This was a huge disappointment for me. Although I went in with zero expectations, I really had hoped for more. It was too slow, boring and character driven for me, with little to no character growth. I think it would have been better written as a YA from only the one MC perspective.

This was an interesting read, probably not one I would have normally picked up, but thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I was able to read an ARC.

I read this one quickly, and I found it to be quite entertaining, Neil was something of gem.

After reading this it has made me curious to pick up Katherine Collette’s previous novel.

Different from many other books out there - deeper undertones, but a lighthearted feel. It's a fun read with great characters. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Competition is the second novel by Australian author, Katherine Collette. At the Brisbane SpeechMakers Australia Conference, which incorporates the National SpeechMakers Public Speaking Championship, Keith McDonald is an enthusiastic attendee (without wife Linda, who can’t think of anything more boring). Former president (six times) of Glen Iris club, and 36-year veteran, Keith is disturbed by the direction club taking, the excessive focus on finance, to the detriment of self-improvement.

Keith offers his mentoring to newer members free of charge (as one should!), unlike the many coaching services touting their wares at the conference; his disapproval, were he aware of his mentee, Frances Moore’s actual reasons for participating in the Championship, would be strong and vocal.

While she quite likes making speeches after the event (she’s too anxious before), Frances Moore is not particularly keen to attend but, for a number of reasons, not the least being an ultimatum from her parents that she do something more with her life than working in a supermarket deli, she needs to win the Championship. And the forty-thousand-dollar prize money would pay debt that might make her feel like a less terrible person.

Judith Stevenson’s son Neil doesn’t want to be at the conference at all, but his mother (and coach) insists that he must make a concerted effort to win, if only to endorse her coaching business, Inspire: Public Speaking and Life Coaching Services (another reason of which Keith would strongly disapprove). And guilt over a past failing is a big motivator for doing what mum wants him to.

Collette’s description of the conference (the merchandise, the volunteers, the seminars, the bonding exercises, the gala dinner) will resonate with anyone who has attended one; her depiction of the club, the hierarchy, and its members, some of whose officiousness and pedantics with respect to rules will strike a loud chord with many.

Collette’s characters, most of whom will endear themselves to the reader despite their very human quirks and flaws, will be easily recognised from among those we encounter every day, people passionate, almost evangelical, about their particular pastime. The eventual revelation of the origins of Neil’s submissive behaviour and Frances’s catastrophising involve peer-group pressure, bullying, and phone scams. Neil dares to stand up; Frances comes to understand that genuine remorse is more valued than money.

And as for Keith, whose favourite books are “SpeechMakers Treasure Chest Volume 1 or The Oxford Book of Aphorisms”, it is gratifying to see him progress from “if you could see there was a lot wrong, how could you not point it out?” to “he’d never realised until now that changing one thing for the better would be more valuable, more satisfying, than proving a thousand things wrong.”

The story also demonstrates how not for profit educational organisations may have both positive and negative aspects and that, as they expand, the potential exists for those in charge to forget their initial, altruistic goals and be tempted to pursue profit: they do say that power corrupts. A laugh-out-loud funny, moving and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.

The Competition by Katherine Collette is a heartfelt, quirky story told from the alternating perspectives of Frances and Keith, two competitors vying for the National SpeechMakers Championship.

Both from the same Victorian club, Frances, introverted and plagued with anxiety, seems an unlikely person to have taken up public speaking, even given her need for the $40,000 prize money. Keith, a long time near-evangelical member of the organisation, is desperate to win to regain the respect of his wife.

This is a story about facing your fears, owning the truth, standing up, and finding your voice. There is humour and heartbreak, secrets and confessions as Frances and Keith learn some overdue lessons about who they have been and who they want to be. The competition it turns out, is both everything, and beside the point.

The Competition is an engaging feel good novel, with an offbeat charm.

The Competition begins with a collection of characters that a psychologist would describe as interesting
clients. The gloves are off with no holds barred as everyone's own agender comes into play deciding the yearly Champion Toastmaster. I am sure there are many people you will have met and recognised in real life while reading this wonderful story.
An independent review NetGalley /Text Printing

The Competition is a gentle story about big emotions. It is full of life lessons, but readers never feel schooled; just their hearts and minds broadened.

Reviewers of novels with strong leads of ten also praise complementary ensemble casts. But it is truly the ensemble that takes lead-billing in Katherine Collette’s fiction. While the characters in her laugh-out-loud debut The Helpline were sharply defined, in this second standalone novel she has taken a more subtle and nuanced approach with her character development arcs.

In The Competition, Frances, Keith, Neil and Judy each carry a burden of judgement; that of family, friends, colleagues and likely even the reading audience, initially. But Collette takes both audience and her eclectic bunch of characters on a path of self-acknowledgement that we all judge people, superficially and often unfairly. And, we bear witness to each of the characters’ awkward interactions, justifications, reflections, and ultimately their redemptive journeys. Continue reading at BookloverBookReviews.com

This is a delightful book to read. We follow a diverse group of characters as they compete in a speechmakers competition.
Each of the characters is well formed and I had no trouble believing them or their story. I am also betting that while reading the book you will recognise not only yourself in some of these characters but the people surrounding you.
There are some very funny moments in this novel but there are also some heartbreaking ones and Collette manages to navigate some hot button issues with honestly and sensitivity.
This book is well worth the time invested in reading it.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read this novel.

This is a book I would probably not have picked up to read or even bought but it is a rather entertaining read and one I quite enjoyed.

It is an easy read, it is amusing and funny and is a book that I read quite quickly. The characters were quirky and fun, each with their own personalities and each brought something to this story.

This is not a deep, dark book and would appeal to those who love a good read, a bit light-hearted and a bit of fun.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Katherine Collette for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Despite not being my usual genre I really enjoyed reading this!
The story was engaging and easy to follow. I recommend reading it!

This book had some good laugh out loud moments. First time I've tried this author but definitely want to try another book.