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The Boy Who Steals Houses #1
The Boy Who Steals Houses
Can two broken boys find their perfect home?
Sam is only fifteen but he and his autistic older brother, Avery, have been abandoned by every relative he's ever known. Now Sam's trying to build a new life for them. He survives by breaking into empty houses when their owners are away, until one day he's caught out when a family returns home. To his amazement this large, chaotic family takes him under their wing - each teenager assuming Sam is a friend of another sibling. Sam finds himself inextricably caught up in their life, and falling for the beautiful Moxie.
But Sam has a secret, and his past is about to catch up with him.
Sam is only fifteen but he and his autistic older brother, Avery, have been abandoned by every relative he's ever known. Now Sam's trying to build a new life for them. He survives by breaking into empty houses when their owners are away, until one day he's caught out when a family returns home. To his amazement this large, chaotic family takes him under their wing - each teenager assuming Sam is a friend of another sibling. Sam finds himself inextricably caught up in their life, and falling for the beautiful Moxie.
But Sam has a secret, and his past is about to catch up with him.
347 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2019
282 people are currently reading
18210 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Drews
11 books25.3k followersCG Drews is the award-winning NYT Bestselling author of Don’t Let The Forest In, Hazelthorn, and You Did Nothing Wrong. Their work has been translated into over 12 languages, was nominated for the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal, and won the B&N 2025 YA Book Awards, and are also Indie Next Picks and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. CG lives in Australia under a pile of unread books. Find on Instagram as @paperfury and TikTok as @cgdrews or at cgdrews.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,345 reviews
August 4, 2025
Hello! I am the author of the book. If you'd like a list of content warnings please see my website here.
August 3, 2019
Ay mi corazoncito.
No saben lo que lloré con este libro, jajajaja. No fueron llantos largos, era más bien que de repente en una escena random se me salían las lágrimas. PORQUE POBRE SAMMY Y QUÉ HERMOSA ES LA FAMILIA DE LAINY.
Siento que al final le faltó un epílogo, o sea, me gustó pero me lo dejaron medio abrupto y medio abierto.
No saben lo que lloré con este libro, jajajaja. No fueron llantos largos, era más bien que de repente en una escena random se me salían las lágrimas. PORQUE POBRE SAMMY Y QUÉ HERMOSA ES LA FAMILIA DE LAINY.
Siento que al final le faltó un epílogo, o sea, me gustó pero me lo dejaron medio abrupto y medio abierto.
October 14, 2019
"I won't have anywhere decent to live. Or sleep. Or eat. I'll...I'll steal. I'll steal houses."
3.5 ⭐️
Ok, so for me this wasn't up there with A Thousand Perfect Notes. Don't get me wrong, this was a good book and the characters were on point.
I just found this one a lot harder to relate to, I guess. I can't honestly put my finger on why this one didn't connect as strongly with me but there we are.... onto the review!
Sammy Lou and his brother Avery have been on the run for some time now. Sammy 'steals' houses, AKA he breaks into houses where families have gone on holiday or are similarly empty, before moving onto another. We know there is a history with their relatives, but we don't know what it is they are running from, or why.
Avery has autism, and Sam has been his rock for years. Protecting him from those who don't understand, from those who would hurt him. When Avery falls in with a bad crowd Sam finds himself alone. When hiding in an abandoned home, Sam soon finds it isn't abandoned at all, and he becomes swept up in a large family gathering, with food, drink and friends. Sam has never experienced anything like it, and when each family member believes he is someone else's friend, Sam manages to get by unseen.
His time with the De Lainey family is Sam's idea of heaven, but he knows it can't last. He has too many secrets to hide. When eventually these secrets comes to light, Sam finds himself in deeper water than ever.
I really didn't like the treatment of Sam by the authorities - the social worker was awful, and he was in constant fear of the police. Like honestly the kid was 14?! I guess it serves to show how horrible adults can be and how black and white some views are, I just found I was so angry while reading rather than enjoying it.
Overall, the De Lainey family made this for me. Grady, Jeremy, Jack, Moxie, Dash, Toby and the baby, with of course Mr De Lainey running the ship. Their family just sprouted so much love, and they were so open to share it with everyone.
3.5 ⭐️
Ok, so for me this wasn't up there with A Thousand Perfect Notes. Don't get me wrong, this was a good book and the characters were on point.
I just found this one a lot harder to relate to, I guess. I can't honestly put my finger on why this one didn't connect as strongly with me but there we are.... onto the review!
Sammy Lou and his brother Avery have been on the run for some time now. Sammy 'steals' houses, AKA he breaks into houses where families have gone on holiday or are similarly empty, before moving onto another. We know there is a history with their relatives, but we don't know what it is they are running from, or why.
Avery has autism, and Sam has been his rock for years. Protecting him from those who don't understand, from those who would hurt him. When Avery falls in with a bad crowd Sam finds himself alone. When hiding in an abandoned home, Sam soon finds it isn't abandoned at all, and he becomes swept up in a large family gathering, with food, drink and friends. Sam has never experienced anything like it, and when each family member believes he is someone else's friend, Sam manages to get by unseen.
His time with the De Lainey family is Sam's idea of heaven, but he knows it can't last. He has too many secrets to hide. When eventually these secrets comes to light, Sam finds himself in deeper water than ever.
I really didn't like the treatment of Sam by the authorities - the social worker was awful, and he was in constant fear of the police. Like honestly the kid was 14?! I guess it serves to show how horrible adults can be and how black and white some views are, I just found I was so angry while reading rather than enjoying it.
Overall, the De Lainey family made this for me. Grady, Jeremy, Jack, Moxie, Dash, Toby and the baby, with of course Mr De Lainey running the ship. Their family just sprouted so much love, and they were so open to share it with everyone.
March 14, 2020
This is a heart-rending novel about family, broken pieces and redemption.
15 year old Sam just wants to take care of his older brother, Avery. Avery is autistic and needs routine, but that's hard to give when the only time Sam feels safe is when he's under a stolen roof.
If you've yet to read the author's debut, A Thousand Perfect Notes, well done you for protecting your heart for so long. If you survived that one, your scarred heart might just be tough enough to get through this one without breaking. Good luck though. I recommend extra bubble wrap for protection.
This is my third beautiful disaster in a row (following Sadie and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine) and honestly my poor lil heart needs a time out. It would be a quivering mess of uselessness if it wasn't for the De Laineys and their chaotic love. I desperately needed the light they brought to Sam's story.
Unlike the previous two books, this is a disaster I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Because the themes of love and devotion and family are so close to my heart and Sam is a dude I can really relate to. I mean, not so much the homelessness and the breaking into houses and looking after an autistic brother and stuff ... more just, like, the dedication. Family first. But he's a 15 year old kid dealing with things he should never have to deal with and I just felt so much for him. He deserved a little sunshine and to be loved and the happy accident of stumbling across the De Laineys was a refreshing blast of joy in a gloomy grey story and the balance was perfect.
This is also a really important book for Autism representation because it continues to remind the reader that Avery is not broken. Autism is not a passing illness, it's not a defect ... this book reps HARD and it was just written so respectfully while still facing the reality of how viciously autism can be viewed by ignorant members of society. Avery is a character you will find it hard not to fall in love with.
As with the author's previous novel, there's violence in here that will break your heart but there's a message within it:
"You can do monstrous things and not be a monster."
This is a novel about choices; about good, bad, and all the shades of grey that lie in between. This is a novel not afraid to face ugliness so that you can also appreciate the beauty when it's there. It's about mistakes, and choices, and the lengths we go to for family.
Loved it from start to finish, and highly recommend to anyone brave enough to offer their heart up for a thorough drenching in emotions.
15 year old Sam just wants to take care of his older brother, Avery. Avery is autistic and needs routine, but that's hard to give when the only time Sam feels safe is when he's under a stolen roof.
If you've yet to read the author's debut, A Thousand Perfect Notes, well done you for protecting your heart for so long. If you survived that one, your scarred heart might just be tough enough to get through this one without breaking. Good luck though. I recommend extra bubble wrap for protection.
This is my third beautiful disaster in a row (following Sadie and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine) and honestly my poor lil heart needs a time out. It would be a quivering mess of uselessness if it wasn't for the De Laineys and their chaotic love. I desperately needed the light they brought to Sam's story.
Unlike the previous two books, this is a disaster I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Because the themes of love and devotion and family are so close to my heart and Sam is a dude I can really relate to. I mean, not so much the homelessness and the breaking into houses and looking after an autistic brother and stuff ... more just, like, the dedication. Family first. But he's a 15 year old kid dealing with things he should never have to deal with and I just felt so much for him. He deserved a little sunshine and to be loved and the happy accident of stumbling across the De Laineys was a refreshing blast of joy in a gloomy grey story and the balance was perfect.
This is also a really important book for Autism representation because it continues to remind the reader that Avery is not broken. Autism is not a passing illness, it's not a defect ... this book reps HARD and it was just written so respectfully while still facing the reality of how viciously autism can be viewed by ignorant members of society. Avery is a character you will find it hard not to fall in love with.
As with the author's previous novel, there's violence in here that will break your heart but there's a message within it:
"You can do monstrous things and not be a monster."
This is a novel about choices; about good, bad, and all the shades of grey that lie in between. This is a novel not afraid to face ugliness so that you can also appreciate the beauty when it's there. It's about mistakes, and choices, and the lengths we go to for family.
Loved it from start to finish, and highly recommend to anyone brave enough to offer their heart up for a thorough drenching in emotions.
May 10, 2019
This review and other non-spoilery reviews can be found @The Book Prescription
“He’s officially taken house burglary to the next level. Forget stealing a bed, a key, a home for the night. He’s stealing families and their Sunday lunches.”
🌟 I consider miss Drews a role model for me and I am sure that extends to many other writers/ readers and bloggers. I mean she is one of us and she is a living proof that our dreams are possible when we work hard.
🌟 There are some “authors” who got a contract because they were just famous people and it shows in their less than average books! Miss Drews, despite being a famous blogger deserves her place in the publishing world. I loved her debut “A Thousand Perfect Notes” and now she blesses us with a gender-bent Goldilocks retelling.
🌟 This book is easy to go through in 1 or 2 sittings. This is probably because it is directed toward younger readers but it was still enjoyable for me. The first thought I had after finishing both of her books is that this is the kind of books I want my children to read in the future. This books delves into darker topics as abuse and abandonment. There are more themes throughout the book but if I was going to choose one major theme then I would say it is definitely about families!
🌟 Sam and Avery, our main characters were both fleshed out. Avery has autism and I think the representation was very good, I also just finished another book with an autistic rep by an own-voice author and it was similar to this one so I think miss Drews did her research. I am always happy to read accurate medical representations for my future!
Sam reminds me of my uncle, or at least the stories my mother tells me about him when he was younger. I don’t know if it was deliberate but Sam came to me as someone who has a intermittent explosive disorder which is so befitting given his background.
“No, please. It’s – you’re allowed to hurt. It’s not a contest.”
🌟 I have seen some reviews saying that this is a sad book but I think it is more than that and it is about finding hope in the strangest of places. The book may be dark but it has a realistic satisfying ending. Definitely reading the author’s future works :D.
“He’s officially taken house burglary to the next level. Forget stealing a bed, a key, a home for the night. He’s stealing families and their Sunday lunches.”
🌟 I consider miss Drews a role model for me and I am sure that extends to many other writers/ readers and bloggers. I mean she is one of us and she is a living proof that our dreams are possible when we work hard.
🌟 There are some “authors” who got a contract because they were just famous people and it shows in their less than average books! Miss Drews, despite being a famous blogger deserves her place in the publishing world. I loved her debut “A Thousand Perfect Notes” and now she blesses us with a gender-bent Goldilocks retelling.
🌟 This book is easy to go through in 1 or 2 sittings. This is probably because it is directed toward younger readers but it was still enjoyable for me. The first thought I had after finishing both of her books is that this is the kind of books I want my children to read in the future. This books delves into darker topics as abuse and abandonment. There are more themes throughout the book but if I was going to choose one major theme then I would say it is definitely about families!
🌟 Sam and Avery, our main characters were both fleshed out. Avery has autism and I think the representation was very good, I also just finished another book with an autistic rep by an own-voice author and it was similar to this one so I think miss Drews did her research. I am always happy to read accurate medical representations for my future!
Sam reminds me of my uncle, or at least the stories my mother tells me about him when he was younger. I don’t know if it was deliberate but Sam came to me as someone who has a intermittent explosive disorder which is so befitting given his background.
“No, please. It’s – you’re allowed to hurt. It’s not a contest.”
🌟 I have seen some reviews saying that this is a sad book but I think it is more than that and it is about finding hope in the strangest of places. The book may be dark but it has a realistic satisfying ending. Definitely reading the author’s future works :D.
March 6, 2019
SO MANY EMOTIONSSSSSSSS
wow what the actual heck, this was so beautiful but I cried literal buckets worth of tears, no joke.
I can barely order my thoughts right now, but here goes my attempt at a review:
🗝️ Sammy and Avery are such precious disasters, I would literally die for them. These poor lil traumatised cinnamon rolls, I LOVE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️
🗝️ The Delainey family is EVERYTHING they are so beautiful and precious. They also have their scars, but all SUCH BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE 😭😍💖
🗝️ The big family dynamic was done SO WELL it was gorgeous and loud and messy and REAL, but I didn't feel overcrowded by characters at all
🗝️ SO MUCH FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD 😍
🗝️ Boiiii I thought A Thousand Perfect Notes was pain but noooooooooooooooo that book is a field of buttercups and rainbows compared to this 😭
🗝️ But emotional trauma is worth it 10/10 worth it, please drop everything and read this right now!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
wow what the actual heck, this was so beautiful but I cried literal buckets worth of tears, no joke.
I can barely order my thoughts right now, but here goes my attempt at a review:
🗝️ Sammy and Avery are such precious disasters, I would literally die for them. These poor lil traumatised cinnamon rolls, I LOVE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️
🗝️ The Delainey family is EVERYTHING they are so beautiful and precious. They also have their scars, but all SUCH BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE 😭😍💖
🗝️ The big family dynamic was done SO WELL it was gorgeous and loud and messy and REAL, but I didn't feel overcrowded by characters at all
🗝️ SO MUCH FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD 😍
🗝️ Boiiii I thought A Thousand Perfect Notes was pain but noooooooooooooooo that book is a field of buttercups and rainbows compared to this 😭
🗝️ But emotional trauma is worth it 10/10 worth it, please drop everything and read this right now!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.
July 7, 2024
This is my second book by C.G. Drews and once again I was drawn in by a touching story of overcoming abuse, finding relationships that nurture you, and hope. Fifteen-year-old Sam and his older brother Avery who has autism have been kicked out of their parents’ home, and abandoned by every relative who could have taken them in. Avery has turned to unsavory characters who promise him a way to survive. Sam breaks into houses, just wanting to feel safe for a night. One day he breaks into the house of a large family who all mistake him for the friend of someone else. This examines many hard issues including homelessness, disability, child abuse, the burden that can be placed on older children to provide childcare for younger siblings after the loss of a parent, and others. Another wonderful read by C.G. Drews.
June 6, 2019
Brilliance, sheer brilliance.
Sammy Lou captured my heart. He's so precious and so desperate. Poor little baby. He deserved far better than he got--he deserved a home and a family and parents who loved him and all Moxie's love and aghhhhh my child. <3 I also appreciated the way the autism rep was done--I know Cait is autistic herself and I thought it was wonderfully done in Avery. The fact that he has such real struggles and difficulties but is still such a loving, passionate individual...I don't see that much and I think it's lovely. Well done on that front, Cait <3
Moxie and her sibling struggles was awesome. Also, the twins. Loved them.
The storyline was a little weak--I got a bit confused by the backstory occasionally, although for the most part I thought it was wonderfully done. And the whole De Lainey family and their house and thier chaos...this whole book was written with such love and sweetness and AGH I adored it.
Also, can we just talk about that cover? ALL THE LOVE.
Content for those who will want to know:
There's a lot more cussing in this than in 1000 Perfect Notes. It never gets above the s-word but there are a few of those. Mr. De Lainey does yell about the cussing a lot, though, and it felt pretty realistic xD also, one of the side characters is bisexual and there's some kissing and all that jazz. It never felt too heavy or uncomfortable, though. The biggest concern is the violence (abuse, someone gets hit by a car, punching, fist fights, worse fights...yeah xD)
This was beautiful and I looooved it. 4 stars <3
Sammy Lou captured my heart. He's so precious and so desperate. Poor little baby. He deserved far better than he got--he deserved a home and a family and parents who loved him and all Moxie's love and aghhhhh my child. <3 I also appreciated the way the autism rep was done--I know Cait is autistic herself and I thought it was wonderfully done in Avery. The fact that he has such real struggles and difficulties but is still such a loving, passionate individual...I don't see that much and I think it's lovely. Well done on that front, Cait <3
Moxie and her sibling struggles was awesome. Also, the twins. Loved them.
The storyline was a little weak--I got a bit confused by the backstory occasionally, although for the most part I thought it was wonderfully done. And the whole De Lainey family and their house and thier chaos...this whole book was written with such love and sweetness and AGH I adored it.
Also, can we just talk about that cover? ALL THE LOVE.
Content for those who will want to know:
There's a lot more cussing in this than in 1000 Perfect Notes. It never gets above the s-word but there are a few of those. Mr. De Lainey does yell about the cussing a lot, though, and it felt pretty realistic xD also, one of the side characters is bisexual and there's some kissing and all that jazz. It never felt too heavy or uncomfortable, though. The biggest concern is the violence (abuse, someone gets hit by a car, punching, fist fights, worse fights...yeah xD)
This was beautiful and I looooved it. 4 stars <3
Want to read
June 18, 2019“Sam is only fifteen but he and his autistic older brother, Avery, have been abandoned by every relative he's ever known.
Now Sam's trying to build a new life for them. He survives by breaking into empty houses when their owners are away, until one day he's caught out when a family returns home. To his amazement this large, chaotic family takes him under their wing—each teenager assuming Sam is a friend of another sibling. Sam finds himself inextricably caught up in their life, and falling for the beautiful Moxie.
But Sam has a secret, and his past is about to catch up with him.”
This sounds SO PRECIOUS 😭😍 also, can we talk about that COVER???! I am sold 100%
I hope it turns out as amazing as it promises to be :))
Expected publication: April 4th 2019
Now Sam's trying to build a new life for them. He survives by breaking into empty houses when their owners are away, until one day he's caught out when a family returns home. To his amazement this large, chaotic family takes him under their wing—each teenager assuming Sam is a friend of another sibling. Sam finds himself inextricably caught up in their life, and falling for the beautiful Moxie.
But Sam has a secret, and his past is about to catch up with him.”
This sounds SO PRECIOUS 😭😍 also, can we talk about that COVER???! I am sold 100%
I hope it turns out as amazing as it promises to be :))
Expected publication: April 4th 2019
April 15, 2019
***April 14, 2019***
I'M SORRY WHAT? HOW COULD IT JUST END LIKE THAT?? I HAVE FEELINGS. SO MANY FEELINGS. WHAT DID I DO TOO DESERVE THIS PAIN??? AJGHGFHGGHF THIS BOOK WAS SOOOO GOOD! AND PAINFUL. WAY TOO PAINFUL.
RTC.
***January 25, 2019***
This cover is SO PRETTY. I AM IN LOVE. PREEEEEETTTTTYYYY. I NEED. Also this book is coming so soon ahhhhhhh!
***June 15, 2018***
I made the mistake of reading the sneak peak in the end of ATPN... WHY?!?!?! IT SOUNDS SO GOOD!!!! Honestly, ATPN was amazing, and this sounds way more like the sort of thing I would normally pick up, and ABHGDJDGJAGKFGKFJGKJGJKFGHFMHGHGKFFD CAN I HAVE THIS RIGHT NOW PLEASE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
***March 18, 2018***
Seriously, I need this so badly! I think I screamed when it was announced, and it just sounds so good!!! I am SO excited! Why must April 2019 be so far away?!?!?! Whyyyyyyyyy?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
I'M SORRY WHAT? HOW COULD IT JUST END LIKE THAT?? I HAVE FEELINGS. SO MANY FEELINGS. WHAT DID I DO TOO DESERVE THIS PAIN??? AJGHGFHGGHF THIS BOOK WAS SOOOO GOOD! AND PAINFUL. WAY TOO PAINFUL.
RTC.
***January 25, 2019***
This cover is SO PRETTY. I AM IN LOVE. PREEEEEETTTTTYYYY. I NEED. Also this book is coming so soon ahhhhhhh!
***June 15, 2018***
I made the mistake of reading the sneak peak in the end of ATPN... WHY?!?!?! IT SOUNDS SO GOOD!!!! Honestly, ATPN was amazing, and this sounds way more like the sort of thing I would normally pick up, and ABHGDJDGJAGKFGKFJGKJGJKFGHFMHGHGKFFD CAN I HAVE THIS RIGHT NOW PLEASE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
***March 18, 2018***
Seriously, I need this so badly! I think I screamed when it was announced, and it just sounds so good!!! I am SO excited! Why must April 2019 be so far away?!?!?! Whyyyyyyyyy?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
May 6, 2024
Ta książka dała mi poczucie komfortu (mimo trudnych kwestii, które poruszała) i pozwoliła poczuć ciepło domu De Laineyów wraz z Samem. Jestem jej za to szalenie wdzięczna.
June 14, 2020
Oh my goodness, I mean like look, I absolutely loved this so much, just like at how I really loved reading A Thousand Perfect Notes and to be frank with you all, C.G Drews is right now, with the emotions I’m feeling after reading this book, one of my favourite YA authors. There’s just something about these books that I feel like I’m just be able to connect with the characters and feel all the feels for them and just really hope that everything will end up ok for all of them. I’ll try to express how much I loved this as coherently as possible, but I would apologise in advance if this review is a slight mess.
I really loved this book right from the very first chapter and there’s really just something that made me able to feel so bad for every character and Drews really is able to make the reader be able to connect with them and feel for them. Sammy especially is so, so broken and all I wanted was for things to be able to be ok and for him be able to look forward to a brighter future after the things he has suffered and gone through at such a young age, at a time when he should be going to school and making friends, but instead is left on the streets and all he wants is a home. Like maybe, as a teenaged book review like I am, Sammy is much closer to my age than the vast majority of book characters and perhaps seeing that, made me really care for him so much more. Yes, he has his faults, but it makes him feel so much more realistic and these so called ‘faults’ aren’t even his fault, as all he wants is to protect the people that he deeply cares about as well as the trauma he underwent when he was such a young child.
Then there’s also Moxie, who I also loved, so, so much and just her ability to care and listen, but also be able to be snarky, strong and brave. She’s truly the person that is able to get Sam throughout the course of this novel and to be there to support him, but also to not be afraid to speak the truth from her heart and to express herself so brilliantly, whilst knowing that some things are out of her or others control. If not for how much I so deeply cared for Sam and how much I wanted him to be able to have a better life ahead, Moxie would be my next favourite character. I simply loved how bright she shone as a character. And before anyone tells me off for being hella weird for caring so much for book characters, look, leave me alone ok, it’s not very often I love a book this much.
Even Avery, who I have all my sympathies for, and even though he isn’t the most present character, it does feel he often is there, and he needs to be protected as people use him in ways that are utterly just wrong.
And naturally, I really enjoyed the family dynamics and Drews wrote a family that clearly loved each other, despite going through so many problems of its own and every family member was able to stick out as an individual, whether they were at times annoying or not, that’s besides the point. It’s clear not everything perfect, and they know that, yet everyone is just trying their best to make things work and I was so delighted at the way they took on Sam and cared for him.
One thing that I found slightly ironic almost was that Sam and Avery had an Aunt called Karen, which in 2020’s context, is essentially being more of a boomer than a boomer not to mention that there is this literal line in the book -
“Or she’ll call the police.”
Which like look, I’m almost positive it wasn’t intentional that her name was Karen, as it is a common enough name, but it’s still sort of funny.
I actually have not breezed through a book this quickly in who knows how long. I finished this in about 16-17 hours or so, and half of that was me sleeping and it’s a 350 paged book, and the thing was, was that I truly enjoyed every moment of it and I wasn’t forcing myself to push through it since I had nothing better to do like I did with The Wise Man’s Fear, where I read like 500 pages in a day. I was so immersed with this book that there was this instance where I read 60 pages but had no idea and looked down at the page count and realised that I had in fact read 60 pages yet hadn’t looked down at the page count. That really doesn’t happen often as for some odd reason I like looking at the amount of progress that I’ve made.
