What do you think?
Rate this book
31 Days of Wonder
'And in that instant, he knows in his heart that today is a momentous day; come what may, he and Alice will meet again, and life will never be the same.'
Alice is stuck in an internship she loathes and a body she is forever trying to change.
Ben, also in his early twenties, is still trying to find his place in the world.
By chance they meet one day in a London park.
Day 1
Ben spots Alice sitting on a bench and feels compelled to speak to her. To his surprise, their connection is instant. But before numbers are exchanged, Alice is whisked off by her demanding boss.
20 minutes later
Alone in her office toilets, Alice looks at herself in the mirror and desperately searches for the beauty Ben could see in her.
Meanwhile, having misunderstood a parting remark, Ben is already planning a trip to Glasgow where he believes Alice lives, not realising that they actually live barely ten miles apart.
Over the next 31 days, Alice and Ben will discover that even if they never manage to find each other again, they have sparked a change in each other that will last a lifetime. In 31 Days of Wonder, Tom Winter shows us the magic of chance encounters and how one brief moment on a Thursday afternoon can change the rest of your life.
Alice is stuck in an internship she loathes and a body she is forever trying to change.
Ben, also in his early twenties, is still trying to find his place in the world.
By chance they meet one day in a London park.
Day 1
Ben spots Alice sitting on a bench and feels compelled to speak to her. To his surprise, their connection is instant. But before numbers are exchanged, Alice is whisked off by her demanding boss.
20 minutes later
Alone in her office toilets, Alice looks at herself in the mirror and desperately searches for the beauty Ben could see in her.
Meanwhile, having misunderstood a parting remark, Ben is already planning a trip to Glasgow where he believes Alice lives, not realising that they actually live barely ten miles apart.
Over the next 31 days, Alice and Ben will discover that even if they never manage to find each other again, they have sparked a change in each other that will last a lifetime. In 31 Days of Wonder, Tom Winter shows us the magic of chance encounters and how one brief moment on a Thursday afternoon can change the rest of your life.
314 pages, Hardcover
Published August 10, 2017
8 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Tom Winter
5 books20 followersTom Winter is a British writer living in Berlin. His work has been published in five languages. The hardback edition of his fourth book, In Search of Ethel Cartwright, will be published in 2024 by Corsair, an imprint of Little, Brown. The paperback will follow in 2025.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 27, 2017
thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review.
bittersweet novel where 2 people think of each other after a brief encounter but is more a novel of discovery searching and how people cope with dysfunctional emotional families and one copes with grief and mental health and finds himself.
bittersweet novel where 2 people think of each other after a brief encounter but is more a novel of discovery searching and how people cope with dysfunctional emotional families and one copes with grief and mental health and finds himself.
January 6, 2018
2.5 Stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
31 Days of Wonder was a very light story which should have made for the perfect summer read, but unfortunately the story never really took off for me.
Ben and Alice meet for a very, very short time on a bench and without exchanging any kind of information they both know: this is the one. Since Ben believes she is from Glasgow he decides to go there, but is first confronted with some of his own issues. Alice, on the other hand, has quite some issues of her own to deal with.
And that is all that there is to it. Only Ben is behaving most of the time like a young child, and act so irresponsible that it sometimes seemed unsafe he was just allowed to do all these things. This made it hard for me to care for him or his search for Alice. I was expecting something more like 500 Days of Summer, but this was not that.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
31 Days of Wonder was a very light story which should have made for the perfect summer read, but unfortunately the story never really took off for me.
Ben and Alice meet for a very, very short time on a bench and without exchanging any kind of information they both know: this is the one. Since Ben believes she is from Glasgow he decides to go there, but is first confronted with some of his own issues. Alice, on the other hand, has quite some issues of her own to deal with.
And that is all that there is to it. Only Ben is behaving most of the time like a young child, and act so irresponsible that it sometimes seemed unsafe he was just allowed to do all these things. This made it hard for me to care for him or his search for Alice. I was expecting something more like 500 Days of Summer, but this was not that.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 27, 2021
I got into this knowing it would be a light read but the story never picked up and Alice’s character development went nothing beyond her being fat and that being why no-one wanted her. Definitely written by a man. Two stars for Ben’s story having a bit more interest.
September 20, 2017
Thanks for Netgalley.com for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
This book wasn't awful but it wasn't that good either. I tried really hard to like it but I just didn't.
The story starts in a typical 'boy meets girl' way with Ben spotting Alice across the park and going over to tell her she is beautiful before they are interupted by Alice's machete mouthed boss who whisks her away....leaving Ben to set out on the road to finding Alice.
But this is not your typical 'boy meets girl' because Ben has a plethora of mental health issues which are never identified to the reader - I drew my own conclusions and felt a bit frustrated that we never discover exactly what he is suffering with. On the other hand, Alice is 'overweight' though, once again , we never find out what overweight means in this context, because in this day and age 'overweight' could be classed as anything from a size 30 to a size 10. And it is with this that I have the biggest problem. I was extremely annoyed that the basic message given by the book is that the only person interested in a fat girl would be someone with mental health problems, and the only person interested in someone with mental health problems would be a fat girl....because both of them would be grateful for the interest. I know some will disagree with me but it was the message that I felt that was being shouted - hell, even Alice's boss actually says it to her!
Ben's character gets more development than Alice's - he comes to terms with losing his parents at a young age and deals with a few demons along the way, but all Alice really does is develop into someone who gets mad at the people who fat shame her and give up on her diet - is that really what passes as character development because it doesn't feel like she does it because she is happy with how she looks but because she is fed up. She felt to me like someone that I wanted to shake and shout at and I just wish she had been sparkier in some way.
There are a couple of comic scenes - specially with the parrot (they made me smile), however much of the comedy felt a little forced and I just didn't feel those 'laugh out loud' moments that I was expecting.
This book wasn't awful but it wasn't that good either. I tried really hard to like it but I just didn't.
The story starts in a typical 'boy meets girl' way with Ben spotting Alice across the park and going over to tell her she is beautiful before they are interupted by Alice's machete mouthed boss who whisks her away....leaving Ben to set out on the road to finding Alice.
But this is not your typical 'boy meets girl' because Ben has a plethora of mental health issues which are never identified to the reader - I drew my own conclusions and felt a bit frustrated that we never discover exactly what he is suffering with. On the other hand, Alice is 'overweight' though, once again , we never find out what overweight means in this context, because in this day and age 'overweight' could be classed as anything from a size 30 to a size 10. And it is with this that I have the biggest problem. I was extremely annoyed that the basic message given by the book is that the only person interested in a fat girl would be someone with mental health problems, and the only person interested in someone with mental health problems would be a fat girl....because both of them would be grateful for the interest. I know some will disagree with me but it was the message that I felt that was being shouted - hell, even Alice's boss actually says it to her!
