the back had me thinking there was going to be something big and sinister that could explode if anyone ever found out about the affair, but nope, nothing really happened.
Oh and her friends. Ugh they are all so annoying. Not the makeup guy, he is so sweet. But the Singh sisters, I'm so fed up with their fights and feuds with Best. Get over it people!
I found that this book was trying way too hard to be hip and appeal to a certain crowd, but it failed. The story could definitely use more polishing. At least the redeeming point is the family dynamics, eventually we see real human emotions when the entire family comes together and the truth is finally spoken about.
August 6, 2017
"I did it. I told the truth and nothing swallowed me whole. I showed them who I am, what I am, and somehow they still want to love me. And for the first time in years, I feel good, shameless, and free."
Bathsheba. She was described in the Bible as being so beautiful she took your breath away, and I think that's why Nicole Blades chose that name for her. I think that's why she also chose the nickname "Best" for her.
Best and her brothers took a shortcut over a frozen lake on Christmas Eve but only she survived (that's not a spoiler, it's on the back of the book). Best became unimaginably burdened with survivors guilt. So much so, that she used her own beauty as subterfuge to keep anyone else from getting too close. She presented, in her lowly opinion of herself, the "best" thing she had left: her looks.
She lured men in like a fly to a spider web. She used them and then threw them away, subconsciously creating that drowning scene over and over again, they would try desperately to cling to her, get to know her, and she would step on them and watch them sink. It was the only way to keep anyone from getting too close...from discovering the life she left behind in Canada.
What Best didn't understand was that everything that happened wasn't her fault. She wasn't a monster, but she wouldn't risk letting anyone know her truth, too afraid that they wouldn't understand.
In the end, she realizes that telling her truth with all of the gore and raw emotion, was the most freeing thing she could have ever done. And it didn't "swallow her whole" the way that lake did her brothers ten years before. She feared rejection after taking away the mask. But what she found was a group of people that were there to stand with her and love her through it all.
I'm sad I am finished with this book. I'll have to read it again. Best is so raw and so real and so funny. She and her friends, most especially Tyson, had me laughing and crying. It was like sitting around someone's living room listening to them share how they finally figured out life and sharing their shame, and finally being okay with it.
Bathsheba. She was described in the Bible as being so beautiful she took your breath away, and I think that's why Nicole Blades chose that name for her. I think that's why she also chose the nickname "Best" for her.
Best and her brothers took a shortcut over a frozen lake on Christmas Eve but only she survived (that's not a spoiler, it's on the back of the book). Best became unimaginably burdened with survivors guilt. So much so, that she used her own beauty as subterfuge to keep anyone else from getting too close. She presented, in her lowly opinion of herself, the "best" thing she had left: her looks.
She lured men in like a fly to a spider web. She used them and then threw them away, subconsciously creating that drowning scene over and over again, they would try desperately to cling to her, get to know her, and she would step on them and watch them sink. It was the only way to keep anyone from getting too close...from discovering the life she left behind in Canada.
What Best didn't understand was that everything that happened wasn't her fault. She wasn't a monster, but she wouldn't risk letting anyone know her truth, too afraid that they wouldn't understand.
In the end, she realizes that telling her truth with all of the gore and raw emotion, was the most freeing thing she could have ever done. And it didn't "swallow her whole" the way that lake did her brothers ten years before. She feared rejection after taking away the mask. But what she found was a group of people that were there to stand with her and love her through it all.
I'm sad I am finished with this book. I'll have to read it again. Best is so raw and so real and so funny. She and her friends, most especially Tyson, had me laughing and crying. It was like sitting around someone's living room listening to them share how they finally figured out life and sharing their shame, and finally being okay with it.
Read
May 28, 2019Imagine being the sole survivor of an incident at a frozen lake that claims your brothers in its icy depths. The emotional baggage and survivors’ guilt one would carry on a daily basis would feel insurmountable. Best Lightburn, the protagonist of Nicole Blades’ The Thunder Beneath Us (Kensington), has had to live with that guilt her entire life. She claims to be an only child to avoid discussion about her ill-fated brothers, establishes an enviable career at a style magazine and crafts a new life for herself in New York. But for Best, guilt permeates every element of her life and threatens to undermine all she has created.
