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I Liked My Life
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Debut Goodreads Author (2017)A story from debut author Abby Fabiaschi that is "as absorbing as it is illuminating, and as witty as it is heartbreaking."
Maddy is a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother, host of excellent parties, giver of thoughtful gifts, and bestower of a searingly perceptive piece of advice or two. She is the cornerstone of her family, a true matriarch...until she commits suicide, leaving her husband Brady and teenage daughter Eve heartbroken and reeling, wondering what happened. How could the exuberant, exacting woman they loved disappear so abruptly, seemingly without reason, from their lives? How they can possibly continue without her? As they sift through details of her last days, trying to understand the woman they thought they knew, Brady and Eve are forced to come to terms with unsettling truths.
Maddy, however, isn’t ready to leave her family forever. Watching from beyond, she tries to find the perfect replacement for herself. Along comes Rory: pretty, caring, and spontaneous, with just the right bit of edge...but who also harbors a tragedy of her own. Will the mystery of Maddy ever come to rest? And can her family make peace with their history and begin to heal?
Maddy is a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother, host of excellent parties, giver of thoughtful gifts, and bestower of a searingly perceptive piece of advice or two. She is the cornerstone of her family, a true matriarch...until she commits suicide, leaving her husband Brady and teenage daughter Eve heartbroken and reeling, wondering what happened. How could the exuberant, exacting woman they loved disappear so abruptly, seemingly without reason, from their lives? How they can possibly continue without her? As they sift through details of her last days, trying to understand the woman they thought they knew, Brady and Eve are forced to come to terms with unsettling truths.
Maddy, however, isn’t ready to leave her family forever. Watching from beyond, she tries to find the perfect replacement for herself. Along comes Rory: pretty, caring, and spontaneous, with just the right bit of edge...but who also harbors a tragedy of her own. Will the mystery of Maddy ever come to rest? And can her family make peace with their history and begin to heal?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2017
979 people are currently reading
21627 people want to read
About the author
Abby Fabiaschi
2 books586 followersAbby Fabiaschi is a human rights advocate and co-founder of Empower Her Network, a nonprofit that paves a path for survivors of human trafficking with a will for independence. In 2012 Abby resigned from her executive post in high tech to pursue a career in writing. I LIKED MY LIFE is her first novel. She and her family divide their time between West Hartford, Connecticut, and Park City, Utah. Learn more at www.abbyfabiaschi.com and www.empowerhernetwork.org.
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April 27, 2023
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I more than just liked, "I Liked My Life", I LOVED it!!
From the very first sentence I was hooked!
Madeline (Maddy) tells us.....
"I found the perfect wife for my husband" and "Recruitment is the least I can do"
You see Maddy is not among the living anymore, but she's not exactly gone either. She is somewhere not here. Her life is just out of reach. At first she wonders if she's in purgatory.
"The Last World sits unceremoniously like a movie screen below me. There's no spirit offering guidance"
She senses that this isn't her last stop. She feels like there is a world beyond where she is right now, but she doesn't see a path yet. There is just space and time....
So for now she's going to make the best of it. And that's where finding someone perfect for her husband, Brady comes in. However, she's not just looking for someone to make her husband happy. She's looking for someone to help her teenage daughter, Eve too. She doesn't feel like she can move on or find peace until she fixes things for her family.
Then Maddy spots Rory. Cool, calm, level-headed, lovely and she even likes to cook. Rory has the patience of a saint, from what Maddy can see. However, Rory has a lot going on in her life and has suffered through her own devastating loss. Maddy feels that Eve and Rory will be able to relate to each other. She's convinced that Rory is perfect for Brady and Eve and that they are perfect for her.
"This woman is my chance to make things right. My family deserves more than I left them"
*** Possibly very minor spoilers. Usually things that are already mentioned in the description or within the first few pages of the book.***
Maddy was a devoted and loving wife and mother. So what could possibly have made her take her life?
When we first meet Maddy's daughter, Eve, we can see right away how hard she is grieving. She's thinking about the fact that it's Mother's Day but that it's no longer a holiday for her. She's also thinking about how bad her father is at this parenting thing without her mom there to tell him what to do. Eve and Brady have been at each others throats lately and without Maddy there to smooth things over, things only seem to be getting worse.
Eve spends a lot of time on her own. Her friends don't know how to deal with someone who is mourning the loss of a parent. They either ignore it or go completely overboard. Her friend, Kara is a drama queen who even made a spectacle of herself at Eve's mother's funeral, crying as if she lost her own mother. Eve also feels incredibly guilty about how she thinks she treated her mother. She feels horrible about every time she may have forgotten to say thank you or every time she interrupted her and so many other things she may have said or not said to her mother. She wonders if it's her fault.
She doesn't know how she'll make it without her mother.
Then there's Maddy's husband, Brady. Brady is lost in his own grief (and glasses of bourbon). He cannot believe Maddy is dead, that she jumped off a building. He had no idea that anything was wrong. Even the last text she sent him was benign.
So why did she do it? How could she leave them?
Brady is so caught up in what he's going through that he's not aware of how much his daughter is suffering, and how much she needs him.
Brady and Eve attempt to work their way through a grief so unimaginable. At times they are almost positive they can feel her presence.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought how the story was told from multiple points of view worked very well. I LOVED how Maddy "communicated" with people from her perch/eye in the sky.
The characters and relationships felt very genuine. Oh did this book ever make me emotional. A few times I had to stop reading just to go hug my daughter....or call my mother. But it wasn't all sad, there were many lighthearted moments. Both Eve and Maddy were quite witty, with some great one-liners. I grew very attached to these characters and their stories. There was a lot going on and although some parts were unexpected, I thought it all fit together very well.
In my opinion, this was a fantastic novel. A story about love and loss, life and death, and above all healing and forgiveness. One of the best debut novels I've read.
Please hurry and write more for me to read, Abby Fabiaschi. I can't wait!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
I more than just liked, "I Liked My Life", I LOVED it!!
From the very first sentence I was hooked!
Madeline (Maddy) tells us.....
"I found the perfect wife for my husband" and "Recruitment is the least I can do"
You see Maddy is not among the living anymore, but she's not exactly gone either. She is somewhere not here. Her life is just out of reach. At first she wonders if she's in purgatory.
"The Last World sits unceremoniously like a movie screen below me. There's no spirit offering guidance"
She senses that this isn't her last stop. She feels like there is a world beyond where she is right now, but she doesn't see a path yet. There is just space and time....
So for now she's going to make the best of it. And that's where finding someone perfect for her husband, Brady comes in. However, she's not just looking for someone to make her husband happy. She's looking for someone to help her teenage daughter, Eve too. She doesn't feel like she can move on or find peace until she fixes things for her family.
Then Maddy spots Rory. Cool, calm, level-headed, lovely and she even likes to cook. Rory has the patience of a saint, from what Maddy can see. However, Rory has a lot going on in her life and has suffered through her own devastating loss. Maddy feels that Eve and Rory will be able to relate to each other. She's convinced that Rory is perfect for Brady and Eve and that they are perfect for her.
"This woman is my chance to make things right. My family deserves more than I left them"
*** Possibly very minor spoilers. Usually things that are already mentioned in the description or within the first few pages of the book.***
Maddy was a devoted and loving wife and mother. So what could possibly have made her take her life?
When we first meet Maddy's daughter, Eve, we can see right away how hard she is grieving. She's thinking about the fact that it's Mother's Day but that it's no longer a holiday for her. She's also thinking about how bad her father is at this parenting thing without her mom there to tell him what to do. Eve and Brady have been at each others throats lately and without Maddy there to smooth things over, things only seem to be getting worse.
Eve spends a lot of time on her own. Her friends don't know how to deal with someone who is mourning the loss of a parent. They either ignore it or go completely overboard. Her friend, Kara is a drama queen who even made a spectacle of herself at Eve's mother's funeral, crying as if she lost her own mother. Eve also feels incredibly guilty about how she thinks she treated her mother. She feels horrible about every time she may have forgotten to say thank you or every time she interrupted her and so many other things she may have said or not said to her mother. She wonders if it's her fault.
She doesn't know how she'll make it without her mother.
Then there's Maddy's husband, Brady. Brady is lost in his own grief (and glasses of bourbon). He cannot believe Maddy is dead, that she jumped off a building. He had no idea that anything was wrong. Even the last text she sent him was benign.
So why did she do it? How could she leave them?
Brady is so caught up in what he's going through that he's not aware of how much his daughter is suffering, and how much she needs him.
Brady and Eve attempt to work their way through a grief so unimaginable. At times they are almost positive they can feel her presence.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought how the story was told from multiple points of view worked very well. I LOVED how Maddy "communicated" with people from her perch/eye in the sky.
The characters and relationships felt very genuine. Oh did this book ever make me emotional. A few times I had to stop reading just to go hug my daughter....or call my mother. But it wasn't all sad, there were many lighthearted moments. Both Eve and Maddy were quite witty, with some great one-liners. I grew very attached to these characters and their stories. There was a lot going on and although some parts were unexpected, I thought it all fit together very well.
In my opinion, this was a fantastic novel. A story about love and loss, life and death, and above all healing and forgiveness. One of the best debut novels I've read.
Please hurry and write more for me to read, Abby Fabiaschi. I can't wait!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an advanced readers copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.
February 7, 2017
I Liked My Life is an exceptionally good debut novel by Ms. Abby Fabiaschi. I absolutely loved it. Without a doubt it will make my top ten list of 2017 reads; if I had finished it a week earlier, I would have bounced a book off my 2016 list to make room for it.
This is a superb character study of two people, Brady and Eve, especially Eve. The story has great depth and is very moving, bringing me to tears (good tears) at the end. Madeleine (Maddy), wife of Brady and mother of 17-year-old Eve, has committed suicide by jumping off the roof of a library. The tale is told from the perspectives of these three characters. I sometimes find this method of storytelling disruptive to the flow, but in this case it worked well. I was impressed by how REAL these people are, including Maddy who is hovering above her family, not on earth, but not quite in heaven. A supernatural element? Perhaps, but who are we to say? I thought it worked well. From her vantage point Maddy is able to read minds and telegraph ideas and suggestions to those on earth. Her goal is to bring Eve and Brady together and to find Brady the right partner (this is so NOT a romance) to help both him and Eve come to terms with their loss. Though this is a book dealing with serious issues, there is a steady flow of comedic relief coming primarily from the thoughts and words of the main characters. I loved all three of these people and felt very involved with their issues.
