Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for Twenty-one Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks. This is a book about Dan Mayrock’s life told in lists. Dan is married to Jill, who was married to Peter before, but he died. Dan has not talked to his father since his parents got divorced when he was a kid. And Dan makes lists; lists of truths, lists of goals, list of thoughts on certain events. He also keeps his own list of Laws of the Universe and monthly book picks for his book store A New Chapter.

It took a little bit to get used to just reading lists, but after reading through a few days it became easier. And by the end of the book, I thought it was a great way to write a book. There is no narrative, just the lists, but you really connect with Dan and what is going on in his life. I really enjoyed this book and the lists made it a quick read. Try it for something new and different and a cute story.

This book is an interesting concept as the entire book is made up of different lists. Somehow in that format we really do learn a lot about Dan’s life and the people in it. Unfortunately I found the book to be wildly inconsistent. At different points I found it laugh out loud funny but at others I wondered why the editor had fallen asleep on the job. There were far too many repetitive observations and paragraphs that we had seen before. These would be separate from the repetitive jokes that worked because it was part of a running commentary. Another big issue was Dan. As the star of the novel he needed to keep the reader engaged with his story but his narration swung too far to extremes. Dan was at his best when he was self-deprecating and allowing the reader to glimpse his funny observations of the world around him. Unfortunately far too often we were left with a holier than thou Dan which was out of place with his otherwise self-doubting and self-conscious self. I am assuming the author could not manage to leave out his own personal views and put in the rants against Christianity. The criticisms of Judaism felt good natured, mostly focused on foods, but the attack on Christianity felt unnecessarily angry. I found Dan funny when he contemplated ways out of his troubles but I found crossing that line, and finding it exhilarating, to be unpalatable. There is some wit and charm to be found here but it’s also weighed down with inconsistent and repetitive writing. Do not expect this too be lighthearted, in many ways there’s a lot of heavy stuff in this novel.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Dan is feeling inadequate in his life.. he feels like he isn't good enough for his wife, whom is still not completely over her widowed husband. Dan gave up his teaching job to pursue his life goal of owning a bookstore. He's running out of money, and his wife wants a child.. now. He begins writing lists to handle his life and stress.

Dan feels inadequate. He married a widow who treasures the memory of her first husband, He quit teaching to realize his dream of owning a bookstore. His father who abandoned him is trying to make contact. His wife wants a child; he doesn’t. He is running out of money. Life is swallowing him up. To survive and solve his dilemma, he turns to making lists which he hopes will allow him to vent and analyze his situation. His epistolary style invites the reader to share his hidden thoughts and desires. We accept his invitation and cringe and cheer each revelation. Matthew Dicks introduces us to a witty, self-deprecating character who realizes the importance of family and friends.

This is one of those books that you pick up, read a couple pages and go back to reading the meaty, full-length novel you recently got. The author has a wickedly keen sense of humor who lovingly jabs at his perfectionist wife. While being kind of funny at first; it rapidly gets old.
Long story short, this book nibbled on in small chunks is a delightful, off the wall, read. Read all at once not so good. I wish that a 2.5 star rating was possible.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

What a fantastic book. I was skeptical about a book written entirely in lists, but he made it work. I couldn't put this book down. It was funny, scary (not thriller scary, but there's a few parts where I was scared of the outcome) and all around a fun read. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was not sure what to expect when starting this story.
A tale compromised of only lists was compelling because of its innovation, but I was also hesitant the story wouldn’t keep my attention.

I was so impressed with how much you learn about the main character, Dan, and his struggles in life. Not just surface level but his true heartfelt opinions and concerns with no societal veil between the reader and Dan’s mind. He is dealing with all the relatable issues (money, marriage, family and business), and his story is universally relatable. But it’s in the style of the telling that makes this novel truly unique.
The list format did get slightly stale toward the middle of the story, but it quickly picked back up and lead to an amazing ending. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the thoughts and “rules” Dan would write in his book. This is a raw and real portrayal of a man trying to do what’s best for his family.

Want to read this one? Too bad it isn't available in retail until November 2019 but, when it is...go out and get it immediately. I feel privileged that I was selected to receive an advanced copy from Netgalley and St Martin's Press.

I fell in love with Matthew Dicks' writing when I read Memoirs of an Invisible Friend several years ago. He has such a unique and almost childlike perspective on the world that makes you shift your view just a little.

This book is written as a journal in lists which makes it compulsively readable. My first session with this novel was a "one more chapter (month) then I'll go to bed, 2AM no regrets" experience. As Daniel grapples with being a business owner, a husband to a widowed wife and soon to be father, you could feel his panic and self-doubt blossom then subside throughout the course of his compulsive list making.

Yes, there are some repetitive lines and themes that removed a star for me, but it is so deeply human that I was willing to glaze over a few things to get to the heart of the book. I can't want to see how the public receives this one.

I really loved this book, so thank you for approving my request.
When I heard about this book, I was intrigued but nevertheless sceptical if a book made of lists could be enthralling until the end.
But it was captivating and funny and moving and I honestly adored the main quaracter. I couldn't put it down even though english is not my native language.
I have already ordered the book for our bookstore even though our section of english books is not huge and we don't often order hardbacks. Maybe there will be a german translation someday.

Downloaded from Netgalley -- free of charge in exchange for an honest review. </em></p>

I was going to quit this because it was so strange. But I kept reading it and the story unfolds nicely within the notes and the way they're formatted.