In a work such as this, creating a heroine large enough for the story is absolutely imperative, and Blades delivers this in spades. What’s more impressive, however, is her expert hand at dealing with all the secondary and even tertiary characters. They are all vividly detailed and as vibrant as one could ever hope for. Even small characters become memorable, and that is a rare gift.
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/05/treading...
In a work such as this, creating a heroine large enough for the story is absolutely imperative, and Blades delivers this in spades. What’s more impressive, however, is her expert hand at dealing with all the secondary and even tertiary characters. They are all vividly detailed and as vibrant as one could ever hope for. Even small characters become memorable, and that is a rare gift.
The rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/05/treading...
October 6, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
**I received an advanced readers copy from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
This entire book felt like a waiting game to me. I was waiting for the good stuff, the full picture...basically the guts of the story. It felt like it was there hiding on the next page but it wouldn't quite come. Needless to say, it left me quite frustrated. Instead there were a lot of characters who confused me that I didn't care about and a plot that was all over the map. I craved a deeper and more meaningful story that I think this book was definitely capable of but didn't quite succeed in delivering.
Don't get me wrong, there were valuable lessons and personal growth with Best throughout the story but they were not as defined and fleshed out as I would have liked. There were many rabbit trails and it was partly because of this that I found the story kind of dull. As an avid reader I like when I can get lost inside a story but this one just left me lost in a not so satisfying way. A little less Grant and a little more about Best's past would have gone a long way.
Although this book was personally not for me, I think that it might appeal to some. Don't take my word for it. I encourage readers to form their own opinion. Perhaps I was just having a bad day when I read it.
**I received an advanced readers copy from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
This entire book felt like a waiting game to me. I was waiting for the good stuff, the full picture...basically the guts of the story. It felt like it was there hiding on the next page but it wouldn't quite come. Needless to say, it left me quite frustrated. Instead there were a lot of characters who confused me that I didn't care about and a plot that was all over the map. I craved a deeper and more meaningful story that I think this book was definitely capable of but didn't quite succeed in delivering.
Don't get me wrong, there were valuable lessons and personal growth with Best throughout the story but they were not as defined and fleshed out as I would have liked. There were many rabbit trails and it was partly because of this that I found the story kind of dull. As an avid reader I like when I can get lost inside a story but this one just left me lost in a not so satisfying way. A little less Grant and a little more about Best's past would have gone a long way.
Although this book was personally not for me, I think that it might appeal to some. Don't take my word for it. I encourage readers to form their own opinion. Perhaps I was just having a bad day when I read it.
dnf
February 17, 2017 DNF @ 20%
This book is not for me at all. I tried to start this book few times after I got this book from the author's assistant for me to review. I normally I would do my best to read the book to deliver a proper review. But I just cannot do it, it would be too painful for me and will end with me writing a bad review.
What put me off this book in the part I read is the main character - she is doing a lot of hating. She is hating herself in a way that I cannot stand and makes me cringe - she tells us how horrible she is, how all the people think she is so amazing, but truly she is a monster. I cannot stand such kind of hating, and it's hard to relate. There are other ways to show that the character is hating themselves. Best (that's the MC name) is also doing a lot of hating of others, mainly women. Maybe only women in the part I read. She hates her new boss, a girl that got promoted, she talks shit about a sales girl. I get that she can hate them, but please, first tell me why I also should be hating them. Did I miss a big chapter of the book when Best tells us about all the horrific deeds her new boss did to her? Because I cannot hate her just because you're hating her, I'm not your best friend Best. I need some evidence. And this brings me to the last thing that bothered me so much that I decided to give up on the book. I felt like bits of the story were cut out. Things were happening and I didn't know why. I struggled to plot.
This book is not for me at all. I tried to start this book few times after I got this book from the author's assistant for me to review. I normally I would do my best to read the book to deliver a proper review. But I just cannot do it, it would be too painful for me and will end with me writing a bad review.
