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Knock on Wood
"A deftly written, original, and inherently fascinating novel...a fully entertaining and thought-provoking read. ~ Midwest Book Review
Firebird Literary Award
Readers' Choice Award
IndieBRAG Medallion
1978:
Fourteen-year-old Billy Baker is the first into the pond that early summer day. Ten minutes later, his lifeless body is pulled from the chilly water, his lips like two slivers of blue ice. Billy Baker dies...but only for a little while. Thirty-nine days later, he emerges from a coma.
But he is not alone.
1994:
Billy (AKA William) is turning thirty. He forgets some letters in the alphabet. He can't set a table properly. He still believes it's the disco era. And he can't remember that day at the pond.
But the young boy William used to be has never left his side.
A brain-damaged hero. An unrequited love. A lottery windfall. A jealous brother. A memory hidden just below the surface…
Sharp contrasts of sunshiny music and life's dark periphery are delicately mingled in this extraordinary tale, putting a new twist on the age-old question: Is it possible to find the way home again when one's memory is nothing more than a blank slate?
For fans of Forrest Gump and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
Firebird Literary Award
Readers' Choice Award
IndieBRAG Medallion
1978:
Fourteen-year-old Billy Baker is the first into the pond that early summer day. Ten minutes later, his lifeless body is pulled from the chilly water, his lips like two slivers of blue ice. Billy Baker dies...but only for a little while. Thirty-nine days later, he emerges from a coma.
But he is not alone.
1994:
Billy (AKA William) is turning thirty. He forgets some letters in the alphabet. He can't set a table properly. He still believes it's the disco era. And he can't remember that day at the pond.
But the young boy William used to be has never left his side.
A brain-damaged hero. An unrequited love. A lottery windfall. A jealous brother. A memory hidden just below the surface…
Sharp contrasts of sunshiny music and life's dark periphery are delicately mingled in this extraordinary tale, putting a new twist on the age-old question: Is it possible to find the way home again when one's memory is nothing more than a blank slate?
For fans of Forrest Gump and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
- GenresFiction
530 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2019
About the author
Leslie Tall Manning
7 books222 followersHello, Lovely Readers! I am an award-winning novelist who loves writing about grown-ups (GAGA, MAGGIE’S DREAM, and KNOCK ON WOOD) and young adults (UPSIDE DOWN IN A LAURA INGALLS TOWN, I AM ELEPHANT, I AM BUTTERFLY, and RULES OF FALLING). I especially love digging into universal ideas such as friendship, bravery, and self-forgiveness. When I'm not spending quality time with the characters in my head, I speak at libraries, schools, and book clubs. I am proudly represented by Uwe Stender at the TriadaUS Literary Agency. I am currently gearing up for my new book FERAL MARIL & HER LITTLE BROTHER CAROL, about a young girl who aims to steal back her mentally challenged brother when they are separated by the foster care system. May 1, 2024.
A bit about Me the Reader: I also work as a private tutor so I get to re-read classics as well as jump into newer books. My personal reading tastes are eclectic, but I can get into most genres as long as the book is well written. I do not lean toward heavy romance, erotica, early middle grade, animal books, or super fantasy. I am picky about what I read, just as I am picky about what I write. I've been reading since I was five and creating stories since I was six.
Here are some writing accolades I've worked hard to earn:
Indie Brag Award
Firebird Literary Award
Sarton Women's Literary Award
NC Author Project Award
Taleflick Road to Development Finalist
Taleflick Top Pick
William Faulkner Words and Wisdom Finalist
Story Monsters Certificate of Excellence
Library Journal Self-e Selection
International Book Award Finalist
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist
Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner
North Street Book Prize Longlist
Historical Fiction Competition Finalist
Readers' Choice Award
CIBA Finalist
The Letter Review Longlist
Santa Fe Literary Review Longlist
I would love to meet you! Connect with me on Goodreads, Wordpress, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Linkedin.
A bit about Me the Reader: I also work as a private tutor so I get to re-read classics as well as jump into newer books. My personal reading tastes are eclectic, but I can get into most genres as long as the book is well written. I do not lean toward heavy romance, erotica, early middle grade, animal books, or super fantasy. I am picky about what I read, just as I am picky about what I write. I've been reading since I was five and creating stories since I was six.
Here are some writing accolades I've worked hard to earn:
Indie Brag Award
Firebird Literary Award
Sarton Women's Literary Award
NC Author Project Award
Taleflick Road to Development Finalist
Taleflick Top Pick
William Faulkner Words and Wisdom Finalist
Story Monsters Certificate of Excellence
Library Journal Self-e Selection
International Book Award Finalist
Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist
Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner
North Street Book Prize Longlist
Historical Fiction Competition Finalist
Readers' Choice Award
CIBA Finalist
The Letter Review Longlist
Santa Fe Literary Review Longlist
I would love to meet you! Connect with me on Goodreads, Wordpress, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Linkedin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 13, 2020
I enjoyed this story about a man whose life was changed by a near drowning experience as a child more than I expected to when I started reading it. William changes everyone he interacts with, and he has some really interesting people in his life, A mother who gave up everything to care for him, A brother who resents all he has lost because of his brother's disabilities, his old girlfriend who out grew him, random strangers who become friends.
I gave the book 3 stars because I felt there was a lack of polish to the story. It felt like it needed an editor's hand.
Especially in the beginning, where it was not obvious which direction the story was headed.
I received this book free from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
I gave the book 3 stars because I felt there was a lack of polish to the story. It felt like it needed an editor's hand.
Especially in the beginning, where it was not obvious which direction the story was headed.
I received this book free from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2020
I enjoyed this one a lot. It reminded me of Forrest Gump and the movie Radio. Some individuals are so pure. There are simply some things that we cannot change and have to accept. Especially certain trials and tribulations. This book shows us just how people deal with change.
I really enjoyed the characters but I felt like there were way too many. I got confused and at times I didn’t want to continue the book because of this. It was really rough to grasp certain parts. My favorite character was Billy but I fell in love with William’s development. Both of them had to come to terms with their lives’ at their own time instead of ignoring it.
I love feel good novels and this happens to be one. Tons of laughter and some tears!
I really enjoyed the characters but I felt like there were way too many. I got confused and at times I didn’t want to continue the book because of this. It was really rough to grasp certain parts. My favorite character was Billy but I fell in love with William’s development. Both of them had to come to terms with their lives’ at their own time instead of ignoring it.
I love feel good novels and this happens to be one. Tons of laughter and some tears!
December 28, 2019
Leslie Tall Manning is a very talented writer. I've read all of her novels and am always impressed, but this one kept me stuck in my chair over Christmas because I couldn't let it close without knowing what happens next. So many of her novels include people with disabilities (in this case it's brain damage) caused by events in their lives. Manipulative characters--one loving, some evil, and one confused-- provide the tension in KNOCK ON WOOD. Manning helps us better understand the obstacles facing disabled people and gives us hope for their futures. Keep writing, ma'am; we need you.
October 10, 2020
Knock On Wood tells the story of William Baker, a lad whose life undergoes a drastic turnaround after an accident. What impact would a devastating experience have on the mind of the sufferer and the people around him forms the essence of the story.
Knock on Wood is told from multiple perspectives: William, his brother, his mother, his close friends, his employer,... All help in taking the story forward. The characters are clearly etched out and each has a distinct personality that is consistent throughout the book. This is a big achievement considering the number of characters the story has.
The start is fabulous but then the story dips into too many characters and descriptions before again regaining its momentum. At a mammoth 530 pages and 106 chapters, it is not an easy ride. And in spite of the length, the ending seems abrupt. But on the positive side, the chapters are short and quick and the book goes by quickly. I really appreciate how the author didn't mix multiple character voices within the same chapter.
There is one really unique aspect to the story and that is the character of Billy. Without giving too much away, all I can say is that though I liked that character, I found him to be more of a plot hole than a plot device. There are certain questions I wish to ask about this character but all those come in the spoiler category. So if anyone who has read the book can volunteer to discuss this part of the novel, I'll appreciate it.
Overall, the book is good and quite a nice read.
I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Knock on Wood is told from multiple perspectives: William, his brother, his mother, his close friends, his employer,... All help in taking the story forward. The characters are clearly etched out and each has a distinct personality that is consistent throughout the book. This is a big achievement considering the number of characters the story has.
The start is fabulous but then the story dips into too many characters and descriptions before again regaining its momentum. At a mammoth 530 pages and 106 chapters, it is not an easy ride. And in spite of the length, the ending seems abrupt. But on the positive side, the chapters are short and quick and the book goes by quickly. I really appreciate how the author didn't mix multiple character voices within the same chapter.
There is one really unique aspect to the story and that is the character of Billy. Without giving too much away, all I can say is that though I liked that character, I found him to be more of a plot hole than a plot device. There are certain questions I wish to ask about this character but all those come in the spoiler category. So if anyone who has read the book can volunteer to discuss this part of the novel, I'll appreciate it.
Overall, the book is good and quite a nice read.
I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
December 20, 2020
Leslie Tall Manning is an imaginative author who makes you feel with her characters. "Knock on Wood" is a complex story told by seven different people, with a plausible plot. William a young man brain-damaged in a near drowning now aged 30, has a guardian angel or ghost--Billy, his own self at age 14, the time of the accident, frozen in the late-1970s disco era. This in itself is a fascinating concept that makes the novel worth reading.
A jealous, neglected brother, a downhome country overprotective mom, wishy-washy friends, a good hearted exotic dancer, an insightful local cop, a reluctant immigrant hit man, and a racehorse in danger keep the story moving along. Some reviewers found the story too long and complex, but each of the characters' own stories fascinated me right through to the end
Only reason I didn't rate the book 5 stars is that the gangsters seemed to be foiled too easily at the end, considering all the plot gyrations in the middle. Also I just couldn't pinpoint what area of the country they were living in, it seemed to be the south but I couldn't be sure. The mom was given a country accent that didn't quite ring true. This is a picky criticism, it did not interfere with the story at all , I'm just always curious about history and language that way.
Leslie will always surprise you with her creativity and human insight. Blessings to her, keep writing!
A jealous, neglected brother, a downhome country overprotective mom, wishy-washy friends, a good hearted exotic dancer, an insightful local cop, a reluctant immigrant hit man, and a racehorse in danger keep the story moving along. Some reviewers found the story too long and complex, but each of the characters' own stories fascinated me right through to the end
Only reason I didn't rate the book 5 stars is that the gangsters seemed to be foiled too easily at the end, considering all the plot gyrations in the middle. Also I just couldn't pinpoint what area of the country they were living in, it seemed to be the south but I couldn't be sure. The mom was given a country accent that didn't quite ring true. This is a picky criticism, it did not interfere with the story at all , I'm just always curious about history and language that way.
Leslie will always surprise you with her creativity and human insight. Blessings to her, keep writing!
March 24, 2021
In 1978 when Billy was 14, he drowned in a pond, then fell into a coma. He awakens 39 days later, but as a different person. In 1994, Billy—now William—is turning 30. He suffers from a slew of maladies and disabilities, but he’s still kicking and dreaming. His younger self is still around, narrating the more fun aspects of this unfortunate hero's circumstance. It’s a fantastic tale of literary fiction ala Forrest Gump.
Manning does an excellent job of juggling multiple perspectives—Billy, Stephanie, Mom, Cecelia, and so many more—but doesn’t let the many characters bog down her story. There are several personalities in William’s orbit and they all have a piece of the story to tell. Manning has a gift for humor and sentimentality, both shining brightly in this entertaining story. There are elements of multiple genres here—mystery, magical realism, humor—that all blend into a unique story with an intense climactic point that the reader won’t see coming. This is a story full of longing and the sting of betrayal. I look forward to reading more of Manning’s books.
I enjoyed this novel and I would give it 4 and 1/2 stars.
Manning does an excellent job of juggling multiple perspectives—Billy, Stephanie, Mom, Cecelia, and so many more—but doesn’t let the many characters bog down her story. There are several personalities in William’s orbit and they all have a piece of the story to tell. Manning has a gift for humor and sentimentality, both shining brightly in this entertaining story. There are elements of multiple genres here—mystery, magical realism, humor—that all blend into a unique story with an intense climactic point that the reader won’t see coming. This is a story full of longing and the sting of betrayal. I look forward to reading more of Manning’s books.
I enjoyed this novel and I would give it 4 and 1/2 stars.
January 29, 2020
I won a Kindle copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway, for which I'd like to thank the author and the publisher.
