Scan barcode
A review by thathappyreader
Someone Else's Bucket List by Amy T. Matthews
5.0
What an emotional, heart-warming read! It has been quite some time since I’ve let myself read this kind of book. Yes, I’d read the synopsis, but nothing prepared me for the first few chapters of this book.
We are introduced to Instagram influencer Bree who suddenly finds herself in the hospital never knowing that she would never step foot outside of this building again. Indeed, the first several chapters of the book are Bree’s reflections as she remembers the story of her life. The reader is introduced to all of those who Bree holds dearly as they provide support to her through this long hospitalization and her eventual death. This was a meaningful yet difficult read for me, as those around me also battle cancer. I will say I’m so glad that I stuck with this story.
The book jumps to the family’s first Thanksgiving after Bree’s death. The family’s individual grieving is palpable and heartbreaking. The impact of paying for Bree’s hospital and medical treatment is devastating. Bree had predicted and planned what the family would be going through as they attempted to celebrate this first holiday without her. What they didn’t know is that Bree had recorded several messages to her family and followers on Instagram including a plan to get her family out of debt. That is, for her younger sister Jodie to complete Bree’s bucket list.
Jodie is not the outgoing and adventurous woman her older sister was and the challenges which she must complete take her completely out of her comfort zone. What she doesn’t know is that Bree chose her to complete her list for this very reason.
There are many hilarious moments as we journey with Jodie as she completes each task. I loved the metamorphosis we see transpire in Jodie as the story progresses and the resultant changes in the rest of her family. I fell in love with each of these characters – for their strength, determination and ability to move on after tragedy. This story is sure to stay with me for many years to come.
I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction.
4.5 stars/5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
We are introduced to Instagram influencer Bree who suddenly finds herself in the hospital never knowing that she would never step foot outside of this building again. Indeed, the first several chapters of the book are Bree’s reflections as she remembers the story of her life. The reader is introduced to all of those who Bree holds dearly as they provide support to her through this long hospitalization and her eventual death. This was a meaningful yet difficult read for me, as those around me also battle cancer. I will say I’m so glad that I stuck with this story.
The book jumps to the family’s first Thanksgiving after Bree’s death. The family’s individual grieving is palpable and heartbreaking. The impact of paying for Bree’s hospital and medical treatment is devastating. Bree had predicted and planned what the family would be going through as they attempted to celebrate this first holiday without her. What they didn’t know is that Bree had recorded several messages to her family and followers on Instagram including a plan to get her family out of debt. That is, for her younger sister Jodie to complete Bree’s bucket list.
Jodie is not the outgoing and adventurous woman her older sister was and the challenges which she must complete take her completely out of her comfort zone. What she doesn’t know is that Bree chose her to complete her list for this very reason.
There are many hilarious moments as we journey with Jodie as she completes each task. I loved the metamorphosis we see transpire in Jodie as the story progresses and the resultant changes in the rest of her family. I fell in love with each of these characters – for their strength, determination and ability to move on after tragedy. This story is sure to stay with me for many years to come.
I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction.
4.5 stars/5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.