Like look, yes, I was a roller coaster of emotions and I had to take the occasional break to stop be from tearing up that much, because life can be miserable sometimes, but it can also be glorious, bright and colourful. There were also some scenes that made my heart ache and yearn for more of these fabulous people who I managed to simply adore.
In short: I LOVE THIS SO MUCH AND YOU NEED TO READ IT AND I WILL BE RECOMMENDING THIS TO EVERYONE WANTING A YA CONTEMPORARY FROM NOW ON. 10/10
I really loved this book right from the very first chapter and there’s really just something that made me able to feel so bad for every character and Drews really is able to make the reader be able to connect with them and feel for them. Sammy especially is so, so broken and all I wanted was for things to be able to be ok and for him be able to look forward to a brighter future after the things he has suffered and gone through at such a young age, at a time when he should be going to school and making friends, but instead is left on the streets and all he wants is a home. Like maybe, as a teenaged book review like I am, Sammy is much closer to my age than the vast majority of book characters and perhaps seeing that, made me really care for him so much more. Yes, he has his faults, but it makes him feel so much more realistic and these so called ‘faults’ aren’t even his fault, as all he wants is to protect the people that he deeply cares about as well as the trauma he underwent when he was such a young child.
Then there’s also Moxie, who I also loved, so, so much and just her ability to care and listen, but also be able to be snarky, strong and brave. She’s truly the person that is able to get Sam throughout the course of this novel and to be there to support him, but also to not be afraid to speak the truth from her heart and to express herself so brilliantly, whilst knowing that some things are out of her or others control. If not for how much I so deeply cared for Sam and how much I wanted him to be able to have a better life ahead, Moxie would be my next favourite character. I simply loved how bright she shone as a character. And before anyone tells me off for being hella weird for caring so much for book characters, look, leave me alone ok, it’s not very often I love a book this much.
Even Avery, who I have all my sympathies for, and even though he isn’t the most present character, it does feel he often is there, and he needs to be protected as people use him in ways that are utterly just wrong.
And naturally, I really enjoyed the family dynamics and Drews wrote a family that clearly loved each other, despite going through so many problems of its own and every family member was able to stick out as an individual, whether they were at times annoying or not, that’s besides the point. It’s clear not everything perfect, and they know that, yet everyone is just trying their best to make things work and I was so delighted at the way they took on Sam and cared for him.
One thing that I found slightly ironic almost was that Sam and Avery had an Aunt called Karen, which in 2020’s context, is essentially being more of a boomer than a boomer not to mention that there is this literal line in the book -
“Or she’ll call the police.”
Which like look, I’m almost positive it wasn’t intentional that her name was Karen, as it is a common enough name, but it’s still sort of funny.
I actually have not breezed through a book this quickly in who knows how long. I finished this in about 16-17 hours or so, and half of that was me sleeping and it’s a 350 paged book, and the thing was, was that I truly enjoyed every moment of it and I wasn’t forcing myself to push through it since I had nothing better to do like I did with The Wise Man’s Fear, where I read like 500 pages in a day. I was so immersed with this book that there was this instance where I read 60 pages but had no idea and looked down at the page count and realised that I had in fact read 60 pages yet hadn’t looked down at the page count. That really doesn’t happen often as for some odd reason I like looking at the amount of progress that I’ve made.
Like look, yes, I was a roller coaster of emotions and I had to take the occasional break to stop be from tearing up that much, because life can be miserable sometimes, but it can also be glorious, bright and colourful. There were also some scenes that made my heart ache and yearn for more of these fabulous people who I managed to simply adore.
In short: I LOVE THIS SO MUCH AND YOU NEED TO READ IT AND I WILL BE RECOMMENDING THIS TO EVERYONE WANTING A YA CONTEMPORARY FROM NOW ON. 10/10
August 7, 2019
Note: I've decided to lower my rating to four stars and slightly edited the review for purely personal reasons; I like to save five star ratings for books that deeply affect me. I still highly recommend this though and think it's a great book.
Review
This is just my kind of contemporary.
Trigger warnings: homelessness, violence, ableism, child abuse.
If you're looking for something fluffy and easy to read, this ain't that. I'd actually strongly caution against you reading this if any of the triggers really get to you, it's even darker than the author's debut A Thousand Perfect Notes. The protagonist, Sam has gone through so much and it shows in how utterly broken he is, how he just feels so defeated and self-loathing. He's a character you just want to hug and give him some hot cocoa and a blanket.
However, it's not all bleak. There are a lot of really cute scenes with him and the De Laineys, who are much more than background characters and many of them are well developed despite getting very little page time.
There's also the relationship between Sam and his brother Avery which is both heartbreaking and loving, something I'm glad about because we so rarely see such close platonic and brotherly relationships between boys in YA. (Note, I cannot say anything about the autism rep with Avery because I am not autistic, I can only say I liked Avery as a character and that this is OwnVoices)
The mix of emotions and character dynamics are the main reason I'm giving this a high rating. I also quite like the writing style. It's very creative with misusing punctuation occasionally to evoke emotion and sometimes the words are even broken apart and the letters spaced to show things like
F
A
L
L
I
N
G
my only issue is that I found the pacing a little uneven, but that's a minor complaint. If you like creative emotional books that will make you cry at 1:00 a.m., then I highly recommend this.
Review
This is just my kind of contemporary.
Trigger warnings: homelessness, violence, ableism, child abuse.
If you're looking for something fluffy and easy to read, this ain't that. I'd actually strongly caution against you reading this if any of the triggers really get to you, it's even darker than the author's debut A Thousand Perfect Notes. The protagonist, Sam has gone through so much and it shows in how utterly broken he is, how he just feels so defeated and self-loathing. He's a character you just want to hug and give him some hot cocoa and a blanket.
However, it's not all bleak. There are a lot of really cute scenes with him and the De Laineys, who are much more than background characters and many of them are well developed despite getting very little page time.
There's also the relationship between Sam and his brother Avery which is both heartbreaking and loving, something I'm glad about because we so rarely see such close platonic and brotherly relationships between boys in YA. (Note, I cannot say anything about the autism rep with Avery because I am not autistic, I can only say I liked Avery as a character and that this is OwnVoices)
The mix of emotions and character dynamics are the main reason I'm giving this a high rating. I also quite like the writing style. It's very creative with misusing punctuation occasionally to evoke emotion and sometimes the words are even broken apart and the letters spaced to show things like
F
A
L
L
I
N
G
my only issue is that I found the pacing a little uneven, but that's a minor complaint. If you like creative emotional books that will make you cry at 1:00 a.m., then I highly recommend this.
June 29, 2019
good gracious. theres just something that makes my heart feel like its taken a massive beating every time i finish a story by c.g. drews. her books will be the death of me, i swear.
↠ 4 stars
↠ 4 stars
May 20, 2019
Be prepared for broken boys, the best angsty siblings, rainbow skirts and waffles and lots of fistfighting laced with heartbreak is all I'm saying.
December 11, 2020
reread - AHHH I'M SOBBING AH THIS GETS ME EVERY TIME
March 31, 2019
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
TW: domestic abuse, violence
CAIT HAS DONE IT AGAIN. How can she write the most beautifully heartbreaking books??? My heart is is too soft for this. A Thousand Perfect Notes was one of my favorite reads of last year and now I've just added The Boy Who Steals Houses to my 2019 Favorites list. I hardly read books outside the fantasy genre but I can't help reading Cait's YA Contemporary books because I know they're bound to be phenomenal.
She didn't disappoint, folks.
MORE THOUGHTS ON THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES:
• The Boy Who Steals Houses has a really unique premise. It's actually a Goldilocks retelling where two homeless boys try to get through life by breaking into houses. You can safely assume that I was perpetually in pain while reading because Sam and Avery deserve better lives than thieving and stealing their way to survival.
• It also shows dymanics between two siblings which I especially admired. Their relationship isn't perfect (there isn't any perfect sibling relationship of course. Y'all should see me and my sister fighting over who washes the dishes) but they always end up running back to each other every single time. Avery is autistic and Sam is the only one who fully understands him. He will fight tooth and nail to protect Avery even if it kills him.
• Sam appears so raw and I just...love him so much okay?? Making bad decisions is Sammy Lou's brand. While reading some parts in the book, I was torn between screaming at him and hugging him fifteen times. He's an extremely flawed character but one¹ can't help but have these protective feelings for him. His anxiety also feels too real. I can especially relate to the sweaty palms (my palms have been cursed by ten river gods and I honestly don't know why I offended them) and the feeling of not being able to fit into a world full of people. The anxiety rep in this book is so well-written, that's for sure.
¹I am the one. I will protect Sammy Lou with my life.
• C. G Drews' writing style makes mundane life magical and I AM IN LOVE. I mentioned in my A Thousand Perfect Notes review that she has this soulful way of writing that I loved seeing again in TBWSH. The descriptions and the metaphors make a full-course meal that fed my bookdragon soul.
• It captures the chaos and the charm of a big family
THE DE LAINEYS CAN ADOPT ME RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW. Okay, scratch that. My mom wouldn't be pleased if she hears about this.
Sam's life gets even more complicated when he gets tangled up (quite literally) with the De Laineys. They are people who don't believe that "organization" is a real word and know all too well that peace is a far-fetched dream in a house full of screaming babies, stabby sisters, and dynamic older brothers.
The chaos of a big family is told vividly in this book and I enjoyed every word of the De Laineys' spontaneous banter. Y'ALL NEED TO MEET EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. No words can express my love for all these fireballs.
• MOXIE AND SAM GAVE ME ALL THE FEELS
Here's the thing: Moxie is a force to be reckoned with and she's a legend who deserves hundreds of epic poems to her name. C.G. Drews writes all the iconic female characters and I want to give her a hundred boxes of cakes for that.
Moxie and Sam have this pure chemistry that made me scream silently with all the feels. They went from enemies to lovers through the help of caramel and if that's not the proof of the power of food, I don't know what is. I LOVE THEM BOTH SO MUCH.
• It's a heartbreaking story full of love and hope
It's not a book written by Cait if it doesn't make you cry at least ten buckets of tears. TBWSH has its fluff and funny dialogues but it also has its gut-wrenching moments that will make you sob long after you've finished reading it. You need to read the book to know what I mean but this one's for sure: Sammy Lou will steal your hearts just as he steals houses so guard it fiercely. You have been warned.
All the quotes used in this review are from the e-ARC provided by the publisher and may be subject to change upon publication
TW: domestic abuse, violence
CAIT HAS DONE IT AGAIN. How can she write the most beautifully heartbreaking books??? My heart is is too soft for this. A Thousand Perfect Notes was one of my favorite reads of last year and now I've just added The Boy Who Steals Houses to my 2019 Favorites list. I hardly read books outside the fantasy genre but I can't help reading Cait's YA Contemporary books because I know they're bound to be phenomenal.
She didn't disappoint, folks.
MORE THOUGHTS ON THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES:
• The Boy Who Steals Houses has a really unique premise. It's actually a Goldilocks retelling where two homeless boys try to get through life by breaking into houses. You can safely assume that I was perpetually in pain while reading because Sam and Avery deserve better lives than thieving and stealing their way to survival.
‘We’re stealing a house, because you know what we need?’
Avery shakes his head.
‘We are the kings of nowhere,’ Sammy says. ‘We only need us.’
He’s a very good liar.
• It also shows dymanics between two siblings which I especially admired. Their relationship isn't perfect (there isn't any perfect sibling relationship of course. Y'all should see me and my sister fighting over who washes the dishes) but they always end up running back to each other every single time. Avery is autistic and Sam is the only one who fully understands him. He will fight tooth and nail to protect Avery even if it kills him.
Sam spends his life hitting the world and smoothing over the rusty corners so Avery won’t fall and hurt himself.
• Sam appears so raw and I just...love him so much okay?? Making bad decisions is Sammy Lou's brand. While reading some parts in the book, I was torn between screaming at him and hugging him fifteen times. He's an extremely flawed character but one¹ can't help but have these protective feelings for him. His anxiety also feels too real. I can especially relate to the sweaty palms (my palms have been cursed by ten river gods and I honestly don't know why I offended them) and the feeling of not being able to fit into a world full of people. The anxiety rep in this book is so well-written, that's for sure.
¹I am the one. I will protect Sammy Lou with my life.
• C. G Drews' writing style makes mundane life magical and I AM IN LOVE. I mentioned in my A Thousand Perfect Notes review that she has this soulful way of writing that I loved seeing again in TBWSH. The descriptions and the metaphors make a full-course meal that fed my bookdragon soul.
He can’t believe he’s still clawing for the impossible wish of having his own home. But he needs a dream as big as the moon or else he’s just an invisible boy with empty hands.
• It captures the chaos and the charm of a big family
THE DE LAINEYS CAN ADOPT ME RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW. Okay, scratch that. My mom wouldn't be pleased if she hears about this.
Sam's life gets even more complicated when he gets tangled up (quite literally) with the De Laineys. They are people who don't believe that "organization" is a real word and know all too well that peace is a far-fetched dream in a house full of screaming babies, stabby sisters, and dynamic older brothers.
The chaos of a big family is told vividly in this book and I enjoyed every word of the De Laineys' spontaneous banter. Y'ALL NEED TO MEET EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. No words can express my love for all these fireballs.
Footsteps pad upstairs and the De Lainey father’s voice trails down, softly warning.
‘Jack. If I have to pull up your language one more time tonight, you’re losing your phone.’
‘Child abuse,’ Jack mutters. ‘How is his hearing so good?’
Jeremy pats his shoulder. ‘Only for you and your swearing, buddy. If we’re asking to use the car, he can’t hear a thing.’
• MOXIE AND SAM GAVE ME ALL THE FEELS
Here's the thing: Moxie is a force to be reckoned with and she's a legend who deserves hundreds of epic poems to her name. C.G. Drews writes all the iconic female characters and I want to give her a hundred boxes of cakes for that.
He walks next to Moxie, because the others’ wildness is equal parts fascinating and terrifying. Plus Moxie moves with a grim, no-nonsense look on her face, like getting to the beach is a mission and she’ll achieve it no matter what. It’s comforting to be near someone who knows how to get what they want.
Moxie and Sam have this pure chemistry that made me scream silently with all the feels. They went from enemies to lovers through the help of caramel and if that's not the proof of the power of food, I don't know what is. I LOVE THEM BOTH SO MUCH.
• It's a heartbreaking story full of love and hope
It's not a book written by Cait if it doesn't make you cry at least ten buckets of tears. TBWSH has its fluff and funny dialogues but it also has its gut-wrenching moments that will make you sob long after you've finished reading it. You need to read the book to know what I mean but this one's for sure: Sammy Lou will steal your hearts just as he steals houses so guard it fiercely. You have been warned.
All the quotes used in this review are from the e-ARC provided by the publisher and may be subject to change upon publication
September 14, 2019
Remember how I said that I looooved A Thousand Perfect Notes? Well, somehow Cait improved upon every aspect of her first novel. I don’t know how that’s possible either.
I do want to state trigger warnings for abuse, violence, and possible anxiety triggers. Also, Avery is autistic and goes through a lot, so if that’s triggering to you please be careful!!
Some of the things I enjoyed:
WAFFLES. Truly, my most favorite thing about this book. The author always has the best food in her books and the characters are obviously obsessed, as they should be.
“Sam should leave before Moxie asks more questions. Before her dad talks to him which – no, just no. Sam feels sick around adults.
But there are still waffles left and…well, waffles."
I TOTALLY JUST TURNED TO THE PAGE WITH THIS QUOTE ON IT. BY CHANCE. FURTHER PROOF THAT WAFFLES AND I ARE MEANT TO BE SOULMATES.
A dysfunctional family! I’ll talk in more detail in the character breakdowns below, but just know that they have now joined the Blackthorns as my favorite fictional families of all time.
OwnVoices representation!!! Cait has talked extensively about how Avery’s autism relates to her own, and how everyone’s experiences are different. You can truly hear her voice in the story and it’s so so important!!
Soft boys. I could talk forever and always about how much I adore soft boys rather than hardened battle warriors with a heart of gold (although I like them too) and Sammy was everything.
A really well-plotted story! The story is so much bigger, and there was one plot twist that came out of nowhere and had me shaking in my socks.
ALL THE FEELS. I actually stopped breathing the last third of this book. I didn’t cry but I could feel tears building in my eyes. This is written with such raw emotion, and I can feel it in every bone in my body.
Also it was super funny. Everyone’s written so naturally and actually sound like real live people!
Now for the Character Breakdowns!
That I’m doing really quickly because there’s a lot of characters I could scream forever about!
Sammy Lou is…AGH. I have tears just writing about him, because he’s so fierce but not and just wants a family and a home and really, can I give him a hug. His character was an incredible perspective to read from because we got to see his relationship with Avery, we got flashbacks, and also the way he described Moxie was so pure and sweet I can’t even. Also, he kinda reminded me of Sam from Supernatural? But with Dean-like tendencies. I DON’T KNOW LIFE IS VERY COMPLICATED.
Moxie is so unique! She knows the value of chocolate, okay. Her witty banter with her brothers had me cackling like the witchy hyena that I am. She’s the best.
Fred and George Jeremy and Jack were HILARIOUS. They’re so different and so lovable. They gave me huge Fred and George vibes while still being wholly original. Their conversation with Sam about his “intentions” with Moxie was so funny. It was even funnier because I’m the oldest and #CANTRELATE.
Avery needs to be hugged and protected and also understood. He’s so beautiful JUST the way he is and needs to know that! I haven’t read a lot of books with autistic characters, sadly, but I can’t wait to change that! I also really need a short story where the Lou boys are at the De Lainey’s and there’s banter and feels and waffles. Best short story ever.
C.G. Drews is honestly one of the most underrated authors out there, and I'd highly recommend picking up her books if you haven't yet!
I do want to state trigger warnings for abuse, violence, and possible anxiety triggers. Also, Avery is autistic and goes through a lot, so if that’s triggering to you please be careful!!
Some of the things I enjoyed:
WAFFLES. Truly, my most favorite thing about this book. The author always has the best food in her books and the characters are obviously obsessed, as they should be.
“Sam should leave before Moxie asks more questions. Before her dad talks to him which – no, just no. Sam feels sick around adults.
But there are still waffles left and…well, waffles."
I TOTALLY JUST TURNED TO THE PAGE WITH THIS QUOTE ON IT. BY CHANCE. FURTHER PROOF THAT WAFFLES AND I ARE MEANT TO BE SOULMATES.
A dysfunctional family! I’ll talk in more detail in the character breakdowns below, but just know that they have now joined the Blackthorns as my favorite fictional families of all time.
OwnVoices representation!!! Cait has talked extensively about how Avery’s autism relates to her own, and how everyone’s experiences are different. You can truly hear her voice in the story and it’s so so important!!
Soft boys. I could talk forever and always about how much I adore soft boys rather than hardened battle warriors with a heart of gold (although I like them too) and Sammy was everything.
A really well-plotted story! The story is so much bigger, and there was one plot twist that came out of nowhere and had me shaking in my socks.
ALL THE FEELS. I actually stopped breathing the last third of this book. I didn’t cry but I could feel tears building in my eyes. This is written with such raw emotion, and I can feel it in every bone in my body.
Also it was super funny. Everyone’s written so naturally and actually sound like real live people!
Now for the Character Breakdowns!
That I’m doing really quickly because there’s a lot of characters I could scream forever about!
Sammy Lou is…AGH. I have tears just writing about him, because he’s so fierce but not and just wants a family and a home and really, can I give him a hug. His character was an incredible perspective to read from because we got to see his relationship with Avery, we got flashbacks, and also the way he described Moxie was so pure and sweet I can’t even. Also, he kinda reminded me of Sam from Supernatural? But with Dean-like tendencies. I DON’T KNOW LIFE IS VERY COMPLICATED.
Moxie is so unique! She knows the value of chocolate, okay. Her witty banter with her brothers had me cackling like the witchy hyena that I am. She’s the best.
Fred and George Jeremy and Jack were HILARIOUS. They’re so different and so lovable. They gave me huge Fred and George vibes while still being wholly original. Their conversation with Sam about his “intentions” with Moxie was so funny. It was even funnier because I’m the oldest and #CANTRELATE.
Avery needs to be hugged and protected and also understood. He’s so beautiful JUST the way he is and needs to know that! I haven’t read a lot of books with autistic characters, sadly, but I can’t wait to change that! I also really need a short story where the Lou boys are at the De Lainey’s and there’s banter and feels and waffles. Best short story ever.
C.G. Drews is honestly one of the most underrated authors out there, and I'd highly recommend picking up her books if you haven't yet!
April 12, 2019
This book can be summed up in four words:
Breaking a tragic cycle.
It's about a boy who had to fight life from childhood - abandoned by his mother, his father dumped him and his autistic older brother on an aunt who wasn't prepared or willing to deal with a special-needs child. They grew up and Sam grew violent trying to fend off the bullies, who also failed to understand Avery.
And now he's trapped. His violence has landed him on the streets and he still has to look out for his older brother.
And he's still only fifteen.
But the beauty of this book is that it shows that, no matter how deep you get, cycles CAN be broken. Good people do exist, and help can be found.
And Cait's writing style is just art, okay? Pardon me, a moment. Someone's chopping invisible onions. I need to go tell them to stop.
Breaking a tragic cycle.
It's about a boy who had to fight life from childhood - abandoned by his mother, his father dumped him and his autistic older brother on an aunt who wasn't prepared or willing to deal with a special-needs child. They grew up and Sam grew violent trying to fend off the bullies, who also failed to understand Avery.
And now he's trapped. His violence has landed him on the streets and he still has to look out for his older brother.
And he's still only fifteen.
But the beauty of this book is that it shows that, no matter how deep you get, cycles CAN be broken. Good people do exist, and help can be found.
And Cait's writing style is just art, okay? Pardon me, a moment. Someone's chopping invisible onions. I need to go tell them to stop.
April 20, 2019
hubs and i had a discussion and came to a mutual agreement: sammy lou will be our son.
OH. MY. FUCKING. GOD. HOLY. CUPCAKE. This was so fucking good. I can't tell you all how much i love this book. This. Goddamn. Book. It ruined me. It healed me. It teared me apart. It pieced me together.
If i had saved my tears, i would've saved an entire kingdom from drought. The book has become so precious to me. I want to hug Sam and tell him that he has home.
OH. MY. FUCKING. GOD. HOLY. CUPCAKE. This was so fucking good. I can't tell you all how much i love this book. This. Goddamn. Book. It ruined me. It healed me. It teared me apart. It pieced me together.
If i had saved my tears, i would've saved an entire kingdom from drought. The book has become so precious to me. I want to hug Sam and tell him that he has home.
Want to read
August 28, 2018cait pretty much wrecked us with a thousand perfect notes, we're all gonna wanna read this
October 18, 2019
REREAD: Just as sweet and feelsy and heart-capturing as the first time I read it!
FIRST TIME:
To make an intentional, but fitting, pun: This book has stolen my heart.
Even before I'd read more than the first chapter, I was so connected with this book. Every single moment of the story is so real. I mean, on one level, yes--I relate to big families, and that was great. But on a whole deeper level, it's so raw and real and every character is full of life and it's just amazing.
Speaking of the characters: I loved them! Sam was so easy to connect with and his struggles drew me into the story relentlessly.
I don't know much about autism, but as far as I do know, Avery is an amazing rep! Avery is not 'the autistic character'. He's a boy with real struggles and real feelings and real pain, and autism is just part of his character. He's written in a beautiful way, that I think is a testament to what a good rep should be. Not there to tick boxes, not a cardboard boy with 'autistic' taped on his forehead, but a real human being, just like someone you might meet down the street.
All the De Lainey's were so much fun. Big families are the best. <3
I love love looove the writing style. It draws me in and never even lets me catch my breath. It's so vivid and the story itself grabbed my heart and didn't let go. I may have stayed up to almost midnight to finish this book in one day.
I feel like this book isn't as intense as A Thousand Perfect Notes, but I probably like it better. The story about finding a family and a home is close to my own heart, and I can see that this story really comes from Cait's heart too, and that's beautiful. The themes of family and home are so precious and THE ENDING. I adored the ending. So raw, so good.
Some content warnings below. I try to keep the spoilers to a limit, but enter at your own discretion:
In closing, I loooove this book to the end of anything. The story, the characters, the heart, they're all so beautiful and real.
FIRST TIME:
To make an intentional, but fitting, pun: This book has stolen my heart.
Even before I'd read more than the first chapter, I was so connected with this book. Every single moment of the story is so real. I mean, on one level, yes--I relate to big families, and that was great. But on a whole deeper level, it's so raw and real and every character is full of life and it's just amazing.
Speaking of the characters: I loved them! Sam was so easy to connect with and his struggles drew me into the story relentlessly.
I don't know much about autism, but as far as I do know, Avery is an amazing rep! Avery is not 'the autistic character'. He's a boy with real struggles and real feelings and real pain, and autism is just part of his character. He's written in a beautiful way, that I think is a testament to what a good rep should be. Not there to tick boxes, not a cardboard boy with 'autistic' taped on his forehead, but a real human being, just like someone you might meet down the street.
All the De Lainey's were so much fun. Big families are the best. <3
I love love looove the writing style. It draws me in and never even lets me catch my breath. It's so vivid and the story itself grabbed my heart and didn't let go. I may have stayed up to almost midnight to finish this book in one day.
I feel like this book isn't as intense as A Thousand Perfect Notes, but I probably like it better. The story about finding a family and a home is close to my own heart, and I can see that this story really comes from Cait's heart too, and that's beautiful. The themes of family and home are so precious and THE ENDING. I adored the ending. So raw, so good.
Some content warnings below. I try to keep the spoilers to a limit, but enter at your own discretion:
In closing, I loooove this book to the end of anything. The story, the characters, the heart, they're all so beautiful and real.
April 11, 2019
FINALLY GETTING AROUND TO REVIEWING THIS. I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT SINCE I FINISHED READING IT A WEEK AGO.
I first read this book as an early draft, and BOY has it come in leaps and bounds. In every page you can feel Sam's yearning for a family and a home, and his fierce love for his older brother Avery. I love the chaotic De Laineys and Moxie and all the glitter.
It will probably make you cry.
I first read this book as an early draft, and BOY has it come in leaps and bounds. In every page you can feel Sam's yearning for a family and a home, and his fierce love for his older brother Avery. I love the chaotic De Laineys and Moxie and all the glitter.
It will probably make you cry.
November 17, 2020
woow...wooow...wooowww
May 30, 2021
"People understand a cute seven-year-old boy screaming on the floor because he’s autistic. They call the police when that screaming little boy becomes seventeen."
Sam is looking for a way to build a new life for his autistic brother, Avery, and himself; and breaks into empty houses to stay—and survive—the nights. But he gets busted when the De Laineys return to their house early. They’re chaos. They’re loud. They’re where Sam wants to belong. But there’s a reason why he’s been on the run, and it’s going to catch up with him soon.
You can see my heart in the pic I inserted at the bottom of the review—ah, wait. You can’t! Probably because Sam, Moxie, Avery, and the ridiculously talented being known as @paperfury, stole it. Aside from small Post-It flags, I’ve put a regular sticky note on the cover, because THE ENTIRE BOOK IS EXQUISITELY WRITTEN, AND EVERY LINE IS QUOTABLE. Seriously: this may be one of the best I’ve ever read.
Sam is a soft bean; you just can’t help loving the broken pieces of this brave boy. Although he does questionable things, this story excels at showing the other side of the coin; why he does them. I adored the way C.G. shows how past experiences, fears, and beliefs, shape us. She did an excellent job!
This is a perfect character-driven novel. Each and every one of them is a force of nature, with a unique voice. Avery, particularly. He’s a 17-year-old autistic boy who’s experienced every single form of ableism Autistic people can experience, and his story was eye-opening. It was the perfect way to show how people don’t just have Autism; they’re autistic. And they aren’t respected or even tolerated, in our world.
All in all, this was an AWESOMAZING SUPER DUPER GOOD book, and I seriously can't wait to read C.G.'s debut, "A Thousand Perfect Notes", and whateeeever she decides to write next!
[Content Warnings//CWs: Ableism, Anxiety attacks, Beatings, Child abuse, Graphic injuries, Homelessness, Hospitalization, Manipulation, Knife wound, Physical violence, Trauma]
January 7, 2020
This book has a special place in my heart, and each time I read it, my love only grows. As with any book Drews writes, it’s not light or fluffy. It will rip out your heart and stomp on it – but it will be worth it. In The Boy Who Steals Houses, you can expect precious characters in desperate need of a hug, great family dynamics, and lots of food. It also has #ownvoices representation for autism and anxiety. I love the characters to pieces, and I just want them to be safe and happy and to realize how loved they are. The Boy Who Steals Houses has scenes that put a silly grin on my face, and there are others that leave me feeling gutted. It’s the perfect mix of emotions. Basically, there’s no reason not to read this amazing book.
August 21, 2020
CAN YOU HEAR MY TEARS?? 😭💙💛
April 2, 2019
*I recieved a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own*
Sam is a thief. But a rather strange sort of one. What he does, you see, is steal houses. Going from place to place, breaking in and spending nights – for one reason and one alone. You see, all Sam wants... is to find home.
But every few nights, the real owners of his stolen home will return – and he is forced to leave again, never settling, constantly searching for his own bubble of safety and life. And all the while, his father is in prison, his brother is falling deeper and deeper into the wrong crowd, and Sam... Sam is wanted by the police. So he never stops moving, never stops running. Never... stops.
Until one day, he breaks into a house that isn't really empty. And wakes in the midst of a family.
I read this entire book in one go, unable to stop – to leave Sam alone in his story, even for a moment. And by the time I finished, I had EIGHTY-FOUR places in it marked (I read it on Kindle). My legs went weak, my heart was tearing apart – and I loved every moment of it!
“Forget stealing a bed, a key, a home for the night. He's stealing families and their Sunday lunches.”
This book was so full of sweetness – of characters pulling together to help one another, forgiving each other, and all acting like one lovely big found family. One moment that really pulled at my heartstrings was when the older brother of one character tells Sam (the main character) that if he ever needs something to eat, he should come to them – without question. They're also constantly trying to feed Sam up, and are just so lovely to him! And the dad of this family – the DeLaineys – is doing the best he can in a difficult, tight on money situation – and still has the time to care about Sam and his situation. Also, I really admired how this dad managed his family – holding things together by the skin of his teeth, but in the most loving, kind way possible. Overall, all the family in this book was so, so sweet!
“A frazzled girl who's melting into the bliss of sweets.”
When I read C.G. Drews' debut, 'A Thousand Perfect Notes', I fell in love with her writing. 'The Boy Who Steals Houses' has served to solidify that even further! Every moment of this book felt precious. I loved it all, and want to read it again like...now. I spent a wonderful evening deep in its beauty.
Sam is a thief. But a rather strange sort of one. What he does, you see, is steal houses. Going from place to place, breaking in and spending nights – for one reason and one alone. You see, all Sam wants... is to find home.
But every few nights, the real owners of his stolen home will return – and he is forced to leave again, never settling, constantly searching for his own bubble of safety and life. And all the while, his father is in prison, his brother is falling deeper and deeper into the wrong crowd, and Sam... Sam is wanted by the police. So he never stops moving, never stops running. Never... stops.
Until one day, he breaks into a house that isn't really empty. And wakes in the midst of a family.
I read this entire book in one go, unable to stop – to leave Sam alone in his story, even for a moment. And by the time I finished, I had EIGHTY-FOUR places in it marked (I read it on Kindle). My legs went weak, my heart was tearing apart – and I loved every moment of it!
“Forget stealing a bed, a key, a home for the night. He's stealing families and their Sunday lunches.”
This book was so full of sweetness – of characters pulling together to help one another, forgiving each other, and all acting like one lovely big found family. One moment that really pulled at my heartstrings was when the older brother of one character tells Sam (the main character) that if he ever needs something to eat, he should come to them – without question. They're also constantly trying to feed Sam up, and are just so lovely to him! And the dad of this family – the DeLaineys – is doing the best he can in a difficult, tight on money situation – and still has the time to care about Sam and his situation. Also, I really admired how this dad managed his family – holding things together by the skin of his teeth, but in the most loving, kind way possible. Overall, all the family in this book was so, so sweet!
