Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook! I can never resist a full-cast audiobook!

This one will definitely be a big hit for readers of Remarkably Bright Creatures and Ethan Joella's books!

Sometimes you can just tell you'll like a book before you even start it and such was the case with this one! I love stories that introduce multiple characters that are connected in some way- in this case by a book (the best way TBH).

This story is about an author and 9 readers of her book with each perspective told in their own voice (with their own narrator) in their own chapter. I did like some of the perspectives more than others and am sure each reader will relate more to some than others. The first chapter was about a new mom and as a mom with little kids, I related to and liked her the most! I think that's the point of this story though: that every reader is going to get something different out of every book and that's the beauty of reading!

The narration was absolute perfection and I would highly recommend the audio version!

This audiobook will be available for purchase on May 2nd!

Thank you MacMillan for No Two Persons on audiobook; this was such an entrancing, well produced and thoughtfully narrated book. I loved each story, the story of how Theo (the book in the story) was written and the author's voice and then how the story expanded to think about how the book mattered in different ways to so many diverse characters. The narration of each story is nuanced but also hopeful, even when stories are sad, and this is such a lovely homage to why books, writing, and sharing lived stories matters. A wonderful audiobook and strong debut from Erica Bauermeister.

Great for fans of books similar to Dear Edward, Other Birds, and similar reads.

4.5 stars

This was such a beautiful book. I loved reading about the different ways one book affected so many different people. These stories were so heart warming and really touched me. Particularly the story about the homeless girl, I was so happy after her story. And the ending was put together perfectly. It all flowed from year to year throughout the entire book.

I don’t really know how I would categorize this book on my shelf, but I would highly recommend it to anyone really. It was a breath of fresh air to listen to this one. And all of the narrators did a fabulous job as well!

***Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC copy in return for an honest review***

📖BOOK REVIEW📖

No Two Persons - Erica Bauermeister
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

“That was the beauty of books, wasn’t it? They took you places you didn’t know you needed to go…

Alice has always wanted to be a writer. Her talent is innate, but her stories remain safe and detached, until a devastating event breaks her heart open, and she creates a stunning debut novel. Her words, in turn, find their way to readers, from a teenager hiding her homelessness, to a free diver pushing himself beyond endurance, an artist furious at the world around her, a bookseller in search of love, a widower rent by grief. Each one is drawn into Alice’s novel; each one discovers something different that alters their perspective, and presents new pathways forward for their lives.

Together, their stories reveal how books can affect us in the most beautiful and unexpected of ways—and how we are all more closely connected to one another than we might think.”

This book. Holy cow. I will be thinking about this one for a long time. I often wonder how my favorite books affect other people - and this was an absolutely beautiful exploration of that. This is absolutely the perfect expression of how much a work of fiction can change someone’s life and heart.

Basically if you like books and believe in the power of stories - read this immediately! The audiobook was performed so beautifully by an entire cast - I can’t recommend it enough. Every narrator brought so much life and heart to their character. ♥️

Publish date: May 2, 2023

Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the audiobook and @stmartinspress for the gifted copy!


#netgalley #netgalleyreads #audiobookreview #bestaudiobooks #newrelease #notwopersons #ericabauermeister #books #audiobook #audiobookstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookchallenge #goodreads

No Two Persons is unusual in its format, more like a series of short stories about how one novel impacts each reader. With nine different readers and one author, we see how the book Theo affects each individual.

Alice has always had stories in her, but her debut novel Theo helps her move forward from the loss of her beloved brother. A retired widower finds similar comfort in the pages, an artist doesn’t even read the book, and yet Theo serves it purpose for her as well. A free diver pushes himself beyond the boundaries, a new mother falls in love with words again, a young homeless girl finds hope, and an ADD bookseller finds love. Each reader takes Theo’s story and finds something to aide them on their own journey through life—finding a way forward.

“No Two Persons” can ever have the same response to words as each of us are unique individuals, and yet the same story can profoundly affect many. Words have power. Alice’s book Theo likely influenced millions, but just these ten people illustrate to us how diversely one book can be interpreted.

Erica Bauermeister’s ensemble cast of characters were compelling. The structure of the story makes it nearly impossible to stop listening or set the book down. No Two Person’s is masterful storytelling.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and of course Erica Bauermeister for the advanced copy of the audiobook. No Two Person’s is out on May 2nd and should definitely be added to your to be read pile! All opinions are my own.

"No Two Persons" by Erica Bauermeister, publishing date May 02, 2023
An advanced copy of this audiobook was provided courtesy of Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for review purposes. My opinions herein are my own.

I was interested in reviewing this book after hearing about it in Book Page. I am also attracted to the cover as well as Cassandra Campbell being one of the narrators.

The book starts with the first protagonist, Alice, facing a tragedy which leads to her debut novel, Theo. After the publication, Theo finds its way to its eventual readers, all with their own stories. Theo is like a book within a book, and delight other book lovers. Told in nine different voice actors from nine different perspectives, it is very much like a loosely connected short stories, with common thread being the book titled "Theo." A good (and bad) thing about short stories is that the story doesn't last long, and you get to move on to the next one rather quickly.

In deciding to review this book, I feared that the audiobook would be confusing with so many different voices. This worry was boundless because the chapters are clearly organized by different characters, and it flows from one chapter to another rather nicely. Each chapter had its own different voices, and I didn't get confused.

Overall, it's not a literary achievement in my opinion, but it's an enjoyable and quick read. I was pretty entertained. I hope you get to enjoy this book too!

The audiobook was great with cast for each reader and the author. With this many POVs, I think that was key to making the audio captivating.

I loved the idea for this book! I am in so many different buddy reads and book clubs and I am always intrigued by the differing opinions about books. What worked and what didn’t. I always say just because it didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean someone else won’t love it! And when I see a lot of mixed reviews for a book it always makes me want to read it even more! It is interesting to see how this particular book, Theo, changes the lives of not only the author but of the nine readers. This is a perfect book for those who love books and reading and who enjoy character driven novels. I enjoyed it as a whole but wanted more! It was almost like a collection of short stories, with each character we only got a small glimpse of their lives and it left me with questions and wanting more! 😅
My favorite part was the origination of the book with the author. I think I would have had a tough time getting through it if I didn’t do audio.

What a unique storyline for a book. As many readers know, no two people will read the same book. You might read the same title, but each reader will get something different out of it. We take into each book our own life stories and ideas. This book is a wonderful example of this with a fascinating cast of characters.

A family tragedy leads to Alice writing a story she never expected to be so well received or liked. She had written before, but she always kept her feelings and anything personal hidden deep. Until now.

What follows this part of this story is a cast of characters who each come across Alice’s book in one way or another, and their experience with it. We get to know them and their unique story before they encounter the book, and in some cases, we get to know what they think of the book.

Some of the characters are even connected to each other, which at first can be a little confusing trying to remember how. As the story progresses, their connections become more clear which helps to further illustrate how we each respond to the books that we read.

The audio of this book is absolutely fantastic. The cast of narrators is what drew me to the book and I am so grateful to MacMillan Audio for the ALC. Each unique voice makes this story even better and easier to follow along with all of the story lines.

All views are my honest opinion.

No Two Persons
Author: Erica Bauermeister
Release date: May 2, 2023
Macmillan Audio
Narrators: Barrie Kreinik; Braden Wright; Carol Jacobanis; Cassandra Campbell; Gabra Zackman; George Newbern; Jesse Vilinsky; Max Myers; Rachel L. Jacobs; Stephen Graybill

To me, Bauermeister has written a masterpiece of fiction with No Two Persons. The ensemble cast of talented, well-chosen narrators for the audiobook version is outstanding.

The book is a collection of individual yet connected narratives about a book. Bauermeister tells us about Alice, the author of that book, and how she came to write it. What makes this novel so unique and moving is that each profound story tells of an individual's relationship with Alice's book. The parts flow beautifully, all rich in emotion. I'm glad that each finely explored main character has a personal narrator. They are all deserving of their own voice to tell of individual experiences in endurance, poverty, longing, anger, grief, love and so much more.

No Two Persons immediately claimed a spot as one of my and many other book lovers' top reads and listens of 2023. Don't be surprised if it's at the very top of my list! Thank you, narrators.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for an advance listener's audiobook. My review is my own.
#NoTwoPersons #Audiobook #EricaBaumeister #MacmilanAudio #StMartinsPress #NetGalley

Listening to Erica Bauermeister No Two Persons was like listening to my favorite vinyl record album. Each person another song. Each song my favorite. Bauermeister has whipped up a beautiful story (songs) with 9 narrators, some I recognized their voices, others I have not but hope too. The story of siblings trying to cope with their home lives and coming of age. In the heart of the story is a book that effects many lives. What librarian would not love this book about writing books. Each story a novella of sorts a song spinning around on my turn table as
I listen to the songs. Book Cover is beautiful. The title No Two Persons ah, I couldn't find the meaning in the book and when I discuss this book with a patron I find myself calling it No two People. Good Reading **** a must for your bookshelf.

Expertly written collection of perspectives about a book that had the capacity to impact people's lives, no matter their background or situation. It read like short, interconnected stories that were focused, not exactly on the fictional novel "Theo" but on the intersection of humanity and literature itself. I think it will be hit or miss for people. I liked some stories more than others, but I overall love the concept of books about books.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister is such a unique novel, I do not think that I have read something like this before and I was pleasantly surprised.

In the beginning, this novel gave me short story vibes because each chapter introduces you to a new character. While this can be confusing because there are quite a lot of characters, I felt more connected to them than I do when I am reading a short story. Because I had the audiobook, I did have to create a note sheet on the characters, their jobs and information that helped me later in the book. This is not something that I tend to do or like to do but I felt that it helped me appreciate the novel. in the end.

Loved the emotion in this novel and the connections the characters had to this one novel that was written by one of the characters,

Overall, I did enjoy this novel and will be recommending it to certain readers that I know.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

I think this is another one of those novels where I might be in the minority who didn't *get* it. There were so many rave reviews, but this just wasn't for me.

In the beginning, I was expecting something partially along the lines of Addie LaRue, but I was totally off the mark. It started out really strong, with Alice, a young woman in college who loves creative writing and has a gift for it, her professor loves her work, etc. etc. She experiences a traumatic event that put her off creative writing for a while but ends up writing a best-selling novel.

After that, it becomes a series of short stories with a focus on a different character who discovers her work. For me, that was when the novel lost its focus. With each subsequent storyline, we only get small snippets of how the characters relate to Alice's novel and its MC, Theo. I didn't really care much for each new character. I was hoping that each one of them would have some life changing experience after reading the novel, but some characters barely even mentioned the novel.

I did like how meta the whole thing was though. The novel touches on audiobook recording (both from the voice actor's POV and another character who really appreciated their performance), online reviews, the novel being used as a medium for art (literally), etc. I wanted more of that and less about the melodrama of each character's lives.

I just wish that the novel was about Alice's life in the process of writing the novel. It had such great potential.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this arc.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister is an absolute delight to read! This refreshing and unique novel masterfully explores the profound impact literature can have on our lives, guiding us through self-discovery, and helping us find our place in the world. Bauermeister's eloquent writing invites readers to embark on a thought-provoking journey that delves into the power of books to answer life's questions and inspire our purpose.

The characters in No Two Persons are remarkably well-developed, with each chapter dedicated to bringing their individual stories to life. Bauermeister's skillful storytelling allows us to empathize with each character, understanding their motivations and the circumstances that led them to where they are today. As we delve deeper into their lives, it becomes evident that these seemingly separate stories are, in fact, interconnected through the transformative power of literature.

What I found most captivating about No Two Persons is the enchanting way in which it captures the essence of books and their ability to affect us on a deeply personal level. Each story is a testament to the enriching and enlightening nature of literature, showcasing how books can be a guiding force in our lives.

In summary, No Two Persons is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that will undoubtedly resonate with bibliophiles and anyone who has ever been profoundly moved by a book. Erica Bauermeister's work is a testament to the incredible power of literature, and I highly recommend it to those who revel in stories about the transformative magic of books. Don't miss out on this literary gem!

Alice has always wanted to be a writer. Her talent is cultivated, but her stories remain safe and detached, until a devastating event breaks her heart open, and she creates a stunning debut novel. Once her novel, ‘Theo’, is released to readers, she knows it will no longer just be ‘hers’ but also a part of every reader who chooses to read it. One book. Nine readers. Ten changed lives. Each chapter reads almost as a short story as you are introduced to a new character and learn how Alice’s book impacts their life. As the story spans years, connections between the seemingly disparate plotlines are revealed in a powerful reminder that we are all connected in more ways than we recognize or often remember.

