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Sorrow
From Tiffanie DeBartolo, author of God Shaped Hole, How to Kill a Rock Star, and Grace: The Jeff Buckley Story, comes Sorrow, a poignant story about friendship and love, art and music, and how these pursuits can save us from ourselves.
Joe Harper has backpedaled throughout his life. A once-promising guitar prodigy, he’s been living without direction since abandoning his musical dreams. Now into his thirties, having retreated from every opportunity he’s had to level up, he has lost his family, his best friend, and his own self-respect.
But Joe finds an unlikely path to redemption when he starts working as a carpenter for the bohemian conceptual artist October Danko. The job returns him to his hometown, loaded with bittersweet reminders of his former life, in the shadows of his beloved redwood trees. As Joe’s relationship with October develops, he yearns to take a daring step toward a bold future, but struggles to escape the craven decisions of his past.
Sorrow is a stunning, moving novel that explores masculinity and suspended adolescence, all the while begging the questions: Can courage be learned? And is it ever too late to follow your heart?
Joe Harper has backpedaled throughout his life. A once-promising guitar prodigy, he’s been living without direction since abandoning his musical dreams. Now into his thirties, having retreated from every opportunity he’s had to level up, he has lost his family, his best friend, and his own self-respect.
But Joe finds an unlikely path to redemption when he starts working as a carpenter for the bohemian conceptual artist October Danko. The job returns him to his hometown, loaded with bittersweet reminders of his former life, in the shadows of his beloved redwood trees. As Joe’s relationship with October develops, he yearns to take a daring step toward a bold future, but struggles to escape the craven decisions of his past.
Sorrow is a stunning, moving novel that explores masculinity and suspended adolescence, all the while begging the questions: Can courage be learned? And is it ever too late to follow your heart?
260 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
128 people are currently reading
5939 people want to read
About the author
Tiffanie DeBartolo
7 books1,844 followersTiffanie DeBartolo's most recent novel is Sorrow. Her previous novels include God Shaped Hole (2002), How To Kill a Rock Star (2005), and the graphic novel Grace: Based on the Jeff Buckley Story (2019). She also wrote and directed the film Dream for an Insomniac (1996) starring Jennifer Aniston and Ione Skye.
Tiffanie is the founder and CEO of San Francisco Bay Area record label Bright Antenna, whose roster of artists include The Wombats, Wilderado, Sports Team, and Prep.
Tiffanie is also the cofounder of the ShineMaker Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to supporting human rights, women's rights, education, animal welfare, and the environment.
In her spare time, she is a runner, hiker, yogi, world-traveler, cook, poet, and artist.
She lives in Mill Valley with her husband Scott Schumaker and her two Irish Wolfhounds, Dipsea and Kazoo.
Tiffanie is the founder and CEO of San Francisco Bay Area record label Bright Antenna, whose roster of artists include The Wombats, Wilderado, Sports Team, and Prep.
Tiffanie is also the cofounder of the ShineMaker Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to supporting human rights, women's rights, education, animal welfare, and the environment.
In her spare time, she is a runner, hiker, yogi, world-traveler, cook, poet, and artist.
She lives in Mill Valley with her husband Scott Schumaker and her two Irish Wolfhounds, Dipsea and Kazoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
October 20, 2020
Sorrow is a very unique and difficult love story. I have been very excited to read Sorrow, since I heard Tiffanie DeBartolo was writing another book. I have read and loved all of her books and Sorrow did not disappoint. Sorrow was one of those books where I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended but also didn’t want it to end.
Sorrow is filled with emotion, heartbreak, music, and art. Sorrow is one of those unique stories where I didn’t like any of the characters, but loved the story and cannot think of any way it could’ve been better.
Thank you NetGalley and Woodhall Press for Sorrow.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
Sorrow is filled with emotion, heartbreak, music, and art. Sorrow is one of those unique stories where I didn’t like any of the characters, but loved the story and cannot think of any way it could’ve been better.
Thank you NetGalley and Woodhall Press for Sorrow.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
February 21, 2021
4.5 Just me gushing stars
This was amazing.
Gaaaah! What a wonderful story. A story about friendship-pure beautiful friendship, love, music, art and everything else in between.
Told in the single POV of Joe Harper, we are taken through a beautiful life journey of ups and downs in the best lyrical way of story telling. Joe is one complex, humanly character. I fell in love with him hard and understood some of the decisions he made. It is exactly what most of us would do.
The writing style did take me to another place, I was there with Joe and the trees, with Joe and his music, with Joe and Cal, with Joe and October. The music was soooo goood! The way through my peanut heart is to combine music and a good story! Tiffanie did that in the best way.
The other main/side characters, Cal and October were two amazing unique individual. October is such a weirdo, I love her. What a beautiful, complex, artsy woman. And Cal? Bless his heart. Gaaaahh!
This book was so intense, beautiful, realistic and sometimes so much in your face, definitely not for everyone.
This was amazing.
Gaaaah! What a wonderful story. A story about friendship-pure beautiful friendship, love, music, art and everything else in between.
Told in the single POV of Joe Harper, we are taken through a beautiful life journey of ups and downs in the best lyrical way of story telling. Joe is one complex, humanly character. I fell in love with him hard and understood some of the decisions he made. It is exactly what most of us would do.
The writing style did take me to another place, I was there with Joe and the trees, with Joe and his music, with Joe and Cal, with Joe and October. The music was soooo goood! The way through my peanut heart is to combine music and a good story! Tiffanie did that in the best way.
The other main/side characters, Cal and October were two amazing unique individual. October is such a weirdo, I love her. What a beautiful, complex, artsy woman. And Cal? Bless his heart. Gaaaahh!
This book was so intense, beautiful, realistic and sometimes so much in your face, definitely not for everyone.
October 20, 2020
You can just tell that this author and Tarryn Fisher are BFFs.
I'm very glad that Tiffanie DeBartolo is back, because her writing style is so unique and I find it extremely enjoyable. However, I think that this story had some fundamental issues, just like God-Shaped Hole did.
Sorrow is about Joe, a lonely man who has missed too many opportunities in life and is overall unsatisfied. We follow pretty much his entire life, so this is almost a character study. The two other protagonists are October, an artist that he works for, and Cal, his childhood best friend.
I know that DeBartolo pours her heart out while she's writing, and it definitely shows. Her books are filled with a lot of soul and it's a pretty unique experience. However, I think that I've seen this plot before way too many times and I felt like the conflict was awfully handled. Joe was such a coward, I couldn't even root for him to have a happy ending. Also, it took me over a week to finish this, because the second half dragged on plot points that I didn't think were necessary.
I'm still glad that I read this, and I'd definitely recommend if you enjoy hard hitting fiction with lots of art and music references.
(NetGalley ARC)
I'm very glad that Tiffanie DeBartolo is back, because her writing style is so unique and I find it extremely enjoyable. However, I think that this story had some fundamental issues, just like God-Shaped Hole did.
Sorrow is about Joe, a lonely man who has missed too many opportunities in life and is overall unsatisfied. We follow pretty much his entire life, so this is almost a character study. The two other protagonists are October, an artist that he works for, and Cal, his childhood best friend.
I know that DeBartolo pours her heart out while she's writing, and it definitely shows. Her books are filled with a lot of soul and it's a pretty unique experience. However, I think that I've seen this plot before way too many times and I felt like the conflict was awfully handled. Joe was such a coward, I couldn't even root for him to have a happy ending. Also, it took me over a week to finish this, because the second half dragged on plot points that I didn't think were necessary.
