Visiting the North Shore had been a bizarre and unsettling experience, to say the least, but when they got home after vacation was over, he was going to suggest to Colby that they make a video about it. The story begins as Sam and Colby embark on what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation in Kauai with their childhood friends. Eager to take a break from their usual paranormal investigations, they expect nothing more than sun, surf, and good times. However, their plans take a dark turn when Trey, an old acquaintance, insists on a visit to the legendary Na Pali Coast and the infamous Belle Estate.

The other big thing I made note of was that there was a lot of “tell, not show” throughout. There’s a heavy focus on dialogue to progress the story rather than seeing into the boys’ inner thoughts and using other means to find out information. (I’m not one to talk, though, since I also focus more on dialogue than description.) It sometimes made it difficult to fully get into the story. I struggled with developing a picture of what the Belle Estate looked like, or what the other characters (beside SNC, Nate, and Alex) looked like. In terms of the boys, it seemed very reliant on us knowing who Sam and Colby are and what they’re all about (which is fair, since probably 99.9% of people who bought the book are fans of them but, if they want success outside of their audience, it could’ve been more descriptive in that regard). Overall, I enjoyed this book. I generally enjoy stories like this, but there were a few moments throughout the novel where things just fell a bit flat. If you’re in the business of connecting with the who’s who of the celebrity world, then The Handbook is nothing short of a digital Aladdin’s lamp. I’m living proof of the doors it can open. Ten years ago, as a hopeful entrepreneur with a dream to weave my brand into the fabric of high-profile fashion, I stumbled upon The Handbook. Little did I know, it would dramatically pivot my business journey.Honestly, I read it bc I'm a huge Gaby Triana/Gabrielle Keyes fan. As someone almost old enough to be Sam or Colby's mom had I made different decisions in HS (and had the pool of potentials not been little Eminem wannabes) I was skeptical about how "bro"-y this book would be. Alex betraying the boys? So interesting! This was one of the few things that made sense in terms of them being drugged. But then when he was betrayed when Pauahi (who’s name was misspelled a few different times in the book) escaped? Ugh, amazing. We love instant karma like that. The start was so calm and like any vacation would go, mostly planned. But then visiting Trey and all. That messed everything up, it all began from there, it was suspicious from the beginning, being so far from civilisation. This story proved that some go insane over something like that it so insane to think about. I feel bad for Trey, his life was wasted for something so small, I cannot even imagine what it's like. Honestly this book was something else completely, I usually read romance or such but this has actually made me see more what the world can be like. Speaking of characters, the introduction of Trey was...meh. I wish we could’ve gotten more insight on why Colby was so adamant about not liking Trey and why Nate was so gung ho to ditch their plans to go to the North side of the island for this guy they barely knew. Finding out that Colby didn’t like Trey because he said college was the only way to success was such an odd thing? Like, undoubtedly there’s been many people who would’ve said that, so does Colby also dislike everyone who’s said that or is there a more specific reason he didn’t like Trey? Just...👏🏻 more 👏🏻 inner 👏🏻 thoughts 👏🏻 please 👏🏻 and 👏🏻 thank 👏🏻 you 👏🏻

There was a nice sense of nostalgia throughout, specifically when they brought up their YouTube channel, their Vine days, them being arrested, wining a Teen Choice Award, and Corey and the Shadowman. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and reminded me of how proud I am for how far they’ve come. After changing their own lives drastically, Sam and Colby wished to teach other people the same life lessons that they had learned through their friendship by creating content based around humor, authenticity, and exploration. It’s been the exploration, particularly around spooky and sometimes paranormal places, that has caught on like wildfire with their audience. They’ve taken millions of fans along their journeys into the lesser known, seen, and understood spaces of our planet. While their videos cover a broad range of their experiences, there are plenty of untold stories, sometimes scary and sometimes funny, around their stranger run-ins. It really shows and depicts Sam and Colby’s friendship. Which is my favourite friendship in the existence of friendships, and if you know them you know what I’m talking about. The bond they have is impeccable. Fantastic. It is beautiful beyond words and so rare.Gaby Triana writes some pretty scary stuff but took it up a million notches in this book. "Make the benign and beautiful terrifying" is done masterfully in this book. Had never heard of Sam & Colby (not really big on YT) but they have me hooked after this!

I also wasn’t a fan of how so many things plot-wise was just...told to the boys. They could’ve found some newspaper clippings or something, anything to make them put in a little bit of detective work. But for so much information to just be handed to them? It got old, and almost lazy. HOLY CRAP! This book is amazing! I read it all in one sitting & then had trouble falling asleep after.Speaking of being arrested, there was a moment where SNC were contemplating escaping to the beach and they had a conversation if it was worth being arrested again. I really loved that, especially with how much fans joke about them inevitably being arrested again.