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Paper Castles
Foreclosures are hitting record highs; unemployment is skyrocketing, and the economy is in shambles. Equally broke and futureless, 28–year–old James Brooke, a graduate architect, coffee-addict, and self–described average nobody has returned to his small hometown in West Ohio. Torn between his fanciful dreams and the need to pay off bills, he struggles to find his own identity while facing a harder–than–ever reality. But living under his father’s rooftop while keeping his head in the clouds soon turns out to be a bad combination, and the mounting student debt forces him to settle for any job he can find. That’s when he stumbles across a new coffee shop, a wayward girl with a talent for storytelling, and his own unresolved past. This unexpected set of things could help him figure out what his place in the world is—if that place even exists. Paper Castles is a story about the search for meaning in times when everything seems meaningless.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2021
21 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
October 21, 2021
I'm not a huge fan of contemporary literature, but I decided to give Paper Castles a shot after hearing so much about it on Twitter. I'm glad I did! It was a unique story filled with emotion and issues we face in the real-world.
James is the protagonist and after coming home from college, jobless, he sort of just...does nothing. He can't seem to get a job, not only because there are no jobs available in his field, but also because he's a dreamer. He's holding out for the best...which never seems to come. I have to be honest, James had an extreme lack of self-doubt and motivation that made it harder for him to grow on me at first. He says he's not special, a nobody. This prevents him from really putting himself out there...until he meets Karen in the diner she works at. Once he meets Karen, that's when we really see a change in James. She is a little candle in his storm and the more he gets to know her, the brighter he becomes. And just when we think, wow...James could have a bit of happiness here...BOOM. His dad reveals something that knocks James even deeper into the dark than he's been before.
I have to say, I was hooked. I wanted-no, NEEDED- to keep reading to see if James would ever get his happiness. I was rooting for him so so much, even though he wasn't rooting for himself. B. Fox has a way with words that really draws you into the story and makes each page come alive. I eagerly look forward to reading more books by him!!
If you're into literary fiction then definitely check out Paper Castles! 5 stars!
James is the protagonist and after coming home from college, jobless, he sort of just...does nothing. He can't seem to get a job, not only because there are no jobs available in his field, but also because he's a dreamer. He's holding out for the best...which never seems to come. I have to be honest, James had an extreme lack of self-doubt and motivation that made it harder for him to grow on me at first. He says he's not special, a nobody. This prevents him from really putting himself out there...until he meets Karen in the diner she works at. Once he meets Karen, that's when we really see a change in James. She is a little candle in his storm and the more he gets to know her, the brighter he becomes. And just when we think, wow...James could have a bit of happiness here...BOOM. His dad reveals something that knocks James even deeper into the dark than he's been before.
I have to say, I was hooked. I wanted-no, NEEDED- to keep reading to see if James would ever get his happiness. I was rooting for him so so much, even though he wasn't rooting for himself. B. Fox has a way with words that really draws you into the story and makes each page come alive. I eagerly look forward to reading more books by him!!
If you're into literary fiction then definitely check out Paper Castles! 5 stars!
July 29, 2022
Paper Castles is an amazing novel that I could hardly put down!
James was a very relatable main character. I saw so much of myself in him and it was refreshing to read about a late 20’s something who really didn’t have his life together because so many of us don’t at that age.
Fox does a great job filling the pages with James internal struggles. His emotions came across clearly and I was invested in his life and all the ups and downs. The romance was so sweet as well. Karen was a lovely counterpart to James and I was rooting for them to make it.
And the ending was the cherry on top. I won’t spoil anything but I think it was the perfect tie up for this story. Fox is definitely an author to watch and I look forward to what he’ll write next.
James was a very relatable main character. I saw so much of myself in him and it was refreshing to read about a late 20’s something who really didn’t have his life together because so many of us don’t at that age.
Fox does a great job filling the pages with James internal struggles. His emotions came across clearly and I was invested in his life and all the ups and downs. The romance was so sweet as well. Karen was a lovely counterpart to James and I was rooting for them to make it.
And the ending was the cherry on top. I won’t spoil anything but I think it was the perfect tie up for this story. Fox is definitely an author to watch and I look forward to what he’ll write next.
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September 20, 2021Maybe the most beautiful things in the world are not meant to be owned or conquered or even touched. Like a rainbow or a starry sky, watching them is all you can do. And sometimes that’s enough.
\o/
Every time I find a new awesome author, I am basically Cookie in Atlantis.
There are so many wonderful lines in this book that need highlighting, but amongst my favourites are:
I always seem to be daydreaming, one foot in the ordinary and the other in an imaginary world. I’ve sat in this park countless afternoons, imagining things that I’d like to see and things that I’d like to build someday. [hard same]
&
I’ve gone from being excited about life to being afraid of it. [I know the feeling ;_;]
&
I have a weakness for monuments from old times. [ugh, yes, 100%]
&
A little fantasy never killed anyone, did it? ♡♡♡
The real world problems James faces are immensely, and painfully, relatable i.e. debt, your place in the world, love, family and loss. There were lots of really hard hitting moments that were almost too real. ;_;
This is a great first novel from Fox and I can't wait to see what he writes next!
☆ Blog | Twitter ☆
\o/
Every time I find a new awesome author, I am basically Cookie in Atlantis.
There are so many wonderful lines in this book that need highlighting, but amongst my favourites are:
I always seem to be daydreaming, one foot in the ordinary and the other in an imaginary world. I’ve sat in this park countless afternoons, imagining things that I’d like to see and things that I’d like to build someday. [hard same]
&
I’ve gone from being excited about life to being afraid of it. [I know the feeling ;_;]
&
I have a weakness for monuments from old times. [ugh, yes, 100%]
&
A little fantasy never killed anyone, did it? ♡♡♡
The real world problems James faces are immensely, and painfully, relatable i.e. debt, your place in the world, love, family and loss. There were lots of really hard hitting moments that were almost too real. ;_;
This is a great first novel from Fox and I can't wait to see what he writes next!
☆ Blog | Twitter ☆
September 24, 2021
Paper Castles by B. Fox is a superb work of literary fiction. With prose akin to narrative poetry, this novel is like a fine glass of wine to be savored slowly, each note and flavor observed and enjoyed. There are dozens of insightful observations about beauty, life, and love done with masterful poignancy the likes of which I haven’t read since my time in University studying The Sun Also Rises.
In many ways, Paper Castles reminds me of that great work by Hemingway. Through the main character, James, a creative, gentle-spirited man in his late-twenties who has wanted to be an architect since he was a young boy, B. Fox speaks to a new Lost Generation whose dreams have been smashed and who have no sense of place or purpose in the world. James spends the book on a deep, well thought out journey of inquiry into the harsh realities of life, into what it means to be a man, and how to have hope when the traditional sources (friends and family) aren’t so easy to come by anymore.
Relatable, heartbreaking, and above all, thought-provoking, this is an incredible debut by B. Fox. I suspect this author has a lot more to say, and I, for one, can’t wait to read more.
In many ways, Paper Castles reminds me of that great work by Hemingway. Through the main character, James, a creative, gentle-spirited man in his late-twenties who has wanted to be an architect since he was a young boy, B. Fox speaks to a new Lost Generation whose dreams have been smashed and who have no sense of place or purpose in the world. James spends the book on a deep, well thought out journey of inquiry into the harsh realities of life, into what it means to be a man, and how to have hope when the traditional sources (friends and family) aren’t so easy to come by anymore.
Relatable, heartbreaking, and above all, thought-provoking, this is an incredible debut by B. Fox. I suspect this author has a lot more to say, and I, for one, can’t wait to read more.
August 12, 2021
Beautiful
Such a beautifully written novel. I was amazed at how engrossed I became in James’s views on life & the world - I was completely gripped. I felt for his character & connected with his unique, almost quirky, attributes & the hardship he was facing. Fantastic novel. A definite must read! I’ll be keeping a watch for the author’s future works.
Such a beautifully written novel. I was amazed at how engrossed I became in James’s views on life & the world - I was completely gripped. I felt for his character & connected with his unique, almost quirky, attributes & the hardship he was facing. Fantastic novel. A definite must read! I’ll be keeping a watch for the author’s future works.
May 26, 2021
Paper Castles by B. Fox is a modern, unconventional, soul searching book with a wholly likable main character struggling to put his life together after college and reluctantly moving back to his withering home town. His journey is relatable, punctuated by the lows of a collapsed job market, troubled family ties, paralyzing self-doubt and elevated by the soaring highs of blossoming friendships and tenuous love. I could not put it down.
August 31, 2021
James Brooke is a failed architect, 28 years-old, broke, lost, and busy daydreaming in his equally broken-down hometown of Westland, Ohio. His story of loss, heartbreak, and ultimately hope takes place under the pall of the Great Recession, and the author, B. Fox, is at their best when describing this oh-so-recent toxic milieu of economic and emotional hardships that left millions scarred.
There’s a certain naivety in James that permeates the limited first-person narration, and if the book has any faults it is when it falls into those classic traps of first-person narration: over-explanation of feelings and lack of alternative ideas/mindsets to counter the drama. James is a nice guy, with a great imagination, but he’s also a bit dull and not very complex. It made me long to get inside the heads of the only other characters who get fleshed out - of course, to a limited degree, through the mind of James only - his estranged father, and the waitress of his dreams, Karen. That being said, when James’ imagination runs wild with his city designs, the novel retains its footing and gives the reader a vividly depicted front-row seat to someone else’s creative spark. It becomes impossible not to sympathize with and root for the guy.
Paper Castles is not typically the type of novel I would read, but it still won me over. Fox’s work is a well-written, quick, breezy read that still carries emotional weight. It’s surprisingly cinematic, and I could imagine it as a movie from the time period in which it takes place…a quirky indie dramedy like Garden State or 500 Days of Summer. If that’s your type of thing, then I highly recommend.
There’s a certain naivety in James that permeates the limited first-person narration, and if the book has any faults it is when it falls into those classic traps of first-person narration: over-explanation of feelings and lack of alternative ideas/mindsets to counter the drama. James is a nice guy, with a great imagination, but he’s also a bit dull and not very complex. It made me long to get inside the heads of the only other characters who get fleshed out - of course, to a limited degree, through the mind of James only - his estranged father, and the waitress of his dreams, Karen. That being said, when James’ imagination runs wild with his city designs, the novel retains its footing and gives the reader a vividly depicted front-row seat to someone else’s creative spark. It becomes impossible not to sympathize with and root for the guy.
Paper Castles is not typically the type of novel I would read, but it still won me over. Fox’s work is a well-written, quick, breezy read that still carries emotional weight. It’s surprisingly cinematic, and I could imagine it as a movie from the time period in which it takes place…a quirky indie dramedy like Garden State or 500 Days of Summer. If that’s your type of thing, then I highly recommend.
November 9, 2021
“Paper Castles” by B. Fox is a book that leaves the readers with many thoughts after they turn the last page. In short, my kind of book.
The story follows the life of James Brooke. He is 28, he has an excellent diploma in Architecture, but he is jobless and has moved back to live with his father in his home town. His imagination is what keeps him from falling apart. But real life demands its due, and no matter how magical the images in one’s head are, one cannot escape it.
“Paper Castles” is an excellently written book. You literally get into James’ head. You hear his thoughts, you feel his pain, and you go through his struggles with him. I’ll be honest, I didn’t sympathise with him. His choices have led him to a deadend, and he is too concentrated on himself. Whom I did sympathise with is his father. Nowadays, somehow it turns out that if you are a parent, you automatically turn into a superhero completely devoted to the needs of you child. But parents still remain human beings. They aren’t always able to act as a superhero. I strongly believe that grown-up children should be more attentive to their parents.
I would recommend this book to all the thought-provoking contemporary reads lovers. If you like to read about different lives of ordinary people, to peer through the thick blanket of routine that often makes us forget that it’s not easy or even possible to overcome everything that life throws at us, simply because “everyone suffers” or “life can be like that”, then you’re in for a treat. “Paper Castles” is an excellent novel that will make you stop and think about life, your own and in general.
The story follows the life of James Brooke. He is 28, he has an excellent diploma in Architecture, but he is jobless and has moved back to live with his father in his home town. His imagination is what keeps him from falling apart. But real life demands its due, and no matter how magical the images in one’s head are, one cannot escape it.
“Paper Castles” is an excellently written book. You literally get into James’ head. You hear his thoughts, you feel his pain, and you go through his struggles with him. I’ll be honest, I didn’t sympathise with him. His choices have led him to a deadend, and he is too concentrated on himself. Whom I did sympathise with is his father. Nowadays, somehow it turns out that if you are a parent, you automatically turn into a superhero completely devoted to the needs of you child. But parents still remain human beings. They aren’t always able to act as a superhero. I strongly believe that grown-up children should be more attentive to their parents.
I would recommend this book to all the thought-provoking contemporary reads lovers. If you like to read about different lives of ordinary people, to peer through the thick blanket of routine that often makes us forget that it’s not easy or even possible to overcome everything that life throws at us, simply because “everyone suffers” or “life can be like that”, then you’re in for a treat. “Paper Castles” is an excellent novel that will make you stop and think about life, your own and in general.
June 16, 2021
I should start off by saying this is not my typical go-to genre, but I wanted to expand my reading horizons. Personally, I HATED ‘Catcher in the Rye’ when it was mandatory reading in high school. ‘Paper Castles’ has some similar themes (coming-of-age, loneliness, disillusionment) but with one key difference: characters worth caring about.
I wanted James to succeed. I wanted him to have that chance to be happy.
The writing itself was poignant and beautifully descriptive—just enough to paint a picture without being tedious. And the epilogue gave just enough for me to leave me with a hopeful note. All in all, a wonderful read.
I wanted James to succeed. I wanted him to have that chance to be happy.
The writing itself was poignant and beautifully descriptive—just enough to paint a picture without being tedious. And the epilogue gave just enough for me to leave me with a hopeful note. All in all, a wonderful read.
February 14, 2022
I was expecting a lot from this book, and it did not disappoint. I knew from the first couple of pages that I would enjoy the writing style, and the story was well written and flowed consistently throughout.
I could empathise, in part, with James’s struggle and enjoyed the relationship between him and Karen. Henry too was a complex character, and I felt his frustration towards his son. The story has many poignant and thought-provoking moments, but I did feel an anger towards James for not trying harder. But was this the point?
The ending threw me a little at first, but after some retrospection I came to realise that it was, in fact, the perfect ending for a story like this. Looking forward to seeing what else this author has to offer.
I could empathise, in part, with James’s struggle and enjoyed the relationship between him and Karen. Henry too was a complex character, and I felt his frustration towards his son. The story has many poignant and thought-provoking moments, but I did feel an anger towards James for not trying harder. But was this the point?
The ending threw me a little at first, but after some retrospection I came to realise that it was, in fact, the perfect ending for a story like this. Looking forward to seeing what else this author has to offer.
October 19, 2021
Flew through the pages of this intriguing look at the human condition. The struggles are realistic and the inner conversations relatable. The characters are so believeable I feel I will meet them in a coffee shop one day.
July 20, 2021
A lost dream.
James is fighting for his dream in this novel of real life by B. Fox. You will get to see James go through his day to day life with no filters. This is a good read. I liked it.
James is fighting for his dream in this novel of real life by B. Fox. You will get to see James go through his day to day life with no filters. This is a good read. I liked it.
May 17, 2021
Very well-written and with a touch of the magical mundane, Paper Castles is an interesting book in that only a few things really happen, but it still manages to be a journey.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it on the whole now that I've finished - the ending all just sort of comes at once in a flurry that mostly disturbs things more than it settles them - but overall it's a good read and often thought-provoking. Sometimes I'd have preferred to be allowed to have the thoughts myself, as the first-person monologue often spends a very long time spelling things out, but nevertheless I think the thoughts are provoked and worth having, which makes Paper Castles worth reading.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it on the whole now that I've finished - the ending all just sort of comes at once in a flurry that mostly disturbs things more than it settles them - but overall it's a good read and often thought-provoking. Sometimes I'd have preferred to be allowed to have the thoughts myself, as the first-person monologue often spends a very long time spelling things out, but nevertheless I think the thoughts are provoked and worth having, which makes Paper Castles worth reading.
September 27, 2021
3.5 stars. This is a beautifully written book that kept me captivated throughout. The story is almost poetic and a joy to read. I did, however, find myself growing increasingly frustrated at the main characters lack of self belief. I sort of wanted to shake some life into him. I also wish the epilogue was longer. I wanted to see James experience and enjoy something. I wanted to witness his true happiness and felt like it had been whipped away from me at the last minute, which is the only reason I couldn’t give this a higher rating. That being said, I would urge all to read this book and I would not hesitate to read anything else from this author.
May 25, 2021
This book perfectly captures the struggles facing Millennials today. Fox does a great job developing both James and Karen as believable characters and writes them so that the reader is really rooting for both of them, despite the hopelessness they face. This is a melancholy read. The middle dragged a bit for me, but overall this book is worth your time.
September 14, 2021
This is a very well-written, introspective “slice of life” novel set in a fictional Ohio small town about a disillusioned young man during the Great Recession. In tone, the novel is rather bleak, with some little rays of sunshine poking through. I think this story will resonate the most with people between the ages of 20 and 40 – the generation who graduated from college and found there were simply no jobs to be had in most industries and who are still “behind” in life as a result. Themes explored include the death of the American dream, loneliness, isolation, love, and disillusionment.
Being an Ohioan myself, I liked the novel’s atmosphere and felt it was spot-on. This novel is told in the first person from one character's point of view. The narrator, James, was generally likable and relatable although at times he came across as overly naïve. Still, he always was a believable character in terms of how he acted. The author never explicitly says so, but James seemed to be clearly suffering from untreated depression, and his lack of self-confidence and self-worth are strongly defining parts of his character.
The strengths of this novel for me were the prose (Fox’s writing style draws you in from the very beginning) and the dialogue, which I felt came across as realistic. Also, I never found myself struggling to finish it or wishing I could skip ahead. (If the novel had a weakness, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. But maybe that was just because I wanted to spend more time with the characters.)
In terms of genre, I’d consider this to be literary fiction / slice of life in that it treats life authentically and in a very realistic way. The characters and the plot always adhered to the rules of “Real Life,” so if you’re looking for huge plot twists, mystery, car crashes, explosions, etc. this novel probably will disappoint you. But if you’re looking for an introspective exploration of modern-day realities and an authentic slice of life story, “Paper Castles” is a real winner. Highly recommended.
Being an Ohioan myself, I liked the novel’s atmosphere and felt it was spot-on. This novel is told in the first person from one character's point of view. The narrator, James, was generally likable and relatable although at times he came across as overly naïve. Still, he always was a believable character in terms of how he acted. The author never explicitly says so, but James seemed to be clearly suffering from untreated depression, and his lack of self-confidence and self-worth are strongly defining parts of his character.
The strengths of this novel for me were the prose (Fox’s writing style draws you in from the very beginning) and the dialogue, which I felt came across as realistic. Also, I never found myself struggling to finish it or wishing I could skip ahead. (If the novel had a weakness, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. But maybe that was just because I wanted to spend more time with the characters.)
In terms of genre, I’d consider this to be literary fiction / slice of life in that it treats life authentically and in a very realistic way. The characters and the plot always adhered to the rules of “Real Life,” so if you’re looking for huge plot twists, mystery, car crashes, explosions, etc. this novel probably will disappoint you. But if you’re looking for an introspective exploration of modern-day realities and an authentic slice of life story, “Paper Castles” is a real winner. Highly recommended.
June 10, 2021
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The author did a fantastic job with the details. The words painted images that unfolded in my mind so clearly. I felt like I was there, I could see the town, feel the air, smell and taste everything described. The characters are very well developed, I felt like I really knew them. This is the story of James and his search for his lot in life. James represents so many of us. Struggling to find our place, where we fit, what we are supposed to do and what we WANT to do. The reality of being an adult, finding where you belong and just how difficult that can be at times. You walk this journey with James. Feel his feelings and his lost soul. I felt for him so much, it was hard to see him deal with some of the things he had to endure. I was rooting for him so much, wanting him to finally get that win he truly deserved. The win he didn't feel worthy of. You see James discover more about himself and life, both past and present. Some of it almost broke him, yet he kept on going, kept walking and trying. I don't want to give spoilers, so I will end with this..... Have tissues on hand and expect to want more when it ends. I am really hoping we get to see James again, I want more of him and his life. SO happy I read this and will read anything else B. Fox publishes.
July 2, 2022
Paper Castles by B. Fox is a novel about a young graduate architect named James Brooke, who has moved back to the small town in Ohio where he grew up.
When the story starts, James is struggling to find a job, dealing with mounting student debt, and living with his emotionally distant father. He eventually finds a job, but he is disillusioned by the work he is asked to do.
The only bright spot in his life is his daily visit to a small coffee shop. The intriguing waitress, Karen, soon catches his eye, and they strike up an unlikely friendship.
Will James find his place in a world riddled with challenges, both financial and existential? And how will his relationship with his father and Karen develop as he makes some life-altering decisions?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Paper Castles and would recommend it to anyone who loves a thought-provoking and uplifting novel. The pacing starts out on the slow side, but the beautiful descriptive language more than makes up for that. The plot is intriguing throughout, pulling the reader in.. It is rare to find such a well-written book that is both literary and enjoyable to read.
When the story starts, James is struggling to find a job, dealing with mounting student debt, and living with his emotionally distant father. He eventually finds a job, but he is disillusioned by the work he is asked to do.
The only bright spot in his life is his daily visit to a small coffee shop. The intriguing waitress, Karen, soon catches his eye, and they strike up an unlikely friendship.
Will James find his place in a world riddled with challenges, both financial and existential? And how will his relationship with his father and Karen develop as he makes some life-altering decisions?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Paper Castles and would recommend it to anyone who loves a thought-provoking and uplifting novel. The pacing starts out on the slow side, but the beautiful descriptive language more than makes up for that. The plot is intriguing throughout, pulling the reader in.. It is rare to find such a well-written book that is both literary and enjoyable to read.
February 22, 2022
I did not expect to love this book, and there were a couple of points where I thought it would be so easy and simple for the main character to chart a better course (like, just tell people *why* you made that one decision - it was a very understandable reason!). But, I remember being that late 20's young man, struggling to blaze a trail through life in the absence of supportive parents or any guidance, and I remember making TONS of mistakes, some of which it took me decades to undo. I realized that my "just say/do [something]" reaction was the benefit of the 25+ years I've had to learn and grow since being that lost 20-something. A lot of what James goes through really resonated with me, and the resolution of his conflict with his father is especially moving.
Overall, a powerful story, full of believable and relatable characters, told incredibly well. I don't often read literary (i.e. non-genre) fiction, but I will be on the lookout for this author's next work.
Overall, a powerful story, full of believable and relatable characters, told incredibly well. I don't often read literary (i.e. non-genre) fiction, but I will be on the lookout for this author's next work.
February 23, 2022
A book that captures the distinct feelings of a certain age.
Having heard so many good things, yet very few specifics, about this novel I just had to give it a read. Fox gives us an inside look at something many of us experience: a sense of directionless and longing for purpose as promised to us by every high school teacher and Disney movie. But this isn’t one of those stories. This shows the bleaker and more realistic side of the human experience. Sometimes bad things happen to good people and we are left to pick up the pieces. Every day struggle is a part of life which Fox captures perfectly because many times things don’t wrap up nice and neatly. Still, one cannot help but root for our MC as he stumbles about. I found myself rooting for that Disney ending even though that is not the life most of us get and certainly not the tale Fox promises. This is a realistic story of loss, growth, and trying to find your way.
Having heard so many good things, yet very few specifics, about this novel I just had to give it a read. Fox gives us an inside look at something many of us experience: a sense of directionless and longing for purpose as promised to us by every high school teacher and Disney movie. But this isn’t one of those stories. This shows the bleaker and more realistic side of the human experience. Sometimes bad things happen to good people and we are left to pick up the pieces. Every day struggle is a part of life which Fox captures perfectly because many times things don’t wrap up nice and neatly. Still, one cannot help but root for our MC as he stumbles about. I found myself rooting for that Disney ending even though that is not the life most of us get and certainly not the tale Fox promises. This is a realistic story of loss, growth, and trying to find your way.
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May 14, 2021To call PAPER CASTLES a love story is too simple; it’s more a story about friendship and acceptance. Not all dreams come true, and sometimes embracing the world we have is better than hoping for a different one.
Instead of a pre-fabricated storyline, Fox gives us something a whole lot more like real life … even though the thin line between lies and real life is muddled. But maybe, as Karen tells James, sometimes we need lies.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/05/14/survi...
Instead of a pre-fabricated storyline, Fox gives us something a whole lot more like real life … even though the thin line between lies and real life is muddled. But maybe, as Karen tells James, sometimes we need lies.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/05/14/survi...
August 7, 2021
This book is great because it is full of topics that I think many people can relate to. It was well written and once the story really got going I really found myself becoming engaged with the story and characters. Well done.
September 16, 2021
Paper Castles is a beautiful book, engaging, insightful and wonderfully unafraid to defy convention and plot predictions. A unique balance of cinematic and visual storytelling with a very personal and quiet exploration of internal turmoil and desperation.
My reason for four stars rather than five? Just that I could count on one hand the number of novels I would personally call 'perfect'. My own litmus test for an author new to me is quite simply whether I will buy their next book, regardless of whether or not the pitch grabs my immediate attention. The answer is an unequivocal yes.
My reason for four stars rather than five? Just that I could count on one hand the number of novels I would personally call 'perfect'. My own litmus test for an author new to me is quite simply whether I will buy their next book, regardless of whether or not the pitch grabs my immediate attention. The answer is an unequivocal yes.
October 10, 2021
Insightful, touching, and beautifully written.
I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted as many passages before as I did in Paper Castles. I identified with many of James’ observations and found them to be beautifully expressed. Paper Castles is an immersive, character-driven read, both simple and profound. Highly recommended. I look forward to more by this author.
I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted as many passages before as I did in Paper Castles. I identified with many of James’ observations and found them to be beautifully expressed. Paper Castles is an immersive, character-driven read, both simple and profound. Highly recommended. I look forward to more by this author.