I'm still glad that I read this, and I'd definitely recommend if you enjoy hard hitting fiction with lots of art and music references.
(NetGalley ARC)
February 10, 2021
Finally, a story to shake me up, get me out of sameness, turn me inside out and poke my heart with a pin.
Sorrow had in spades that "unsettling" feeling I look forward when starting a book, something different from my ordinary life, something that will stretch my boundaries and make me uncomfortable and rock my world.
I bloody missed being consumed by a story this much!
So, yeah!!! 5 stars!!!!
I loved the originality and the artistic aspect of it.
I loved how vulnerable, sensitive and enigmatic both characters were.
I loved that even though I finished the story, the characters still elusive to me. It just fitted the story perfectly.
I loved the earth element the redwood trees added.
I loved the author's voice and the way it spoke to me.
THE END.
February 27, 2021
Update ...
When you love a book and you buy the Paperback (would have loved if it had been released in Hardcover) but then, your son, who hears you listening to the song on repeat on your phone, buys you the vinyl - he loves his Mammy!!!
"Sorrow" The National (Album - High Violet)
-----------------------------------------------
"Choices" - do you ever wonder how your life would have turned out if you had taken a different turn in life and made a different life choice? I know if I had made a certain choice thirty or so years ago, I definitely would be in a completely different place ... happier/sadder? Who can tell? My life is great now so I cannot complain but if I hadn't made the choice I did at the time I know I would always be saying "What if "! (to some it might not seem like anything major but I moved from Ireland to Belgium, leaving the love of my life(!) and starting a new job and life in a small country, away from family and friends)
Anyway, that has absolutely nothing to do with this book... well apart from the fact that Joe Harper made a choice when he was young that determined how his life turned out. Did he regret the choice he made? Probably!
Joe returns to his hometown and meets October. Joe comes across as a lost soul, searching for something elusive, but what, he does not seem to know ...
This book encapsulates art, music, emotions, fear, longing, friendship, choices, heartbreak, love (all the good ingredients for a great song).
This is the sort of book where I could put quotes and images in forever ... I have read Ms DeBartolo's other books. Both were emotional reads. I love her connection to music (although her love of U2 is a little bit questionable - then again, being Irish, we always begrudge the successful Irish person ... saying that, Bono is still an obnoxious twat)
... sorry, I couldn't help myself.
See my nod to Matt BerNinger there!
It's not just a story about Joe and October. It is about childhood friendships - sometimes they last, sometimes they don't ...
Fingers crossed, when travel is allowed again, I might make a return trip to The Greek Theatre (maybe not to see Willie, as I did the last time I was there) but to see The National in concert ... ah, we can dream ... it doesn't even have to be LA, it can be The Big Top in Galway, where I saw them in 2014 - I also saw them twice in Belgium - yeah, I love name-dropping about the concerts I went to. If you haven't listened to The National - check them out.
BTW, the "love of my life" eventually 'followed' me to Belgium and we are still together, 34 years later!
When you love a book and you buy the Paperback (would have loved if it had been released in Hardcover) but then, your son, who hears you listening to the song on repeat on your phone, buys you the vinyl - he loves his Mammy!!!
"Sorrow" The National (Album - High Violet)
-----------------------------------------------
"Choices" - do you ever wonder how your life would have turned out if you had taken a different turn in life and made a different life choice? I know if I had made a certain choice thirty or so years ago, I definitely would be in a completely different place ... happier/sadder? Who can tell? My life is great now so I cannot complain but if I hadn't made the choice I did at the time I know I would always be saying "What if "! (to some it might not seem like anything major but I moved from Ireland to Belgium, leaving the love of my life(!) and starting a new job and life in a small country, away from family and friends)
Anyway, that has absolutely nothing to do with this book... well apart from the fact that Joe Harper made a choice when he was young that determined how his life turned out. Did he regret the choice he made? Probably!
Joe returns to his hometown and meets October. Joe comes across as a lost soul, searching for something elusive, but what, he does not seem to know ...
This book encapsulates art, music, emotions, fear, longing, friendship, choices, heartbreak, love (all the good ingredients for a great song).
"There's no such thing as inaction, Joe. There's only choice and consequence."
"Redwood trees are poetic, don't you think ..."
This is the sort of book where I could put quotes and images in forever ... I have read Ms DeBartolo's other books. Both were emotional reads. I love her connection to music (although her love of U2 is a little bit questionable - then again, being Irish, we always begrudge the successful Irish person ... saying that, Bono is still an obnoxious twat)
(Q: What did Bono say to God when he first arrived in heaven?
A: I believe you are sitting in my chair.)
... sorry, I couldn't help myself.
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.”
We opened a bottle of Pinot Noir and drank it.
See my nod to Matt BerNinger there!
October came out in a floral-patterned sundress
It's not just a story about Joe and October. It is about childhood friendships - sometimes they last, sometimes they don't ...
I was looking at the piece of art on the wall behind Bob's head.
Fingers crossed, when travel is allowed again, I might make a return trip to The Greek Theatre (maybe not to see Willie, as I did the last time I was there) but to see The National in concert ... ah, we can dream ... it doesn't even have to be LA, it can be The Big Top in Galway, where I saw them in 2014 - I also saw them twice in Belgium - yeah, I love name-dropping about the concerts I went to. If you haven't listened to The National - check them out.
BTW, the "love of my life" eventually 'followed' me to Belgium and we are still together, 34 years later!
April 8, 2021
4.5 stars
Sorrow is the third book I’ve read by Tiffanie DeBartolo and each time I read a book by her I’m blown away by her raw talent. Her writing is out of this world and she tells a story like no other.
This is a book that makes you think about the choices you make and how they change and shape your life. Sometimes not making a choice is a choice within itself. I think we’ve all thought about that at one time or another… what if I would have done this instead? How different would my life be?
Joe Harper has made choices he wishes he could change. He’s passed over opportunities that could have changed his life and he’s spent a lot of time alone, living without those he loves. Then he meets October. October changes him in a big way, but when he goes back into his self, he has to make a big choice. To carry on with how he’s been living, or make a choice to take a chance…
I enjoyed this one so much. The writing was incredible, the story was stunning and truly made me think about like and gave me so many feels. I do wish I would have felt a little more connected to the hero and heroine, but overall I really loved this one!
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.”
Sorrow is the third book I’ve read by Tiffanie DeBartolo and each time I read a book by her I’m blown away by her raw talent. Her writing is out of this world and she tells a story like no other.
This is a book that makes you think about the choices you make and how they change and shape your life. Sometimes not making a choice is a choice within itself. I think we’ve all thought about that at one time or another… what if I would have done this instead? How different would my life be?
Joe Harper has made choices he wishes he could change. He’s passed over opportunities that could have changed his life and he’s spent a lot of time alone, living without those he loves. Then he meets October. October changes him in a big way, but when he goes back into his self, he has to make a big choice. To carry on with how he’s been living, or make a choice to take a chance…
I enjoyed this one so much. The writing was incredible, the story was stunning and truly made me think about like and gave me so many feels. I do wish I would have felt a little more connected to the hero and heroine, but overall I really loved this one!
Audio book source: Audible (purchased)
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrator: Tim Campbell
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 9 hours and 22 minutes
November 2, 2020
4.5 Stars
A very poignant read!! However, the hero was hard to love.
A very poignant read!! However, the hero was hard to love.
December 31, 2020
4 ⭐'s
Nothing has quite shook me as much as God-Shaped Hole and I knew that I would have to read (almost) any of Tiffanie DeBartolo's books after that. She hasn't released a book for a while so I was hoping for a doozy.