What put me off this book in the part I read is the main character - she is doing a lot of hating. She is hating herself in a way that I cannot stand and makes me cringe - she tells us how horrible she is, how all the people think she is so amazing, but truly she is a monster. I cannot stand such kind of hating, and it's hard to relate. There are other ways to show that the character is hating themselves. Best (that's the MC name) is also doing a lot of hating of others, mainly women. Maybe only women in the part I read. She hates her new boss, a girl that got promoted, she talks shit about a sales girl. I get that she can hate them, but please, first tell me why I also should be hating them. Did I miss a big chapter of the book when Best tells us about all the horrific deeds her new boss did to her? Because I cannot hate her just because you're hating her, I'm not your best friend Best. I need some evidence. And this brings me to the last thing that bothered me so much that I decided to give up on the book. I felt like bits of the story were cut out. Things were happening and I didn't know why. I struggled to plot.
November 16, 2016
In a terrible, horrible, not very good week, it was such a blessing to have Nicole Blades The Thunder Beneath Us to retreat with for pockets of relief. Just a few minutes on the couch with Best Lightburn and her story was enough to transport me away from the presidential election with storytelling.
There were two remarkable things about the craft in this book. One was the physicality with which Blades describes the characters and actions; you hear the old "show, don't tell" adage all the time as a writer, but this verged on "feel, don't tell." It was a really powerful way to make us feel Best's conflicts and memories.
The second thing that struck me was the specificity of even the minor characters. Not a throwaway in the bunch. That takes such devotion from the author and brings the story to life like a tableau.
This book made me laugh, made me cry in a couple spots, and made me really wish I had a friend like Tyson who would show up with his makeup case and paint a perfect sunset on my eyelids. Highly recommend it.
There were two remarkable things about the craft in this book. One was the physicality with which Blades describes the characters and actions; you hear the old "show, don't tell" adage all the time as a writer, but this verged on "feel, don't tell." It was a really powerful way to make us feel Best's conflicts and memories.
The second thing that struck me was the specificity of even the minor characters. Not a throwaway in the bunch. That takes such devotion from the author and brings the story to life like a tableau.
This book made me laugh, made me cry in a couple spots, and made me really wish I had a friend like Tyson who would show up with his makeup case and paint a perfect sunset on my eyelids. Highly recommend it.
May 12, 2017
I ended up skimming the majority of this story. The main character lost her brothers in an accident when they were kids when they all fell through an iced-over lake. The story is essentially how the surviving sister has completely disowned her family, and pretends she was an only child, because she doesn’t want to deal with what happened. With all the drama that is her thinking and emotions I really thought the details of what happened that night would’ve been more horrific, but I honestly just couldn’t help but feel like this was the most selfish and self-absorbed character ever. Acting like she was the only one that lost something that night and refusing to deal with it. And we aren’t talking like a year later, we’re talking over a decade. Seriously, grow the eff up.
I received this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2016
The Thunder Beneath Us is real. The friendships are real, as are the family relationships. The character of Best feels two-dimensional, and she is meant to. The holding back from the reader mirrors the holding back Best does with everyone around her -- this puts us in the same position as Best's friends and lovers -- even with her parents. The character holds back from us all.
For me, this made the book a satisfying and compelling read. The details in the workplace scenes and intimate discussion scenes helped me relate to Best despite not having much in common with her on the surface.
The Thunder Beneath Us is a great book for traveling or for a weekend read. Highly recommended!
For me, this made the book a satisfying and compelling read. The details in the workplace scenes and intimate discussion scenes helped me relate to Best despite not having much in common with her on the surface.
The Thunder Beneath Us is a great book for traveling or for a weekend read. Highly recommended!
December 18, 2016
I was given an electronic copy of The Thunder Beneath Us via NetGalley and Kensington Books. This is my honest opinion of the book.
When a shakeup at Best Lightburn's work leaves her feeling vulnerable, an issue from her past starts to rear its ugly head. A pattern of behavior that started after the deaths of her brothers had all but mainly disappeared, just to reemerge under a time of extreme stress.
As compelling as the premise was, the book just never brought her story alive. I did not feel connected to her and finished The Thunder Beneath Us with no more attachment to the main character than I did at the beginning. For these reasons, I would not recommend this book to others.
When a shakeup at Best Lightburn's work leaves her feeling vulnerable, an issue from her past starts to rear its ugly head. A pattern of behavior that started after the deaths of her brothers had all but mainly disappeared, just to reemerge under a time of extreme stress.
As compelling as the premise was, the book just never brought her story alive. I did not feel connected to her and finished The Thunder Beneath Us with no more attachment to the main character than I did at the beginning. For these reasons, I would not recommend this book to others.
October 29, 2017
Meh. It was okay but definitely not rereading material. Too many characters for me and Best was an annoying coward.
July 2, 2021
It’s an hour and a half past my bedtime and I just finished reading. My heart is pounding and I can barely breathe. The ending was perfect, but there is so much to think about. So much to dig into and unpack. It was gut wrenching and hopeful. That same duality that is woven all throughout the book.
Best Lightburn is basically her own worst enemy, and she’s got childhood trauma to thank for that. She’s navigating a career writing ‘your best sex’ pieces for Not-Cosmopolitan, but her heart is in a deeper, darker story she’s been trying to get an interview for. She keeps everyone at arm’s length – her parents, her friends, her romances. Especially the romances.
I don’t want to get too much into the story and risk spoiling, so I’ll just list my favorite elements from within it.
1. The Romances
She is deeply desired by men around her. Not as a sex object, but as a person. The men aren’t abusive ‘tortured souls’. They aren’t manipulative and controlling in the name of love. They seek a healthy connection with her, and treat her like a precious gem. She is cherished, even though she often doesn’t feel like she deserves it.
It is refreshing (and needed!) to see a Black woman in this role. Chased, sought after, loved unabashedly. The men here are emotionally healthy and I love to see that representation.
2. The Writing
Nicole Blades has an unparalleled writing style. Her stories immediately capture me and don’t let go until they are completed. She gets deep into the psyche of her characters and reveals their inner world to us. Just like the real world, there is no pure good/bad binary, we are all at varying points on that spectrum. Sometimes we’re more selfish, sometimes giving our all. Sometimes we make decisions that seem right to us, but don’t consider how it’s going to affect the people around us.
These concepts are woven so expertly throughout the story. Best is constantly wrestling with herself, almost feeling that she doesn’t even know how to make good decisions, but we the readers can see her, even beyond what she is narrating to us.
It truly takes a masterful writer to tell this story of internal conflict, of mental turmoil – and make us care every moment. I am compelled to read every page! I don’t often sit and ponder the things about a writing style that I like, after finishing a book, but this one really accomplished something magical.
3. The Deeper Questions
At the end of the book, there is a reader discussion guide and I love that. It provides a great starting point for the book to be talked about and it should be talked about. There are so many discussions to be had about the story and the ways it mirrors the real world.
Best learns what she needs to do to become a healthier person, and we can turn that question inward on ourselves as well. What ways are we hampering our own growth? What mental blocks are getting in the way of healthy relationships with others? How can we learn to navigate our own grief and be there as others walk through theirs?
I’m really not a ‘crier’. I don’t cry often. Never has a book made me cry before! But the way this story turned me absolutely inside out…
I’m sure I will be pondering this book for weeks.
https://joannasthoughtson.com/the-thu...
Best Lightburn is basically her own worst enemy, and she’s got childhood trauma to thank for that. She’s navigating a career writing ‘your best sex’ pieces for Not-Cosmopolitan, but her heart is in a deeper, darker story she’s been trying to get an interview for. She keeps everyone at arm’s length – her parents, her friends, her romances. Especially the romances.
I don’t want to get too much into the story and risk spoiling, so I’ll just list my favorite elements from within it.
1. The Romances
She is deeply desired by men around her. Not as a sex object, but as a person. The men aren’t abusive ‘tortured souls’. They aren’t manipulative and controlling in the name of love. They seek a healthy connection with her, and treat her like a precious gem. She is cherished, even though she often doesn’t feel like she deserves it.
It is refreshing (and needed!) to see a Black woman in this role. Chased, sought after, loved unabashedly. The men here are emotionally healthy and I love to see that representation.
2. The Writing
Nicole Blades has an unparalleled writing style. Her stories immediately capture me and don’t let go until they are completed. She gets deep into the psyche of her characters and reveals their inner world to us. Just like the real world, there is no pure good/bad binary, we are all at varying points on that spectrum. Sometimes we’re more selfish, sometimes giving our all. Sometimes we make decisions that seem right to us, but don’t consider how it’s going to affect the people around us.