“A frazzled girl who's melting into the bliss of sweets.”
When I read C.G. Drews' debut, 'A Thousand Perfect Notes', I fell in love with her writing. 'The Boy Who Steals Houses' has served to solidify that even further! Every moment of this book felt precious. I loved it all, and want to read it again like...now. I spent a wonderful evening deep in its beauty.
April 3, 2019
Novel Ink ~ Quite The Novel Idea
MINI-REVIEW
The first time I read this book, it was just the third draft and I was merely a beta reader. But even then I loved it to pieces. Sam, Avery, Moxie, Jeremy, Jack, Mr De Lainey,... every single character had my heart. And I'm absolutely thrilled I can tell you that I still love it to pieces.
Cait has written yet another beautiful story with amazing characters that just feel real and all I want right now is go to the De Laineys on a Sunday and have the De Lainey waffle special. I can talk about this for hours, obviously, but I actually don't want to spoil much for you guys. Instead I'm going to encourage you to read this book and fall in love with it just like I did, for a second time in a row.
THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES is a beautiful story about a messy boy falling headfirst into a warm welcoming family and finding a home. The writing is gorgeous and yes, I cried, but in the end I felt like I was wrapped up in a nice warm blanket and I just need more times with this amazing family.
FAVORITE QUOTES
He doesn't break into houses because he enjoys stealing. He stalks vacant windows and tricks locks and sleeps in stolen beds because he just wants to be home.
~~~
"We are the kings of nowhere," Sammy says. "We only need us."
~~~
"You can do monstrous things and not be a monster."
~~~
Boys like him don't get the girl. They go to jail.
MINI-REVIEW
The first time I read this book, it was just the third draft and I was merely a beta reader. But even then I loved it to pieces. Sam, Avery, Moxie, Jeremy, Jack, Mr De Lainey,... every single character had my heart. And I'm absolutely thrilled I can tell you that I still love it to pieces.
Cait has written yet another beautiful story with amazing characters that just feel real and all I want right now is go to the De Laineys on a Sunday and have the De Lainey waffle special. I can talk about this for hours, obviously, but I actually don't want to spoil much for you guys. Instead I'm going to encourage you to read this book and fall in love with it just like I did, for a second time in a row.
THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES is a beautiful story about a messy boy falling headfirst into a warm welcoming family and finding a home. The writing is gorgeous and yes, I cried, but in the end I felt like I was wrapped up in a nice warm blanket and I just need more times with this amazing family.
FAVORITE QUOTES
He doesn't break into houses because he enjoys stealing. He stalks vacant windows and tricks locks and sleeps in stolen beds because he just wants to be home.
~~~
"We are the kings of nowhere," Sammy says. "We only need us."
~~~
"You can do monstrous things and not be a monster."
~~~
Boys like him don't get the girl. They go to jail.
July 5, 2019
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Tracy Truffles
It is honestly not even surprising that Cait’s writing has, again, made me sob. This book was just jam-packed full of emotions and heartfelt-ness that it’s hard to comprehend it properly.
In The Boy Who Steals Houses, we meet the most adorable and love-deserving boy that is Sam. A boy who fiercely loves his brother Avery and just wants to have a home. His character is just so well written with very dark and sensitive flashbacks (there are quite a few trigger warnings in this novel, please be aware).
His personality is endearing and the struggles he’s had to go through are immense for someone his age. He didn’t have the freedom to come into his own independence at around the age he is now but instead, has always been taking care of his older autistic brother. Sam isn’t a bad person but only seems to be able to protect his brother the one way he knows and that’s by being pretty violent to whoever picks on Avery. The juxtaposition of his kind yet flawed personality doing these acts for the opposite reasons to what his father had when he was physically abusing Sam and Avery makes him question whether he really is a good person because he doesn’t know how else to react to defend himself or his brother. This question of morality hits just as hard as seeing these brothers struggle in flashbacks when they were abandoned to their unloving aunt.
Sam and Avery’s relationship are so complex and well-woven into the story. Sam loves Avery and would do anything for him but having to look after him all the time (especially being the younger brother) begs the questions of who’s looking after Sam? Their past trauma and the autistic representation were brilliantly written, especially Sam’s anxiety symptoms.
When Sam accidentally breaks into a house that is still being lived in, we are introduced to the DeLainey’s who are just the classic, almost cheaper by the dozen big, chaotic family. Despite the noise and the constant stream of people, the DeLainey’s; and specifically, the main side characters being a girl Sam’s age named Moxie and her father are the kindest and most charitable people. Their family life might be chaotic, but the busy scenes were so full of hilarious banter and just – love, that made me smile a whole lot. The attention to detail in the writing of these scenes was just plain impressive. Each side character has its own story and is brought to life seamlessly.
While some may have seen the general plot line or event timeline as disorganised, I thought it was perfect because it was quite literally an abstract plot for a character that hasn’t had a simple moment of stability and continuity in his life (rip I know). While Sam and Avery definitely made this story quite dark, painful and hard-hitting, this story was definitely one that also makes you smile, laugh and brings you joy and hope through the gorgeous DeLainey family (YES good people still exist in this world). I personally also loved that the romance in this book wasn’t at the forefront of the story because, unfortunately, love doesn’t cure all – especially not poverty or homelessness or violent past traumas/anxieties.
Overall this story had so much impact and made me very emotional. It made me laugh and cry and although I still prefer A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G. Drews, this book was beautiful and perfect, and I really hope I get to read and meet these characters. Highly recommended it to anyone looking to get their heart broken a little.
It is honestly not even surprising that Cait’s writing has, again, made me sob. This book was just jam-packed full of emotions and heartfelt-ness that it’s hard to comprehend it properly.
In The Boy Who Steals Houses, we meet the most adorable and love-deserving boy that is Sam. A boy who fiercely loves his brother Avery and just wants to have a home. His character is just so well written with very dark and sensitive flashbacks (there are quite a few trigger warnings in this novel, please be aware).
His personality is endearing and the struggles he’s had to go through are immense for someone his age. He didn’t have the freedom to come into his own independence at around the age he is now but instead, has always been taking care of his older autistic brother. Sam isn’t a bad person but only seems to be able to protect his brother the one way he knows and that’s by being pretty violent to whoever picks on Avery. The juxtaposition of his kind yet flawed personality doing these acts for the opposite reasons to what his father had when he was physically abusing Sam and Avery makes him question whether he really is a good person because he doesn’t know how else to react to defend himself or his brother. This question of morality hits just as hard as seeing these brothers struggle in flashbacks when they were abandoned to their unloving aunt.
Sam and Avery’s relationship are so complex and well-woven into the story. Sam loves Avery and would do anything for him but having to look after him all the time (especially being the younger brother) begs the questions of who’s looking after Sam? Their past trauma and the autistic representation were brilliantly written, especially Sam’s anxiety symptoms.
When Sam accidentally breaks into a house that is still being lived in, we are introduced to the DeLainey’s who are just the classic, almost cheaper by the dozen big, chaotic family. Despite the noise and the constant stream of people, the DeLainey’s; and specifically, the main side characters being a girl Sam’s age named Moxie and her father are the kindest and most charitable people. Their family life might be chaotic, but the busy scenes were so full of hilarious banter and just – love, that made me smile a whole lot. The attention to detail in the writing of these scenes was just plain impressive. Each side character has its own story and is brought to life seamlessly.
While some may have seen the general plot line or event timeline as disorganised, I thought it was perfect because it was quite literally an abstract plot for a character that hasn’t had a simple moment of stability and continuity in his life (rip I know). While Sam and Avery definitely made this story quite dark, painful and hard-hitting, this story was definitely one that also makes you smile, laugh and brings you joy and hope through the gorgeous DeLainey family (YES good people still exist in this world). I personally also loved that the romance in this book wasn’t at the forefront of the story because, unfortunately, love doesn’t cure all – especially not poverty or homelessness or violent past traumas/anxieties.
Overall this story had so much impact and made me very emotional. It made me laugh and cry and although I still prefer A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G. Drews, this book was beautiful and perfect, and I really hope I get to read and meet these characters. Highly recommended it to anyone looking to get their heart broken a little.
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