Ben's character gets more development than Alice's - he comes to terms with losing his parents at a young age and deals with a few demons along the way, but all Alice really does is develop into someone who gets mad at the people who fat shame her and give up on her diet - is that really what passes as character development because it doesn't feel like she does it because she is happy with how she looks but because she is fed up. She felt to me like someone that I wanted to shake and shout at and I just wish she had been sparkier in some way.
There are a couple of comic scenes - specially with the parrot (they made me smile), however much of the comedy felt a little forced and I just didn't feel those 'laugh out loud' moments that I was expecting.
September 14, 2017
I found this to be a really interesting, fun and quirky read as we follow the stories of Ben and Alice over a total of 31 days since they meet on a bench in a London park. The story flits between the two as they both deal with their own issues over the month, and it is a really fascinating story as they both discover things about themselves after their chance meeting.
Ben goes on the bigger journey as he becomes obsessed with Alice and all that she makes him feel. His quest to go to Glasgow to see her again takes over his life, but also makes him reconnect with his grandparents, and their story is quite a touching one as you delve further back into Ben and his past and you get to understand the way he is as you find out what he has been through.
Alice is dealing with life in an office where she seems to be the butt of everyones jokes, and has very low self esteem. But the words of Ben on that day make her start believing in herself more and just that boost to her confidence helps her deal with some awkward moments. Her parents are a cause for many of these awkward moments for her and their behaviour explains a lot!!
This is a book that features 2 socially awkward characters with hearts of gold, and how the impact of others can help or hinder their progress in their lives. There are many fun moments mixed in with more heartbreaking times and I loved how refreshing and endearing both characters were. Their stories are perfectly captured by the author and I have found myself thinking of them even after finishing the book a couple of days ago!
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the early arc in return for a fair and honest review.
Ben goes on the bigger journey as he becomes obsessed with Alice and all that she makes him feel. His quest to go to Glasgow to see her again takes over his life, but also makes him reconnect with his grandparents, and their story is quite a touching one as you delve further back into Ben and his past and you get to understand the way he is as you find out what he has been through.
Alice is dealing with life in an office where she seems to be the butt of everyones jokes, and has very low self esteem. But the words of Ben on that day make her start believing in herself more and just that boost to her confidence helps her deal with some awkward moments. Her parents are a cause for many of these awkward moments for her and their behaviour explains a lot!!
This is a book that features 2 socially awkward characters with hearts of gold, and how the impact of others can help or hinder their progress in their lives. There are many fun moments mixed in with more heartbreaking times and I loved how refreshing and endearing both characters were. Their stories are perfectly captured by the author and I have found myself thinking of them even after finishing the book a couple of days ago!
Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the early arc in return for a fair and honest review.
April 12, 2019
This book wasn't what I expected and I'm kinda glad that it wasn't
EDIT: near the beginning I was desperately hoping that Ben and Alice would find each other again and live "happily ever after" or whatever, but the more I read on the more I realised this was not going to happen.
And I'm actually really glad that they didn't meet again- firstly because it would have been cheesy, predictable and cliché (no hate, I love soppy romances). But it was definitely refreshing to see a story unfold which focused on the characters themselves and their development throughout rather than just their relationship.
Also I think the fact that they didn't see each other again made their brief meeting even more special and poignant. It emphasises how just a simple interaction with someone, even one that's only a few seconds, can become a turning point in your life and change everything
EDIT: near the beginning I was desperately hoping that Ben and Alice would find each other again and live "happily ever after" or whatever, but the more I read on the more I realised this was not going to happen.
And I'm actually really glad that they didn't meet again- firstly because it would have been cheesy, predictable and cliché (no hate, I love soppy romances). But it was definitely refreshing to see a story unfold which focused on the characters themselves and their development throughout rather than just their relationship.
Also I think the fact that they didn't see each other again made their brief meeting even more special and poignant. It emphasises how just a simple interaction with someone, even one that's only a few seconds, can become a turning point in your life and change everything
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
This was an interesting concept. I did enjoy it but I think I went in with high exceptions. I went in expecting one book and got another. I liked Alice’s story but her work colleagues annoyed me as they were so horrible to Alice about her weight. I wanted to slap them. Ben was annoying to begin with but he grew on me.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an review. Thanks also goes to the author for writing it.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing me with a copy in exchange for an review. Thanks also goes to the author for writing it.
July 25, 2017
This is a lovely tale of two misfits, Alice and Ben, who meet by chance in a park, and whose brief conversation is the best thing that has ever happened to either of them in a lifetime. Both come from emotionally stunted families, both feel they are damaged and worthless. But somehow, they each see something wonderful in the other, and that something changes the way they think about themselves, and changes their lives for ever.
This is not a burgeoning romance – they never meet again (at least not in the book). This book is about how they take control of their broken lives, stand up for themselves, try something new, and earn the respect of others.
While Ben does have a very supportive friend in Dave, who looks out for him, Ben’s mental health is not the best. He has never felt loved or wanted. His job is monotonous and he can never find the right words to say to anyone. Alice becomes his promise of a better life ahead – a life he needs to work for, basically by riding a bicycle to Glasgow. He sees Alice all along the way, in her bright yellow dress and beaming smile.
Alice is a nice girl, who always tries to see positives in everything, and of whose good nature everyone takes advantage. The casual meanness of the constant digs about her weight by work colleagues, family and even ‘friends’, grind her down. But, Ben said she was beautiful.
This book is an example of how much joy a kind word from a stranger can bring to someone’s life. It makes you want to go out and share your smiles and good wishes. As Ben tells Alice: “you can keep it with you now, can’t you? Anytime you feel low, you can just remember that Ben says you’re beautiful”.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This is not a burgeoning romance – they never meet again (at least not in the book). This book is about how they take control of their broken lives, stand up for themselves, try something new, and earn the respect of others.
While Ben does have a very supportive friend in Dave, who looks out for him, Ben’s mental health is not the best. He has never felt loved or wanted. His job is monotonous and he can never find the right words to say to anyone. Alice becomes his promise of a better life ahead – a life he needs to work for, basically by riding a bicycle to Glasgow. He sees Alice all along the way, in her bright yellow dress and beaming smile.
Alice is a nice girl, who always tries to see positives in everything, and of whose good nature everyone takes advantage. The casual meanness of the constant digs about her weight by work colleagues, family and even ‘friends’, grind her down. But, Ben said she was beautiful.
This book is an example of how much joy a kind word from a stranger can bring to someone’s life. It makes you want to go out and share your smiles and good wishes. As Ben tells Alice: “you can keep it with you now, can’t you? Anytime you feel low, you can just remember that Ben says you’re beautiful”.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 14, 2023
Terrible book. Just 31 days of workplace bullying and fat shaming.
Has the author ever spent time in a city office building or with a woman? It's like his only knowledge of this lifestyle is from the Devil wears Prada!
There are no likeable characters in this book except an older couple near the end.
Even the dog seemed like an arsehole!
Has the author ever spent time in a city office building or with a woman? It's like his only knowledge of this lifestyle is from the Devil wears Prada!
There are no likeable characters in this book except an older couple near the end.
Even the dog seemed like an arsehole!
March 5, 2019
This was just wholesome and cute!
The thing that annoyed me was that they didn’t actually meet again
I loved how even thought Alice was being treated so badly she could always find the positives in life, however, I loved when at the end she went off at everybody in the train and decided to not care about what people say about her. I liked how Alice was her own woman and even when men were trying to take advantage of her left n right she stood up for herself. I felt bad when they kept body shaming her but that really is the reality of society nowadays innit
I really liked the relationship between Ben and Dave, they had such a nice friendship
I really liked the humour as well especially on Day 27 when they were making fun out of the Fiat 500 (probably my top fave moment in the whole book)
I loved how from the first time Ben saw Alice he just woahed instantly and how he went to great measures to find her again
At first I was a bit meh at reading it cause I’d preferred it to be first person but I actually enjoyed it so much although I would have preferred them to meet again. I kinda feel that the meaning behind this book is to go thru life on a positive note, not care about people opinions, chase your dreams and even if life is shite to always get back up
Overall, it was just dead cute
The thing that annoyed me was that they didn’t actually meet again
I loved how even thought Alice was being treated so badly she could always find the positives in life, however, I loved when at the end she went off at everybody in the train and decided to not care about what people say about her. I liked how Alice was her own woman and even when men were trying to take advantage of her left n right she stood up for herself. I felt bad when they kept body shaming her but that really is the reality of society nowadays innit
I really liked the relationship between Ben and Dave, they had such a nice friendship
I really liked the humour as well especially on Day 27 when they were making fun out of the Fiat 500 (probably my top fave moment in the whole book)
I loved how from the first time Ben saw Alice he just woahed instantly and how he went to great measures to find her again
At first I was a bit meh at reading it cause I’d preferred it to be first person but I actually enjoyed it so much although I would have preferred them to meet again. I kinda feel that the meaning behind this book is to go thru life on a positive note, not care about people opinions, chase your dreams and even if life is shite to always get back up
Overall, it was just dead cute
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2017
My thanks to Corsair Books via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. I gave this a 3.5 stars or 7/10 depending on which rating you prefer.
This is the tale of Ben and Alice who meet on a bench in a park one day. Told in 31 chapters which mimic a 31 day period that could be a calendar month or just 31 consecutive days. This story is quite a quirky read that would make a fab reading group read.
Both Ben and Alice have issues. Ben has health issues that aren't that apparent at first, but is one of the reasons that it took me awhile to settle into the story as I found it quite hard to tell what was going on with him. I read a review that basically told me what his problem was, this did help me understand him a little more. However, it did spoil it for me a little bit too. Alice has body issues that she has to come to terms with, none of us will admit that our body is perfect and I am sure that all of us will be able to relate to Alice.
As Ben and Alice both go on their separate journeys, we learn so much about both of them and they both learn so much about themselves.
This is the tale of Ben and Alice who meet on a bench in a park one day. Told in 31 chapters which mimic a 31 day period that could be a calendar month or just 31 consecutive days. This story is quite a quirky read that would make a fab reading group read.
Both Ben and Alice have issues. Ben has health issues that aren't that apparent at first, but is one of the reasons that it took me awhile to settle into the story as I found it quite hard to tell what was going on with him. I read a review that basically told me what his problem was, this did help me understand him a little more. However, it did spoil it for me a little bit too. Alice has body issues that she has to come to terms with, none of us will admit that our body is perfect and I am sure that all of us will be able to relate to Alice.
As Ben and Alice both go on their separate journeys, we learn so much about both of them and they both learn so much about themselves.
July 25, 2022
I struggled a lot with this and almost put it down twice. I sort of wish I had. The only thing I enjoyed was the format. The characters were staid, clichéd and dull, the plot uninspiring. It gains an additional star for the development of Ben's plot, but if this were just Alice's story I would not have finished this. Why is the only thing we know about her character or the only comment ever made about her in the book is her weight? It doesn't further the plot and frankly made me angry by the end.
August 10, 2017
31 Days Of Wonder by Tom winter.
This was a good read with good characters. This story is told in 31 Days. Ben and Alice meet one day in a London park. Now they have met Alive wonders why Ben sees her the way he does. Ben who misunderstands a parting remark is planning a trip to Glasgow where he believes Alice lives not realising they live barely ten miles apart. Although a little slow in did manage to read it. 3*. Netgalley and little brown book group UK.
This was a good read with good characters. This story is told in 31 Days. Ben and Alice meet one day in a London park. Now they have met Alive wonders why Ben sees her the way he does. Ben who misunderstands a parting remark is planning a trip to Glasgow where he believes Alice lives not realising they live barely ten miles apart. Although a little slow in did manage to read it. 3*. Netgalley and little brown book group UK.
January 10, 2022
I actually quite enjoyed this! Was a quick and easy read, which I found to be sweet at times. :)
February 17, 2020
A light read which touched on mental health and grief but found the story lacking somewhat - I wanted a different ending.
July 17, 2017
I got this book free in exchange for a review. At first I was a bit confused about this book the storyline and I don't really like books like that. I then found out what the book was about and started to get through it better. It's a very easy read book once you know what it's about it's about 2 ppl Alice and Ben with different lives who happen to meet in a park one day. The story then takes you on a journey through each of there lives as they deal with stuff that is holding them both back in some way.
At the end you find out what it is really about and it's quite a surprise if you read the notes from the author all in all a good book
At the end you find out what it is really about and it's quite a surprise if you read the notes from the author all in all a good book
July 6, 2017
This was quite a bittersweet story about how meeting someone so briefly could change or affect your life. Quite unusual characters which kept me reading.
Just found it hard to believe the way Alice's work colleagues spoke to her but overall an enjoyable read.
Just found it hard to believe the way Alice's work colleagues spoke to her but overall an enjoyable read.
July 22, 2017
Sometimes a moment's connection can change your life...
I remember enjoying the very sweet 'Lost and Found' a few years ago, by the same author. He writes warm and gentle love stories with characters you yearn for, hoping they find happiness.
I love the concept of this - two strangers meet in a park, here a medicated man (Ben) falls instantly smitten with Alice in her yellow dress and vows to find her again. For her part, overweight Alice is flattered at his attention and compliments, and unintentionally makes him her imaginary boyfriend when mocked for her weight at work. Ben continues to 'see' Alice wherever he goes. And so both are affected by their meeting long after, even though their paths remain separate. Will they find each other again? What effects will come of their 'moment'?
It's really sweet, a lovely pair of narratives about two misfits who both need some direction, some connection and passion in their lives.
Two very different lives - Alice is a wallflower, trodden on, mocked ridiculously for her appearance; Ben is coasting through life, going nowhere, raised by staid grandparents after his parents' death and suffering mental health issues soon after. Two lives that are kickstarted by their short meeting, that is constantly referred to and recalled, and over the course of the book you wonder just what will happen at the end - will they meet again? Fall in love? Or will their lives take tangents?
This makes a great summer read, a romance of sorts, a story of finding direction and a love of life and a place in the world.
I didn't think the 'coda' was really necessary, it didn't add anything in my mind to the book, but apart from that I loved the characters and the warmly humorous plot as Alice and Ben grow up and begin to spread their wings and find themselves and their place in the world.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
I remember enjoying the very sweet 'Lost and Found' a few years ago, by the same author. He writes warm and gentle love stories with characters you yearn for, hoping they find happiness.
I love the concept of this - two strangers meet in a park, here a medicated man (Ben) falls instantly smitten with Alice in her yellow dress and vows to find her again. For her part, overweight Alice is flattered at his attention and compliments, and unintentionally makes him her imaginary boyfriend when mocked for her weight at work. Ben continues to 'see' Alice wherever he goes. And so both are affected by their meeting long after, even though their paths remain separate. Will they find each other again? What effects will come of their 'moment'?
It's really sweet, a lovely pair of narratives about two misfits who both need some direction, some connection and passion in their lives.
Two very different lives - Alice is a wallflower, trodden on, mocked ridiculously for her appearance; Ben is coasting through life, going nowhere, raised by staid grandparents after his parents' death and suffering mental health issues soon after. Two lives that are kickstarted by their short meeting, that is constantly referred to and recalled, and over the course of the book you wonder just what will happen at the end - will they meet again? Fall in love? Or will their lives take tangents?
This makes a great summer read, a romance of sorts, a story of finding direction and a love of life and a place in the world.
I didn't think the 'coda' was really necessary, it didn't add anything in my mind to the book, but apart from that I loved the characters and the warmly humorous plot as Alice and Ben grow up and begin to spread their wings and find themselves and their place in the world.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
July 20, 2017
A very funny book - Ben's way of looking at things and speaking makes for an interesting read! I love how he was constantly focusing on Alice before finding just where he needed to be. It rather ends on a cliff-hanger as I'd love to know what happened to Alice - did she get what she wanted? Overall, a lovely and charming read!
did-not-finish
August 17, 2017I am really surprised to have read SO many glowing reviews for this book, because for me it just did not work. There was so much flitting between the two characters and it took a lot to make any sense out of what was going on; I gave up at 25% because when I back takes too much brain power for me to read and understand, it's not enjoyable.
July 31, 2018
This book just wasn't for me! I loved the idea, but when it came down to it, the story was too slow to keep my attention, and, well, just too...I won't say far-fetched because I always argue that a work of fiction is exactly that, fiction, made-up, invented - but I was too cynical to accept it. As a result, sadly, I didn't finish the book.
July 24, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group, Corsair, for offering me an ARC copy of this book (due for release on the 10th of August 2017) that I freely choose to review.
This is a deceptive book. Written in the third person, from the alternating point of view of the two protagonists, where all the action stems from a casual encounter between the two, it feels familiar and we think we know what we’re going to get and where we’re going.
We have two young protagonists (the title reminded me of 300 Days of Summer, although this is chronologically linear, or almost, as the last entry cycles back to the first, from Alice’s point of view this time), Alice and Ben, both quirky, who are not the most popular and do not fit in well with ‘normal’ life (whatever that might be), for different reasons. Alice is overweight, loves food, and as she is doing an internship in advertising is constantly reminded of how important appearances are. She tries to be cheerful and never be negative but does not always manage. We might think she is a bit like Bridget Jones, and well, perhaps there are similarities, but although she has her crazy moments, she goes out of her way to do the right thing and is neither self-absorbed not careless and clumsy by design. Ben has a mental illness (bipolar), but he is not the typical young man who rebels against his condition, refuses to accept advice, and wants to do his own thing. He takes his medication, he questions his odd experiences, and he is fully aware of his shortcomings (that seem to have little to do with his pretty well-controlled illness). He can be impulsive and he talks too much, but he tries his best not to upset anybody.
The two protagonists have plenty in common. They both share an apartment with somebody (Ben with David, his best friend; Alice with Mae, a young landlady from hell), have jobs that do not make them happy, have a difficult and cold relationship with their closest relatives (for Alice, her parents, for Ben, his grandparents), and are looking for something, even if they don’t know what.
Their chance encounter sets things in motion. As I said, readers are likely to believe that this is going to be a romance story where the two protagonists will be separated by circumstances and misunderstandings, going through a number of adventures, and will eventually come together at the end, for the happy ever after, Alice losing weight and showing people at work she is a true winner, and Ben overcoming his self-doubts and becoming a new man. If you have read the description carefully, you might have noticed that it hints at things not being that straightforward (or even twisty but getting us to the expected point). This is not a mystery novel, but I will try and avoid spoilers nonetheless. Let’s say that both protagonists discover things about themselves and those around them, especially that we should not always focus on living up to other people’s expectations (that we might internalise and make ours), but instead, we should try and find what makes us happy, whatever unlikely and even uncool that might be.
The two main characters are well-drawn and likeable. The secondary characters are also well-drawn, some more likeable than others (Ben seems to be blessed with better luck in friends and even in relatives, as his grandmother becomes much more lovable by the end. Alice is less lucky, and her parents, friends, flatmates and bosses are fairly horrible, although Chris has some potential and her parents… well, let’s say they change). There are surprising moments, sad moments, beautiful moments, and ‘aha’ moments of realisation. I suspect readers will identify more with one of the characters than with the other. Ben has the more rounded and significant experience (he insists on doing things from the beginning, even if he has to change plans along the way). Alice seems to be a victim of the circumstances (some self-created) She makes-up things rather than taking action and finds it difficult to say no or give her true opinion. But she does have some memorable scenes and it is difficult not to root for her, although overall I preferred Ben’s character. (And loved the parrot).
A well-written and easy to read story, that flows well, with comedic moments and some sadder ones, that I recommend to people who enjoy stories with quirky characters about ‘normal’ life and human relationships at all levels, with no fancy action, no sex, but a lot of heart.
I will be following the author and will be eager to see what he writes next (and I’m also intrigued by his previous novel).
This is a deceptive book. Written in the third person, from the alternating point of view of the two protagonists, where all the action stems from a casual encounter between the two, it feels familiar and we think we know what we’re going to get and where we’re going.
We have two young protagonists (the title reminded me of 300 Days of Summer, although this is chronologically linear, or almost, as the last entry cycles back to the first, from Alice’s point of view this time), Alice and Ben, both quirky, who are not the most popular and do not fit in well with ‘normal’ life (whatever that might be), for different reasons. Alice is overweight, loves food, and as she is doing an internship in advertising is constantly reminded of how important appearances are. She tries to be cheerful and never be negative but does not always manage. We might think she is a bit like Bridget Jones, and well, perhaps there are similarities, but although she has her crazy moments, she goes out of her way to do the right thing and is neither self-absorbed not careless and clumsy by design. Ben has a mental illness (bipolar), but he is not the typical young man who rebels against his condition, refuses to accept advice, and wants to do his own thing. He takes his medication, he questions his odd experiences, and he is fully aware of his shortcomings (that seem to have little to do with his pretty well-controlled illness). He can be impulsive and he talks too much, but he tries his best not to upset anybody.
The two protagonists have plenty in common. They both share an apartment with somebody (Ben with David, his best friend; Alice with Mae, a young landlady from hell), have jobs that do not make them happy, have a difficult and cold relationship with their closest relatives (for Alice, her parents, for Ben, his grandparents), and are looking for something, even if they don’t know what.
Their chance encounter sets things in motion. As I said, readers are likely to believe that this is going to be a romance story where the two protagonists will be separated by circumstances and misunderstandings, going through a number of adventures, and will eventually come together at the end, for the happy ever after, Alice losing weight and showing people at work she is a true winner, and Ben overcoming his self-doubts and becoming a new man. If you have read the description carefully, you might have noticed that it hints at things not being that straightforward (or even twisty but getting us to the expected point). This is not a mystery novel, but I will try and avoid spoilers nonetheless. Let’s say that both protagonists discover things about themselves and those around them, especially that we should not always focus on living up to other people’s expectations (that we might internalise and make ours), but instead, we should try and find what makes us happy, whatever unlikely and even uncool that might be.
The two main characters are well-drawn and likeable. The secondary characters are also well-drawn, some more likeable than others (Ben seems to be blessed with better luck in friends and even in relatives, as his grandmother becomes much more lovable by the end. Alice is less lucky, and her parents, friends, flatmates and bosses are fairly horrible, although Chris has some potential and her parents… well, let’s say they change). There are surprising moments, sad moments, beautiful moments, and ‘aha’ moments of realisation. I suspect readers will identify more with one of the characters than with the other. Ben has the more rounded and significant experience (he insists on doing things from the beginning, even if he has to change plans along the way). Alice seems to be a victim of the circumstances (some self-created) She makes-up things rather than taking action and finds it difficult to say no or give her true opinion. But she does have some memorable scenes and it is difficult not to root for her, although overall I preferred Ben’s character. (And loved the parrot).
A well-written and easy to read story, that flows well, with comedic moments and some sadder ones, that I recommend to people who enjoy stories with quirky characters about ‘normal’ life and human relationships at all levels, with no fancy action, no sex, but a lot of heart.
I will be following the author and will be eager to see what he writes next (and I’m also intrigued by his previous novel).
July 20, 2017
A brief lunchtime encounter at Grosvenor Park, London proves a pivotal moment in the lives of two young adults. Ben barely has a chance to introduce himself to Alice when she is whisked away by her domineering colleague to Glasgow. Not Glasgow, Scotland as Ben assumes, rather to see her irate boss, nicknamed after the city.
This misunderstanding sets in motion a course of actions that changes Ben’s life irrevocably as he becomes intent to find Alice once again…by getting to Glasgow whatever means possible! His loyal friend and flat mate, Dave, is on hand to help, even lending his folding bike to Ben. Before he knows it, he has been encouraged with his grandfather’s unexpected and unusual approval and involvement, to enrol on a charity bike race…one which is cut short by a tragedy within the family.
After the meeting with Alice in the park, he soon sees her again…but the reader (and Ben) is aware that this is a hallucination…one that seems very real and with whom he converses. Gradually her appearances drift further apart until the end when Ben’s childhood trauma is fully revealed and the reason for his supposed mental problems are explained.
Meanwhile, Alice continues to face a gauntlet of verbal abuse about her size at both work and from her parents when she visits them…and inevitably a downward spiral of eating ensues to escape her misery. Her daily humiliation saps her confidence and strength until she is weak, meek and at everyone’s mercy. The ray of hope in her days are Ben’s kind words in the park, a memory that supports her and she even makes up a relationship with him to her family and colleagues…one that to her surprise helps her ultimately and dramatically find her voice.
The daily battles in life take a turn for the positive as the memory of their meeting is the catalyst to changes in both their lives.
‘31 Days of Wonder’ is a whimsical novel, often amusing – even laugh out funny at times – whilst also deeply profound and moving. It’s delightfully surprising in failing to conform to convention and become a straight forward romantic story and instead the lives of the two main character circle each other, their separate narratives mirroring but always kept apart.
It is told from a third person viewpoint of Alice and Ben, each entry by them punctuated by either her location, train times or Ben’s location and distance from Alice. Each chapter is a new day, counting up to the titled ‘31’ and with all such counting devices the book easily becomes a compulsive read, which is abetted by the short segments and chapters as well as being written in the present tense.
The theme of self-acceptance is all-pervasive in the book and reflects the author’s own journey to self-acceptance whilst battling with depression during the writing of this novel. After many re-writes over a long time, the author finally achieved the perfect ending…with light, positivity and hope reigning strong.
This is a charming, beautifully written novel of self-discovery which is engaging and memorable. Definitely not to one miss and I am now keen to read Tom Winter’s other books.
I received a free copy of this book from the Netgalley in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
This misunderstanding sets in motion a course of actions that changes Ben’s life irrevocably as he becomes intent to find Alice once again…by getting to Glasgow whatever means possible! His loyal friend and flat mate, Dave, is on hand to help, even lending his folding bike to Ben. Before he knows it, he has been encouraged with his grandfather’s unexpected and unusual approval and involvement, to enrol on a charity bike race…one which is cut short by a tragedy within the family.
After the meeting with Alice in the park, he soon sees her again…but the reader (and Ben) is aware that this is a hallucination…one that seems very real and with whom he converses. Gradually her appearances drift further apart until the end when Ben’s childhood trauma is fully revealed and the reason for his supposed mental problems are explained.
Meanwhile, Alice continues to face a gauntlet of verbal abuse about her size at both work and from her parents when she visits them…and inevitably a downward spiral of eating ensues to escape her misery. Her daily humiliation saps her confidence and strength until she is weak, meek and at everyone’s mercy. The ray of hope in her days are Ben’s kind words in the park, a memory that supports her and she even makes up a relationship with him to her family and colleagues…one that to her surprise helps her ultimately and dramatically find her voice.
The daily battles in life take a turn for the positive as the memory of their meeting is the catalyst to changes in both their lives.
‘31 Days of Wonder’ is a whimsical novel, often amusing – even laugh out funny at times – whilst also deeply profound and moving. It’s delightfully surprising in failing to conform to convention and become a straight forward romantic story and instead the lives of the two main character circle each other, their separate narratives mirroring but always kept apart.
It is told from a third person viewpoint of Alice and Ben, each entry by them punctuated by either her location, train times or Ben’s location and distance from Alice. Each chapter is a new day, counting up to the titled ‘31’ and with all such counting devices the book easily becomes a compulsive read, which is abetted by the short segments and chapters as well as being written in the present tense.
The theme of self-acceptance is all-pervasive in the book and reflects the author’s own journey to self-acceptance whilst battling with depression during the writing of this novel. After many re-writes over a long time, the author finally achieved the perfect ending…with light, positivity and hope reigning strong.
This is a charming, beautifully written novel of self-discovery which is engaging and memorable. Definitely not to one miss and I am now keen to read Tom Winter’s other books.
I received a free copy of this book from the Netgalley in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
August 18, 2017
"31 Days of Wonder" by Tom Winter is a well - written, quirky and modern story that took me by surprise. There are comedic moments, as well as many poignant ones and it introduces us to quirky, different characters. It turned out to be a very different kind of book to this what I read - not your usual romance or mystery - but there was still a lot of heart in the descriptions and writing.
As I am used to books that describe the lives' of characters that eventually get together, of their paths criss - cross, I was a little confused when I eventually got to learn that it's not going to be the case here - and it's not a spoiler because we can read it in the synopsis already, and somehow I've missed this part. But whatever.
Nevertheless, I just couldn't get into the book. This issue that I've just mentioned above when the characters don't come together was one of my problems - please do not sue me but for me the characters' paths must cross during the story because if it doesn't happen then why write about them in one book? Yes, of course, I DID get the message of this book, that a chance meeting may change your life for better and for ever, but for me it just didn't wow me. I can't help it.
But of course there were things that I did like in this story. It is told during 31 days, one chapter for one day, and a story about normal people with issues, written in the third person and two alternating points of view. Ben has health problems that are not that apparent at first - and to be honest, only mentioning that he needs his pills etc didn't help to get into the story, I'd love to know from the beginning what it was that he had, maybe it would help me to understand him better. Alice has weight issues and really, I don't know who the people around her were as they didn't have any problems to tell her that yes, she's fat. Even her own mother. It didn't make me to warm to this part of the story as well, even though Alice was likeable and relatable kind of girl. Both those characters learn lots about themselves during their 31 - days - long journey, and we together with them.
The characters and the situations are very down - to - earth and they are believable. They both find themselves in works that feel dull and unnecessary, they have friends that are more or less supportive, they both share a flat with other people, have difficult relationships with their closes ones and it should be relatable for me but it just felt flat and whiney - I am truly sorry that I felt like this because I had great hopes for this story. Yes, it was a different read and I finished it, and I enjoyed it but there was this "something" missing, this something that makes the read exceptional.
"31 Days of Wonder" is a story about changes and seeing good things in yourselves, about taking control of your own life and earning respect for yourself. It shows you that in fact you don't need a lot, that sometimes one smile from a stranger can change everything and how important it is to find the thing that makes us happy. Even though it was not my favourite read, I still appreciated the way the plot went, and how much depth and heart there was in the writing style and storytelling.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2017
When I started reading this book, and also from the synopsis, I though it was going to be a bit like "Serendipity" the film staring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale (brilliant film btw) where they meet over a pair of gloves, spend a little time together and then leave it to fate as to whether they meet again. It wasn't long though when I decided that this book was nothing like the film and stopped trying to make comparisons or second guessing and just enjoy this book for what it was rather than trying to turn it into something else.
Alice and Ben meet briefly in a park one day. A short, simple meeting that will turn out to have the biggest impact on each of their lives. The book follows them for the next 31 days and we see how what transpired when they met really had the most profound effect on whole aspects of their current lives.
Ben has some problems which he is kind of getting help for. He takes medication to keep him on an even keel. On meeting Alice, he is instantly enchanted by her and moves heaven and earth to try and find her again. He mistakenly believes her to be in Glasgow and so sets off on a mission to cycle up there to find her, even though Glasgow is a big place, he doesn't know her full name and he is completely unfit.
Alice is a bit of a wallflower. Berated and picked on by her colleagues and family mostly about her weight, she feels a little uncomfortable. Ben telling her she's beautiful starts a bit of a chain reaction in her life.
The rest of the characters are just as well drawn as the main players. I especially loved Ben's gran and Alice's mum - that scene when they are having lunch cracks me up still - although I really didn't like the way she spoke to her daughter, she was good comedy value nevertheless. I mention comedy, to balance the main issues covered in the story, there were some really funny parts, some very much laugh out loud. All included seamlessly into the narrative so never forced but they did give me respite for some of the other things going on.
The story is told in days. Each day is told from the perspective of both Ben and Alice. Each section quite clearly marked as to whose it is. Ben's being marked as distance from Alice.
It also reminded me of the old reason, season, lifetime thing. I am not going to expand on this here as I fear doing so could contain spoilers but for me, it was just another connection to the book that made it all the more special.
When I reached the end of the book I was a little sad. Not from the book itself, more from the fact that I was actually quite sad to be leaving these characters behind. I had got to know, and like, both Ben and Alice over the past 31 days (afternoon in reading time) and I don't think I was ready to leave them yet. But leave them I had to, at least on paper anyway, they will always live on in my head and imagination and I guess that's what an author hopes will happen.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Alice and Ben meet briefly in a park one day. A short, simple meeting that will turn out to have the biggest impact on each of their lives. The book follows them for the next 31 days and we see how what transpired when they met really had the most profound effect on whole aspects of their current lives.
Ben has some problems which he is kind of getting help for. He takes medication to keep him on an even keel. On meeting Alice, he is instantly enchanted by her and moves heaven and earth to try and find her again. He mistakenly believes her to be in Glasgow and so sets off on a mission to cycle up there to find her, even though Glasgow is a big place, he doesn't know her full name and he is completely unfit.
Alice is a bit of a wallflower. Berated and picked on by her colleagues and family mostly about her weight, she feels a little uncomfortable. Ben telling her she's beautiful starts a bit of a chain reaction in her life.
The rest of the characters are just as well drawn as the main players. I especially loved Ben's gran and Alice's mum - that scene when they are having lunch cracks me up still - although I really didn't like the way she spoke to her daughter, she was good comedy value nevertheless. I mention comedy, to balance the main issues covered in the story, there were some really funny parts, some very much laugh out loud. All included seamlessly into the narrative so never forced but they did give me respite for some of the other things going on.
The story is told in days. Each day is told from the perspective of both Ben and Alice. Each section quite clearly marked as to whose it is. Ben's being marked as distance from Alice.
It also reminded me of the old reason, season, lifetime thing. I am not going to expand on this here as I fear doing so could contain spoilers but for me, it was just another connection to the book that made it all the more special.
