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Millie Bobby Brown Writes About a Real-Life Wartime Mystery

In her debut novel, the British actor elaborates on a story told to her by her grandmother.

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By Jessica Francis Kane

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NINETEEN STEPS, by Millie Bobby Brown with Kathleen McGurl

On the evening of Wednesday, March 3, 1943, 173 men, women and children lost their lives descending the steps — 19 of them — to an underground air raid shelter in East London. It was the largest civilian tragedy of the war and yet it was a mystery how it happened. There was no air raid that night, so why had the crowd panicked? Adding to the confusion: The victims were all wet; death in all cases was by asphyxiation; and there was only one broken bone. For two days, the government withheld information from the public, citing issues of security and low public morale. However, after all that East London had endured during the Blitz, to be blamed for panicking at this point was intolerable and unfair. The residents of Bethnal Green demanded an inquiry.

I first learned of the Bethnal Green tube station disaster almost 25 years ago when I was living in London. I happened to attend an event at the British Library for a series of books published by the London Stationery Office. The series was made up of official government reports not previously available in popular form, and the volume the series editor held in his hand — and spoke passionately about for a few minutes — was the final report of the Bethnal Green inquiry. I was captivated and asked my British friends about it. Not one of them knew what I was talking about. The tragedy eventually became the subject of my own first novel, “The Report.”

And that is why “Nineteen Steps,” the first novel by the British actor Millie Bobby Brown, is valuable. There are very few books or stories about what happened in Bethnal Green in March 1943 because the survivors were told never to speak of it, adding to their trauma. It took 50 years to get a small historical plaque at the station entrance, then 24 more to erect what the community long wanted: a proper memorial statue listing the names of all the victims. There is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. So thank goodness Brown’s Nanny Ruth, who was a survivor of the crush, told her granddaughter what she remembered.

In “Nineteen Steps,” Brown, working with Kathleen McGurl, weaves her grandmother’s experience into a portrait of a community in wartime. Nellie Morris is 18 years old, a remarkably plucky assistant to the mayor, surrounded by family and friends. Her life, especially her relationship with Ray, a scrappy American airman, feels formulaic and thin. After the accident, when all in Nellie’s orbit are devastated in one way or another, her work overlaps with the historical inquiry and the book’s meaning deepens. She takes notes during the investigation conducted by Laurence Dunne, a magistrate. Over the course of several weeks, Dunne interviews more than 80 witnesses, but mysteries remain. What exactly caused the crowd to panic and push down the steps? Was it a car backfiring? The sound of a secret new antiaircraft gun? Were local politicians hiding what they knew?

It’s an enormous responsibility, telling a community the tale of its own tragedy. Nellie feels this keenly and must figure out how to navigate the ruinous effects of blame. As the inquiry comes to a close, her community begins to grapple with the long shadow of grief. You might open “Nineteen Steps” for the celebrity name, but stick with it for the history of an under-recognized event of World War II, a disaster still not satisfactorily resolved for many.

Jessica Francis Kane’s latest novel is “Rules for Visiting.”

NINETEEN STEPS | By Millie Bobby Brown with Kathleen McGurl | 320 pp. | William Morrow | $28.99

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NINETEEN STEPS

by Millie Bobby Brown with Kathleen McGurl ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 3, 2023

Poorly drawn characters and clichés abound in this familiar story of WWII.

A tale of love, war, and tragedy in 1940s London.

Brown’s debut is touted as being inspired by events that affected her own family, but just about anyone who has seen a movie about World War II could probably have written a similar novel; the story and tropes are all too familiar. Set in the Bethnal Green neighborhood of London, the story follows young Nellie Morris, who works for the mayor’s office. Nellie, who lives with her parents, brother George, and adored little sister Flo, navigates wartime scarcities and endures the frequent air raids with as much grace as she can muster with German bombers screaming overhead. She does have fun hanging out with her childhood friends Babs and Billy, the latter of whom is not-so-secretly in love with her. But when the sirens howl, laughter is forgotten as the whole neighborhood flees to the Underground station to wait out the bombs. The tedium and terror are interrupted when Nellie meets Ray Fleming, a handsome American airman, who tells her tales of his native Michigan, and suddenly her hopes and dreams for the future blossom. But a shocking tragedy upends their romance, and Nellie must confront hard questions of civil and personal responsibility. Brown is best known for playing the telekinetic Eleven on Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things , and her fans are likely to reach with excitement and hopeful generosity for this coming-of-age story. But it is inexpertly written, its major tragic scene confusing and poorly described, and the characters never transcend the paper-thin clichés with which they were constructed (plucky young woman; handsome Yank; asthmatic, nobly suffering friend). Though it seems likely to be a hit, the novel lacks the depth to elicit real emotion.

Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023

ISBN: 9780063335776

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Aug. 31, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023

HISTORICAL FICTION | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | GENERAL FICTION

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New York Times Bestseller

by Kristin Hannah ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024

A dramatic, vividly detailed reconstruction of a little-known aspect of the Vietnam War.

A young woman’s experience as a nurse in Vietnam casts a deep shadow over her life.

When we learn that the farewell party in the opening scene is for Frances “Frankie” McGrath’s older brother—“a golden boy, a wild child who could make the hardest heart soften”—who is leaving to serve in Vietnam in 1966, we feel pretty certain that poor Finley McGrath is marked for death. Still, it’s a surprise when the fateful doorbell rings less than 20 pages later. His death inspires his sister to enlist as an Army nurse, and this turn of events is just the beginning of a roller coaster of a plot that’s impressive and engrossing if at times a bit formulaic. Hannah renders the experiences of the young women who served in Vietnam in all-encompassing detail. The first half of the book, set in gore-drenched hospital wards, mildewed dorm rooms, and boozy officers’ clubs, is an exciting read, tracking the transformation of virginal, uptight Frankie into a crack surgical nurse and woman of the world. Her tensely platonic romance with a married surgeon ends when his broken, unbreathing body is airlifted out by helicopter; she throws her pent-up passion into a wild affair with a soldier who happens to be her dead brother’s best friend. In the second part of the book, after the war, Frankie seems to experience every possible bad break. A drawback of the story is that none of the secondary characters in her life are fully three-dimensional: Her dismissive, chauvinistic father and tight-lipped, pill-popping mother, her fellow nurses, and her various love interests are more plot devices than people. You’ll wish you could have gone to Vegas and placed a bet on the ending—while it’s against all the odds, you’ll see it coming from a mile away.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024

ISBN: 9781250178633

Page Count: 480

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: Nov. 4, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2023

FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | GENERAL FICTION | HISTORICAL FICTION

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LONG ISLAND

by Colm Tóibín ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2024

A moving portrait of rueful middle age and the failure to connect.

An acclaimed novelist revisits the central characters of his best-known work.

At the end of Brooklyn (2009), Eilis Lacey departed Ireland for the second and final time—headed back to New York and the Italian American husband she had secretly married after first traveling there for work. In her hometown of Enniscorthy, she left behind Jim Farrell, a young man she’d fallen in love with during her visit, and the inevitable gossip about her conduct. Tóibín’s 11th novel introduces readers to Eilis 20 years later, in 1976, still married to Tony Fiorello and living in the titular suburbia with their two teenage children. But Eilis’ seemingly placid existence is disturbed when a stranger confronts her, accusing Tony of having an affair with his wife—now pregnant—and threatening to leave the baby on their doorstep. “She’d known men like this in Ireland,” Tóibín writes. “Should one of them discover that their wife had been unfaithful and was pregnant as a result, they would not have the baby in the house.” This shock sends Eilis back to Enniscorthy for a visit—or perhaps a longer stay. (Eilis’ motives are as inscrutable as ever, even to herself.) She finds the never-married Jim managing his late father’s pub; unbeknownst to Eilis (and the town), he’s become involved with her widowed friend Nancy, who struggles to maintain the family chip shop. Eilis herself appears different to her old friends: “Something had happened to her in America,” Nancy concludes. Although the novel begins with a soap-operatic confrontation—and ends with a dramatic denouement, as Eilis’ fate is determined in a plot twist worthy of Edith Wharton—the author is a master of quiet, restrained prose, calmly observing the mores and mindsets of provincial Ireland, not much changed from the 1950s.

Pub Date: May 7, 2024

ISBN: 9781476785110

Page Count: 304

Publisher: Scribner

Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024

LITERARY FICTION | HISTORICAL FICTION | FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | GENERAL FICTION

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Nineteen Steps

Written by Kathleen McGurl Millie Bobby Brown Review by Athena Heavey

The novel is inspired by the experiences of Brown’s grandmother, who lived in London during the Second World War and survived the Bethnal Green tube disaster in 1943. The incident was one of the worst civilian disasters of the war, in which 173 lives were lost during an air raid when shelterers fell on top of one another at the bottom of the steps in Bethnal Green station, leading to fatal crush injuries and asphyxiation. The disaster serves as the centre point of the novel, with the pages before and after detailing the life of the protagonist, eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris, in the years leading up to and following the tragedy.

At the start of the story, Nellie is content working as an assistant to the Mayoress and spending her free time with her little sister Flo or her best friend Babs… as well as avoiding the advances of her next-door-neighbour, Billy. But when a chance encounter sees her running straight into the arms of the handsome American airman, Ray Fleming, Nellie starts to question whether she might be ready for love after all. And when Nellie suffers a huge personal loss, maybe love is the only thing that can help her to survive?

The book delivers a bittersweet tale that explores a snapshot of both the unimaginable joys and devastating heartbreaks experienced during the Second World War. The character of Nellie serves as an excellent centre to the story: a family-oriented young woman who is old enough to lament the current bleak state of the world but still holds on to the youthful ideal of a more hopeful tomorrow. While the plot is rather formulaic and its delivery is much more simplistic than is usual for a work of adult fiction, the authors nevertheless succeed in presenting their readers with a moving account of love, loss, and the importance of cherishing your loved ones in war-torn London. An emotional read that will leave readers heartbroken on one page and hopeful on the next.

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The Devastating True Story Behind ‘Nineteen Steps’

Taking inspiration from her grandmother’s stories from World War II, Millie Bobby Brown’s new book shines a light on deep issues within the British government.

Nineteen Steps centers on Nellie Morris, an 18-year-old girl living with her parents and siblings in East London during the war. Nellie is as upbeat as one could be during a time of unending tragedy. She adores her younger siblings and her best friend, who lives next door, and she dreams of traveling the world. During the day, Nellie works for the local mayor’s office, but she spends most nights hiding out in the bomb shelter in the then-unfinished Bethnal Green tube station as bombs rattle the city. The air raids are constant, and the people of the neighborhood have become used to rushing underground every time they hear that familiar siren.

Nineteen Steps

The monotony of Nellie’s life is interrupted when she meets an American soldier stationed nearby. They begin a courtship, and she finds solace in small moments like going to the cinema and getting dressed up for a dance. But one night, a totally avoidable tragedy impacts Nellie’s life, as well as the entire community.

Brown drew on her family’s actual experiences during World War II when writing the novel, although it is a work of fiction, and Nellie is an imagined character. “Writing Nineteen Steps has been a really special project for me,” Brown confirmed on Instagram when she first announced the book. “The story is inspired by true events and my own family history.”

To write the book, Brown and McGurl looked to real-world sources to ensure accuracy. “I was sent a lot of research that had already been pulled together by Millie and her family, and plenty of ideas, and we had a couple of Zoom calls,” McGurl explained . “And then I knuckled down and wrote the first draft, while Millie continued sending more ideas via WhatsApp. The book went through several drafts since then as we refined the story.”

The steps referenced in the novel’s title are those that lead into the Bethnal Green underground station, which opened in 1946 after the end of the war. At the beginning of the Blitz, the bombing of London by the German military, in 1940, the government requisitioned the nearly completed station to be used as an overnight shelter during the ongoing air raids. It kept thousands of people safe from the German bombing for several years, and it could hold up to 10,000 people. The station was vast, with 5,000 bunks, a theater and library, a doctor’s quarters, a makeshift café, and additional space in the tunnels. Most locals preferred it to other nearby shelters because there was such a sense of community spirit.

On the evening of March 3, 1943, there was word that an air raid might be imminent. The sirens blared, and people began to file into the station as usual. Three double-decker London city buses, loaded with passengers from nearby areas, rerouted when the sirens went off and inadvertently arrived at once. As people entered, a woman carrying a child tripped on the darkened staircase, causing those behind them to fall as well. It created a domino effect. Nearly 300 people became trapped in the pileup, with layers of bodies wedged into the stairway and landing. No one could move, and it took several hours for the authorities to clear everyone out. In total, 173 people died in the crush, 62 of whom were children. Ninety more were injured.

Brown’s grandmother, Ruth, lived locally and watched as her best friend, Babs, endured the pain of losing her entire family .

Ray Letchmere was 9 years old when he lost his father and grandparents in the crush. Sharing his memories of that tragic time with My London in 2022, Letchmere found that the Bethnal Green community ties ran deep, and in the aftermath of this loss, the “keep calm and carry on” spirit was alive and well.

“Everybody was in the same boat,” Letchmere told My London . “You didn’t really think about it; each day was another day. You just had to live for that day and through to tomorrow.”

Beyond sharing the emotional heft of the tube disaster in her novel, Brown said she hoped to keep her grandmother’s stories alive in general. Many elements of the book, including places the actress went with her grandmother, appear in the novel.

“I had trouble sleeping when I was younger,” Brown said in the interview. “My nan would stay up with me until 4 or 5 a.m., tickling my arm and telling me what her childhood was like, and those stories impacted me so much. We’d go walking through Victoria Park, we’d visit the memorial [for the tube tragedy], and walk down Roman Road, getting lunch, so these places are part of my childhood too. When she got diagnosed with dementia, I was worried that we’d lose these stories. I wanted to capture the strength of how my nan and her community got through those times. These stories will remain so important and personal to me. I’m so glad I was able to translate them onto paper.”

In the novel, Nellie’s job as the mayor’s assistant allows her to see how much the government failed the people of Bethnal Green as it covered up the disaster. In reality, reports of the incident and mass deaths were censored because the British government didn’t want its enemies to know the air raid had caused a fatal public panic. Years after, it was revealed that the local council in Bethnal Green had asked permission to alter the entrance and put in a central handrail several times. Each time, they were denied by the British government, which put the blame on the council following the mass deaths.

Decades later, the tragedy was finally acknowledged , and in 2013, on the 70th anniversary, a memorial service was held for the victims at St John on Bethnal Green church. One of the most tragic realizations was that the sirens that led to the crush were a test — there was no actual threat of an air raid that night. The incident is now recognized as the worst civilian disaster during World War II, according to the BBC .

Today, the Stairway to Heaven memorial, a large-scale sculpture outside the working Bethnal Green tube station, pays tribute to the victims.

In early 2023, the locals held an 80th anniversary memorial service. Many of the survivors have told their stories on the news, but Brown’s book offers a different way of looking back at the historic event. Through Nellie, we see what it was like for East Enders during the war and how the tragedy shaped the community. The actress recently told Women’s Wear Daily that while she prefers to keep her life private, Nineteen Steps feels like an opportunity to connect over something significant with her fans. The history Brown shares in her novel, with the help of McGurl, gives readers a lens into the stories her grandmother would tell, providing us with a small slice of a Millie Bobby Brown we rarely get to see.

Emily Zemler is a freelance writer and journalist based in London. She regularly contributes to the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, PureWow, and TripSavvy , and is the author of two books. Follow her on Twitter @emilyzemler .

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Book Review: Millie Bobby Brown of ‘Stranger Things’ weaves a romance novel into a WWII disaster

This cover image released by William Morrow shows “Nineteen Steps” by Millie Bobby Brown. (William Morrow via AP)

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“Nineteen Steps” by Millie Bobby Brown (William Morrow)

The actor who plays Eleven on “Stranger Things” wrote a romance novel! That’ll be the headline for too much coverage of “Nineteen Steps,” so let’s set that aside and consider the debut book from Millie Bobby Brown on its own merits.

It’s a love story set in London, spanning the wartime years of 1942-1945. Nellie is the protagonist, an 18-year-old young woman who works as a secretary for the mayor of Bethnal Green, in the city’s East End. She lives with her mother, father, brother and little sister, and next door to her best friend Babs, whose brother, Billy, is besotted with Nellie after a childhood spent together.

In the wake of the Blitz, Germany continues to selectively bomb England, forcing Nellie and the rest of Bethnal Green’s citizens into an underground air raid shelter many nights. That’s where those foreboding titular steps come in: Every time they descend to the shelter, Nellie “counted them like usual. Nineteen, turn right and seven more.”

Spoiler fans can stop at this point and Google the “Bethnal Green steps,” but what’s the fun in that? Brown dedicates the book to her grandmother (“Nanny Ruth, who told me this story”), but the book is being marketed as fiction, with all the usual disclaimers about how any “references to real people, events, etc…. are intended only to provide a sense of authenticity, and are used fictitiously.”

The story starts to sing when Nellie meets Ray, a U.S. Air Force pilot stationed nearby. The prose describing their first kiss fits the moon-eyed mood as the young couple falls hopelessly in love. “If ever she had to pick a moment she’d want to last for eternity, she thought, this would be the one she’d choose,” writes Brown.

Honestly, most readers could predict the rest of the plot at this point. The love triangle involving Nellie, Billy and Ray, plays a central role, and, of course, what happens on those steps, but the book is really about making your way when consumed by grief. And in that aspect it succeeds, painting a brave portrait of Nellie and her family and friends as they struggle to survive and find happiness in a world gone mad.

Time will tell if Brown has more stories in her, but her late, beloved grandmother would assuredly be proud of this first effort.

A Quintillion Words | Book Reviewer | Copywriter

Nineteen steps – book review.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Love blooms in the darkest days…”

Well my emotions have been everywhere reading this! A really heart-wrenching story of tragedy, loss, hope and love, based on the real events of WWII and the Bethnal Green tube disaster. Honestly, read with tissues handy because it will break your heart! An unforgettable story. So happy to be sharing my review of Nineteen Steps !

About the book

It’s 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her.

After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, Nellie becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just when Nellie begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing Nellie’s world is torn apart. But just when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.

Nineteen Steps  is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love.

The beginning

I always find anything about war really difficult to stomach, and I don’t think there will ever be a time where this isn’t the case. But there was something about this book straight away that felt somewhat hopeful. We’re introduced to lovely Nellie, who I instantly warmed to and felt like I needed to protect, herself and her family living at the time of the Blitz in the Second World War. She’s close to her family, as well as her friend, Billy, who has strong feelings for her. Nellie doesn’t feel the same; he feels more like a brother to her, and besides, after the war, she had plans to see the world, not settle down with the ‘boy next door’. The sound of air raid sirens always sets panic in me, and I think this is why I shared so many feelings with Nellie and her family right from the start. However, aside from the odd air raid siren, there didn’t seem to be much else happening. It felt quite slow and difficult to get into for some reason. But then it happened. The sickening, saddening news that no one wanted to hear. A direct bomb hit. Just reading this sent my stomach in knots. So much would change now.

“She felt an ache in the pit of her stomach, like someone had torn out her insides. Her heart was heavy with both loss and guilt.”

The decision is made to evacuate Nellie’s little sister, Flo, after the increase in raids. This part of the book was utterly heartbreaking. The pain of sending your child away to keep them safe must have been unbearable back then. I can’t even imagine! But their plan takes a U-turn when their mother decides the family should stay together at the last minute. Despite the emotions running high, this scene is also a crucially important one to the story; it’s where Nellie and American airman, Ray, meet for the first time. It’s clear straight away how Nellie feels about him as they bump into each other again and it doesn’t take long for them to be really smitten with one another. Nellie and Ray’s relationship certainly gave the book that lightness it needed after we’d read so much darkness about the war and the loss Nellie’s family has endured. I loved the excitement he brought to her life and how she felt around him – it was so lovely and written well, and I felt really good about their relationship and where it would go from here.

This is the first book in a long time that has made me want to do further research. I looked up all sorts of information about the Blitz and, after reading about the possible danger of the tube station steps, the Bethnal Green tube disaster. The balance of darkness and uncertainty with love and hope was portrayed well, but I soon found Billy to be irritating and borderline obsessed with Nellie. When he realises how happy she is with Ray, he’s like a sad little puppy dog. The description from the author with each raid, how the community always comes together in times of need was just perfect for he storyline. I mostly felt drawn into each chapter, but the simple language used felt slow and boring at times, taking me out of the story when I was desperate to stay focused. As I reached part two, I felt a shift, like there was more heartache and loss to come. I’d grown quite attached to Nellie’s family and loved how close they all were. I just hoped they wouldn’t be brutally torn apart.

“ They’ll be found, they’ll be alright , she whispered again, but whether she believed it herself she couldn’t possibly tell.”

We’re soon hit with tragedy and heartbreak after a catastrophic incident on the tube steps. Although quite graphic in places, this has been so delicately written. It made me hold my breath and my eyes filled with tears, especially after recently doing so much research on the Bethnal Green disaster, reading about how it all unfolded. It had such a huge impact on me, the sadness really settling into my heart. I couldn’t begin to imagine the fear and the panic these people faced. Completely and utterly traumatic. How the characters dealt with this on top of the extreme feelings of loss and hopelessness was written in an unforgettable way. The author captures the emotions perfectly, how Nellie and her family take their anger out on people who don’t deserve it, blaming people who are not to be blamed. It was so powerful, so raw . The scenes surrounding the inquiry into what happened was so sad, but so interesting. Unfortunately, Nellie’s job required her to be there, to listen and to relive all the details again. She needed her loved ones around her.

After what Nellie had accused Ray of the last time she’d spoken to him, I wasn’t sure if anything could be the same again. But she had to try, right? Being both a historical fiction and a romance, I knew Ray would soon be back in her life after he moved base to the midlands and after that awful row. They both needed each other so much, for so many reasons. But then there’s another unexpected blow for Nellie and this one made me wonder how on earth she’d find the strength to go on. The ending chapters seemed to fly by so quickly; we skipped months, years into the future with each chapter and it felt a little strange after the pacing of the book previously. However, where characters and their relationships were concerned, I felt they’d grown so much stronger over time, and Billy actually grew on me a little more. He seemed to have matured, his feelings for Nellie still as strong but more in control (if that makes sense!) The progress of the inquiry and what the public knew Vs what those involved internally knew was fascinating. How could they keep the truth a secret for all those years?

“In that moment there was only her and her grief, and it filled the world.”

I thought the ending was excellent – there were some big surprises, both happy and sad ones, and some difficult decisions for Nellie to make, which all worked together to keep things interesting, to keep us guessing how things would work out. There are still references to to the hardships Nellie and those close to her had endured, but there was also a message of hope, of taking chances when they arise as you never know what’s around the corner. It was so thought-provoking and so memorable. And Billy! I was so proud of the man Billy had become and the sacrifice he made. Good lord, that alone nearly had me in tears! I was so glad that we experienced these characters in celebrating the end of a long war, and the epilogue following on from the prologue really rounded things off perfectly in my eyes. Knowing this book was based on a true story told by Millie Bobby Brown’s Nana Ruth made everything so much more emotional. A must read for anyone who loves war time fiction and romance!

Overall thoughts

Nineteen Steps is an eye-opening and heartbreaking account of life during World War II, focusing on the tragedy that was the Bethnal Green tube disaster. However, it is also a book of hope, love and grabbing second chances. The story is so emotional and raw; you really feel the loss and the grief that main character, Nellie Morris experiences and at times, it was hard to stop my eyes from tearing up. But aside from all this, we also get the most unique love story I think I’ve ever read. There were a few elements of the book that weren’t for me; the language was strangely simple for the most part, and the pacing felt really fast towards the end, but all in all, a truly memorable, heart-wrenching read. Based on the life of Millie Bobby Brown’s Nana Ruth and whipped into shape by the brilliant Kathleen McGurl. Just wish her name was on the front cover!

Thanks so much to the team at HQ Stories for my beautiful copy of the book! You can grab your copy of Nineteen Steps right now over on Amazon or wherever you buy your books.

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Nineteen Steps: A Novel Paperback – Deckle Edge, Sept. 12 2023

Purchase options and add-ons.

The New York Times bestseller from iconic Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: Nineteen Steps

"My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed!” — Kate Quinn

Love blooms in the darkest days…

It’s 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her.

After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, Nellie becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just when Nellie begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing Nellie’s world apart. But just when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.

Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love.

“Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I’m honored to keep her story alive.” — Millie Bobby Brown

• Print length 320 pages
• Language English
• Publisher William Morrow Paperbacks
• Publication date Sept. 12 2023
• Dimensions 15.24 x 1.83 x 22.86 cm
• ISBN-10 0063347008
• ISBN-13 978-0063347007
• See all details

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Product description

“Valuable… There is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. So thank goodness Brown’s Nanny Ruth, who was a survivor of the crush, told her granddaughter what she remembered… You might open Nineteen Steps for the celebrity name, but stick with it for the history of an under-recognized event of World War II.”                                                 — New York Times Book Review

“The book is really about making your way when consumed by grief. And in that aspect it succeeds, painting a brave portrait of Nellie and her family and friends as they struggle to survive and find happiness in a world gone mad… [Brown's] late, beloved grandmother would assuredly be proud of this first effort.” — Associated Press

“ Millie Bobby Brown may be best known for taking down Demogorgons in  Stranger Things  and solving impossible cases as Enola Holmes, but the actress establishes herself as an equally powerful writer with her poignant debut novel  Nineteen Steps . Inspired by true events from her family history…Brown refuses to shy away from the realities of war in her coming-of-age story, exploring love, loss, and courage in a way that is both bold and intensely moving.” — Entertainment Weekly

“[An] emotionally layered debut… Brown’s narrative, which is based on real events, effectively balances the danger and deprivations of war in a city under siege with the joys of family, friends, and romance. This highly charged historical romance offers intimate insight into WWII London and the challenges of overcoming loss.” — Publishers Weekly

“My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed! Dreamer Nellie Morris spends her days typing and her nights sheltering from the German bombers screaming overhead, imagining a bigger world beyond her East End London roots—and a burgeoning romance with an American airman offers hope beyond the end of the war. But one terrible night at the nearby air raid shelter tears Nellie's world apart and she must find the courage to make a new life from the wreckage. Millie Bobby Brown pens a sweet, sensitive coming-of-age story drawn from her own family history —Nineteen Steps is a lovely read for fans everywhere.” — Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye

“In this remarkable debut, Brown brings to life an unfamiliar—and shocking—tragedy that took place during World War II in London’s East End. Supported by a rich cast of characters, her tale of first love, poignant regrets, and the search for truth makes for a spellbinding read. Enthralling.”  — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Spectacular

“Centered around a real-life historical event that counts as the UK’s largest loss of civilian life during the Second World War, Nineteen Steps shines a brilliant light on a dark moment in history. Actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown soars in her debut novel, bringing to life the joy and heartache of wartime England, as well as the visceral terror that came with frequent German bombings over London. Full of heartbreak and hope, and overflowing with vibrant characters you’ll root hard for, Nineteen Steps will plunge you into the 1940s East End and will stay in your heart for a long time to come.”  — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“Heartfelt and warm, with quietly heroic characters that embody the innocence of first love and wartime patriotism, Brown’s debut is sure to be popular among readers who enjoy novels that bring lesser-known notable events from the past to life.” — Booklist

About the Author

Millie Bobby Brown  is a British Emmy Award–nominated actress. She has been featured in the  TIME  100 list of the world’s most influential people and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.  Nineteen Steps  is her first book. 

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow Paperbacks (Sept. 12 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0063347008
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063347007
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 312 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 1.83 x 22.86 cm
• #465 in 20th Century Historical Romance (Books)
• #512 in Military Historical Fiction
• #1,278 in War Fiction (Books)

About the author

Millie bobby brown.