The notes feel like his way of dealing with the anxiety of telling his wife something important. They're notes about how much he loves his wife, his anxiety for being her husband -- and also, his bookstore isn't doing too well.</p>

I didn't think a story comprised of nothing but lists was going to work...but I was wrong. And I am so glad I was wrong. Even though the ending was a little to "neat" for my liking, the protagonist's daily journaling of his life, his fears, his anxieties was so real, I couldn't put the book down.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I thought I would love a book of lists, but it got tiresome and there wasn't much that was redemptive about the character to pull me through.

This book is absolutely delightful. I love the format. I feel like I really know the main character more because of his lists rather then if I read it with paragraphs. It’s funny, like laugh out loud funny, and really sweet. I’m telling everyone to read this!

It's official: I have a huge crush on Dan, the protagonist of this hilarious novel! If you like the humor of Dave Barry or Jonathan Tropper, this is surely the book for you!
I often read beside my husband as he is watching sports on TV. Yesterday I noticed him giving me the stink-eye and when I questioned him he told me I'd been laughing out loud consistently. Yes, guilty as charged.
I put off reading this book for awhile when I realized it was a novel of lists. How could that possibly turn into an interesting plot? I was wrong. Here are the two biggest reasons I loved this book:
1. Dan is a teacher who quits his job to open a bookstore. I taught high school English for 40 years and loved it. All of his comments about meetings and administrators are accurate.
2. I too, dreamed of owning a bookstore but, of course, never did,
Dan is a self-deprecating, admittedly flawed man who is worried about losing his wife Jill as he believes she is a much better person than he is (and because her first husband Peter still occupies her memories). Much of the novel is silly (yes, of course his outlandish plan to supplement his income is ridiculous) but the humor is subtle and as aforementioned, laugh-out-loud funny! Some of his suggestions are brilliant however, like the one where he questions the wisdom of putting Sesame Street characters on diapers (when we all know what kids do in them). Instead, he suggests manufacturers use suggestions for parents who will actually READ the diaper (as in read to your kids tonight, put down your phone, sing to your child).
The only downside I see is that now I will have to break down and buy the hardback copy when in comes out for myself and good friends, as there are so many things I need to re-read in this gem!
Oh, and the best advice I've heard that I think we should all adopt is one of Dan's Laws of the Universe:
"You should be required to read a book for every ten selfies you take," YES!!

A very creative, clever, entertaining and highly thought provoking read. I highly recommend this book!

Wow! What a wondeful read! I related to Dan so much usually it's hard to relate to a male main character as a woman but Dan was so relatable in his way of coping with stress in life. I too am a list maker I feel like someone I can organize all the chaos and mess if I make a list out of it. I can't say it's always effective but it gives one a small sense of accomplishment so I can understand Dan and his way of dealing with the chaos of his life he has presued his passion by opening a bookshop a dream of mine as well but soon finds himself struggling under debt and pressure when on top of it all his wife comes up expecting. A truly relatable story of the kinks life can throw our way and trying to keep our sainty during the midst of it! Laugh out loud funny at times and sad at others this book showcases the gambit of emotions we deal with throughout this thing called life!

Twenty-one Truths About Love follows Daniel Mayrock. He is a struggling owner and dealing with being in the shadow of his wife's dead first husband. Will he be able to find balance in his life?

Matthew Dicks did a great job writing this book! I was really able to connect with Daniel Mayrock's character. I will say the form of the book is nothing I've read before. The whole book consists of lists that Daniel has written several times a day. Now I'm sure you're like how can this work. Daniel's lists are able to give you an insight of his mindset and struggles he is trying to overcome.

I really enjoyed this book! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants something very unique.

Such a unique way to write a book! As a person who is guilty of making lists for everything I was intrigue (and hey it didn't hurt that he opened a book store- obviously I love books!). I was not really a fan of Dan, he seemed a bit of jerk to me but I still enjoyed the book. I learned a lot about the other characters through his lists. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

“To Do
Don’t ever die.
Read faster.”
This book, written entirely in the form of lists, was very interesting and refreshing. Daniel was, at times, infuriating.
His lists were:
- sometimes silly
- sometimes emotional
- sometimes useless
- often hilarious.
10. “We lie to the people we love the most to protect them from the worst parts of ourselves, which is true but also f*cking bullsh*t.” - 21 Truths About Love list
I will say that I hope my husband never lies to me as much as Daniel lies to Jill about their finances, but I do hope my husband follows his dream like Daniel with his bookshop.
“Bookshop” = quaint, privately owned
“Bookstore” = corporate, soulless - Important note in language list
Also, as a woman with a former partner who’s deceased, I hope I’m sensitive to the mention of said partner in future relationships as I often found myself feeling sad for Daniel and his struggle to cope with his wife’s dead first husband. Which leads me to the fact that this book had a lot of deep topics- very impressive for a book made up of only lists.
* “When your wife dies, people look at the space where she used to be instead of at you.” - Three hours with Bill Donovan list
I am thoughroughly impressed with Matthew Dick’s writing style. This book is a quick read while maintaining both humor and heartbreak.
I’d recommend this book to:
- anyone “starting over”
- anyone following their dream
- anyone starting a family
- anyone who’s lost a partner
- anyone in love with someone who’s lost a partner
- anyone who loves lists.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the novel. Great character.