The Stories We Don't Tell

by Melissa Thayer

"Growing up had stolen the truth of us."

A life worth living is a life worth sharing. Growing up in a small town in Montana not worth a name, that kind of life is not one Nick can manage, let alone comprehend. When fate gives him an existence he can barely recognize, he searches for meaning in the future he wishes existed, and attempts to escape a past that cannot be told, save for in the pages of a faded memory.

Melissa Thayer's lyrical and poignant debut novel, part confession and part wistful longing, is an incisive look at love and loss, and what remains of a soul that is dashed against the rocky shorelines of hope.

120 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2014

About the author

Sin City native Melissa Thayer writes fiction that touches upon the timeless truths of the human condition in poignant and thought-provoking ways. She enjoys writing about people and connecting readers with her characters.

She currently lives in Washington with her husband, daughter, and three cats.

THE STORIES WE DON'T TELL is her debut novel.

Reviews

[allie burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a surreal air that sets it apart from other books of its kind because it is great, but you don't know why. Its pages drift easily from one to the next like fall leaves caught in a breeze, but not because it is stylistic because it is not overly so. If you were to separate its words or even its sentences, you would get just facts. But it's when those facts are strewn together, or the way in which they are strewn together, that grabs the reader's attention. It's not even a discussion of show versus tell, because this book is neither. If I had to categorize it, it'd be not-tell.

You must have the ability to read through the lines of what you know about telling--or reading--a story in the form of a novel in order to enjoy this book. Thayer breaks all the rules: she leaves things out; she not only skips from one foot to the other but from side to side and upwards and backwards. It will take you a minute--or a hundred--to get the bearings you lost in your mind whilst your mind got lost in this book. You must possess the ability to figure out things; you must be able to think for yourself in order to 'get' it. If Palahniuk wrote a tragically epic love story with likable characters, this would be it.

They say that anyone can bring meaning to a reader in enough time, but it takes the most talented author to make a reader feel something with the smallest amount of words on the least amount of pages. This novel is short and it is lightning fast; I basically read it in an hour. Nevertheless, it is the epitome of a book hangover; you'll be lying awake thinking about it all night. It left me trying to guess what the characters will do. I don't know if I'll ever figure that out, but maybe someone else will, and that, of course, is the beauty of literature. This novel is a risky endeavor that, ultimately, I think was worth taking.

***I was given a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed for Geeks Unleashed

[Titus Burley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Thayer's debut novel "The Stories We Don't Tell" is a captivating tale about yearning - an intimate look into how that powerful emotion can inhibit a life as well as propel it forward. In prose that blurs the lines between the characters reality and imaginations, Thayer weaves a tale of a love so idyllic that the protagonist Nick fears handling this precious perishable lest he break it. Terrified of losing the love of Emma as he once lost his mother, he wrestles emotional paralysis. Written with a striking writer/reader intimacy, Thayer paints characters that are flawed and real. The reader grows to care enough about the characters to become frustrated when they fail or cheat themselves of possibility and to cheer them when they risk or discover. It's a well executed debut and bodes of intriguing things to come from this fresh, talented voice.

[Cameron Kobes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't the kind of book I typically read, but I was glad to come across it. The book tells the story of two people, a man and a woman who started life as dear friends and potential lovers, whose lives took them different directions with occasional reunions along the way. The thing that jumps out most for me about this book was how believable it is. The characters and experiences feel very vivid, very real. The writing did have some stretches in which a lot of summarizing was happening in order to get from one character interaction to another, and some readers might be turned off by that. Personally, I didn't mind, although it was a little unusual. The book is pretty short, with a lot packed into it. I liked it, and would definitely recommend it

[Meredith Amelotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a review e-copy through Xpresso Book Tours, but in no way does that influence my honest opinion for the book.

Let me tell you how long it has been since I have read a book that has made my heart hurt so much...it's probably been since Allegiant, and for all of you who have read Allegiant then you know why.

The story begins with Nick talking to his deceased mother, so right off the bat you pick up that he cared deeply for her and vice versa. Then Nick stops talking to his mother, and more directs the storytelling to the reader. For an added bonus, we also soon get Emma's perspective along with Nick's on their relationship with each other.

I grew frustrated with Nick every time he left her behind. I found myself saying out loud that she wasn't going to be there one of these times that he decides to come back and see her. It was almost like those trips were to ensure that she was still there waiting for him, but also to make sure he was still of her whole world. One of my biggest peeves is when a guy does that. I know it has something to do with making them feel "superior" or "manly" but when you get down to it, it's just plain rude.

BUT. I was so happy to watch how Emma developed as the novel progressed. While Nick turned to drugs, alcohol, and one night stands (he didn't even stay faithful while he was away!!) Emma matured. She slowly came to realize that Nick's behavior of leaving for years and then returning may never end. So, she moved on. Maybe not completely, but she learned how to live her life with a someone who made her truly happy. Someone she could depend on to be there.

The Stories We Don't Tell is a short read, but a short read full of emotions. You won't find a better rollarcoastar in a theme park. You find yourself cheering for when fate brings them together, and then you find yourself smashing your head against the wall when Nick and Emma part ways. This read will leave your heart in pieces, but with your mind contemplating the concept of love and fate.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this book, I finished it in one straight, gluttonous session. As soon as I finished, I knew I would read it again, slowly, looking for the subtleties and clues that I missed the first time through. Which is exactly what happened. There are only a handful of books I have ever read twice in my life, but this book is worth it.

Melissa Thayer writes about Nick's journey from boy to man and the experiences - both real and imagined - which carry him there. Someone once told me that we re-live the defining moments in our lives through our memories, changing them slightly each time we recall them until we are at peace with what we remember. Thayer's writing reminds me of the way I remember things. A color, a smell, a particular object or spoken phrase that stands out. Memories blend with truth as Nick lives and re-lives the story of his relationship with Emma. The transitions are mysterious at first, but there are indicators set into the story that a thoughtful reader will pick up on.

The story does not attempt to escape the consequences of Nick's decisions, pulling you along with him as he tries to reconcile reality with what might have been. There were times I was truly disgusted with everything about his character, and moments when I was rooting hard for him to make something more from it all. I was satisfied with the ending, which brought closure, yet left room for me to imagine my own version of what the future might hold for these characters. Overall, I enjoyed this debut from Melissa Thayer very much and I'm looking forward to reading her next release.

***I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.***

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this debut novel very much. I liked how it offered perspectives on situations from both Nick and Emma's perspectives as well is how life events can affect people, not only in the present but also throughout their lives. I could relate to some of the hauntedness of Nick's persona because terrible things have happened in my life and sometimes it's hard not to try to envision how life might have been if things had happened differently. It's just one of those human experience things, I guess. But, I don't indulge in that kind of thinking often and I don't mire myself in it. What is, is what is, I figure. Better to understand that the past cannot be changed and just focus on making the present and future as good as you have the ability to try to make it. Ultimately, I am impressed with this first effort and am looking forward to what lies ahead from this author.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this ebook for purposes of review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in a spare, at times staccato prose, this slim debut novel (119 pages) tells the tortured story of Emma and Nick, two kids growing up in a small town. Nick longs to escape, especially after accidentally burning down the family home. Emma simply wants Nick, but fate keeps them apart. In chapters that almost read as stand-alone stories, Thayer leads us through their early years and into adulthood. The Stories We Don’t Tell: A fast pleasurable read recommended for readers who enjoy terse literary prose, character development that engages, and coming of age stories that linger. I look forward to this author's next novels.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa Thayer delivers a touching, deeply layered and visually rich story. Her characters are complex - both beautifully optimistic and poignantly damaged. Given the grace and subtlety of her exploration of complicated and often painful emotions and relationships, it's sometimes hard to believe that this is her literary fiction debut. The publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of the e-book in exchange for an honest review, and I read late into the night on more than one evening. I would definitely read it again.

[Jackie Casella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stories We Don't Tell is a beautiful matrimony of honest and believable dialogue and lovely scenery painted eloquently with prose. Thayer conveys a delicate and raw nature of humanity in her storytelling. As a debut novel, The Stories We Don't Tell, hints at a radiant literary future. I'm looking forward to more.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stories We Don't Tell transforms bitter and sad subject matter into something so very beautiful. Think: delicate latte foam art on a particularity strong cup of coffee! Honest characters, believable plot and a pretty style of writing made this novel mighty enjoyable. I'm looking forward to Melissa's future projects!

*** I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review ***

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories we don't tell what a perfect title for a book that takes you throw the span of a life time of experiences and consequences. This book holds no punches you will love and hate Nick both vehemently, Melissa has made sure that he latches on to your soul. Absolutely perfection that will make you read it again and again.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a rocky start for me to get into but once I did I just could't put down. I thought that the characters were interesting, the writing style is great, enough drama to keep the readers wanting more and I really did enjoy reading this book.

[Heather Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea where the story was going....I couldn't put it down! I am looking forward to more books by Melissa Thayer.