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Thank You for the Days
When you’re looking for love amid the mundane and the ridiculous, every day counts.
Luke Milvaine is a drifting thirty-something stuck in a dead-end job with an even deader love life. But when an old school friend dies suddenly, they leave Luke with a cockapoo puppy and a bizarre to celebrate a different fake holiday every day for a year.
Shower with a Friend Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, National Burger Day . . .
What starts as a ridiculous stunt becomes a life-changing journey filled with strange encounters, surprising friendships, and the unexpected realization that love might be right under his nose. With humor, heart, and a dash of absurdity, Luke discovers that sometimes, the biggest adventure is learning to appreciate the little things and rethink what—and who—truly matter.
From the acclaimed author of The Wolf in the Woods, Thank You for the Days is an entertaining novel about finding meaning in the everyday and learning to live with purpose.
Luke Milvaine is a drifting thirty-something stuck in a dead-end job with an even deader love life. But when an old school friend dies suddenly, they leave Luke with a cockapoo puppy and a bizarre to celebrate a different fake holiday every day for a year.
Shower with a Friend Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, National Burger Day . . .
What starts as a ridiculous stunt becomes a life-changing journey filled with strange encounters, surprising friendships, and the unexpected realization that love might be right under his nose. With humor, heart, and a dash of absurdity, Luke discovers that sometimes, the biggest adventure is learning to appreciate the little things and rethink what—and who—truly matter.
From the acclaimed author of The Wolf in the Woods, Thank You for the Days is an entertaining novel about finding meaning in the everyday and learning to live with purpose.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2024
84 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 17, 2024
Luke Milvaine’s decision to celebrate a holiday every day of the year sets in train a journey of unforgettable encounters and unexpected friendships as he slowly reassesses his priorities and comes to appreciate the people that matter most to him.
Luke’s story is both relatable and inspiring; he's a thirty-something in a rut – oblivious both to his deficiencies and his good qualities. A questing knight, a damaged soul, his eyes are slowly opened to the world around him. As readers we root for him to understand that the love he’s seeking may be much closer than he thinks.
Thank You For The Days is a superb romantic comedy and belated coming-of-age story – a hilarious and poignant reminder that life's big adventures can be hidden in the most ordinary days if only we take the time to appreciate them.
Brotzel’s writing is full of his customary wit and charm, at some points laugh-out-loud funny and at others achingly sad. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a feel-good story about love, personal growth and the joy of life’s little moments!
Luke’s story is both relatable and inspiring; he's a thirty-something in a rut – oblivious both to his deficiencies and his good qualities. A questing knight, a damaged soul, his eyes are slowly opened to the world around him. As readers we root for him to understand that the love he’s seeking may be much closer than he thinks.
Thank You For The Days is a superb romantic comedy and belated coming-of-age story – a hilarious and poignant reminder that life's big adventures can be hidden in the most ordinary days if only we take the time to appreciate them.
Brotzel’s writing is full of his customary wit and charm, at some points laugh-out-loud funny and at others achingly sad. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a feel-good story about love, personal growth and the joy of life’s little moments!
November 17, 2024
I couldn't put this book down, I loved the idea of the daily challenges, I laughed my way through this book .
Dan has such a knack for creating believable characters.
Dan has such a knack for creating believable characters.
January 16, 2025
3.5 stars an overall enjoyable read, however I wasn't fully sold on Holly and Luke's relationship they didn't seem to have much chemistry it felt more like a easy/convenient way to tie up the loose end. I'm also mildly concerned that Luke needs professional help regarding his behaviour towards Yasmine, he did have some character development though and I liked that he fixed his relationship with Alan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
My thanks to LibraryThing and Bloodhound books for my e-ARC.
Just back from attending the funeral of Gavin, someone he had a tenuous relationship with, Luke discovers that he was left an inheritance : Ziggy, the deceased’s dog.
Then there is the “Make Every Day Count Challenge,” monitored and blogged by Dom, his roommate. This tongue-in-cheek activity entailed choosing and properly observing one of the random, ubiquitous dates assigned to people and objects. This would, of course, be rewarded. But Luke wondered if the reward was worth the embarrassment and humiliation.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It had a unique premise. It was amusing(laugh out loud hilarious, at times) and quirky. Still, it had its emotional moments. I also enjoyed Luke’s relationship dynamics with his family and co-workers. But it had no real plot so it may have been better suited as blog posts. The appendices were a worthwhile inclusion. I found them to be interesting and informative. But the book took me an inordinate amount of time to finish.
Just back from attending the funeral of Gavin, someone he had a tenuous relationship with, Luke discovers that he was left an inheritance : Ziggy, the deceased’s dog.
Then there is the “Make Every Day Count Challenge,” monitored and blogged by Dom, his roommate. This tongue-in-cheek activity entailed choosing and properly observing one of the random, ubiquitous dates assigned to people and objects. This would, of course, be rewarded. But Luke wondered if the reward was worth the embarrassment and humiliation.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It had a unique premise. It was amusing(laugh out loud hilarious, at times) and quirky. Still, it had its emotional moments. I also enjoyed Luke’s relationship dynamics with his family and co-workers. But it had no real plot so it may have been better suited as blog posts. The appendices were a worthwhile inclusion. I found them to be interesting and informative. But the book took me an inordinate amount of time to finish.
December 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the way in which the relationships gradually unfolded. Luke Milvaine is in his thirties, he hasn’t seen his dad for years because he’s flying around the world on business, his mum died a few years ago and he lives in a flat share with Dom in the basement of his stepdad’s house. His young half brother Milo and half-sister Grace live there too along with inherited cockapoo Ziggy. Luke is in love with Yasmine (the One) even though they have only met once.
Luke works as a content creator at a somewhat dysfunctional company with Holly (she’s lovely), Muriel (she’s on the spectrum though of what I’m not sure), bosses father and daughter Greg and Phaedra, who are always at loggerheads, and a group of assorted misfits. He really wants to ‘escape’.
Luke’s life at this point seems boring and pointless, and he needs something to focus on, other than his annoying obsession with Yasmine (the One). You’re not fifteen Luke. It wasn’t even a seven-day holiday romance in Benidorm. He needs a challenge. So that’s when he begins his life-changing year of celebrating a different fake (actually they are not all fake – there really is a Talk-Like-A-Pirate-Day) holiday every day for a year, for charity. He’s also going to publish a blog, recording his escapades.
The book is also very educational. Thank you to the author for telling me about the origin of the Poinsettia (I have two on the go at the moment) even if I don’t believe it and also for teaching me how to spell Poinsettia – ie putting the second ‘i’ in the right place, I think. Apologies to Mrs Hart but I hate fig rolls. What’s wrong with a chocolate hob nob? And thank you for introducing me to so many useless special days. I will definitely be avoiding the gimp day, the roller-coaster day (I’m with Luke on that one) and the stand up comedy day.
But if I was doing the challenge, I quite fancy these:
June 26th is National Cream Tea Day, easy peasy.
July 7th is World Chocolate Day. You know what to do.
August 18th is National Bad Poetry Day. For many that’s every day.
And October 26th is Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night. Luke may have done this one – I can’t remember. I could go on – don’t worry I won’t.
Many thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Luke works as a content creator at a somewhat dysfunctional company with Holly (she’s lovely), Muriel (she’s on the spectrum though of what I’m not sure), bosses father and daughter Greg and Phaedra, who are always at loggerheads, and a group of assorted misfits. He really wants to ‘escape’.
Luke’s life at this point seems boring and pointless, and he needs something to focus on, other than his annoying obsession with Yasmine (the One). You’re not fifteen Luke. It wasn’t even a seven-day holiday romance in Benidorm. He needs a challenge. So that’s when he begins his life-changing year of celebrating a different fake (actually they are not all fake – there really is a Talk-Like-A-Pirate-Day) holiday every day for a year, for charity. He’s also going to publish a blog, recording his escapades.
The book is also very educational. Thank you to the author for telling me about the origin of the Poinsettia (I have two on the go at the moment) even if I don’t believe it and also for teaching me how to spell Poinsettia – ie putting the second ‘i’ in the right place, I think. Apologies to Mrs Hart but I hate fig rolls. What’s wrong with a chocolate hob nob? And thank you for introducing me to so many useless special days. I will definitely be avoiding the gimp day, the roller-coaster day (I’m with Luke on that one) and the stand up comedy day.
