Library Loans - His Point of View

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How Not to Die Alone by Richard Roper
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on May 29, 2019
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

A darkly funny and life-affirming debut novel for readers of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine 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.

Oh, what a tangled web Andrew wove....

When Andrew first started his job at the Death Administration, he may have told his boss that he had a wife and two kids. Fast forward five years, and Andrew was so deeply entrenched in this fake life, he didn't see a way out. But after Andrew develops a friendship with his co-worker, Peggy, he really wants to come clean, and perhaps, have a chance at something real.

This is the second book I have read by Roper, and like This Disaster Loves You, the story was humorous, heartbreaking, and hopeful. The cast was stacked with quirky characters who definitely added to the fun, but the heart of this story was the beauty and power of human connection.

Andrew's job involved trying to locate a next of kin for someone who died alone. I could only imagine how difficult a job like this would be, to shift through a dead person's belongings to find someone, and how sad it was when you found no one. As someone who lived alone with no family, Andrew showed a lot of compassion. He would go above and beyond his duties and attend the funerals so that someone was there for the deceased. *sob*

Sounds sad, right? But it wasn't. There were a myriad of wacky, slapstick moments which seemed to plague Andrew and his co-workers. There was also the effervescent Peggy who was sweet and funny and understanding. There was the model train sub-forum and its members with so much enthusiasm for their hobby and a friendship that endeared them to me.

There was plenty of humor and cheer, but let me tell you, when I finally discovered the root of Andrew's pain, my heart cracked in two. I wished I could grab hold of him and hug him tightly. But as much as Andrew thought he was alone, he actually had some wonderful people in his corner.

Overall, this was a fun and lovely story about connection, grief, and friendship which really touched my heart.

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The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella
Published by Scribner on July 2, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

Three generations of Schmidts have run their family’s beachfront restaurant, and Jack has been at the helm since his father's death. He puts the demands of the restaurant above all else, with a string of failed relationships, no hobbies, and no days off as proof of his commitment to the place. He can’t remember the last time he sat on the beach or enjoyed a moment to himself.

Meanwhile, the DelDine group has been snapping up beloved eateries along this stretch of coast, and it is pursuing Jack with a very generous offer to take Schmidt’s off his hands. Jack craves companionship and maybe even a family. He wonders whether closing the door on the restaurant might open a window for him—but who would he be without Schmidt’s, and can he trust DelDine’s claims that it will continue to employ his staff and honor his family’s legacy?

This is my third time experiencing Joella's storytelling, and he continues to charm me. This time around, I found myself in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware where Jack Smith was struggling with a big decision. Feeling burned out, he was seriously contemplating selling the family restaurant that a Schmidt has run for three generations.

As Jack grappled with this decision, he found himself examining many important events and relationships from his past - his mother, his father, his fiancee, his first love, as well as others. He contemplated the impact they had on his life and where he was presently. 

There was also a lot happening in the present that was shaping Jack's future. There were some sad and even scary events, but there were also some lovely surprises and happy moments. A colorful cast of characters were there to push Jack along on his personal journey including Deacon and their fantastic bromance. Many of these people had been in his life for a long time, and Joella's exploration of these connections was something special.

There was a feeling of melancholy that hung over this entire story, but it fit the events of everyone involved in the story.  Overall, this was a touching story of family, friendship, legacy, and life. It was about the people and connections which make life memorable and help us keep moving forward.

Favorite beach spot?
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