The Bookworm: The Menu by Steven Manchester
- Title: The Menu
- Author: Steven Manchester
- Format: 318 pages
- Publisher: Luna Bella Media, Inc
- Published: 2nd of June 2020
- Genre: Fiction
- ISBN 10: 0984184252
- ISBN 13: 978-0984184255
- Source: E-book gifted for Review
- Buy: Amazon
- Goodreads: Link here
In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)
A must-read for those who feel lost and hopeless in this time in our lives. A heartwarming yet heartwrenching story that will lift you up and show you that you are never alone. Even if it seems that way.
Summary
Blessed with a high emotional IQ, Phinn Reed enters the world with the promise of finding his soul mate. With heaven’s memories erased, his romantic quest teaches him that the heart often sees clearer than the eyes—and that not everyone has ordered the same items from The Menu. Evidence that love stories come in many different forms, The Menu is a spiritual journey involving more than just a man and a woman; it is a modern-day tale that reaches far beyond the boundaries of reason.
My Thoughts
Firstly, I fear that this might be my shortest Steven Manchester review ever. But it is only because this is a book you have to read to be able to comprehend the depth of its contents.
Steven Manchester is one blessed with the innate ability to craft stories that infuse his personal stories and experiences with a touch of fiction and turn them into new masterpieces worth revisiting over the course of one’s lifetime. His latest book is the perfect example of that. The Menu takes you on a journey through love and loss, faith and religion (without being overbearing), and the journey everyone has to face from the time of birth until their death day based on the choices made daily. This story was also the most difficult of Steven’s books for me to finish due to some personal events I’ve been through in my life. Steven has a way with words that will touch your soul and have you reaching for the Kleenex box.
The timing of the release of this book is also most apt due to the worldwide crisis we’re facing at the moment. When we feel like all hope is lost, and when we need a miracle the most, it’s always good to know that there is someone watching over us from afar.
And now, onto the story. The book starts off with a meeting between God and the title character, Phinn, who is given The Menu. He must then choose the life he wants to live on Earth, knowing that there will be consequences to whichever path he chooses. He’s told that he’ll have to take the bad with the good, the pain that comes with happiness. And just like any Steven Manchester book, he’ll thug on those deeply hidden heartstrings and make you feel each and every emotion.
Based on all the books I’ve read of Steven’s, this is by far the most personal in my opinion. And also the most adult! You’ll understand when you read it. *wink* His descriptions of certain places transport you there and you’ll feel like you’re right there with the characters. A lot of heart went into this book, and it is evident to all who reads this book.
As promised, I won’t go into further details about this book simply because it isn’t possible to do that without downright telling you everything about the book. I only hope that you’ll take a moment out of this point in time to sit down and read this book. You’ll come away enlightened and hopefully, with some hope and faith restored.
Steven Manchester is the published author of the #1 best seller, Twelve Months, as well as A Christmas Wish (the holiday prequel to Goodnight, Brian). He has also written Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of his short stories were selected “101 Best” for Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Check out Steven’s other books: