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The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow
Cast adrift by loss, Monica Sparrow is marooned in her semi in Neasden, the so-called ‘loneliest village in London’, her home stuffed with nothing she needs. Is it time for her to finally get her house in order? Can she isolate what really matters, and clear the junk? And while it’s too late for her family to be as they were, can Monica fashion an entirely new one, from the unlikeliest set of contenders?
Monica’s once beloved sister, Diane, already a right piece of work and looking to take it up a notch, seems lost to Monica forever. But a few unexpected diversions see her careering in a most unanticipated direction.
Xavier, a master of minimalism, discards people as easily as any other clutter. An editor at a prestigious publishing house, he’s lumbered with Monica – a wannabe writer spectacularly different from any he’s previously encountered.
Having lived virtually family-free into adulthood, Jamie suddenly acquires Monica and Diane as elder sisters, and a job, a proper one. Used to living on the margins and unfamiliar with group dynamics, this proverbial black sheep might just become the most improbable anchor.
Four isolated people. Thrown together by family and circumstance. A humorous and heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings.
Praise for Matt Howard’s writing
‘A master of the sparse, subtle drama of ordinary lives.’ Sunday Tasmanian
‘ He builds characters of real substance, breathing life with rare skill into everyday people.’
The West Australian
‘Modern, wry and thought-provoking. In a word: bittersweet’ Gold Coast Bulletin
Monica’s once beloved sister, Diane, already a right piece of work and looking to take it up a notch, seems lost to Monica forever. But a few unexpected diversions see her careering in a most unanticipated direction.
Xavier, a master of minimalism, discards people as easily as any other clutter. An editor at a prestigious publishing house, he’s lumbered with Monica – a wannabe writer spectacularly different from any he’s previously encountered.
Having lived virtually family-free into adulthood, Jamie suddenly acquires Monica and Diane as elder sisters, and a job, a proper one. Used to living on the margins and unfamiliar with group dynamics, this proverbial black sheep might just become the most improbable anchor.
Four isolated people. Thrown together by family and circumstance. A humorous and heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings.
Praise for Matt Howard’s writing
‘A master of the sparse, subtle drama of ordinary lives.’ Sunday Tasmanian
‘ He builds characters of real substance, breathing life with rare skill into everyday people.’
The West Australian
‘Modern, wry and thought-provoking. In a word: bittersweet’ Gold Coast Bulletin
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Matt Howard
11 books8 followersMatt Howard is the author of 4 novels, each set in a different city. They are Street Furniture, Taking Off, Ethan Grout, and The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 19, 2019
A thought provoking book about four people, drawn together as family, friends and colleagues, but all with completely different personalities. There's Monica, hoarder and wannabee author, her bitter sister Diane, their lost puppy step-brother Jamie, and Monica's newly acquired editor Xavier. We follow their lives over the course of a couple of months, through the good and bad, thick and thin.
These characters are beautifully drawn, and the story woven slowly reveals the course that they follow. Honestly, the story was a bit slow for me, I prefer a bit more action in my reads, but I can't deny the pull that these characters convey as they banter, bicker, love, and face loss together, as they all look to turn their own lives around for the better. There is a real depth to this book, one that would definitely be suited to book clubs and lovers of slow burning domestic fiction.
My thanks to Transit Lounge Publishers and Better Reading Previews for a proof to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own.
These characters are beautifully drawn, and the story woven slowly reveals the course that they follow. Honestly, the story was a bit slow for me, I prefer a bit more action in my reads, but I can't deny the pull that these characters convey as they banter, bicker, love, and face loss together, as they all look to turn their own lives around for the better. There is a real depth to this book, one that would definitely be suited to book clubs and lovers of slow burning domestic fiction.
My thanks to Transit Lounge Publishers and Better Reading Previews for a proof to read and review. The opinions are entirely my own.
February 2, 2019
“Very occasionally one came across people like Jamie, Xavier thought. He envisaged them as having an asterisk by their name, denoting something peculiar to them alone. They were always different, never standard issue. Xavier quite liked other asterisk people.”
The Time Is Now, Monica Sparrow is the fourth novel by Australian author, Matt Howard. Jamie has recently acquired two sisters, one of whom is less than welcoming. That might be because his new step-father left their mother to marry his. A tragic loss has resulted in these rather bizarre family dynamics.
Monica Sparrow is a published author (e-books) who seems determined to take Jamie under her wing. Her sister Diane is married to the head of sales at Wyatt Dean Publishing, and she insults Jamie at every opportunity (although he’s definitely not the only recipient of her bile).
Wyatt Dean has decided to publish Monica’s next novel, and has assigned Xavier Swift as her editor. Somewhat to her consternation, Xavier has already taken his figurative scissors to Monica’s moderately successful e-books, eliminating the unnecessary in preparation for printing, but when they meet, she can’t help liking him. Xavier’s editing philosophy extends into his life, and as a minimalist, he’s in for a shock when he first enters Monica’s home: a house stuffed to overflowing with things she doesn’t need.
Howard’s plot is easily believable but far from predictable, with quite a few twists and surprises. Red herrings mean that the astute reader will likely be distracted from suspicions that may have formed about a certain character from tiny hints and clues.
Reading in the quiet carriage of public transport is perhaps not recommended as there’s lots of laugh-out-loud humour in the dialogue (some of it quite black); there are also some lump-in-the-throat moments. There’s a delicious irony in that Xavier is good at culling possessions and written words, but Jamie pulls him up for being too verbose.
Howard’s main characters are more than one-dimensional and develop with the story. Each character has been somewhat damaged by events in their lives, and most try hard to be good to each other. It’s sweetly amusing to watch them exhibit a (sometimes crossed-purpose) sensitivity towards each other’s needs.
Monica and Xavier are at opposite extremes on the scale of acquiring worldly possessions, with entirely different things bringing them joy. Anyone with a tendency to accumulate will be able to identify with Monica’s rationales, while Xavier’s actions will resonate the minimalists, the ruthless discarders.
Diane and Jamie occupy opposite ends of any scales that measure assertiveness or arrogance or nastiness. Diane is superior and often critical: Monica notes “Her sister’s preferred tongue, sarcasm. Diane was fluent” although later in the tale, Howard gives her wise words “People are never as good as they could be, nor as bad as you think they are.”
Jamie is unassuming and kind but also quick-witted: “He wasn’t particularly bright… but he could certainly sparkle” is Mother’s assessment. Of her care for Jamie, Monica tells Xavier: “Who will truly see someone like him, realise what he has to offer, how he can grow on you if you take the time, in this world where only the loudest, the best at squawking, get noticed” and of Jamie’s selflessness: “In that moment, she wished he were truly her brother, that what ran in him ran in her as well.” It may be Monica Sparrow in the title, but Jamie might just be the star.
Howard undeniably has a way with words and his descriptive prose is marvellous: “Xavier wondered why these three, his superiors, found it necessary to cajole and entice him in this way, as if they were game-park workers trapping a rhino that had just been delivered a dart” and “Mother… went into a type of hypnotic state, as if her tired brain was hauling something heavy into the front room of her mind” are examples.
Howard’s own experience in the publishing industry is apparent on every page. Oh, and if dequiring isn’t a word, it ought to be! Thought-provoking but also hilarious and heart-warming, this novel will have readers seeking out Howard’s earlier work.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Transit Lounge Publishing and Better Reading Preview.
The Time Is Now, Monica Sparrow is the fourth novel by Australian author, Matt Howard. Jamie has recently acquired two sisters, one of whom is less than welcoming. That might be because his new step-father left their mother to marry his. A tragic loss has resulted in these rather bizarre family dynamics.
Monica Sparrow is a published author (e-books) who seems determined to take Jamie under her wing. Her sister Diane is married to the head of sales at Wyatt Dean Publishing, and she insults Jamie at every opportunity (although he’s definitely not the only recipient of her bile).
Wyatt Dean has decided to publish Monica’s next novel, and has assigned Xavier Swift as her editor. Somewhat to her consternation, Xavier has already taken his figurative scissors to Monica’s moderately successful e-books, eliminating the unnecessary in preparation for printing, but when they meet, she can’t help liking him. Xavier’s editing philosophy extends into his life, and as a minimalist, he’s in for a shock when he first enters Monica’s home: a house stuffed to overflowing with things she doesn’t need.
Howard’s plot is easily believable but far from predictable, with quite a few twists and surprises. Red herrings mean that the astute reader will likely be distracted from suspicions that may have formed about a certain character from tiny hints and clues.
Reading in the quiet carriage of public transport is perhaps not recommended as there’s lots of laugh-out-loud humour in the dialogue (some of it quite black); there are also some lump-in-the-throat moments. There’s a delicious irony in that Xavier is good at culling possessions and written words, but Jamie pulls him up for being too verbose.
Howard’s main characters are more than one-dimensional and develop with the story. Each character has been somewhat damaged by events in their lives, and most try hard to be good to each other. It’s sweetly amusing to watch them exhibit a (sometimes crossed-purpose) sensitivity towards each other’s needs.
Monica and Xavier are at opposite extremes on the scale of acquiring worldly possessions, with entirely different things bringing them joy. Anyone with a tendency to accumulate will be able to identify with Monica’s rationales, while Xavier’s actions will resonate the minimalists, the ruthless discarders.
Diane and Jamie occupy opposite ends of any scales that measure assertiveness or arrogance or nastiness. Diane is superior and often critical: Monica notes “Her sister’s preferred tongue, sarcasm. Diane was fluent” although later in the tale, Howard gives her wise words “People are never as good as they could be, nor as bad as you think they are.”
Jamie is unassuming and kind but also quick-witted: “He wasn’t particularly bright… but he could certainly sparkle” is Mother’s assessment. Of her care for Jamie, Monica tells Xavier: “Who will truly see someone like him, realise what he has to offer, how he can grow on you if you take the time, in this world where only the loudest, the best at squawking, get noticed” and of Jamie’s selflessness: “In that moment, she wished he were truly her brother, that what ran in him ran in her as well.” It may be Monica Sparrow in the title, but Jamie might just be the star.
Howard undeniably has a way with words and his descriptive prose is marvellous: “Xavier wondered why these three, his superiors, found it necessary to cajole and entice him in this way, as if they were game-park workers trapping a rhino that had just been delivered a dart” and “Mother… went into a type of hypnotic state, as if her tired brain was hauling something heavy into the front room of her mind” are examples.
Howard’s own experience in the publishing industry is apparent on every page. Oh, and if dequiring isn’t a word, it ought to be! Thought-provoking but also hilarious and heart-warming, this novel will have readers seeking out Howard’s earlier work.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by Transit Lounge Publishing and Better Reading Preview.
March 5, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
2.5 stars
Rows of detached style homes adorn the front cover of The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow, by established Australian author Matt Howard. With the front cover scene set at night, and the lights clearly visible inside these houses, a sense of intrigue was soon established. I wanted to know who Monica Sparrow was, and why it was her time.
The prologue definitely drew me in, just as much as the cover. I was keen to delve into Monica’s character journey. I got the feeling early on when reading this novel that it was going to progress along the lines of recent misunderstood or quirky characters (think The Cactus, or Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine). I was a little off the mark on this assumption. Instead, this was a slow burn style character intersection and introspection piece. Themes defining this book include self discovery/realisation, acceptance, belonging, identity and cultivating relationships.
The structure of the book, which utilises short and sharp chapter styles, encouraged me to read ‘just one more’ page of this book. A few surprises were issued along the way, but on the whole, I felt confused and distanced from this one, for reasons unknown.
*Thanks is extended to Better Reading/Transit Lounge for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
2.5 stars
Rows of detached style homes adorn the front cover of The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow, by established Australian author Matt Howard. With the front cover scene set at night, and the lights clearly visible inside these houses, a sense of intrigue was soon established. I wanted to know who Monica Sparrow was, and why it was her time.
The prologue definitely drew me in, just as much as the cover. I was keen to delve into Monica’s character journey. I got the feeling early on when reading this novel that it was going to progress along the lines of recent misunderstood or quirky characters (think The Cactus, or Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine). I was a little off the mark on this assumption. Instead, this was a slow burn style character intersection and introspection piece. Themes defining this book include self discovery/realisation, acceptance, belonging, identity and cultivating relationships.
The structure of the book, which utilises short and sharp chapter styles, encouraged me to read ‘just one more’ page of this book. A few surprises were issued along the way, but on the whole, I felt confused and distanced from this one, for reasons unknown.
*Thanks is extended to Better Reading/Transit Lounge for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
February 7, 2019
I thought at first that this story of social misfits would be enjoyed by those who loved Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, which I truly loved. Halfway through I began to have doubts. It is a very enjoyable story. My doubts came about because I felt on a couple of occasions that I missed key bits of information about why characters suddenly seemed to change. I did like Jamie/James as much as I liked Eleanor though and I think he was the real star of this novel. His story and development over the novel really touched me.
I quite enjoyed Matt Howard’s writing and humour, but my confusion at what was happening got in the way a little bit. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Thanks to Better Reading’s #BRPreview and Transit Lounge for the advance copy.
I quite enjoyed Matt Howard’s writing and humour, but my confusion at what was happening got in the way a little bit. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Thanks to Better Reading’s #BRPreview and Transit Lounge for the advance copy.
January 26, 2019
Thank you Better Reading for my advanced reading copy. There have been a number of books published since the success of The Rosie Project of lonely, unusual characters who manage to find love in unexpected places. This, unfortunately, is not one of the better ones. I found the protagonists inconsistent. The author tells us Xavier is a minimalist and a harsh editor of novels, but is verbose. Monica and Diane, although traumatized by their brother's death, sometimes live in the real world, and other times appear to have no connection to the era they live in. This is an easy and hopeful read for those who don't seem to connect or fit in, but left me a bit flat.
February 15, 2019
et in London, The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow by Australian author Matt Howard, is a tale of lives muted by loss yet it isn't a dreary book. Monica, whose car accident killed her brother Caleb on his 18th birthday, has become a hoarder, stuffing her flat with useless possessions; Diane, her sister has cultivated an abrasive personality (and a rare talent in droll one-liners); and her stepbrother Jamie the afterthought has almost obliterated himself as a presence. In his case, it's partly because the family was lumbered with him when Father couldn't cope with the grief and debunked to his lady-love so that her son Jamie was surplus to requirements. Mother is sliding into dementia, as if life is not worth remembering anyway.
The catalyst for change is Xavier, a minimalist so minimal that he signs his name with an 'X', prompting one of his co-workers to comment that people will think he's illiterate. Which would be droll, because Xavier is an editor at Wyatt Dean, a London publishing company. He has but one author to nurture, the arrogant Tobias Balfour who churns out a bestseller each year, but Xavier acquires the task of editing Monica's transition from self-publishing to print because Jacob, his boss, is Diane's husband. (Clearly, the author's personal experience in the publishing industry provides authentic fodder for his novels! In-house publishing politics seem fascinating... are they really like that, I wonder?)
Well, it turns out that Monica is not the only hidden talent, but to say more would be to spoil the plot.
Howard's style is spare, but crafty in its allusions:
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/02/15/t...
The catalyst for change is Xavier, a minimalist so minimal that he signs his name with an 'X', prompting one of his co-workers to comment that people will think he's illiterate. Which would be droll, because Xavier is an editor at Wyatt Dean, a London publishing company. He has but one author to nurture, the arrogant Tobias Balfour who churns out a bestseller each year, but Xavier acquires the task of editing Monica's transition from self-publishing to print because Jacob, his boss, is Diane's husband. (Clearly, the author's personal experience in the publishing industry provides authentic fodder for his novels! In-house publishing politics seem fascinating... are they really like that, I wonder?)
Well, it turns out that Monica is not the only hidden talent, but to say more would be to spoil the plot.
Howard's style is spare, but crafty in its allusions:
'Is Monica a writer of literary fiction?'
Xavier knew this to be unlikely if she was indeed a hit on the Internet; that meeting place for angry folk and nitpickers. A village square Xavier rarely visited. It was one of the chief reasons, along with public transport, that Xavier had decided that people were not for him.