I have really mixed feelings writing this review. On one hand, I liked the portrayal of William a lot. If he were a real person and a part of my life, I'd enjoy having him in my life. He's caring of those he loves and very sweet. However, one character (even if he's the main one) is not enough, in this case, to make me give this book five stars.
I found this book too long. Maybe that was intentional, but the introduction of a new character to follow, while important, was introduced so late in the book that it didn't sit well with me. I can see how this book (storyline) was once a play - it felt like one - and I think as a play (with some editing) it would be enjoyable to watch ... but as a novel, it just didn't work for me.
I have really mixed feelings writing this review. On one hand, I liked the portrayal of William a lot. If he were a real person and a part of my life, I'd enjoy having him in my life. He's caring of those he loves and very sweet. However, one character (even if he's the main one) is not enough, in this case, to make me give this book five stars.
I found this book too long. Maybe that was intentional, but the introduction of a new character to follow, while important, was introduced so late in the book that it didn't sit well with me. I can see how this book (storyline) was once a play - it felt like one - and I think as a play (with some editing) it would be enjoyable to watch ... but as a novel, it just didn't work for me.
January 15, 2020
Great stories especially for someone who grew up in this time frame. Loved all the references to the culture at the time. Characters were well developed and interesting and the plot moved along. Definitely a fun read.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 25, 2020
This was a really quirky story, but an engaging one overall. It took me a while to get interested, mainly because the characters and the plot were so incredibly odd. The characters all grew on me, though, and I found myself really invested in finding out what happened to them all (not least of all in finding out what happened to that horse, seriously). And although I'm still not sure what I think of the premise ("Billy" is, I guess, a ghost/guardian angel hybrid trapped inside his own brain-damaged body), I do have to give major props to Manning for putting such an original spin on the afterlife, supernatural beings, and karma. Overall, it was a good read and I'm very glad to have gotten the chance to read it. Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2020
Delightful! I loved the way that the story was told via various character's viewpoints. Great character development - ones you really liked and some that you didn't like so much. Thanks again, Goodreads Giveaways for a very enjoyable read.
July 7, 2020
Thank you to Goodreads for this book. I enjoyed the story and characters in the story.
August 21, 2020
I got swept into the story and found it hard to put down. Tragic, yet suspenseful!
November 10, 2020
Wow! Let me first say that I am familiar with how great an author Leslie Tall Manning is as I have had the pleasure of reading other books written by her. I have actually enjoyed the others but this one stands out to me above the rest. The story about a young boy who drowns and then wakes up after being in a coma is something short of a miracle and although this young mans life changed drastically it proves that we are resilient in so many ways. The characters are well developed and I had a love hate relationship with a few of them. I loved the way the story was told and the fact that it does give you inspiration to believe in yourself. I hope that Ms. Manning continues to write stories that will capture your imagination and pull you inside the story while rooting for the protagonist the whole way. I had a hard time putting this one down because I really wanted to see how it would end. I highly recommend this book especially to anyone who has endured a tragedy of this magnitude.
Thank you to goodreads as well as the author for giving me this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to goodreads as well as the author for giving me this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2019
As a huge fan of Leslie Tall Manning’s work, I always read fast and wait (rather impatiently) for her next release. KNOCK ON WOOD was worth the wait!
Billy Baker has a tragic accident at the age of fourteen and breaks my heart. (Manning has a way of doing that.) But what follows Billy’s tragedy is suspense, intrigue, deceit, fear—tempered with a great deal of love, kindness, and an abundance of hope.
KNOCK ON WOOD is told from seven points of view, and I enjoy varying POV—when it is done well. And Manning does it so beautifully, flowing seamlessly from one well-developed character to another.
Originally written twenty years ago as a stage play, KNOCK ON WOOD translates flawlessly to the written word. In fact, it translates so well that it is my favorite of Leslie Tall Manning’s works.
Billy Baker has a tragic accident at the age of fourteen and breaks my heart. (Manning has a way of doing that.) But what follows Billy’s tragedy is suspense, intrigue, deceit, fear—tempered with a great deal of love, kindness, and an abundance of hope.
KNOCK ON WOOD is told from seven points of view, and I enjoy varying POV—when it is done well. And Manning does it so beautifully, flowing seamlessly from one well-developed character to another.
Originally written twenty years ago as a stage play, KNOCK ON WOOD translates flawlessly to the written word. In fact, it translates so well that it is my favorite of Leslie Tall Manning’s works.
September 4, 2020
Award-winning Manning takes the reader on an unsettling and surreal journey into a young boy’s life who emerges from coma a different person.
After a drowning incident, Billy Baker’s life changed forever. At thirty, Billy (who goes by the name William) is still trapped in his past. Brain damaged and with his memories of the past buried deep, William becomes a ripe target for sinister schemes of greedy people.
Manning matches a baffling mystery with an inventive premise, and her flawless prose ensures the reader stays invested throughout. Fully realized characters enhance the multiple viewpoints narrative.
People in William’s life, some caring and some evil, each come across as distinct individuals, and as the story moves forward, shocking new revelations reveal their humanity, be it good or bad. Manning ably juggles suspense and magical realism.
The scenes of supernatural compel, and the final twist will catch readers by surprise.
Lovers of literary fiction won’t want to miss this intense and disquieting read.
After a drowning incident, Billy Baker’s life changed forever. At thirty, Billy (who goes by the name William) is still trapped in his past. Brain damaged and with his memories of the past buried deep, William becomes a ripe target for sinister schemes of greedy people.
Manning matches a baffling mystery with an inventive premise, and her flawless prose ensures the reader stays invested throughout. Fully realized characters enhance the multiple viewpoints narrative.
People in William’s life, some caring and some evil, each come across as distinct individuals, and as the story moves forward, shocking new revelations reveal their humanity, be it good or bad. Manning ably juggles suspense and magical realism.
The scenes of supernatural compel, and the final twist will catch readers by surprise.
Lovers of literary fiction won’t want to miss this intense and disquieting read.
April 6, 2020
This is a novel with a really quirky concept:
1978:
Fourteen-year-old Billy Baker is the first into the pond that early summer day. Ten minutes later, his lifeless body is pulled from the chilly water, his lips like two slivers of blue ice. Billy Baker dies...but only for a little while. Thirty-nine days later, he emerges from a coma.
But he is not alone.
1994:
Billy (AKA William) is turning thirty. He forgets some letters in the alphabet. He can't set a table properly. He still believes it's the disco era. And he can't remember that day at the pond.
But the young boy William used to be has never left his side.
A brain-damaged hero. An unrequited love. A lottery windfall. A jealous brother. A memory hidden just below the surface…
Sharp contrasts of sunshiny music and life's dark periphery are delicately mingled in this extraordinary tale, putting a new twist on the age-old question: Is it possible to find the way home again when one's memory is nothing more than a blank slate?
The success of the narrative undoubtedly comes from the fact that it is told from so many points of view. While 'Billy' is perhaps the most fascinating, as he tries to guide William when he can see he is being manipulated, it is Cecilia who captures the reader's imagination as she takes William under her wing with no other motive than a sense of kindness and friendship.
There are elements of darkness within the novel, not least as a result of Donald's behaviour- not just towards his family, but the way in which he chooses to live his life. It creates a tangible sense of tension throughout as the reader wills William to see through the facade and return to the comfort and safety of his family home.
William himself is an extraordinary character. Despite his obvious disability as the result of his accident, he is an endearing, kind-hearted soul who sees the best in everyone.
This is a unique novel originally written as a stage play twenty years ago. Kudos to the author Leslie Tall Manning for translating it into such a compelling story.
With thanks to BookSirens and the author for my ARC.
1978:
Fourteen-year-old Billy Baker is the first into the pond that early summer day. Ten minutes later, his lifeless body is pulled from the chilly water, his lips like two slivers of blue ice. Billy Baker dies...but only for a little while. Thirty-nine days later, he emerges from a coma.
But he is not alone.
1994:
Billy (AKA William) is turning thirty. He forgets some letters in the alphabet. He can't set a table properly. He still believes it's the disco era. And he can't remember that day at the pond.
But the young boy William used to be has never left his side.
A brain-damaged hero. An unrequited love. A lottery windfall. A jealous brother. A memory hidden just below the surface…
Sharp contrasts of sunshiny music and life's dark periphery are delicately mingled in this extraordinary tale, putting a new twist on the age-old question: Is it possible to find the way home again when one's memory is nothing more than a blank slate?
The success of the narrative undoubtedly comes from the fact that it is told from so many points of view. While 'Billy' is perhaps the most fascinating, as he tries to guide William when he can see he is being manipulated, it is Cecilia who captures the reader's imagination as she takes William under her wing with no other motive than a sense of kindness and friendship.
There are elements of darkness within the novel, not least as a result of Donald's behaviour- not just towards his family, but the way in which he chooses to live his life. It creates a tangible sense of tension throughout as the reader wills William to see through the facade and return to the comfort and safety of his family home.
William himself is an extraordinary character. Despite his obvious disability as the result of his accident, he is an endearing, kind-hearted soul who sees the best in everyone.
This is a unique novel originally written as a stage play twenty years ago. Kudos to the author Leslie Tall Manning for translating it into such a compelling story.
With thanks to BookSirens and the author for my ARC.
June 9, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Knock on Wood. At first, I found it a bit different...getting into it through the different perspectives. And I was somewhat confused by "Billy" and "William." A unique writing technique that seemed to reel me in with building interest as the story progressed. But soon, I simply couldn't put it down - for many good reasons. Who did I love? Big-hearted Cecelia. And Manny as well with all his different shades of personality. He grew on me. There were so many aspects to his character that I loved learning about as his layers peeled away. Cecelia was more straight forward but I loved that about her. And Mom...how she loved and protected her baby boy. And, of course, Donald. Who took after his dad...and was so easy to dislike. And sweet William brought tears to my eyes as well as when the characters responded to him with such love and compassion.
I appreciated how the ends got wrapped by the end of the story. Satisfying, for sure. A good read, indeed!
I appreciated how the ends got wrapped by the end of the story. Satisfying, for sure. A good read, indeed!
April 13, 2020
"Knock on Wood" is a rich, multi-layered story of a young boy who emerges from a coma a different person, a story line that is complex but not confusing. Both character driven and plot driven, the author expertly weaves a tale that is creatively unique, compelling, and exciting. Told from seven different points of view, the story flows seamlessly, coupling the different perspectives effortlessly with each other.
This book has a relatively short list of characters, giving the author opportunity to give each one a unique, strong narrative voice and delve deep into their psyches. Each character is believable, intriguing, and three-dimensional. Each one has an interesting past that makes them who they are, a past that the author manages to convey without long passages of backstory.
The writing is engaging, fluent, and easy to read. I had a hard time putting this one down. This story and the characters will stay with me for a long time.
This book has a relatively short list of characters, giving the author opportunity to give each one a unique, strong narrative voice and delve deep into their psyches. Each character is believable, intriguing, and three-dimensional. Each one has an interesting past that makes them who they are, a past that the author manages to convey without long passages of backstory.
The writing is engaging, fluent, and easy to read. I had a hard time putting this one down. This story and the characters will stay with me for a long time.
September 6, 2021
Knock on Wood is a story about William and how his life turned after a terrible accident when he was just fourteen years old. It is a story told from multiple POVs.
I like the premise and the beginning of this novel. But after that, the first quarter of the book drags too much. It just takes too long to know where the story is going. It’s a pity. This novel could be so much more. I believe this novel would be way better if it was a lot shorter. With its 105 chapters and 530 pages, the book feels too long. That is why, even though I liked the book, I sometimes wanted to stop reading it.
I like multiple POVs and the fact that chapters are short. Even though it’s long, the book feels quite a light read.
Anyway, I would say many readers will like this novel, despite the things that bothered me.
Thanks for the ARC and the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.
I like the premise and the beginning of this novel. But after that, the first quarter of the book drags too much. It just takes too long to know where the story is going. It’s a pity. This novel could be so much more. I believe this novel would be way better if it was a lot shorter. With its 105 chapters and 530 pages, the book feels too long. That is why, even though I liked the book, I sometimes wanted to stop reading it.
I like multiple POVs and the fact that chapters are short. Even though it’s long, the book feels quite a light read.
Anyway, I would say many readers will like this novel, despite the things that bothered me.
Thanks for the ARC and the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.
July 6, 2020
While I was iffy on this one to start I had heard it compared to Mitch Albom, I LOVE his work. The wonderful author reach out to me via my bookstagram & I am SO glad she did! [Thank you] noting: all thoughts and reviews are MY own and in no way influenced.
