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Millard Salter's Last Day
In the spirit of the New York Times bestselling A Man Called Ove , this is the heartwarming story of a man who decides to end his life before he’s too old—but then begins to reconsider when he faces complications from the world around him.
In an effort to delay the frailty and isolation that comes with old age, psychiatrist Millard Salter decides to kill himself by the end of the day—but first he has to tie up some loose ends. These include a tête-à-tête with his youngest son, Lysander, who at forty-three has yet to hold down a paying job; an unscheduled rendezvous with his first wife, Carol, whom he hasn’t seen in twenty-seven years; and a brief visit to the grave of his second wife, Isabelle. Complicating this plan though is Delilah, the widow with whom he has fallen in love in the past few months. As Millard begins to wrap up his life, he confronts a lifetime of challenges during a single day—and discovers that his family has a big surprise for him as well.
In an effort to delay the frailty and isolation that comes with old age, psychiatrist Millard Salter decides to kill himself by the end of the day—but first he has to tie up some loose ends. These include a tête-à-tête with his youngest son, Lysander, who at forty-three has yet to hold down a paying job; an unscheduled rendezvous with his first wife, Carol, whom he hasn’t seen in twenty-seven years; and a brief visit to the grave of his second wife, Isabelle. Complicating this plan though is Delilah, the widow with whom he has fallen in love in the past few months. As Millard begins to wrap up his life, he confronts a lifetime of challenges during a single day—and discovers that his family has a big surprise for him as well.
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
50 people are currently reading
1711 people want to read
About the author
Jacob M. Appel
36 books1,593 followers**Please note: A limited number of complimentary electronic copies of several of my books are available for review. Please email me directly if you are interested**
Jacob M. Appel's first novel, The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up, won the Dundee International Book Award in 2012. His short story collection, Scouting for the Reaper, won the 2012 Hudson Prize. He has published short fiction in more than two hundred literary journals including Agni, Conjunctions, Gettysburg Review, Southwest Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, and West Branch. His work has been short listed for the O. Henry Award (2001), Best American Short Stories (2007, 2008), Best American Essays (2011, 2012), and received "special mention" for the Pushcart Prize in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013.
Jacob holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Brown University, an M.A. and an M.Phil. from Columbia University, an M.S. in bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute of Albany Medical College, an M.D. from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University, an M.F.A. in playwriting from Queens College, an M.P.H. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He currently practices psychiatry in New York City.
Jacob M. Appel's first novel, The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up, won the Dundee International Book Award in 2012. His short story collection, Scouting for the Reaper, won the 2012 Hudson Prize. He has published short fiction in more than two hundred literary journals including Agni, Conjunctions, Gettysburg Review, Southwest Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, and West Branch. His work has been short listed for the O. Henry Award (2001), Best American Short Stories (2007, 2008), Best American Essays (2011, 2012), and received "special mention" for the Pushcart Prize in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013.
Jacob holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Brown University, an M.A. and an M.Phil. from Columbia University, an M.S. in bioethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute of Albany Medical College, an M.D. from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, an M.F.A. in creative writing from New York University, an M.F.A. in playwriting from Queens College, an M.P.H. from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He currently practices psychiatry in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
October 12, 2017
I'd rate this 3.5 stars.
Today is Millard Salter's 75th birthday. He has a pretty full day planned—a busy day as a psychiatrist at New York's St. Dymphna's Hospital, lunch with his seemingly unambitious, 43-year-old son Lysander, and a visit to the grave of his second wife Isabelle, whose death he's still mourning. He has promised to help his current flame, Delilah, take care of an important task, and then he plans to end the day by killing himself.
Millard isn't sick or depressed or frail. But he knows all too well the indignities and infirmities that old age can bring, and he's determined to exit before his quality of life is impacted by any of them. He also doesn't want to be a burden to his children, nor does he want people to chronicle or lament his eventual decline.
He's trying to get everything in his life as settled as possible so his death doesn't cause a lot of disruption. He has divested himself of most of his patients and tied up as many loose ends as he can. But the course of life, even when you're planning to end your life, never runs smoothly—Millard encounters frustrated bureaucrats, power-hungry colleagues, depressed patients, a fiercely loyal employee, and a student looking for a recommendation. Oh, and there's a lynx on the loose at the hospital. Luckily, Millard's sly sense of humor helps him take everything in stride.
As Millard goes through the day, he realizes he won't leave this world without some regrets, but he tries to make things right where he can, so he can end his life feeling reasonably satisfied with how things will be after his death. And as he reminisces about his childhood, his marriages, and his career, he sees how much everything has changed, and he doesn't want to feel like a dinosaur.
This was a really interesting concept on which to build a book. Millard is a complex character—he definitely cares about his family and his patients but he's not above some mostly good-natured ribbing of his colleagues. Given the book's plot, this could have veered into either maudlin or treacly territory, and to Jacob Appel's credit it really didn't. You could see as the book unfolded that this was a man who was proud of his life and his accomplishments, but didn't want to linger too long.
Appel is a fantastic writer—he's written some fantastic short story collections I've absolutely devoured— Einstein's Beach House, Coulrophobia & Fata Morgana , and Miracles and Conundrums of the Secondary Planets . His writing is always characterized by a healthy balance of quirk and heart, and both are on display here. I just felt this book meandered a little too much—some of Millard's pranks and reminiscences went on a bit too long, and so many subplots, supporting characters, and odd situations were shoehorned into the book that I felt it distracted from the story at the book's core.
One other caveat, which may be a positive or a negative one for you: the book's marketing blurb mentions A Man Called Ove , and while Millard may have his cranky moments, I don't think he's quite the curmudgeon that Ove was. So don't go into this book expecting that, or don't steer away from this book because you feared that.
Millard Salter's Last Day isn't perfect, but it's tremendously thought-provoking and well-written, with an immensely vivid main character. I think it's a great book club selection, because it could be the source of some fascinating conversation. And as always, Appel demonstrates his talent as a storyteller.
NetGalley and Gallery Books 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....
Today is Millard Salter's 75th birthday. He has a pretty full day planned—a busy day as a psychiatrist at New York's St. Dymphna's Hospital, lunch with his seemingly unambitious, 43-year-old son Lysander, and a visit to the grave of his second wife Isabelle, whose death he's still mourning. He has promised to help his current flame, Delilah, take care of an important task, and then he plans to end the day by killing himself.
Millard isn't sick or depressed or frail. But he knows all too well the indignities and infirmities that old age can bring, and he's determined to exit before his quality of life is impacted by any of them. He also doesn't want to be a burden to his children, nor does he want people to chronicle or lament his eventual decline.
He's trying to get everything in his life as settled as possible so his death doesn't cause a lot of disruption. He has divested himself of most of his patients and tied up as many loose ends as he can. But the course of life, even when you're planning to end your life, never runs smoothly—Millard encounters frustrated bureaucrats, power-hungry colleagues, depressed patients, a fiercely loyal employee, and a student looking for a recommendation. Oh, and there's a lynx on the loose at the hospital. Luckily, Millard's sly sense of humor helps him take everything in stride.
As Millard goes through the day, he realizes he won't leave this world without some regrets, but he tries to make things right where he can, so he can end his life feeling reasonably satisfied with how things will be after his death. And as he reminisces about his childhood, his marriages, and his career, he sees how much everything has changed, and he doesn't want to feel like a dinosaur.
This was a really interesting concept on which to build a book. Millard is a complex character—he definitely cares about his family and his patients but he's not above some mostly good-natured ribbing of his colleagues. Given the book's plot, this could have veered into either maudlin or treacly territory, and to Jacob Appel's credit it really didn't. You could see as the book unfolded that this was a man who was proud of his life and his accomplishments, but didn't want to linger too long.
Appel is a fantastic writer—he's written some fantastic short story collections I've absolutely devoured— Einstein's Beach House, Coulrophobia & Fata Morgana , and Miracles and Conundrums of the Secondary Planets . His writing is always characterized by a healthy balance of quirk and heart, and both are on display here. I just felt this book meandered a little too much—some of Millard's pranks and reminiscences went on a bit too long, and so many subplots, supporting characters, and odd situations were shoehorned into the book that I felt it distracted from the story at the book's core.
One other caveat, which may be a positive or a negative one for you: the book's marketing blurb mentions A Man Called Ove , and while Millard may have his cranky moments, I don't think he's quite the curmudgeon that Ove was. So don't go into this book expecting that, or don't steer away from this book because you feared that.
Millard Salter's Last Day isn't perfect, but it's tremendously thought-provoking and well-written, with an immensely vivid main character. I think it's a great book club selection, because it could be the source of some fascinating conversation. And as always, Appel demonstrates his talent as a storyteller.
NetGalley and Gallery Books 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....
September 19, 2018
History did not necessarily belong to the winners; it belonged to the last witness off life support.
what better way to start the new year than with a lighthearted suicide novel? i don't think there are many to choose from, so you might as well read this one!
it is dr. millard salter’s birthday, and he has a busy day planned, with no time to spare or to deviate from his to-do list, which list concludes with “hanging himself in his bathroom closet.” it’s the most pragmatic of suicide plans - although he is not yet sick, he’s seventy-five years old, and working at a hospital, losing loved ones - he knows all too well how the human body deteriorates, and this dignified choice is meant to spare himself and his family the fuss and mess and grief of experiencing or having to stand by and watch this decline.
it makes for an interesting perspective, following a character through what we know and what he knows to be their “last times” doing all of the everyday stuff we all do, giving a ceremonial luster to what is ordinarily either tedious or forgettable: hallway conversations with colleagues, paperwork, cab rides, waiting for stop lights. however, since no one else knows this is the last time they will see him, millard is able to get in a few jokes at their expense - promises made, ironic word choices, the freedom in knowing that the consequences of speaking his mind are immaterial. and while it seems dark to joke about one’s impending demise, it’s not written that way at all; appel somehow keeps it lighter than it has any right to be, and that’s a remarkable trick to have pulled off.
it also puts the reader in a potentially uncomfortable place - much of millard’s day is spent dealing with unforeseen events getting in the way of his intentions, forcing him to be more flexible with his timetable and more generous with his time and attentions on the one day that should be all about him. there’s an element of If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans, but the fact that the delays are so common: acquaintances and colleagues chipping away at his time with small talk, demands, expectations, forms - none of which have any meaning to someone with no intention of being here tomorrow - but the fact that they are such relatable obstacles causes a sympathetic reaction in a reader until you remember that these delays are mucking up his suicide plans, which is a bit emotionally conflicting. i mean, to me, anyway.
so, yeah - worth checking out, even if it’s just to see how someone achieves a “heartwarming” suicide narrative.
come to my blog!
what better way to start the new year than with a lighthearted suicide novel? i don't think there are many to choose from, so you might as well read this one!
it is dr. millard salter’s birthday, and he has a busy day planned, with no time to spare or to deviate from his to-do list, which list concludes with “hanging himself in his bathroom closet.” it’s the most pragmatic of suicide plans - although he is not yet sick, he’s seventy-five years old, and working at a hospital, losing loved ones - he knows all too well how the human body deteriorates, and this dignified choice is meant to spare himself and his family the fuss and mess and grief of experiencing or having to stand by and watch this decline.
it makes for an interesting perspective, following a character through what we know and what he knows to be their “last times” doing all of the everyday stuff we all do, giving a ceremonial luster to what is ordinarily either tedious or forgettable: hallway conversations with colleagues, paperwork, cab rides, waiting for stop lights. however, since no one else knows this is the last time they will see him, millard is able to get in a few jokes at their expense - promises made, ironic word choices, the freedom in knowing that the consequences of speaking his mind are immaterial. and while it seems dark to joke about one’s impending demise, it’s not written that way at all; appel somehow keeps it lighter than it has any right to be, and that’s a remarkable trick to have pulled off.
it also puts the reader in a potentially uncomfortable place - much of millard’s day is spent dealing with unforeseen events getting in the way of his intentions, forcing him to be more flexible with his timetable and more generous with his time and attentions on the one day that should be all about him. there’s an element of If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans, but the fact that the delays are so common: acquaintances and colleagues chipping away at his time with small talk, demands, expectations, forms - none of which have any meaning to someone with no intention of being here tomorrow - but the fact that they are such relatable obstacles causes a sympathetic reaction in a reader until you remember that these delays are mucking up his suicide plans, which is a bit emotionally conflicting. i mean, to me, anyway.
so, yeah - worth checking out, even if it’s just to see how someone achieves a “heartwarming” suicide narrative.
come to my blog!
October 9, 2017
I’ve been a huge fan of Jacob M. Appel for years. This is the ‘only’ book I’ve read of Jacob’s - that I think is a ‘mess’! A reader has to work their ass off to read this novel -
A lot is expected of the ‘reader’ when there is very little emotional connection - yet filled with side details - rants - and choppy disjointed writing.
There were too many characters - and name dropping of chairman’s and co chairman’s - accountants - etc.
Then there were the intellectual stories - impressive fancy ones -(but I felt there were so many it all became pretentious)
One example is when Millard shared about his son Arnold,(the son he was ‘not’ disappointed with.....like he is with Lysander who walks his dogs at age 43 but not too much else)
With Arnold - Millard “brushed up his knowledge of philately of numismatics...Buffalo nickels on a drive to the Smithsonian to see a rare Swedish stamp called ‘Treskillg’ Yellow”
And soon he is talking about World fruit - and African and southern American monkeys with another daughter, Maia....... “stalactites and stalagmites”—�
While letting us know Lysander’s “greatest feet at age 43 has been teaching a crepuscular rodent to stick out his ass”.
Or here is another ‘side rant’.... I just didn’t care or understand the reasoning for many of the choices Jacob included to write.
“ they set aside a VIP suite for Jeffers, paid for out-of pocket, where the one-time hedge fund executive alternatively ranted about the future of Polish zloty and pinched the dumps of the phlebotomist”.
There was so much missed opportunity with this novel in my opinion. Jacob took an interesting topic - A psychiatrist - who didn’t want to be dependent or diminished like so many of his colleagues when they died. He wasn’t depressed or sick —� but he was 75.... he wanted to commit suicide before the natural decline. The month before he had been tracking his ‘lasts’.....[ that was interesting]. It was also interesting when he would shared about his first wife and his adult children and woman he fell in love with at age 75 —� throwing a wrench into his suicide plan.....BUT.... with the amount of mumbo-jumbo reminiscing and hearsay stories, and a weak ending - I lost all respect for this book.
Note: the Jacob I love takes ‘risks’ - - I didn’t see it in this novel. The risk died before it got started.
1.5 stars
Thank You Gallery, Threshold, Netgalley, and Jacob.
A lot is expected of the ‘reader’ when there is very little emotional connection - yet filled with side details - rants - and choppy disjointed writing.
There were too many characters - and name dropping of chairman’s and co chairman’s - accountants - etc.
Then there were the intellectual stories - impressive fancy ones -(but I felt there were so many it all became pretentious)
One example is when Millard shared about his son Arnold,(the son he was ‘not’ disappointed with.....like he is with Lysander who walks his dogs at age 43 but not too much else)
With Arnold - Millard “brushed up his knowledge of philately of numismatics...Buffalo nickels on a drive to the Smithsonian to see a rare Swedish stamp called ‘Treskillg’ Yellow”
And soon he is talking about World fruit - and African and southern American monkeys with another daughter, Maia....... “stalactites and stalagmites”—�
While letting us know Lysander’s “greatest feet at age 43 has been teaching a crepuscular rodent to stick out his ass”.
Or here is another ‘side rant’.... I just didn’t care or understand the reasoning for many of the choices Jacob included to write.
“ they set aside a VIP suite for Jeffers, paid for out-of pocket, where the one-time hedge fund executive alternatively ranted about the future of Polish zloty and pinched the dumps of the phlebotomist”.
There was so much missed opportunity with this novel in my opinion. Jacob took an interesting topic - A psychiatrist - who didn’t want to be dependent or diminished like so many of his colleagues when they died. He wasn’t depressed or sick —� but he was 75.... he wanted to commit suicide before the natural decline. The month before he had been tracking his ‘lasts’.....[ that was interesting]. It was also interesting when he would shared about his first wife and his adult children and woman he fell in love with at age 75 —� throwing a wrench into his suicide plan.....BUT.... with the amount of mumbo-jumbo reminiscing and hearsay stories, and a weak ending - I lost all respect for this book.
Note: the Jacob I love takes ‘risks’ - - I didn’t see it in this novel. The risk died before it got started.
1.5 stars
Thank You Gallery, Threshold, Netgalley, and Jacob.
September 28, 2024
It’s Millard Salter 75th birthday, as this novel begins, and what he wants, more than anything else, for his birthday is to never have another one again. Not even one more birthday. I don’t mean just the acknowledgement of his birthday or any party. He’s done, arriving at the ripe age of 75, he wants not to have another year of dealing with the staff at St. Dymphna’s Hospital where he is a psychiatrist, not another day filled with busy-ness, or those aggravating lunches with his son, Lysander, whom he’s to have lunch with today. Not another day of pretending that Lysander will find a direction in life, make something of himself, and watching him prove otherwise. Not another day missing his second wife, Isabelle, who has left this life behind. Soon, he knows that his current girlfriend’s days will be over, and then, what is the point? The cherry on top - not another day working with that dreadful Hecuba.
”Millard dug his fingernails into his palm and said nothing. What was that pet expression of Lyndon Johnson’s: ‘Don’t wrestle with a pig because you get dirty and the pig enjoys it.’ The same applied to arguing with Hecuba.”
So, his plan is leave it all behind, before it gets bad, before he fades away and can’t take things into his own hands.
A pre-emptive suicide, you might say.
But there are things to do before, people to see, errands to run, and in the course of this unusual day, after he leaves the hospital early to pay a visit to Isabelle’s grave, after a few things go awry, after the day is almost done, he begins to think about the things he enjoys, the things in his life that he holds close to his heart.
In an era that is dominated by celebrities who became celebrities because they out-tweeted enough people, where he feels there is a generation in the work force who has no regard, or use, really, for anyone ‘older,’ Millard can’t relate – which is only fair, since they can’t relate to him, either. He’s a relic, at 75, a person who can relate more to the thrill of meeting Eddie Cantor and Jimmy Durante when he was a child. He’s pretty certain no one remembers who Durante was anymore, and he’s not up figuring out why these new celebrities are and why they’re celebrities.
I was drawn in by the premise of this book, and, to be fair, there are parts of this that I enjoyed, but it also seemed to cram too many divergent storylines into one. While I have not read any of his previous books, I knew he was a highly regarded author, and this seemed like it had great potential. It felt a bit as though the author was wandering all over the place while trying to give the reader the idea that Millard’s life contained all this history and all these people and places and memories.
What I loved most about this book were Millard’s walks down memory lane, his reminiscing of the years he loved, the years he felt loved in return. His years of living in the Bronx, and wandering the streets of his old neighborhood, the girls he had fancied way back then. The years before life had ground him down. I loved parts of this story, but overall, I felt it was a bit too disjointed. There are a lot of side-stories that detracted from the main story, including a story involving a lynx, which had no reason to be in this story, at all. But, I loved Millard as a character; he isn’t without his own somewhat twisted sense of humour and charm.
Pub Date: 07 Nov 2017
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Gallery Books
December 23, 2017
3.5★
I was delighted to discover Jacob M Appel’s short stories and have another collection I’m looking forward to. This was a full-length novel, and I enjoyed Millard and his plans to finish his life on his 75th birthday. He has a lot to accomplish before the end of the day, including helping his latest lover with her premature demise first.
Delilah was a well-known actress and counted many famous people among her friends, but now she’s bed-ridden and gradually disintegrating. She’s read up on the topic, joined a group and managed to secure the necessaries to kill herself cleanly and peacefully while she’s still capable of doing so.
“The queen-sized bed in the adjoining room, where they’d first made love, had long been surrendered to boxes of adult diapers and cases of puréed baby food. A second childhood lacking the only solace of the original: hope.”
Millard is a psychiatrist whose usual position is to talk people down from virtual ledges, not encourage them to go through with such lethal plans, but in this case, he’s sad and lonely since the death of his second wife, and he understands Delilah's desire not to go on, particularly as the only thing she has to look forward to is a further decline.
I enjoy Appel’s style and turn of phrase.
“Her tone carried a distain heavier than words, as though she’d pinched soiled clothing between her thumb and forefinger and was searching for a hamper.”
He has his kids to consider, his first wife, his patients, and his staff at the hospital, but at 75, he’s feeling there’s nobody much left to talk to who remembers the things he remembers. We know Millard is 75 today, and he was 13 when the armistice was signed at Pamunjon, which means he was born in 1940. I am now 75 and was born in 1942.
He is frustrated because he keeps making references to things that today’s young people have never heard of. He talks about “Bringing Up Baby”, a 1938 movie featuring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. And he reminisces at length about Jimmy Durante.
The romantic comedies of my youth (and Millard’s) would have been Rock Hudson and Doris Day or Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood. Johnny Carson was “our” comedian. I've seen the other people, of course, but they are not the generation of entertainer I'm missing.
Millard mentions that nobody would have described Harry S Truman as a second-rate haberdasher; he says someone’s voice sounds like the patrician tones Eleanor Roosevelt might have used to call Franklin. He talks about a coat someone wore every day during the year Eisenhower left office. My generation would be more likely to speak of Kennedy or LBJ.
There are so many references like this in every chapter that I felt a bit beaten over the head with them. All right, all right! I get it! BUT, the real reason he has nobody to talk to is that these are all things that might have interested my parents (and his), who were young marrieds in 1940 and interested in politics and movies and entertainment at the time.
Almost without exception, all of Millard’s nostalgia is that of a man probably thirty years older than he is. My dad loved Dinah Shore, and probably liked Hedy Lamarr, Jane Russell, Lana Turner and Rosemary Clooney, too.
These are not the women that today’s men of 75 would be lusting after in their memories. Monroe and Bardot and Loren and Ann-Margret might be more likely.
I suspect there are aged care facilities where people are still playing music that was popular during WW2, thinking that all old people listen to that music, when they should probably be playing Elvis, Dylan, the Beatles, and the Eagles now. Millard speaks of missing Glen Miller.
If only the story had taken place say thirty years earlier so that these hundreds of probably well-researched little time bombs would have fit, I might have enjoyed it more. As it was, I kept bumping into what I felt were anachronisms.
I suspect that younger readers may not notice them (all old people are the same age to some), but then they may not have the same sympathy for Millard’s nostalgia and situation.
As I said before, I do enjoy Appel’s writing. He’s a doctor (among other things) and has a keen eye for hospital procedure. Senior staff clock off at the end of the day and leave the running of the place to over-worked, over-tired interns who can’t control the families and visitors who basically do what they want.
“Narcotics and tranquilizers, declared taboo at noon, flowed like mountain springs six hours later. Parents smuggled candy bars to their diabetic children; love-blind companions trafficked malt liquor and miniature schnapps bottles onto the detox unit.”
All in all, well-written and entertaining but disappointing for me because of the anachronisms. I loved the last chapter, though!
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books and the author for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted. I’m looking forward to the next lot of short stories.
I was delighted to discover Jacob M Appel’s short stories and have another collection I’m looking forward to. This was a full-length novel, and I enjoyed Millard and his plans to finish his life on his 75th birthday. He has a lot to accomplish before the end of the day, including helping his latest lover with her premature demise first.
Delilah was a well-known actress and counted many famous people among her friends, but now she’s bed-ridden and gradually disintegrating. She’s read up on the topic, joined a group and managed to secure the necessaries to kill herself cleanly and peacefully while she’s still capable of doing so.
“The queen-sized bed in the adjoining room, where they’d first made love, had long been surrendered to boxes of adult diapers and cases of puréed baby food. A second childhood lacking the only solace of the original: hope.”
Millard is a psychiatrist whose usual position is to talk people down from virtual ledges, not encourage them to go through with such lethal plans, but in this case, he’s sad and lonely since the death of his second wife, and he understands Delilah's desire not to go on, particularly as the only thing she has to look forward to is a further decline.
I enjoy Appel’s style and turn of phrase.
“Her tone carried a distain heavier than words, as though she’d pinched soiled clothing between her thumb and forefinger and was searching for a hamper.”
He has his kids to consider, his first wife, his patients, and his staff at the hospital, but at 75, he’s feeling there’s nobody much left to talk to who remembers the things he remembers. We know Millard is 75 today, and he was 13 when the armistice was signed at Pamunjon, which means he was born in 1940. I am now 75 and was born in 1942.
He is frustrated because he keeps making references to things that today’s young people have never heard of. He talks about “Bringing Up Baby”, a 1938 movie featuring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. And he reminisces at length about Jimmy Durante.
The romantic comedies of my youth (and Millard’s) would have been Rock Hudson and Doris Day or Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood. Johnny Carson was “our” comedian. I've seen the other people, of course, but they are not the generation of entertainer I'm missing.
Millard mentions that nobody would have described Harry S Truman as a second-rate haberdasher; he says someone’s voice sounds like the patrician tones Eleanor Roosevelt might have used to call Franklin. He talks about a coat someone wore every day during the year Eisenhower left office. My generation would be more likely to speak of Kennedy or LBJ.
There are so many references like this in every chapter that I felt a bit beaten over the head with them. All right, all right! I get it! BUT, the real reason he has nobody to talk to is that these are all things that might have interested my parents (and his), who were young marrieds in 1940 and interested in politics and movies and entertainment at the time.
Almost without exception, all of Millard’s nostalgia is that of a man probably thirty years older than he is. My dad loved Dinah Shore, and probably liked Hedy Lamarr, Jane Russell, Lana Turner and Rosemary Clooney, too.
These are not the women that today’s men of 75 would be lusting after in their memories. Monroe and Bardot and Loren and Ann-Margret might be more likely.
I suspect there are aged care facilities where people are still playing music that was popular during WW2, thinking that all old people listen to that music, when they should probably be playing Elvis, Dylan, the Beatles, and the Eagles now. Millard speaks of missing Glen Miller.
If only the story had taken place say thirty years earlier so that these hundreds of probably well-researched little time bombs would have fit, I might have enjoyed it more. As it was, I kept bumping into what I felt were anachronisms.
I suspect that younger readers may not notice them (all old people are the same age to some), but then they may not have the same sympathy for Millard’s nostalgia and situation.
As I said before, I do enjoy Appel’s writing. He’s a doctor (among other things) and has a keen eye for hospital procedure. Senior staff clock off at the end of the day and leave the running of the place to over-worked, over-tired interns who can’t control the families and visitors who basically do what they want.
“Narcotics and tranquilizers, declared taboo at noon, flowed like mountain springs six hours later. Parents smuggled candy bars to their diabetic children; love-blind companions trafficked malt liquor and miniature schnapps bottles onto the detox unit.”
All in all, well-written and entertaining but disappointing for me because of the anachronisms. I loved the last chapter, though!
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books and the author for the preview copy from which I’ve quoted. I’m looking forward to the next lot of short stories.
December 8, 2017
3.5 Stars. Made me a little Crazy, but Thought Provoking and Entertaining!
Millard K. Salter, M. D. specializes in Psychiatry. He is a 75 year old widower, has a few aches and pains, but is still desirable, has all his faculties (I think) and has made a decision to end his life before he becomes decrepit placing a burden on others.
During the last 24 hours of Millard's life, the reader rushes around with the good doctor to make final rounds to patients, make amends with family members, finish up a few work related issues and say goodbye to a loved one....but all does not go as planned.
As we meet up with some crazy good characters who disrupt his special day, we learn a great deal about Millard, who is not perfect, but a good man....one who remineses about life and it's injustices at every opportunity taking us back to a time and place when his world was so much different...a time the younger generation does not remember.
MILLARD SALTER'S LAST DAY will arouse a myriad of emotions, (at least it did for me) and has an ending that threw me for a loop.
THE MASK OF SANITY remains my favorite Appel read....thus far.
November 17, 2017
EXCERPT: The trouble was that Millard didn't feel seventy-five. Maybe when he bent over to retrieve one of the grandkids' toys, or when carrying his fishing tackle out to the skiff, but not often. Some mornings, he honestly believed he might live another twenty years. Good years. Of course, there lay the dastardly trap. Nobody really believes in quicksand until they can't extricate their feet.
THE BLURB: In the spirit of the New York Times bestselling A Man Called Ove, this is the heartwarming story of a man who decides to end his life before he’s too old—but then begins to reconsider when he faces complications from the world around him.
In an effort to delay the frailty and isolation that comes with old age, psychiatrist Millard Salter decides to kill himself by the end of the day—but first he has to tie up some loose ends. These include a tête-à-tête with his youngest son, Lysander, who at forty-three has yet to hold down a paying job; an unscheduled rendezvous with his first wife, Carol, whom he hasn’t seen in twenty-seven years; and a brief visit to the grave of his second wife, Isabelle. Complicating this plan though is Delilah, the widow with whom he has fallen in love in the past few months. As Millard begins to wrap up his life, he confronts a lifetime of challenges during a single day—and discovers that his family has a big surprise for him as well.
MY THOUGHTS: I love Jacob Appel's writing. I love the depth of his characters, the way we get to know their little foibles, their likes and dislikes, their innermost thoughts.
And as I read, I grew to love the anti-social Millard Salter. He knows himself, warts and all. He knows he did wrong by his first wife, Carol, but even in retrospect, wouldn't change a thing. I love the love he feels for the dying Delilah, his compassion, his devotion. I love his thoughts and opinions on the people he works with. We all have people like these in our lives at some point or another. I loved his take on dealing with people who verbally 'down' you, and I loved his wit and puns.
I felt sad when the book was finished. I felt like I had lost an old friend. I am going to miss Millard Salter, but on the flip side, I can pick this book up again and go visit any time I like. And I am sure I will.
Thank you to Gallery Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Millard Salter's Last Day by Jacob M Appel for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
THE BLURB: In the spirit of the New York Times bestselling A Man Called Ove, this is the heartwarming story of a man who decides to end his life before he’s too old—but then begins to reconsider when he faces complications from the world around him.
In an effort to delay the frailty and isolation that comes with old age, psychiatrist Millard Salter decides to kill himself by the end of the day—but first he has to tie up some loose ends. These include a tête-à-tête with his youngest son, Lysander, who at forty-three has yet to hold down a paying job; an unscheduled rendezvous with his first wife, Carol, whom he hasn’t seen in twenty-seven years; and a brief visit to the grave of his second wife, Isabelle. Complicating this plan though is Delilah, the widow with whom he has fallen in love in the past few months. As Millard begins to wrap up his life, he confronts a lifetime of challenges during a single day—and discovers that his family has a big surprise for him as well.
MY THOUGHTS: I love Jacob Appel's writing. I love the depth of his characters, the way we get to know their little foibles, their likes and dislikes, their innermost thoughts.
And as I read, I grew to love the anti-social Millard Salter. He knows himself, warts and all. He knows he did wrong by his first wife, Carol, but even in retrospect, wouldn't change a thing. I love the love he feels for the dying Delilah, his compassion, his devotion. I love his thoughts and opinions on the people he works with. We all have people like these in our lives at some point or another. I loved his take on dealing with people who verbally 'down' you, and I loved his wit and puns.
I felt sad when the book was finished. I felt like I had lost an old friend. I am going to miss Millard Salter, but on the flip side, I can pick this book up again and go visit any time I like. And I am sure I will.
Thank you to Gallery Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Millard Salter's Last Day by Jacob M Appel for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 29, 2017
3.5 stars, rounded up
This book has been compared to A Man Called Ove, and yes, it starts with a similar premise. But in this case, Millard isn’t looking to end his life because he hates it. He just doesn’t want to be a burden and figures his 75th birthday is a good day to end it. In fact, Millard is in a surprisingly good mood on his last day, feeling free to say what he feels without worrying about repercussions.
I have to say I really liked Millard. He was a warm, thoughtful man, not the typical curmudgeon one would expect in a book with this subject matter. A man in love with a woman dying from cancer. A father that lamented his son not turning out as expected. A psychologist in a teaching hospital that worries about both his residents and patients. I felt most sorry for him when he was lunching with his ne’er do well son. Millard came from a long line of hardworking men and he just doesn’t understand where he went wrong with Lysander.
Of course, his day doesn’t go as planned. He gets waylaid by people he doesn’t want to see. “Meeting any one of these unfortunate creatures was enough to dampen his spirits; all four in one morning was like appearing on the satanic version of This Is Your Life.”
At times, the author reaches for humor but it falls flat, like when Millard writes a letter of recommendation. Or situations aren’t fully realized, like during lunch with his son. So, Appel does a great job of character development, but loses a star for plot development.
My thanks to netgalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of this novel.
This book has been compared to A Man Called Ove, and yes, it starts with a similar premise. But in this case, Millard isn’t looking to end his life because he hates it. He just doesn’t want to be a burden and figures his 75th birthday is a good day to end it. In fact, Millard is in a surprisingly good mood on his last day, feeling free to say what he feels without worrying about repercussions.
I have to say I really liked Millard. He was a warm, thoughtful man, not the typical curmudgeon one would expect in a book with this subject matter. A man in love with a woman dying from cancer. A father that lamented his son not turning out as expected. A psychologist in a teaching hospital that worries about both his residents and patients. I felt most sorry for him when he was lunching with his ne’er do well son. Millard came from a long line of hardworking men and he just doesn’t understand where he went wrong with Lysander.
Of course, his day doesn’t go as planned. He gets waylaid by people he doesn’t want to see. “Meeting any one of these unfortunate creatures was enough to dampen his spirits; all four in one morning was like appearing on the satanic version of This Is Your Life.”
At times, the author reaches for humor but it falls flat, like when Millard writes a letter of recommendation. Or situations aren’t fully realized, like during lunch with his son. So, Appel does a great job of character development, but loses a star for plot development.
My thanks to netgalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of this novel.
November 24, 2017
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark*
What would you do on your last day?
Tie up loose ends? Visit old haunts and old flames? Settle old scores, or make amends?
Millard Salter manages to do all of these things on his last day.
Poor Millard . . . all the loves of his life are dead. All of his favorite performers are dead. No one gets his jokes. As a doctor, he's seen what the ravages of time can do to a human body, and he's having none of it. And, so, today, on his seventy-fifth birthday, Millard Salter will hang himself.
This reminded me quite a bit of a fictional version of Carolyn G. Heilbrun's The Last Gift of Time: Life Beyond Sixty, an excellent book about choosing between life and death in one's later years. There is a massive amount of food for thought in this novel, and it would make for great, perhaps rather heated, discussion for a book club.
I'll be thinking about this one for a long time, and whether or not I agree with Millard's choices, I truly enjoyed watching his life flash before my eyes.
*Ben Gibbard
This was a gift from the author/publisher.
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark*
What would you do on your last day?
Tie up loose ends? Visit old haunts and old flames? Settle old scores, or make amends?
Millard Salter manages to do all of these things on his last day.
Poor Millard . . . all the loves of his life are dead. All of his favorite performers are dead. No one gets his jokes. As a doctor, he's seen what the ravages of time can do to a human body, and he's having none of it. And, so, today, on his seventy-fifth birthday, Millard Salter will hang himself.
This reminded me quite a bit of a fictional version of Carolyn G. Heilbrun's The Last Gift of Time: Life Beyond Sixty, an excellent book about choosing between life and death in one's later years. There is a massive amount of food for thought in this novel, and it would make for great, perhaps rather heated, discussion for a book club.
I'll be thinking about this one for a long time, and whether or not I agree with Millard's choices, I truly enjoyed watching his life flash before my eyes.
*Ben Gibbard
This was a gift from the author/publisher.
November 3, 2017
Millard Salter was a psychiatrist who talked people out of committing suicide yet he wanted to avoid old age and its trials so he was planning his own suicide with no one stopping him because no one knew.
We walk with Millard on his last day as he visits patients and his family members and thinks about this being his last day. He avoids any promises so he won't feel bad when the promise can't be kept since he won't be here.
MILLARD SALTER'S LAST DAY isn't morose or morbid. In fact, Millard makes you laugh out loud with his last day antics and his last day actually being his birthday.
A few unexpected people stopped to see him on his "big" day, and he wondered how they knew what day it was going to turn out to be. Then they would say Happy Birthday, and he knew that is what they meant about his big day.
We get a trip down memory lane with Millard as well as learn some psychiatric trivia.
All in all, MILLARD SALTER'S LAST DAY had marvelous, detailed writing and characters.
MILLARD SALTER’S LAST DAY had some touchy issues discussed, some sad moments, and an unexpected ending. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the author and Net Galley in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 25, 2017
*2 stars, 3 stars, 4 stars, 5....oh, hell, I don't know. I have a love-hate relationship with this book. When I finished it last night, I would have sailed it across the room like a frisbee if I weren't reading it on my Kindle. That's how upset I was, how emotionally involved! This morning I realize how great this book must have been to make me care so much!
*** Spoiler Alert ***
I really liked Millard. Jacob Appel deserves 5 stars for creating such a well-rounded, complex, likable character. I enjoyed his humor, his memories, his thoughts on aging and the inevitable decline that life brings. I respect his decision but find it remarkably self-centered, especially for a renowned psychiatrist, not taking into account those who love him and the damage he would be inflicting on them with his actions. The timing is so awful. God, I'm so mad at him!
A further discussion of this book is better suited for a group setting. Highly recommend for book-clubs. I've never read anything else by Jacob Appel but look forward now to reading more now; he's a fine writer.
Note to Marketing: Please don't compare this book to A Man Called Ove. It's so misleading to potential readers. The only thing they have in common is that both main characters plan to kill themselves by hanging after their wives have died. The spirit of this book is so different. As Millard himself says: "This wasn't 'It's a Wonderful Life.'"
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for granting me the opportunity to read an arc of this book.
*** Spoiler Alert ***
I really liked Millard. Jacob Appel deserves 5 stars for creating such a well-rounded, complex, likable character. I enjoyed his humor, his memories, his thoughts on aging and the inevitable decline that life brings. I respect his decision but find it remarkably self-centered, especially for a renowned psychiatrist, not taking into account those who love him and the damage he would be inflicting on them with his actions. The timing is so awful. God, I'm so mad at him!
A further discussion of this book is better suited for a group setting. Highly recommend for book-clubs. I've never read anything else by Jacob Appel but look forward now to reading more now; he's a fine writer.
Note to Marketing: Please don't compare this book to A Man Called Ove. It's so misleading to potential readers. The only thing they have in common is that both main characters plan to kill themselves by hanging after their wives have died. The spirit of this book is so different. As Millard himself says: "This wasn't 'It's a Wonderful Life.'"
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for granting me the opportunity to read an arc of this book.
October 7, 2017
5 Big Stars - Jacob M Appel's best book yet!
First, Dr. Millard Salter lives and works in New York City. He's 75, is well respected among his colleagues, he has 3 adult children, one ex-wife, and one beloved wife who's just passed away six months ago. He's financially secure and could enjoy his future retirement. But he's not sure if he really wants to.
Although he's still working, some of the hospital's top staff really annoy him. Do they care about patients, or just the wealthy patients.
One of his sons, who he loves and has helped in many ways, just cannot seem to get his life together at forty-two. Should he just let him be?! His other kids are self sufficient.
He spends this day, his 75th birthday, actually, visiting people who have meant something to him in his long life. Little does he know, his youngest, his daughter, is planning a surprise birthday party for him at his home. Now what will he do?
Thank you Netgalley and Jacob Appel
First, Dr. Millard Salter lives and works in New York City. He's 75, is well respected among his colleagues, he has 3 adult children, one ex-wife, and one beloved wife who's just passed away six months ago. He's financially secure and could enjoy his future retirement. But he's not sure if he really wants to.
Although he's still working, some of the hospital's top staff really annoy him. Do they care about patients, or just the wealthy patients.
One of his sons, who he loves and has helped in many ways, just cannot seem to get his life together at forty-two. Should he just let him be?! His other kids are self sufficient.
He spends this day, his 75th birthday, actually, visiting people who have meant something to him in his long life. Little does he know, his youngest, his daughter, is planning a surprise birthday party for him at his home. Now what will he do?
Thank you Netgalley and Jacob Appel
November 8, 2017
A very enjoyable story about a 75 year old who wants to die with dignity and has a plan. Details of his last planned day make up the entire story. I didn't expect the ending at all.
June 26, 2019
This book is described as 'written in the spirit of A Man Called Ove'. While there are similarities - both heroes are older men, widowed, and wanting to end it all - this book, to me, was much more powerful.
Millard Salter is a 75 year old psychiatrist who works at St Dymphna's. He divorced his first wife to wed another. With his first, wife, Carol, he had three children. With his second, Isabelle, one child. a girl named Maia. He is now romantically involved with yet a third woman who is dying of cancer.
A lot of action fits into Millard's last day: a young lady asks for a reference, a very irritating woman seeks and assumes his approval to take over his job, he visits Carol and has lunch with his son. Other things happen too.
I felt a range of emotions while I read this book: I both laughed out loud and cried. The characters are well developed. I liked the people I should and felt I knew them. I really disliked the people I knew I should too (Hecuba, yikes, what a name and she was truly over-the-top irritating) . Jacob Appel also threw in lots of trivia as the story progressed. I like trivia. Appel also seamlessly shows himself to be a Renaissance man with his varied areas of knowledge which are displayed as educational similes and metaphors.
Trivia: Name the Seven Sisters.
Metaphor: Looking for a really good one to include. (Sorry, I am not good at taking notes while I read).
Strongly recommend. I was entertained throughout.
5 stars
Millard Salter is a 75 year old psychiatrist who works at St Dymphna's. He divorced his first wife to wed another. With his first, wife, Carol, he had three children. With his second, Isabelle, one child. a girl named Maia. He is now romantically involved with yet a third woman who is dying of cancer.
A lot of action fits into Millard's last day: a young lady asks for a reference, a very irritating woman seeks and assumes his approval to take over his job, he visits Carol and has lunch with his son. Other things happen too.
I felt a range of emotions while I read this book: I both laughed out loud and cried. The characters are well developed. I liked the people I should and felt I knew them. I really disliked the people I knew I should too (Hecuba, yikes, what a name and she was truly over-the-top irritating) . Jacob Appel also threw in lots of trivia as the story progressed. I like trivia. Appel also seamlessly shows himself to be a Renaissance man with his varied areas of knowledge which are displayed as educational similes and metaphors.
Trivia: Name the Seven Sisters.
Metaphor: Looking for a really good one to include. (Sorry, I am not good at taking notes while I read).
Strongly recommend. I was entertained throughout.
5 stars
November 29, 2017
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 3.5 stars which rounds up to 4.
I’m a huge fan of Jacob’s so naturally I was super excited to read this. I liked this book, however it wasn’t as good as it could have been. My biggest grievance is that it is overly descriptive in things that aren’t necessary to the plot. There will be long paragraphs where Millard describes the hospital, coworkers, relatives etc.,that don’t really add anything special except physically lengthen the book.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this (there were some good parts like the bits with Hecuba and the lynx), I just thought it could have been a bit better.
I give this book 3.5 stars which rounds up to 4.
I’m a huge fan of Jacob’s so naturally I was super excited to read this. I liked this book, however it wasn’t as good as it could have been. My biggest grievance is that it is overly descriptive in things that aren’t necessary to the plot. There will be long paragraphs where Millard describes the hospital, coworkers, relatives etc.,that don’t really add anything special except physically lengthen the book.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this (there were some good parts like the bits with Hecuba and the lynx), I just thought it could have been a bit better.
October 3, 2017
Don't let Simon and Schuster fool you. Millard Salter's Last Day is NOT another "Man Called Ove". But I admit that it's a good hook to get you to pick up Jacob M. Appel's new novel.
Millard Salter is a twice-married three times in love psychiatrist who on the day in question is turning 75. His last love, a former actress, is dying of cancer, and Salter has determined that after he helps her exit, he will hang himself.
Hop on for the ride. You will hear about Millard's parents, his early life, and day to day drama at St. Dymphna's, his hospital. Like a Murphy's Law kind of day, it unfolds to everything going wrong. He is accosted by numerous unpleasant people and even an escaped lynx. Appel's humor (aside from the retelling of some old but good jokes) is laugh out loud funny. There is barely a page that doesn't have a giggle or a guffaw. Yet this book is a serious, beautifully crafted story of a life. One could believe it was autobiographical except that the author is too young to remember some of the things he writes about. Jacob Appel is a doctor, an ethicist, a lawyer and a psychiatrist and his knowledge of all these areas is impeccable.
I particularly enjoyed his character's names. (one puzzlement: Why is Carol, his first wife, surnamed Sucram, Marcus backwards? I hate to feel I've missed something.)
As only with the best fiction, I sat thoughtfully for a long time after I finished reading Millard Salter's last day. That only happens with the best writing. Many thanks to the author, Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Millard Salter is a twice-married three times in love psychiatrist who on the day in question is turning 75. His last love, a former actress, is dying of cancer, and Salter has determined that after he helps her exit, he will hang himself.
Hop on for the ride. You will hear about Millard's parents, his early life, and day to day drama at St. Dymphna's, his hospital. Like a Murphy's Law kind of day, it unfolds to everything going wrong. He is accosted by numerous unpleasant people and even an escaped lynx. Appel's humor (aside from the retelling of some old but good jokes) is laugh out loud funny. There is barely a page that doesn't have a giggle or a guffaw. Yet this book is a serious, beautifully crafted story of a life. One could believe it was autobiographical except that the author is too young to remember some of the things he writes about. Jacob Appel is a doctor, an ethicist, a lawyer and a psychiatrist and his knowledge of all these areas is impeccable.
I particularly enjoyed his character's names. (one puzzlement: Why is Carol, his first wife, surnamed Sucram, Marcus backwards? I hate to feel I've missed something.)
As only with the best fiction, I sat thoughtfully for a long time after I finished reading Millard Salter's last day. That only happens with the best writing. Many thanks to the author, Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2017
Interesting book. It was both humorous and introspective. Millard Salter, who will be 75 shortly, has decided to commit suicide on his birthday. The book chronicles the events of his last day. His interactions with people he wants to see one last time to say goodbye (without saying goodbye - doesn't want to tip anyone off about his plans) - his family and friends, as well as patients (he's a psychiatrist) and co-workers. He has quite an interesting and eventful day as he reflects on his life. This is a topic that is both contemporary and controversial, do people have a right to take their own lives?
The laws in the US are certainly not in favor of it, and neither are the various religions. And yet, aren't people supposed to have freedom of choice? Why should any other person be allowed to choose that a person should relinquish that choice? I certainly don't want to start a debate - everyone has their own opinion - but the book does make you think about it.
Thanks to Jacob M. Appel and Gallery books through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The laws in the US are certainly not in favor of it, and neither are the various religions. And yet, aren't people supposed to have freedom of choice? Why should any other person be allowed to choose that a person should relinquish that choice? I certainly don't want to start a debate - everyone has their own opinion - but the book does make you think about it.
Thanks to Jacob M. Appel and Gallery books through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2018
After looking at multiple reviews for Millard Salter's Last Day, it seems to be one of those that you either really like or not so much. I am of the former group. I have read other books written by Jacob Appel and have always enjoyed his writing, his off the wall perspective and quirky humor, and this one was no exception.
Millard Salter is a psychiatrist who is having his 75th birthday and after watching loved ones die slow painful deaths, he decides he wants to choose when he will pass before he develops something and starts suffering. He doesn't want his family to remember him wasting away but enjoying life. Add to that, he feels like a relic of the past-- all of the fabric of his memories (landmarks, songs, celebrities) are long gone and anyone that would remember them (at least that he knows) is long gone too. He has it all planned out, and during the course of his final day, he has the most calamitous experiences ever! He wants to be remembered as a hero and prays for a mugger or some other criminal he can stop in the process of committing a crime and on cue, trips would-be mugger while the hood is running away only to find the muggee and others yelling at him that he had interrupted a film sequence. While at lunch with his lazy layabout son (that he blames himself for not guiding him better) they are hit with shrapnel from an explosion across the street. In his office he ends up being mauled by a lost lynx, and when visiting his wife's grave he finds someone else has recently been buried in his spot. Not to mention the run-ins he has with crazy co-workers and sad patients. But throughout this final day, he starts to wonder if it is such a good idea? Maybe his wayward son needs him around to push him in the right direction? Maybe a miracle will happen with Delilah (the woman he has fallen in love with who is truly dying) and her life will be prolonged? Perhaps he can still help some patients? Maybe the world still needs a dose of him so that they don't forget the things of the past?
I found the book marvelously written and edited-- no typos. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review--thank you!
Millard Salter is a psychiatrist who is having his 75th birthday and after watching loved ones die slow painful deaths, he decides he wants to choose when he will pass before he develops something and starts suffering. He doesn't want his family to remember him wasting away but enjoying life. Add to that, he feels like a relic of the past-- all of the fabric of his memories (landmarks, songs, celebrities) are long gone and anyone that would remember them (at least that he knows) is long gone too. He has it all planned out, and during the course of his final day, he has the most calamitous experiences ever! He wants to be remembered as a hero and prays for a mugger or some other criminal he can stop in the process of committing a crime and on cue, trips would-be mugger while the hood is running away only to find the muggee and others yelling at him that he had interrupted a film sequence. While at lunch with his lazy layabout son (that he blames himself for not guiding him better) they are hit with shrapnel from an explosion across the street. In his office he ends up being mauled by a lost lynx, and when visiting his wife's grave he finds someone else has recently been buried in his spot. Not to mention the run-ins he has with crazy co-workers and sad patients. But throughout this final day, he starts to wonder if it is such a good idea? Maybe his wayward son needs him around to push him in the right direction? Maybe a miracle will happen with Delilah (the woman he has fallen in love with who is truly dying) and her life will be prolonged? Perhaps he can still help some patients? Maybe the world still needs a dose of him so that they don't forget the things of the past?
I found the book marvelously written and edited-- no typos. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review--thank you!
September 28, 2017
Writing: 5 Characters: 5 Plot: 3
New word for me: Lordotic (an abnormal forward curvature of the spine in the lumbar region, resulting in a swaybacked posture)
Millard Salter - a Consulting Psychiatrist who “provides mental health services for the physically ill in hospitals” has decided to commit suicide on his 75th birthday. In his own terms, his is a “rational suicide”, a “curated death”. He simply doesn’t want to end his days in the same painful, feeble, isolated way of so many others. This book is the story of this last day.
The story is told completely from his perspective - we see events, characters, and the past, solely through his eyes. Poignant memories, surprising interactions, and a panoply of characters fill the pages. Reading the memories of the old Jewish neighborhood in the Bronx felt like a love letter to me. We are deftly moved from childhood memories to current events to recent memories, from minor irritations at work (a baby lynx has gone missing at the hospital) to major irritations at the graveyard (his burial plot has been usurped!). This is no painful Proustian obsession - quite a bit actually happens on this day - I was surprised to reach the end and realize that only a day had passed.
The writing is excellent - clear and incisive and full of brilliant lines. Millard says of his recently deceased wife Isabelle: “she possessed a knack for distilling people”. I would say the same is true of the author. Character after character, line after line, just nailed it. Thinking about his son, Lysander, Millard finds himself “pondering whether a man who hadn’t yet amounted to a bucket of warm glue might not generate an artistic or literary masterwork at the age of 43…”. I really had to read that line a few times. Great use of fun words too (I’m always pleased when someone can use tatterdemalion persuasively in a sentence.
One note - the descriptive blurbs on Amazon are completely misleading. This book has nothing in common with “A Man Called Ove” aside from the two main characters sharing initial thoughts of suicide. Ove is a curmudgeon (a bad-tempered or surly person according to dictionary.com), but Millard is not. He is neither bad-tempered nor surly - he does have many opinions that don’t always adhere to the accepted norms of the society but I find it interesting that non conformity automatically stamps with him with curmudgeonhood! Millard has many opinions that are clearly his own - well thought out and adhering to no particular ideology. I found it insightful and refreshing.
I really loved this book - Millard’s voice is one I will remember for a long time.
New word for me: Lordotic (an abnormal forward curvature of the spine in the lumbar region, resulting in a swaybacked posture)
Millard Salter - a Consulting Psychiatrist who “provides mental health services for the physically ill in hospitals” has decided to commit suicide on his 75th birthday. In his own terms, his is a “rational suicide”, a “curated death”. He simply doesn’t want to end his days in the same painful, feeble, isolated way of so many others. This book is the story of this last day.
The story is told completely from his perspective - we see events, characters, and the past, solely through his eyes. Poignant memories, surprising interactions, and a panoply of characters fill the pages. Reading the memories of the old Jewish neighborhood in the Bronx felt like a love letter to me. We are deftly moved from childhood memories to current events to recent memories, from minor irritations at work (a baby lynx has gone missing at the hospital) to major irritations at the graveyard (his burial plot has been usurped!). This is no painful Proustian obsession - quite a bit actually happens on this day - I was surprised to reach the end and realize that only a day had passed.
The writing is excellent - clear and incisive and full of brilliant lines. Millard says of his recently deceased wife Isabelle: “she possessed a knack for distilling people”. I would say the same is true of the author. Character after character, line after line, just nailed it. Thinking about his son, Lysander, Millard finds himself “pondering whether a man who hadn’t yet amounted to a bucket of warm glue might not generate an artistic or literary masterwork at the age of 43…”. I really had to read that line a few times. Great use of fun words too (I’m always pleased when someone can use tatterdemalion persuasively in a sentence.
One note - the descriptive blurbs on Amazon are completely misleading. This book has nothing in common with “A Man Called Ove” aside from the two main characters sharing initial thoughts of suicide. Ove is a curmudgeon (a bad-tempered or surly person according to dictionary.com), but Millard is not. He is neither bad-tempered nor surly - he does have many opinions that don’t always adhere to the accepted norms of the society but I find it interesting that non conformity automatically stamps with him with curmudgeonhood! Millard has many opinions that are clearly his own - well thought out and adhering to no particular ideology. I found it insightful and refreshing.
I really loved this book - Millard’s voice is one I will remember for a long time.
November 7, 2017
This book was very interesting to say the least! I was in a horrible book funk and it was able to snap me out and hold my attention as I read. This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author and it was a decent read. I liked the premise of the story but at certain times while reading I felt the plot was scattered over the place. There were a lot of side stories mentioned in this book with no resolution. Plus the ending in my opinion was abrupt. A small part of me hoped for a different outcome but I’m not surprised with what happened. My issue with the ending is how is just ends. No aftermath. Nothing. So that was a little disappointing for me but overall I did enjoy the story by this author.
3.5 Stars
*Review copy received from NetGalley*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
3.5 Stars
*Review copy received from NetGalley*
For more reviews check me out at: http://www.shellysbookcorner.com
November 7, 2017
This is just a lovely little story, in my opinion. Millard Salter has decided that he's had enough and that his 75th birthday will be his last day on Earth. He will assist a dying woman, Delilah (with whom he has developed a romantic relationship) in her own death by suicide, say his goodbyes, wrap up a few details, and then go out on his own terms. Lots of things happen throughout the day to challenge his decision, and they are all told in a hilarious way that always strikes the right tone without crossing the line into unbelievable farce. I appreciated Dr. Salter's sense of humor, his outlook on life, and the thought he'd given to what he wanted to accomplish before his death. Maybe this book isn't for everyone, but personally I enjoyed it a lot.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2017
I loved this book! Even though it’s heart wrenching through out the entire story and you definitely are rooting for Millard to change his mind it’s so sad to go through what he considers his last day while he’s trying to wrap everything up. The characters in his life are funny, sad, annoying, endearing. This, for me, was a nail biter to the very end.
December 24, 2017
I absolutely loved this book, written by phenomenal writer Jacob M. Appel. The book is about elderly Millard Salter, who has decided he would rather not face the almost inevitable decline that comes with aging, and picks a day to end it all on a good note. During the day, he decides to make some amends, tie up some loose ends, etc., and then must reconsider his decision, which he thought was set in concrete. The book will make you think and ponder on your own aging and how you will handle it. You will love old Millard, who is a gentleman despite some observations that may lead you to think otherwise. Life still holds some surprises for him.
December 4, 2017
I don't know who writes publishers' blurbs to sell their books, but someone at Gallery Books has done Millard Salter's Last Day a big disservice with this one:
The characters of Ove and Millard Salter are similar, in that they both intend to end their lives, but the comparison ends there. I found Millard Salter's Last Day to be more thoughtful and definitely more thought-provoking. While I enjoyed A Man Called Ove, I found this book to be better written, with more vibrant and well-developed characters. Other reviewers have not been fond of Millard's reminiscences, but I think that his ramblings explained his life, his family, his career, and how he had come to think that committing suicide on his 75th birthday, before he became infirm, was a good idea and not just a whim. I also found plenty of humor, mainly the kind that makes us laugh at the ludicrousness of life. I wish I belonged to a book club as this book begs to be discussed with others. Jacob Appel has written Millard Salter's Last Day honestly and with a perfect ending, worthy of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book.
"In the spirit of the New York Times bestselling A Man Called Ove, this is the heartwarming story of a man who decides to end his life before he’s too old—but then begins to reconsider when he faces complications from the world around him."
The characters of Ove and Millard Salter are similar, in that they both intend to end their lives, but the comparison ends there. I found Millard Salter's Last Day to be more thoughtful and definitely more thought-provoking. While I enjoyed A Man Called Ove, I found this book to be better written, with more vibrant and well-developed characters. Other reviewers have not been fond of Millard's reminiscences, but I think that his ramblings explained his life, his family, his career, and how he had come to think that committing suicide on his 75th birthday, before he became infirm, was a good idea and not just a whim. I also found plenty of humor, mainly the kind that makes us laugh at the ludicrousness of life. I wish I belonged to a book club as this book begs to be discussed with others. Jacob Appel has written Millard Salter's Last Day honestly and with a perfect ending, worthy of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book.
November 18, 2017
There’s elegance in showing how we all eventually become both wise and irrelevant at the same time. It takes an incredible sense of humor to embrace elements of life and love while at the same time planning for death. Millard’s charm is that he embraces life as he plans for death in a practical manner. He’s doing what he thinks is right, which is all any of us can do at any point in our lives. The irony is that everyone around him is making moral decisions under the assumption that things will keep going as they have been, whereas Millard has made a decision to move on and wants to do what’s right in his final hours. This is the story of his last day and how he used the time.
Jacob M. Appel writes vibrant characters with vivid personality quirks that propel them off the page. While many reviewers compare this book to A Man Called Ove, I’d caution against that, as it sets the reader up for a different expectations and sells Millard short. Millard is his own man with his own unique story.
Note: I was given an ARC of this title by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Jacob M. Appel writes vibrant characters with vivid personality quirks that propel them off the page. While many reviewers compare this book to A Man Called Ove, I’d caution against that, as it sets the reader up for a different expectations and sells Millard short. Millard is his own man with his own unique story.
Note: I was given an ARC of this title by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2017
Oh, man, on my way to a funeral, high above our fair nation, I made my way through the final 2/3rds of this novel. As my pal Jennifer has mentioned, art is supposed to disturb, and this is good art. I can't pretend to be at peace with the way things unfolded. I kept thinking, no, there will be this way out or that, but life is like that. Sometimes life is not a box of chocolates. If you are a sniper taking a break in enemy territory or an exhausted parent sharing a room with a baby who simply must sleep then I wouldn't recommend reading this novel. It provoked howls of laughter and audible gasps of sadness for me, and I don't consider myself to be an excessively effusive guy. Well done, Mr Appel.
I did receive an ARC in exchange for the theoretical possibility that I might write a review. For that I am grateful.
I did receive an ARC in exchange for the theoretical possibility that I might write a review. For that I am grateful.
November 10, 2017
*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***
What makes a man decide to end his life? One man plans to have his end just the way that he envisages in, Millard Salter’s Last Day, by Jacob Appel. We spend the last day of Millard’s life with him, but will it go the way that he plans?
Today is Millard’s seventy-fifth birthday and he has decided that it will be his last day. He has lived a pretty full and satisfying life overall. He has four children, been married twice, and fallen in love three different times within his lifetime. He would like to end his life on a high note. As a clinical psychiatrist, he understands that he should probably seek assistance, but his age and fulfillments make him feel that he is justified in his decision.
Millard’s first marriage ended in divorce, due to his infidelity with what would become his second wife. When his second wife dies of cancer, he is lost until he finds his current love. She is wheelchair-bound, and she has spoken of suicide from the moment they met.
Millard’s last day of life in his mind is his decision. Three of his four children are where he thinks that they should be, but the other is not. He feels as though he should provide guidance and set the path before he leaves them behind.
I feel as though this novel was in the vein of Mitch Albom in that it allows for the reader to assess their own life. With this novel, the reader can attest to the thoughts and feelings that come when getting older in life. Millard’s character was kind and funny. I really enjoyed meeting him. His story was very interesting, and it felt like listening to the stories older people like to tell when they reminisce about the past. This book is worthy of FIVE stars.
What makes a man decide to end his life? One man plans to have his end just the way that he envisages in, Millard Salter’s Last Day, by Jacob Appel. We spend the last day of Millard’s life with him, but will it go the way that he plans?
Today is Millard’s seventy-fifth birthday and he has decided that it will be his last day. He has lived a pretty full and satisfying life overall. He has four children, been married twice, and fallen in love three different times within his lifetime. He would like to end his life on a high note. As a clinical psychiatrist, he understands that he should probably seek assistance, but his age and fulfillments make him feel that he is justified in his decision.
Millard’s first marriage ended in divorce, due to his infidelity with what would become his second wife. When his second wife dies of cancer, he is lost until he finds his current love. She is wheelchair-bound, and she has spoken of suicide from the moment they met.
Millard’s last day of life in his mind is his decision. Three of his four children are where he thinks that they should be, but the other is not. He feels as though he should provide guidance and set the path before he leaves them behind.
I feel as though this novel was in the vein of Mitch Albom in that it allows for the reader to assess their own life. With this novel, the reader can attest to the thoughts and feelings that come when getting older in life. Millard’s character was kind and funny. I really enjoyed meeting him. His story was very interesting, and it felt like listening to the stories older people like to tell when they reminisce about the past. This book is worthy of FIVE stars.
October 23, 2017
If you want a book exactly like A Man Called Ove, you will be sorely disappointed. But, if you are looking for a story that will challenge your thoughts and ideas on aging and death, then this book will not disappoint!
Millard Salter is a widower who has determined that he wants to be the master of his destiny, even unto (and especially in) death. This wonderful story shares his last day on earth; a day that is interspersed with friends, family, an explosion, a tangle with a lynx, and even a surprise birthday party. One thing I especially found endearing in this story was how brilliant the author shows how random things can trigger memories! And once those memories are triggered, how easily it is to get off track. Which Millard does frequently, with rich and powerful memories and while some might find this tedious, I found this portrayal profoundly accurate. The writing is compelling, moving, and at times humorous!
This story is also about ones right to die. And, Appel does this unbelievably well. The tenderness that love and intimacy bring to the end of life are portrayed powerfully. Millard Salter's Last Day explores a difficult subject in a fresh and inviting way and it is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished it.
I received this book from NetGalley for an early review.
Millard Salter is a widower who has determined that he wants to be the master of his destiny, even unto (and especially in) death. This wonderful story shares his last day on earth; a day that is interspersed with friends, family, an explosion, a tangle with a lynx, and even a surprise birthday party. One thing I especially found endearing in this story was how brilliant the author shows how random things can trigger memories! And once those memories are triggered, how easily it is to get off track. Which Millard does frequently, with rich and powerful memories and while some might find this tedious, I found this portrayal profoundly accurate. The writing is compelling, moving, and at times humorous!
This story is also about ones right to die. And, Appel does this unbelievably well. The tenderness that love and intimacy bring to the end of life are portrayed powerfully. Millard Salter's Last Day explores a difficult subject in a fresh and inviting way and it is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished it.
I received this book from NetGalley for an early review.
December 8, 2017
I loved this book. I never like to give a story away. I think all readers should make their own conclusions and perceptions. Without exposing too much, For me: The author writes this story of a fictitious character, but this is really a portrayal of the human experience. I totally identified with Millard. I am not quite as old as Millard but clearly understood all of his nuances. I have had the same thoughts, fears, desires, indecision's. The conflict of life and death. Is it my choice? I believe in God. Do I have the right to rise above his authority? The fear of growing old and thinking about death everyday. Declining in years and knowing this is the downward excursion of my life's journey. When will it happen? Where will I be? I fear being so vulnerable. Can I really do it? Would anyone care?
*This is a great read*
*This is a great read*
December 24, 2017
I have read quite a few of this author's works, and I think each book gets better than the one that came before. And I loved this author's writing right out of the gate! Now this book made me think a little bit; about moral issues like the right to die and prejudice. That's what I enjoy. Being able to read something that provokes intelligent contemplation. In fact, most of this author's stories do have a moral lesson to them. Which is what I found so refreshing and original in the beginning. And, as usual, this book made me laugh my ass off! There is nothing funnier than the whole "baby lynx" incident. Read the book and find out for yourself.
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