'Commercial fiction,' Jacob Meneksk said, then added, 'Monica has several e-books for sale online already, but they'll need serious editing to work in print. She is currently writing another one which we will launch her with. She'll need help to keep the word count down. That's where you come in.'
Yasmin's next remark was almost gushing. 'Monica's female characters are central, however her male characters are also compelling.'
Something in the way she looked at Jacob as she said that caught Xavier's attention, but it was quickly shuffled aside as the realisation hit him: 'Romance fiction.' (p.24)
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/02/15/t...
April 11, 2019
After my experience with Grace Atherton I was a little wary of this as I’ve heard it ‘lumped in’ with various uplit titles.
Nothing could be further from the reality. This was such an enjoyable read, although I did throw it down at one point saying “Monica, stop hanging around with your awful sister!”.
In a nutshell (without spoilers) the synopsis is this:
Monica is the moderately successful author of e-book romances who has come to the attention of a small publishing company. Monica also lives, surrounded by clutter in North West London, with the guilty ‘knowledge’ that she was responsible for her younger brother’s death. Diane, her aforementioned sister, is a complete piece of work, married to Josh who works at the publishing company. Nepotism? Make up your own mind.
Jamie is their neglected, much younger stepbrother - a socially awkward young man with a hidden talent.
Xavier, our other main player, is the editor assigned to Monica who is as diametrically opposed to Monica as could possibly be. He declutters with a vengeance (that ‘spark joy’ woman would have a run for her money here. “One more Xavier assessed the mirrored doors between him and his clothes. Really, what was their point? He already had a mirror affixed to the bathroom cabinet and these massive sliding ones simply served to get in the way at least twice a day. Their lifespan was limited.” I’d say he could be a role model - BUT HE HAS NO BOOKS 😳)
I enjoyed how the author interwove the characters’ lives and the outcomes.
One bone to pick with Matt Howard: hoarding is an illness and, having seen it up close in generations of my family, you don’t get cured that easily.
Nothing could be further from the reality. This was such an enjoyable read, although I did throw it down at one point saying “Monica, stop hanging around with your awful sister!”.
In a nutshell (without spoilers) the synopsis is this:
Monica is the moderately successful author of e-book romances who has come to the attention of a small publishing company. Monica also lives, surrounded by clutter in North West London, with the guilty ‘knowledge’ that she was responsible for her younger brother’s death. Diane, her aforementioned sister, is a complete piece of work, married to Josh who works at the publishing company. Nepotism? Make up your own mind.
Jamie is their neglected, much younger stepbrother - a socially awkward young man with a hidden talent.
Xavier, our other main player, is the editor assigned to Monica who is as diametrically opposed to Monica as could possibly be. He declutters with a vengeance (that ‘spark joy’ woman would have a run for her money here. “One more Xavier assessed the mirrored doors between him and his clothes. Really, what was their point? He already had a mirror affixed to the bathroom cabinet and these massive sliding ones simply served to get in the way at least twice a day. Their lifespan was limited.” I’d say he could be a role model - BUT HE HAS NO BOOKS 😳)
I enjoyed how the author interwove the characters’ lives and the outcomes.
One bone to pick with Matt Howard: hoarding is an illness and, having seen it up close in generations of my family, you don’t get cured that easily.
February 7, 2019
The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow is the story of 4 very different people and how their lives intersect.
Monica and Diane are sisters, their lives changed after the death of their younger brother Caleb.
Jamie, their new step brother.
Xavier, an editor for a major publishing house who comes into their lives.
I haven't read anything by Matt Howard before, so really went in without any expectations.
What I got was an inguiging tale of self discovery. Of finding who you are, and where you fit into the world and your family, and about realising family isn't necessarily about blood. It actually really spoke to me, because I think we all go through times where we feel like we adrift and don't know where we belong.
It starts with a bang, and then the story settles into a bit of a slower pace. It's an enjoyable tale, told in short snappy bites that make you just want to read one more.
There were a few moments that I felt I had to suspend belief, particularly in relation to the changes that Monica and Diane undergo. Xavier and Jamie's character arcs just seemed a bit more true to character.
**I received a copy of this book from Better Reading in exchange for an honest review**
Monica and Diane are sisters, their lives changed after the death of their younger brother Caleb.
