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The Truth Behind a Smile
For the last six years of his life, 69-year-old Stephen J. Clark has been on Death Row. Awaiting his punishment in silence, never once speaking about the night he snapped and killed all those men. The strangest part, however, was his assertion on receiving the harshest punishment during the trial.
The public left in awe and confused by Stephen’s entire being, unable to understand his motive behind any of his actions. Especially when a week before his execution, he asked for an unknown journalist Laura Silverman to meet him the morning of his execution where he would “tell her everything”. Society has been wondering for all these years, how a seemingly regular old man could snap, and become a cold-blooded killer overnight. Laura now has the chance no one else does, to find out all the answers.
A courageous piece tackling the unspoken issues surrounding men’s mental health and the dangers of toxic masculinity in today’s society. Silva provides support for countless men that suffer alone in silence, to feel heard and understood within the story of Stephen J. Clark.
The public left in awe and confused by Stephen’s entire being, unable to understand his motive behind any of his actions. Especially when a week before his execution, he asked for an unknown journalist Laura Silverman to meet him the morning of his execution where he would “tell her everything”. Society has been wondering for all these years, how a seemingly regular old man could snap, and become a cold-blooded killer overnight. Laura now has the chance no one else does, to find out all the answers.
A courageous piece tackling the unspoken issues surrounding men’s mental health and the dangers of toxic masculinity in today’s society. Silva provides support for countless men that suffer alone in silence, to feel heard and understood within the story of Stephen J. Clark.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 24, 2022
“𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝.”
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
This book was so captivating that I stayed up until 3am to finish it. I couldn’t put it down. Though I usually read romance books, this novel reminded me of how much I love thrillers, and how a person can stay on the edge of their seat until they find out what really happened. Plus, this novel surprisingly contained some romance too, so that was a bonus :)
If I’m being honest, there were times I found myself emphasizing with the killer, which sounds terrible, but really it goes to show just how much we truly don’t understand a person until we’ve heard the full story. We don’t understand what a person’s been through until we either experience it ourselves, or take the time to listen to those who have been through it.
Side note: this novel also reminded me of episodes from Criminal Minds, especially ones that involved unsubs who represented “moral enforcers”.
A major thank you to @mathewasilva for sending me an advanced copy of this book 🤍 It’s one that will stay in the back of my mind.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
This book was so captivating that I stayed up until 3am to finish it. I couldn’t put it down. Though I usually read romance books, this novel reminded me of how much I love thrillers, and how a person can stay on the edge of their seat until they find out what really happened. Plus, this novel surprisingly contained some romance too, so that was a bonus :)
If I’m being honest, there were times I found myself emphasizing with the killer, which sounds terrible, but really it goes to show just how much we truly don’t understand a person until we’ve heard the full story. We don’t understand what a person’s been through until we either experience it ourselves, or take the time to listen to those who have been through it.
Side note: this novel also reminded me of episodes from Criminal Minds, especially ones that involved unsubs who represented “moral enforcers”.
A major thank you to @mathewasilva for sending me an advanced copy of this book 🤍 It’s one that will stay in the back of my mind.
June 25, 2022
Not many books can make me cry multiple times while reading a story, yet „The Truth Behind A Smile“ made me ugly sob from the beginning of Stephen‘s story until the very end. And as if the sad background of the protagonist was not enough, the author also decided to add an unexpected plot twist that made me question everything.
As frightening as it sounds, „The Truth Behind A Smile“ is a magnificent book and a book that I will always recommend from now on.
Truly great!!!
As frightening as it sounds, „The Truth Behind A Smile“ is a magnificent book and a book that I will always recommend from now on.
Truly great!!!
June 24, 2022
I had the rare opportunity of receiving this novel as an ARC and may I say that it was honestly a blessing. A short masterpiece, In only a 178 pages Mathew Silva was able to make me sympathize with someone who I would have never thought I would and when I say I cried reading this book, I CRIED. It felt almost therapeutic, but The Truth Behind a Smile is a great example of the dangers that ignoring ones mental health can have on them.