These concepts are woven so expertly throughout the story. Best is constantly wrestling with herself, almost feeling that she doesn’t even know how to make good decisions, but we the readers can see her, even beyond what she is narrating to us.
It truly takes a masterful writer to tell this story of internal conflict, of mental turmoil – and make us care every moment. I am compelled to read every page! I don’t often sit and ponder the things about a writing style that I like, after finishing a book, but this one really accomplished something magical.
3. The Deeper Questions
At the end of the book, there is a reader discussion guide and I love that. It provides a great starting point for the book to be talked about and it should be talked about. There are so many discussions to be had about the story and the ways it mirrors the real world.
Best learns what she needs to do to become a healthier person, and we can turn that question inward on ourselves as well. What ways are we hampering our own growth? What mental blocks are getting in the way of healthy relationships with others? How can we learn to navigate our own grief and be there as others walk through theirs?
I’m really not a ‘crier’. I don’t cry often. Never has a book made me cry before! But the way this story turned me absolutely inside out…
I’m sure I will be pondering this book for weeks.
https://joannasthoughtson.com/the-thu...
May 31, 2017
There are some powerful and instructive moments, but mostly, it felt jumbled and confusing, and full of details that didn't make sense.
Thus it BEGINS (in a Prologue from 10 years before the story starts, so that the reader knows the secret she does not tell).
"Montreal
December Ten Years Ago.
I'm still looking up at the constellation when I hear the thunder. Only it's not clapping through the blue night skies. It's under our feet.
Bryant goes in first. He was carrying the bag. Swallowed up almost silently, he's gone before the sounds can sync up with the pictures. It takes another set of seconds for me to recognize that the fingers pinching my body, attempting to pierce me, drag me from the inside, aren't fingers at all. It's the cold in the water, the ice, and it's trying to steal my breath."
Thus it BEGINS (in a Prologue from 10 years before the story starts, so that the reader knows the secret she does not tell).
"Montreal
December Ten Years Ago.
I'm still looking up at the constellation when I hear the thunder. Only it's not clapping through the blue night skies. It's under our feet.
Bryant goes in first. He was carrying the bag. Swallowed up almost silently, he's gone before the sounds can sync up with the pictures. It takes another set of seconds for me to recognize that the fingers pinching my body, attempting to pierce me, drag me from the inside, aren't fingers at all. It's the cold in the water, the ice, and it's trying to steal my breath."
June 26, 2017
Best, the protagonist, has a lot going on in this book. What I wanted was more details. I got a little muddled on how much time was passing between stressful events and I really needed to know what, exactly, was going on at Best's office. Though some of it all gets worked out in the end, there were gaps that had me a little lost, and some of the pivotal moments needed....more. The strengths of this novel, though, lie primarily in the relationships. They were messy and real, but also solid. The way Blades represented the characters around Best helped me navigate which ones would last (ie, didn't have to worry about them, which was important, because I was super stressed-out for Best about mid-way through this story) and which ones wouldn't (except for Nik, I wasn't sure what to expect from him). Though Blades did some nice work laying some clues that would lead me to believe all would work out in the end for Best, I wasn't necessarily sure - and relieved that indeed, it all did.
November 18, 2016
It's been a long time since a book overtook my mind, my life to the point I burned the chicken. I read on the subway, in the bathroom, drying off after a shower. I read on my lap under my desk at work. I read in the car, on a plane, on a park bench when the weather was unseasonably warm for a day. It is so well written and Best is so relatable. You can't help but root for her, think about her when you aren't reading, think about her when you finish the book. Filled with vibrant characters to like and dislike, The Thunder Beneath Us is worth your attention. Book clubs would love it because there is so much to unpack.
November 7, 2016
Talk about dealing with survivor's guilt. What an interesting storyline that you aren't sure about until you are halfway through the book. I could not imagine being the lone survivor in a complete accident that resulted in the death of my two brothers. Best learns the difficulties in trying to keep the past a secret. Eventually, everything will come out. The author wrote in a fashion that wanted you to keep reading to find out the next twist would be.
