Score: 5/5 Bookmarks

How Not to Die Alone by Richard Roper takes us on a journey of life, death, friendships and second chances. The subject matter is pretty dark but the author delivers so many hysterical one-liners that you’ll find yourself laughing out loud every few pages. The dialogue (both spoken and internal) is expertly crafted and the characters are rich and heartwarming in all their flaws and strengths. An all-round charming read, and if you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman then you’ll love this book too.

Here is a little taste of what makes this book so good:

“No, no, I’m fine. I’m actually on a diet anyway. It’s the one where you eat an entire wheel of brie and then have a bit of a cry. You know the one?”

Andrew peered out from behind a tree across the street from Meredith’s house, picking at the price label on the cheapest bottle of wine he’d been able to find in the corner shop. (He was no expert, but he was pretty sure than Latvia wasn’t famed for its rosé.)

The music that was playing from concealed speakers throughout the house was, Meredith cheerfully informed him, by someone called Michael Bublé. “It’s Jazz!” she added, takin gthe wine from him. “Is it?” Andrew said, looking around for something hard and point to bash his face into.

I received this book through my Book of the Month membership before it was officially released. If you’d like to get your first Book of the Month club book for free use my referral link.

Get Books Before They’re Published!

I received this book before it was officially published, through Book of the Month (BOTM) club. The team over at BOTM read all the new books before they come out and narrow them down to the absolute best each month, which you can then choose from. Get a free book when you sign up using my affiliate link.

Synopsis:

A darkly funny and life-affirming debut novel. The story of one man who is offered a second chance at life and love when he develops an unexpected friendship--if he can expose the white lie he told years ago that grew into so much more.

Andrew's day-to-day is a little grim, searching for next of kin for those who die alone. Thankfully, he has a loving family waiting for him when he gets home, to help wash the day's cares away. At least, that's what his coworkers believe.

Andrew didn't mean for the misunderstanding to happen, yet he's become trapped in his own white lie. The fantasy of his wife and two kids has become a pleasant escape from his lonely one bedroom with only his Ella Fitzgerald records for company. But when new employee Peggy breezes into his life like a breath of fresh air, Andrew is shaken out of his routine. She doesn't notice the wall he's been safely hiding behind and their friendship promises to break it down.

Andrew must choose: Does he tell the truth and start really living his life, but risk losing his friendship with Peggy? Or will he stay safe and alone, behind the façade? How Not to Die Alone is about the importance of taking a chance in those moments when we have the most to lose. Sharp and funny, warm and real, it's the kind of big-hearted story we all need.