Sorrow moved me in a way I didn't see coming. Going in blind to this latest from Tiffanie DeBartolo, I was immediately swept up in the seemingly sorrowful tale of one Joe Harper. From the title alone, I figured I was in for a morose sort of story, with a self-sabotaging kind of 'hero' who just can't get out of his own way. And for a good part of this book, that is pretty much what I got. But when Joe relays his somewhat regretful existence from the time he was young and felt alone and misunderstood, it's the small peeks of true light whether in the form of an unexpected 'blood brother' in Cal Callahan or the rush of playing a beloved guitar that makes this poignant journey worth taking.

The subtle rhythm DeBartolo uses in telling this story is all kinds of perfect. She carefully throws out brief memories, some good and some not so good, with Joe as the narrator of his current sad state and all the missed opportunities and chances never taken in his life. Joe is quite the quirky kind of character, his love of trees and the peace he finds while amongst them one of his rare true joys. It quickly becomes addicting and almost mesmerizing hearing him spout facts about these majestic beasts and the calm they give him.

I loved that Sorrow only focused on 3 main characters. Joe, Cal and October, all artists in their own way and with varying degrees of success and medium have this interwoven story-line that drops surprise upon surprise as the book unfolds. But again, it's nothing overly-dramatic yet it doesn't hesitate to pack a punch nonetheless. I will admit I had to take several breaks as the slow-building crescendo that is Joe's life had me on edge a bit and then on the other hand I simply didn't want his journey to end. And I also didn't even care if things turned out the way they should or shouldn't. I just really wanted a never-ending book since very word was written just so beautifully.

The rich symbolism that filters through the story adds an element I don't find in most reads. The creation of art for Joe in all its facets is the driving force of his work with the performance artist in October and his impromptu guitar sessions with Cal. And both give him a sense of accomplishment and bravery even when he starts to question all of his decisions and the whys and what-ifs of his family troubles. It's the security he needs and keeps him grounded even when he has the urge to flee once more.

This book is full of complications yet is also quite simple as a whole. DeBartolo adds in coincidences paired with past grief that causes a maelstrom of emotions for Joe and his wandering lifestyle. Cal and October provide the anchors he needs but in the end, Joe has to decide whether or not he is brave enough to face his life head-on or continue to wallow in choices already made.

You'll feel a little bit of everything with Sorrow and although some may argue that they wanted more of a solid ending, I loved how the author keeps it a bit open, with possibilities for Joe he can only now make real and begin to conquer. It's a unique kind of love story wherein our hero finds love in many forms and ultimately learns how to grasp it with everything he has.

5 epic stars!

This was recommended by two authors that I adore so I couldn't wait to read it. I absolutely loved it. I thought the characters were great and they will stick with me for awhile. Would definitely recommend this one. Every time I had to stop reading, I couldn't wait to get back to it.

Another brilliant novel by Tiffanie DeBartolo. Sorrow is Joe’s story. The novel is character driven and leaves you feeling all types of emotions. Joe memory is triggered and he takes readers through the past without holding back. We see the hardships and downfalls. We the reader experience love and strength. All told through Tiffanies word that will penetrate right to your heart and leaving you thinking for days.

If ever there were an appropriate title for a book, Tiffanie DeBartolo sure found one. This emotionally poignant story is infused with a sense of hopelessness and sadness, yet it is also resplendent with romance and hope.

Joe tells his story, and he does so without sparing you any of his shortcomings. He can't get out of his own way, stymied in a sort of still life because he is petrified, like old trees in a forest. DeBartolo reveals the roots for this fear late in the book, but by that time, you know that this is just Joe. It's the way he is and how he approaches the slightest possibility of happiness. He has charged and tried himself, and he finds himself guilty of things he could neither control nor change. But when you're twelve, you still believe you have the power to do those things.

As someone who lets life happen to him rather than actively taking part in it, Joe's somewhat haphazard meeting of October turns out to be uncommonly fortuitous for him. He's let all but one relationship (that with his mother) slip into an abyss, where he happily leaves them. To have anything more intimate requires work, and work requires faith and openness. When you've decided that you don't deserve anything good, you tend to avoid faith and openness. October, though, demands both. She is an artist, and her pursuit of and belief in art proves life-changing for Joe. You hold your breath, hoping he won't let fear stop him cold.

I loved this book. Reading it is like reading music, with DeBartolo's lyrical pacing and phrasing feeling like she's taking you through the acts of a symphony. For every moment Joe frustrates himself, he frustrates you, too. You will want to reach into the pages, grab him by the shoulders, and shout at him to believe, try, do.