Jamie, their new step brother.
Xavier, an editor for a major publishing house who comes into their lives.
I haven't read anything by Matt Howard before, so really went in without any expectations.
What I got was an inguiging tale of self discovery. Of finding who you are, and where you fit into the world and your family, and about realising family isn't necessarily about blood. It actually really spoke to me, because I think we all go through times where we feel like we adrift and don't know where we belong.
It starts with a bang, and then the story settles into a bit of a slower pace. It's an enjoyable tale, told in short snappy bites that make you just want to read one more.
There were a few moments that I felt I had to suspend belief, particularly in relation to the changes that Monica and Diane undergo. Xavier and Jamie's character arcs just seemed a bit more true to character.
**I received a copy of this book from Better Reading in exchange for an honest review**
January 26, 2019
If you liked ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ you’ll love Matt Howard’s ‘The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow’.
Monica Sparrow prospective author is forever dealing with the death of her brother Caleb. Monica lives in Neasden the ‘loneliest village in London’; she is lonely and collects ‘stuff’ to fill her life, but there is a lot more to Monica .
Diane, older sister and a judgemental visitor in Monica’s life is constantly trying to get Monica to do things her way as her own life is apparently so much better.
Jamie the step brother who Monica feels she needs to protect is a constant in Monica’s life. Jamie is socially awkward but has a kindness and compassion for others.
And finally Xavier, the minimalist and book editor at Wyatt Dean Publishing house who is assigned Monica as a new author.
Xavier is an interesting character and his relationship with Monica, Diane and Jamie sets them all on a journey that is certainly worth reading.
Heartwarming at times infuriating this cast of characters will have you wishing them well in their life decisions.
Simple deeds can indeed bring great rewards.
Thanks to Better Reading for the copy to review #BRPreview
Monica Sparrow prospective author is forever dealing with the death of her brother Caleb. Monica lives in Neasden the ‘loneliest village in London’; she is lonely and collects ‘stuff’ to fill her life, but there is a lot more to Monica .
Diane, older sister and a judgemental visitor in Monica’s life is constantly trying to get Monica to do things her way as her own life is apparently so much better.
Jamie the step brother who Monica feels she needs to protect is a constant in Monica’s life. Jamie is socially awkward but has a kindness and compassion for others.
And finally Xavier, the minimalist and book editor at Wyatt Dean Publishing house who is assigned Monica as a new author.
Xavier is an interesting character and his relationship with Monica, Diane and Jamie sets them all on a journey that is certainly worth reading.
Heartwarming at times infuriating this cast of characters will have you wishing them well in their life decisions.
Simple deeds can indeed bring great rewards.
Thanks to Better Reading for the copy to review #BRPreview
February 11, 2021
My journey with “The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow” was challenging at times – I found myself often comparing the characters in Matt Howard’s latest book to people I know in real life! We follow Monica and Diane, Xavier and Jamie, seemingly at first four disparate people, as their often intersecting lives meander along various paths. As we progress through the book we find that our characters surprise us with almost complete turnarounds in their attitudes to life and living – through intertwined happenings our characters blossom from where they started to much more likeable individuals. I did however feel that there were gaps in the flow of the book where we find ourselves having to guess what happened to get to the next point in the character’s life – there are so many threads to the book, while they often intersect they each have a path of their own, with the result being that we sometimes have to go back to previous parts of the book check that we hadn’t missed something. While I loved the characters in this book, I sometimes struggled with keeping track of the plot
February 15, 2019
Alright. How do I start this book review? It took me a long time to get this book read and I found it rather mundane. Another book about dysfunctional families, wayward siblings and love.
Yes there was a story, a plot and numerous characters. Monica and her sister Diane both with their own problems, both dealing with the death of their brother. Then there is Jamie, the brother who found himself cast into the lives of these two women by default and of course Xavier, the publisher whom I found rather boring.
There was no real flow to this book for me with each chapter jumping from one character to the next or one situation to the next sometimes confusing the story and confusing me.
It is an easy read but for me it just didn’t have enough substance, the story didn’t seem any different to other similar style books I have read in the past.
