Book Review: The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman PLUS: Giveaway!

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman
Published by: Arrow (1st Aug 2013)

The blurb:

Brett's Life List

1. Go to Paris
2. Perform live, on a super big stage
3. Have a baby, maybe two
4. Fall in love

Brett Bohlinger seems to have it all: a plum job, a spacious loft, an irresistibly handsome boyfriend. All in all, a charmed life. That is, until her beloved mother passes away, leaving behind a will with one big stipulation: In order to receive her inheritance, Brett must first complete the life list of goals she’d written when she was a naïve girl of fourteen.

Grief-stricken, Brett can barely make sense of her mother’s decision—her childhood dreams don’t resemble her ambitions at age thirty-four in the slightest. Some seem impossible. How can she possibly have a relationship with a father who died seven years ago? Other goals (Be an awesome teacher!) would require her to reinvent her entire future.

As Brett reluctantly embarks on a perplexing journey in search of her adolescent dreams, one thing becomes clear. Sometimes life’s sweetest gifts can be found in the most unexpected places.

Why you would love this:

If you come across this book, buy it. Just do so and read it and fall in love with it. I know I did. This book has given me the chance to believe in things I know I couldn't do unless I tried. Seriously, I hope after reading this review, you would not hesitate to get a copy.

The Life List follows the story of Brett Bohlinger, a thirty-something with a successful career, working in her mother's cosmetics company, a handsome boyfriend who is close to perfection and they live in a gorgeous loft. But all that comes crashing down when her mother passes away, leaving behind a Life List crafted by Brett when she was fourteen, to be accomplished. In order to receive her inheritance, Brett must tick everything off the list. Outrageous things like own a horse, have children, fall in love, all possible but quite impossible for Brett, seeing that she only has a year.

I have to put this out. I cannot not share it with you, my dear readers. I warmed up to Brett immediately. What I loved most about her was her close-knit relationship with her mum, as the theme of the entire novel seemed to be the importance of mother-daughter relationship. This book delivers such a wonderful, clear message to its readers. Of course, the characters were very well-written. It was really moving to read about the sacrifices Brett had to make to help the women's shelter. Just brilliant stuff.

I was riveted by the plot. I was definitely Brett's number one supporter, aside from her mother's attorney, Brad, that is. I really wanted Brett to accomplish every single one of the goals. As I read about how Brett manages to tick off every goal, I felt that Brett became a different person. Stronger, more down-to-earth, I guess it was all down to the list and her mother's encouragements. An incredibly uplifting book, this. I had tears in my eyes when Brett read every letter from her mum after accomplishing a goal.

Verdict:

Overall, I think this book is capable of changing the way you see things. I never thought being a teacher would be such a wonderful job. Psst. My mum's a teacher and I can see why she loves her job so much. We take things for granted, all of us and we don't know that the littlest and simplest of things can bring us happiness.

A brilliant debut novel about discovering where your heart really lies and falling in love because you listen to your heart. You will need tissues for this beautifully written book, so I think you should make yourself a cuppa and enjoy every page of it. I can't wait to read Lori's next book as this book is simply stunning!

Rating: 5/5

RACHEL MCADAMS as Brett

I think I'm biased, but I adore Rachel. She could play the role of every heroine, for me, that is!










Giveaway:
Fancy winning a copy of this amazing book?
Thanks to Arrow, I will be giving 5 copies of The Life List!

• Open to UK residents only.
• RT my tweet on Twitter.
• Closes on 19th August 2013, midnight (UK time).