But if I was doing the challenge, I quite fancy these:
June 26th is National Cream Tea Day, easy peasy.
July 7th is World Chocolate Day. You know what to do.
August 18th is National Bad Poetry Day. For many that’s every day.
And October 26th is Worldwide Howl at the Moon Night. Luke may have done this one – I can’t remember. I could go on – don’t worry I won’t.
Many thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2024
"Admittedly the point of it all was still not really clear, but then epiphanies never arrived promptly for Luke."
Dan Brotzel's newest novel Thank You for the Days is vastly more than a romantic comedy--its depth, warmth, and broader messages take hold from the first chapter. What seems at first a series of anecdotes and vignettes experienced by Luke Milvaine, the slightly-emotionally-muddled main character, soon becomes a multi-faceted, compelling tale of growth and self-discovery.
The situations Luke encounters are recognizable, and relatable to "real life," yet seem fresh and are alternately fun or poignant (sometimes both). All of the characters, major or minor--and also relatable--play a part in Luke's journey. Entries from the imaginary "Dictionary of Office Life" pop up throughout the story, and probably deserve compilation into a publication of their own!
Dan Brotzel's writing is calm, clever, assured, edgy-on-demand, deeply sensitive, and always ready to crack wise. He makes it look easy, which is his great gift. Thank You for the Days deserves a read, and is worth several re-reads as well. The Wolf in the Woods and Dan's short-story collection Hotel du Jack should be next on your list.
Dan Brotzel's newest novel Thank You for the Days is vastly more than a romantic comedy--its depth, warmth, and broader messages take hold from the first chapter. What seems at first a series of anecdotes and vignettes experienced by Luke Milvaine, the slightly-emotionally-muddled main character, soon becomes a multi-faceted, compelling tale of growth and self-discovery.
The situations Luke encounters are recognizable, and relatable to "real life," yet seem fresh and are alternately fun or poignant (sometimes both). All of the characters, major or minor--and also relatable--play a part in Luke's journey. Entries from the imaginary "Dictionary of Office Life" pop up throughout the story, and probably deserve compilation into a publication of their own!
Dan Brotzel's writing is calm, clever, assured, edgy-on-demand, deeply sensitive, and always ready to crack wise. He makes it look easy, which is his great gift. Thank You for the Days deserves a read, and is worth several re-reads as well. The Wolf in the Woods and Dan's short-story collection Hotel du Jack should be next on your list.
December 31, 2024
“Luke Milvaine is a drifting 30-something stuck in a dead-end job with an even deader love life. Then the sudden death of a school friend leaves him with a cockapoo puppy and a bizarre challenge: to celebrate a different fake holiday every day for a year.
Shower With a Friend Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, National Burger Day…
What starts as a ridiculous stunt becomes a life-changing journey filled with strange encounters, surprising friendships, and the unexpected realisation that love might be right under his nose. With humour, heart, and a dash of absurdity, Luke discovers that sometimes, the biggest adventure is learning to appreciate the little things and rethink what – and who – truly matters.
Thank You for the Days is a humorous, heartfelt journey about finding meaning in the mundane and learning to live with purpose.”
Thank you Dan Brotzel for a digital copy of this joyful book. The characters are relatable and the book is full of warmth and humour. I loved the concept of celebrating the days of the year dedicated to something or other or anything it seems! My favourite quote from the book is ‘No present like time’ - how true this is. The importance of life and love and living each day is what I took from this book. A really enjoyable read!
Shower With a Friend Day, Talk Like Shakespeare Day, National Burger Day…
What starts as a ridiculous stunt becomes a life-changing journey filled with strange encounters, surprising friendships, and the unexpected realisation that love might be right under his nose. With humour, heart, and a dash of absurdity, Luke discovers that sometimes, the biggest adventure is learning to appreciate the little things and rethink what – and who – truly matters.
Thank You for the Days is a humorous, heartfelt journey about finding meaning in the mundane and learning to live with purpose.”
Thank you Dan Brotzel for a digital copy of this joyful book. The characters are relatable and the book is full of warmth and humour. I loved the concept of celebrating the days of the year dedicated to something or other or anything it seems! My favourite quote from the book is ‘No present like time’ - how true this is. The importance of life and love and living each day is what I took from this book. A really enjoyable read!
December 31, 2024
This is a cute idea for a romance. After the death of a man from his year in school, Luke decides to try and embrace life better by engaging in an admittedly foolish game of celebrating one bizarre holiday a day for a full year. Slowly, he brings a much larger community of participants from his office and life into the game. And eventually, he comes to recognize that he hasn’t been living his real life but that it isn’t too late to focus on what is truly important to him.
There are no surprises in this book. We realize immediately that the long distance (and fictional) relationship with the love of his life isn’t going to work out and that his best friend at the office is that love. But what makes this novel work is the intense amount of thought that Brotzel put into showing that relationship with the best friend. I don’t want to spoil the book, but there is a lot of effort that goes into showing that these two really do connect as few people do.
My only complaint is that Brotzel really takes his time in getting to that moment of realization. The journey is worthwhile, but it is also very long.
There are no surprises in this book. We realize immediately that the long distance (and fictional) relationship with the love of his life isn’t going to work out and that his best friend at the office is that love. But what makes this novel work is the intense amount of thought that Brotzel put into showing that relationship with the best friend. I don’t want to spoil the book, but there is a lot of effort that goes into showing that these two really do connect as few people do.
My only complaint is that Brotzel really takes his time in getting to that moment of realization. The journey is worthwhile, but it is also very long.
January 14, 2025
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was intrigued by the title and synopsis of this book. It took me a little while to get comfortable with it, but once I sat myself down with a good chunk of time daily, I seemed to sail through it easily.
Luke finds a listing of all the silly days we see on a calendar and his housemates cajole him into taking on the challenge of doing one of them each day. On multiple silly days, they have a meeting and decide which one to do and possibilities of what to do for each one. Guidelines are set and the challenge is accepted with a blog set up to keep him honest in his pursuit.
Herein lies the fun, while sometimes it got confusing to follow the train of thought, other times there was comedy to abound with the things they came up with. Along the way, Luke has to fend off questions about his love life with Yasmine - is there really one? He and his work mate spend tons of time making up silly entries for a dictionary to use in an office and some of the entries are just too comical.
I was intrigued by the title and synopsis of this book. It took me a little while to get comfortable with it, but once I sat myself down with a good chunk of time daily, I seemed to sail through it easily.
Luke finds a listing of all the silly days we see on a calendar and his housemates cajole him into taking on the challenge of doing one of them each day. On multiple silly days, they have a meeting and decide which one to do and possibilities of what to do for each one. Guidelines are set and the challenge is accepted with a blog set up to keep him honest in his pursuit.
Herein lies the fun, while sometimes it got confusing to follow the train of thought, other times there was comedy to abound with the things they came up with. Along the way, Luke has to fend off questions about his love life with Yasmine - is there really one? He and his work mate spend tons of time making up silly entries for a dictionary to use in an office and some of the entries are just too comical.
November 17, 2024
Smart, funny, layered, feel-good
Luke writes advertising copy for companies, he lives with a housemate he barely knows, and he is terminally single… whilst also in hopelessly in love with someone he barely knows and never sees. When life throws him a curveball – the death of a school friend – he finds himself with a puppy, Ziggy, and a challenge to observe a different ‘special day’ every day for a year.
This book is funny, tender, thoughtful, sad, and thoroughly engaging. Dan Brotzel has created the perfect character in Luke. He is likeable, but also makes you want to pull your hair out sometimes, especially when he persists in ignoring the obvious. Whilst there are many moments of brilliant humour, this book will make you think about life and what’s really important. Be prepared to shed a few tears, both happy and sad when you read this book.
It takes skill to create a story so heartfelt and heartwarming, and Dan has achieved that in spades.
Luke writes advertising copy for companies, he lives with a housemate he barely knows, and he is terminally single… whilst also in hopelessly in love with someone he barely knows and never sees. When life throws him a curveball – the death of a school friend – he finds himself with a puppy, Ziggy, and a challenge to observe a different ‘special day’ every day for a year.
This book is funny, tender, thoughtful, sad, and thoroughly engaging. Dan Brotzel has created the perfect character in Luke. He is likeable, but also makes you want to pull your hair out sometimes, especially when he persists in ignoring the obvious. Whilst there are many moments of brilliant humour, this book will make you think about life and what’s really important. Be prepared to shed a few tears, both happy and sad when you read this book.
It takes skill to create a story so heartfelt and heartwarming, and Dan has achieved that in spades.
November 17, 2024
Thank You for the Days by Dan Brotzel is the story of a man who observes a different holiday each day for a year.
Luke's life is predictable and boring, until one of his old school friends passes away and he gets swept up in a strange adventure. The challenge involves him celebrating a different holiday each day, documenting the results, and raising money for a charity. Throughout the year, Luke breaks out of his shell, meets new people, and most importantly, learns surprising things about himself and those closest to him.
I couldn't put this book down! The novel is the perfect mix of funny and serious. The engaging characters, quirky holidays, and laugh-out-loud scenes make it a joy to read. I also really enjoyed Dan Brotzel's engaging, tongue-in-cheek writing style. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes an upbeat, funny, and sometimes slightly absurd story.
Luke's life is predictable and boring, until one of his old school friends passes away and he gets swept up in a strange adventure. The challenge involves him celebrating a different holiday each day, documenting the results, and raising money for a charity. Throughout the year, Luke breaks out of his shell, meets new people, and most importantly, learns surprising things about himself and those closest to him.
I couldn't put this book down! The novel is the perfect mix of funny and serious. The engaging characters, quirky holidays, and laugh-out-loud scenes make it a joy to read. I also really enjoyed Dan Brotzel's engaging, tongue-in-cheek writing style. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who likes an upbeat, funny, and sometimes slightly absurd story.
November 26, 2024
What a refreshingly different read! I really enjoyed it. Luke is fixated on “The one”, whilst Holly is desperately working her way through a series of disastrous dates. Their work in a writing agency is unfulfilling, so they amuse themselves by compiling an alternative sort of dictionary of terms for situations they encounter in the workplace. Luke is challenged to celebrate every day of the year, by carrying out the actions suggested by the day. These involve bizarre acts such as hugging a stranger, thanking the postal worker or speaking in Shakespearean English. He is spurred on by his flat mate, Dom, and encouraged by his step siblings and stepfather. Along the way he uncovers truths about himself and his friends and family, learning to become more open minded and empathetic. This is a witty and clever novel, that kept me engaged and amused. A definite hit.
December 27, 2024
A very enjoyable read.
The plot around Luke celebrating a year full of special days whilst he goes through a journey of self-discovery, made this a different sort of book from the usual "contemporary fiction" books I have read. The characters were well drawn, making me emotionally invested in Luke's story and that of the other characters such as his flatmate Dom, half-siblings Milo & Grace, and his colleague Holly.
This was often an emotional read, especially as it got closer to the end and more revelations by Luke were made.
I didn't find it cheesy like some books in this genre can be, the humour was just the right side, sometimes satirical, keeping the flow of the story going.
This is the second book by this author (previously enjoyed "Work in Progress" which the author co-wrote) and I hope it won't be the last.
The plot around Luke celebrating a year full of special days whilst he goes through a journey of self-discovery, made this a different sort of book from the usual "contemporary fiction" books I have read. The characters were well drawn, making me emotionally invested in Luke's story and that of the other characters such as his flatmate Dom, half-siblings Milo & Grace, and his colleague Holly.
This was often an emotional read, especially as it got closer to the end and more revelations by Luke were made.
I didn't find it cheesy like some books in this genre can be, the humour was just the right side, sometimes satirical, keeping the flow of the story going.
This is the second book by this author (previously enjoyed "Work in Progress" which the author co-wrote) and I hope it won't be the last.
January 1, 2025
Luke Melvain's mediocre life stepped up a bit when a recently deceased friend bequeathed him with a cockapoo puppy. However, It was Milo's (Luke's half brother) idea with the approval and agreement of Dom (Luke's flat mate), to celebrate each calendar day for a National Day or fake holiday to give more meaning to Luke's existence. Henceforth, Luke had to meet the challenges of observing a silly day every day for the year 2022.
The narrative was comical, ludicrous and full of hilarious moments as Luke comes up with the courage and perseverance to overcome the ordeal of commemorating a made-up holiday. In the end, his efforts were rewarded with personal growth, a widening of his horizon and a surprise betrothal. This was a light, easy-to read, engaging and entertaining book!
The narrative was comical, ludicrous and full of hilarious moments as Luke comes up with the courage and perseverance to overcome the ordeal of commemorating a made-up holiday. In the end, his efforts were rewarded with personal growth, a widening of his horizon and a surprise betrothal. This was a light, easy-to read, engaging and entertaining book!
December 7, 2024
When you experience the death of a friend the days that follow are filled with grief. But when Luke is challenged by Milo to complete a challenge based on Chase's Calendar of Events, he experiences much more than grief. From this challenge comes thoughts that maybe love is closer than he thinks and learning exactly who matters.
My first book by Dan Brotzel but his writing style and humor leave me wanting to read more of his books.
I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
My first book by Dan Brotzel but his writing style and humor leave me wanting to read more of his books.
I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
December 15, 2024
This is my first read by this author, but I was obsessed by the front cover and had to grab it to see where this would lead.
I was quite surprised to find this was a lovely romcom and all written from the mmc pov, which doesn't happen too often.
I loved Luke and his mission to experience and celebrate a different holiday each day for a year.
The slow dawning and self realisation that happened along the way - the new friends, the slowing down of life and finding the happiness that was really there all along.
This really made me want to reassess my own life and take things much slower.
Luke was a great character to explore and there were so many relatable qualities that I feel so many people will connect with - however, this then meant that reading his story became an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows - I did well up in places as well as laughing at the more humourous scenes.
The writing style was engaging and easy to read and I got sucked into this straight from the off - racing through to the end.
A really enjoyable read and an author that I can't wait to read more of in the future.
I was quite surprised to find this was a lovely romcom and all written from the mmc pov, which doesn't happen too often.
I loved Luke and his mission to experience and celebrate a different holiday each day for a year.
The slow dawning and self realisation that happened along the way - the new friends, the slowing down of life and finding the happiness that was really there all along.
This really made me want to reassess my own life and take things much slower.
Luke was a great character to explore and there were so many relatable qualities that I feel so many people will connect with - however, this then meant that reading his story became an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows - I did well up in places as well as laughing at the more humourous scenes.
The writing style was engaging and easy to read and I got sucked into this straight from the off - racing through to the end.
A really enjoyable read and an author that I can't wait to read more of in the future.
January 31, 2025
The title pulled me in instantly with this one! I loved the idea of celebrating a new fake holiday each day as I have often fallen into the holiday celebrating myself. This book ended up being so much more than I expected! The main characters growth at the end is incredible to see. You get a little bit of everything with this book: happiness, sadness, and laughter; and so many life lessons along the way. Highly recommend!
December 5, 2025
This is a great idea, perfectly executed. Our hero, searching for more meaning in life, decides to mark increasing bizarre calendar days for one year to win a bet. But cleverly, the author uses this as a device for a hilarious romp on family, friendship and a page-turning will-they-won't-they romance. Anyone who has had a temperamental boss will love Brotzel's laugh-out-loud take on a very dysfunctional office culture. Highly recommended.
November 26, 2024
Following the funeral of one of his school friends Luke inherits his dog, whilst walking his new charge he comes upon a book exchange, the book he picks leads to an extraordinary year of challenge.
This is a beautifully written book where you follow Luke on his journey with his challenge and with his relationships with friends and family.
Well written and a joy to read.
This is a beautifully written book where you follow Luke on his journey with his challenge and with his relationships with friends and family.
Well written and a joy to read.
December 4, 2024
What does it take to shake someone out of their rut? A puppy and a dare from your housemate should do it! This book is more than a romcom, more than a coming of age (slightly late) story, more than a slightly hapless man who can't see what's in front of him. Laugh out loud funny at times, muttering in frustration as Luke blunders through his life at others, I loved this book! Highly recommend it
December 8, 2024
A new author to me and while I enjoyed this story, I also found it very easy to put down and walk away. Some parts tended to drag out and other parts needed more detail. I did smile often throughout the story, but some of the humour went over my head (I'm an Aussie).
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
December 24, 2024
It was alright. I had a hard time getting into the book. I felt like it was very wordy. Later in the book I got into it and it was good. I’m in the middle about reading other books by this author. The writing style wasn’t my type of style I enjoy reading.
I received a complimentary copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only.
I received a complimentary copy of the book via Voracious Readers Only.
January 5, 2025
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting scenario which mostly felt to be honest and humorous, due to the broad strokes depicting the main character.
I really enjoyed some of the days, especially the language driven ones, but found some a little boring.
But of course, you can 't please everyone can you?
An interesting scenario which mostly felt to be honest and humorous, due to the broad strokes depicting the main character.
I really enjoyed some of the days, especially the language driven ones, but found some a little boring.
But of course, you can 't please everyone can you?
January 12, 2025
I received a digital ARC of this book, and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this one - a clever and original concept, especially when you find out that the author, Dan, actually did this in 2022 and that's where the idea for the novel came from. Light, funny and engaging, and with a cute cockapoo on the cover. What's not to like?!
March 25, 2025
I received a free ARC of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers and am leaving this review voluntarily.
After attending a funeral for a friend, 30 something Luke is bequeathed a cockapoo puppy named Ziggy. In an effort to "make each day count", he decides to celebrate one silly holiday, every day. This was an interesting idea and I enjoyed seeing how each holiday was celebrated.
After attending a funeral for a friend, 30 something Luke is bequeathed a cockapoo puppy named Ziggy. In an effort to "make each day count", he decides to celebrate one silly holiday, every day. This was an interesting idea and I enjoyed seeing how each holiday was celebrated.
November 26, 2024
I had so much hope for this book and it wasn't bad just fell a little flat. The premise of the story was good and the adventures were sometimes quite enjoyable. There were really no unlikable characters so that's always a plus.
December 11, 2024
A really lovely read. The hapless main character is instantly likeable & I love the concept of the daily challenges celebrating some highly obscure days & how this weaves into his life. Would recommend as a nice, easy read.
November 17, 2024
Fab book, and fab writer. Another classic from Dan that had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend this heartwarming and relatable story which is a real page turner!
December 9, 2024
3 1/2 stars
November 25, 2024
I picked this book up thinking it would be one of those like “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books, where I could just read a day at a time and have a feel good moment.
Nope, this book is not like that. It is better.
I laughed out loud multiple times. I went to my calendar and was like, “Wait, that holiday exists?!?”
As a dog lover, the beginning of chapter two really tugged on my heart strings—“Luke did not want a dog, did not know how to have a dog, but also had no idea how to turn a dog down that had been offered to him as the dying wish of an ancient schoolmate who had allegedly referred to him with exquisite ambiguity as ‘the one true friend I never had’. This was news to Luke, and he did wonder if Jamie had misheard the name Gav had whispered, or if there was in fact another Luke that Gav had been properly friendly with in recent years.” I mean COME ON; the author had me with that opening.
If you find yourself needing a funny, laugh out loud, feel-good book, I’d recommend this one. Great winter-day read.
Nope, this book is not like that. It is better.
I laughed out loud multiple times. I went to my calendar and was like, “Wait, that holiday exists?!?”
As a dog lover, the beginning of chapter two really tugged on my heart strings—“Luke did not want a dog, did not know how to have a dog, but also had no idea how to turn a dog down that had been offered to him as the dying wish of an ancient schoolmate who had allegedly referred to him with exquisite ambiguity as ‘the one true friend I never had’. This was news to Luke, and he did wonder if Jamie had misheard the name Gav had whispered, or if there was in fact another Luke that Gav had been properly friendly with in recent years.” I mean COME ON; the author had me with that opening.
If you find yourself needing a funny, laugh out loud, feel-good book, I’d recommend this one. Great winter-day read.
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