Millie Bobby Brown is a British Emmy Award–winning actress. She has been featured in the TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Nineteen Steps is her first book.

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Nineteen Steps: The Sunday Times bestselling debut novel inspired by the true events of her family’s history, from global star Millie Bobby Brown Hardcover – 12 Sept. 2023

Purchase options and add-ons, the sunday times bestselling debut novel from global star millie bobby brown, love blooms in the darkest days….

London, 1942.

Despite the raging war, spirited 18-year-old Nellie Morris lives a quiet life in the tight-knit East End community of Bethnal Green. Her family and friends all tease that she will marry air raid warden Billy, the boy next door who’s always been sweet on her.

The arrival of Ray, a handsome American airman stationed nearby, causes Nellie to question everything she thought she knew about her future.

Nellie’s new-found happiness is short-lived when a tragic accident occurs during an air raid. Even the closest family can’t escape the devastation of war, and as the secrets and truth about that fateful night become clear, they threaten to tear Nellie – and those dearest to her – apart.

’There is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. So thank goodness Brown’s Nanny Ruth, who was a survivor of the crush, told her granddaughter what she remembered. . .You might open Nineteen Steps for the celebrity name, but stick with it for the history of an under-recognized event of World War II.’ New York Times

Millie Bobby Brown's book 'Nineteen Steps' was a No.2 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-09-11.

• Print length 384 pages
• Language English
• Publisher HQ
• Publication date 12 Sept. 2023
• Dimensions 15.9 x 3.6 x 24 cm
• ISBN-10 0008530262
• ISBN-13 978-0008530266
• See all details

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Product description

Inspired by the true events of her family history, Millie Bobby Brown’s dazzling debut novel is a moving tale of longing, loss and secrets, and the lengths that we will go to fight for love.

‘This novel will make you swoon, laugh, and even cry, because some parts are truly devastating, especially when you remember it's based on true events. . .It’s thought-provoking and easy to read – one to pop on your cosy autumn TBR pile.’ Daily Mirror

‘Millie Bobby Brown’s debut novel beautifully portrays her grandmother’s experience. . .[and] shrewdly portrays the difficult history of a tragedy that is often overlooked.’ The i Paper

‘A dazzling debut.’ Woman’s Own

‘A brilliant debut novel inspired by the true events of Millie Bobby Brown’s family history.’ Closer

Book Description

The Sunday Times bestselling debut novel inspired by the true events of her family’s history, from global star Millie Bobby Brown

About the Author

Millie Bobby Brown is an actress and producer best known for playing Eleven in the Netflix hit series Stranger Things .

On the big screen, Brown has starred in Godzilla: King of the Monsters and its sequel Godzilla vs. Kong . She also starred in and produced the popular Netflix mystery film franchise Enola Holmes and its 2022 sequel Enola Holmes 2 .

In 2019, Brown launched her own vegan and cruelty free makeup and skincare line, florence by mills. The brand received the “Launch of the Year” honour at Women’s Wear Daily’s Beauty Inc Awards.

In November 2018, UNICEF named Brown the organization’s newest Goodwill Ambassador. Earlier that year, Brown was also named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HQ (12 Sept. 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0008530262
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008530266
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.9 x 3.6 x 24 cm
• 915 in 20th Century Historical Romance (Books)
• 1,989 in War Story Fiction
• 2,120 in Military Romance (Books)

About the author

Millie bobby brown.

Millie Bobby Brown is a British Emmy Award–winning actress. She has been featured in the TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Nineteen Steps is her first book.

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Nineteen Steps Kindle Edition

The New York Times bestseller from iconic Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: Nineteen Steps

"My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed!” — Kate Quinn

Love blooms in the darkest days…

It’s 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her.

After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, Nellie becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just when Nellie begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing Nellie’s world apart. But just when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.

Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love.

“Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I’m honored to keep her story alive.” — Millie Bobby Brown

• Print length 308 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publisher William Morrow
• Publication date September 12, 2023
• File size 3643 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

“Valuable… There is no healing without remembering, and there is no remembering without stories. So thank goodness Brown’s Nanny Ruth, who was a survivor of the crush, told her granddaughter what she remembered… You might open Nineteen Steps for the celebrity name, but stick with it for the history of an under-recognized event of World War II.”                                                 — New York Times Book Review

“The book is really about making your way when consumed by grief. And in that aspect it succeeds, painting a brave portrait of Nellie and her family and friends as they struggle to survive and find happiness in a world gone mad… [Brown's] late, beloved grandmother would assuredly be proud of this first effort.” — Associated Press

“ Millie Bobby Brown may be best known for taking down Demogorgons in  Stranger Things  and solving impossible cases as Enola Holmes, but the actress establishes herself as an equally powerful writer with her poignant debut novel  Nineteen Steps . Inspired by true events from her family history…Brown refuses to shy away from the realities of war in her coming-of-age story, exploring love, loss, and courage in a way that is both bold and intensely moving.” — Entertainment Weekly

“[An] emotionally layered debut… Brown’s narrative, which is based on real events, effectively balances the danger and deprivations of war in a city under siege with the joys of family, friends, and romance. This highly charged historical romance offers intimate insight into WWII London and the challenges of overcoming loss.” — Publishers Weekly

“My inner history-loving teenage geek clapped her hands in ecstasy at the thought of a historical novel penned by Enola Holmes, and she wasn't disappointed! Dreamer Nellie Morris spends her days typing and her nights sheltering from the German bombers screaming overhead, imagining a bigger world beyond her East End London roots—and a burgeoning romance with an American airman offers hope beyond the end of the war. But one terrible night at the nearby air raid shelter tears Nellie's world apart and she must find the courage to make a new life from the wreckage. Millie Bobby Brown pens a sweet, sensitive coming-of-age story drawn from her own family history —Nineteen Steps is a lovely read for fans everywhere.” — Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye

“In this remarkable debut, Brown brings to life an unfamiliar—and shocking—tragedy that took place during World War II in London’s East End. Supported by a rich cast of characters, her tale of first love, poignant regrets, and the search for truth makes for a spellbinding read. Enthralling.”  — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Spectacular

“Centered around a real-life historical event that counts as the UK’s largest loss of civilian life during the Second World War, Nineteen Steps shines a brilliant light on a dark moment in history. Actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown soars in her debut novel, bringing to life the joy and heartache of wartime England, as well as the visceral terror that came with frequent German bombings over London. Full of heartbreak and hope, and overflowing with vibrant characters you’ll root hard for, Nineteen Steps will plunge you into the 1940s East End and will stay in your heart for a long time to come.”  — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

“Heartfelt and warm, with quietly heroic characters that embody the innocence of first love and wartime patriotism, Brown’s debut is sure to be popular among readers who enjoy novels that bring lesser-known notable events from the past to life.” — Booklist

About the Author

Millie Bobby Brown  is a British Emmy Award–nominated actress. She has been featured in the  TIME  100 list of the world’s most influential people and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.  Nineteen Steps  is her first book. 

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BWYQP2R2
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow (September 12, 2023)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2023
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 3643 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
• #717 in Historical World War II Fiction
• #870 in 20th Century Historical Romance (Books)
• #1,337 in Women's Historical Fiction

About the author

Millie bobby brown.

Millie Bobby Brown is a British Emmy Award–winning actress. She has been featured in the TIME 100 list of the world’s most influential people and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Nineteen Steps is her first book.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

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Millie bobby brown to release debut novel ‘nineteen steps’ in september.

The 'Stranger Things' star will release a historical novel inspired by her own family history on Sept. 12.

By Lexy Perez

Associate Editor

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Millie Bobby Brown is adding published author to her resume.

William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, announced Friday that the Stranger Things and Enola Holmes star’s debut novel Nineteen Steps will publish this September.

Nineteen Steps is a historical novel inspired by the actress’s own family history with Brown’s grandmother Ruth having survived the Bethnal Green tube disaster .

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The novel, described as an “epic story of love, loss and secrets,” will center on 18-year-old Nellie Morris, who lives with her family in Bethnal Green amid World War II. After a chance encounter with an American airman stationed nearby, William Morrow teases “Nellie becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just when Nellie begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, and the consequences are catastrophic. As the truth about that night is revealed, Nellie’s world is torn apart. When it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.”

The publisher acquired US & Canadian rights to publish the novel with Liz Stein, executive editor at William Morrow, negotiating the deal with Alyssa Reuben at William Morris Endeavor. UK & Commonwealth rights have also been acquired by Katie Seaman, senior commissioning editor at HQ, from Matilda Forbes Watson at WME.

“ Nineteen Steps is a tender, inspiring story about female resilience and the human spirit,” Stein said. “Both heart-warming and heart-breaking, it’s a novel that portrays the strength and courage we find in family, friendship and community. I was incredibly moved by the haunting, true tragedy at the core of the novel and enchanted by the unforgettable portrait of love in the time of war.”

Nineteen Steps will publish on Sept. 12.

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Book Review: Nineteen Steps

Kelley moulton, regional history librarian, recommends nineteen steps by millie bobby brown..

Best known for her role as Eleven in the Netflix original Stranger Things , Millie Bobby Brown is stepping into a new role, this time as an author. Her debut novel, Nineteen Steps , brings pieces of history from both the world stage as well as from her family’s history into a story about a small group of individuals living in London during World War II.

Brown takes us through time, starting in 1993 and then back to 1943 as we follow the lead character Nellie Morris in her daily life living under the threat of the Germans and air raid sirens.

But what is a life of fear and threat without a little romance to break up the day?

A potential bus accident lands Nellie into the arms of an American airman, Ray. Yet World War II, even in a book, leads to more than its share of heartbreak and trauma.

Now for the warning: Tears were spilled reading this book. I will also confess that I am one of those people who must read the last chapter when I am a quarter to halfway through to determine if I will keep reading, thus I was slightly prepared for what happened but that made very little difference in the end.

Overall, I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would, and I recommend it (as long as you are properly warned to have the tissue if you cry over books like me). It focused much more on the life of an individual just trying to do her part and survive the harrowing time that was London between 1943 and 1945 than the actual fighting and the pure romance that other novels of this variety focus on.

I also learned more than I anticipated. Brown brings in an event that happened in the Bethnal Green tube station that I personally had never heard about, and I take that as the sign of a good historical fiction book.

Find it in New Books Fiction here.

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Millie Bobby Brown Flipped Family History Into Upcoming Debut Novel ‘Nineteen Steps’

By Larisha Paul

Larisha Paul

Millie Bobby Brown is reimagining history. On September 12, the Stranger Things actress will release her debut novel Nineteen Steps . The book builds around her family history by drawing inspiration from stories shared by her grandmother Ruth, a survivor of the 1943 Bethnal Green tube incident that left 173 dead and dozens more injured after panic on a staircase led to a major crowd crush. But Brown’s book takes a less harrowing approach, following the personal life of an 18-year-old girl coming of age during World War II.

“Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart,” Brown shared in a statement. “I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I’m honored to keep her story alive.”

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“With a job assisting the mayor and nights spent at the local pub with her best friend, Nellie does her best to hold onto remnants of normalcy,” a synopsis of the novel reads. “After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, Nellie becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just when Nellie begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, and the consequences are catastrophic. As the truth about that night is revealed, Nellie’s world is torn apart. When it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.”

Nineteen Steps will be published by HarperCollins with edits from Liz Stein, who described the book as a “tender, inspiring story about female resilience and the human spirit.” She added: “Both heart-warming and heart-breaking, it’s a novel that portrays the strength and courage we find in family, friendship, and community. I was incredibly moved by the haunting, true tragedy at the core of the novel and enchanted by the unforgettable portrait of love in the time of war.”

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Nineteen Steps book review

Posted January 26, 2024 by Jordann @thebookbloglife in 1 star , book reviews / 0 Comments

The New York Times bestseller from iconic Emmy-nominated actress and producer MILLIE BOBBY BROWN: Nineteen Steps is a captivating novel inspired by the true events of her family's experience during World War II. Love blooms in the darkest days… It’s 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her. After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, Nellie becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just when Nellie begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing Nellie’s world is torn apart. But just when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph. Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love. “Inspired by my Nanny Ruth, this book is very personal and close to my heart. I grew up listening to stories about her time living through the war. I’m honored to keep her story alive.”—Millie Bobby Brown

I am a sucker for historical fiction and although I’m always a little dubious about celebrity written books but thought I would take a risk. It did not pay off. Nineteen Steps is an awfully written book, and deals with a real life trauma trivially and as a mere plot point. This was possibly the worst experience I have had with a book in a long time.

Characters in Nineteen Steps

The story follows Nellie living in Bethnal Green as she tries to survive through the backend of WWII. The entire story centres around her need to find normality surrounded by uncertain times, and I found her SO boring. I think the biggest issue with her was the way she uses and discards people, especially her lifelong best friends. It was painful seeing her reaction to some of the worst things that could happen to a person. There was no depth and I still don’t know how I managed to finish Nineteen Steps, because Nellie infuriated me all the way through.

Another special mention to the atrocious love triangle that played out throughout this one. If you have ever wanted a pining nice guy go up against the rugged American but without any personality or chemistry then this is the book for you. The entire relationship in this book was based off the fact that he didn’t live in the UK, nothing else, nothing in common just the fact that he was born somewhere else. It was baffling and so frustrating, and not even because I wanted her to with the other guy because he was just as bad. It was just awfully written.

Bad Bits in Nineteen Steps

This could be a whole page on this blog, but let me start by saying Millie Bobby Brown should not have been allowed to write this book let alone publish it. Nineteen Steps manages to navigate not one, not two but three major tragedies in one family, all of them awfully foreshadowed and treated with a complete lack of respect. I would have less of an issue with it if it had been fictional, but she based this utter garbage from real people’s experience and trauma. The entire book reads:

• Nellie moaning about her life with some foreshadowing.
• Something awful happens.
• Nellie is sad for a couple of pages
• Continues her life moaning about something else and some more awful foreshadowing
• Tragedy hits
• Nellie shows some emotion for a couple of paragraphs
• Moves on and finds ‘the joy’ in her life again
• Rinse and repeat until you get to the end.

I have never been so disgusted by the way something handles such a sensitive topic. It needed a more experienced writer, which baffles me further because she had a ghostwriter and who knows how many editors, all of which ignored the blatant issues all the way through the story. Traumatic experiences were used as plot points that happened and were completely superficial. It was awful to read about.

I think the best thing about this book was that it raised awareness for the Bethnal Green Tube Disaster and after reading I did some more research. But please don’t read this book if you want anything more than superficial ramblings because those people deserve better.

Have you ever read a book and been completely let down? Which one? Let me know in the comments.

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What's the best state for you », book review: anonymous public servants are the heart of george stephanopoulos' 'situation room'.

ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos charts the history of the White House room where some of the biggest intelligence crises have been handled in “The Situation Room.”

Book Review: Anonymous Public Servants Are the Heart of George Stephanopoulos' 'Situation Room'

This cover image released by Grand Central Publishing shows "The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis" by George Stephanapoulos with Lisa Dickey. (Grand Central Publishing via AP)

The biggest challenge for an author tackling the history of the Situation Room, the basement room of the White House where some of the biggest intelligence crises have been handled in recent decades, is the room itself. As a setting, it's pretty underwhelming.

In “The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis,” George Stephanopoulos describes how the room — actually a series of rooms — for much of its history didn't live up to its reputation in popular imagination or media. The centerpiece of it, as Stephanopoulos writes, had “all the charm of a cardboard box.”

But what keeps readers engaged in Stephanopoulos' history isn't any behind the scenes schematics or technology. This isn't a Tom Clancy novel, though it moves along as briskly as one. Instead, it's the stories Stephanopoulos and Lisa Dickey share of the normally nameless and faceless public servants, the duty officers who have staffed the center since its inception during John F. Kennedy's presidency.

Stephanopoulos, a political commentator and ABC anchor who worked in the Clinton White House, wisely zeroes in on a single crisis during each of 12 presidencies during the Situation Room's history. Along the way, he reveals much about the differing management styles of the nation's presidents and offers plenty of interesting pieces of history.

This includes the granular level of detail Lyndon B. Johnson sought in regular calls to the Situation Room late at night or early in the morning. The book offers a glimpse at the frenzied conversations that took place following Ronald Reagan's shooting in 1981.

It should come as no surprise that the most riveting chapter centers around the moment that led to the most widely seen photo of the “Sit Room” — the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Stephanopoulos reveals that the photo — which showed former President Barack Obama in a cramped conference room receiving updates on the raid on the terrorist leader's compound — could have looked a lot different. A larger room was available, but officials were worried about losing the audiovisual link if they tried moving it from the cramped room.

The duty officers whose stories are at the heart of the book are portrayed as apolitical figures, with one saying they “serve in silence.” Stephanopoulos' book is a fitting tribute to them.

AP book reviews: https://apnews.com/hub/book-reviews

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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