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The Shape of Us
In a city of 8.8 million people, you’d be surprised. Surprised at how many times your path crosses with that stranger you spotted on the other side of the street. Surprised at how lonely living in a busy city can feel. Surprised that falling in love – against all the odds – is just about possible.
One day in London…
Daisy is rushing to work when a stranger on a bicycle almost knocks her over – and then asks for her number.
JoJo, a wife in her sixties, is trying desperately to win her beloved husband back from his mistress.
Adam has recently lost his job and lies to his housemate about where he goes every day.
Dylan, a teenage boy, lives with an illness which means he can’t leave his bedroom – but which hasn’t stopped him falling in love.
These four total strangers – whose paths cross in the charming and crazy city of London – have one thing in common. They’re all looking for love and they’re totally hopeless at it. But that’s about to change.
A hilarious, uplifting and heartfelt novel about love, life and finding happiness. If you’ve ever made a mistake, suffered a break-up, waited by your phone for it to ring or loved someone from afar, then The Shape of Us is for you.
One day in London…
Daisy is rushing to work when a stranger on a bicycle almost knocks her over – and then asks for her number.
JoJo, a wife in her sixties, is trying desperately to win her beloved husband back from his mistress.
Adam has recently lost his job and lies to his housemate about where he goes every day.
Dylan, a teenage boy, lives with an illness which means he can’t leave his bedroom – but which hasn’t stopped him falling in love.
These four total strangers – whose paths cross in the charming and crazy city of London – have one thing in common. They’re all looking for love and they’re totally hopeless at it. But that’s about to change.
A hilarious, uplifting and heartfelt novel about love, life and finding happiness. If you’ve ever made a mistake, suffered a break-up, waited by your phone for it to ring or loved someone from afar, then The Shape of Us is for you.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2018
800 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
November 28, 2018
A unique and quirky look at life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, in London.
this book took four seemingly separate threads and slowly wove them into a beautiful story... The characters were all so well drawn and colorful... all different ages and in different stages in their lives... each character brought something new to the story, however I have to say I liked JoJo The Best... although I found Addams story the most compelling.... Daisy and Chris had the craziest first date EVER!and Dylan‘s story tugged at my heartstrings... four people appearing to be completely unconnected in the beginning, but the Author brought them all together brilliantly & beautifully....
Joe Joe is in her 60s and having an affair with her husband... yes her husband, she is trying to win him back from his mistress... some of my favorite parts of this book involve Jojo and mistress Belinda, they made quite the team.... JoJo’s struggle to take the highroad was at times quite hilarious... Adam lost his job and he ended up living in an office building, something about this story just completely fascinated me... Daisy and Chris are just starting out, I found this story quite sweet... Dylan is a teenager suffering from a chronic illness his life is quite shelter, however he still manages to fall in love with an older woman.... i’m sure you are wondering, how in the world are these stories connected? Well, you’re going to need to read this little gem to find out!
This was a unique story filled with unusual characters with unlikely connections.... a well constructed story, A lively puzzle that you piece together throughout the book...
Absolutely recommend when you want something a little different, a little refreshing, a little unique and a whole lot of wonderful!
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
this book took four seemingly separate threads and slowly wove them into a beautiful story... The characters were all so well drawn and colorful... all different ages and in different stages in their lives... each character brought something new to the story, however I have to say I liked JoJo The Best... although I found Addams story the most compelling.... Daisy and Chris had the craziest first date EVER!and Dylan‘s story tugged at my heartstrings... four people appearing to be completely unconnected in the beginning, but the Author brought them all together brilliantly & beautifully....
Joe Joe is in her 60s and having an affair with her husband... yes her husband, she is trying to win him back from his mistress... some of my favorite parts of this book involve Jojo and mistress Belinda, they made quite the team.... JoJo’s struggle to take the highroad was at times quite hilarious... Adam lost his job and he ended up living in an office building, something about this story just completely fascinated me... Daisy and Chris are just starting out, I found this story quite sweet... Dylan is a teenager suffering from a chronic illness his life is quite shelter, however he still manages to fall in love with an older woman.... i’m sure you are wondering, how in the world are these stories connected? Well, you’re going to need to read this little gem to find out!
This was a unique story filled with unusual characters with unlikely connections.... a well constructed story, A lively puzzle that you piece together throughout the book...
Absolutely recommend when you want something a little different, a little refreshing, a little unique and a whole lot of wonderful!
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
July 9, 2022
"The shape of everything changes over time."
I first fell in love with Drew Davies' writing when I read "Dear Lily" (which you simply must read if you haven't already). He has the knack of making you feel you want the people in his stories to find happiness.
This book is all about love. Old love. New love. Unrequited love.
Chris & Daisy have just started to date. But will Chris' secret put the brakes on their relationship before it has a chance to get started?
JoJo & Frank are in their 60s and know each other inside out. JoJo is trying hard to keep the spark alive, but Frank's eyes (and hands) are wandering. How do you have an affair with your own husband?
Dylan is sweet. Only sixteen, he has been bedridden for several years by M.E*. His world is his room, his Dad & his dog Otis. His link with the outside is via the blog he writes. He's also fallen in love with his carer Janelle.
Adam has lost his job and is finding it hard to find a new one. He can't bring himself to admit this "failure" to his flatmate. So he leaves early each morning on the pretense of going to work. He lives a weird existence in an office block, spending more and more time there. Unbeknownst to the people who work in the building. Oh, and he has a crush on the receptionist Cara.
"It's a minefield out there. You can forget all that 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus' crap too. The problem is, we're not only from different planets, we're in alternate dimensions..."
As the book progresses, the stories intertwine and the characters paths cross. I loved seeing this part of the story unfold. It was done so well and cleverly. Nice touch! Lots of "ah ha" moments too, linking the characters together (hint! Hawaiian hula girl figurines in the 'corner office' which Adam made his quasi home). Also the bit about manscaping when in a rush made me grin. Ouch. And poor Adam's ignominious departure from his "home"/office with a pencil stuck out of his buttock (not what you think).
This is quirky, gentle humour. Drew again gives us a party of characters who you can't help but care about. And root for. With London as the background, this is another fab book, showing lots of real moments and the randomness of life. And how important it is to tell someone if you love them, or just fancy the pants off them. Tell them now 💖
Grab your favourite pack of bikkies (Tim Tams of course) and settle down for the arvo or evening with this little gem.Enjoy.
PS: Drew's great. He has all his teeth 💕
*M.E is Myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). A condition of long term disabling tiredness, which prevents people from being able to do their normal activities. Sufferers are often confined to bed.
I first fell in love with Drew Davies' writing when I read "Dear Lily" (which you simply must read if you haven't already). He has the knack of making you feel you want the people in his stories to find happiness.
This book is all about love. Old love. New love. Unrequited love.
Chris & Daisy have just started to date. But will Chris' secret put the brakes on their relationship before it has a chance to get started?
JoJo & Frank are in their 60s and know each other inside out. JoJo is trying hard to keep the spark alive, but Frank's eyes (and hands) are wandering. How do you have an affair with your own husband?
Dylan is sweet. Only sixteen, he has been bedridden for several years by M.E*. His world is his room, his Dad & his dog Otis. His link with the outside is via the blog he writes. He's also fallen in love with his carer Janelle.
Adam has lost his job and is finding it hard to find a new one. He can't bring himself to admit this "failure" to his flatmate. So he leaves early each morning on the pretense of going to work. He lives a weird existence in an office block, spending more and more time there. Unbeknownst to the people who work in the building. Oh, and he has a crush on the receptionist Cara.
"It's a minefield out there. You can forget all that 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus' crap too. The problem is, we're not only from different planets, we're in alternate dimensions..."
As the book progresses, the stories intertwine and the characters paths cross. I loved seeing this part of the story unfold. It was done so well and cleverly. Nice touch! Lots of "ah ha" moments too, linking the characters together (hint! Hawaiian hula girl figurines in the 'corner office' which Adam made his quasi home). Also the bit about manscaping when in a rush made me grin. Ouch. And poor Adam's ignominious departure from his "home"/office with a pencil stuck out of his buttock (not what you think).
This is quirky, gentle humour. Drew again gives us a party of characters who you can't help but care about. And root for. With London as the background, this is another fab book, showing lots of real moments and the randomness of life. And how important it is to tell someone if you love them, or just fancy the pants off them. Tell them now 💖
Grab your favourite pack of bikkies (Tim Tams of course) and settle down for the arvo or evening with this little gem.Enjoy.
PS: Drew's great. He has all his teeth 💕
*M.E is Myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). A condition of long term disabling tiredness, which prevents people from being able to do their normal activities. Sufferers are often confined to bed.
October 17, 2018
What can I say? I absolutely loved this deliciously bonkers book and its cast of disparate yet entwined characters. Yes, it took me a little while to get to grips with the connections (some only unfolding as the story progressed), but each and every plot line grabbed my attention and made me think a lot, laugh even more and cry at the end. References to The Gallagher brothers. Small, dead hedgehogs. Even sugar cubes and gorillas. OK, I'm not explaining what the book's about, but – that's not the purpose of my review. If I was forced to try and explain it, I'd simply say it's about people. Ordinary people sometimes plunged into extraordinary circumstances. The good, the bad and the downright ugly. But always laced with humour. A favourite line – 'Adam had always been afraid of kinks: they seemed so decisive. Most days, he couldn't choose between white or brown toast, let alone if he wanted to be tied up or spanked.' Five, shiny heartfelt stars from me. My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
November 27, 2018
The story starts with the author introducing us to the main characters’ lives and struggles. They all seem to have nothing to do with each other and you start wondering where the book is going to lead you. Little by little, as you delve deeper and deeper, you see how they start to connect even if they do not realize it.
It makes you wonder how you might be connected to someone you have never seen before through friendships or relationships you have.
My favourite person is JoJo. She is very sarcastic which makes her very funny (if you are into this kind of humour of course).
My least favourite person was Chris. I did not always understand why he did what he did.
I did like the story but it was not an as easy read as you would expect from a feel good book.
It felt a bit heavy to me due to the subjects that the author talked about and I was very happy he decided to bring JoJo into the mix to add some rays of sunshine between the raindrops.
Thank you, Drew Davies, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
It makes you wonder how you might be connected to someone you have never seen before through friendships or relationships you have.
My favourite person is JoJo. She is very sarcastic which makes her very funny (if you are into this kind of humour of course).
My least favourite person was Chris. I did not always understand why he did what he did.
I did like the story but it was not an as easy read as you would expect from a feel good book.
It felt a bit heavy to me due to the subjects that the author talked about and I was very happy he decided to bring JoJo into the mix to add some rays of sunshine between the raindrops.
Thank you, Drew Davies, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
December 15, 2018
This is a warm and witty story of 4 Londoners dealing with the complexities of life and love! I loved the way it was told with little snapshots of all the characters contending with all that life was throwing their way - and there's a lot to deal with!
The range of characters also added to the enjoyment - they weren't all young bunnies in the prime of their lives bemoaning the lack of romance in their lives. There's JoJo who is in her 60's and dealing with life being the other woman in her husbands' life, and how she could have let it destroy her but choses a different path. And then there's Dylan who is 16 and dealing with life as a teenager who has M.E and how that affects so much of his life. Being an M.E sufferer myself I really connected with many of his feelings and how he embraced the simple pleasures in life and was so grateful to those who were kind to him while he was unable to participate in life, but how he kept the fight alive in himself to keep pushing on to do what he could.
Then there's Adam who is leading an extraordinary secretive life, unable to seemingly tell the truth to those close to him but finding kindness where he least expects it, and also Chris and Daisy who are in the early stages of their romance and all those pressures and intricacies of how quickly to push things, what to write in text messages - the do's and don'ts of relationships!
As their lives unfold we start to see the links between them and this was really cleverly done against the backdrop of London where life is evolving constantly. You really could imagine this as a film as there is so much to connect with as readers of all ages. It shows the different stages of life and love - the getting together, the breaking up and all that goes in between!
A really intelligently written story and I look forward to more from this author in the future.
The range of characters also added to the enjoyment - they weren't all young bunnies in the prime of their lives bemoaning the lack of romance in their lives. There's JoJo who is in her 60's and dealing with life being the other woman in her husbands' life, and how she could have let it destroy her but choses a different path. And then there's Dylan who is 16 and dealing with life as a teenager who has M.E and how that affects so much of his life. Being an M.E sufferer myself I really connected with many of his feelings and how he embraced the simple pleasures in life and was so grateful to those who were kind to him while he was unable to participate in life, but how he kept the fight alive in himself to keep pushing on to do what he could.
Then there's Adam who is leading an extraordinary secretive life, unable to seemingly tell the truth to those close to him but finding kindness where he least expects it, and also Chris and Daisy who are in the early stages of their romance and all those pressures and intricacies of how quickly to push things, what to write in text messages - the do's and don'ts of relationships!
As their lives unfold we start to see the links between them and this was really cleverly done against the backdrop of London where life is evolving constantly. You really could imagine this as a film as there is so much to connect with as readers of all ages. It shows the different stages of life and love - the getting together, the breaking up and all that goes in between!
A really intelligently written story and I look forward to more from this author in the future.
January 8, 2019
A wonderful, quirky book. We follow the lives of multiple characters, each with their own story to explore about love in the city of London. Each character is so unique and well written, Adam was by far my favourite. The story reminds me of a smaller love actually and although the paths of our protagonists cross at the end I would have liked to see stronger and more powerful connections between them. The end was quite sudden and I feel like it could have been wrapped up a little better
Overall, Drew certainly has a unique style of writing which must say I absolutely loved. I would read another of his books without a second thought. He writes with warmth and heart and that for me was why I gave the 4 stars.
Overall, Drew certainly has a unique style of writing which must say I absolutely loved. I would read another of his books without a second thought. He writes with warmth and heart and that for me was why I gave the 4 stars.
December 19, 2018
This book is excellent! The writing style is very unique. During the first 10 per cents of the book, I wasn't sure if I liked it or not but then you understand the writing style and you grow to LOVE it. This is a very unique book in its genre and that's why I loved it so much. In this book we follow different people all living in London but who don't know eachother and have nothing to do with eachother. But then their path will cross in the same building towards the end of the book. I really recommend this book to all the women out there!
February 16, 2019
This is the story of four Londoners all looking for love. Daisy has just started dating Chris, Jojo is in her sixties but her husband's is seeing another woman, Adam has lost his job but is pretending to still go to work everyday and Dylan is a teenager with ME watching the world out of his window. Through alternating chapters you find out the background and stories of each of the characters and their quest for love.
A lovely book full of humour and great characters that you care about and are rooting for... especially Jojo for me.
A lovely book full of humour and great characters that you care about and are rooting for... especially Jojo for me.
December 26, 2018
I absolutely love discovering new authors and Drew Davies is certainly a new author. I haven’t actually come across him before (sorry Drew) but I loved the sound of this book and I knew that I had to read it as soon as I could. I am so glad that I did because I did really enjoy reading it but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the four main characters in this book and I really felt for them. The four characters are called Daisy, Dylan, JoJo and Adam. Each are lonely and each character is looking for love. I could empathise with that but that’s all I am going to say on that front. I did warm to some characters more than others. I couldn’t help feeling for JoJo especially given the circumstances of her prospective affair. I think that part of the reason why I took to JoJo so much because she is that bit older than the other characters and at her age, she should be with somebody who values her and puts her on a pedestal. Above all she and the other three characters deserve to be happy
I picked up this book at the right sort of time for me. I was feeling pretty fed up, cold, in pain and in need of a distraction. This book certainly gave me something else to think about and it definitely distracted me. I was drawn into this book from the first sentence and by the end of the first page it’s safe to say that I had become addicted to reading this book. The more I read, the more I got into the story and the more I had to read. I just had to keep reading to see if the characters got the happiness that they deserved. It didn’t seem to take me that long to get through the book and I didn’t realise how quickly I was reading until the moment I looked up and was stunned to see that I was 40% through the book. I The characters seemed so real that it was almost as if they had jumped off the page and were just as realistic as you and I. By the end of the book I did feel as though all of the main characters were now my friends.
For me, ‘The Shape Of Us’ is very well written. The author entices you in from the start and before you know it, you are addicted to the story. The author has written about real characters in real situations. The author writes compassionately and sensitively but he also writes with a large dose of humour, which I love. I don’t like reading books that take themselves too seriously.
In short, I really, really enjoyed reading ‘The Shape Of Us’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read more from Drew Davies and here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait until his next book. The score on the Ginger Bok Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I absolutely loved the four main characters in this book and I really felt for them. The four characters are called Daisy, Dylan, JoJo and Adam. Each are lonely and each character is looking for love. I could empathise with that but that’s all I am going to say on that front. I did warm to some characters more than others. I couldn’t help feeling for JoJo especially given the circumstances of her prospective affair. I think that part of the reason why I took to JoJo so much because she is that bit older than the other characters and at her age, she should be with somebody who values her and puts her on a pedestal. Above all she and the other three characters deserve to be happy
I picked up this book at the right sort of time for me. I was feeling pretty fed up, cold, in pain and in need of a distraction. This book certainly gave me something else to think about and it definitely distracted me. I was drawn into this book from the first sentence and by the end of the first page it’s safe to say that I had become addicted to reading this book. The more I read, the more I got into the story and the more I had to read. I just had to keep reading to see if the characters got the happiness that they deserved. It didn’t seem to take me that long to get through the book and I didn’t realise how quickly I was reading until the moment I looked up and was stunned to see that I was 40% through the book. I The characters seemed so real that it was almost as if they had jumped off the page and were just as realistic as you and I. By the end of the book I did feel as though all of the main characters were now my friends.
For me, ‘The Shape Of Us’ is very well written. The author entices you in from the start and before you know it, you are addicted to the story. The author has written about real characters in real situations. The author writes compassionately and sensitively but he also writes with a large dose of humour, which I love. I don’t like reading books that take themselves too seriously.
In short, I really, really enjoyed reading ‘The Shape Of Us’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can’t wait to read more from Drew Davies and here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait until his next book. The score on the Ginger Bok Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
May 24, 2019
An absolute cracker of a read but very VERY British in its style and tone so be warned! I hadn't expected to enjoy this so much and I read through to the end, hoping desperately that all would be well with the various characters.
The humour was deftly handled and there was some truly lovely writing:
When she caught herself ironing bed sheets one Saturday morning, she knew it was either start drinking again or join a nunnery.
and this>
Now the singleton runs to their window, throws it open and shouts: 'We have something in common!', 'I don't hate him (or her)!' and more quietly. 'I might not die alone.'
Perfect.
Yes, it dragged in a couple of places but my word the dialogue was spot on and the interaction between Adam and Patrick was just right.
Brilliant, thoughtful, fun, sad, emotional, daring, silly (without having to resort to toilet humour or crudeness) heartbreaking, wonderful.
5 stars.
The humour was deftly handled and there was some truly lovely writing:
When she caught herself ironing bed sheets one Saturday morning, she knew it was either start drinking again or join a nunnery.
and this>
Now the singleton runs to their window, throws it open and shouts: 'We have something in common!', 'I don't hate him (or her)!' and more quietly. 'I might not die alone.'
Perfect.
Yes, it dragged in a couple of places but my word the dialogue was spot on and the interaction between Adam and Patrick was just right.
Brilliant, thoughtful, fun, sad, emotional, daring, silly (without having to resort to toilet humour or crudeness) heartbreaking, wonderful.
5 stars.
March 18, 2021
Rather enjoyed the audiobook , found the physical copy differcult to get into but otherwise a good light hearted book with various character point of views.
June 12, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, the characters and their stories. It was a real feel good story. Can't wait to read another book by this author.
October 23, 2018
Enjoyed the book and would give it 3.5 stars. At times I was confused about which character I was reading about. I ended up enjoying all the characters, even crazy Adam. Who lives in an office building? I LOVED Jojo. She was definitely my favorite character. I could have read a whole book about her and the situation she was dealing with. Her foray into the sex shop, her bluntness and how she responded to people were hilarious. She definitely deserved more than Frank. For some reason the book seemed familiar at times. The story definitely made me laugh at times.
The story follows several characters and at times they interact with each other and sometimes in strange ways. Daisy and Chris are just starting to date. Both have issues of their own. They end up going on the strangest first date. At one point they end up in a bathroom stall in a gay club with two other people, contemplating if they should to take drugs. Dylan suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome. He's sixteen and in love with a slightly older woman, although she isn't aware of his feelings. He wants to impress the girl since she she loves French movies. Dylan makes the mistake of googling Adult French movies and gets the type of movie he wasn't expecting. Adam is the craziest one of the bunch. He's recently unemployed and hasn't really been looking for a new job. When Adam comes across someone's ID badge, he becomes slightly obsessed with the company and does what most normal people do. He starts living in the office building. Then there's Jojo. She's a sixty-three year old woman having an affair with her husband. She's trying to get her husband back from his much younger mistress.
I enjoyed the story, characters and writing style. The book definitely kept me entertained. It was a fun read. I really liked the book cover. I definitely would want to be friends with Jojo!!! I loved the scene when Jojo is at the park with Belinda and someone asks about the babies. Drew's great. He has all his teeth. ( I read the author's note at the end.)
Definitely recommend the book and look forward to reading more books by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author, Drew Davies, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
The story follows several characters and at times they interact with each other and sometimes in strange ways. Daisy and Chris are just starting to date. Both have issues of their own. They end up going on the strangest first date. At one point they end up in a bathroom stall in a gay club with two other people, contemplating if they should to take drugs. Dylan suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome. He's sixteen and in love with a slightly older woman, although she isn't aware of his feelings. He wants to impress the girl since she she loves French movies. Dylan makes the mistake of googling Adult French movies and gets the type of movie he wasn't expecting. Adam is the craziest one of the bunch. He's recently unemployed and hasn't really been looking for a new job. When Adam comes across someone's ID badge, he becomes slightly obsessed with the company and does what most normal people do. He starts living in the office building. Then there's Jojo. She's a sixty-three year old woman having an affair with her husband. She's trying to get her husband back from his much younger mistress.
I enjoyed the story, characters and writing style. The book definitely kept me entertained. It was a fun read. I really liked the book cover. I definitely would want to be friends with Jojo!!! I loved the scene when Jojo is at the park with Belinda and someone asks about the babies. Drew's great. He has all his teeth. ( I read the author's note at the end.)
Definitely recommend the book and look forward to reading more books by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author, Drew Davies, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
November 4, 2018
**I recvd this book in exchange for my honest review*
I picked this book because of the cover. I love the cover. I liked the idea of what the book was trying to accomplish, and I think that the circle of people in the book makes the phrase "it's a small world" pretty on point. The book itself wasn't really my cup of tea.
I thought there were too many characters, I like to read a book and if I put it down, when I pick it up again I just want to pick up where I left off without struggling to remember which character was who and what their storyline was. I would finally get into what was happening with a character and want to continue on, and it would cut off, and switch to another one, and it made it very very hard not to skim until I got back to that other character, so I would read that, struggle to remember the storyline, and get into it again just to have it cut off, I felt like I was getting whiplash. The author did a good job of weaving the characters in their circle and how each were connected in a 7 degrees sort of way, but I was hoping for more, a bigger finish, something. The book was like a bunch of short stories that was cut up and mixed to make a bigger story, but I'm not a fan of short stories, but I think that someone who likes variety and cute little books with a love of things London, would enjoy this book.
I picked this book because of the cover. I love the cover. I liked the idea of what the book was trying to accomplish, and I think that the circle of people in the book makes the phrase "it's a small world" pretty on point. The book itself wasn't really my cup of tea.
I thought there were too many characters, I like to read a book and if I put it down, when I pick it up again I just want to pick up where I left off without struggling to remember which character was who and what their storyline was. I would finally get into what was happening with a character and want to continue on, and it would cut off, and switch to another one, and it made it very very hard not to skim until I got back to that other character, so I would read that, struggle to remember the storyline, and get into it again just to have it cut off, I felt like I was getting whiplash. The author did a good job of weaving the characters in their circle and how each were connected in a 7 degrees sort of way, but I was hoping for more, a bigger finish, something. The book was like a bunch of short stories that was cut up and mixed to make a bigger story, but I'm not a fan of short stories, but I think that someone who likes variety and cute little books with a love of things London, would enjoy this book.
January 22, 2019
Drew is great! He has all his teeth!
It took me a while to really get into this book, I’ll be honest. I had a major problem with the exposition and parenthetical writing style. However, once I got into the flow of the characters and how the stories were weaving together, I found myself really enjoying it.
Jojo was hands down my favorite character. I highlighted so many sassy quotes from her that I hope I’m able to say when I get older...or in public.
I found Dylan’s story to be sweet, but a little creepy. Not until the end was I actually rooting for him—but more so rooting for Janelle.
I loved Daisy and Chris. I found their story to be real and relatable.
Adam...I just wanted to shake him the entire time. He was my least favorite character. Gets freaking job, dude. I never felt sorry for him one bit.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved the idea that no matter who you are, your life hardly goes the way you want it or expect it to go. Our stories are ever-changing—becoming all shapes and sizes. Loved that message!
It took me a while to really get into this book, I’ll be honest. I had a major problem with the exposition and parenthetical writing style. However, once I got into the flow of the characters and how the stories were weaving together, I found myself really enjoying it.
Jojo was hands down my favorite character. I highlighted so many sassy quotes from her that I hope I’m able to say when I get older...or in public.
I found Dylan’s story to be sweet, but a little creepy. Not until the end was I actually rooting for him—but more so rooting for Janelle.
I loved Daisy and Chris. I found their story to be real and relatable.
Adam...I just wanted to shake him the entire time. He was my least favorite character. Gets freaking job, dude. I never felt sorry for him one bit.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved the idea that no matter who you are, your life hardly goes the way you want it or expect it to go. Our stories are ever-changing—becoming all shapes and sizes. Loved that message!
January 25, 2019
Having spent 2018 reading quite a lot of heavy tomes on all kinds of historical subjects, and related biographies I really needed an antidote to all serious, the doom and the gloom. The Shape of Us was exactly that antidote. The story itself features a number of seemingly disparate characters going through a variety of life stages and challenging situations - some amusing, some a little more serious - but in many ways their stories interconnect and the the author, Drew Davies, masterfully weaves them together in unexpected ways. This book perfectly paints London's idiosyncrasies as a backdrop with the strengths and weaknesses of its main characters providing an entertaining and involving centre stage. The Shape of Us is a sweet, tender, hilarious love letter to the occupants of the great, unique and weird city of London. But one could argue that the real hero of the story is London, itself. A great page-turner that I thoroughly recommend.
April 29, 2019
The Shape of Us was an absolute pleasure and delight to read. The characters were fully fleshed out, well considered and charming in their own ways, each with their own quirky - and entertaining - neuroses. With four strangers, whose lives intersect in thoughtful and unexpected ways, I thought the author cleverly wove their stories together without it seeming far-fetched or ridiculous. Perhaps best of all, I enjoyed the humour interwoven throughout the book, it had me laughing out loud in moments - especially the bit about overzealous grooming....
I could easily imagine this story made into a movie (someone should do it!) and I'm looking forward to reading the author's new book. Thoroughly recommend!
I could easily imagine this story made into a movie (someone should do it!) and I'm looking forward to reading the author's new book. Thoroughly recommend!
February 21, 2019
Quirky. Very London. If I hadn’t spent the last two and a half years living in England, a lot of it would have gone over my head. A solid 3.5 stars but rounded it to 4 as it’s the first time I’ve seen my name used as a book character.
February 24, 2019
Thank you to Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy of Drew Davies’ novel, The Shape of Us, in exchange for an honest review.
PLOT - The Shape of Us follows the lives of several Londoners, as they experience major life changes; such as new love, separation, and grief.
LIKE - The Shape of Us reminded me of one of my favorite films, Love, Actually. Both stories are set in England, but more that, the similarities are in tone, with different characters/plots offering different moods. For example, in Davies’ novel, we have a newly involved couple, Daisy and Chris, whose story is primarily light-hearted. Chris does have a tragic backstory, which I will not spoil, but for most of the novel their interactions are sweet and light, two people who are attracted to each other and are fumbling through the early stages of a relationship. On the other end of the spectrum, we have a teenager named Dylan, who is ill and has a crush on a slightly older woman, who has helped him conquer the fears of his illness, but is also very sick herself. Additionally, Dylan has been abandoned by his mother and is being raised by his single father. Every story in The Shape of Us has a mix of seriousness and humor, but Dylan’s is a touch darker than the rest.
The most bizarre character is Adam. Adam has recently become unemployed and is having a tough time rebounding. He finds an employee key card and manages to gain access to the offices of a very prestigious company where he would love to work. Adam takes a chance and uses the card, passing himself off as the card’s owner. Adam keeps pushing his luck, by entering the building at night and snooping through the computers, in which he discovers that some employees are up to no good. If he speaks out, he will blow his cover and possibly go to jail. He is a man who is very lost and continuing to become more muddled with each passing day.
Davis begins each chapter with a few paragraphs about Londoners and living in London. It provides a wonderful touchstone that brought me back to the strong setting for the stories, making London itself, another character. London is one of my favorite places and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the city. Davis really showcases the vibrancy of London and its equally colorful inhabitants.
DISLIKE- I very much enjoyed The Shape of Us, but I was irked by the book’s tagline = “Not All Love Stories Are Heart-Shaped.” This makes it seem like a cliche love-story, which it is not. This tagline is selling the novel short. The cover with a heart-shaped hot air balloon does not help either. Please know that Davis’ writing is witty and complex, far better than his book cover implies. His writing reminded me of Nick Hornby, whom I adore.
RECOMMEND- Yes. ignore the cover and buy The Shape of Us. It’s quirky, emotional, and delightful.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
PLOT - The Shape of Us follows the lives of several Londoners, as they experience major life changes; such as new love, separation, and grief.
LIKE - The Shape of Us reminded me of one of my favorite films, Love, Actually. Both stories are set in England, but more that, the similarities are in tone, with different characters/plots offering different moods. For example, in Davies’ novel, we have a newly involved couple, Daisy and Chris, whose story is primarily light-hearted. Chris does have a tragic backstory, which I will not spoil, but for most of the novel their interactions are sweet and light, two people who are attracted to each other and are fumbling through the early stages of a relationship. On the other end of the spectrum, we have a teenager named Dylan, who is ill and has a crush on a slightly older woman, who has helped him conquer the fears of his illness, but is also very sick herself. Additionally, Dylan has been abandoned by his mother and is being raised by his single father. Every story in The Shape of Us has a mix of seriousness and humor, but Dylan’s is a touch darker than the rest.
The most bizarre character is Adam. Adam has recently become unemployed and is having a tough time rebounding. He finds an employee key card and manages to gain access to the offices of a very prestigious company where he would love to work. Adam takes a chance and uses the card, passing himself off as the card’s owner. Adam keeps pushing his luck, by entering the building at night and snooping through the computers, in which he discovers that some employees are up to no good. If he speaks out, he will blow his cover and possibly go to jail. He is a man who is very lost and continuing to become more muddled with each passing day.
Davis begins each chapter with a few paragraphs about Londoners and living in London. It provides a wonderful touchstone that brought me back to the strong setting for the stories, making London itself, another character. London is one of my favorite places and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the city. Davis really showcases the vibrancy of London and its equally colorful inhabitants.
DISLIKE- I very much enjoyed The Shape of Us, but I was irked by the book’s tagline = “Not All Love Stories Are Heart-Shaped.” This makes it seem like a cliche love-story, which it is not. This tagline is selling the novel short. The cover with a heart-shaped hot air balloon does not help either. Please know that Davis’ writing is witty and complex, far better than his book cover implies. His writing reminded me of Nick Hornby, whom I adore.
RECOMMEND- Yes. ignore the cover and buy The Shape of Us. It’s quirky, emotional, and delightful.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
August 22, 2019
This is a delightful book is filled with acute and hilarious observations of everyday life bundled into memorable turns of phrase. Look out for the "zombie monlogue", "beef monologue" or the "many permutations" of using a sex toy.
The suspense of working out how everyone was connected made me wish there was some kind of naughty sealed section i could tear open featuring some kind of game of thrones style poster explaining all.
This book gives me the courage to attack things head on with a no-bullcrap-accepted attitude like one of the characters who is trying to stay married, despite her husband's new girlfriend. And, it leaves me longing for days like Adam has where he truly believes in what he is doing. And i will forever look at the office fridge and cleaners a little differently!
The suspense of working out how everyone was connected made me wish there was some kind of naughty sealed section i could tear open featuring some kind of game of thrones style poster explaining all.
This book gives me the courage to attack things head on with a no-bullcrap-accepted attitude like one of the characters who is trying to stay married, despite her husband's new girlfriend. And, it leaves me longing for days like Adam has where he truly believes in what he is doing. And i will forever look at the office fridge and cleaners a little differently!
February 19, 2019
I picked this book after searching for something lighthearted to read on kindle unlimited and ended up being so drawn in by this book that I finished it in under 24 hours. Every single character was so well developed and complex while also being genuinely likable (Even Frank and Belinda who in any other universe should have been easily hated) that I couldn’t force myself to stop reading until I found out how all of their stories ended. I loved the way their stories met and intertwined, especially how Adam and Frank’s were connected. My only complaint about this book is honestly that I wish it were longer and I had more time to spend with each of these characters (especially JoJo, I am just so in love with that spunky older woman). I will definitely be reading any future releases by Drew Davies.
June 13, 2019
A wonderful book about the lives of four very different main characters who all live in London. The stories are all connected by the theme of love and some connecting characters mingle thorough their stories.
The main characters are Jojo, a woman in later life trying to hold onto her marriage. Is that what she really wants? Will she succeed?
Dylan is a young man struggling with the normal teenage problems but also ME and coming to terms with the fact that his father is parenting him alone after his mother left them. How will he cope?
Daisy is just starting a new relationship with Chris. Will they survive the troubles the encounter on the path to true love?
Finally, Adam, who was my favourite character. He has just lost his job. He is scared and does not know how to admit this to his flat mate. So he doesn’t. He continues to go to work every day as though it hasn’t happened. Will he get away with the pretence?
A wonderful book, very funny at times but also touching moments as well. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters are Jojo, a woman in later life trying to hold onto her marriage. Is that what she really wants? Will she succeed?
Dylan is a young man struggling with the normal teenage problems but also ME and coming to terms with the fact that his father is parenting him alone after his mother left them. How will he cope?
Daisy is just starting a new relationship with Chris. Will they survive the troubles the encounter on the path to true love?
Finally, Adam, who was my favourite character. He has just lost his job. He is scared and does not know how to admit this to his flat mate. So he doesn’t. He continues to go to work every day as though it hasn’t happened. Will he get away with the pretence?
A wonderful book, very funny at times but also touching moments as well. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this free e-ARC!
Rating: 3,5/5 stars
"The Shape of Us" is a book that depicts love in all its different hues, through its characters from different generations and different backgrounds.
Out of all characters I liked Daisy the most. Surprisingly, I ended up liking Adam, too. Maybe it's because Adam's plot was the most unbelievable but intriguing as well. Daisy and Chris' romance unfolded in a realistic and relatable manner, an example being their first date and their thoughts during it.
I wasn't bothered by the multiple POVs and the multiple plots, you know about that from the synopsis, and you could tell them apart easily at first, but somehow in the middle of the book and towards the end, it became a bit confusing. In a chapter you would meet characters from two or three different stories, and it didn't help either when the stories/characters started to get connected. But it was an e-ARC version so maybe there are some changes in the published version.
Despite this, I still enjoyed the most of the journey the characters took that ultimately had them discovering more about themselves and what is truly important in life or in a relationship.
Rating: 3,5/5 stars
"The Shape of Us" is a book that depicts love in all its different hues, through its characters from different generations and different backgrounds.
Out of all characters I liked Daisy the most. Surprisingly, I ended up liking Adam, too. Maybe it's because Adam's plot was the most unbelievable but intriguing as well. Daisy and Chris' romance unfolded in a realistic and relatable manner, an example being their first date and their thoughts during it.
I wasn't bothered by the multiple POVs and the multiple plots, you know about that from the synopsis, and you could tell them apart easily at first, but somehow in the middle of the book and towards the end, it became a bit confusing. In a chapter you would meet characters from two or three different stories, and it didn't help either when the stories/characters started to get connected. But it was an e-ARC version so maybe there are some changes in the published version.
Despite this, I still enjoyed the most of the journey the characters took that ultimately had them discovering more about themselves and what is truly important in life or in a relationship.
May 16, 2019
What a surprise! I don’t know what I expected when I started reading this book, but I didn’t expect to spend half of it rolling around in laughter. It’s witty, fast-moving and endearing. I loved the characters, the insights into their lives and such an honest slice-of-life – or should I say, four slices of life? Why stop at one, when you can have four? I feel like I’ve eaten all the cake (#stuffed)! Chocolate, lemon drizzle, red velvet and spotted dick. This book gave me that level of variety without compromising on quality.
Each of the four main characters had a story to tell, baring their hopes and fears, and as the description says, they are all looking for love in their very individual ways. I can very much see this being made into a film, sort of ‘Love Actually.’ Different stories all crossing paths at a moment in time.
If hilarious romantic comedy is what you seek, you won’t be disappointed. There was one scene, I’m struggling to write about it without chuckling, where Daisy’s date is prepping his body (just in case he’s to get lucky) and it involves shaving (not his face), I’ll say no more – you’ll just have to read this laugh-out-loud novel for yourself. (Giggles to self, one last time).
Each of the four main characters had a story to tell, baring their hopes and fears, and as the description says, they are all looking for love in their very individual ways. I can very much see this being made into a film, sort of ‘Love Actually.’ Different stories all crossing paths at a moment in time.
If hilarious romantic comedy is what you seek, you won’t be disappointed. There was one scene, I’m struggling to write about it without chuckling, where Daisy’s date is prepping his body (just in case he’s to get lucky) and it involves shaving (not his face), I’ll say no more – you’ll just have to read this laugh-out-loud novel for yourself. (Giggles to self, one last time).
July 2, 2019
I had two false starts with this book and nearly gave up on it. I'm so glad I didn't, once I got into the meat of it I was totally drawn in. London, four very different people grappling with life and looking for love, all seemingly unconnected. Slowly the story of each unfolds and reveals a web of threads connecting them all, providing satisfying, if unexpected, outcomes for them all. It was written with humour and sensitivity with all the characters well drawn. Jo Jo was my favourite. while Chris was a bit wet I thought. It brought to mind that several times in my life I have discovered surprising links with chance met strangers: on holiday, on public transport even in supermarket queues we are all more connected than we think.
May 10, 2019
This book is so beautiful. It represents the intricacy of humankind and how wonderful complicated we are. How timing is a big part of relationships and how people surprisingly help each other in moments of struggle and bad luck without judging you.
I loved it!
I loved it!
April 30, 2019
Perfect escapist read
Great characters, interesting and funny story lines all weaved together through sad and awkward situations, but in a humorous way! Great read.
Great characters, interesting and funny story lines all weaved together through sad and awkward situations, but in a humorous way! Great read.
September 2, 2019
Funny and sad, very insightful
I really liked this book. The characters capture your attention and you can't wait to see what happens next. I had a hard time putting the book down.
I really liked this book. The characters capture your attention and you can't wait to see what happens next. I had a hard time putting the book down.
May 29, 2019
The Shape of Us is a quirky book that could easily be read by any gender, although, I feel, that predominantly women will be the readers and benefactors of the messages and experiences thought up by Drew Davies. I LOVED reading this book, I LOVED all the characters. and I loved reading about London and Londoners, having just recently visited London for my very first time a couple of months ago (coincidentally!). Daisy and Chris are only just meeting when the book opens, while Jojo and Frank have been through the wringer together, and young Dylan at 16 is obsessed with a much older 21 year old woman, who is also his therapist, helping him overcome the challenges of chronic fatigue syndrome, (a disease some people do not even believe is real)and finally there was Adam and Cara.
These characters experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It is at the lowest moments that they find either, a stranger, o,r someone from whom a kind word or deed is least expected, is there to offer them a supportive hand, when it is needed most. Life is such that, you never know when that moment may be.
"The shape of everything changes over time. Things you thought were absolutes start to ebb and flow. The knack is to let them - without causing yourself too much pain and suffering in the process.If you can, they often turn into something better." No matter how bad you think life may be, be patient, it will get better again.
5 stars for Drew Davies' The Shape of Us! I highly recommend reading it.
These characters experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It is at the lowest moments that they find either, a stranger, o,r someone from whom a kind word or deed is least expected, is there to offer them a supportive hand, when it is needed most. Life is such that, you never know when that moment may be.
"The shape of everything changes over time. Things you thought were absolutes start to ebb and flow. The knack is to let them - without causing yourself too much pain and suffering in the process.If you can, they often turn into something better." No matter how bad you think life may be, be patient, it will get better again.
5 stars for Drew Davies' The Shape of Us! I highly recommend reading it.
April 5, 2019
Quirky, full of grace and humor
A bit too much London for me, I didn't quite understand the language. What's a brumby? Just kidding. We all know it's a baby carriage. Ok, it's an umbrella. The relationships in this novel ramble around a bit but they do straighten out after a little trial and error. Adam is a kick character. He resides on the sixth floor of a high finance business. Jojo becomes involved with her husband's mistress and Dylan, recovering from a major illness, emerges from his stunted teenage angst. Finding love for these three seemingly unrelated characters in wet London town is full of romps and fun. A very enjoyable read.
A bit too much London for me, I didn't quite understand the language. What's a brumby? Just kidding. We all know it's a baby carriage. Ok, it's an umbrella. The relationships in this novel ramble around a bit but they do straighten out after a little trial and error. Adam is a kick character. He resides on the sixth floor of a high finance business. Jojo becomes involved with her husband's mistress and Dylan, recovering from a major illness, emerges from his stunted teenage angst. Finding love for these three seemingly unrelated characters in wet London town is full of romps and fun. A very enjoyable read.
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