And...it was good but not great. Right from the beginning, there's a very similar set up to a video by a real performance artist:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEcqo...
and if you want more background on it, watch this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Sslx...)
and while this book certainly deviates from it, It still bothered me even though I understand how people are influenced. The only thing I can think of is that I find Marina Abramović's story so emotional and sacred .
On to the story...Joe meets October when he interviews to be her assistant. She lives in the forest and he has a fondness for trees. He grew up in the area and it gives him a calmness that he sorely needs.
October can pick up people's feelings by touching them so she likes to be isolated like Joe. She's a performance artist and I was intrigued by her works.
The book jumps around in the timeline from when Joe was twelve to the present when he is thirty-seven. We found out some drama that happened to his family and how deeply it affected him, how he started playing the guitar and met his best friend, Cal.
It was hard to connect with Joe. He calls himself an asshole and he's right about that but mainly I think he is damaged and just needed a lot of time to heal. His connection to October really helps him.
The twist caught me off guard and I loved it and hated it all at the same time. I knew that the author would twist the knife deep and that the angst would drag on. (Yay!) But the animals...OMG!
This author really does her homework. We learn a lot about art, guitars and trees and she made it flow so easily. However, I never understand why authors like to use uncommon words (although some of those types of words are a part of the book) in the story. It is a pet peeve of mine but thank goodness for the kindle dictionary!
And sadly, there is no epilogue (another pet peeve) and that is no bueño. (And just fyi, it's nowhere as angsty as God-Shaped Hole.)
Nothing has quite shook me as much as God-Shaped Hole and I knew that I would have to read (almost) any of Tiffanie DeBartolo's books after that. She hasn't released a book for a while so I was hoping for a doozy.
And...it was good but not great. Right from the beginning, there's a very similar set up to a video by a real performance artist:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEcqo...
and if you want more background on it, watch this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Sslx...)
and while this book certainly deviates from it, It still bothered me even though I understand how people are influenced. The only thing I can think of is that I find Marina Abramović's story so emotional and sacred .
On to the story...Joe meets October when he interviews to be her assistant. She lives in the forest and he has a fondness for trees. He grew up in the area and it gives him a calmness that he sorely needs.
October can pick up people's feelings by touching them so she likes to be isolated like Joe. She's a performance artist and I was intrigued by her works.
The book jumps around in the timeline from when Joe was twelve to the present when he is thirty-seven. We found out some drama that happened to his family and how deeply it affected him, how he started playing the guitar and met his best friend, Cal.
It was hard to connect with Joe. He calls himself an asshole and he's right about that but mainly I think he is damaged and just needed a lot of time to heal. His connection to October really helps him.
The twist caught me off guard and I loved it and hated it all at the same time. I knew that the author would twist the knife deep and that the angst would drag on. (Yay!) But the animals...OMG!
This author really does her homework. We learn a lot about art, guitars and trees and she made it flow so easily. However, I never understand why authors like to use uncommon words (although some of those types of words are a part of the book) in the story. It is a pet peeve of mine but thank goodness for the kindle dictionary!
And sadly, there is no epilogue (another pet peeve) and that is no bueño. (And just fyi, it's nowhere as angsty as God-Shaped Hole.)
February 27, 2021
I don't even know what to say. I've sat on this and thought about it for two days, and I'm no closer to knowing now than I was two days ago.
I thought this was going to rip my emotions to shreds, like Ms DeBartolo's previous book I read, How to Kill a Rock Star. And there were moments that did. But there was so, so much to love.
So I could go one of two ways. I could rant about the things that made me angry, cry about the things that hurt, sigh over the things that didn't go the way I wanted them to. I could tell you about the grief and guilt that consumes, the music and art that feeds the soul, or the fear of failure that paralyzes.
Or I could tell you that it's about the relationships, of all different kinds. The ones that change, the ones that end, and the ones that last a lifetime. And the ways those relationships shape us, destroy us and sustain us. Or sometimes even all of those things.
I really don't have the words for it. It was a beautiful story, though there were places in it that I never would have believed I could say that, in the end. Epically beautiful. October, Joe and Cal, I'll never forget them.
I thought this was going to rip my emotions to shreds, like Ms DeBartolo's previous book I read, How to Kill a Rock Star. And there were moments that did. But there was so, so much to love.
So I could go one of two ways. I could rant about the things that made me angry, cry about the things that hurt, sigh over the things that didn't go the way I wanted them to. I could tell you about the grief and guilt that consumes, the music and art that feeds the soul, or the fear of failure that paralyzes.
Or I could tell you that it's about the relationships, of all different kinds. The ones that change, the ones that end, and the ones that last a lifetime. And the ways those relationships shape us, destroy us and sustain us. Or sometimes even all of those things.
I really don't have the words for it. It was a beautiful story, though there were places in it that I never would have believed I could say that, in the end. Epically beautiful. October, Joe and Cal, I'll never forget them.
December 17, 2020
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
I have tried to write this review several times, but I don't know how to put in words what this book meant to me. As a reader, it's a relatable story of love, loss, and life's lessons. As a human, it's a book about humanity, the art of living, and going after what you want in spite of it all. It's not even fair to call this just a romance, when Sorrow is so much more and it is apparent that Tiffanie DeBartolo put so much into it. Poignant, difficult, beautiful...there are so many words that can describe this read. It's not the rainbow and butterflies sort of love story with a tiny bit of drama the characters get through. This is main character Joe's story of life and letdowns and how they compiled into several losses that feel so great. It's the story of a man blowing like a leaf in the wind, unable to form roots like the tree he loves.
Joe isn't immediately likeable, but then again, a lot of people aren't when you peel back the layers. Joe Harper is real, his story is authentic, and in all its messiness, Sorrow is a work of art that I could not put down. Like God-Shaped Hole, Sorrow is existential literature, with Tiffanie DeBartolo's words taking Joe on a journey to figure out who he really is and what he's alive for. It's the kind of book you just have to pick up and start reading, you won't be let down.
ARC provided.
I have tried to write this review several times, but I don't know how to put in words what this book meant to me. As a reader, it's a relatable story of love, loss, and life's lessons. As a human, it's a book about humanity, the art of living, and going after what you want in spite of it all. It's not even fair to call this just a romance, when Sorrow is so much more and it is apparent that Tiffanie DeBartolo put so much into it. Poignant, difficult, beautiful...there are so many words that can describe this read. It's not the rainbow and butterflies sort of love story with a tiny bit of drama the characters get through. This is main character Joe's story of life and letdowns and how they compiled into several losses that feel so great. It's the story of a man blowing like a leaf in the wind, unable to form roots like the tree he loves.
Joe isn't immediately likeable, but then again, a lot of people aren't when you peel back the layers. Joe Harper is real, his story is authentic, and in all its messiness, Sorrow is a work of art that I could not put down. Like God-Shaped Hole, Sorrow is existential literature, with Tiffanie DeBartolo's words taking Joe on a journey to figure out who he really is and what he's alive for. It's the kind of book you just have to pick up and start reading, you won't be let down.
ARC provided.
August 16, 2020
Wow. Just wow. I started this book last night at bedtime and finished it this morning. I haven’t been this moved by a story in quite a while. This book was speaking to me with its story of the multi-talented, thirty-seven-year-old Joe Harper, and his misdirected life. This is a story of the loss, grief, fear, and self-doubt that thwarted one man’s destiny, crippling him to such a degree that he was unable to make the right choices for a rewarding life.
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.” Cal Callahan
I get it. Haven’t we all struggled in some way with thinking, what if I had made that particular choice; to go to that school, marry that person, break up with that person, take that job, quit that job, travel the world? I think you get the idea. Unfortunately, Joe always made safe choices, and in the end, he was left with nothing and no one.
“Art and love.” October Danko
This is also a love story. Yes, a love story between a man and a woman, and although a large part of the book it is not the main focus. This is about the love that Joe finds for himself, for the belief that he finds in himself. For “art and love.” Joe also loves trees; he loves the majestic redwoods which play a major part in the book. The parallel of these mighty trees taking so long to reach their enormous heights to Joe taking so long to come into his own was a beautiful comparison. The author has woven a story I will not be able to forget, the mark of an excellent book. I am so happy I had the opportunity to read this remarkable coming-of-age, later-in-life story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I recommend this book to everyone and I gave it five fabulous stars!
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.” Cal Callahan
I get it. Haven’t we all struggled in some way with thinking, what if I had made that particular choice; to go to that school, marry that person, break up with that person, take that job, quit that job, travel the world? I think you get the idea. Unfortunately, Joe always made safe choices, and in the end, he was left with nothing and no one.
“Art and love.” October Danko
This is also a love story. Yes, a love story between a man and a woman, and although a large part of the book it is not the main focus. This is about the love that Joe finds for himself, for the belief that he finds in himself. For “art and love.” Joe also loves trees; he loves the majestic redwoods which play a major part in the book. The parallel of these mighty trees taking so long to reach their enormous heights to Joe taking so long to come into his own was a beautiful comparison. The author has woven a story I will not be able to forget, the mark of an excellent book. I am so happy I had the opportunity to read this remarkable coming-of-age, later-in-life story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I recommend this book to everyone and I gave it five fabulous stars!
Want to read
March 5, 2018I can't freaking wait!!!
March 29, 2021
5 STARS
Honestly, I could have pre-posted this review. I had no doubt this would be a 5-star read. In my opinion, DeBartolo has proven herself an amazing writer. I have loved every book I've read of hers.
She has a unique ability to transform emotion into words, and art into emotion. There were so many fantastic quotes, it seems I've highlighted something on every single page. If I had to criticize anything from this book, I guess I would say it was the ending, which for me was predictable and somewhat anticlimactic. However, I don't really think it detracted from the experience. Loved the book. And I will read anything Ms DeBartolo deems to write. ❤️
Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.
Honestly, I could have pre-posted this review. I had no doubt this would be a 5-star read. In my opinion, DeBartolo has proven herself an amazing writer. I have loved every book I've read of hers.
She has a unique ability to transform emotion into words, and art into emotion. There were so many fantastic quotes, it seems I've highlighted something on every single page. If I had to criticize anything from this book, I guess I would say it was the ending, which for me was predictable and somewhat anticlimactic. However, I don't really think it detracted from the experience. Loved the book. And I will read anything Ms DeBartolo deems to write. ❤️
October 21, 2020
Sorrow is my second book by this author. I would categorize this book as literary fiction.
The narrator is 37 year old Joseph/Joe Harper (1st person POV). Joe loves trees (hence the cover). And he loves playing the guitar (and he is really good).
This book is very character driven, which made for an interesting change. It is about friendship and love. Part of the story is about a female artist named October. And part is about Joe's childhood best friend Cal.
The book starts out in Whitefish, Montana. Joe sees an email about an art exhibit. And that gets him to thinking about his past.
This is a hard book for me to rate. I really enjoyed everything to do with October. And I did find the stuff with Cal to be compelling. But it took me a while to truly become invested in the story. At first I wasn't sure if it was because of how the story was told. There is a lot of retelling (in fact most of the book is Joe looking back on things that happened to him in his past). And honestly I am not used to books being written this way. I definitely do read a lot of past/present stories. But they are more clearly set out that way. Like it is obvious because it will say "then" and "now". Or the time periods are listed. But here we have Joe in the present. And he retells most of the main parts of the story.
The last part of the book was my favorite. We were in the present. And I really wasn't sure what Joe was going to do. But I was very intrigued by what he ended up doing. Also I liked seeing him try to grow.
The cover and title are definitely perfect for this book. And I absolutely loved Joe's list of new words. And how they were worked into the story.
Overall, Joe was such a complex and intriguing character. And I liked going on his journey. This was such a thought-provoking book. And the more I think about it the more I like it.
Thanks to netgalley and Woodhall Press for allowing me to read this book.
The narrator is 37 year old Joseph/Joe Harper (1st person POV). Joe loves trees (hence the cover). And he loves playing the guitar (and he is really good).
This book is very character driven, which made for an interesting change. It is about friendship and love. Part of the story is about a female artist named October. And part is about Joe's childhood best friend Cal.
The book starts out in Whitefish, Montana. Joe sees an email about an art exhibit. And that gets him to thinking about his past.
This is a hard book for me to rate. I really enjoyed everything to do with October. And I did find the stuff with Cal to be compelling. But it took me a while to truly become invested in the story. At first I wasn't sure if it was because of how the story was told. There is a lot of retelling (in fact most of the book is Joe looking back on things that happened to him in his past). And honestly I am not used to books being written this way. I definitely do read a lot of past/present stories. But they are more clearly set out that way. Like it is obvious because it will say "then" and "now". Or the time periods are listed. But here we have Joe in the present. And he retells most of the main parts of the story.
The last part of the book was my favorite. We were in the present. And I really wasn't sure what Joe was going to do. But I was very intrigued by what he ended up doing. Also I liked seeing him try to grow.
The cover and title are definitely perfect for this book. And I absolutely loved Joe's list of new words. And how they were worked into the story.
Overall, Joe was such a complex and intriguing character. And I liked going on his journey. This was such a thought-provoking book. And the more I think about it the more I like it.
Thanks to netgalley and Woodhall Press for allowing me to read this book.
September 9, 2020
Have you ever read a book that affected you so much, you feel it's changed you forever? Have you ever read words that you know touched your soul? Have you ever finished reading a story and knew it would be a reread ten times over? For me, this is Tiffanie DeBartolo's Sorrow. This book is magic. Its themes include music, nature, art, friendship, and love. So, really, unless you are a dispassionate beast of a person, you'll find something to relate to in this novel. It's not a romance, although there is a romantic relationship in it. The beauty of this book is that it can't be categorized. The story is told from a man's POV—Joe Harper's—and it is his journey and his growth you witness firsthand. The other characters, while significant and vibrant, are in the periphery.
The language in this book is stunning. So many lines are so perfectly written and should be highlighted. There were many times when I'd read something and think, "Wow." Everyday words are woven into something magnetic and unforgettable. Tiffanie also includes some new terms. Words that will likely be tattooed on people's bodies because of how evocative they are.
You should know going in that because this is a Tiffanie book, the characters aren't cookie cutters or perfect. They're flawed and, at times, damaged. But even through these not-always-likable individuals, you find perfection because they represent what is real, not what we wish to be real.
On a personal note, I have to say, this is one of the best books I've ever read. Maybe it was a matter of reading it at the right time, but the story hit me hard. There was something so honest and, therefore, so moving about it. I hope that come October, you experience the same. It's unlike anything I've ever read before, which makes it truly unique and truly, breathtakingly beautiful.
The language in this book is stunning. So many lines are so perfectly written and should be highlighted. There were many times when I'd read something and think, "Wow." Everyday words are woven into something magnetic and unforgettable. Tiffanie also includes some new terms. Words that will likely be tattooed on people's bodies because of how evocative they are.
You should know going in that because this is a Tiffanie book, the characters aren't cookie cutters or perfect. They're flawed and, at times, damaged. But even through these not-always-likable individuals, you find perfection because they represent what is real, not what we wish to be real.
On a personal note, I have to say, this is one of the best books I've ever read. Maybe it was a matter of reading it at the right time, but the story hit me hard. There was something so honest and, therefore, so moving about it. I hope that come October, you experience the same. It's unlike anything I've ever read before, which makes it truly unique and truly, breathtakingly beautiful.
September 19, 2020
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I jumped at the opportunity to read Tiffanie DeBartolo's new book because in the past I enjoyed her previous works very much. Maybe that's why I expected more from this read, it was a nice book, but nothing more for me.
I didn't particularly feel the chemistry between the main couple and was much more interested in Joe's past with Cal, something I wish we could have seen more of. Also, the book moves at quite a slow pace and the end left a lot to be desired in my opinion. It's a short novel and so I believe the ending could have been explored further.
I appreciated Joe's growth in the novel, but I didn't particularly feel for him, especially towards the end, I didn't like the decisions he made.
In this novel there's also a magical realism element, but it's just hinted at, which is truly a shame since it could have played a much bigger role in the story.
Overall it was a nice read, but it didn't particularly catch my interest.
I jumped at the opportunity to read Tiffanie DeBartolo's new book because in the past I enjoyed her previous works very much. Maybe that's why I expected more from this read, it was a nice book, but nothing more for me.
I didn't particularly feel the chemistry between the main couple and was much more interested in Joe's past with Cal, something I wish we could have seen more of. Also, the book moves at quite a slow pace and the end left a lot to be desired in my opinion. It's a short novel and so I believe the ending could have been explored further.
I appreciated Joe's growth in the novel, but I didn't particularly feel for him, especially towards the end, I didn't like the decisions he made.
In this novel there's also a magical realism element, but it's just hinted at, which is truly a shame since it could have played a much bigger role in the story.
Overall it was a nice read, but it didn't particularly catch my interest.
April 10, 2021
When I finished this book this morning I was left with mixed feelings.
I can’t say that I ABSOLUTELY loved everything about it because I didn’t.
I loved the earthy and artsy feel of it.
I loved the musical thread too.
I loved the together moments with October & Joe.
What I didn’t love was how I felt while reading most of it. I felt perpetually sad for and frustrated with Joe. I understood his struggle. I just didn't understand his choices.
October was great.
But the one I enjoyed the most was Cal. He was great. For me he was the glue that kept this story together.
I really didn't know how things were going to end. Or even how I wanted them to end. But TD delivered the perfect ending even though I wanted a little more. ❤
October 15, 2020
4.5 BEAUTIFUL STARS
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.”
Tiffanie DeBartolo has created magic once again. An angsty, beautiful book, 'Sorrow' is about flawed, damaged characters who may not always be likeable but always seem real. The main protagonist Joe has not lived up to his potential in life and seems to be hiding out both from his emotions and from responsibilities. The setting is a main part of this book, and beautiful Northern California serves as a gorgeous backdrop to the story.
October was fascinating. A performance artist, she lives an authentic life and encourages Joe to do the same. She really lives her art and through her, Joe feels emboldened to return to his musical roots. October teaches Joe that it is really never too late to follow one's passion in life and how vital it is to remain true to yourself.
There is another main character rounding out this book but anything more would spoil this review. 'Sorrow' is best read without knowing too much of the plot. If you are a fan of the author's previous books, then you will love this one. 'God-Shaped Hole' is one of my all-time favorites and I am a fan for life of Ms. DeBartolo! She recently said that one of her favorite words is ‘saudade’, which means a feeling of deep longing, melancholy, or nostalgia, and that feeling describes my emotions while reading this book. 'Sorrow' is perfect for those who love books mixing art and music and the deep emotions they both inspire. This book is a beautiful reminder to always live your life to the fullest.
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.”
Tiffanie DeBartolo has created magic once again. An angsty, beautiful book, 'Sorrow' is about flawed, damaged characters who may not always be likeable but always seem real. The main protagonist Joe has not lived up to his potential in life and seems to be hiding out both from his emotions and from responsibilities. The setting is a main part of this book, and beautiful Northern California serves as a gorgeous backdrop to the story.
October was fascinating. A performance artist, she lives an authentic life and encourages Joe to do the same. She really lives her art and through her, Joe feels emboldened to return to his musical roots. October teaches Joe that it is really never too late to follow one's passion in life and how vital it is to remain true to yourself.
There is another main character rounding out this book but anything more would spoil this review. 'Sorrow' is best read without knowing too much of the plot. If you are a fan of the author's previous books, then you will love this one. 'God-Shaped Hole' is one of my all-time favorites and I am a fan for life of Ms. DeBartolo! She recently said that one of her favorite words is ‘saudade’, which means a feeling of deep longing, melancholy, or nostalgia, and that feeling describes my emotions while reading this book. 'Sorrow' is perfect for those who love books mixing art and music and the deep emotions they both inspire. This book is a beautiful reminder to always live your life to the fullest.
Want to read
July 10, 2020OMG it has a release date!!! 🤩 10.20.20!!!
I've been waiting literally eons for this one, I'm legit in tears 😭😭😭
2020 is saved!
I've been waiting literally eons for this one, I'm legit in tears 😭😭😭
2020 is saved!
January 31, 2021
This is a contemporary romance, which I don't usually gravitate towards but this sounded like it had some mental health conversations going on with it, and it did. We're following Joe Harper who because of a lot of anxiety and self-doubt and emotional abuse in childhood, has led a life that he is not satisfied with. Once a guitar prodigy, he abandoned his musical dreams. And now he's in his 30s and realizing that he has shied away from every opportunity he had to satisfy his dreams. He is now very depressed, he's lost his family, his best friend, and even his own self-confidence and self-respect.
In this, we're pretty much following Joe's entire life. Which I really liked because it's very akin to a character study. I enjoy really getting to know a character and that can be made easier when I read about how a character was raised, the experiences they've lives, the relationships they've had, etc.. The main portion of Joe's life that we really focus on is when he's lost after college and get's the opportunity to work as a carpenter for a conceptual artist named October Danko. He takes this job because it takes him home to the redwoods of northern California, one of the rare places he feels at peace in his life. But it is also there that he develops a relationship with October that begins to give him the courage to make choices in his life that satisfies him.
Now, if that sounds a bit manic-pixie-dream-girl-esque .. you would be right. It is a little bit, but not as much as I feared. And mostly because there is dimension to October's character. Namely that she deals with some mental health things as well. She has a lot of anxiety and fear of social settings and large crowds. She also had this weird like basically a superpower where she could feel other people's feelings but I kind of ignored that because ... it was a little ridiculous. Our other, kind of main character - but not really - more used as a prop - is Cal, who is Joe's childhood best friend that ended up pursuing his musical dreams and became a very successful musician.
I liked the writing of this. I found it very easy to get into and addictive in a sense - but I do think, specifically, because this book was truly CELEBRATING the bay area and northern California, which is my home, and it was all just so beautiful to read and experience and immerse myself in, as someone from the Bay.
Though I did like the sort of character-study-like approach to Joe's character, I still didn't really like him. It was hard to root for him - and not because of his mental health issues (that was honestly the only thing I liked about him haha) - but because I just never really understood his role in the story. I didn't like his relationship with October; I didn't feel like it was anything special and it was just kind of forced. I was honestly MUCH more interested in Joe's friendship with Cal, specifically when they were younger, and wished that was more of this story. And October was just an okay character for me. She was a BIT ridiculous for me and in my opinion, kind of an exaggerated version of the odd-artistic-quirky woman character.
Also, this book is a slow read. The pacing is very slow, even though this is a short book. And the second half moves even slower. Though there was still a couple of plot points in this that I did not see coming, that could very much be because I don't read a lot of books in this genre. Overall, this was an interesting read, that makes me interested in checking out something else by the author, but this specifically wasn't my favorite.
check out more on this book here
In this, we're pretty much following Joe's entire life. Which I really liked because it's very akin to a character study. I enjoy really getting to know a character and that can be made easier when I read about how a character was raised, the experiences they've lives, the relationships they've had, etc.. The main portion of Joe's life that we really focus on is when he's lost after college and get's the opportunity to work as a carpenter for a conceptual artist named October Danko. He takes this job because it takes him home to the redwoods of northern California, one of the rare places he feels at peace in his life. But it is also there that he develops a relationship with October that begins to give him the courage to make choices in his life that satisfies him.
Now, if that sounds a bit manic-pixie-dream-girl-esque .. you would be right. It is a little bit, but not as much as I feared. And mostly because there is dimension to October's character. Namely that she deals with some mental health things as well. She has a lot of anxiety and fear of social settings and large crowds. She also had this weird like basically a superpower where she could feel other people's feelings but I kind of ignored that because ... it was a little ridiculous. Our other, kind of main character - but not really - more used as a prop - is Cal, who is Joe's childhood best friend that ended up pursuing his musical dreams and became a very successful musician.
I liked the writing of this. I found it very easy to get into and addictive in a sense - but I do think, specifically, because this book was truly CELEBRATING the bay area and northern California, which is my home, and it was all just so beautiful to read and experience and immerse myself in, as someone from the Bay.
Though I did like the sort of character-study-like approach to Joe's character, I still didn't really like him. It was hard to root for him - and not because of his mental health issues (that was honestly the only thing I liked about him haha) - but because I just never really understood his role in the story. I didn't like his relationship with October; I didn't feel like it was anything special and it was just kind of forced. I was honestly MUCH more interested in Joe's friendship with Cal, specifically when they were younger, and wished that was more of this story. And October was just an okay character for me. She was a BIT ridiculous for me and in my opinion, kind of an exaggerated version of the odd-artistic-quirky woman character.
Also, this book is a slow read. The pacing is very slow, even though this is a short book. And the second half moves even slower. Though there was still a couple of plot points in this that I did not see coming, that could very much be because I don't read a lot of books in this genre. Overall, this was an interesting read, that makes me interested in checking out something else by the author, but this specifically wasn't my favorite.
check out more on this book here
Want to read
March 11, 2018I love you, Tiffanie DeBartolo. I will read anything you write.
October 20, 2020
Wow. Just wow. I started this book last night at bedtime and finished it this morning. I haven’t been this moved by a story in quite a while. This book was speaking to me with its story of the multi-talented, thirty-seven-year-old Joe Harper, and his misdirected life. This is a story of the loss, grief, fear, and self-doubt that thwarted one man’s destiny, crippling him to be unable to make the right choices for a rewarding life.
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.” Cal Callahan
I get it. Haven’t we all struggled in some way with thinking, what if I had made that particular choice; to go to that school, marry that person, break up with that person, take that job, quit that job, travel the world? I think you get the idea. Unfortunately, Joe always made the safe choices and in the end, he was left with nothing and no one.
“Art and love.” October Danko
This is also a love story. Yes, a love story between a man and a woman, and although a large part of the book it is not the main focus. This is about the love that Joe finds for himself, for the belief that he finds in himself. For “art and love.” Joe also loves trees; he loves the majestic redwoods which play a major part in the book. The parallel of these mighty trees taking so long to reach their enormous heights to Joe taking so long to come into his own was a beautiful comparison. The author has woven a story I will not be able to forget, the mark of an excellent book. I am so happy I had the opportunity to read this remarkable coming-of-age, later-in-life story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I recommend this book to everyone and I gave it five fabulous stars!
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.” Cal Callahan
I get it. Haven’t we all struggled in some way with thinking, what if I had made that particular choice; to go to that school, marry that person, break up with that person, take that job, quit that job, travel the world? I think you get the idea. Unfortunately, Joe always made the safe choices and in the end, he was left with nothing and no one.
“Art and love.” October Danko
This is also a love story. Yes, a love story between a man and a woman, and although a large part of the book it is not the main focus. This is about the love that Joe finds for himself, for the belief that he finds in himself. For “art and love.” Joe also loves trees; he loves the majestic redwoods which play a major part in the book. The parallel of these mighty trees taking so long to reach their enormous heights to Joe taking so long to come into his own was a beautiful comparison. The author has woven a story I will not be able to forget, the mark of an excellent book. I am so happy I had the opportunity to read this remarkable coming-of-age, later-in-life story. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I recommend this book to everyone and I gave it five fabulous stars!
October 20, 2022
The moment I finished this book tears filled my eyes. This book is art in itself. Creating art. Becoming art. Breathing art.
When I opened this book and began, I knew little of Joe and October and of the trees, what I didn’t expect, but truly knew was going to happen for my soul to become part of this book. Tiffanie has this was to pull you in; with how the character speaks to you in this book, how Joe tells you his story, his faults and weaknesses it’s speaks directly to you and you feel it all. You feel the pull when October sees him. You feel the pull when you meet Cal.
This book takes you on this journey into a heart of man who belongs amongst the trees but fights what he wants over doubt. It’s feelings we can all relate to in one form of another. This is a journey of discovery. It’s about seeing connection is this pull we might not even know is happening all around us.
Tiffanie once again has given us this brilliant masterpiece, this book will stay within me forever.
When I opened this book and began, I knew little of Joe and October and of the trees, what I didn’t expect, but truly knew was going to happen for my soul to become part of this book. Tiffanie has this was to pull you in; with how the character speaks to you in this book, how Joe tells you his story, his faults and weaknesses it’s speaks directly to you and you feel it all. You feel the pull when October sees him. You feel the pull when you meet Cal.
This book takes you on this journey into a heart of man who belongs amongst the trees but fights what he wants over doubt. It’s feelings we can all relate to in one form of another. This is a journey of discovery. It’s about seeing connection is this pull we might not even know is happening all around us.
Tiffanie once again has given us this brilliant masterpiece, this book will stay within me forever.
October 25, 2021
✽ 4 STARS ✽
This was really interesting book, story a little different as your everyday read and I liked it very much.
What surprised me the most is that I liked story, but I didn't like characters – I didn't like October, nor Joe, nor Cal. But at the end you see they were just ordinary people with mistakes and flaws and when life happens we response on our own way, many times not reasonable to others and not fair from their POV. We have different POV and this brings us to accept different choices which has huge impact on out future.
This was really interesting book, story a little different as your everyday read and I liked it very much.
What surprised me the most is that I liked story, but I didn't like characters – I didn't like October, nor Joe, nor Cal. But at the end you see they were just ordinary people with mistakes and flaws and when life happens we response on our own way, many times not reasonable to others and not fair from their POV. We have different POV and this brings us to accept different choices which has huge impact on out future.
March 13, 2021
4+ Stars
I’ve been sitting on this review for nearly 3 weeks. I really enjoyed the story, but have found it difficult to articulate my thoughts without sounding overly effusive or trite. So, take or leave my review comments, but know that in the end, I loved how this story made me feel and sometimes, that's all I need from a good read.
The title of this story aptly describes the melancholy of the main character throughout a large portion of the story. What had the potential to be a depressing read, was instead engrossing and very moving.
First and foremost this is Joe's story and I found him to be a surprising atypical romantic hero. In romance genres/sub-genres, we're often used to the typical alpha or the strong and loyal beta. Joe, didn't fall cleanly into one of those hero personas. He was admittedly shy, insecure, and emotionally broken. Yet, he also had a solidity to his presence that prevented those traits from being character weaknesses. I found his characterization to be evocative and attractive. It also didn't hurt that he was madly and self-assuredly talented.
Along with my fascination of all things Joe, I was intrigued and entertained by his best friend Cal and their complicated back story. I was a bit more ambivalent about October, Joe's employer and love interest. I enjoyed her developing romance with Joe, but sometimes her introversion paired with her forthrightness didn't connect in my mind. October's overt confidence would sometimes make her introversion feel inauthentic. There was also the matter of a love triangle. I normally and within reason, have no issues with that element, but I did struggle to understand how I felt about the particulars within this story. It clashed with October's straightforward dialogue. Fortunately, that particular story thread wrapped up in a sensible way for me.
Goodreads classifies this story as contemporary romance and Amazon classifies it as literary fiction. While there is romance and a happy ending, it's Joe's single POV and his story arc that ultimately assigns the literary fiction classification. Regardless of how it's defined, I found Joe's gently moving narrative compelling and heartrending with a lovely and satisfying ending. Overall, it was memorable and affecting.
October 20, 2020
4 1/2 Stars....
Wow!! Tiffanie DeBartolo has such a unique and beautiful writing style. When I saw this book was being released, I was eager to read it. I was. not disappointed. It's not a noticeably flashy or dramatic book, but yet it felt like just the right mix of "everything."
Our main character, Joe Harper has struggled with various issues throughout his entire life. He often solves his problems by walking away and trying to leave them behind. He has experienced some major losses during his lifetime and it's obvious that he really hasn't fully processed them. Sadly, it seems to creep into all of his subsequent relationships and undermine his confidence and sense of worthiness.
Sorrow isn't an easy book to read. The characters involved, primarily Joe and October both feel things very intensely. Joe tries to bury his emotions while October's are always present somewhere in her art. When Joe finds his way back to music, he is able to let some of his emotions out as well. However, he is continually battling guilt - - in all aspects of his life. It's as if he refuses to let himself be happy.
This book felt like a character study combined with a romance. It may not be everyone's cuppa, but I really enjoyed it. Ms. DeBartolo is talented at creating characters so thoroughly that you can feel their emotions and insecurities. As frustrated as I was with some of Joe's decisions. I was so "in his head" that I could somewhat understand why he did things. Sorrow is aptly named as it is such a pivotal focus throughout much of this story in various ways. The words definitely spoke directly to my heart.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Ms. DeBartolo for this ARC. I chose to voluntarily review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.”
Wow!! Tiffanie DeBartolo has such a unique and beautiful writing style. When I saw this book was being released, I was eager to read it. I was. not disappointed. It's not a noticeably flashy or dramatic book, but yet it felt like just the right mix of "everything."
Our main character, Joe Harper has struggled with various issues throughout his entire life. He often solves his problems by walking away and trying to leave them behind. He has experienced some major losses during his lifetime and it's obvious that he really hasn't fully processed them. Sadly, it seems to creep into all of his subsequent relationships and undermine his confidence and sense of worthiness.
Sorrow isn't an easy book to read. The characters involved, primarily Joe and October both feel things very intensely. Joe tries to bury his emotions while October's are always present somewhere in her art. When Joe finds his way back to music, he is able to let some of his emotions out as well. However, he is continually battling guilt - - in all aspects of his life. It's as if he refuses to let himself be happy.
This book felt like a character study combined with a romance. It may not be everyone's cuppa, but I really enjoyed it. Ms. DeBartolo is talented at creating characters so thoroughly that you can feel their emotions and insecurities. As frustrated as I was with some of Joe's decisions. I was so "in his head" that I could somewhat understand why he did things. Sorrow is aptly named as it is such a pivotal focus throughout much of this story in various ways. The words definitely spoke directly to my heart.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Ms. DeBartolo for this ARC. I chose to voluntarily review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.”
April 4, 2024
Tiffanie doesn’t write bad books. I love how she intertwines various mediums of art with her writing. God-Shaped Hole was so good too! Master storyteller, storyline is outstanding, character development is perfection.
October 13, 2020
Tiffanie has such a distinctive way of writing. It's so unique and whimsical, strong and defining. I found myself pulled into a story that was completely enthralling.
Joe is wandering. Wandering through life, his decisions, or lack thereof and his choices. I feel like this is a testament to Tiffanie's writing because I usually need some sort of connection with the main character in order to hold my interest and unfortunately Joe and I did not vibe, however the story itself is so strong that it kept me interested.
October is one of the most interesting characters I have ever read, the words she chooses, the choices she makes, the way she lives her life, it was so fascinating. She's very eccentric and intuitive. October is a conceptual artist, but she's so much more than that, she does installations, live art, she can draw, paint and everything around her inspires her. Her art is real and transparent and raw.
Cal is Joe's best friend, they're actually more like brothers because they met each other at a time in their lives where things weren't the best, they needed each other, they balanced each other and it's the kind of frienship that even if you don't speak everyday or for awhile you can always pick back up right where you left off.
There's so much to spoil with Sorrow so I'll stop there. Sorrow is purposeful, it's beautiful and phenomenal, it definitely made me think and and brought out certain emotions, Tiffanie DeBartolo is truly exceptional!
Joe is wandering. Wandering through life, his decisions, or lack thereof and his choices. I feel like this is a testament to Tiffanie's writing because I usually need some sort of connection with the main character in order to hold my interest and unfortunately Joe and I did not vibe, however the story itself is so strong that it kept me interested.
October is one of the most interesting characters I have ever read, the words she chooses, the choices she makes, the way she lives her life, it was so fascinating. She's very eccentric and intuitive. October is a conceptual artist, but she's so much more than that, she does installations, live art, she can draw, paint and everything around her inspires her. Her art is real and transparent and raw.
Cal is Joe's best friend, they're actually more like brothers because they met each other at a time in their lives where things weren't the best, they needed each other, they balanced each other and it's the kind of frienship that even if you don't speak everyday or for awhile you can always pick back up right where you left off.
There's so much to spoil with Sorrow so I'll stop there. Sorrow is purposeful, it's beautiful and phenomenal, it definitely made me think and and brought out certain emotions, Tiffanie DeBartolo is truly exceptional!
October 4, 2020
English Review Below.
رواية معاصرة عن "جوزيف هاربر"، رجل في الثلاثينيات من العمر يتعامل مع فقدان أشياء كثيرة في حياته، كأحلامه وأخيه وصديقه المقرب وعائلته وطموحاته، ويعيش بذلك الذنب والخوف الذي يمنعه من التحكم في حياته. ومن خلال تذكره لحياته، نعرف كيف فقد كل هؤلاء الأشخاص وكيف تأقلم وتقبل ذلك. الرواية بمثابة رسالة حب للأشجار والطبيعة والفن والغيتارات وموسيقى الروك. نجده في الرواية يعيد التفكير في كل قراراته ونتمنى ولو لمرة أن يتخذ قرارا سيسعده في حياته.
رواية عن الحزن والفقد والحب والعلاقات القوية التي تتحدى الزمن والخيانات والفن والموسيقى والأشخاص الفارقين في حياة المرء، فيها علاقة صداقة رائعة وعلاقة حب شاعرية ولغة جذابة واتجاه فلسفي في التفكير في حياتنا والمغزى منها.
I haven't even heard of Tiffanie DeBartolo before, and after this novel she's become one of my favorite authors. I'm rating it 4.5 because it was so dang close to being a perfect melancholic novel for me.
We follow Joseph Harper, a man in his thirties dealing with the loss of a lot of things, his dreams, his brother, his best friend, his family and his motivations, and he lives with the guilt and fear of being unable to take control of his life. Through flashbacks, we see how he lost monumental people to him and his thought process in acknowledging that. It's a love letter to tress and wilderness, performing art, guitar and rock music. And when the flashbacks end, and we're there with him contemplating all of his life choices, we feel for him and wish that he'd make the choice to make himself happy for once.
I loved his friendship with Cal, one of the best friendships I've read in novels. Also his relationship with October was dreamy a lot of the time, and honestly? the concepts for a lot of her art projects are wonderful, that I'm wishing there's a real artist doing them (I'll google them after writing this review to make sure if anyone was inspired to do them). He had to resolve his issues with his family, his guilt towards his brother, Cal, and October, and most of all, himself.
The language was lyrical, and you found yourself rooting for the romance even though it's obvious that this is not a romance book. Also, I loved the whole "favorite words" part, and I was taking note of all the words they were discovering.
رواية معاصرة عن "جوزيف هاربر"، رجل في الثلاثينيات من العمر يتعامل مع فقدان أشياء كثيرة في حياته، كأحلامه وأخيه وصديقه المقرب وعائلته وطموحاته، ويعيش بذلك الذنب والخوف الذي يمنعه من التحكم في حياته. ومن خلال تذكره لحياته، نعرف كيف فقد كل هؤلاء الأشخاص وكيف تأقلم وتقبل ذلك. الرواية بمثابة رسالة حب للأشجار والطبيعة والفن والغيتارات وموسيقى الروك. نجده في الرواية يعيد التفكير في كل قراراته ونتمنى ولو لمرة أن يتخذ قرارا سيسعده في حياته.
رواية عن الحزن والفقد والحب والعلاقات القوية التي تتحدى الزمن والخيانات والفن والموسيقى والأشخاص الفارقين في حياة المرء، فيها علاقة صداقة رائعة وعلاقة حب شاعرية ولغة جذابة واتجاه فلسفي في التفكير في حياتنا والمغزى منها.
I haven't even heard of Tiffanie DeBartolo before, and after this novel she's become one of my favorite authors. I'm rating it 4.5 because it was so dang close to being a perfect melancholic novel for me.
We follow Joseph Harper, a man in his thirties dealing with the loss of a lot of things, his dreams, his brother, his best friend, his family and his motivations, and he lives with the guilt and fear of being unable to take control of his life. Through flashbacks, we see how he lost monumental people to him and his thought process in acknowledging that. It's a love letter to tress and wilderness, performing art, guitar and rock music. And when the flashbacks end, and we're there with him contemplating all of his life choices, we feel for him and wish that he'd make the choice to make himself happy for once.
I loved his friendship with Cal, one of the best friendships I've read in novels. Also his relationship with October was dreamy a lot of the time, and honestly? the concepts for a lot of her art projects are wonderful, that I'm wishing there's a real artist doing them (I'll google them after writing this review to make sure if anyone was inspired to do them). He had to resolve his issues with his family, his guilt towards his brother, Cal, and October, and most of all, himself.
The language was lyrical, and you found yourself rooting for the romance even though it's obvious that this is not a romance book. Also, I loved the whole "favorite words" part, and I was taking note of all the words they were discovering.
November 27, 2020
3.5 Stars***
I’m a HUGE Tiffanie DeBartolo fan, so you know I’ve been waiting to read Sorrow like a kid waits for Christmas morning. I wanted to take my time, read it slowly, savor every word. In the past her novels have altered something inside me, the made a positive impact in my life, they are like tattoos inside my heart. Unfortunately for me with Sorrow that wasn’t the case.
Not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, I did. The setting of the book is very rich, I enjoyed the art aspect in the story, and the Dog, Diego was just the cutest character. But I honestly couldn’t connect with the characters or their love story.
Joseph Harper didn’t have the greatest childhood and it turned into someone who is always scared. He’s a flake when it comes to big commitments in life. He’s a very talented musician but he doesn’t believe he’s worthy of any type of recognition or even a chance so he’s never really tried to pursue his musical career. Always running away from something or someone Joe ends up taking a job as the second assistant to a very talented artist, October.
October is a very skilled artist, her ability to feel and see life in a much deeper way, pushes her to create very unique art. From the moment she met Joe she was able to see through his soul; she could feel his pain, his sorrows and his flaws and she was completely captivated by him. They quickly develop a friendship that later turns into something much more, the problem is October has a boyfriend.
There’s a bit of a love triangle but the main issue in the story is Joe’s inability to face head on any conflict, he’s a big coward.
I guess my main disconnect in the story was Joe, and didn’t really understood him, I wasn’t able to relate to him in any way, I mostly wanted to slap him in at least half the chapters. I did love Cal but probably because I have a thing for musicians but also he was a very fun character and other than Diego the dog, Cal and Joe’s friendship was my favorite thing about the book.
I waited a couple of weeks after I read the book to post my review, because I really wanted to assess my feelings towards the book, but sadly I realized I had almost forgotten the story, I couldn’t even remember the characters names, I had to go look. This is the first time I read a forgettable book by this author. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I liked it but I didn’t love it like I thought I would. Not that this will ever persuade me from reading another one of her books again.
I’m a HUGE Tiffanie DeBartolo fan, so you know I’ve been waiting to read Sorrow like a kid waits for Christmas morning. I wanted to take my time, read it slowly, savor every word. In the past her novels have altered something inside me, the made a positive impact in my life, they are like tattoos inside my heart. Unfortunately for me with Sorrow that wasn’t the case.
Not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, I did. The setting of the book is very rich, I enjoyed the art aspect in the story, and the Dog, Diego was just the cutest character. But I honestly couldn’t connect with the characters or their love story.
Joseph Harper didn’t have the greatest childhood and it turned into someone who is always scared. He’s a flake when it comes to big commitments in life. He’s a very talented musician but he doesn’t believe he’s worthy of any type of recognition or even a chance so he’s never really tried to pursue his musical career. Always running away from something or someone Joe ends up taking a job as the second assistant to a very talented artist, October.
October is a very skilled artist, her ability to feel and see life in a much deeper way, pushes her to create very unique art. From the moment she met Joe she was able to see through his soul; she could feel his pain, his sorrows and his flaws and she was completely captivated by him. They quickly develop a friendship that later turns into something much more, the problem is October has a boyfriend.
There’s a bit of a love triangle but the main issue in the story is Joe’s inability to face head on any conflict, he’s a big coward.
I guess my main disconnect in the story was Joe, and didn’t really understood him, I wasn’t able to relate to him in any way, I mostly wanted to slap him in at least half the chapters. I did love Cal but probably because I have a thing for musicians but also he was a very fun character and other than Diego the dog, Cal and Joe’s friendship was my favorite thing about the book.
I waited a couple of weeks after I read the book to post my review, because I really wanted to assess my feelings towards the book, but sadly I realized I had almost forgotten the story, I couldn’t even remember the characters names, I had to go look. This is the first time I read a forgettable book by this author. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I liked it but I didn’t love it like I thought I would. Not that this will ever persuade me from reading another one of her books again.
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