February 12, 2021
The Catcher in the Rye (if Holden was a coffee obsessed adult) meets My Girl.
This is a tale of a misfit adult that doesn't really spark a response either way. James is lost in the world. His mother has died. His father (Henry) is a bit of an arsehole and he really doesn't have a clue what he wants to do with his life or indeed the desire.
For the first third of this novel, I was patiently waiting for something to happen. Something other than James grabbing a quick coffee, before spilling it and grabbing another one. Some novels try to capture 'authentic life' and this is definitely one of those novels. The trouble is that authentic life is often mundane for large chunks.
Jame's relationship with Karen is reminiscent of two teenagers falling for one another in a strange 'friends first' kind of way. The dialogue is believable, and probably the strength of the novel, but it is painstakingly dull and cliché: lots of coffee talk and vague nuances about life.
Jame's character breaks the fourth wall on multiple occasions, and I can't help thinking that this was Fox's opportunity to breathe some life into him. Sadly, I feel like this was a missed opportunity to craft a really interesting character.
Karen's character is a storyteller, literally, in this novel, although I'm not really sure why? The stories are random and only loosely related to the overarching message in the novel. They're not meant to teach James anything about his life. They are merely designed to entertain him/ part knowledge.
There is a slight twist in this novel which only serves to send James into a deeper state of depression, just when positivity was creeping in, but then I suppose this reflects genuine life and that is definitely what Fox is trying to do.
Ultimately, Karen is a little ray of light in what is otherwise a pretty strenuous life for James Brooke. A man of zero confidence and self worth finds love and peace through following his heart.
Paper Castles is a very realistic account of life, which some people may enjoy, but it wasn't for me. I reviewed this novel for the @writing_show.
This is a tale of a misfit adult that doesn't really spark a response either way. James is lost in the world. His mother has died. His father (Henry) is a bit of an arsehole and he really doesn't have a clue what he wants to do with his life or indeed the desire.
For the first third of this novel, I was patiently waiting for something to happen. Something other than James grabbing a quick coffee, before spilling it and grabbing another one. Some novels try to capture 'authentic life' and this is definitely one of those novels. The trouble is that authentic life is often mundane for large chunks.
Jame's relationship with Karen is reminiscent of two teenagers falling for one another in a strange 'friends first' kind of way. The dialogue is believable, and probably the strength of the novel, but it is painstakingly dull and cliché: lots of coffee talk and vague nuances about life.
Jame's character breaks the fourth wall on multiple occasions, and I can't help thinking that this was Fox's opportunity to breathe some life into him. Sadly, I feel like this was a missed opportunity to craft a really interesting character.
Karen's character is a storyteller, literally, in this novel, although I'm not really sure why? The stories are random and only loosely related to the overarching message in the novel. They're not meant to teach James anything about his life. They are merely designed to entertain him/ part knowledge.
There is a slight twist in this novel which only serves to send James into a deeper state of depression, just when positivity was creeping in, but then I suppose this reflects genuine life and that is definitely what Fox is trying to do.
Ultimately, Karen is a little ray of light in what is otherwise a pretty strenuous life for James Brooke. A man of zero confidence and self worth finds love and peace through following his heart.
Paper Castles is a very realistic account of life, which some people may enjoy, but it wasn't for me. I reviewed this novel for the @writing_show.
July 19, 2021
Paper Castles by B. Fox is a debut novel that will leave you stunned. On more than one occasion I thought I was going to cry at the raw emotions elicited in the story. Prepare to buckle-up and strap yourself in, for once this tale gets going, it's not going to let you go. I literally couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I must compliment the author on their writing style—which is wholly approachable by anyone. I truly felt as if the protagonist was speaking directly to me. I hate giving away explicit details in book reviews, as I feel this spoils the story—so suffice it to say that you should go into this allegory cold, and you will be rewarded handsomely for your time. Please don't miss this outstanding achievement by a new author who I am sure will have a—no pun intended—storied career in writing!
April 8, 2021
Paper Castles is a hopeful tragedy.
On the one hand, it offers a bleak realism of people who long for more and dream bigger dreams, but find themselves failing under the weight of unforgiving societal ills and the expectations of others.
On the other hand, it doesn’t leave the reader in despair. Glimmers of light shine in the darkness, even if they’re not always easy to see. There is tragedy and there is hope.
The book is hard to put down. The two main characters are relatable and sympathetic. You can’t help but root for them even when the world seems against them.
4.5/5 stars, an example of indie publishing at its best.
On the one hand, it offers a bleak realism of people who long for more and dream bigger dreams, but find themselves failing under the weight of unforgiving societal ills and the expectations of others.
On the other hand, it doesn’t leave the reader in despair. Glimmers of light shine in the darkness, even if they’re not always easy to see. There is tragedy and there is hope.
The book is hard to put down. The two main characters are relatable and sympathetic. You can’t help but root for them even when the world seems against them.
4.5/5 stars, an example of indie publishing at its best.
February 27, 2022
What happens when dreams don’t come true?
James Brooke struggles with the harsh realities of life that many millennials in his position must face: failure, acceptance of mediocrity, and a crippling sense of hopelessness. His existence is bleak, and the world is unforgiving.
When he moves back home after a tragic event, James navigates through a painful past and an overwhelming present in order to try to put himself back together. Despite his efforts, nothing seems to get better. Even with a smattering of new love and friendship, James has a heavy cloud over his head at all times.
As part of this book’s ‘target age group,’ I found myself relating closely to James and his story. Millennials have faced a particularly tough time in terms of finding their places in the world. Many of our parents had more clear-cut options and road maps ahead of them for just about anything they desired. They raised their children to feel the same way, despite seeing the changing world around them. I often wonder why my family pushed higher education on me, as none of them had any themselves and still managed to live comfortably. It became a holy grail, something to strive for to be better than those around me. It became my downfall, much like James. His relationship with his father perfectly encapsulates this idea. His father, ashamed of how James’s mother has coddled him, is at odds with his son’s free-wheeling, noncommittal existence. It’s a conversation millennials have had with their parents time and time again.
Paper Castles is a gorgeously frustrating book. It will make you feel for both sides of this unanswered debate, pull at your heartstrings, and leave you with just enough hope to keep breathing. Be prepared for some soul searching and maybe even a good cry. Can’t wait to read more from this excellent new author.
James Brooke struggles with the harsh realities of life that many millennials in his position must face: failure, acceptance of mediocrity, and a crippling sense of hopelessness. His existence is bleak, and the world is unforgiving.
When he moves back home after a tragic event, James navigates through a painful past and an overwhelming present in order to try to put himself back together. Despite his efforts, nothing seems to get better. Even with a smattering of new love and friendship, James has a heavy cloud over his head at all times.
As part of this book’s ‘target age group,’ I found myself relating closely to James and his story. Millennials have faced a particularly tough time in terms of finding their places in the world. Many of our parents had more clear-cut options and road maps ahead of them for just about anything they desired. They raised their children to feel the same way, despite seeing the changing world around them. I often wonder why my family pushed higher education on me, as none of them had any themselves and still managed to live comfortably. It became a holy grail, something to strive for to be better than those around me. It became my downfall, much like James. His relationship with his father perfectly encapsulates this idea. His father, ashamed of how James’s mother has coddled him, is at odds with his son’s free-wheeling, noncommittal existence. It’s a conversation millennials have had with their parents time and time again.
Paper Castles is a gorgeously frustrating book. It will make you feel for both sides of this unanswered debate, pull at your heartstrings, and leave you with just enough hope to keep breathing. Be prepared for some soul searching and maybe even a good cry. Can’t wait to read more from this excellent new author.
March 21, 2022
I should probably start by saying that literary fiction isn't my typical wheelhouse. I don't think I've read from this genre since high school, but after seeing this book pop up on my feed many times, I decided to give it a shot. I think the best way I can describe this book is it's very genuine and sincere. It goes no holds barred on just how lost a person can be after graduating college and is thrust out into the 'real world'. I think this book highlights that more often than not, very few people are actually prepared for what being an adult entails and entering into a workforce that really does not care about you or your dreams. I definitely could connect with a lot of points in this book. The only thing that made it a mixed experience for me was the ending. I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers but, I think it needed more. If you like books that don't hold their punches and are riddled with poignant moments, both cheerful and morose, I would definitely recommend giving this book a try.
January 13, 2022
I seriously enjoyed this book! From the start, the quirky and thoughtful James propels the story forward and we truly see and feel him living through the story. His insecurities, his trauma, his doubts, his grief become pungently clear. I enjoyed living in his head, although at times it was a dark and depressing place. I especially enjoyed the great care and intricacy Fox takes in describing Karen, the unusual and endearing love interest. The reader feels as if they know her as well and she is an unforgettable character. The writing style employs deep POV beautifully, which is no small feat.
“We create lies so that we don’t die of reality.” 🌟
“We create lies so that we don’t die of reality.” 🌟
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