Unsaid things

by Gary Smith

What if everyone knew what you were thinking? For fifteen year old Stephen Smart, there's no such thing as being alone with his thoughts. When he discovers that people can hear what he's thinking, Stephen's ordinary life is turned upside down. Now the hot girls know exactly what he thinks of them, his teachers know exactly what he wants to say to them and his relationship with friends and family just became a whole lot more complicated. Is it the result of a genetic fluke, government conspiracy or mere bad luck? Unable to control his ability and helpless to avoid sharing his innermost thoughts with friends and enemies alike, all Stephen knows is that his life has been changed forever. The first book in 'The Mentaleeze Chronicles'. Gifted teens must learn to live with their enhanced mental abilities in this exciting new series.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

219 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2016

About the author

I've always loved superheroes and been fascinated by the idea of having special powers. Over the years I've put the assorted trivia in my head to good use, writing for the Big Glasgow Comic Page and Comic Book Resources, and teaching classes on Marvel Comics.

For younger readers, The Supervillain Next Door is a madcap romp which follows a boy who's just made a big discovery - his grumpy old neighbour is really a grumpy old supervillain! The Crazy Christmas Job Swap follows Santa and the Tooth Fairy as they take part in a gift-giving contest, causing chaos wherever they go! A Time for Heroes is a time-twisting adventure that sees a young boy team up with his future selves to fight evil space pirates!

For teens and older,
Best Left Forgotten mixes High school drama with family secrets and a supernatural twist.

For those interested in the theory and history of superhero comics, Is Batman Overrated? collects various columns and writings that I've produced over the years.

Reviews

[L.C. Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!
This was so, so good! The summary alone had me hooked and I'm so glad it met my expectations. Imagine the ability to have other people read your thoughts! It's such an interesting and mortifying concept and I couldn't believe how realistic his situation felt. I absolutely loved Stephen. He was so incredibly relatable and I really felt for him throughout the book. There were so many times that I felt embarrassed along with him and when things turned ugly nearing the end I raced through the pages, unable to put the book down because I wanted to know what happened next. I was amazed by how strong the emotions were in this novel but what was even more refreshing was how great his family was. I could see them so vividly in my mind, knowing that their struggle in handling his condition was just as realistic as Stephen's struggle towards accepting it. The relationships overall were beautiful (I adored his little brother, Scott!) I just wish we got more scenes with his friends coping with it as well since the only one I somewhat know is his best friend. Putting that aside, I look forward to the next volume!

[Guy Venturi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing life changing coming of age story!

Kids and many adults dream of acquiring super powers and this story somewhat fits that desire. I have always desired to be adequate, with maybe a few exceptional things, in all areas of life. No such luck, but I have become a generalist rather than a specialist, and that has made me more valuable to all. Taking care of other's needs has built my knowledge and character.

When Stephen puts others first, he quickly matures. When self-centered, he disintegrates into depression and self pity. Fortunately he finds a soul mate to ease the transition back to life and self-confidence. Rachael needs the mutual support, too. Stephen discovers the true importance of family and friends providing guidance and sustinance during times of crisis. A hint leaves the need to progress to the next book.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in two days. It's a sci-fi twist on today's very relevant topics: bullying, personal changes and crisis, self-acceptance, and the differences between who we are, who we portray ourselves to be in person, and who we portray ourselves to be online. It wraps up a little too neatly, but it was good for the intended audience: middle and high school readers.

[Pat Cavill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting concept which I enjoyed throughout and would recommend to others. I felt for the lad right through the story and found it quite moving. Definitely worth a read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a great read with a unique twist on the teenage experience, you need look no further than "Unsaid Things." Actually, it's a great book whether you're a teen or not, and I definitely fall into the latter category. I also might add that it's a book every parent should read.

I won a copy of Gary Smith's debut novel via Goodreads Giveaways and was excited to give it a read because the premise really intrigued me. And let me just say that I was not disappointed!

Smith's book is about a 15-year-old boy who quite literally is unable to keep any of his thoughts to himself. Just about everyone can hear everything he's thinking, an unfortunate ability that constantly lands him into trouble.

I don't want to give too much away, but what makes this book so exceptionally well written is Smith's ability to make everything seem so, well, REAL. You feel the pain, the anger, the embarrassment, the hopelessness, the downright unfairness of it all when you have absolutely no control over your actions.

This book has so many layers, there's just no categorizing it. "Unsaid Things" is much more than a story about a boy who can project his thoughts. It's about dealing with and learning to live with an affliction that causes him and everyone around him nothing but pain. Or so it seems.

I look forward to the next book in the Mentaleeze series.

Five stars, hands down.

[Shaun Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite unique in it's premise. The story is originally shocking, you really do feel for this guy from the open page.
The character descriptions are good, and though obviously a work of fiction, was high relatable. A great read and I would recommend it. Very emotional.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy that was exposed to a medication and now has the mental hability to transmit his thoughts to people.
Really intrigued as to why does he collect his mother’s thoughts now....