July 1, 2022
“The lies we tell reveal more about ourselves than the truth ever could.”
OKAY so I want to start by saying I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this book, and as an avid romance reader who never really delves into other genres, I didn’t know what to expect. However, when hearing this book focused on men's mental health and toxic masculinity I said SIGN ME UP!!
The way this story is written keeps you interested throughout, telling Stephen’s life story as if you’re living it with him, but also bringing it back to the interview with the journalist really made it feel like you were part of it and learning his story alongside her.
I think the focus on ‘masculinity’ and ‘being a man’ is portrayed so well throughout, especially with this still continuing to be a huge issue today (despite what some people may try to say). Stephen really suffered throughout his life, and in surviving through all this trauma, it had a detrimental effect on his mental health. As so commonly noted in men, he chose to keep his feelings hidden so not to burden anyone, and as we see in this book, it’s no way to live. Knowing that people have their demons and dark thoughts just like Stephen does is crushing, it’s safe to say I was sobbing on many occasions throughout.
“He decided to disguise the emotions he felt and keep the truth hidden somewhere in the recess of his mind until he could openly express them without the worry of inconveniencing anyone else.” 😓 this breaks my heart!!
The fact that Stephen managed to survive pretty much alone without any help throughout is life is admirable, but ultimately the ending of this book is unsurprising - however I will say I agree with Laura and did feel pity for him!! (and I do agree with some of his actions)
I think it’s so important to shed as much light on men's mental health as we can, and show that there are people there to help you and it doesn’t make you any less of a man to seek that help, as it could save you in the long run.
Well done Mathew on your debut novel, you absolutely smashed it and I am so honoured to have been able to read it 👏🏼
OKAY so I want to start by saying I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this book, and as an avid romance reader who never really delves into other genres, I didn’t know what to expect. However, when hearing this book focused on men's mental health and toxic masculinity I said SIGN ME UP!!
The way this story is written keeps you interested throughout, telling Stephen’s life story as if you’re living it with him, but also bringing it back to the interview with the journalist really made it feel like you were part of it and learning his story alongside her.
I think the focus on ‘masculinity’ and ‘being a man’ is portrayed so well throughout, especially with this still continuing to be a huge issue today (despite what some people may try to say). Stephen really suffered throughout his life, and in surviving through all this trauma, it had a detrimental effect on his mental health. As so commonly noted in men, he chose to keep his feelings hidden so not to burden anyone, and as we see in this book, it’s no way to live. Knowing that people have their demons and dark thoughts just like Stephen does is crushing, it’s safe to say I was sobbing on many occasions throughout.
“He decided to disguise the emotions he felt and keep the truth hidden somewhere in the recess of his mind until he could openly express them without the worry of inconveniencing anyone else.” 😓 this breaks my heart!!
The fact that Stephen managed to survive pretty much alone without any help throughout is life is admirable, but ultimately the ending of this book is unsurprising - however I will say I agree with Laura and did feel pity for him!! (and I do agree with some of his actions)
I think it’s so important to shed as much light on men's mental health as we can, and show that there are people there to help you and it doesn’t make you any less of a man to seek that help, as it could save you in the long run.
Well done Mathew on your debut novel, you absolutely smashed it and I am so honoured to have been able to read it 👏🏼
June 24, 2022
ARC REVIEW!
I received this book as an ARC - it definitely wasn’t my typical read, but I enjoyed it! The book read in a similar fashion to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, flashbacks in third person - interviewer in first person. The grotesque scenes were done well without being too much.
Overall great book for a debut novel!
I received this book as an ARC - it definitely wasn’t my typical read, but I enjoyed it! The book read in a similar fashion to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, flashbacks in third person - interviewer in first person. The grotesque scenes were done well without being too much.
Overall great book for a debut novel!