I received a free reading copy of this book and voluntarily read it.
I received a free reading copy of this book and voluntarily read it.
July 9, 2017
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Goodreads.
This is a great book. A slightly messed up MC that I couldn't help rooting for, her quirky friends and a story of survivors that may it very real. There were cute parts, sad parts that had me tearing up, and overall a nice story. I admit it took me a bit to get into but once I got about a 1/4 of the way in, I really needed to finish it.
Being a Canadian myself, I loved the references to ketchup chips, Harvey's fries, Tim Horton's and other Canadian-isms in the book.
This is a great book. A slightly messed up MC that I couldn't help rooting for, her quirky friends and a story of survivors that may it very real. There were cute parts, sad parts that had me tearing up, and overall a nice story. I admit it took me a bit to get into but once I got about a 1/4 of the way in, I really needed to finish it.
Being a Canadian myself, I loved the references to ketchup chips, Harvey's fries, Tim Horton's and other Canadian-isms in the book.
January 11, 2017
This is an interesting novel of dealing with your past even as you want to push it back down. Best is an intriguing and interesting character. I do think this would have benefited from a strong detached editor to pull it apart a bit and straighten some of it out. There's a lot going on, which is how life works but some of it felt distracting to the main plot. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- I'd like to read more from Blades, who captured my imagination with this novel.
December 13, 2016
This is a good book. There were too many characters for me to keep straight. I found it hard to like many of the characters, including the main character. Though I found her more likable in the end. There were also a few story lines that did not seemed fully developed and did not get wrapped up in the end. I was left wanting more information.
February 24, 2018
This is one of those books that strikes you harder than you thought it would. Best has survived the impossible, then tried to hide it. But secrets do not like to be kept in the dark for long. How they come bubbling up to affect her those around her isn't always pretty, and that's what I liked about the story. I winced, I laughed, I gasped, I hooted and I cried. What a ride.
February 8, 2021
This book left me a little flat.
Would have liked for the author to delve more into the idea of mental illness or trauma.
There were parts that were witty/humorous, but overall, I felt no connection to the main character and her emotional struggles.
Would have liked for the author to delve more into the idea of mental illness or trauma.
There were parts that were witty/humorous, but overall, I felt no connection to the main character and her emotional struggles.
December 5, 2017
Main character was too dramatic for my liking. And the book dragged so long because of the unnecessary details. You have to skip through a couple of long paragraphs to follow the plot of the story.
February 24, 2019
Took a few chapters to get into it but then I was hooked. The more I read the more I got into it. Definitely would read another book by this author.
April 10, 2019
I really could not get into this book. So hard to follow what was going on . Did not like the way it was written.
January 17, 2020
This book is really 1.5 stars but i rounded up!
I want my time back
I want my time back
July 25, 2020
I didn’t actually finish it...after 3 months of trying, I finally gave up and decided this book just wasn’t for me 😣
March 5, 2017
I'll start by saying I really enjoy the way Nicole Blades writes the protagonist of this novel. Even though I wasn't a fan of Best as a person, the author's manner of voicing her thought processes and her inner musings was entertaining. The things highlighted in parenthesis or plain talk as we were introduced to Best were amongst my favorite moments and definitely made me chuckle aloud on multiple occasions. I'll definitely be on the lookout for Blades' future works for this reason.
The underlying story was also compelling, though the manner in which it was unearthed was a bit tiresome. I assumed from early on where the book would eventually end up and I'm sure that was intentional. However, I wish some of the details to get us there had been left out. I understood the inclusion of the information at a high level, but felt some of the back and forth slowed the book down to a sometimes exhausting pace.
I definitely wouldn't call this a favorite book, but I'm glad I read it because it introduced me to Nicole Blades. I look forward to seeing what she does next!
The underlying story was also compelling, though the manner in which it was unearthed was a bit tiresome. I assumed from early on where the book would eventually end up and I'm sure that was intentional. However, I wish some of the details to get us there had been left out. I understood the inclusion of the information at a high level, but felt some of the back and forth slowed the book down to a sometimes exhausting pace.
I definitely wouldn't call this a favorite book, but I'm glad I read it because it introduced me to Nicole Blades. I look forward to seeing what she does next!
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