I was glued to the story 100% of the way; I was given so much to ponder. The narrative is pacy, and the ending is terrific. I was pleased to see an epilogue. This novel is so well done, and I will remember and think about it for a very long time.
Kudos, Ms. Fabiaschi!
Highly recommended.
I wish to thank Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press and Ms. Abby Fabiaschi for an advanced copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are mine alone and not biased in any way.
This is a superb character study of two people, Brady and Eve, especially Eve. The story has great depth and is very moving, bringing me to tears (good tears) at the end. Madeleine (Maddy), wife of Brady and mother of 17-year-old Eve, has committed suicide by jumping off the roof of a library. The tale is told from the perspectives of these three characters. I sometimes find this method of storytelling disruptive to the flow, but in this case it worked well. I was impressed by how REAL these people are, including Maddy who is hovering above her family, not on earth, but not quite in heaven. A supernatural element? Perhaps, but who are we to say? I thought it worked well. From her vantage point Maddy is able to read minds and telegraph ideas and suggestions to those on earth. Her goal is to bring Eve and Brady together and to find Brady the right partner (this is so NOT a romance) to help both him and Eve come to terms with their loss. Though this is a book dealing with serious issues, there is a steady flow of comedic relief coming primarily from the thoughts and words of the main characters. I loved all three of these people and felt very involved with their issues.
I was glued to the story 100% of the way; I was given so much to ponder. The narrative is pacy, and the ending is terrific. I was pleased to see an epilogue. This novel is so well done, and I will remember and think about it for a very long time.
Kudos, Ms. Fabiaschi!
Highly recommended.
I wish to thank Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press and Ms. Abby Fabiaschi for an advanced copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are mine alone and not biased in any way.
February 6, 2017
I'm between 4 and 4.5 stars on this one.
There were times when I was a teenager and in my early 20s (back in the dark ages) that I suffered from depression, and I thought about what it would be like to attend my own funeral, to see who would attend and what people would say about me, whether they would be sorry or sad, or how they would react.
In a strange way, I was reminded of those thoughts when I was reading Abby Fabiaschi's beautifully moving debut novel, I Liked My Life .
From the outside, it appeared Maddy had it all. She was a well-read, tremendously intelligent and generous housewife, with a successful husband, Brady, and a beautiful teenage daughter, Eve. Maddy was witty, sardonic, fun to be around, and fiercely devoted to her family, and determined that Eve grow up understanding the difference between right and wrong, and realize the impact of her actions when treating someone else cruelly. Sure, Brady's workaholic nature, his refusal to relax and spend time with her and Eve, and his taking her for granted more times than she'd care to count enraged and saddened her, but for the most part, she is satisfied with the way her life unfolds, which is why it is a tremendous shock to her family, friends, and the community when out of the blue, Maddy commits suicide one day.
But although her life on Earth is over, Maddy isn't quite finished. She watches over Brady and Eve and tries to help them deal with their grief and, perhaps equally importantly, their relationship with each other. She's determined not to let Eve grow up with bitterness and anger, and she refuses to let Brady distance himself from their daughter, to fall into his usual patterns of anger, neglect, and periodic bouts of attention. From wherever she is, Maddy gently manipulates both of them to draw closer to one another; sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but she sees how they are both reeling from her sudden death.
The one thing Maddy wants to do is find her replacement, someone who will provide stability and love for both Brady and Eve. And she thinks she has found that in Rory, a teacher with a sparkling personality, an unexplained warmth, and a sarcastic edge, plus Rory is haunted by a tragedy of her own. Can Maddy help shape her family's future before she disappears for good?
Meanwhile, Brady and Eve try desperately to understand what might have caused Maddy to take her own life, and how they might have been responsible. Each deals with grief and anger in their own way, and although they try to lean on each other, they struggle with that, because Maddy was the bridge between them. But as their relationship changes, they both begin to better understand who Maddy was, what made her tick, and how she really felt about her husband and her daughter. That may hurt, but it also the first step they must take if they will ever be able to move on.
This is a tremendously thought-provoking and moving book, but despite the subject matter, it's not overly maudlin. Fabiaschi is a talented storyteller whose finesse belies the fact that this is her debut novel, because the book shifts and changes into something a little different than I expected, something even richer, while in a lesser author's hands this book could have turned into an all-out sob fest.
The characters are much more complex than they first appear, although they're not always sympathetic, and you wonder at times just how much of a martyr Maddy was to put up with Brady and Eve's behavior. But as you see Maddy's side of the story, you begin to understand that, just like life, things aren't always what they appear, and you never really understand the relationship of two people by looking in from the outside.
Sure, this story isn't perfect, and at times things happen a little too conveniently or seem a little too pat. But it was compelling from start to finish, and I really wanted to know and spend time with these characters, and understand their emotions. And I, too, wanted to understand what drove Maddy to her final moments. There are both the elements of the familiar and the unique in this book, and I liked it very much.
NetGalley and St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
There were times when I was a teenager and in my early 20s (back in the dark ages) that I suffered from depression, and I thought about what it would be like to attend my own funeral, to see who would attend and what people would say about me, whether they would be sorry or sad, or how they would react.
In a strange way, I was reminded of those thoughts when I was reading Abby Fabiaschi's beautifully moving debut novel, I Liked My Life .
From the outside, it appeared Maddy had it all. She was a well-read, tremendously intelligent and generous housewife, with a successful husband, Brady, and a beautiful teenage daughter, Eve. Maddy was witty, sardonic, fun to be around, and fiercely devoted to her family, and determined that Eve grow up understanding the difference between right and wrong, and realize the impact of her actions when treating someone else cruelly. Sure, Brady's workaholic nature, his refusal to relax and spend time with her and Eve, and his taking her for granted more times than she'd care to count enraged and saddened her, but for the most part, she is satisfied with the way her life unfolds, which is why it is a tremendous shock to her family, friends, and the community when out of the blue, Maddy commits suicide one day.
But although her life on Earth is over, Maddy isn't quite finished. She watches over Brady and Eve and tries to help them deal with their grief and, perhaps equally importantly, their relationship with each other. She's determined not to let Eve grow up with bitterness and anger, and she refuses to let Brady distance himself from their daughter, to fall into his usual patterns of anger, neglect, and periodic bouts of attention. From wherever she is, Maddy gently manipulates both of them to draw closer to one another; sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but she sees how they are both reeling from her sudden death.
The one thing Maddy wants to do is find her replacement, someone who will provide stability and love for both Brady and Eve. And she thinks she has found that in Rory, a teacher with a sparkling personality, an unexplained warmth, and a sarcastic edge, plus Rory is haunted by a tragedy of her own. Can Maddy help shape her family's future before she disappears for good?
Meanwhile, Brady and Eve try desperately to understand what might have caused Maddy to take her own life, and how they might have been responsible. Each deals with grief and anger in their own way, and although they try to lean on each other, they struggle with that, because Maddy was the bridge between them. But as their relationship changes, they both begin to better understand who Maddy was, what made her tick, and how she really felt about her husband and her daughter. That may hurt, but it also the first step they must take if they will ever be able to move on.
This is a tremendously thought-provoking and moving book, but despite the subject matter, it's not overly maudlin. Fabiaschi is a talented storyteller whose finesse belies the fact that this is her debut novel, because the book shifts and changes into something a little different than I expected, something even richer, while in a lesser author's hands this book could have turned into an all-out sob fest.
The characters are much more complex than they first appear, although they're not always sympathetic, and you wonder at times just how much of a martyr Maddy was to put up with Brady and Eve's behavior. But as you see Maddy's side of the story, you begin to understand that, just like life, things aren't always what they appear, and you never really understand the relationship of two people by looking in from the outside.
Sure, this story isn't perfect, and at times things happen a little too conveniently or seem a little too pat. But it was compelling from start to finish, and I really wanted to know and spend time with these characters, and understand their emotions. And I, too, wanted to understand what drove Maddy to her final moments. There are both the elements of the familiar and the unique in this book, and I liked it very much.
NetGalley and St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
April 27, 2017
I liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi is a 2017 St. Martin's Press publication.
This is a debut novel, believe it or not, but the writing is amazingly candid, vivid and beautiful. I can’t seem to find all the right words or ways to express how special this novel is. I absolutely loved it! All I can say is that I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
5 stars
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This is a debut novel, believe it or not, but the writing is amazingly candid, vivid and beautiful. I can’t seem to find all the right words or ways to express how special this novel is. I absolutely loved it! All I can say is that I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
5 stars
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the entire review, click on this link:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
November 17, 2017
3.8, happily rounded up
She liked her life and I liked this book, even though one of the narrators is a ghost. Tell me there’s a ghost in a book, and usually I gallop away, naying all the way. That’s ridiculous, I say, all huffy and puffy, there are no ghosts so stop talking about them. Besides, I never did cozy up to friendly little Casper.
But the ghost in this book is different. Here, she just puts thoughts into people's heads in the hope that they’ll do good things that will make them happy. She’s gentle and nice and the more you get to know her, the more you share the husband and daughter’s grief that she is no longer alive. She doesn’t gallivant around the room all Casper-y, and the story isn’t told in a super woo-woo way. The ghost woman is more like a smart plot device that lets us learn about her family. I doubt she’d like me calling her a plot device, though--I’m sure she’d rather be known as the ghostess with the mostest. She really wants everything to work out nicely.
All silliness aside, I don’t think of this as a ghost story even though I can’t seem to stop talking about ghosts. It’s basically a well-written story about grief, told by three narrators: the mom (Maddy) who offed herself, and the daughter (Eve) and husband (Brady) she left behind. The relationships are complex and the characters pretty likable. All three characters are interesting and their voices are strong--I never found myself wishing I’d get back to a different character. I always give the writer kudos for this; often a character is fuzzy or boring and I can’t wait to get back to my fave. Not so here.
Each character is very earnest and introspective. OMG, are they ever introspective! Don’t get me wrong--I love to hear lots of internal monologues, but seriously, maybe tone it down just a little? Thoughts and feelings drip off of every page. I’d say the major focus is on Eve—her sadness, her vulnerability, her confusion, her awkward relationship with her father. I’ve been drowning in good teenage-girl stories lately, so I’m a little tired of them.
Why did Maddy kill herself? That’s the 50 million dollar question. She seemed to love life (as she tells us in the book title), so it just didn’t make sense. There must have been some big secret sadness. Why hadn’t she shared it with her family? She had a journal, and Eve and Brady spend lots of time reading it and struggling to interpret it. (By the way, I didn’t think the journal was all that juicy, but the author was probably going for realism here.) Meanwhile, Maddy is out in the ether trying to orchestrate their happiness, including trying to get Brady to notice a teacher whom Maddy has hand-picked for him.
Occasionally it bothered me, like it seemed too pat or too easy, to see Maddy just wiggle her nose and make the people around her do things. (No, she doesn’t actually wiggle her nose, I’m exaggerating.) At other times, I thought it was cool, so I got myself all twisted up.
There is teenage angst and some very well-drawn and realistic father-daughter stuff going on. Their grief and all its components—shock, guilt, anger, sorrow, emptiness, and gradually acceptance-- is portrayed brilliantly. Because Maddy’s death was by suicide and not by accident or illness, Eve and Brady experienced extra big guilt. Had they driven her to suicide? Why hadn’t they been more appreciative of her? Hearing how chirpy Maddy is, it makes us wonder, too—what the hell happened to make her jump off a roof?
Plot-wise, it’s tight. There’s a little side trip by Brady, though, that I didn’t think was necessary and I questioned why the writer included it, but it didn’t take up much story real estate so the writer is forgiven. There’s a beauteous epilogue, which I always love because I want to be able to know the answer to my plaintiff “And What Happened Then?”
There’s a great letter that Maddy’s sister gives to Eve, summing up some of Maddy’s philosophies. I don’t think it needed to be in the book and some of it seemed trite, but there were some really great lines so I’m glad the letter was included. Here are a few:
“The stupidest thing you can do is believe your own bullshit, but you probably will every once in a while.”
“Flowery perfume smells like a cover-up.”
“Try not to speak consecutively for more than two minutes; it’s hard to be a good listener longer than that.”
“The impression you have of someone is most likely the impression they have of you.”
And Maddy has a great comment about death anxiety, one I’ll remember:
“We’re given the gift of life with the consequence of death. I think it’d be a mistake to focus on the consequence instead of the gift.”
Easier said than done!
This story taught me one important thing: Lie like a rug when you’re writing in your journal. Wait. Do I mean it? Maybe I should say that you’re supposed to omit stuff that could hurt the living. Wouldn’t it be cool if we all had the time and patience to do a pre-death journal cleanup? Even though in this story there was nothing truly damning, can any of us say we want our family to see what we really were thinking and feeling?
This is an absorbing and clever story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll for sure be checking what this new author has in store for us next!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
She liked her life and I liked this book, even though one of the narrators is a ghost. Tell me there’s a ghost in a book, and usually I gallop away, naying all the way. That’s ridiculous, I say, all huffy and puffy, there are no ghosts so stop talking about them. Besides, I never did cozy up to friendly little Casper.
But the ghost in this book is different. Here, she just puts thoughts into people's heads in the hope that they’ll do good things that will make them happy. She’s gentle and nice and the more you get to know her, the more you share the husband and daughter’s grief that she is no longer alive. She doesn’t gallivant around the room all Casper-y, and the story isn’t told in a super woo-woo way. The ghost woman is more like a smart plot device that lets us learn about her family. I doubt she’d like me calling her a plot device, though--I’m sure she’d rather be known as the ghostess with the mostest. She really wants everything to work out nicely.
All silliness aside, I don’t think of this as a ghost story even though I can’t seem to stop talking about ghosts. It’s basically a well-written story about grief, told by three narrators: the mom (Maddy) who offed herself, and the daughter (Eve) and husband (Brady) she left behind. The relationships are complex and the characters pretty likable. All three characters are interesting and their voices are strong--I never found myself wishing I’d get back to a different character. I always give the writer kudos for this; often a character is fuzzy or boring and I can’t wait to get back to my fave. Not so here.
Each character is very earnest and introspective. OMG, are they ever introspective! Don’t get me wrong--I love to hear lots of internal monologues, but seriously, maybe tone it down just a little? Thoughts and feelings drip off of every page. I’d say the major focus is on Eve—her sadness, her vulnerability, her confusion, her awkward relationship with her father. I’ve been drowning in good teenage-girl stories lately, so I’m a little tired of them.
Why did Maddy kill herself? That’s the 50 million dollar question. She seemed to love life (as she tells us in the book title), so it just didn’t make sense. There must have been some big secret sadness. Why hadn’t she shared it with her family? She had a journal, and Eve and Brady spend lots of time reading it and struggling to interpret it. (By the way, I didn’t think the journal was all that juicy, but the author was probably going for realism here.) Meanwhile, Maddy is out in the ether trying to orchestrate their happiness, including trying to get Brady to notice a teacher whom Maddy has hand-picked for him.
Occasionally it bothered me, like it seemed too pat or too easy, to see Maddy just wiggle her nose and make the people around her do things. (No, she doesn’t actually wiggle her nose, I’m exaggerating.) At other times, I thought it was cool, so I got myself all twisted up.
There is teenage angst and some very well-drawn and realistic father-daughter stuff going on. Their grief and all its components—shock, guilt, anger, sorrow, emptiness, and gradually acceptance-- is portrayed brilliantly. Because Maddy’s death was by suicide and not by accident or illness, Eve and Brady experienced extra big guilt. Had they driven her to suicide? Why hadn’t they been more appreciative of her? Hearing how chirpy Maddy is, it makes us wonder, too—what the hell happened to make her jump off a roof?
Plot-wise, it’s tight. There’s a little side trip by Brady, though, that I didn’t think was necessary and I questioned why the writer included it, but it didn’t take up much story real estate so the writer is forgiven. There’s a beauteous epilogue, which I always love because I want to be able to know the answer to my plaintiff “And What Happened Then?”
There’s a great letter that Maddy’s sister gives to Eve, summing up some of Maddy’s philosophies. I don’t think it needed to be in the book and some of it seemed trite, but there were some really great lines so I’m glad the letter was included. Here are a few:
“The stupidest thing you can do is believe your own bullshit, but you probably will every once in a while.”
“Flowery perfume smells like a cover-up.”
“Try not to speak consecutively for more than two minutes; it’s hard to be a good listener longer than that.”
“The impression you have of someone is most likely the impression they have of you.”
And Maddy has a great comment about death anxiety, one I’ll remember:
“We’re given the gift of life with the consequence of death. I think it’d be a mistake to focus on the consequence instead of the gift.”
Easier said than done!
This story taught me one important thing: Lie like a rug when you’re writing in your journal. Wait. Do I mean it? Maybe I should say that you’re supposed to omit stuff that could hurt the living. Wouldn’t it be cool if we all had the time and patience to do a pre-death journal cleanup? Even though in this story there was nothing truly damning, can any of us say we want our family to see what we really were thinking and feeling?
This is an absorbing and clever story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll for sure be checking what this new author has in store for us next!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
June 14, 2017
I finally got a chance to read this book. I have been wanting to read it for some time looking at my friends reviews. Everyone who raved about it was right. It was a thoroughly enjoyable novel that makes you think about life and your impact on others. It is hard to believe this extraordinary, beautiful book is a debut novel! Abby Fabiaschi writes with literary prose, smart dialogue, and an intuitive perception of life. I was totally immersed from the first page!!
As the book starts, Maddy has committed suicide and has left her daughter Eve and husband Brady to figure out why and put the pieces of their lives back together. The book is told by Maddy, Eve, and Brady which I think is wonderful as you see things from all three points of view. Maddy feels she needs to find her replacement for a wife for Brady and a mother for Eve. She can communicate with Brady and Eve by quiet thoughts. She finds what she considers a great replacement and makes it so Eve and Brady meet her. I loved how Brady and Eve dealt with Maddy's death and worked together to find themselves in a good father- daughter relationship. They help each other heal. And as ghosts go, Maddie is loving and funny and harnesses her other worldly energies to guide her family through their grief. Meanwhile, her daughter, Eve, and husband, Brady, navigate their complex emotions and try to find answers in her journal with their sorrow often manifesting in frustrating, but believable ways. I grew to love these characters and by the end I missed Maddie as well.
Once I started, I couldn't stop turning pages until the spirit of Madeline Starling had sung her full story. A novel about mothers and daughters, fathers and daughters, life and death, guilt and forgiveness all bonded together in love that defies the grave: family. Fabiaschi skillfully balances humor and heartache in this wonderful addition to women's fiction.
I highly recommend this book. I could go on and on about this book but I don't want to put any spoilers into my review. I loved the ending and thought it was superb.
I received this copy from the author and want to thank her!
May 7, 2018
5 STARS! A PERFECT CHOICE FOR YOUR BOOKCLUB
This is an unusual story because of the way it is told. Our main narrator is dead and yes, she is a ghost. That fact right there is enough to make me say “NEXT…”, but hold the phone, sis, this is a book I’m so glad I read.
Maddy is our POV from beyond. She jumped off a 4 story building at the age of 45. She had one treasured child, a husband and lots of friends and family who loved her. She appeared to be confident and happy- that quiet strength some women effortlessly possess. She seemed to have everything, in the sense that having money creates security and ease of life. So, WHY did she commit suicide?
This is the question that propels the book forward, but take your time reading along the way. I’m sure that you will find meaning from all the life lessons Maddy offers up. I LIKED MY LIFE is not quite as socially thought provoking and deep as a Celeste Ng novel, but it reads quite similarly. I would definitely describe this book as Celeste Ng “light". The writing is sometimes belly-laugh funny, sprinkled with loads of touching, tender moments from Maddy’s daughter and husband.
Maddy, with her picture-perfect life, is a relatable woman. If you don’t identify with her, I guarantee you know someone like her. She is likable, capable and very smart. Yeah, she could be a pain to be around sometimes, always trying to do the right thing and forcing her family to follow suit.
Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living. This may be the moral of the story here, but it is presented in such a lively, easy to read manner, you won’t even realize you are gaining some valuable advice. I loved this book and it is hitting the shelves in paperback form on May 8, 2017.
The audio features an outstanding performance by the fabulous Susan Bennett (who is also the narrator for my newest listen, SUNBURN)
This is an unusual story because of the way it is told. Our main narrator is dead and yes, she is a ghost. That fact right there is enough to make me say “NEXT…”, but hold the phone, sis, this is a book I’m so glad I read.
Maddy is our POV from beyond. She jumped off a 4 story building at the age of 45. She had one treasured child, a husband and lots of friends and family who loved her. She appeared to be confident and happy- that quiet strength some women effortlessly possess. She seemed to have everything, in the sense that having money creates security and ease of life. So, WHY did she commit suicide?
