Book content warning: suicidal ideation, death of friends and family, drinking/clubbing, estranged family

The Great Unexpected is a heartwarming story about an elderly man attempting to come to terms with his mortality. After witnessing the deaths of two people who were very dear to him, Joel begins to contemplate suicide. Joel's new roommate, Frank, gives him the friendship he really needs, and Joel himself learns how to be a good friend.

Having read several stories of this sort already, I pretty much knew how the story would play out after reading the first few chapters. That said, I didn't enjoy the story any less. I loved reading about Frank and Joel's shenanigans and I wanted to see how the two would help each other out. Watching both Frank and Joel transform into people who are more confident and comfortable with who they are was a satisfying experience. Mooney made me truly care for the protagonists, to the point where their heartbreak was my heartbreak. I think part of what makes the two characters so endearing (despite their orneriness) is their self-awareness. They both know they have issues and they admit it to themselves, even if they're not entirely sure how to deal with the issues in the beginning.

I wholeheartedly recommend this novel!