July 1, 2022
*This is a non-spoiler review*
"Sometimes the lies we tell reveal more about us than the truth ever could."
An ordinary retired old man, or at least that's our primary perception of him, turned mass murderer. He surrenders to his crimes and standing in the court of law, begs the judge for the harshest sentencing possible.
Confining this book into "another mystery thriller" will be an insult to the book itself. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and you stay up until 2 A.M. to find out what REALLY happened but also once you do actually find out, you're forced to stay up another 3 hours wondering how much you don't understand about a person because you weren't there when it happened.
"Although I had not experienced loss as severe as Stephen had, I began to feel the remnants of the pain he felt with each story he told me."
This is a story of a murderer. It's also a story of love, loss, grief, conditioning from a young age and above all, it makes you question your own morals and perceptions about what's right and what's wrong. The author does a great job with the characters and isn't afraid about their flaws. Each and every character in this book is FAR FROM PERFECT and that's exactly what you look for in this genre.
Stephen's story flows through the plot perfectly as he reveals why he did what he did and just when you think you have him all figured out, you realize just how wrong you've been all this time in understanding him and his journey.
The character development, the plot twists, unveiling of Stephen's history, everything WILL HAVE YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT. It tackles heavy topics like Toxic Masculinity, Mental Health, Sexual Abuse and Trauma very delicately and the characters, especially Stephen will stay with you for a long time. The author made sure of it.
If you're into mystery thrillers but also the type of books that make you question your own beliefs and empathy, then this the THE BOOK FOR YOU!
"Sometimes the lies we tell reveal more about us than the truth ever could."
An ordinary retired old man, or at least that's our primary perception of him, turned mass murderer. He surrenders to his crimes and standing in the court of law, begs the judge for the harshest sentencing possible.
Confining this book into "another mystery thriller" will be an insult to the book itself. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and you stay up until 2 A.M. to find out what REALLY happened but also once you do actually find out, you're forced to stay up another 3 hours wondering how much you don't understand about a person because you weren't there when it happened.
"Although I had not experienced loss as severe as Stephen had, I began to feel the remnants of the pain he felt with each story he told me."
This is a story of a murderer. It's also a story of love, loss, grief, conditioning from a young age and above all, it makes you question your own morals and perceptions about what's right and what's wrong. The author does a great job with the characters and isn't afraid about their flaws. Each and every character in this book is FAR FROM PERFECT and that's exactly what you look for in this genre.
Stephen's story flows through the plot perfectly as he reveals why he did what he did and just when you think you have him all figured out, you realize just how wrong you've been all this time in understanding him and his journey.
The character development, the plot twists, unveiling of Stephen's history, everything WILL HAVE YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT. It tackles heavy topics like Toxic Masculinity, Mental Health, Sexual Abuse and Trauma very delicately and the characters, especially Stephen will stay with you for a long time. The author made sure of it.
If you're into mystery thrillers but also the type of books that make you question your own beliefs and empathy, then this the THE BOOK FOR YOU!
July 17, 2022
The Truth Behind a Smile was an amazing read. I usually stick to the fantasy genre and this book reminded me how much I love thrillers as well. Especially thrillers as well written as this one.
I felt every emotion while reading The Truth Behind a Smile and this book had me crying several different times. It follows the life of Stephen Clark from the young age of 12 years old all the way to age 69, where we first find him on Death Row.
I never thought I would be able to empathize with a murderer, but while reading Stephen’s story I found it hard not to. This book is a one-of-a-kind story and it tackles some very serious issues.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and was not expecting the plot twist at the end! I highly recommend!
I felt every emotion while reading The Truth Behind a Smile and this book had me crying several different times. It follows the life of Stephen Clark from the young age of 12 years old all the way to age 69, where we first find him on Death Row.
I never thought I would be able to empathize with a murderer, but while reading Stephen’s story I found it hard not to. This book is a one-of-a-kind story and it tackles some very serious issues.
