The Totally True Story of Gracie Byrn..., Shannon Takaoka
The Totally True Story of Gracie Byrn..., Shannon Takaoka
List: $34.99 | Sale: $24.50
Club: $17.49

The Totally True Story of Gracie Byrne

Author: Shannon Takaoka

Narrator: Jess Nahikian

Unabridged: 8 hr 27 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/31/2023


Synopsis

It’s 1987, and sixteen-year-old Gracie Byrne wishes her life were totally different. Shy and awkward, she has trouble fitting in at her new school, she’s still reeling from her parents’ divorce, and her grandmother Katherine’s Alzheimer’s is getting worse. So when Gracie finds a blank journal in Katherine’s vanity drawer, she begins writing stories about herself—a more popular version of herself, that is. But then the hot guy in her art class describes a dream he had about her—the exact scene she wrote about him in her journal—and Gracie realizes that she can create any reality she wants, from acing tests to winning the attention of her previously indifferent classmates. As her ability to change what is into what she wishes it to be grows stronger though, Gracie starts to second-guess what’s real—especially when it comes to a budding relationship with her cute neighbor, Tom. This compelling story deftly blends friendship, family, and romance...and bends the bounds of reality itself.

About Shannon Takaoka

Shannon Takaoka is the author of the young-adult novel Everything I Thought I Knew, which was a 2021 Kansas National Education Association Reading Circle Recommended Title and a 2022 TAYSHAS Reading List Selection. She lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she also works as a business writer and editor.

About Jess Nahikian

Jess Nahikian is a Midwest-born, British-trained actor and voiceover artist who has worked on sets, on stages, and in sound booths in Scotland, St. Petersburg, the United Kingdom, the United States, and everywhere else in between. She currently resides in New York City.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Melany on December 13, 2023

This was fascinating to read. I loved the concept as it was not like anything I've read before. I love the deep meaning and lessons that Gracie learns throughout the story. Such a beautiful eye opening tale! Gracie was a beautiful soul of a person. I truly enjoyed this, such a worthy read! I'm surpr......more

Goodreads review by Heather Adores Books on January 13, 2025

I like the idea of a magic journal. No clue what I’d write it it though. Review soon What to expect: ~ single 1st person POV, present tense ~ magical realism ~ hs shenanigans ~ grandma with Alzheimer’s Narration notes: She did a really great job. Sounded age appropriate too.......more

Goodreads review by cate ₊˚⊹♡ on April 23, 2024

I cried like 3 times......more

Goodreads review by Alex on November 26, 2023

This was such a beautifully heartfelt slice of life story! The Totally True Story of Gracie Byrne follows Gracie who’s about to start at a new high school. Her mom, brother and her have moved in with her grandmother who needs help due to her increasing Alzheimers. When she finds a journal of her gran......more

Goodreads review by Julia on July 05, 2024

All the stars. All. The. Stars.......more


Quotes

A warmhearted story that will resonate with anyone who has ever dreamed of reinventing themselves.