Thank you Better Reading for the chance to read and review this book and to share my thoughts. I’m just sad I didn’t like it more.
Yes there was a story, a plot and numerous characters. Monica and her sister Diane both with their own problems, both dealing with the death of their brother. Then there is Jamie, the brother who found himself cast into the lives of these two women by default and of course Xavier, the publisher whom I found rather boring.
There was no real flow to this book for me with each chapter jumping from one character to the next or one situation to the next sometimes confusing the story and confusing me.
It is an easy read but for me it just didn’t have enough substance, the story didn’t seem any different to other similar style books I have read in the past.
Thank you Better Reading for the chance to read and review this book and to share my thoughts. I’m just sad I didn’t like it more.
February 10, 2019
Review of The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow by Matt Howard
Fans of Anne Tyler will appreciate Matt Howard’s ability to describe the extraordinary in the ordinary. He expertly develops characters to demonstrate that what we see of people on the surface can lead us to make inaccurate assumptions and categorizations. This is the revelation that sweeps one of the characters towards the end of this book: “We are not one or the other: black or white. We are all grey, hopelessly yet deliciously grey”.
The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow is an entertaining, feel good but also thought provoking book. It kept me eagerly turning the pages absorbed in the world of its characters.
Thanks to Better Reading for the copy to review #BRPreview.
Fans of Anne Tyler will appreciate Matt Howard’s ability to describe the extraordinary in the ordinary. He expertly develops characters to demonstrate that what we see of people on the surface can lead us to make inaccurate assumptions and categorizations. This is the revelation that sweeps one of the characters towards the end of this book: “We are not one or the other: black or white. We are all grey, hopelessly yet deliciously grey”.
The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow is an entertaining, feel good but also thought provoking book. It kept me eagerly turning the pages absorbed in the world of its characters.
Thanks to Better Reading for the copy to review #BRPreview.
February 18, 2019
I immediately fell for the crazy characters in 'The Time is Now, Monica Sparrow' (though Di did take a little longer to start to redeem herself). I loved the uniqueness and "differences" in the characters, and how they handled what life had handed them. It was such a wonderful journey, watching them grow and change, and seeing them all really start to live. Families and family dynamics are complicated and changeable, and the surprising change to this "family" is beautiful. Thanks to #Better Reading for the chance to meet Monica and her group of interrelated individuals...
December 26, 2019
I struggled to finish this book. A couple of times I thought of putting it away, however I persisted as I rarely atop reading books until the end. This books characters were grey and beige - fitting given the theme of the two main characters. Bizarrely annoyed at they end - there seemed to be no endings neatly tied up in a bow. Every character has been left hanging with so many questions unanswered. It feels like there will be a sequel there are that many unfinished story lines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2019
What I loved the most about this book was the absolutely delightful characters. Yes, they're all a little quirky, some more than others, but there is something endearing about all of them. Matt has created a little world of personal dramas interlaid with a rich family history. It clips along at a great pace and if you're looking for something uplifting and inspiring, look no further.
April 6, 2019
An enjoyable read. The characters grow and change over the novel, which is fun to read about. Perhaps with all that, there is a chance that you miss out on really caring about them. Although their stories all meld together, I just didn’t feel as involved or connected with them as I would have liked.
August 4, 2019
Easy read, but found it just wasn’t a story I could invest in...felt I had to push myself to finish it.
December 30, 2019
A "heart-warming story" set in the publishing world with interesting characters.
February 28, 2021
Did not finish this one. I probably would have continued because the characters were intriguing but I didn’t enjoy the writing style.
August 6, 2023
An understated, gentle and humorous warmth to this book. Wonderfully told tale of intersecting lives. Beautifully paced and written. Uplifting despite the grim background of Monica's car accident. Highly recommended (as are Matt Howard's previous books).
April 15, 2019
I picked this up off the local library’s “Hot Reads” shelf without any expectation.
After the second chapter I was worried that I might have picked a rather gloomy book to take on holidays. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters as the story progressed . . . I’d love to meet Diane in real life!!!
After the second chapter I was worried that I might have picked a rather gloomy book to take on holidays. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters as the story progressed . . . I’d love to meet Diane in real life!!!
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