Benson Family Secrets

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

When a poor teenager reads about the opulent world his mother grew up in, he sets out to capture the life that has been denied to him.Detailing the rise and fall of his wealthy relatives,Benson Family Secretsspans from the late sixties to the early 2000s.Part family saga, part coming of age tale, it is a domestic nightmarein the same vein as Richard Yates’ “Revolutionary Road,” Judith Guest’s “Ordinary People,” and Tom Perrotta’s “Little Children.”

The book tells the story of Taylor Benson, an eighth-grader from New Jersey who comes across his single mother’s childhood writings. When he’s taken under the wing of a rich aunt and uncle, Taylor sees firsthand the high society she’s been exiled from. Once accepted at his cousin's lavish country club, he glimpses a future filled with everything he’s ever wanted. But when he unearths his family’s sordid past, he must decide for himself if money is really all that matters.

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2024
Author: S. Armstrong

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.9/ 5.0
Followers: 10
Views: 14,234

Chapters(44 total)

What readers say about Benson Family Secrets

“An excellent read, I enjoyed the balance of comedy, sadness, anger and honesty. A true coming of age story from multiple points of view. The characters were well written, they all have a way to make you feel like you know them or somebody like them. The way…”
DEW1003Royal Road5.0 / 5
“Once I started reading this story I couldn't stop. This is such an interesting story with great characters that suck you right in. This author knows how to tell a story that hooks you right from the start and keeps you interested. There is something for eve…”
DeniseDRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(9)

DEW1003Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
An excellent read, I enjoyed the balance of comedy, sadness, anger and honesty. A true coming of age story from multiple points of view. The characters were well written, they all have a way to make you feel like you know them or somebody like them. The way the author sets the scene for the different time periods help paint the picture of the time and how each character came to be; the songs choices for the chapters helped identity the times well too. All in all this was great read and would definitely read more from this author! 5stars!
DeniseDRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Once I started reading this story I couldn't stop. This is such an interesting story with great characters that suck you right in. This author knows how to tell a story that hooks you right from the start and keeps you interested. There is something for everyone in this story. I will definitely be adding this writer to my favorites.
moomoo29Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Highly recommend and written well. Can not wait for another writing by the author. The publishers should pick up this story and put it on shelves right away. People do not know what they’re missing from this. This exciting story actually might be a future classic. who knows?! Those who are into thrillers should at least read the first few chapters and get a sense of this great story
oats425Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This book is, as the kids say, straight fire. Sean Armstrong seems like a super creative writer, can’t wait to check out more of his stuff. Reads a lot like some of my fave Big Bang Theory episodes. I’m not very smart, I barely read, but Sean’s fun writing style makes me want to change that!
RawRaphRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Amazing first novel by a blacklist winning screenwriter. The characters are rich and the story is mesmerizing. I can’t put it down - literally at work right now glued to the pages and not doing my actual job. I highly recommend to anyone looking for an engrossing read, especially if you are sick of the boring usual suggestions made by Apple Books. Can’t wait to finish before my boss notices I haven’t responded to any emails and fires me!!
SusanWolinskiRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
“Benson Family Secrets” swept me off my feet like a gust of unexpected wind. What truly sets this book apart, though, is its unflinching honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the ugly truths hidden behind the facade of wealth and privilege. Yet, amidst the turmoil and revelations, there’s a palpable sense of hope—a reminder that perhaps, just perhaps, there’s more to life than the pursuit of material wealth.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that combines the depth of family sagas with the intrigue of personal discovery. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine, find a quiet corner, and let yourself
bcooney87Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I really enjoyed this book. Growing up in New Jersey myself, I felt like I took a time machine back to my own childhood. I agree with other peop;e that this book has that coming of age feel to it. Funny and engaging. I really enjoyed the mother/son dynamic. A great read for the beach or if you're stuck in an airport on layover like I am now. Would highly recommend.
Njmom1228Royal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Loved the story and characters and that it’s set in NJ. You can really tell that the author knows the place and people. Took me to a whole different perspective on growing up here. It was also funny and heartfelt. The sense of humor goes throughout it and is really engaging. I loved the mom and the son, definitely feel like they’re real people and they’re so relatable but interesting and unique too.
SummitCherylRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
This writer is really great! He really paints a picture and a scene. The story is interesting and the characters feels so real. Like I know them personally. The relationships feel so authentic. Being from NJ, I know some of the places that he talks about which makes the story so much more interesting to read. The story keeps you engaged and has a lot of fun humor. I truly enjoyed it. This author is talented. I would like to read other stuff by him. Two thumbs up from me! I would recommend this to anyone who loves great writing.