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The Unsaid
Maggie’s job at the Department of Thoughts and Records in heaven is pretty simple. She is a spirit curator—an observer of human life who sorts and categorizes every unsaid thought. When Eric, her beholden, shows interest in the new girl at work, Maggie can’t help ignoring the rules to understand the wonders of mortality and love. But meddling in mortal affairs has consequences that Maggie couldn’t have ever imagined . . .
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2016
9 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Blaylock
15 books40 followersBorn and raised in Arizona, Aaron is proud to call the desert home. He came of age in the suburbs of Sacramento, California and as a missionary in Jamaica, where he fell in love with the people and their culture, but he has always been drawn back to the valley of the sun.
He married his childhood crush, and the girl of his dreams, in 2001. Together they are raising four beautiful and rambunctious children. He worked as a freelance sports reporter for The Arizona Republic for nearly ten years, combining his love of writing and sports. In his storytelling he draws heavily on his love of history, adventure, his faith, and his own life experiences.
He married his childhood crush, and the girl of his dreams, in 2001. Together they are raising four beautiful and rambunctious children. He worked as a freelance sports reporter for The Arizona Republic for nearly ten years, combining his love of writing and sports. In his storytelling he draws heavily on his love of history, adventure, his faith, and his own life experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 1, 2016
This was a unique love story. Maggie lives in heaven, watching and recording Eric's thoughts. He's struggling and seems to come alive when he meets the new girl at work, Lindsey. There comes a point when Maggie realizes she needs to interfere, but there are consequences in doing that.
It was interesting to read Eric's thoughts but it was also distracting at times. It did take me longer than normal to read this because I could only seem to take reading his thoughts in small doses. There were times when he'd say one thing and think something completely different. Which, of course, got me thinking about my own thoughts and behavior. And the things that go unsaid which might make a difference in someone else's life.
It picked up towards the end and got to the point where I couldn't put it down. Especially as we got the backstory for Eric and Lindsey. They were easy to root for. I enjoyed the author's humor and his references to a show I've recently started watching (I know, I know--I'm not sure why I didn't watch it years ago). I haven't read a book like this before and wasn't sure how it would end. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed the ending! If you're looking for a unique love story, give this one a chance!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
Mel's Shelves
It was interesting to read Eric's thoughts but it was also distracting at times. It did take me longer than normal to read this because I could only seem to take reading his thoughts in small doses. There were times when he'd say one thing and think something completely different. Which, of course, got me thinking about my own thoughts and behavior. And the things that go unsaid which might make a difference in someone else's life.
It picked up towards the end and got to the point where I couldn't put it down. Especially as we got the backstory for Eric and Lindsey. They were easy to root for. I enjoyed the author's humor and his references to a show I've recently started watching (I know, I know--I'm not sure why I didn't watch it years ago). I haven't read a book like this before and wasn't sure how it would end. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed the ending! If you're looking for a unique love story, give this one a chance!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
Mel's Shelves
October 28, 2016
This is an interesting story that takes place both from an earthly or human perspective and from a heavenly perspective. The story goes back and forth between characters that have already been sent to earth and the angelic people that take care of them from above or in other words from heaven. The people in heaven keep track of the words and actions of a certain person on earth, but are not supposed to get involved or interact with them. This book is not quite what I expected and took me a little bit to get into, especially after reading The Land of Look Behind. But after I did get into it, I found it intriguing and made me think about my own life, specifically what I say and do every day. This book will definitely make readers think about life.
Genre: romance
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: October 1, 2016
Number of pages: 208
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 4 stars
A print review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: romance
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: October 1, 2016
Number of pages: 208
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 4 stars
A print review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
May 4, 2017
"The Unsaid"- a beautiful parallel to "Saturday's Warrior" through the eyes of a spirit waiting for her turn to come to earth.
Language: Completely clean. G rating.
Religion: Obviously, a large LDS presence, although descriptions of the pre-mortal life are obviously speculative and fictions.
Romance: Clean! PG rating.
Frightening images / violence: Mention of a man punching another man. It is implied that a character is considering taking her life before someone intervenes.
Mr. Blaylock did a great job of making Maggie relatable. No one likes to see a friend go down the wrong path, and readers feel for her as she makes irrevocable choices that affect her future based on what her beholden, Eric, needs. However, at the same time, readers realize how different spirits and souls are, and (hopefully) this inspires a great deal of gratitude in the great blessing of having a body of our own.
In addition, I will never think about thoughts (there's a paradox) in the same way ever again. It makes you think differently when you read a book where every thought, even the innermost ones, are recorded for all eternity. Guess I better start guarding my thoughts a bit more closely!
Personally, I felt like the grammar and wording could have been a bit more professional, and I felt that it should go without saying that not everything in this book- meaning almost all of the description of the pre-mortal life and activities that take place there- are not founded in doctrine at all. This doesn't ruin the story because it's just a speculation, but readers shouldn't take this as church-approved fact.
I give this book a 5-star rating because of the emotional and spiritual content, in addition to the unique plot idea. This book will make you think about your own life and the impact that your choices have on eternity. A definite recommend!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Language: Completely clean. G rating.
Religion: Obviously, a large LDS presence, although descriptions of the pre-mortal life are obviously speculative and fictions.
Romance: Clean! PG rating.
Frightening images / violence: Mention of a man punching another man. It is implied that a character is considering taking her life before someone intervenes.
Mr. Blaylock did a great job of making Maggie relatable. No one likes to see a friend go down the wrong path, and readers feel for her as she makes irrevocable choices that affect her future based on what her beholden, Eric, needs. However, at the same time, readers realize how different spirits and souls are, and (hopefully) this inspires a great deal of gratitude in the great blessing of having a body of our own.
In addition, I will never think about thoughts (there's a paradox) in the same way ever again. It makes you think differently when you read a book where every thought, even the innermost ones, are recorded for all eternity. Guess I better start guarding my thoughts a bit more closely!
Personally, I felt like the grammar and wording could have been a bit more professional, and I felt that it should go without saying that not everything in this book- meaning almost all of the description of the pre-mortal life and activities that take place there- are not founded in doctrine at all. This doesn't ruin the story because it's just a speculation, but readers shouldn't take this as church-approved fact.
I give this book a 5-star rating because of the emotional and spiritual content, in addition to the unique plot idea. This book will make you think about your own life and the impact that your choices have on eternity. A definite recommend!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2016
***3.5 stars***
Imagine that every thought you had was recorded in heaven. That a being is sitting on the other side listening. Ughhh.... To me, that is incredibly scary! That is the premise of this book. It is of course fiction (thank heavens). Maggie is assigned to Eric and records everything he thinks and categorizes them as generous, sarcastic, unkind.... you get the picture.
I really enjoyed Eric's sarcastic voice. Yup, I guess you can guess where most of my thoughts are categorized as? He is full of humor in his head. Half of the things he thinks would get him in a lot of trouble, but that is the fun of the inner dialogue. He has a big heart and is full of compassion.
Maggie is good and kind. Things that I would be embarrassed about, she takes in stride. She is engaged in his life, which for a being in her position is a bad thing. She is there to record, not to care or try to help. Her compassion puts her in a forbidden circumstance.
I found this book to be about listening to the inner voice that is trying to lead you to be better. It is about helping those who are less fortunate. It is about standing up for your friends and your values. It is about the power of love and forgiveness, even forgiving yourself.
Most of all, this book made me think about my inner dialogue. Do I want my life to be made up of negative thoughts? Do I want to change how I think about myself and others? Believe me, I have a lot of things to change.
This book is a clean read with a little innuendo and a smidgen of violence (he deserved it!).
Imagine that every thought you had was recorded in heaven. That a being is sitting on the other side listening. Ughhh.... To me, that is incredibly scary! That is the premise of this book. It is of course fiction (thank heavens). Maggie is assigned to Eric and records everything he thinks and categorizes them as generous, sarcastic, unkind.... you get the picture.
I really enjoyed Eric's sarcastic voice. Yup, I guess you can guess where most of my thoughts are categorized as? He is full of humor in his head. Half of the things he thinks would get him in a lot of trouble, but that is the fun of the inner dialogue. He has a big heart and is full of compassion.
Maggie is good and kind. Things that I would be embarrassed about, she takes in stride. She is engaged in his life, which for a being in her position is a bad thing. She is there to record, not to care or try to help. Her compassion puts her in a forbidden circumstance.
I found this book to be about listening to the inner voice that is trying to lead you to be better. It is about helping those who are less fortunate. It is about standing up for your friends and your values. It is about the power of love and forgiveness, even forgiving yourself.
Most of all, this book made me think about my inner dialogue. Do I want my life to be made up of negative thoughts? Do I want to change how I think about myself and others? Believe me, I have a lot of things to change.
This book is a clean read with a little innuendo and a smidgen of violence (he deserved it!).
April 2, 2020
Cute story
I enjoyed the idea and following along with Maggie and Eric. I did predict the ending, but it was the super cute one I'd hoped for, so no complaints :)
I enjoyed the idea and following along with Maggie and Eric. I did predict the ending, but it was the super cute one I'd hoped for, so no complaints :)
November 21, 2021
The concept of this book was fascinating. This book was almost worth it just from a philosophical standpoint, but the execution could have been better. There was definitely insta love and I feel like the authors depiction of heaven was a little odd. More pressingly, however, the constant narration of the characters thoughts (while I see the intention) was so annoying! He wouldn’t just shut up!
October 21, 2016
The Unsaid
Synopsis
There’s a heavenly bureau whose job is to catalogue all the thoughts of ‘finities,’ or people on Earth. Maggie, a being in this bureau, is assigned to her beholden, Eric. She’s been with him for his entire life. She’s seen every thought that has gone through his head from excitement(Star Wars) to heartbreak(April). The story picks up with Eric at his miserable IT job, setting up the work station for a new employee, Lindsey. He immediately starts to fall for the beautiful, yet troubled, woman. Maggie is desperate for Eric and Lindsey to fall in love. She yearns for his happiness. Maggie’s world has its rules and influencing a beholden’s life is the number one no-no. But a desperate Maggie can’t be witness to tragedy and is willing to stop it with no fear of what consequences may come.
Review
You’re literally inside Eric’s head for the majority of the story. It’s an interesting perspective, and it’s written extremely well. You find yourself, not only pulling for Eric, but you start to think like him. The dynamic between Maggie and Eric as the story progresses is particular interesting and enjoyable. It manages to blend elements of a love story, buddy comedy, workplace observation, fish out of water tale, and spiritual awakening, without being too heavy handed on the last. You’re not going to get that edge of your seat feeling that you might have in his last novel, but this one makes up for it with the character driven story. That being said, there are a couple of anxiety tinged moments.
The parts in the heavenly bureau are interesting and play as a mirror to Eric’s own workplace. Except the workers in DOTAR are generally nice and love their jobs. The issues that are hinted at for some of the other heavenly workers, Borador in particular, had me wanting more from that angle.
Aaron Blaylock’s sophomore novel is a far more personal and spiritual affair than his first, The Land of Look Behind. The best writers can change genre and motif. Some of Stephen King’s best stories are his ones that aren’t horror. This is what Aaron Blaylock did with The Unsaid and he did it well. That transition from an action/adventure tale to a character driven story can’t be easy. The Unsaid is a quick read, also. You start the book and you’re immediately 30 pages in. It’s brevity is refreshing.
Good
The dialogue, though it dips into the cheesy, is written well. The interactions between all of the characters feels authentic. Being inside Eric’s head lends the reader to start thinking like the main character, which builds a connection. You find yourself pulling hard for Eric and facepalming when he says something awkward, which is often.
The concept is interesting. It draws a likeness to the incredible Pixar film, Inside Out. If you’re going to be compared to another story you can’t complain about it being a Pixar one. It’s similar, but really only in the aspect of being inside someone’s head. Blaylock focuses on the theme of action and consequence than emotion and imagination.
The characters are relatable and enjoyable. The story hinges on Eric being relatable, and he is. He’s self-deprecating, funny, awkward, frustrated, and nice. Maggie is ever-optimistic and selfless. Dave is a character in need of his own story. If you picture Chris Pratt’s Andy Dwyer from Parks and Rec, that’s Dave. The protagonists in this story are extremely likable and the antagonists are literally...the worst. That’s a good thing.
POTENTIAL SPOILER
The ending is great. I can be a sucker for am happy ending especially when it ties up the story nicely. This one ends perfectly. The last chapter gave me chills. I finished and uttered the word, “Bravo.”
Bad
Nothing really. I have been hard pressed to find something I didn’t like in this book. There may be some things the reader could, at worst, be indifferent to, but there isn’t anything to not like.
Verdict
Read it! Read it twice! If you get to the end of this book and don’t, at least, feel goosebumps, you might not be human. You might want to get that checked out. It’s a change of pace from his first novel, but a well executed one.
October 23, 2016
This book was a great, feel good book that I totally wasn't expecting. Maggie was a little annoying sometimes but I loved being in Eric's head and laughed many times at his sarcastic thoughts...mainly because I was thinking the same things!
Maggie is a spirit. Her job is to categorize all of her beholden's thoughts until it is her turn to inhabit a body on Earth. Maggie's beholden is Eric. She is not supposed to get to involved in Eric's life. Her job is strictly to watch his thoughts but after being in someone's head for twenty-some years, I imagine you would become pretty invested in their life.
Eric works at a candy dispenser shop as in the IT department. He is recovering from a bad breakup and just plodding through life. He really doesn't enjoy his life or the people he works with. That is, until he meets Lindsey, the new girl in the office. Eric starts to get involved with Lindsey and everything is going well. When Lindsey ends in a bad situation, Maggie ignores all the rules and "leaps" into Eric's head. From there on, Eric and Maggie must work together.
This book was a very fast and fun read. The book was clean with no sex or swearing which was very refreshing. I was a little worried at first because I thought the first chapter was a little slow but as soon as you get into Eric's head, things pick up and then you don't want to put it down. The ending was sweet and came full circle. It left you wanting to be more positive in your life and with a good feeling.
Maggie is a spirit. Her job is to categorize all of her beholden's thoughts until it is her turn to inhabit a body on Earth. Maggie's beholden is Eric. She is not supposed to get to involved in Eric's life. Her job is strictly to watch his thoughts but after being in someone's head for twenty-some years, I imagine you would become pretty invested in their life.
Eric works at a candy dispenser shop as in the IT department. He is recovering from a bad breakup and just plodding through life. He really doesn't enjoy his life or the people he works with. That is, until he meets Lindsey, the new girl in the office. Eric starts to get involved with Lindsey and everything is going well. When Lindsey ends in a bad situation, Maggie ignores all the rules and "leaps" into Eric's head. From there on, Eric and Maggie must work together.
This book was a very fast and fun read. The book was clean with no sex or swearing which was very refreshing. I was a little worried at first because I thought the first chapter was a little slow but as soon as you get into Eric's head, things pick up and then you don't want to put it down. The ending was sweet and came full circle. It left you wanting to be more positive in your life and with a good feeling.
October 24, 2016
I was really surprised just how much I enjoyed reading this book! I immediately liked Maggie's character. I liked that she's working so hard to study and find out just what she needs to know when it's her turn to come to earth. I liked just how much she grows to care for and care what happens to Eric. It may be a bit too much, because she meddles in his life and ends up biting off more than she can chew.
I liked that you got to see Eric's point of view as well, through the whole story. I liked the way that Maggie was able to know what he was thinking as she was recording what his thoughts were.
The plot of this one was fun and different from a lot of books that are out there right now. The characters are likable and well written. This book sucked me into the plot from the beginning and I couldn't stop until I found out what had happened.
Don't miss this great book!
I liked that you got to see Eric's point of view as well, through the whole story. I liked the way that Maggie was able to know what he was thinking as she was recording what his thoughts were.
The plot of this one was fun and different from a lot of books that are out there right now. The characters are likable and well written. This book sucked me into the plot from the beginning and I couldn't stop until I found out what had happened.
Don't miss this great book!
October 19, 2016
This book was given to me for a fair and honest review by Cedar Fort. The thoughts expressed here are my own and no way reflect Aaron Blaylock or Cedar Fort. In this book we follow Maggie and other curators who shelve thoughts of their charges while waiting for their mortality. Her charge is a guy named Eric who suffered a loss of April and has had trouble getting over it.
This book was definitely an interesting look into other thoughts and what could happen to them if someone else was watching over them and what happens when we die. Definitely a great book for people really into religion and what happens above us. Can't wait to see what Aaron Blaylock offers us next!
This book was definitely an interesting look into other thoughts and what could happen to them if someone else was watching over them and what happens when we die. Definitely a great book for people really into religion and what happens above us. Can't wait to see what Aaron Blaylock offers us next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews