That Good Night

by Richard Probert

Condemned to spend his Golden Years cooped up in Sunset Nursing Home, 84-year-old Charlie Lambert refuses this ending for himself. With the help of an old sailing buddy living in Maine, Charlie plans to go AWOL permanently, buy a boat, and hit the high seas, where he will live out the remainder of his life on his own terms.

Nothing ever goes quite as planned, though, and as Charlie heads towards Maine on a 46-foot sailboat, he strikes up an unexpected romance with Abigail, a woman decades his junior. Things take a darker turn, though, when he discovers a former FBI agent-turned-insurance-investigator hot on his trail. Agent Roberts has been hired to find out what happened to Charlie: bring him back if he s alive, or determine he s dead so his estranged sons can collect on his life insurance policy. Roberts doesn t expect a fight from the old man, but that s just what he gets. Because Charlie has no intention of ever returning to Sunset, whether in handcuffs or a pine box.

Funny, heart-warming, and heart-breaking, "That Good Night" tells the story of a man who, rather than rail against going gentle into that good night, as Dylan Thomas wrote, instead wishes to simply sail into a sunset of his own choosing."

Genres: Novels

276 pages, Hardcover

First published July 18, 2016

Reviews

[Evann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off promising, I liked the dynamic between the young and the old, liked the idea of an escape and adventure but then absolutely nothing exciting happened. I don't know. I think it's kind of my fault. I saw this whole twist happening (possible faking of ones death, new love, new life, maybe a winky hint on the last page) and then there was zero twist and it was just strangely straightforward. I know it's not a mystery but it needed to be something more than it was. This happened, then this and nothing felt like it mattered. The cover is soft and appealing. Charlie was a likable, open-minded character. I just expected different and more.

won this in a goodreads giveaway. thanks to the publisher.

[Lauren H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book makes you reflect on the aging process. How do we want to spend the last few years of our life, and what do we subject our loved ones to in their final days? This book framed some thought provoking topics in a funny story, but overall was a little bit too much sailing and crude humor for me.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!! We all should live this free.

[Claudia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It brought to mind many wonderful memories of days spent sailing. The characters are endearing, especially Charlie, a wonderful old soul full of spunk and yearning. The colorful dialogue, humorous observations and evocative descriptions add much to the well-crafted story line. The premise of the book gives hope to those who wish to live life to the fullest and face its ending with dignity and courage. I will definitely read it again.

[Lesley Moseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 nearer I think.. Hard to believe this is a novel, and not a true story. I really enjoyed it. That's my idea of end-game choice rather than a few years in 'God's Waiting Room'.. Great writing and quite a hot pace... Also felt like I was sailing up the coast with him. It all felt very thrilling and ALIVE !!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I found it to be riveting, with very good characterization, an unusual plot, very well written, good vacalization between characters, thought provoking and touching (brought me to tears a couple of times), amusing parts, with a satisfying ending. One of the best books I've read in a long time. I dso feel it would appeal more to to mature readers.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will read it gain, and perhaps while I am cruising Nantucket to Maine.

Loved the language, even some of the coarse, unnecessary, gutter embellishment.
It's a love story, well told. A great ride ..... finished all too soon.

Dennis Utley, Alameda, CA, Bountiful, UT.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An 84 year old man escapes from a nursing home, leases a sailboat and enjoys his last months. A wonderful read!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book is the name of his sailboat.
Ah..Kennebec, Booth Bay Harbor, Cape Cod - memories.

[Sally Ann Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

An aging and adventure tale written with a clear eye, a large dollop of humor, and a philosophical bent. An entertaining read. -Sally Ann Sims, Author of Halt at X: A North of Boston Novel

[Ann Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Good Night is the best read for me in several years. I know nothing about sailing, but as nautical terms played an important part in dialogue and setting, I skipped not one word and at times felt next of kin with Charlie. And to ever have known a well-loved man as was Bob would have been magical.I sincerely thank whomever suggested this title to me, I thank, and in passing forward a recommendation to read this novel, I’m doing a great favor to serious readers

Please read what I wrote in the heading. I’m sure there are more than 20 words of praise for That Good Night.

[Linda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without one of my book clubs selecting this book, I would not have heard of it. It is funny, deep, sad and different all at the same time. I hated it had to end. I want to read more by this author. Old people can live full lives and that is more important than existing. I will be thinking about it, never forgetting the messages. I have never sailed long distance, but I’m ready now.

[Jill Robbertze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this light-hearted, easy to read, sometimes touching, sometimes amusing story of an Elderly Man who escapes his care-home to sail into the sunset both literally and figuratively. Charley has quite an adventure that keeps the reader turning the pages through to the end.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting subject matter -- senior citizen breaks out of nursing home & sails (literally) into his future.

[George Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is a creative look at living late in life, well developed and intriguing characters and an ingenious plot.

[Nicholas Quarrier · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK - not believable but a good sailing tale

[Jon Bergeron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Absolutely enticing read. With a plethora of perspective on love, life, forgiveness and solitude That Good Night is a splendid journey.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging little read that shows age is truly just a number.

[Tom McKeown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Thoughtful.

[Janet Evers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I love the writers style. When I read it, it was as if the author was sitting with me & telling the story. It’s funny, sad & realistic. It was the best book I’ve read. You’ll learn the ending before you start the actual story & you want to know how it happened. Great characters. So entertaining. I already bought 4 more copies to send to friends. Try it!!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Lambert was placed indignantly in Sunset Nursing Home against his will by his two children. He daringly makes his escape and with his own secret hidden funds, buys a boat and takes on the adventure and the ability to call the shots for himself. It is a book of insight into aging, choices we make and a lesson that we all can decide to choose the joy of life.

[Patrick Boyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are two narrative threads in this novel, one first person from Charley, the protagonist, which is great. The other is a supposed "log" or diary of the insurance detective who's trying to find Charley, and it is one of the lamest contrivances the author could have come up with. Add to that typos that spell check did not catch and you've got a strike against the publisher as well . Skip past the "log" bits quickly and you will enjoy the book as I did