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William, where do I start? He is such a gem! His character seems so real & charming.
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This story takes you on a whirlwind ride of different veiw points to tell one complicated story of jealousy and betrayal by someone you should be able to rely on.
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For a full in depth review visit my insta: JSanders_bookreview
.
William, where do I start? He is such a gem! His character seems so real & charming.
.
This story takes you on a whirlwind ride of different veiw points to tell one complicated story of jealousy and betrayal by someone you should be able to rely on.
.
For a full in depth review visit my insta: JSanders_bookreview
November 8, 2020
I just finished this magnificent piece of work. I read it in two days because I could not put it down. The book is about a boy who suffers brain damage from a near drowning incident and about the man he becomes. There is so much action in this story, along with humor, sadness, anger and a lot of suspense. I savored each word as the plot thickened and took twists and turns. The book exposes the challenges someone with special needs goes through in society-how cruel and how kind some people can be. This book will remain with me for a very long time and I’m so glad!
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am writing this review voluntarily.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am writing this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2020
Buckle up!
Leslie Tall Manning has done it again with her novel, KNOCK ON WOOD. A sweet story that starts with Billy Baker’s incident soon morphs into a winding road with twists and turns. Family dynamics, society’s underbelly, and other overlooked and forgotten members of society all coalesce in this suspenseful tale. You’ll want to wear polyester and blast disco tunes as you move through the pages. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Leslie Tall Manning has done it again with her novel, KNOCK ON WOOD. A sweet story that starts with Billy Baker’s incident soon morphs into a winding road with twists and turns. Family dynamics, society’s underbelly, and other overlooked and forgotten members of society all coalesce in this suspenseful tale. You’ll want to wear polyester and blast disco tunes as you move through the pages. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
April 24, 2020
Very different read from what I normally read. I Adam glad I was given the arc of this book. Very good read. Will read more from this author. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest opinion. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.
April 26, 2020
Best book I've read in a long long time. William is a gem - honest, trusting, and smarter than most people think. He makes his way in the world bravely and with purpose. And Billy, he's a heartbreaker - literally William's guardian angel. Although the book has a long list of characters we get to know them well as their voices flow seamlessly through the story. There's much to love here.
June 8, 2020
This is a complicated book to summarize, so I won't even try.
The story is told from multiple characters' viewpoints. The author does a good job creating unique characters. However, the bad guys have absolutely no redeeming qualities.
The plot gets a little repetitive, especially when it involves Donald .
It was an interesting read.
I received an ARC. I am leaving my honest review.
The story is told from multiple characters' viewpoints. The author does a good job creating unique characters. However, the bad guys have absolutely no redeeming qualities.
The plot gets a little repetitive, especially when it involves Donald .
It was an interesting read.
I received an ARC. I am leaving my honest review.
March 22, 2024
I loved this book! I learned about Leslie through a mutual friend and decided to give her a read. I’m so glad I did! I couldn’t put this book down. It has memorable characters, surprising plot twists, and great pacing. The story is unique, and Leslie’s writing is terrific!
July 7, 2020
We are proud to announce that KNOCK ON WOOD by Leslie Tall Manning is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 12, 2020
good book
May 14, 2020
This book was really enjoyable to read. The main character reminds me of a person I know who went through a similar situation when he was 14. There were a lot of great messages in this book! Definitely recommended!!!!!!
August 16, 2020
First, thank you to Goodreads as I won this in a giveaway! This story is about William, a 30 year old man who suffered brain damage from drowning in a lake when he was 14. His 14 year old “ghost,” Billy, helps him through life. He is also aided by his friends and his mother, all of whom share in narrating the story. William’s luck looks like it will turn for the better when he wins the lottery, but instead of being a nice ending, it’s only the beginning.
I really liked this book. It has the type of well-written characters that you wish you could keep up with long after you finish. It had a nice pace, and I would often not realize how much I had read in one sitting. This is a fun summer read, thanks to William and his remarkable spirit. If you liked Forest Gump, you���d like this book.
I really liked this book. It has the type of well-written characters that you wish you could keep up with long after you finish. It had a nice pace, and I would often not realize how much I had read in one sitting. This is a fun summer read, thanks to William and his remarkable spirit. If you liked Forest Gump, you���d like this book.
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