Some of It Was Real

This book felt very much like a first effort from a writer one would expect to self-publish. It’s not, but it sure felt like it. As I read, I imagined the author heavily outlining the story and deciding where to place various plot devices and where to foreshadow various events and where to try and add dramatic tension. Therein lies a clue, because as I read I was identifying these things. The pacing was fine, but sadly a lot of other things fell short.It could have been a fine YA story (struggling characters find personal growth and demonstrate values/morals while doing so). It could have been a cozy mystery if the gore had been left out. It could have been a gritty mystery had the fluffy animals been left out and the characters made more seasoned. Well, you get the picture.The book suffers from identity disorder, not clearly fitting into a particular genre, and while not a deal breaker, I felt the wandering nature of it and the particular dark and sad aspects of it (graphic gruesome murder, pet euthanasia, abusive/cruel parents, foster system dynamics) hurt the overall product, it could have been really good with focus and polish, but turned out blemished.And, very importantly, the relationship dynamics were flawed and not really believable for me. Thomas (whom I did not like) came off like a male Borderline Personality Disorder, i.e. “I hate you, don’t leave me; I love you, I can’t wait to destroy you” - this latter dynamic being *way overdone* and *really* wearing (especially if you happen to be a psychotherapist, which I am). Also, it was not believable that the Los Angeles Times newspaper would hire/keep someone with his history and pour tons of money into a story to bust phony psychics. LA is all about illusion and entertainment, no one would give a flying fig about putting these people out of business. Shows with psychics are creative expression. The author also took license naming Los Angeles locations, which as a native, I didn’t appreciate.Too, mixed in with all the misguided psychological drama, the author chose to add *very explicit* sex scenes. It did not serve the story, and frankly left me queasy given Thomas’ ever shifting attitude towards Sylvie – the act exploited both characters in a cheap effort to dance “romantic” tension. Yuck.I like the theme of a psychic discovering more about herself and I liked Sylvie which is why I finished the book, but I would not buy a follow up. Sadly, and I don’t like being critical for the sake of it, but a lot of this book irritated me, so I’m giving it three plus stars for effort; the ideas played with are good, and the writing is redeemable, but I think Penguin, as the publisher, could have done a better job helping this author hone her ideas into a tighter, more consistent, more enjoyable product while the inclusion of a Readers Guide is pure hubris.

Loved this book and never got bored. Characters are explored with depth and the writer made me care about them.

Within one page, I felt like some otherworldly force had gripped me and would not let me go until I finished this book. I read it in a few hours and I absolutely could not tear myself away. This book has everything. It's beautifully written. Tension jumps off every page. The characters are lovingly and extremely well-drawn. You root for both Thomas and Sylvie even while they battle one another in every chapter in a psychological cat and mouse. The book is intriguing and asks some very interesting questions about love, life, and death. It's beautiful and powerful and will make you cry and hope. It's devastating and devastatingly brilliant in every way. In a word, a masterpiece.

Because I’m intrigued by the topic of mediums, I was hooked from the beginning as Sylvie wrestled with her own belief in herself and the disbelief of a sceptic - all while trying to discover her own story. Highly recommend.

I loved this book, as I have every other book from Nancy Richardson Fischer – in fact this might be the best so far! Loved the mix of romance, mystery and suspense with clever writing and interesting characters. With Nancy’s books I always find myself visualizing the characters and locations as if I’m watching a movie – they are so well expressed. Can’t wait for the next one!

I can’t remember the last time I devoured a book this quickly. And I would have been quicker if I hadn’t had to pry it out of my teenage daughter’s hands every time I wanted to sit down and read it. We both loved it! The plots twists and turns and keeps you guessing as the characters develop and grow and worm their way into your heart. Just read it! It’s worth your time, and then some.

What a terrific well-written story! Some of it Was Real is a great tale of both self discovery and human interactions. The author has created characters you care about and who surprise you (and themselves) until the end. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to her next book, which is previewed at the end of this book.

I like this book so much. Finished it in a day. Made me cry, but in a good way. Great story