Wow. No Two Persons is an incredible book! Every sentence was crafted to deliver an emotional impact. I was drawn in from the opening scene, moved to hopeful tears by its conclusion, and mournful when it was over. I know for a fact I will be purchasing my own copy, gifting several copies, and rereading this impactful story. Each of Bauermeister’s uniquely crafted characters had some facet I could connect with and even see myself reflected back to me from their experiences. From an insecure debut author, a free spirited yet angry artist, former actor turned audiobook narrator, world champion free diver, teenage girl experiencing homelessness, new mother juggling her full-time editor position, a book seller searching for love, to a new widower yoked with grief; I saw myself. Erica Bauermeister brilliantly reminded me not only of the power of a book, but the power of connecting and empathizing with a diverse variety of characters.

To the ten audiobook performers; just incredible narration! You only had one chapter to bring your character to life, and by the end of each section, I was deeply connected to the unique voice you created. So much nuance, emotion, and power within each section. If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend tuning in to this full cast and/or listening along as you read for a truly immersive experience.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the free book.
This is a beautiful testament to how books can make such an impact on so many people going through so many different things. It will definitely be in my top books of the year. This book starts with a character that writes a book and then each chapter after is a different person who reads the book and you get to see the impact of this story. What an endearing way to show how literature is so impactful and necessary. I was swept up in each of these person's lives and I was excited to see how Theo would impact them all. I just love books that focus on the powers of reading and storytelling, and this was the perfect homage to that. I laughed, cried, and felt so deeply.
I HIGHLY recommend going the audiobook version if that's available to you because this is a full cast book and their narrations really bring each individual and their stories to life. I loved how it kept each person distinct and brought this story to life.

This book wasn’t anything like I thought it would be, and I’m not even upset about it because it was beautiful.

This is a wonderful story of the way a book impacts each person differently. The story of the author, Alice, is heartbreaking. The novel starts out with her story. Then in several short stories the impact her book, simply called Theo, has upon other readers is explored. This is beautiful, touching, literary fiction.

The audiobook is narrated by a whole cast of narrators and they do a wonderful job.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Book lovers understand how a book can transport a person. Books can even change a life or a perspective. With people from different backgrounds and circumstances, a book might take on different meanings. The premise of this novel is how various readers are uniquely affected by one book. Here there are nine assorted readers who respond in their own personal way after reading a novel written by Alice. Alice's novel was her triumph. When she was a student, she had been told that she had great writing potential, but it wasn’t until she suffered a personal loss that she was able to compose the novel that would cause a literary stir and resulted in the book having a strong impact on the reading public.

Each story within Bauermeister’s book tells of a person managing their own challenges in their own way. The nine individual reader’s reactions to Alice’s book demonstrate the various ways the novel affected the readers. The readers are themselves quite diverse. There’s a diver who pushes his underwater endurance to the limit, a girl who helps a homeless guy, an artist who is searching for inspiration and a person overcome by grief. These are just a sample of the people whose lives are forever changed.

Bauermeister tells the fascinating stories of the readers and each tale could be a novel in its own right. One gets immersed in the individual tales and enjoys the reader’s world so much that one might wish there was more to find out. The premise is brilliant and the individual stories share the one book as a common thread. The concept is creative and the brief narratives offer glimpses into lives that we come to care about. The gorgeous cover may draw the attention of book lovers while the stories will confirm what they already understand about the impact of literature.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister is an interesting book. I read reviews stating that there are too many characters and remembering them later on in the novel is difficult; I can see their point. However, I know remembering multiple characters is a struggle for me, so each time I start a new book I use Google Keep to write down all of the names and a few characteristics about them (age, relationships, jobs, etc.) to help, which was useful when reading No Two Persons. However, I also anticipated encountering every person again, which was not the case.

There were some characters I really related to (Lara, Rowan, Nola) and some I didn't (Madeline and, sadly, fellow Washingtonian Miranda). They were all distinct and, for the most part, brought something to the story. However, there were times when the writing dragged on and was too flowery/boring (Miranda and Madeline), or the narrator made the character unlikable (Alice).

Barrie Kreinik, Braden Wright, Carol Jacobanis, Cassandra Campbell, Gabra Zackman, George Newbern, Jesse Vilinsky, Max Meyers, Rachel L. Jacobs, and Stephen Graybill were, like the characters they represented, very different. Ironically, my favorite was Braden Wright (Rowan).

Overall, I give No Two Persons 4 stars. There were more stories that I liked than not, and even the not so good ones weren't too bad.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me with an ALC.