When I reached the end of the book I was a little sad. Not from the book itself, more from the fact that I was actually quite sad to be leaving these characters behind. I had got to know, and like, both Ben and Alice over the past 31 days (afternoon in reading time) and I don't think I was ready to leave them yet. But leave them I had to, at least on paper anyway, they will always live on in my head and imagination and I guess that's what an author hopes will happen.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
August 21, 2019
Rate me: 6/10. It didn’t blow my mind, but I liked it.
What’s good about it?
I always love books that explore the idea of something so simple and so every day as a chance encounter and how this can impact and change a person’s life. For me, 31 Days of Wonder is a perfect example of this - how a moment so small and so fleeting can have such a big impact. Tom Winter had a winner of a storyline idea with this one!
Alice’s section of storytelling was by far my favourite. As a woman in her early twenties struggling to deal with her body image issues and find her place in the world, Alice is a character I really identified with. She felt real. When coworkers and family members commented on her weight, I wanted Alice to stand up and scream at them, all the while knowing how hard it is to battle your own demons anyway, never mind when others constantly point them out to you. Alice’s growth as a character was the biggest strength of the book in my opinion.
I liked that the book moved between perspectives of Ben and Alice and the pace of it. Flitting between perspectives and moving from day to day made this an enjoyable, easy read. Even though it deals with quite big issues like grief, body image, unwanted sexual advances amen mental illness, it was delivered in a lighthearted way and I finished the book in two sittings.
There were parts of this book that were really sweet and poignant and at times it felt like it had something new and different to say. It was definitely a story about everyday lives and the stories we all have inside of us. In most ways, it met my expectations and Alice’s storyline exceeded it.
What’s not so good?
I did struggle a bit with Ben’s character. I loved his character arc and his storyline, but as an actual character I did struggle to connect with him. Whilst Alice felt real, Ben didn’t seem like anyone I have ever met. For an adult man, he felt incredibly childlike. I understand that he was supposed to have some form of mental illness, but I think he came across as a flat character rather than three dimensional like Alice. As he was one half of the narrative, I found his character quite hard to want to read and found myself skimming over his sections occasionally.
What’s good about it?
I always love books that explore the idea of something so simple and so every day as a chance encounter and how this can impact and change a person’s life. For me, 31 Days of Wonder is a perfect example of this - how a moment so small and so fleeting can have such a big impact. Tom Winter had a winner of a storyline idea with this one!
Alice’s section of storytelling was by far my favourite. As a woman in her early twenties struggling to deal with her body image issues and find her place in the world, Alice is a character I really identified with. She felt real. When coworkers and family members commented on her weight, I wanted Alice to stand up and scream at them, all the while knowing how hard it is to battle your own demons anyway, never mind when others constantly point them out to you. Alice’s growth as a character was the biggest strength of the book in my opinion.
I liked that the book moved between perspectives of Ben and Alice and the pace of it. Flitting between perspectives and moving from day to day made this an enjoyable, easy read. Even though it deals with quite big issues like grief, body image, unwanted sexual advances amen mental illness, it was delivered in a lighthearted way and I finished the book in two sittings.
There were parts of this book that were really sweet and poignant and at times it felt like it had something new and different to say. It was definitely a story about everyday lives and the stories we all have inside of us. In most ways, it met my expectations and Alice’s storyline exceeded it.
What’s not so good?
I did struggle a bit with Ben’s character. I loved his character arc and his storyline, but as an actual character I did struggle to connect with him. Whilst Alice felt real, Ben didn’t seem like anyone I have ever met. For an adult man, he felt incredibly childlike. I understand that he was supposed to have some form of mental illness, but I think he came across as a flat character rather than three dimensional like Alice. As he was one half of the narrative, I found his character quite hard to want to read and found myself skimming over his sections occasionally.
September 17, 2017
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
This is a sweet, quirky and, at times, sentimental story about chance and fate. It's not your usual 'love story' but it does involve two characters who meet - albeit very briefly - one day and feel that spark between them. It doesn't end the way love stories usually end, though; in fact the beginning and middle don't follow the usual love story format either!
The characters are really likeable and I cared about what would happen to both of them. They each have their own problems, and at first I was a little confused as I tried to work out more of Ben's character but soon got into the swing of the story. Both characters felt like they were unique and a change from some of the 'samey' characters which can often pop up in books from this genre. Alice and Ben are both sweet characters, a stark contrast to some of their acquaintances and work colleagues. At times I felt the way these other characters (including family and 'friends' of Alice) spoke to her was a bit too cruel and rude at times, and made me wonder if anyone would really be that horrible... then I thought about how cruel people can be, sadly, and it only made me feel more for poor Alice.
31 Days of Wonder was quite refreshing in its style and plot, and it wasn't exactly what I was expecting - I suppose I thought there'd be more elements of a traditional 'romance' in there - but I liked that it surprised me and definitely preferred the way it usurped the usual genre stereotypes to create a charming, sweet story. It's not a long read, so you can race through it pretty quickly (as I did)! I definitely recommend giving it a go.
Many thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
This is a sweet, quirky and, at times, sentimental story about chance and fate. It's not your usual 'love story' but it does involve two characters who meet - albeit very briefly - one day and feel that spark between them. It doesn't end the way love stories usually end, though; in fact the beginning and middle don't follow the usual love story format either!
The characters are really likeable and I cared about what would happen to both of them. They each have their own problems, and at first I was a little confused as I tried to work out more of Ben's character but soon got into the swing of the story. Both characters felt like they were unique and a change from some of the 'samey' characters which can often pop up in books from this genre. Alice and Ben are both sweet characters, a stark contrast to some of their acquaintances and work colleagues. At times I felt the way these other characters (including family and 'friends' of Alice) spoke to her was a bit too cruel and rude at times, and made me wonder if anyone would really be that horrible... then I thought about how cruel people can be, sadly, and it only made me feel more for poor Alice.
31 Days of Wonder was quite refreshing in its style and plot, and it wasn't exactly what I was expecting - I suppose I thought there'd be more elements of a traditional 'romance' in there - but I liked that it surprised me and definitely preferred the way it usurped the usual genre stereotypes to create a charming, sweet story. It's not a long read, so you can race through it pretty quickly (as I did)! I definitely recommend giving it a go.
Many thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
August 6, 2017
Something a little bit different this time. The new book by Tom Winter is a sweet story and one that strikes a chord especially with the current focus on mental illness. Alice and Ben have a chance meeting in Grosvenor Square in London and don’t realise that the encounter will change both of their lives.
Both are in their early twenties and struggling to find their place in life. Alice is a lowly paid intern at a PR firm juggling a bitchy boss with a lecherous managing director. She’s a little on the cuddly side and they make her feel like a freak just for eating. Having Ben tell her that she is beautiful just about makes her year.
Ben was orphaned at the age of five and brought up by elderly grandparents who did their best for him. He’s supposed to take medication to control the voices in his head but as soon as he meets Alice this becomes less important as he is infatuated by her and imagines that he sees her in her yellow dress everywhere. A misunderstanding means that he decides to follow her up to Scotland – borrowing his flatmates’ fold up bike to make the journey to Glasgow.
It can take a little while to become invested in the characters but stick wIth it. Alternate chapters follow both Ben and Alice as they go about their lives. Lives that they are not enjoying. Alice is desperate to escape her mad landlady and find a job that will pay enough to consider buying her own flat.
Over the next thirty one days they soon realise that a change has been sparked in both of their lives. It might not be the outcome that they were expecting but things are changing for the better. If you are looking for something a bit different this summer holiday then give this one a go.
Supplied by Net Galley and Little Brown Book Group in exchange for an honest review.
Both are in their early twenties and struggling to find their place in life. Alice is a lowly paid intern at a PR firm juggling a bitchy boss with a lecherous managing director. She’s a little on the cuddly side and they make her feel like a freak just for eating. Having Ben tell her that she is beautiful just about makes her year.
Ben was orphaned at the age of five and brought up by elderly grandparents who did their best for him. He’s supposed to take medication to control the voices in his head but as soon as he meets Alice this becomes less important as he is infatuated by her and imagines that he sees her in her yellow dress everywhere. A misunderstanding means that he decides to follow her up to Scotland – borrowing his flatmates’ fold up bike to make the journey to Glasgow.
It can take a little while to become invested in the characters but stick wIth it. Alternate chapters follow both Ben and Alice as they go about their lives. Lives that they are not enjoying. Alice is desperate to escape her mad landlady and find a job that will pay enough to consider buying her own flat.
Over the next thirty one days they soon realise that a change has been sparked in both of their lives. It might not be the outcome that they were expecting but things are changing for the better. If you are looking for something a bit different this summer holiday then give this one a go.
Supplied by Net Galley and Little Brown Book Group in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2017
31 Days of Wonder opens with Ben and Alice meeting briefly in the park. Ben is quite taken with Alice and the feeling is mutual. The misunderstanding that leads Ben to think that Alice lives in Glasgow is so clever and it is this that underpins the entire story.
Over the course of a calendar month we are treated to chapters for each day - 1-31. We follow Alice and Ben. Ben is searching for Alice in the wrong place but he undergoes a different journey, one of discovery, and Alice uses the possibility of Ben to learn how to stand up for herself. Alice's colleagues are so odd and treat her like a skivvy, her parents find her a bit perplexing and her flatmate is practically a dictator!
From around page 2 I was sniggering away. Ben is so funny as he doesn't really have a filter and just says exactly what he's thinking. He would be a harsh person to come across in real life I think, but in this book I loved him. I also liked Alice very much and felt really sorry for her with everybody making rude comments about her weight all the time.
The supporting characters are so well drawn too. Alice's parents, Ben's grandparents, their respective flat/house mates and even the woman that Alice works with at the food bank. They're all a little eccentric. The situations that the characters find themselves in all the way through this book are brilliantly thought out - I had my hand clapped over my mouth at one point at something quite shocking and out of character for Alice.
31 Days of Wonder is deliciously quirky, witty and original. It's not a love story but a story of how two people, based on a moment's meeting, can learn to believe in themselves. Based on the delights of this book I'm thinking Tom Winter might be an author whose humour is right up my street.
Over the course of a calendar month we are treated to chapters for each day - 1-31. We follow Alice and Ben. Ben is searching for Alice in the wrong place but he undergoes a different journey, one of discovery, and Alice uses the possibility of Ben to learn how to stand up for herself. Alice's colleagues are so odd and treat her like a skivvy, her parents find her a bit perplexing and her flatmate is practically a dictator!
From around page 2 I was sniggering away. Ben is so funny as he doesn't really have a filter and just says exactly what he's thinking. He would be a harsh person to come across in real life I think, but in this book I loved him. I also liked Alice very much and felt really sorry for her with everybody making rude comments about her weight all the time.
The supporting characters are so well drawn too. Alice's parents, Ben's grandparents, their respective flat/house mates and even the woman that Alice works with at the food bank. They're all a little eccentric. The situations that the characters find themselves in all the way through this book are brilliantly thought out - I had my hand clapped over my mouth at one point at something quite shocking and out of character for Alice.
31 Days of Wonder is deliciously quirky, witty and original. It's not a love story but a story of how two people, based on a moment's meeting, can learn to believe in themselves. Based on the delights of this book I'm thinking Tom Winter might be an author whose humour is right up my street.
June 19, 2019
First of all, my apologies to the author and publisher for taking so long to read this. It has been on my Netgalley list for far too long, but I am so glad I finally got the chance to read it as I have really enjoyed it.
Ben is by far my most favourite character. He is so lovely and really made me giggle at times with how so straight to the point he is. It was so lovely how his total honesty leads to such a change in another person’s life. Someone he had never met before and may never meet again. This someone is Alice, who seems to spend her life surrounded by awful people (her mother included) who seem fixated on the fact that she’s overweight, rather than who she is as a person. It’s no wonder she gets so low. She does also have her funny moments too though. I did laugh out loud on more than one occasion.
People really can be horrible at times and some of the characters in this book are quite unbelievably insensitive. They are not people I would want to associate with. I did like her Dad though.
Anyway, when Alice meets Ben in the park he tells her straight out that he thinks she’s beautiful. Naturally this makes her day, but she needs to accept this for herself and truly start to believe it.
Ben is also trying to find his place in the world and I really enjoyed his story. We need more Bens in this world.
As they say, be kind always as we never know what someone might be going through in their lives. The chance meeting between Ben and Alice changes both of their lives, for the better, forever.
A heart-warming and sometimes funny tale with a powerful message.
I very much recommend.
Many thanks for my review copy.
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
Ben is by far my most favourite character. He is so lovely and really made me giggle at times with how so straight to the point he is. It was so lovely how his total honesty leads to such a change in another person’s life. Someone he had never met before and may never meet again. This someone is Alice, who seems to spend her life surrounded by awful people (her mother included) who seem fixated on the fact that she’s overweight, rather than who she is as a person. It’s no wonder she gets so low. She does also have her funny moments too though. I did laugh out loud on more than one occasion.
People really can be horrible at times and some of the characters in this book are quite unbelievably insensitive. They are not people I would want to associate with. I did like her Dad though.
Anyway, when Alice meets Ben in the park he tells her straight out that he thinks she’s beautiful. Naturally this makes her day, but she needs to accept this for herself and truly start to believe it.
Ben is also trying to find his place in the world and I really enjoyed his story. We need more Bens in this world.
As they say, be kind always as we never know what someone might be going through in their lives. The chance meeting between Ben and Alice changes both of their lives, for the better, forever.
A heart-warming and sometimes funny tale with a powerful message.
I very much recommend.
Many thanks for my review copy.
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews