I debated. I hem’ed. I haw’ed. I looked at tons of books. Pro and con lists were made. I even considered calling a psychic about what should the October Book Lovers Unite book be. I was *this close* to naming MOONRISE by Cassandra King- and yet, I held off. And then I made a choice (and one that I hope you, Book Lovers Unite folks, will like!) I chose: THE LIFE LIST by Lori Nelson Spielman!
Here’s the synopsis from Goodreads:
In this utterly charming debut — one woman sets out to complete her old list of childhood goals, and finds that her lifelong dreams lead her down a path she never expects.
1. Go to Paris
2. Perform live, on a super big stage
3. Have a baby, maybe two
4. Fall in loveBrett Bohlinger has forgotten all about the list of life goals she’d written as a naïve teenager. In fact, at thirty-four, Brett seems to have it all—a plum job at her family’s multimillion-dollar company and a spacious loft with her irresistibly handsome boyfriend. But when her beloved mother, Elizabeth, passes away, Brett’s world is turned upside down. Rather than simply naming her daughter the new CEO of Bohlinger Cosmetics, Elizabeth’s will comes with one big stipulation: Brett must fulfill the list of childhood dreams she made so long ago.
Grief-stricken, Brett can barely make sense of her mother’s decision. Some of her old hopes seem impossible. How can she possibly have a relationship with a father who died seven years ago? Other dreams (Be an awesome teacher!) would require her to reinvent her entire future. For each goal attempted, her mother has left behind a bittersweet letter, offering words of wisdom, warmth, and—just when Brett needs it—tough love.
As Brett struggles to complete her abandoned life list, one thing becomes clear: Sometimes life’s sweetest gifts can be found in the most unexpected places.
Reading schedule will be posted later this week- but go ahead and reserve the book from the library or buy from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local indie!
*Current prices: Amazon: $10.99 for paperback, $7.99 for Kindle; Barnes and Noble: $11.55 for paperback, $9.99 for Nook.
Lori has already agreed to a Q&A session- the format is to be determined, though. We may email her questions or have a set time for discussion with author on blog. As soon as I have those details finalized- you will know!
Spread the word- and tell your mama and friends to come to discuss this book with us!
Excited to read along.
Yay! Excited to discuss this book with ya’ll!
Thanks, Cindi! Excited to have you reading along!
This was a beautiful book, I hope I’ll be able to pop in and add to the discussion. Great choice T!
Thank you so much, Anita! Do try to pop in! I’d love you to be part of the discussion.
I hope so! LOVE this book!
You’ll love this book. This is one of my favourites of the year!
Aw, thank you so much, Isabelle!
I read it back in July- but so many of the others had not had a chance to read (plus I LOVED) so decided to pick it for October! Come chat with us if you can- it’s a def “more the merrier” type thing!
This sounds really good. I might read along with you on this one if I can get hold of the book 😀
Thank you, Helen! I hope you join us!
Helen-
You really need to because this book is so good (plus I think you’ll appreciate it since we have similar reading taste!)
I put a request in at the library so if it becomes available on time I’ll join in. I’d love to read it. Sounds really interesting. I would buy it but I spent my book budget this month and next months is already put aside for the new Stephen King lol!
And if you enjoyed it, then I’m sure I’ll love it 🙂
🙂 I hope you can join in- this book goes along perfectly with your Novel Natter post today!
It’s a sad one? Ohhhh now I have to join in then I can cry along with other people 🙂
It’s got some sad parts, yes! I cried a good bit during. It’s not a total cry-fest, tho!
I LOVED this book!
I’m so glad, Suzy! Thank you so much!
Thank you, Traveling With T! I am thrilled that you chose The Life List for your October Book Lovers Unite! Can’t wait to chat with you all!
We can’t wait to chat with you!
I’ll join the “LOVED IT” chorus. Looking forward to the discussion! 🙂
YES! I’m so ready for us to “fan-girl” over Lori and really get into a discussion of this book!
So glad you’re joining us, Orly! T, you make me laugh!
🙂 xoxo Lori!
I’d love to join too! I’m also in the LOVE this book group! It’s been one of my favorites of all time. I’m new to the online book club, but excited to get to talk about such a great novel with others who are reading it 🙂
Join in Heather, join in! Questions are posted every Friday- only thing, just don’t “spoil” the book for others- each week we only discuss what happened in the section we’re reading.
Other than that. not rules- except to have fun!
sounds great!! thanks for including me 🙂 I look forward to talking about this book and then being on the list for future reads! This is so fun
You are so welcome! My blog hosts the book club alternating months- you just join in whenever you see a book you want to read or discuss!
So happy you’re joining, Heather! XO