This is the question that propels the book forward, but take your time reading along the way. I’m sure that you will find meaning from all the life lessons Maddy offers up. I LIKED MY LIFE is not quite as socially thought provoking and deep as a Celeste Ng novel, but it reads quite similarly. I would definitely describe this book as Celeste Ng “light". The writing is sometimes belly-laugh funny, sprinkled with loads of touching, tender moments from Maddy’s daughter and husband.
Maddy, with her picture-perfect life, is a relatable woman. If you don’t identify with her, I guarantee you know someone like her. She is likable, capable and very smart. Yeah, she could be a pain to be around sometimes, always trying to do the right thing and forcing her family to follow suit.
Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living. This may be the moral of the story here, but it is presented in such a lively, easy to read manner, you won’t even realize you are gaining some valuable advice. I loved this book and it is hitting the shelves in paperback form on May 8, 2017.
The audio features an outstanding performance by the fabulous Susan Bennett (who is also the narrator for my newest listen, SUNBURN)
December 11, 2016
3.5 Brady and Eve, father and teenage daughter struggle to find a connection, a way through their grief, after their mother, wife's suicide. Maddie though is watching from the beyond, prodding and poking when necessary to help the little family she left behind.
This book surprised me, I am not a big reader of women's fiction and if not for the reviews of a few trusted friends, probably would have let this one pass me by. Another début novel, the writing is fantastic, and despite the seriousness of the subject, surprisingly humorous at times and honest at others. The two lead characters we root for, their emotions and thoughts, reactions very realistic. The insertion of Maddie from above actually worked for me, her thoughts and feelings we come to know from herself and also from the journal she left behind. It would be easy for this, and my usual complaint about women's fiction, to become overly dramatic, but the author uses an even tone throughout which kept this from tipping over to the maudlin.
There were a few complaints, some late plot points that I felt both convoluted and unnecessary, but on the whole I enjoyed this and will be looking forward to reading more novels from this talented author.
ARC from Netgalley.
This book surprised me, I am not a big reader of women's fiction and if not for the reviews of a few trusted friends, probably would have let this one pass me by. Another début novel, the writing is fantastic, and despite the seriousness of the subject, surprisingly humorous at times and honest at others. The two lead characters we root for, their emotions and thoughts, reactions very realistic. The insertion of Maddie from above actually worked for me, her thoughts and feelings we come to know from herself and also from the journal she left behind. It would be easy for this, and my usual complaint about women's fiction, to become overly dramatic, but the author uses an even tone throughout which kept this from tipping over to the maudlin.
There were a few complaints, some late plot points that I felt both convoluted and unnecessary, but on the whole I enjoyed this and will be looking forward to reading more novels from this talented author.
ARC from Netgalley.
February 5, 2017
"Maddy is a ghost with a purpose." After her suicide, Maddy decides she must find a better suited wife and mother for the husband and teenage daughter she left behind. With her witty ghostly voice and loving presence around them, Maddy instills thoughts into their minds to help guide them through this difficult time hoping to bring father and daughter closer together and realize the importance of family and forgiveness as they struggle to understand WHY?
In I LIKED MY LIFE, (great title) Abby Fabiaschi delivers a touching story and very readable debut with a wonderfully hopeful conclusion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 30, 2016
It 'must' be a prerequisite to be "the cutest" of guys to be a fireman!!!! --- but that's a
small tidbit joke for those who read this book....( what follows before had me laughing in stitches) ...think grill -patio - father/daughter dinner time.
It felt good to laugh in this novel. It's a heartbreaking story!!!!
This is the first book I've read by Abby Fabiaschi --which makes sense - it's Abby's debut novel. 'Congrats to her!!! Terrific first novel.
I do have a few critical thoughts to share: ( NOT ABOUT THE STORY ITSELF)
.....I want to talk a little about the structure.
Abby has created a structure of writing - storytelling- that seems very popular - and common to me in the past couple of years.....in where the main characters each take turns with the narration. To be honest --I'm getting a little bored with this style of writing. I don't know one iota about writing -- but I do read many books. I'm having difficulty finding words to explain what I don't like about this style, but here is what happens: my stomach gets in knots - I feel impatient somewhat - I begin to resent the NEXT NAME at the top of the chapter. When I see the name Madeline -then Eve - then Brady - each taking their turns ( alternating chapters like good little soldiers) ....I feel a little irritated. I'm sorry --- I can't explain fully why that is.
So... my natural 'physical- gut' reactions were working along side me WHILE reading the heart of this story.
A FEW BASIC FACTS OF AT THE START OF THE STORY:
We know Madeline commits suicide --
She doesn't leave a note
She seemed mostly happy
She jumped off the roof of the Wellesley College Library--(my mind had a field day with this 'fact'.....in a way that gave me chills....for much of the story)
The three narrators are Madeline ( Maddy), Eve, and Brady
POSITIVES ABOUT THIS BOOK:
...Eve, the teenage daughter's narration stands out as the strongest character to me. Abby is excellent at comic-sarcasm dialogue which comes through her character: 'Eve'.
Her mom has committed suicide- the funeral has been over for some time now. Eve is no longer working at the Y.... and she is hanging around the house alone. Her dad is at work.
Here is a sample excerpt- voice- from Eve:
"I think it's possible daytime TV kills brain cells. I'm only a week into "The Young and the Restless" and most of the cast as already slept together. The only entertaining part is imagining my mom's take. 'I have yet to see anyone pause to put on a condom'. All of these people must have gonorrhea by now. Or it takes an awful lot of Botox to always look that surprised. Or He's a second rate personal trainer. He doesn't drive a BMW. Fun as it is to crack up with a ghost, I'm getting dumber sitting on that couch".
A beautiful part - sad - challenging as hell - yet 'beautiful in the way life is when tragedy brings people together, is the relationship between Brady and Eve. They are both hurting - morning the loss of Maddy. At first they seemed to be morning very privately - individually- and different... but at some point they merged together more.
"The note of proof that out of freaking nowhere, it's no longer 'me' versus 'him'; it's 'us versus 'them', where them is everyone who didn't lose her. We're a team. A totally dysfunctional team, but still".
Eve has one more year of high school. She wants to leave their town - Massachusetts -because she can't seem to get away from being "the girl who's mother jumped off a building". She gets accepted to Exeter, in New Hampshire---( very unusual to be excepted for just one year left of school: the senior year).
Does she go? I'm not giving spoilers away! She also talks about going away to college - maybe Texas - Poor dad... right?/! Our kids grow up and move away!
Many issues are going on soon after the death of Maddy: There are practical daily living choices: take-in meals- therapy - prom - shopping for a prom dress while morning - sex talk -Drinking and driving talk -birthdays- outside neighbors - ( casserole women who want to date Brady)-- best friend to Maddy named Paige who is morning her best friend who entangles herself too much with Eve and Brady. There is a journal that Maddy had been writing in for at least two years before her death. Both Brady and Eve read it...study it ...discover things...and have their own memories- thoughts and feelings left to deal with. Secrets get revealed.
There is Rory.....( the Elementary School Teacher that Maddy picks to be Brady's wife. Of course Maddy sends cosmic ghost messages to the ones she loves best! She can pester Brady's subconscious with carnal thoughts...."Rory's beautiful and wonderful"....
Maddy becomes the busy-body ghost -- even a kick-ass humorous ghost "don't you want to see her naked"? Ha! :)
Eve is bright, independent, popular with her peers, perceptive, sensible, sometimes bitchy in an adorable way, and completely a girl after my own heart! Eve simply rocks...definitely my favorite character.
My final thoughts are MIXED!!! Many strengths-- much was authentic feeling -
but not all of it.
I still enjoyed this novel very much, but it had some hiccups in my opinion, too. I thought the ending of the story was weak - ineffective to the greater theme.
Heck -for a first novel -Abby did a great job. Eve especially is worth our time!
Exploring loss of a parent - is worth our time!
I, too, was a child who lost a parent. I still find value reading about families who must face these type of challenges. I 'do' recommend this novel - it has heart -and themes worth exploring.....( don't mind my hiccups- they might not even be noticed by other readers). Amy has talent! I'll look forward to her next book!
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Netgalley, and Abby Fabiaschi
3.5
small tidbit joke for those who read this book....( what follows before had me laughing in stitches) ...think grill -patio - father/daughter dinner time.
It felt good to laugh in this novel. It's a heartbreaking story!!!!
This is the first book I've read by Abby Fabiaschi --which makes sense - it's Abby's debut novel. 'Congrats to her!!! Terrific first novel.
I do have a few critical thoughts to share: ( NOT ABOUT THE STORY ITSELF)
.....I want to talk a little about the structure.
Abby has created a structure of writing - storytelling- that seems very popular - and common to me in the past couple of years.....in where the main characters each take turns with the narration. To be honest --I'm getting a little bored with this style of writing. I don't know one iota about writing -- but I do read many books. I'm having difficulty finding words to explain what I don't like about this style, but here is what happens: my stomach gets in knots - I feel impatient somewhat - I begin to resent the NEXT NAME at the top of the chapter. When I see the name Madeline -then Eve - then Brady - each taking their turns ( alternating chapters like good little soldiers) ....I feel a little irritated. I'm sorry --- I can't explain fully why that is.
So... my natural 'physical- gut' reactions were working along side me WHILE reading the heart of this story.
A FEW BASIC FACTS OF AT THE START OF THE STORY:
We know Madeline commits suicide --
She doesn't leave a note
She seemed mostly happy
She jumped off the roof of the Wellesley College Library--(my mind had a field day with this 'fact'.....in a way that gave me chills....for much of the story)
The three narrators are Madeline ( Maddy), Eve, and Brady
POSITIVES ABOUT THIS BOOK:
...Eve, the teenage daughter's narration stands out as the strongest character to me. Abby is excellent at comic-sarcasm dialogue which comes through her character: 'Eve'.
Her mom has committed suicide- the funeral has been over for some time now. Eve is no longer working at the Y.... and she is hanging around the house alone. Her dad is at work.
Here is a sample excerpt- voice- from Eve:
"I think it's possible daytime TV kills brain cells. I'm only a week into "The Young and the Restless" and most of the cast as already slept together. The only entertaining part is imagining my mom's take. 'I have yet to see anyone pause to put on a condom'. All of these people must have gonorrhea by now. Or it takes an awful lot of Botox to always look that surprised. Or He's a second rate personal trainer. He doesn't drive a BMW. Fun as it is to crack up with a ghost, I'm getting dumber sitting on that couch".
A beautiful part - sad - challenging as hell - yet 'beautiful in the way life is when tragedy brings people together, is the relationship between Brady and Eve. They are both hurting - morning the loss of Maddy. At first they seemed to be morning very privately - individually- and different... but at some point they merged together more.
"The note of proof that out of freaking nowhere, it's no longer 'me' versus 'him'; it's 'us versus 'them', where them is everyone who didn't lose her. We're a team. A totally dysfunctional team, but still".
Eve has one more year of high school. She wants to leave their town - Massachusetts -because she can't seem to get away from being "the girl who's mother jumped off a building". She gets accepted to Exeter, in New Hampshire---( very unusual to be excepted for just one year left of school: the senior year).
Does she go? I'm not giving spoilers away! She also talks about going away to college - maybe Texas - Poor dad... right?/! Our kids grow up and move away!
Many issues are going on soon after the death of Maddy: There are practical daily living choices: take-in meals- therapy - prom - shopping for a prom dress while morning - sex talk -Drinking and driving talk -birthdays- outside neighbors - ( casserole women who want to date Brady)-- best friend to Maddy named Paige who is morning her best friend who entangles herself too much with Eve and Brady. There is a journal that Maddy had been writing in for at least two years before her death. Both Brady and Eve read it...study it ...discover things...and have their own memories- thoughts and feelings left to deal with. Secrets get revealed.
There is Rory.....( the Elementary School Teacher that Maddy picks to be Brady's wife. Of course Maddy sends cosmic ghost messages to the ones she loves best! She can pester Brady's subconscious with carnal thoughts...."Rory's beautiful and wonderful"....
Maddy becomes the busy-body ghost -- even a kick-ass humorous ghost "don't you want to see her naked"? Ha! :)
Eve is bright, independent, popular with her peers, perceptive, sensible, sometimes bitchy in an adorable way, and completely a girl after my own heart! Eve simply rocks...definitely my favorite character.
My final thoughts are MIXED!!! Many strengths-- much was authentic feeling -
but not all of it.
I still enjoyed this novel very much, but it had some hiccups in my opinion, too. I thought the ending of the story was weak - ineffective to the greater theme.
Heck -for a first novel -Abby did a great job. Eve especially is worth our time!
Exploring loss of a parent - is worth our time!
I, too, was a child who lost a parent. I still find value reading about families who must face these type of challenges. I 'do' recommend this novel - it has heart -and themes worth exploring.....( don't mind my hiccups- they might not even be noticed by other readers). Amy has talent! I'll look forward to her next book!
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Netgalley, and Abby Fabiaschi
3.5
April 18, 2017
4.5 Stars
”When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Oh, let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be”
Paul McCartney – Let It Be
4.5 Stars
Madeline, Maddy, should be gone by now, but she’s hovering, trying to find her replacement. Her husband will need someone, a new wife – but not just anyone, she wants to find the perfect wife for him. He will need someone a little softer than she’s been with him, and, of course, someone to care for their daughter, Eve. Someone who can see the woman Eve will be someday, someone who can relate to her needs.
”Without attention, her sarcasm will turn to cynicism, her independence to isolation, her grief to depression.”
When she notices Rory, she connects with her almost immediately. Her instincts, no longer mired down by earthly constraints, tell her that Rory could be the one to bring a smile to Brady’s face someday, and the one to hold Eve’s hand through her grief. She knows that they blame themselves. And even though Maddy knows the truth, she watches Eve from her sheltered distance, watching Eve cling to her grief, as though it is an anchor of penance, an anchor keeping her mother from moving on.
”She wears guilt like a jacket on a cold day, clutching it.”
No one understands it, no one can quite believe that Maddy would have or could have taken her own life. Still, that is what the police report says.
She would do anything to ease their grief.
No matter how many times they ask how, why, they will never get an answer. When Brady stumbles across Maddy’s journal, he looks to it for some answers. All the therapists, doctors, the police – no one has answers that make sense, or help him come to terms with this. How could he be so wrong, how did he miss how unhappy she was? Reading her journal, a page or two at a time, over time. Things written in moments of anger, things written giving him insight into places he went wrong in their marriage. Maybe, he thinks eventually, he should share some of these passages, selected ones, with Eve. They need to begin to find a way back to living, not just surviving.
How? Why?
"There are so many things I dare not say. I have quietly stopped being me."
Despite their grief, there are moments of levity, and there are moments where you can begin to see the light shine through for them. They begin to heal, they begin to forgive themselves for not knowing when and where they went wrong.
”We’re given the gift of life with the consequence of death. I think it’d be a mistake to focus on the consequence instead of the gift.”
There were many elements to this that I loved, with some lovely prose, and a compelling story that flowed effortlessly from the start. It has a somewhat shared theme to a book I read last month, ”In the Quiet”, but where the latter was a lovely, quiet, introspective look at what lies beyond this life, “I Liked My Life” seems as though it was written to a broader audience. That’s not a complaint, as gorgeous as I found ”In the Quiet” to be, my heart can only take so many heartbreaking books back to back!
In the end, who really knows everything about the ones they love?
”And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Oh, let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
And there will be an answer, let it be
Oh, let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be”
Paul McCartney – “Let it Be”
”When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Oh, let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be”
Paul McCartney – Let It Be
4.5 Stars
Madeline, Maddy, should be gone by now, but she’s hovering, trying to find her replacement. Her husband will need someone, a new wife – but not just anyone, she wants to find the perfect wife for him. He will need someone a little softer than she’s been with him, and, of course, someone to care for their daughter, Eve. Someone who can see the woman Eve will be someday, someone who can relate to her needs.
”Without attention, her sarcasm will turn to cynicism, her independence to isolation, her grief to depression.”
When she notices Rory, she connects with her almost immediately. Her instincts, no longer mired down by earthly constraints, tell her that Rory could be the one to bring a smile to Brady’s face someday, and the one to hold Eve’s hand through her grief. She knows that they blame themselves. And even though Maddy knows the truth, she watches Eve from her sheltered distance, watching Eve cling to her grief, as though it is an anchor of penance, an anchor keeping her mother from moving on.
”She wears guilt like a jacket on a cold day, clutching it.”
No one understands it, no one can quite believe that Maddy would have or could have taken her own life. Still, that is what the police report says.
She would do anything to ease their grief.
No matter how many times they ask how, why, they will never get an answer. When Brady stumbles across Maddy’s journal, he looks to it for some answers. All the therapists, doctors, the police – no one has answers that make sense, or help him come to terms with this. How could he be so wrong, how did he miss how unhappy she was? Reading her journal, a page or two at a time, over time. Things written in moments of anger, things written giving him insight into places he went wrong in their marriage. Maybe, he thinks eventually, he should share some of these passages, selected ones, with Eve. They need to begin to find a way back to living, not just surviving.
How? Why?
"There are so many things I dare not say. I have quietly stopped being me."
Despite their grief, there are moments of levity, and there are moments where you can begin to see the light shine through for them. They begin to heal, they begin to forgive themselves for not knowing when and where they went wrong.
”We’re given the gift of life with the consequence of death. I think it’d be a mistake to focus on the consequence instead of the gift.”
There were many elements to this that I loved, with some lovely prose, and a compelling story that flowed effortlessly from the start. It has a somewhat shared theme to a book I read last month, ”In the Quiet”, but where the latter was a lovely, quiet, introspective look at what lies beyond this life, “I Liked My Life” seems as though it was written to a broader audience. That’s not a complaint, as gorgeous as I found ”In the Quiet” to be, my heart can only take so many heartbreaking books back to back!
In the end, who really knows everything about the ones they love?
”And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Oh, let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
And there will be an answer, let it be
Oh, let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be”
Paul McCartney – “Let it Be”
February 7, 2017
"I have quietly stopped being me."
Death seems to seep into our inner sensibilities and it leaves a stain for which there is no effacing. It takes up residence and has a pulse of its own. It rings its staccato rhythm in beat after beat of such painfilled loss.
Brady Starling and his seventeen year old daughter, Eve, are caught up in the storm and aftermath of the suicide of Maddy, wife and mother. Broken by this reality, they search within themselves filled with questions for which there are no answers. Both carry the heavy burden of guilt. One word glares up at them day in and day out: Why?
Maddy was a stay-at-home mom who was dedicated to her family and friends. She left nothing behind that would indicate the heaviness of her soul. However, Brady comes across Maddy's diary which reveals some inner workings that both Brady and Eve were unaware of.
Abby Fabiaschi presents a debut novel that approaches death and loss in a real, in-your-face, honest, and revealing manner. She incorporates the character of Maddy as an elusive spirit that takes on a full-out role in the behind the scenes aftermath of her own death. The deep, raw characterizations have been developed masterfully with such human dialogue. "She wears guilt like a jacket on a cold day, clutching it."
And please know that this is not meant to be "a downer" of a read. There is outright humor in the form of snarky talk between characters that will have you laughing out loud. Fabiaschi has an uncanny ability to make you nod your head with the familiarity of situations. You get it. You easily relate. And you realize that you will "pass through" this Valley of Death and not simply take root in it. Hope perches on every branch.
I highly recommend this one. It is a brilliant depiction of loss and the knowledge that there is, indeed, light even in the greatest darkness. Bravo, Abby Fabiaschi!
I received a copy of I Liked My Life through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Abby Fabiaschi for the opportunity.
Death seems to seep into our inner sensibilities and it leaves a stain for which there is no effacing. It takes up residence and has a pulse of its own. It rings its staccato rhythm in beat after beat of such painfilled loss.
Brady Starling and his seventeen year old daughter, Eve, are caught up in the storm and aftermath of the suicide of Maddy, wife and mother. Broken by this reality, they search within themselves filled with questions for which there are no answers. Both carry the heavy burden of guilt. One word glares up at them day in and day out: Why?
Maddy was a stay-at-home mom who was dedicated to her family and friends. She left nothing behind that would indicate the heaviness of her soul. However, Brady comes across Maddy's diary which reveals some inner workings that both Brady and Eve were unaware of.
Abby Fabiaschi presents a debut novel that approaches death and loss in a real, in-your-face, honest, and revealing manner. She incorporates the character of Maddy as an elusive spirit that takes on a full-out role in the behind the scenes aftermath of her own death. The deep, raw characterizations have been developed masterfully with such human dialogue. "She wears guilt like a jacket on a cold day, clutching it."
And please know that this is not meant to be "a downer" of a read. There is outright humor in the form of snarky talk between characters that will have you laughing out loud. Fabiaschi has an uncanny ability to make you nod your head with the familiarity of situations. You get it. You easily relate. And you realize that you will "pass through" this Valley of Death and not simply take root in it. Hope perches on every branch.
I highly recommend this one. It is a brilliant depiction of loss and the knowledge that there is, indeed, light even in the greatest darkness. Bravo, Abby Fabiaschi!
I received a copy of I Liked My Life through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Abby Fabiaschi for the opportunity.
May 13, 2017
Great choice for a Traveling Sister read with Norma and Lindsay. I loved our conversation and having our new sister Linda join in on our conversation. Highly recommend for buddy reads and book clubs.
You can find our Traveling Sister review on Norma's reviews on our our sister blog
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
You can find our Traveling Sister review on Norma's reviews on our our sister blog
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
May 12, 2017
Traveling Sister Read Review by NORMA, LINDSAY and BRENDA!!
5 glowing stars for I LIKED MY LIFE as we all thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience of reading this wonderful novel - very impressive for a debut novel! It definitely lived up to all the ‘hype’!!!
Here is our very relatable and our “love of books” favourite quote: “Maddy was head down in a book later I learned that was the rule, not the exception -- if Maddy wasn't working she was reading!”
I LIKED MY LIFE by ABBY FABIASCHI is a touching, spectacular, and haunting but yet beautiful and honest portrayal of how one deals with death and loss. Although, the story does revolve around death, it wasn’t a depressing story at all. There is an enjoyable amount of witty humour, warmth, and wisdom that FABIASCHI incorporated into each of the characters’ dialogue and inner thoughts.
Maddy is thoughtful and devoted to her successful husband and wonderful daughter, who liked her life and has us wondering what drove her to her final moments.
Norma’s thoughts: One of the most enjoyable aspects of this storyline for me was that I perceived that Maddy’s character was a loving and nurturing ghost. Her spirit influences the characters in this book with “suggestive thoughts” to help guide her family through the pain and suffering of her death. The supernatural aspect of this novel is well interwoven and received which makes it feel quite natural and real as they struggle to find out the reasoning behind her death.
Brenda & Lindsay’s thoughts: While Brenda & Lindsay perceived Maddy more as an actual character who is not ready to leave her family as she watches over them and coaches them along through their grief. Maddy was the glue to their family and could really see how she was the bridge between Brady and Eve.
ABBY FABIASCHI delivers a unique story here with complex and sometimes unsympathetic characters that is told in alternating points of view of our equally loved three main characters Maddy, Brady, and Eve. We were rooting for a ‘happy ending’ for each of them.
Lindsay, personally felt a strong connection to Maddy especially through her experience of leaving a corporate job to become a stay-at-home mom.
We all absolutely LOVED the simple life lessons of “Maddy’s Truths” which were very relatable and refreshing!
It was a pleasure to have Linda join us in the conversation of this book. We all really enjoyed our conversation and sharing our thoughts on this one and it was interesting to see how we all unraveled the story. Norma right away forming her connections, Brenda not even close to it, Lindsay reading along with no expectations at all, and Linda picking up the theme of the novel early on.
We all highly recommend this incredible and highly enjoyable book and look forward to reading this author’s next novel!
All of our Traveling Sister Reads Reviews can be found on our blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
5 glowing stars for I LIKED MY LIFE as we all thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience of reading this wonderful novel - very impressive for a debut novel! It definitely lived up to all the ‘hype’!!!
Here is our very relatable and our “love of books” favourite quote: “Maddy was head down in a book later I learned that was the rule, not the exception -- if Maddy wasn't working she was reading!”
I LIKED MY LIFE by ABBY FABIASCHI is a touching, spectacular, and haunting but yet beautiful and honest portrayal of how one deals with death and loss. Although, the story does revolve around death, it wasn’t a depressing story at all. There is an enjoyable amount of witty humour, warmth, and wisdom that FABIASCHI incorporated into each of the characters’ dialogue and inner thoughts.
Maddy is thoughtful and devoted to her successful husband and wonderful daughter, who liked her life and has us wondering what drove her to her final moments.
Norma’s thoughts: One of the most enjoyable aspects of this storyline for me was that I perceived that Maddy’s character was a loving and nurturing ghost. Her spirit influences the characters in this book with “suggestive thoughts” to help guide her family through the pain and suffering of her death. The supernatural aspect of this novel is well interwoven and received which makes it feel quite natural and real as they struggle to find out the reasoning behind her death.
Brenda & Lindsay’s thoughts: While Brenda & Lindsay perceived Maddy more as an actual character who is not ready to leave her family as she watches over them and coaches them along through their grief. Maddy was the glue to their family and could really see how she was the bridge between Brady and Eve.
ABBY FABIASCHI delivers a unique story here with complex and sometimes unsympathetic characters that is told in alternating points of view of our equally loved three main characters Maddy, Brady, and Eve. We were rooting for a ‘happy ending’ for each of them.
Lindsay, personally felt a strong connection to Maddy especially through her experience of leaving a corporate job to become a stay-at-home mom.
We all absolutely LOVED the simple life lessons of “Maddy’s Truths” which were very relatable and refreshing!
It was a pleasure to have Linda join us in the conversation of this book. We all really enjoyed our conversation and sharing our thoughts on this one and it was interesting to see how we all unraveled the story. Norma right away forming her connections, Brenda not even close to it, Lindsay reading along with no expectations at all, and Linda picking up the theme of the novel early on.
We all highly recommend this incredible and highly enjoyable book and look forward to reading this author’s next novel!
All of our Traveling Sister Reads Reviews can be found on our blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
January 13, 2017
Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
Maddy, a 45 year old woman, takes her life by jumping from the roof of the library, leaving no suicide note. Husband, Brady, and teenage daughter, Eve, are left to sift through the whys and the wherefores. They will learn much about themselves as they struggle to cope. One doesn't always have the luxury of knowing why something happens.
The grieving process is finely drawn here. The disbelief, the guilt, the anger. Brady is no good at reading the women in his life. As the neighborhood divorcees swarm, the new widower yearns to be left alone. Eve seems to be written so right, no one "gets" her these days and everything sucks. And all the while, Maddy is watching over them, loving them, doing what she can to ease the way. But she won't be around forever . . .
As another reviewer noted, the multiple POV thing is starting to wear thin, but it really does work well here. The story told is not so heavy as to be maudlin.
Maddy, a 45 year old woman, takes her life by jumping from the roof of the library, leaving no suicide note. Husband, Brady, and teenage daughter, Eve, are left to sift through the whys and the wherefores. They will learn much about themselves as they struggle to cope. One doesn't always have the luxury of knowing why something happens.
The grieving process is finely drawn here. The disbelief, the guilt, the anger. Brady is no good at reading the women in his life. As the neighborhood divorcees swarm, the new widower yearns to be left alone. Eve seems to be written so right, no one "gets" her these days and everything sucks. And all the while, Maddy is watching over them, loving them, doing what she can to ease the way. But she won't be around forever . . .
As another reviewer noted, the multiple POV thing is starting to wear thin, but it really does work well here. The story told is not so heavy as to be maudlin.
February 9, 2017
An Absolutely Stellar Debut! This one is a MUST READ! 5 Stars.
Maddy is a seemingly happy; a stay at home mother of a teenage daughter whom she adores and a wife to a very successful man. She volunteers at the local library and appears to have it all. Yet one day, Maddy commits suicide and doesn’t leave a note, leaving her daughter Eve and her husband Brady to wonder why. She did however write in a diary, which both her husband and daughter read and which provides a window into Maddy’s soul.
Eve and Brady have never been close. Maddy was their rock. Their bond. This tragedy forces them to question everything, including their relationship with each other.
This incredibly well written novel is told from the perspective of Eve, Brady and Maddy (Madeline) - who tries to communicate with Eve and Brady and Rory (a woman who she thinks could become the perfect replacement), from the great beyond.
“I Liked My Life” by Abby Fabiaschi’s is a fantastic debut. The characters are extremely well developed and are so very real – I felt like they were old friends. The writing is easy, lovely and is simply quite effortless. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you love Jodi Picoult or Amy Hatvany – you will love Abby Fabiaschi.
Thank you to NetGalley. St. Martin’s Press and Abby Fabiaschi for an ARC of this amazing novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review published on 2/7/16 on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon.
Maddy is a seemingly happy; a stay at home mother of a teenage daughter whom she adores and a wife to a very successful man. She volunteers at the local library and appears to have it all. Yet one day, Maddy commits suicide and doesn’t leave a note, leaving her daughter Eve and her husband Brady to wonder why. She did however write in a diary, which both her husband and daughter read and which provides a window into Maddy’s soul.
Eve and Brady have never been close. Maddy was their rock. Their bond. This tragedy forces them to question everything, including their relationship with each other.
This incredibly well written novel is told from the perspective of Eve, Brady and Maddy (Madeline) - who tries to communicate with Eve and Brady and Rory (a woman who she thinks could become the perfect replacement), from the great beyond.
“I Liked My Life” by Abby Fabiaschi’s is a fantastic debut. The characters are extremely well developed and are so very real – I felt like they were old friends. The writing is easy, lovely and is simply quite effortless. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. If you love Jodi Picoult or Amy Hatvany – you will love Abby Fabiaschi.
Thank you to NetGalley. St. Martin’s Press and Abby Fabiaschi for an ARC of this amazing novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review published on 2/7/16 on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon.
April 30, 2017
A friend recently told me sometimes it's harder to describe the books you loved over the ones you didn't...It's going to to be hard to do this one justice, but I'll start by saying this is one of the best books I've read this year.
The chapters are divided into three different voices - Maddy (the mother who has passed away), Eve (Maddy's teenage daughter), and Brady (Maddy's husband). Reading Eve's perspective, I found it relatable and deeply personal. When I was fourteen, my best friend's mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer; she passed away days before my friend's fifteenth birthday. Through that experience of being a friend to a teenage girl suffering the tremendous loss of her mother, particularly at that phase of life, I found Fabiaschi's words to be spot-on and authentic. All the voices were. There was emotional tenderness, the characters were complex and real, and the writing was flawless.
I think the best books force you to look inward, to think about your life and how you impact others. I learned quite a bit from this book- humanity, loss, suffering, and hope, as it relates to my own experiences and the experiences of others. This important quote in the book - we have to learn to learn from pain - left its indelible mark on me. I Liked My Life gets my highest of recommendations. Thanks to the lovely Jennifer O'Regan, the author, and the publisher, I won a complimentary copy of this book. This was my unsolicited review.
The chapters are divided into three different voices - Maddy (the mother who has passed away), Eve (Maddy's teenage daughter), and Brady (Maddy's husband). Reading Eve's perspective, I found it relatable and deeply personal. When I was fourteen, my best friend's mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer; she passed away days before my friend's fifteenth birthday. Through that experience of being a friend to a teenage girl suffering the tremendous loss of her mother, particularly at that phase of life, I found Fabiaschi's words to be spot-on and authentic. All the voices were. There was emotional tenderness, the characters were complex and real, and the writing was flawless.
I think the best books force you to look inward, to think about your life and how you impact others. I learned quite a bit from this book- humanity, loss, suffering, and hope, as it relates to my own experiences and the experiences of others. This important quote in the book - we have to learn to learn from pain - left its indelible mark on me. I Liked My Life gets my highest of recommendations. Thanks to the lovely Jennifer O'Regan, the author, and the publisher, I won a complimentary copy of this book. This was my unsolicited review.
April 15, 2017
You don't always get to know what happened or why things happened a certain way, but it always, always, goes deeper than any one thing.
Don’t be fooled by this book’s cover, there is so much more depth to this story than what it portrays. At the outset, yes, it seems a bit fluffy, woman dies and is hovering over her family insinuating herself into their lives in sometimes humorous ways, but make no mistake, this book has a heart and soul and it will leave an indelible mark.
This is emotional storytelling and the tone is touching and tender, yet surprisingly devoid of over sentimentality given the subject matter. The writing is eloquent and moving and where it might have devolved into clever plot devices, it does not go for the easy way out. And as ghosts go, Maddie is loving and funny and harnesses her other worldly energies to guide her family through their grief. Meanwhile, her daughter, Eve, and husband, Brady, navigate their complex emotions and try to find answers in her journal with their sorrow often manifesting in frustrating, but believable ways. I grew to love these characters and by the end I missed Maddie as well.
I loved this book and I could not put it down, I was so impressed by this debut author. She pulled me into this story from the first page, then explored universal themes while allowing space for self reflection, all the while delivering a compelling narrative that left me wanting more. It took me a few days to pick up the next book because I didn’t want my relationship with this book to end, but I was left with Maddie’s Truths, so I will revisit them often and remember her with a smile.
Highly recommend for fans of women’s fiction that goes beyond the surface and delivers a powerfully emotional punch. And put it on your book club’s agenda because this story will undoubtedly fuel some deep and hopefully enlightening discussions. It should probably be in the 4.5 star realm, but why be stingy? Life is short.
Don’t be fooled by this book’s cover, there is so much more depth to this story than what it portrays. At the outset, yes, it seems a bit fluffy, woman dies and is hovering over her family insinuating herself into their lives in sometimes humorous ways, but make no mistake, this book has a heart and soul and it will leave an indelible mark.
This is emotional storytelling and the tone is touching and tender, yet surprisingly devoid of over sentimentality given the subject matter. The writing is eloquent and moving and where it might have devolved into clever plot devices, it does not go for the easy way out. And as ghosts go, Maddie is loving and funny and harnesses her other worldly energies to guide her family through their grief. Meanwhile, her daughter, Eve, and husband, Brady, navigate their complex emotions and try to find answers in her journal with their sorrow often manifesting in frustrating, but believable ways. I grew to love these characters and by the end I missed Maddie as well.
I loved this book and I could not put it down, I was so impressed by this debut author. She pulled me into this story from the first page, then explored universal themes while allowing space for self reflection, all the while delivering a compelling narrative that left me wanting more. It took me a few days to pick up the next book because I didn’t want my relationship with this book to end, but I was left with Maddie’s Truths, so I will revisit them often and remember her with a smile.
Highly recommend for fans of women’s fiction that goes beyond the surface and delivers a powerfully emotional punch. And put it on your book club’s agenda because this story will undoubtedly fuel some deep and hopefully enlightening discussions. It should probably be in the 4.5 star realm, but why be stingy? Life is short.
February 7, 2017
Review to come
May 10, 2017
"I Liked My Life," by Abby Fabiaschi, was a welcome surprise for a debut novel. The writing drew me in from the very first sentence, when Madeline/Maddy, the deceased, tells us: "I found the perfect wife for my husband."
Madeline tragically dies but does not completely leave her teenage daughter, Eve, and husband, Brady, behind to deal with all their heartaches and doubts. Madeline has been everything to everybody, especially Eve and Brady, and she is determined to guide them in the right direction towards a happier life, before continuing on with her journey.
I am usually not interested in reading ghost stories, but the author had a wonderful way of keeping Madeline alive. Actually, the entire scenario seemed completely believable to me. I enjoyed Madeline's use of "suggestive thoughts" to lovingly manipulate everyone.
Yes, this storyline had sad moments, but it was also an entertaining book, with a lot of warmth and humor added throughout. With the endearing characters being so well-defined, it was easy to become involved in their thoughts and feelings.
The chosen format has become a favorite of mine--short POVs, labeled with each character's name, throughout the book. The author's writing was deliberate and flowed beautifully. The only issue I had with the book was that it ended too quickly. It seemed more like an epilogue.
Abby Fabiaschi, I liked your book--A LOT!
Since I'm on the subject of "like," what about that cover? If I hadn't been so drawn to it, I would not have taken the time to research this book. Kudos to jacket designor, Lisa Marie Pompilio, even though I continuously placed the book upside down on my nightstand.
4.5 sparkling stars! Highly recommend.
Madeline tragically dies but does not completely leave her teenage daughter, Eve, and husband, Brady, behind to deal with all their heartaches and doubts. Madeline has been everything to everybody, especially Eve and Brady, and she is determined to guide them in the right direction towards a happier life, before continuing on with her journey.
I am usually not interested in reading ghost stories, but the author had a wonderful way of keeping Madeline alive. Actually, the entire scenario seemed completely believable to me. I enjoyed Madeline's use of "suggestive thoughts" to lovingly manipulate everyone.
Yes, this storyline had sad moments, but it was also an entertaining book, with a lot of warmth and humor added throughout. With the endearing characters being so well-defined, it was easy to become involved in their thoughts and feelings.
The chosen format has become a favorite of mine--short POVs, labeled with each character's name, throughout the book. The author's writing was deliberate and flowed beautifully. The only issue I had with the book was that it ended too quickly. It seemed more like an epilogue.
Abby Fabiaschi, I liked your book--A LOT!
Since I'm on the subject of "like," what about that cover? If I hadn't been so drawn to it, I would not have taken the time to research this book. Kudos to jacket designor, Lisa Marie Pompilio, even though I continuously placed the book upside down on my nightstand.
4.5 sparkling stars! Highly recommend.
Want to read
April 26, 2017A buddy read with the wonderful Lin(da)! :-D
Let the tortoise/snail race begin ;)
Let the tortoise/snail race begin ;)
June 14, 2017
This book drew me in from the start and the narrators of the audio version were excellent.
What I liked:
- the author is a human rights advocate who gives 20% of her profits to charities uplifting women and children around the world. This alone makes me a huge fan of the author.
- the story is an honest portrayal of grief and the guilt that often accompanies it – but the author tempers it with humor and heartwarming moments, which saves it from being a depressing read.
- I appreciated that Maddy, the mother who died, wasn’t portrayed as a “perfect angel”, which sometimes happens when a person dies young. Even awesome people have flaws and this was an unflinching look at a perfectly human wife and mother
- the ups and downs of marriage was portrayed honestly, but with the deep love that is always there
- I suspect every mom will relate to the portrayal of moms who give and give, but rarely see it reciprocated.
- how a spouse’s contribution to the marriage isn’t fully realized until after they are gone
- I loved how Maddy’s love for her family was so strong and I liked how she influenced them through sending out "thoughts" to her husband and daughter. This sounds cheesy but it was done very well. I find the idea that our loved ones who have passed are cheering us on very comforting
-even amidst grief and horrific circumstances, there’s beauty to be found.
- the revelations through the diary entries was a nice device to learn more about Maddy
- the surprise ending (and that’s all I’ll say about that)
- there’s a lot here for book clubs to explore and discuss
What didn't quite work for me:
- This is my own personal bias but I don’t enjoy reading about teenage angst and Eve was hard to take at times
- I found the middle dragged a bit and there was unnecessary repetition and melodrama.
- I became annoyed at what I thought was an overriding theme of “women are all oppressed and unappreciated after marriage and children”. Luckily, the author turned it around
It's a very enjoyable debut that I highly recommend!
What I liked:
- the author is a human rights advocate who gives 20% of her profits to charities uplifting women and children around the world. This alone makes me a huge fan of the author.
- the story is an honest portrayal of grief and the guilt that often accompanies it – but the author tempers it with humor and heartwarming moments, which saves it from being a depressing read.
- I appreciated that Maddy, the mother who died, wasn’t portrayed as a “perfect angel”, which sometimes happens when a person dies young. Even awesome people have flaws and this was an unflinching look at a perfectly human wife and mother
- the ups and downs of marriage was portrayed honestly, but with the deep love that is always there
- I suspect every mom will relate to the portrayal of moms who give and give, but rarely see it reciprocated.
- how a spouse’s contribution to the marriage isn’t fully realized until after they are gone
- I loved how Maddy’s love for her family was so strong and I liked how she influenced them through sending out "thoughts" to her husband and daughter. This sounds cheesy but it was done very well. I find the idea that our loved ones who have passed are cheering us on very comforting
-even amidst grief and horrific circumstances, there’s beauty to be found.
- the revelations through the diary entries was a nice device to learn more about Maddy
- the surprise ending (and that’s all I’ll say about that)
- there’s a lot here for book clubs to explore and discuss
What didn't quite work for me:
- This is my own personal bias but I don’t enjoy reading about teenage angst and Eve was hard to take at times
- I found the middle dragged a bit and there was unnecessary repetition and melodrama.
- I became annoyed at what I thought was an overriding theme of “women are all oppressed and unappreciated after marriage and children”. Luckily, the author turned it around
It's a very enjoyable debut that I highly recommend!
October 18, 2017
4.5 I liked My Life has a lot of glowing reviews, but I was reluctant to pick it up. Then I was browsing the library shelves and there it was staring me down, daring me to check it out.
Narrated by Madeline, the perfect wife, mother, and hostess, Brady her husband, and Eve their 17 year old daughter. From the beginning we know Madeline commits suicide. Obviously with a suicide comes a barrage of unanswerable questions then guilt and anger. How could someone who seemingly has the perfect happy life commit suicide? As Brady and Eve look back at their relationship with Madeline and each other they slowly begin to come to terms with her death. An interesting perspective is Madeline. From the grave. I wasn't sure about this, but it was actually entertaining. Madeline tries to manipulate from above and find a partner for Brady and advise Eve. Some of the scheming works, some not.
It's a fun read as well as heartbreaking. To read about the aftermath of a suicide is sobering, but Fabiaschi spins this story with finesse. The book is cleverly ended by the last sentence. Eve says to a family friend, "Sometimes I feel like you were sent by my mother."
Narrated by Madeline, the perfect wife, mother, and hostess, Brady her husband, and Eve their 17 year old daughter. From the beginning we know Madeline commits suicide. Obviously with a suicide comes a barrage of unanswerable questions then guilt and anger. How could someone who seemingly has the perfect happy life commit suicide? As Brady and Eve look back at their relationship with Madeline and each other they slowly begin to come to terms with her death. An interesting perspective is Madeline. From the grave. I wasn't sure about this, but it was actually entertaining. Madeline tries to manipulate from above and find a partner for Brady and advise Eve. Some of the scheming works, some not.
It's a fun read as well as heartbreaking. To read about the aftermath of a suicide is sobering, but Fabiaschi spins this story with finesse. The book is cleverly ended by the last sentence. Eve says to a family friend, "Sometimes I feel like you were sent by my mother."
May 7, 2018
Maddy is a ghost looking for a replacement for herself. She committed suicide and left behind a seventeen year old daughter, Eve and husband, Brady. She is able to read the minds of those she is watching and her spirit can direct their actions. Her goal is to find someone to love and take care her family. The story is narrated by each character.
Brady and Eve are left sorting out their lives and their relationship with each other while grieving. No note was left behind and they have no answers to why she left them. Eve begins to retreat from her friends and wants to attend boarding school next year. She feels that people are uncomfortable around her and conversations are difficult. She does not want to be known as the girl whose mother killed herself. She also misses her mother and feels guilty for taking her for granted.
Brady is overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising a daughter alone and picking up the household duties. He realizes that he has not been the best husband or father. His relationship with Eve is strained since they haven't spent a lot of time together. Maddy kept a daily journal which he shares with Eve and this is the catalyst towards improving their relationship. Together, they unlock Maddy’s secrets and gain closure on her death.
Although this book is mostly about a grieving family, it is also about the complexity of relationships. The dialogues between the characters are well executed. I enjoyed the internal thoughts of each character, and felt it added humor to the book. I am looking forward to the author’s next book.
Giveaway copy on my blog until 1/13 https://www.facebook.com/suzyapproved...
Brady and Eve are left sorting out their lives and their relationship with each other while grieving. No note was left behind and they have no answers to why she left them. Eve begins to retreat from her friends and wants to attend boarding school next year. She feels that people are uncomfortable around her and conversations are difficult. She does not want to be known as the girl whose mother killed herself. She also misses her mother and feels guilty for taking her for granted.
Brady is overwhelmed with the responsibilities of raising a daughter alone and picking up the household duties. He realizes that he has not been the best husband or father. His relationship with Eve is strained since they haven't spent a lot of time together. Maddy kept a daily journal which he shares with Eve and this is the catalyst towards improving their relationship. Together, they unlock Maddy’s secrets and gain closure on her death.
Although this book is mostly about a grieving family, it is also about the complexity of relationships. The dialogues between the characters are well executed. I enjoyed the internal thoughts of each character, and felt it added humor to the book. I am looking forward to the author’s next book.
Giveaway copy on my blog until 1/13 https://www.facebook.com/suzyapproved...
November 13, 2016
WOW! Abby Fabiaschi has written an amazing debut novel that once I started I could not put down. As I Liked My Life opens, Maddy has died, and her husband Brady and daughter Eve are left to pick up the pieces. Maddy is able to see them and subtly communicate with her loved ones and attempts to direct their lives. She searches for her replacement, finds someone she believes will work, and then tries to bring Rory into Brady and Eve’s orbit. Meanwhile, Brady and Eve are slowly trying to move from Maddy’s untimely death.
The story is told via various viewpoints which I loved because I felt that I got to know each of the characters and understand his/her motivation and personality better. Fabiaschi’s writing is beautiful, and she crafts a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story. The ending is fantastic.
I highly, highly recommend this book. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told via various viewpoints which I loved because I felt that I got to know each of the characters and understand his/her motivation and personality better. Fabiaschi’s writing is beautiful, and she crafts a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story. The ending is fantastic.
I highly, highly recommend this book. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2016
4★
This one surprised me with how engaging it was. The description alone would not have drawn me in but friend reviews did.
Frankly it sounded a bit preposterous but it worked. Madeleine, a lover of literature and other things, jumps to her death from the fourth floor of the local library. The story of what went so wrong and why she might have done so is told from three alternating perspectives (which works very well here), hers, her husband’s, and their daughter’s.
Maddy begins to haunt Brady & Eve to move beyond their pain and loss by leading them to Rory, her pick as a new wife and step-mom. They are still in shock and deeply estranged from each other with no idea why she would abandon her life and them.
With the thoughtful back and forth insights of family members in crisis it would be a great choice for book club discussion. A really fine debut which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press for this digital galley.
This one surprised me with how engaging it was. The description alone would not have drawn me in but friend reviews did.
Frankly it sounded a bit preposterous but it worked. Madeleine, a lover of literature and other things, jumps to her death from the fourth floor of the local library. The story of what went so wrong and why she might have done so is told from three alternating perspectives (which works very well here), hers, her husband’s, and their daughter’s.
Maddy begins to haunt Brady & Eve to move beyond their pain and loss by leading them to Rory, her pick as a new wife and step-mom. They are still in shock and deeply estranged from each other with no idea why she would abandon her life and them.
With the thoughtful back and forth insights of family members in crisis it would be a great choice for book club discussion. A really fine debut which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press for this digital galley.
May 16, 2017
“Practice love, compassion and forgiveness. Anger is nothing but an anchor that keeps you from moving forward.”
“we’re given the gift of life with the consequence of death. I think it’d be a mistake to focus on the consequence instead of the gift.”
Heartbreaking, witty, and heartwarming!
I liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi is a very powerful and emotional story with a long-lasting message that deals with life, death, and family. It's hard to believe that this is Abby Fabiaschi's debut novel - so beautifully written and full of emotion. One thing is for sure, remember to always treasure the important people in your life.
Highly recommend! *Word of advice - have some tissues on hand.
“we’re given the gift of life with the consequence of death. I think it’d be a mistake to focus on the consequence instead of the gift.”
Heartbreaking, witty, and heartwarming!
I liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi is a very powerful and emotional story with a long-lasting message that deals with life, death, and family. It's hard to believe that this is Abby Fabiaschi's debut novel - so beautifully written and full of emotion. One thing is for sure, remember to always treasure the important people in your life.
Highly recommend! *Word of advice - have some tissues on hand.
May 31, 2017
Told in a similar fashion to “The Lovely Bones” (Alice Sebold), “I Liked My Life” is the story of Maddy, a woman who guides her husband and daughter from beyond the grave after taking her own life. Morbid subject matter, sure, but the novel itself is melancholic while still being hopeful, and delightful while still being sad. The author, Abby Fasbiaschi, manages to take a sad moment in one’s life, and turn it into a learning experience- an experience of love, loss, redemption and family heartbreak.
I can be honest and say that until the very last page (or two) I was completely irritated with Maddy. I did not like her at all right from the beginning and spent the entire novel angry at her. How dare she give advice from beyond the grave when she could be there to guide them in person? (I felt bad for this entire novel’s worth of hatred later on, but I digress….). Brady and Evie were absolutely charming- the father-daughter team struggling to come to terms with their newfound shared grief. I loved how spunky Evie was and her self-confidence and intelligence were admirable, while still being snarky and full of teenage attitude and angst.
The novel is told from the standpoint of Maddy, Evie and Brady (also, some snippets from Rory- who soon becomes Evie’s mentor). The novel plays out as if the end is anticipated, but it came as a complete surprise. The relationship between Rory and Brady did not play out as planned, but still had a happy ending for both of them. Then of course, the ultimate surprise being the truth about Maddy (to avoid spoilers, I’ll stop here).
It was a delightful novel to read, and definitely puts a lot of things into perspective. Due to the subject matter of how Maddy is believed to have died, this novel got a four-star rating right at the start from me (and there was no changing my mind). However, now that the “truth it out there”, so to speak, I may have been convinced to add this one to my five-star list.
A short, bittersweet and delightful read about love, loss and the importance of family. “I Liked My Life” will surprise you, and will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions, right to the very last page.
I can be honest and say that until the very last page (or two) I was completely irritated with Maddy. I did not like her at all right from the beginning and spent the entire novel angry at her. How dare she give advice from beyond the grave when she could be there to guide them in person? (I felt bad for this entire novel’s worth of hatred later on, but I digress….). Brady and Evie were absolutely charming- the father-daughter team struggling to come to terms with their newfound shared grief. I loved how spunky Evie was and her self-confidence and intelligence were admirable, while still being snarky and full of teenage attitude and angst.
The novel is told from the standpoint of Maddy, Evie and Brady (also, some snippets from Rory- who soon becomes Evie’s mentor). The novel plays out as if the end is anticipated, but it came as a complete surprise. The relationship between Rory and Brady did not play out as planned, but still had a happy ending for both of them. Then of course, the ultimate surprise being the truth about Maddy (to avoid spoilers, I’ll stop here).
It was a delightful novel to read, and definitely puts a lot of things into perspective. Due to the subject matter of how Maddy is believed to have died, this novel got a four-star rating right at the start from me (and there was no changing my mind). However, now that the “truth it out there”, so to speak, I may have been convinced to add this one to my five-star list.
A short, bittersweet and delightful read about love, loss and the importance of family. “I Liked My Life” will surprise you, and will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions, right to the very last page.
February 25, 2017
This is a book about life, death, love, grief, and forgiveness. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming (as the book description blurb states). I laughed and I cried - I loved this story!
"Practice love, compassion and forgiveness. Anger is nothing but an anchor that keeps you from moving forward." One of my favorite quotes from the book.
Highly recommend.
"Practice love, compassion and forgiveness. Anger is nothing but an anchor that keeps you from moving forward." One of my favorite quotes from the book.
Highly recommend.
August 26, 2017
I really loved this book! Dialogue, characters and storyline are very realistic. So beautiful how the characters' perspectives on life change as they struggle to cope with Maddie's death. A father and daughter become aware of their selfish attitudes and behaviors, but is it too late? Very satisfying. 4.5 stars
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