While this isn't a long book, it is a thick one. DeBartolo takes no shortcuts, her writing creating a swollen mood that makes you both pensive and optimistic. That's the thing about Joe Harper: he may not believe in himself, but that doesn't stop you from believing in him.

Beautifully written, Sorrow is a story that will stay with me. Like DeBartolo’s other novels, this book is a masterpiece and poetically written. “It is impossible to become less of yourself by doing something you really wanna do. You can only become less by not doing it.” I have so many quotes highlighted and will reread this book again and again. I recommend taking the journey with Joe and October; two flawed, unique characters. This book truly is a piece of art and I highly recommend you go in blind and experience the story as it leaps off the pages as you read it.

Sorrow is a story you do not come across very often. The writing hits you in your heart and does not let go. The characters, the layers of the story are pure art. I read this in one day, and now I wish I had spread it out because the story is still with me a day later. I will probably re-read in the next week. I am still having a hard time finding the words to do this review justice.

The context of the story in an emotional one, Joe is a complex man who solves things by walking away. His actions are what lead to his insecurities. October shows her emotion’s through her art and encourages Joe to find and follow his dreams.

Thank you to NetGalley and Woodhall Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

Inspiring!
This is my first read by this author and I will certainly be reading more of her books.
The title alone had me so intrigued and when I started reading, I discovered that the title fit the story so well. For me this read was unlike any I’ve ever read. It was truly a unique, compelling and poignant story.
This author’s writing style is so unique so engaging, I was enthralled by this story.
This is Joe Harper’s journey. He’s an ordinary guy, kind of in a rut, skating through life. As the story evolves and develops we join him in his journey as he struggles with his life decisions and changes he wants to make.
Though provoking and insightful, this read touches upon various issues we face at different parts of life.
Joe was really not very likable and at times I was so frustrated by him. However, I connected with him because I know a “Joe.” His internal conflicts and how they manifested themselves were portrayed in a realistic and thoughtful manner.
The writing was strong powerful and sometimes just beautiful. There were dom many passages throughout the book was were so inspiring and full of hope. Although there were elements of the story that were slow, it didn’t take away my enjoyment as it fit Joe’s journey.

Sorrow is my second book by this author. I would categorize this book as literary fiction.

The narrator is 37 year old Joseph/Joe Harper (1st person POV). Joe loves trees (hence the cover). And he loves playing the guitar (and he is really good).

This book is very character driven, which made for an interesting change. It is about friendship and love. The story is about a female artist named October. And Joe's childhood best friend Cal.

The book starts out in Whitefish, Montana. Joe sees an email about an art exhibit. And that gets him to thinking about his past.

This is a hard book for me to rate. I really enjoyed everything to do with October. And I did find the stuff with Cal to be compelling. But it took me a while to truly become invested in the story. At first I wasn't sure if it was because of how the story was told. There is a lot of retelling (in fact most of the book is Joe looking back on things that happened to him in his past). And honestly I am not used to books being written this way. I definitely do read a lot of past/present stories. But they are more clearly set out that way. Like it is obvious because it will say "then" and "now". Or the time periods are listed. But here we have Joe in the present. And he retells most of the main parts of the story.

The last part of the book was my favorite. We were in the present. And I really wasn't sure what Joe was going to do. But I was very intrigued by what he ended up doing. Also I liked seeing him try to grow.

The cover and title are definitely perfect for this book. And I absolutely loved Joe's list of new words. And how they were worked into the story.

Overall, Joe was such a complex and intriguing character. And I liked going on his journey. This was such a thought-provoking book. And the more I think about it the more I like it.

A brilliant story of love and friendship. The writing of Tiffanie Debartolo is stunning and the story she weaves here is no exception. I love the uniqueness of the characters and the journey they take. This book is epic, I don’t know how else to describe it. There’s just such depth in the writing style that I was completely immersed in the story. If you’ve enjoyed the author’s books before, I’m quite sure you’ll enjoy this as well. HIGHLY recommend!

Told with the emotion that Tiffanie DeBartolo is know for, Sorrow was difficult journey but one worth the read.

Sorrow follows Joe and the decisions has made in his life. What follows is heartbreak told as art. Tiffanie has an unique storyteller style that I enjoyed. This is a story that will make you think. Be sure to go in with an open mind as you will take away so much more.

Joe Harper feels set adrift on a sea of regret. He once dreamed of musical greatness but now he’s just trying to hold on. At thirty-two, he is ready to accept a life of simple obscurity. Until an ad for an artist assistant in the local paper changes everything.

October Danko is unlike anyone he has ever encountered. She's an artist in the truest sense of the word. She lives it with every breath she takes – every single day. She's beautiful in that same mysterious way that his favorite song is - she touches his soul.

The growing connection between them hums with an electricity that they simply can't ignore. But their lives are joined in a manner that even they could never guess and one of them will not be strong enough to weather the coming storm.

“For so long I’d assumed I was too ordinary, too mortal, too pusillanimous to be who and what I wanted to be. What I learned from watching October was that it was exactly those prosaic human qualities, expressed in authenticity, that people connected to. Art isn’t about people who are better than us showing us how much better they are, it’s about being reminded of the ways in which we are all the same.
I read a line in a novel once that stuck with me. It said, “People, for some stupid reason, think they can escape their sorrows.” And if I learned anything from my work with October, it’s that there are two ways in which one can escape his or her sorrows.
Art and love.”

In a monotonous world where there is no shortage of the formulaic, Tiffanie DeBartolo is a shot of pure adrenaline. With Sorrow, she once again masterfully captures love in all of its beautiful and devastating forms. Each of her characters are damaged and at times, maddening. But it’s because of these very flaws that they find a home so deep inside the heart.

I found myself hoping that there is someone just like October Danko out there. Someone that believes that art can truly elevate mankind. That it can make somehow them kinder, more understanding.

And that’s exactly the kind of art that I’ll never stop searching for…

4 1/2 Stars....

Wow!! Tiffanie DeBartolo has such a unique and beautiful writing style. When I saw this book was being released, I was eager to read it. I was. not disappointed. It's not a noticeably flashy or dramatic book, but yet it felt like just the right mix of "everything."

Our main character, Joe Harper has struggled with various issues throughout his entire life. He often solves his problems by walking away and trying to leave them behind. He has experienced some major losses during his lifetime and it's obvious that he really hasn't fully processed them. Sadly, it seems to creep into all of his subsequent relationships and undermine his confidence and sense of worthiness.

Sorrow isn't an easy book to read. The characters involved, primarily Joe and October both feel things very intensely. Joe tries to bury his emotions while October's are always present somewhere in her art. When Joe finds his way back to music, he is able to let some of his emotions out as well. However, he is continually battling guilt - - in all aspects of his life. It's as if he refuses to let himself be happy.

This book felt like a character study combined with a romance. It may not be everyone's cuppa, but I really enjoyed it. Ms. DeBartolo is talented at creating characters so thoroughly that you can feel their emotions and insecurities. As frustrated as I was with some of Joe's decisions. I was so "in his head" that I could somewhat understand why he did things. Sorrow is aptly named as it is such a pivotal focus throughout much of this story in various ways. The words definitely spoke directly to my heart.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Ms. DeBartolo for this ARC. I chose to voluntarily review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

“Everyone is always one decision away from a completely different life.”

3.5 stars. I'm going into this review with saying that this was my first Tiffanie DeBartolo book. I have heard nothing but amazing things about her, and I have signed paperbacks on my shelf, I just haven't had a chance to read them yet. BUT I was super excited when I was able to request a copy of Sorrow from Netgalley and started reading.

Right from the start it is very evident that Ms. DeBartolo is a very prolific writer. This story covers many themes that I think the majority of people in real life face every day. Joe was a man who never took the hard road, always just sat back and took the path of least resistance, even when he really wanted to do something else, but was just too passive to try. I struggled to form any kind of connection with him. I really had a hard time connecting to any of the characters, so I think that's why I really couldn't get invested in the story.

Ms. DeBartolo isn't afraid to write a story that is not a happy one, or isn't all hearts and flowers, obviously. The title of the book is certainly apropos of how Joe feels throughout the book and I followed the story with a heavy feeling in my chest. I almost thought the book was going to be a DNF for me with how I was feeling about it, but then Joe started to make different life choices, and I started to actually see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Overall, I was impressed with the writing and how the story evolved. I will definitely be pulling those other paperbacks off my shelf and giving them a go as soon as I can.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Sorrow was beautifully written, unique, emotional and affecting. There was glimpses of sorrow and glimpses of redemption. Music, art, nature and emotion were skilfully woven together to tell a very deep and moving story.

Joe Harper seems stuck and paralysed in his own life. He only seems to have two people, Cal and October, but they’re both pivotal in his life. Broken on the inside while appearing to be normal on the outside, he just doesn’t trust himself, doesn’t have the courage and seems incapable to follow his heart. He just doesn’t seem brave enough and this ultimately hurts him deeply. And as Cal told him once way back when they were young, “Everyone is one decision away from a completely different life.”...

A new book by Tiffanie DeBartolo was a bright spot in this tumultuous year.

With a book titled Sorrow, I knew that there was a high probability that this would put my emotions through the wringer, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from this author. It’s a love story, an ode to nature, music, and art in its many forms. It’s a beautifully written story that is both profound and thought-provoking. There were so many thoughtful and heartfelt passages that I wanted to highlight and share, but to be honest, it’s so much better to discover them and relish them on your own. Sorrow is not the type of story to read if you’re just trying to pass some time. It’s deeply moving, rich in emotion. It’s a novel that needs to be savored.

I was pulled into the story immediately. I was drawn to Joe Harper. He intrigued me, piqued my interest, and I wanted to know him and the reasons why he was so heavy hearted and melancholy. He was insecure, broken, lost. Haunted by his choices and decisions, he had a multitude of regrets for his missed opportunities and his lack of courage to go after what he desired most in life. I wanted to simultaneously hug him, shake him, and push him in the right direction, but ultimately, I just wanted him to find peace and happiness.

I loved the connection between the characters. The feelings and emotions were palpable. I was immersed in the story, a witness to the thoughts, intimacies, and lives of the characters.

Joe and October’s relationship felt authentic. They were flawed, passionate, and realistic. Their love story wasn’t an easy one. It was messy and complicated, and I wouldn’t have wanted to read it any other way. It never felt guaranteed. Throughout the novel I was never completely at ease or assured that everything was going to work out for them. Their relationship had many bumps in the road, and I was simply happy to be along with them for the journey.

Sorrow was an unforgettable reading experience.

*5 Stars

Have you ever not went after something you wanted because you were scared? Scared of failure, scared you aren't good enough? I have been there. This book is about courage. This book is about second chances, and third chances and becoming who you were meant to be. We stumble along the way, we hurt other people, we hurt ourselves, but in the end we either find the courage or we don't. Living scared is no way to live. Opening yourself up to the possibility of failing, of being hurt, that is courage. The courage to find the strength to come back from all of it a better person.
Joe was all of these things and I bet a lot of us could see ourselves in him. This story was told from his POV, which I loved. There was art in the book and art in the words. Joe was scared, he was scared of failure so he never went after his dreams. Joe runs. Joe ran from Cal, Joe ran from October. Joe ran from every single thing before it got hard, before he knew if he would even fail or not.
This book was short, but it took me twice as long to finish. I took hours reading every word because each was deeper than the next. I have a confession, this is my first book by Tiffanie. I own almost all of them but have been too scared to read them because of the depth of emotions I knew I would feel. I'm so glad I started with this book because it was so profound. I needed this book in my life, we all do. Just as a reminder to be brave, have courage to do what is in your heart, but most of all, never run away from those who love you most.
Thank you to Woodhall Press, Tiffanie and Netgalley for letting me read this fantastic book early.

I'M READY TO FEEL IT ALL. That was my immediate reaction after hearing that Tiffanie Debartolo was writing a new book. I'd just finished reading GOD SHAPED HOLE (a book that I hadn't read until just last year - I don't know what was wrong with me) and I was in a state of awe. I'm very lucky to have won an ARC and had the opportunity to read it early. No waiting around this time. I've marked up my copy noting some of my favorite quotes and moments that I know I'll want to revisit. And I've already ordered a finished copy for my personal home library.

SORROW is moving and thoughtful and inspiring. Each word written and each scene shared is with notable intention. And the descriptions of art, the descriptions of creating art, creating music, and the love between the characters - it's all so mesmerizing. I could see October in the studio and could see her during her exhibits of living art. I could hear and feel the music Joe played in his bare feet. You can't help but immerse yourself in it. To fold within the pages and become a part of it.

One of my favorite moments is when Joe talks about playing his friend's guitars:

" . . I can't say that playing Cal's guitars made my loneliness go away. But I could make those guitars feel what I was feeling, and that made me less lonely. I could transfer my longing to whatever instrument was in my hands, and I could turn it into beautiful sounds. It didn't heal me, but it comforted me, and I needed comfort more than anything." (page 128)

I really felt this.

After reading just a few chapters, I texted my sister and told her that I was reading a book that SHE needed to read. I knew that she would connect with both Joe and October, and then when I finished it and shared my thoughts about it with my sister, it was a moment of connection. We both had chills. I love when you know just the right person to recommend a book to, because they will find it just as special as you do.

SORROW is uniquely profound. It is completely different from anything I've read in a really long time. The moment I turned to the first page, I knew I was going to read magic - something that was going to open my mind and even my heart. And it wasn't even an expectation, I just knew it. And I loved it.

To be honest, trying to write a review for Sorrow seems like such an injustice to the experience of reading it. But it would be an even bigger injustice if I didn't let the world know that I read it and loved it. The people who happen across this blog or review have to know that this is a MUST READ.

Ever since Tiffanie DeBartolo posted the first hint, the first suggestion, that she was writing this novel, I knew I'd have to have it. Everything she's written I've felt a connection to. Her characters and their journeys just burrow under my skin, race through my bloodstream, and find a home in my heart.

Sorrow is...
a love story
a grief story
a story of hope cloaked in melancholy

Sorrow may...
make you frustrated or annoyed with Joe
even when you understand why he's so quick to run away
and so slow to embrace who he is, or could be

Sorrow will
remind you of what you may forget
about time
and action
and inaction
and loss

Sorrow should
nudge you
prod you
inspire you
invigorate you

And Sorrow will most definitely make you hope and wish that Tiffanie DeBartolo is finding her next inspiration because we all need more of her words in our heads, on our shelves, and in our hearts. I know that this novel will be absolutely perfect for so many of my former students and even some of my current ones.

The story of October and Joe and Cal is one that I won't forget. Between October and her quirky art installations (which WOW, the time and imagination to come up with those!) and her sage wisdom on relationships and humanity, and Joe and his stubborn resistance to truly live for himself, and Cal's heart and inability to let Joe sink into nothingness, I didn't stand a chance--I was destined to love them all, and love them I did.

Thank you, Tiffanie DeBartolo, for giving me new words, new characters to love, and a reminder to not give up before I've even started.

I started out hoping this was going to be short because instead of reading on my Kindle I had to read on a big and clunky tablet. Well it was short and it was amazing, the kind of book that will be read over and over again to reveal more layers of the story.

Joe is deeply affected by the death of his brother Sam, so much so that he doesn't speak for years. He takes up the guitar and becomes quite good and one day while playing in the woods he meets Cal. They become Blood Brothers and vow to move to Brooklyn and become famous. Joe takes the easy way out by going to Berkeley and working for his father. He loses touch with Cal who does become famous. After working for his dad for a while he quits and eventually he takes a job as an artist's assistant. October is a performance artist who is a bit of an empath. Being around too many people can be overwhelming so she prefers her art and her solitude.

The writing is very lyrical and sensual. Joe has a love of trees, specifically redwoods, and there are many hikes in the forest where you can imagine the light shining through the giant redwoods, the smells of the leaves on the ground and the mustiness of the dirt. Then there are the guitars, how each has a tone and a story to it and almost inspires him to play. I didn't understand a lot about October's art but she was multi-layered. Even though she was an artist she was wrapped up in her creations but looked out at the world and tried to experience it.

This is a story of love and chances not taken. Joe's MO is to stay safe and not care too much. But sometimes you have to take a stand and make a choice even though someone will get hurt. At one point Cal sends him an email telling him that people are one decision away from a different life. The question is Can Joe make the right decision?

Thank you to Netgalley and Woodhall Press for providing me a copy of this book.

“There’s no such thing as inaction, Joe. There’s only choice and consequence.” Everyone has those moments they remember so vividly because they shaped your future, for better or for worse. You are a victim of circumstance, you may say, or should have handled that differently. Or perhaps you say something similar to that was the best thing I’ve ever done. This book explores the consequences of choice, whether it’s to be involved, emotionally, physically, or mentally, with a situation or to check out and make no choice at all. Perhaps you will relate to running from your choices or jumping in with all your intentions on display. Perhaps the musicality of Tiffanie’s words will resound with you and you will feel the music Joe describes rise in your soul while he plays or shares his feelings. Maybe you will weep or laugh along with all the emotions and inspirations October shares. Perhaps all these things will occur, as they did for me, while reading Sorrow. I loved the layers of art added in to the words on the pages. I loved that this book made me want to explore the Redwoods and listen to live music so I could feel the notes like the musician does. Mainly, though, I loved this book because the characters are real in their challenges. Their strengths and weaknesses and passion were incredibly relatable yet so new feeling because their emotions read as so honest. Flawed. Unsure of their way but finding their steps. This book was raw and beautiful and inspiring. It touched my artistic soul on so many letters and pulled me in with every page. It left me unsure of how things would play out, dying to figure out where the characters would land at the end, and still wanting to savor each page and not rush the story, because you can’t rush art. Tiffanie DeBartolo writes characters that seem so real and fully dimensional and these particular characters were her best yet for me. This is a definite must read so you can discuss this beautiful book with others. And maybe create some art of your own.