I definitely think this book is worth checking out! The ending is truly amazing!
Rating: 4/5
Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he’s teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what’s left of his self-respect; he hasn’t written—let alone published—anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn’t need Jake’s help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then . . . he hears the plot.
Jake returns to the downward trajectory of his own career and braces himself for the supernova publication of Evan Parker’s first novel: but it never comes. When he discovers that his former student has died, presumably without ever completing his book, Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that—a story that absolutely needs to be told.
In a few short years, all of Evan Parker’s predictions have come true, but Jake is the author enjoying the wave. He is wealthy, famous, praised and read all over the world. But at the height of his glorious new life, an e-mail arrives, the first salvo in a terrifying, anonymous campaign: You are a thief, it says.
As Jake struggles to understand his antagonist and hide the truth from his readers and his publishers, he begins to learn more about his late student, and what he discovers both amazes and terrifies him. Who was Evan Parker, and how did he get the idea for his “sure thing” of a novel? What is the real story behind the plot, and who stole it from whom?
Publication Date: May 11, 2021
What is a story really worth?
This was such an unexpected read! I received an advanced reader copy of The Plot only a couple of weeks ago from Celadon Books. It was very surprising as I wasn’t expecting to get an arc of this book. But I’m so happy I did! I had been seeing this all over bookstagram and it’s been getting a lot of praise. Now I know what all the buzz is about and I’ve got to say, it was amazing.
The premise is simple, failed writer now teacher, Jake meets a student who says he’s got a plot that’ll be a sure thing. A book that everyone will read, become a movie, be talked about everywhere. Jake assumes the guy is full of it until he hears the plot. Years later, the book still hasn’t been released and Jake discovers his former student has died. Jake then decided the plot is something that can’t just be let go and takes it upon himself to write the book. He assumes he’s in the clear until he gets an email months after the release stating “You’re a thief.”
I will admit this book is a slow burn. A very slow one at that. The entire first half of the book we very little conflict as we learn Jake’s past and see the creation of the book. However, even though this was slowly placed, this book kept me intrigued and wanting to keep reading. As we are never told what the big deal is with this sure thing “plot” that supposedly has this amazing twist that no one would see. Even when the student shared it with Jake, nothing is mentioned about this twist, the plot is actually talked about very little when it’s brought up. Then, once the book is released it’s only ever referred to as “the twist” no one ever talks about what the twist is. It was so captivating trying to figure out what the twist could possibly be.
Even though this was slowly placed, this book kept me intrigued and wanting to keep reading.
Not only that but this is set up as a book within a book. So we get to read a few pages of Jake’s book throughout the book. It was such a brilliant setup, it reminded me of Home Before Dark in that aspect. It was great getting to read portions of the book and not only guessing what could happen to Jake but within the story too.
This is set up as a book within a book. So we get to read a few pages of Jake’s book throughout the book.
I found this book to not be as predictable as others I’ve read. This wasn’t a usual thriller for me. And the beginning portion of the book came across as more of a psychological thriller as we were more just inside Jake’s head. There wasn’t much interaction with other characters. This is filled with many twists and turns. I was only correct with one of my guesses, but I had no idea what else would come out around that guess. The twists were truly shocking. Especially the ending.
The ending was truly amazing, I didn’t see it coming. Honestly, the last few chapters played out in such a different manner than I anticipated it going. I was sincerely shocked, eyebrows raised and mouth open, shocked.
The ending was truly amazing, I didn’t see it coming.
I think this would be a great hit among other authors or those that enjoy writing. It touches heavily on what it means to be a writer and the process of writing. That being said, I don’t know if it’ll be for everyone. As I mentioned, it’s very slow and we don’t see a lot of events or conflict until about halfway through. However, I definitely think this book is worth checking out! The ending is truly amazing!
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