Until Death Do Us Apart

by Cade North

A natural disaster, naked fortune telling, a romantic catastrophe, supervillains, and poop on slides - just another week in the life of Sloane Noah. Despite always wanting a boring life, this single parent and hapless college professor finds she is a lightning rod for the shocking and comically bizarre. Based on a true story, this darkly hilarious book chronicles one woman’s tale about learning resilience from misfortune and strength from pain. Nature’s splintered wreckage, laughter, and the carcass of love prove to be the key ingredients for becoming her own hero. This dynamic story will resonate with anyone who’s ever fumbled through life’s absurdities and, somehow, still managed to stumble into a bright, new day.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2019

Reviews

[Sara Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until Death Do Us Apart is a witty, wry, and heart-wrenching story of finding your way and making yourself whole in a terribly messy world. In this short novel inspired by real-life events, life has handed the main character, Sloan, lemons. Rather than making lemonade, she pulls her hilarious crew of friends together for margaritas, does a whole lot of self-reflection during a literal hurricane, and plans her much-deserved revenge in superhero daydreams. The story is self-deprecating and laugh-out-loud funny, but that's not the best part. In the midst of all these quirky and unbelievable moments, the reader is torn apart and put back together piece-by-piece alongside Sloan. My favorite parts were when Sloan was working with her therapist. These sections were honest and raw and dove into the depths of rebuilding your mind and your heart after betrayal and loss. If Erma Bombeck and Liane Moriarty decided to co-write a book, the result would be Until Death Do Us Apart. A must-read for book clubs!

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing North’s novel drew upon fictionalized moments from her own life, I was intrigued from the beginning. I love memoirs written as a series of loosely connected essays, and North’s style and structure scratched that itch for me. With witty chapter titles and a hilarious start, I was immediately drawn to the highly relatable Sloane. North’s writing is brevity and wit at its finest. I found myself giggling out loud throughout my read. I kept turning the pages wondering what on earth was going to happen next as we follow the unexpected twists and turns of Sloane’s life. For me, part of the game became guessing what was fiction versus reality. Not that it matters; you will find yourself rooting for Sloane and her tragicomedic life. You will be inspired by her resilience and wishing you could join her awesome tribe of friends for drinks and scheming. You will treasure and connect with the gems of insight North/Sloane shares along the way because you know they are only gained through actual living. I appreciated the sense of authenticity it brought to the story. Two things kept this from being a five star read for me. I encountered a few typos throughout that I wish had been caught in the editing process. I also was not a fan of the superhero vignettes. I think some will love them, and I get why they are there. However, I found them distracting and preferred Sloane’s voice. Both pieces of feedback are offered to provide a holistic and honest critique to a new author and not to discourage readers from picking up the book. The story itself is a joy and worth your time!

[Rick Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells the story of a woman who deals with more than her fair share of disappointment, betrayal, and invalidation as she tries to live a good and authentic life. The main character, Sloane, demonstrates that in order to be a hero, one does not need to be perfect, put together, confident, or without faults. Rather, it is the courage to face life and life's challenges knowing that one is flawed that is truly admirable and inspiring. Sloane represents the ability to work on oneself and dig into the emotionally uncomfortable while remembering not to take yourself too seriously. Life is challenging, but laughter and friendship get all of us through. Until Death Do Us Apart is a fun, inspiring, and humorous read with just enough plot twists to make it hard to put down.

[Jenni Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! I thoroughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end. I didn't expect the twists and turns North took me, nor has any other book caused me to laugh out loud so much! Her writing was relatable and quick-witted, as I found myself wondering what was truth and what was created.

If you read this book, expect not to put it down. North drew me in, kept my mind captive, and let me go in the end with a sense of power and hope. Just as I didn't expect the turns taken, I didn't expect the ending either. It's a great, timelessly written book that you should read to remind you that you're strong and resilient. If Sloane Noah (the main character) can do it, so can you and I!

I encourage you to read this book. You'll love it, and so will your friends. And your friend's friends.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun take on a modern day woman looking for love. Cade North gives us a heroine who keeps it real. You root for Sloan and want to hang out with her. An unbelievable story told through the eyes of a woman with grit AND vulnerability.
Laughing and crying alongside Sloan makes you feel like you’ve known her your whole life.
Her biggest blow comes waaayyy out of left field but this resilient woman bounces back and gets even in the most creative ways.

[Stephanie Hays-Mussoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

While the main character is a”lightening rod” for crisis, she handles it well and bounces back with a flair. Great story about how friends and family are important to make through life’s ups and downs, I love how Sloan’s makes her breakthrough on her own while going through yet another crisis. Strong women persist!!!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

i don’t usually read this genre but i decided to give this one a shot! it honestly feels more like a memoir than fiction based on a true story, so if you like witty, funny, heartfelt memoirs, you’d definitely enjoy this. the story is super compelling and i could barely put it down, and all of the twists and turns were absolutely crazy! definitely a fun, fast read.

[Kate Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't decide if this book is more hilarious or inspirational. Either way, its a great read! Highly recommend!

[John Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the author's debut novel and you do not want to miss it. Poignant and funny all at the same time.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty, sardonic writing. The protagonist built herself a strong support network, perhaps not realizing how much she’d need it for an unimaginable heartbreak.

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this twisty-turny story. The author combines a quirky story with a number of solid pieces of "life advice". I look forward to reading her other books.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, fast-paced read with lots of unexpected twists and turns thrown at the plucky heroine. An impressive debut effort by Cade North!

[Cindy Neanen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The humor made the difficulty doable. I was actually booing the douche monks! As I see it there were 2. Go, hero!

[Amity Tarrants · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both heartbreaking and funny, enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages waiting to see what happens next to our main character. Based on a true story and made me wonder, just how well do I know people? Witty and descriptive writing...very enjoyable read.