⭐⭐⭐
Spectacular Things follows sisters Mia and Cricket Lowe, well known in their small Maine town as the daughters of a gifted single mother and as rising soccer royalty. From an early age, their paths feel set: Mia becomes the responsible, academically driven caretaker, while Cricket pours her talent and energy into the single-minded pursuit of soccer stardom.
The novel traces the many sacrifices required to keep that dream alive—unfulfilled ambitions, family tragedy, and the quiet pressure placed on the sibling who is expected to hold everything together. Dorey-Stein is at her best when exploring grief, loyalty, and how love can slide into obligation without anyone quite noticing.
I’m a soccer fan, and I appreciated the detailed, visceral training and match scenes. Still, even I can see how readers less invested in the sport might find the heavy emphasis on soccer a bit much. A few creative choices also pulled me out of the story. The stereotype of female athletes being gay felt dated and unnecessary, and the scenes where Mia converses with her dead mother struck me as strange rather than meaningful.
The book also runs long, with some plot threads stretched thin and a few late revelations that feel more intriguing than emotionally satisfying. Thoughtful and tender in places, but uneven overall, Spectacular Things earns a three-star rating.
** Thanks to NetGalley and The Dial Press for a complimentary copy review copy. Opinions are my own.