I really enjoyed reading this novel and was not expecting the plot twist at the end! I highly recommend!
July 3, 2022
Where do I begin … the story has me hooked from beginning to end . I was constantly wrapped up on what to believe and how to feel and the deeper I got into the book the more I found it hard to not sympathize with the mc. 😩5/5 y’all I recommend it highly .
September 15, 2022
A fantastic read. Really kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I didn't want to stop reading it. I'm sad I finished it. It left me feeling confused. But it definitely was worth reading.
September 5, 2022
Just finished The Truth Behind A Smile and all I can say is I am super grateful to have randomly found this book on Instagram! Having never heard of the book before, The cover of the book is simple and the title is totally apt.
And this book- it didn't disappoint. Such a moving story, Great writing, creepy, very well developed characters whose emotions and despair you can really feel and an ending totally unexpected. I wish I could get the hardcover version of this.✨
The writing is simple and beautiful and the short chapters makes it easy to read it in short breaks. I look forward to reading more from this author.🥀
I got through this book in around a week, and highly recommend it to other readers. Enjoyable read! 💯
And this book- it didn't disappoint. Such a moving story, Great writing, creepy, very well developed characters whose emotions and despair you can really feel and an ending totally unexpected. I wish I could get the hardcover version of this.✨
The writing is simple and beautiful and the short chapters makes it easy to read it in short breaks. I look forward to reading more from this author.🥀
I got through this book in around a week, and highly recommend it to other readers. Enjoyable read! 💯
July 1, 2022
Fantastic read. A definite page turner. Haven’t reas a book like this in a while! It’s definitely a must read. !
December 7, 2022
A great debut novel that touches on the topic of toxic masculinity and men's mental health. Would recommend :) Thank you Mathew for sending me your book!
March 21, 2023
favourite quotes:
All these imperfections that society thinks of as flaws, I began to see as other aspects of her character that helped to make her more genuine, more real, they made her imperfectly perfect. ... She was the first person I was able to truly fall in love with.
- chapter five
If I live for another day I'd at least be able to remember them. Sometimes remembering them also meant remembering the bad times, but the good times were so much more precious, that just by being able to think about them each day made my life worth living, even if I had to live it alone. Even if I knew that I wouldn't be able to see them again in my life, I knew that I could at least be with them in my thoughts, but if I killed myself, there was no guarantee that I'd see them again, even in memory, and that scared me a whole lot than living without them.
- chapter eleven
All these imperfections that society thinks of as flaws, I began to see as other aspects of her character that helped to make her more genuine, more real, they made her imperfectly perfect. ... She was the first person I was able to truly fall in love with.
- chapter five
If I live for another day I'd at least be able to remember them. Sometimes remembering them also meant remembering the bad times, but the good times were so much more precious, that just by being able to think about them each day made my life worth living, even if I had to live it alone. Even if I knew that I wouldn't be able to see them again in my life, I knew that I could at least be with them in my thoughts, but if I killed myself, there was no guarantee that I'd see them again, even in memory, and that scared me a whole lot than living without them.
- chapter eleven
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2022
What a good read, left me feeling things for the men in my life that were always told to man up or don’t show their feelings
July 19, 2022
Great quick read, recommend if you want a book that makes you think.
March 10, 2023
3 1/2 rounded up. A very quick read and enjoyable but not much of a thriller as much as it is a tragedy of sorts. The ending makes it a thriller but you do have to wait for it. Definitely didn’t see that twist coming though. A very good debut from a fellow New Jersey author.
August 14, 2023
Oh my how this book was honestly a 6 star read. The story was so interesting how we felt pity for him and why he did what he did. It cried like so much cause he struggled after he lost everything he ever loved and it was really heartbreaking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
A quick and captivating read. I loved the way it ended I was on the edge of my seat!
Overall, the message carried throughout the story was impactful and thought provoking.
Overall, the message carried throughout the story was impactful and thought provoking.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews