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Jennifer har akkurat fått vite at hun har tre måneder igjen å leve. Tankene er et kaos, og plutselig føler hun et intenst behov for å kontakte de tre menneskene som har såret henne dypest: den nedlatende søsteren, den selvopptatte eksmannen og ikke minst den sjarmerende, men fullstendig upålitelige kjæresten. Nå skal de endelig få høre hva hun egentlig mener om dem! Til å begynne med føles all denne ærligheten som en lettelse. Men så fort man begynner å fortelle sannheten, er det vanskelig å stoppe. Og kanskje er det ikke alltid ærlighet som varer lengst …
Jennifer har akkurat fått vite at hun har tre måneder igjen å leve. Tankene er et kaos, og plutselig føler hun et intenst behov for å kontakte de tre menneskene som har såret henne dypest: den nedlatende søsteren, den selvopptatte eksmannen og ikke minst den sjarmerende, men fullstendig upålitelige kjæresten. Nå skal de endelig få høre hva hun egentlig mener om dem! Til å begynne med føles all denne ærligheten som en lettelse. Men så fort man begynner å fortelle sannheten, er det vanskelig å stoppe. Og kanskje er det ikke alltid ærlighet som varer lengst …
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First published June 6, 2019
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May 27, 2019
Melanie Cantor's piece of contemporary fiction explores one woman's response to receiving the news that she has but three months to live. To be honest, it took me quite a while to get into this book, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Divorced 43 year old Jennifer Cole, an HR professional, is at the doctor's surgery, when Dr Mackenzie's gives her the shocking news that her blood tests show she has a rare blood disease, it's too late for treatment, with only palliative care an option. It takes some time for Jennifer to process this information as she rails at the fates. Once she starts to take it in, she knows she has no desire to draw up a bucket list, or to travel. She is going to stay put, continue with her job until she is unable to do so. The one thing that she does want to do is address three problematic relationships where she had never been able to speak her mind and be truthful about her real thoughts and feelings. Egged on by her best friend, Olivia, Jennifer decides to communicate through old fashioned means, by writing letters to the three individuals.
There are three letters, one to her ex-husband, Andy, a man with whom Jennifer had to face the trauma of three miscarriages, who cheated on her with the jealous and insecure Elizabeth and left her. Then there is Harry, an ex-lover she adored, who she failed to fight for when he left her for Melissa. Jennifer's friends hated Harry, viewing him as toxic, but to this day, she has never been able to let go of him emotionally, she has always been Sally to him, from the famous movie, When Harry Met Sally, their favourite movie, which they religiously watched around New Year. The final person that Jennifer writes to is her sister, the perfidious and beautiful Isabelle, now married to a wealthy man, with two children. For Jennifer, spilling her real feelings to these three people, is breaking the habits of a life time, requiring an inner courage that comes from knowing she now has nothing to lose.
Cantor's novel celebrates women and their friendships, unfailingly an essential provider of the necessary support when life throws nightmarish challenging and heart breaking events at them. Jennifer’s plight illustrates that sometimes the worst thing happening might just be the best thing that can happen to a person. There are life lessons, simultaneously joys and painful truths for Jennifer to face, but also opportunities to become more resilient, recalibrate relationships, learning to be and accepting of who she is, to be unapologetically truthful in her life without having to resort to letters, long after hurtful acts have taken place. This is a lovely and entertaining read, full of warmth, humour and wit. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
There are three letters, one to her ex-husband, Andy, a man with whom Jennifer had to face the trauma of three miscarriages, who cheated on her with the jealous and insecure Elizabeth and left her. Then there is Harry, an ex-lover she adored, who she failed to fight for when he left her for Melissa. Jennifer's friends hated Harry, viewing him as toxic, but to this day, she has never been able to let go of him emotionally, she has always been Sally to him, from the famous movie, When Harry Met Sally, their favourite movie, which they religiously watched around New Year. The final person that Jennifer writes to is her sister, the perfidious and beautiful Isabelle, now married to a wealthy man, with two children. For Jennifer, spilling her real feelings to these three people, is breaking the habits of a life time, requiring an inner courage that comes from knowing she now has nothing to lose.
Cantor's novel celebrates women and their friendships, unfailingly an essential provider of the necessary support when life throws nightmarish challenging and heart breaking events at them. Jennifer’s plight illustrates that sometimes the worst thing happening might just be the best thing that can happen to a person. There are life lessons, simultaneously joys and painful truths for Jennifer to face, but also opportunities to become more resilient, recalibrate relationships, learning to be and accepting of who she is, to be unapologetically truthful in her life without having to resort to letters, long after hurtful acts have taken place. This is a lovely and entertaining read, full of warmth, humour and wit. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.
February 26, 2019
Jennifer Cole has been told some bad news - some VERY bad news. She has been diagnosed with a terminal rare blood disorder and she has three months to live. Shocked and confused, with only ninety days to live she decides to write letters to important people in her life- her ex-husband, an ex-boyfriend, her sister, and an ex-friend. She is going to be honest with them about her diagnosis and how she feels about her relationship with them - or her past relationship with them and how she felt about the demise of their relationship(s).
I found this book to be a very clever fast read. It was engaging and entertaining. It's one of those books where instantly I wondered what I would do if I received such a diagnosis. How would I respond? I'm pretty sure I would have asked for a second opinion. After sending her letters, Jennifer has people reach out to her. Are the reaching out because they truly care, have guilt, want to say goodbye or have some other reason? It was nice to see Jennifer and her sister Isabelle reunite and rebuild their relationship.
The title might sound like this book is all doom and gloom but it's not. It is on the lighter side - more feel good than feel bad. There are some revelations and a twist along the way. Acceptance is a tricky and wonderful thing. It can bring peace and clarity. It can also motivate and provide comfort. I wasn't too surprised when the plot took a turn and changed things up. My advice would be to not read too much about the plot in order to avoid any spoilers. I found this to be an enjoyable, thought provoking and entertaining read. The characters are quirky and entertaining. Jennifer proves to be spunky and learns more about herself and the people in her life.
A light entertaining read that takes something tragic and turns it into a happy ending.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found this book to be a very clever fast read. It was engaging and entertaining. It's one of those books where instantly I wondered what I would do if I received such a diagnosis. How would I respond? I'm pretty sure I would have asked for a second opinion. After sending her letters, Jennifer has people reach out to her. Are the reaching out because they truly care, have guilt, want to say goodbye or have some other reason? It was nice to see Jennifer and her sister Isabelle reunite and rebuild their relationship.
The title might sound like this book is all doom and gloom but it's not. It is on the lighter side - more feel good than feel bad. There are some revelations and a twist along the way. Acceptance is a tricky and wonderful thing. It can bring peace and clarity. It can also motivate and provide comfort. I wasn't too surprised when the plot took a turn and changed things up. My advice would be to not read too much about the plot in order to avoid any spoilers. I found this to be an enjoyable, thought provoking and entertaining read. The characters are quirky and entertaining. Jennifer proves to be spunky and learns more about herself and the people in her life.
A light entertaining read that takes something tragic and turns it into a happy ending.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 3, 2019
I must have been swayed by the title of this book months ago when I chose to download this advance reader copy, for the cover is certainly lacking! When I would peruse my outstanding arcs to read/review and encounter this book cover, it only served to push me away... not doing justice to the gem buried within. I am drawn to melancholy and emotional subject matter, but as the book's title (an oxymoron if there ever was one) suggests, there is hope for a "glass half-full" perspective to inspire the reader. And it did...in spades!
The book takes place in England (my favorite locale) and centers upon the character of Jennifer Cole, a forty-ish divorcee who works in Human Resources. She hadn't been feeling well and went to her longtime family physician for some diagnostic bloodwork. He breaks the unfathomable news that she's suffering from a terminal illness and will die within 90 days. She decides to make peace with her ex-husband (with whom she suffered three miscarriages), ex-boyfriend, and estranged sister by writing and then mailing those letters. Some people find closure as a mental exercise by just writing a letter to someone and not actually mailing it, but Jennifer did the deed and popped them into the post. Now it was just a waiting game anticipating the fallout. She told them about her terminal diagnosis, and poured out her heart to each individual with whom she shared love, betrayal, heartache and discord. She didn't have time to dither...it was literally do or die.
One morning shortly after receiving her death sentence, she took a melancholy walk on the heath and encountered an attractive man doing the same. He gamely approached her with some gentle small talk, when she impulsively shared her terminal diagnosis. In the mindset of a person having to live each and every precious moment, Jennifer did something she would otherwise never have done. She suddenly began kissing him, and he responded in kind. In a surreal "seizing the moment" experience, in a no-holds-barred fashion, passion ignited and a spontaneous lovemaking session took place in some nearby foliage. You could hear passerby in close distance, and the possibility of discovery only added to the illicit excitement. They never shared names or contact numbers, even though the handsome stranger wished to do so after their mind-blowing encounter, and they parted ways that morning.
Jennifer hears back from all the recipients of her letters, and finds both revelations and resolutions to those relationships. In the end, she becomes a much stronger person and has a clearer perspective on the people who have kept her on an emotional tether. I must confess that I predicted the outcome of this book fairly early on, but it still did not prevent me from enjoying every bit of it as the story unfolded. About fifty percent into the book, it really took off when it had already been carrying me on a pleasant ride. As the book title implies, this is a morbid tale that will ultimately lift your heart up with joy!
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books / Penguin Publishing Group who provided an advance reader copy via Edelweiss.
The book takes place in England (my favorite locale) and centers upon the character of Jennifer Cole, a forty-ish divorcee who works in Human Resources. She hadn't been feeling well and went to her longtime family physician for some diagnostic bloodwork. He breaks the unfathomable news that she's suffering from a terminal illness and will die within 90 days. She decides to make peace with her ex-husband (with whom she suffered three miscarriages), ex-boyfriend, and estranged sister by writing and then mailing those letters. Some people find closure as a mental exercise by just writing a letter to someone and not actually mailing it, but Jennifer did the deed and popped them into the post. Now it was just a waiting game anticipating the fallout. She told them about her terminal diagnosis, and poured out her heart to each individual with whom she shared love, betrayal, heartache and discord. She didn't have time to dither...it was literally do or die.
One morning shortly after receiving her death sentence, she took a melancholy walk on the heath and encountered an attractive man doing the same. He gamely approached her with some gentle small talk, when she impulsively shared her terminal diagnosis. In the mindset of a person having to live each and every precious moment, Jennifer did something she would otherwise never have done. She suddenly began kissing him, and he responded in kind. In a surreal "seizing the moment" experience, in a no-holds-barred fashion, passion ignited and a spontaneous lovemaking session took place in some nearby foliage. You could hear passerby in close distance, and the possibility of discovery only added to the illicit excitement. They never shared names or contact numbers, even though the handsome stranger wished to do so after their mind-blowing encounter, and they parted ways that morning.
Jennifer hears back from all the recipients of her letters, and finds both revelations and resolutions to those relationships. In the end, she becomes a much stronger person and has a clearer perspective on the people who have kept her on an emotional tether. I must confess that I predicted the outcome of this book fairly early on, but it still did not prevent me from enjoying every bit of it as the story unfolded. About fifty percent into the book, it really took off when it had already been carrying me on a pleasant ride. As the book title implies, this is a morbid tale that will ultimately lift your heart up with joy!
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books / Penguin Publishing Group who provided an advance reader copy via Edelweiss.
August 3, 2019
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
Wow. This book ended up not working for me at all. Probably because the initial premise (Jennifer Cole) being diagnosed with an incurable condition giving her months to live didn't really get focused on too much. Instead we focused on Jennifer writing letters to her ex-husband, her ex's current wife, her ex-lover, her ex-childhood friend, and her sister. Yeah these are all people that Jennifer had or has issues with and who she wants to clear things off her chest. It could have been done in a funny way, but it didn't work for me. Don't get me started on how the big suddenly changes mid-stream into Jennifer becoming obsessed with her ex, then a lie, another lie, and then the book tries to jump to some chick lit ending. That is not to disparage chick lit by the way, it just didn't fit with the initial parts of the book at all.
"Death and Other Happy Endings" has Jennifer just being told she has 90 days before she will die. After telling her best friend and crying (I would be too) her friend encourages her to write letters to people she still has a lot of complicated feelings about. So she does. And then mayhem ensues. I won't get into everyone's response, but am going to say that Jennifer and her sister's relationship being changed was the only highlight in this story. After Jennifer reconnects with her ex it just becomes about him. And believe me if I got a deadly diagnosis I would not give two shits about any of my ex's. I would be trying to squeeze things in that I want to do and let the people I love know how much I love them. Anyway.
I didn't like Jennifer much. Her life seems really empty and her house is always cold and apparently dirty. It's like she gave up on anything before her diagnosis. It would have been wonderful to see her embrace life or something, but nope she's just obsessed about her ex.
Jennifer's sister is a mess. You read about their past relationship and I can see why they are not close. But them trying to be close had some laugh out loud moments which is why I gave this book two stars.
Jennifer's ex I think was named Harry. Harry sucks and the fact that Jennifer refused to see it was frustrating to read after a while.
Jennifer writing a letter to her ex's current wife was a bit much for me. It had been a decade I think in the book's timeline so her acting like a woman scorned and her saying what about the sisterhood didn't work for me.
Jennifer's ex was a wanker.
The writing felt choppy after a while. I got bored and then Cantor throws in a twist I saw coming. And then there's another twist I didn't see coming, but at that point I didn't care. The flow of the book was all messed up honestly. I don't know a way to fix it. I think trying to shoehorn everything into one book didn't work.
The book ends on what I think they see as a happy ending but I went oh boy that's going to be a mess eventually.
Wow. This book ended up not working for me at all. Probably because the initial premise (Jennifer Cole) being diagnosed with an incurable condition giving her months to live didn't really get focused on too much. Instead we focused on Jennifer writing letters to her ex-husband, her ex's current wife, her ex-lover, her ex-childhood friend, and her sister. Yeah these are all people that Jennifer had or has issues with and who she wants to clear things off her chest. It could have been done in a funny way, but it didn't work for me. Don't get me started on how the big suddenly changes mid-stream into Jennifer becoming obsessed with her ex, then a lie, another lie, and then the book tries to jump to some chick lit ending. That is not to disparage chick lit by the way, it just didn't fit with the initial parts of the book at all.
"Death and Other Happy Endings" has Jennifer just being told she has 90 days before she will die. After telling her best friend and crying (I would be too) her friend encourages her to write letters to people she still has a lot of complicated feelings about. So she does. And then mayhem ensues. I won't get into everyone's response, but am going to say that Jennifer and her sister's relationship being changed was the only highlight in this story. After Jennifer reconnects with her ex it just becomes about him. And believe me if I got a deadly diagnosis I would not give two shits about any of my ex's. I would be trying to squeeze things in that I want to do and let the people I love know how much I love them. Anyway.
I didn't like Jennifer much. Her life seems really empty and her house is always cold and apparently dirty. It's like she gave up on anything before her diagnosis. It would have been wonderful to see her embrace life or something, but nope she's just obsessed about her ex.
Jennifer's sister is a mess. You read about their past relationship and I can see why they are not close. But them trying to be close had some laugh out loud moments which is why I gave this book two stars.
Jennifer's ex I think was named Harry. Harry sucks and the fact that Jennifer refused to see it was frustrating to read after a while.
Jennifer writing a letter to her ex's current wife was a bit much for me. It had been a decade I think in the book's timeline so her acting like a woman scorned and her saying what about the sisterhood didn't work for me.
Jennifer's ex was a wanker.
The writing felt choppy after a while. I got bored and then Cantor throws in a twist I saw coming. And then there's another twist I didn't see coming, but at that point I didn't care. The flow of the book was all messed up honestly. I don't know a way to fix it. I think trying to shoehorn everything into one book didn't work.
The book ends on what I think they see as a happy ending but I went oh boy that's going to be a mess eventually.
December 9, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of
Death and Other Happy Endings.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Jennifer Cole is a middle-aged woman who has just been given three months to live.
As a result, she decides to write letters to a few people who have wronged her, including her brat of a sister, her dick of an ex, and her selfish boyfriend.
Naturally, when you realize you only live once, Jennifer finds herself acting out of character, causing a typical landslide of chick-lit events, which all come crashing down when she finds herself back in the doctor's office, but with a new lease on life.
The premise is nothing new: the main character discovers he or she has only X amount of time left on this mortal plane and either makes amends with people he or she has wronged or engages in YOLO behavior that help her or him see life is worth living.
The thing is, I didn't like Jennifer.
She was a wishy washy, doormat-y person.
It was hard to believe she was in her mid-forties; she whined and moaned about her exes like a 14 year old.
The writing was okay, but I didn't feel invested in the story nor did I like anyone and the ending was typical chick-lit happy-ever-after.
This book was not for me but others might like a feel good story with this kind of premise.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Jennifer Cole is a middle-aged woman who has just been given three months to live.
As a result, she decides to write letters to a few people who have wronged her, including her brat of a sister, her dick of an ex, and her selfish boyfriend.
Naturally, when you realize you only live once, Jennifer finds herself acting out of character, causing a typical landslide of chick-lit events, which all come crashing down when she finds herself back in the doctor's office, but with a new lease on life.
The premise is nothing new: the main character discovers he or she has only X amount of time left on this mortal plane and either makes amends with people he or she has wronged or engages in YOLO behavior that help her or him see life is worth living.
The thing is, I didn't like Jennifer.
She was a wishy washy, doormat-y person.
It was hard to believe she was in her mid-forties; she whined and moaned about her exes like a 14 year old.
The writing was okay, but I didn't feel invested in the story nor did I like anyone and the ending was typical chick-lit happy-ever-after.
This book was not for me but others might like a feel good story with this kind of premise.
June 17, 2019
Something somewhat different on my blog today. Far removed from all the crime fiction and psychological thrillers I tend to read, it was the book description for Death and Other Happy Endings that immediately appealed to me. Who doesn’t just want to let go and really tell people what you think of them?
Jennifer Cole is told she has an incurable disease and only has three months left to live. What would you do? Pull out a bucket list and cram as much as you can into those ninety days you have left? Or take a good, long look at the life you’ve led so far; the good and the bad? Jennifer decides this is the perfect time to write letters to her ex-husband, her ex-boyfriend and her sister. Three people who have been immensely significant in her life, but who have also let her down and maybe Jennifer has let them get away with just that little bit too much. Finally, she feels the time has come to tell them how she really feels about them. After all, she’s dying and won’t have to face the consequences, right? But there are a few surprises in store.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this story would be absolutely depressing but I promise you, it’s really not. A lot of that down is to the character of Jennifer, who is absolutely delightful. From the very first page, I already knew I was going to love her to bits. As heartbreaking as the news about her diagnosis is, there was something about her personality that immediately drew me to her. Even while sitting in the doctor’s office, receiving bad news, she somehow managed to make me laugh.
It’s remarkably easy to imagine the feeling of liberation Jennifer has when she finally posts the three letters. It almost made me feel slightly jealous, thinking I too would love to tell some people a few home truths. Although preferably without a death sentence hanging over my head. Why is it that we often don’t or wait until it’s too late?
Death and Other Happy Endings is a moving, yet witty and heartwarming story about relationships, friendships, life and regrets. I absolutely adored this book. I found it immensely enjoyable and entertaining, yet also quite thought-provoking. This is a truly delightful debut from Melanie Cantor and I would have absolutely no problem shoving my crime fiction and thrillers aside to read more by her.
Jennifer Cole is told she has an incurable disease and only has three months left to live. What would you do? Pull out a bucket list and cram as much as you can into those ninety days you have left? Or take a good, long look at the life you’ve led so far; the good and the bad? Jennifer decides this is the perfect time to write letters to her ex-husband, her ex-boyfriend and her sister. Three people who have been immensely significant in her life, but who have also let her down and maybe Jennifer has let them get away with just that little bit too much. Finally, she feels the time has come to tell them how she really feels about them. After all, she’s dying and won’t have to face the consequences, right? But there are a few surprises in store.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this story would be absolutely depressing but I promise you, it’s really not. A lot of that down is to the character of Jennifer, who is absolutely delightful. From the very first page, I already knew I was going to love her to bits. As heartbreaking as the news about her diagnosis is, there was something about her personality that immediately drew me to her. Even while sitting in the doctor’s office, receiving bad news, she somehow managed to make me laugh.
It’s remarkably easy to imagine the feeling of liberation Jennifer has when she finally posts the three letters. It almost made me feel slightly jealous, thinking I too would love to tell some people a few home truths. Although preferably without a death sentence hanging over my head. Why is it that we often don’t or wait until it’s too late?
Death and Other Happy Endings is a moving, yet witty and heartwarming story about relationships, friendships, life and regrets. I absolutely adored this book. I found it immensely enjoyable and entertaining, yet also quite thought-provoking. This is a truly delightful debut from Melanie Cantor and I would have absolutely no problem shoving my crime fiction and thrillers aside to read more by her.
July 17, 2020
E se de repente o médico nos dissesse que o nosso cansaço é uma doença terminal e que temos três meses de vida?
Quando Jennifer recebe a notícia em que a sua fadiga é fruto de uma doença rara, decide comprar um calendário e fazer com que cada dia valha a pena.
Mas há muitas coisas do passado que não estão bem resolvidas. Por sugestão da sua melhor amiga, Olivia, Jen decide escrever três cartas a dizer tudo o que sente. Uma carta à sua irmã, uma ao ex-marido e uma ao ex-namorado. As repercussões são mais do que muitas, sendo muito interessante verificar cada uma das atitudes e que as pessoas não mudam mas alguns prismas podem mudar.
É uma história libertadora, uma lição para vivermos a vida sem deixarmos de ser nós próprios e não permitindo que terceiros nos minimizem. Esta é uma leitura maravilhosa que aconselho vivamente a todos.
Quando Jennifer recebe a notícia em que a sua fadiga é fruto de uma doença rara, decide comprar um calendário e fazer com que cada dia valha a pena.
Mas há muitas coisas do passado que não estão bem resolvidas. Por sugestão da sua melhor amiga, Olivia, Jen decide escrever três cartas a dizer tudo o que sente. Uma carta à sua irmã, uma ao ex-marido e uma ao ex-namorado. As repercussões são mais do que muitas, sendo muito interessante verificar cada uma das atitudes e que as pessoas não mudam mas alguns prismas podem mudar.
É uma história libertadora, uma lição para vivermos a vida sem deixarmos de ser nós próprios e não permitindo que terceiros nos minimizem. Esta é uma leitura maravilhosa que aconselho vivamente a todos.
November 8, 2019
There have been a lot of books lately about lead characters learning they don't have a lot of time left on Earth. Most of them are sad stories where the characters have to say goodbye to their loved ones and make bucket lists. Then there's Death and Other Happy Endings, in which the lead character tells off the people who have made her miserable in some way or another. I found this to be an interesting premise and I was less hesitant to pick it up for this reason.
I enjoyed this novel the whole way through and liked getting to know Jennifer and the supporting characters through the lens of Jennifer finding out she had only a short time left to live. This was a very well-written debut that had a Marian Keyes feel to it. While some aspects felt predictable (because I read way too many books), other parts of the story definitely surprised me.
I recommend this novel to readers who want a new twist on a [somewhat] cliché topic and look forward to reading whatever Melanie Cantor comes up with next!
Movie casting suggestions:
Jennifer: Melanie Lynskey
Isabelle: Sarah Wynter
Harry: Rupert Penry-Jones
Andy: Dominic Cooper
I enjoyed this novel the whole way through and liked getting to know Jennifer and the supporting characters through the lens of Jennifer finding out she had only a short time left to live. This was a very well-written debut that had a Marian Keyes feel to it. While some aspects felt predictable (because I read way too many books), other parts of the story definitely surprised me.
I recommend this novel to readers who want a new twist on a [somewhat] cliché topic and look forward to reading whatever Melanie Cantor comes up with next!
Movie casting suggestions:
Jennifer: Melanie Lynskey
Isabelle: Sarah Wynter
Harry: Rupert Penry-Jones
Andy: Dominic Cooper
gave-up-on
March 8, 2019I didn’t finish this book because I wasn’t interested in the character and the plot line. It’s about a forty-something woman diagnosed with terminal cancer and has about three months left to live. Prior to dying, she decides to write three letters airing her grievances. To Elizabeth and Andy, her ex-husband; Harry, an ex-boyfriend; and Isabelle, her sister. I gave it about a hundred pages and didn’t feel invested enough to continue.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Viking Books for the advanced reading copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Viking Books for the advanced reading copy.
July 14, 2021
This is a book that was sent to me in a subscription box and is not one I would initially pick up. However, I am pleased that it was sent to me. This is a romance that has not got any of the romantic gooey stuff in it.
We follow Jennifer who is told at the beginning that she has a rare blood disorder that only gives her around 3 months to live. In being told the news Jennifer writes three letters and sends them to the recipients and so begins the mayhem. I was pleasantly surprised to be honest. At first, I thought ‘well this is a bit morbid’ however it became charmingly funny and very real.
I am glad I stuck with this book as I was astonishingly brought to tears by the end. I did get emotionally invested and I put the book down and thought to myself how lovely.
I would encourage those to read it who want an easy autumn read, it’s a book to get lost in and I found it very enjoyable. The reason this is not a 5 stars for me is because I didn’t find it terribly gripping, I did get slightly bored halfway through but then it really picked up. 4 stars.
We follow Jennifer who is told at the beginning that she has a rare blood disorder that only gives her around 3 months to live. In being told the news Jennifer writes three letters and sends them to the recipients and so begins the mayhem. I was pleasantly surprised to be honest. At first, I thought ‘well this is a bit morbid’ however it became charmingly funny and very real.
I am glad I stuck with this book as I was astonishingly brought to tears by the end. I did get emotionally invested and I put the book down and thought to myself how lovely.
I would encourage those to read it who want an easy autumn read, it’s a book to get lost in and I found it very enjoyable. The reason this is not a 5 stars for me is because I didn’t find it terribly gripping, I did get slightly bored halfway through but then it really picked up. 4 stars.
March 4, 2019
Death and Other Happy Endings is the kind of story you hope never happens to you. Jennifer is forty something and just been told she has three months to live. She chooses to use this time writing letters to three people who are or were important in her life and with whom she's left things unsaid. The three people are her sister, ex-husband and ex-boyfriend. Jennifer writes for closure. She's dying, so she might as well say whatever she wants. It won't matter in three months anyway, right? I found this story at turns hopeful and depressing. I questioned whether Jennifer had made a good decision with the letter writing. Maybe she was too nice or too spiteful or mean or not mean enough. It's so open ended for the recipients. She gets closure, and they get who knows what. It's a story of love, loss, friendship and facing the end of your life. Still, things never turn out right. Even in fiction. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2019
This is a brilliant read!
A story which perfectly combines a serious situation with deadpan British wit and a very likeable main character - it’s a winner.
For fans of Eleanor Oliphant and Fleabag, I can easily see this being adapted for TV, women of a certain age everywhere will love it 😊
A story which perfectly combines a serious situation with deadpan British wit and a very likeable main character - it’s a winner.
For fans of Eleanor Oliphant and Fleabag, I can easily see this being adapted for TV, women of a certain age everywhere will love it 😊
June 16, 2022
Je m'étais dit que j'allais pas brailler parce que j'ai deviné la fin à la moitié du livre, mais... j'ai ugly cry 3-4 fois pareil 🥲
May 11, 2023
An effectively timed read rendered this most enjoyable for me.
Jennifer has unexpected trouble, and faces the worst situation all of us face. . .a death sentence, on a date mostly certain. She determines it is best to go out having tried to mend most (all?) fences, saying what she wanted to say and being her best self.
From there, anything goes. A total chick-lit book, and I was surprised to be caught in total enjoyment of it. Loved the spontaneity and freedom her death sentence gave her, and how it helped her roar herself back to life. . . .there is a strong whiff of deus ex machina about the conclusions, but I was totally satisfied with the resultant outcomes.
A fun read!
Jennifer has unexpected trouble, and faces the worst situation all of us face. . .a death sentence, on a date mostly certain. She determines it is best to go out having tried to mend most (all?) fences, saying what she wanted to say and being her best self.
From there, anything goes. A total chick-lit book, and I was surprised to be caught in total enjoyment of it. Loved the spontaneity and freedom her death sentence gave her, and how it helped her roar herself back to life. . . .there is a strong whiff of deus ex machina about the conclusions, but I was totally satisfied with the resultant outcomes.
A fun read!
May 30, 2020
Jennifer is informed by her doctor that she is dying. She has a rare blood illness and now has three months tops to live. She is shocked because she's just been feeling a bit tired. She writes three letters to the people she feels most aggrieved by in her life and then has to deal with the consequences of those letters.
While writing this review, I am finding it very difficult to find much to say that is positive. I appreciate that a lot of work and effort goes into producing a book and it's never nice to have to be so negative about someone's creation, but I have to be true to myself.
Jennifer is dying and she goes through denial and anger in response, but her reactions left no impression on me whatsoever. I wasn't sad for her or crying with her and mostly found her annoying and pathetic. Her dispassionate tone could be explained by the fact that she is an HR Manager so perhaps she is telling her story in her 'HR Voice', but it just doesn't wash very well with me.
Without spoiling the plot too much (although the title sort of does that anyway), halfway through the book I was so disgusted with the turn around in Jennifer's future that I almost DNF. Thankfully, the book does improve slightly here as when Jennifer shares her 'good news' with her loved ones, she soon learns who those people really are. The ending was nice but predictable.
Finally, let's talk about the title. The book has not been released yet so I sincerely hope this issue gets fixed because it has really irritated me. On NetGalley the book is titled 'Life and Other Happy Endings', on my Kindle the download appears as 'Death and Other Happy Endings'. This would be fine as it is an ARC copy, however, the book is on Goodreads and Waterstones twice as it is posted under each title. Almost like there is a sequel. But there isn't. Both have the same blurb and the same release date.
As mentioned, I received an ARC copy of the book from NetGalley. In exchange, I have provided an honest review.
While writing this review, I am finding it very difficult to find much to say that is positive. I appreciate that a lot of work and effort goes into producing a book and it's never nice to have to be so negative about someone's creation, but I have to be true to myself.
Jennifer is dying and she goes through denial and anger in response, but her reactions left no impression on me whatsoever. I wasn't sad for her or crying with her and mostly found her annoying and pathetic. Her dispassionate tone could be explained by the fact that she is an HR Manager so perhaps she is telling her story in her 'HR Voice', but it just doesn't wash very well with me.
Without spoiling the plot too much (although the title sort of does that anyway), halfway through the book I was so disgusted with the turn around in Jennifer's future that I almost DNF. Thankfully, the book does improve slightly here as when Jennifer shares her 'good news' with her loved ones, she soon learns who those people really are. The ending was nice but predictable.
Finally, let's talk about the title. The book has not been released yet so I sincerely hope this issue gets fixed because it has really irritated me. On NetGalley the book is titled 'Life and Other Happy Endings', on my Kindle the download appears as 'Death and Other Happy Endings'. This would be fine as it is an ARC copy, however, the book is on Goodreads and Waterstones twice as it is posted under each title. Almost like there is a sequel. But there isn't. Both have the same blurb and the same release date.
As mentioned, I received an ARC copy of the book from NetGalley. In exchange, I have provided an honest review.
July 12, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up
This is a light, sweet novel with a great deal to say about living life on your own terms, not what everyone expects from you or bound by fear and insecurity.
I really appreciated Jennifer's journey when she is told that she has three months to live. She made some surprising choices, but overall they make for an engaging story that kept me turning pages to discover what would happen next.
In a way, I felt like I came into this book in the middle of a story--Jen has all sorts of friends/relationships/etc. and it takes a while to figure out who is who and how things fit together. This made it a bit more difficult to get into the book than I would have liked, but by the end it did all make sense.
I particularly liked Jennifer and her sister's relationship. It was realistic and heartwarming at the same time, I liked that they confronted their pasts and found that their individual views of how they were raised had shaped much of their behavior. It was very meaningful and inspired me to have some more in-depth conversations with my friends and family.
Recommended for those who like drama and humorous stories. Small warning: language for those who might be sensitive.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is a light, sweet novel with a great deal to say about living life on your own terms, not what everyone expects from you or bound by fear and insecurity.
I really appreciated Jennifer's journey when she is told that she has three months to live. She made some surprising choices, but overall they make for an engaging story that kept me turning pages to discover what would happen next.
In a way, I felt like I came into this book in the middle of a story--Jen has all sorts of friends/relationships/etc. and it takes a while to figure out who is who and how things fit together. This made it a bit more difficult to get into the book than I would have liked, but by the end it did all make sense.
I particularly liked Jennifer and her sister's relationship. It was realistic and heartwarming at the same time, I liked that they confronted their pasts and found that their individual views of how they were raised had shaped much of their behavior. It was very meaningful and inspired me to have some more in-depth conversations with my friends and family.
Recommended for those who like drama and humorous stories. Small warning: language for those who might be sensitive.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 14, 2019
A potentially interesting premise, totally predictable outcome. I'm a little embarrassed I read it.
March 19, 2020
Knihu som začala čítať otrasená všetkými správami ohľadom diania okolo nás, kedy aj deti ostali doma a mňa chytala depka (nákaza, koronavírus a všetko s tým spojené). Ale autorke ďakujem, že mi touto knižkou pomohla prísť na iné myšlienky.
Za prvé, nie je to smutný román, aj keď to tak vyzerá, aj keď hlavná hrdinka zistí, že zomiera. (Ako my všetci, už od narodenia, však áno.) Akurát jej stanovili aj presný počet dní. Šok a klasické fázy smútku sa jej nevyhnú, začne riešiť to, čo dlho odkladala. Napíše listy svojej sestre, exmanželovi a expriateľovi, kde im povie to, čo dlho v sebe dusila. A veci sa pohnú ďalej. Miestami som si predstavovala, ako by som zareagovala na jej mieste ja, ale keď tí jej chlapi ma hrozne rozčuľovali. A sestra najviac! No tento príbeh bol v istej časti predvídateľný, ale nevadilo mi to. Skončila som príjemne dojatá a šťastná a hlavne s úplne inými myšlienkami. 🥰
Za prvé, nie je to smutný román, aj keď to tak vyzerá, aj keď hlavná hrdinka zistí, že zomiera. (Ako my všetci, už od narodenia, však áno.) Akurát jej stanovili aj presný počet dní. Šok a klasické fázy smútku sa jej nevyhnú, začne riešiť to, čo dlho odkladala. Napíše listy svojej sestre, exmanželovi a expriateľovi, kde im povie to, čo dlho v sebe dusila. A veci sa pohnú ďalej. Miestami som si predstavovala, ako by som zareagovala na jej mieste ja, ale keď tí jej chlapi ma hrozne rozčuľovali. A sestra najviac! No tento príbeh bol v istej časti predvídateľný, ale nevadilo mi to. Skončila som príjemne dojatá a šťastná a hlavne s úplne inými myšlienkami. 🥰
August 1, 2019
Sometimes persistence pays off. This book was pitched to me at least four times for review and each time I passed. Not because I didn’t want to read it, I just didn’t think I could fit it in anywhere close to the review date.
It wasn’t until the book physically arrived at my house that I took some real stock of my review calendar to see if I could accommodate this book. The publicist for this book raved about it with such passion that I felt compelled to work it in. I hate missing out on great books simply for calendar purposes so I made it happen.
I snuck in little bits of this book here and there each day and before I knew it, I was completely invested in this book and quickly saw what the big fuss was all about!
So the first line of the summary already makes this book sound depressing: There’s nothing like being told that in three months you’ll be dead to make you think about what you really want in life. But don’t let that fool you, this book tackles the taboo and difficult topic of death with classic British dark humor. To be honest, given that this is such a heavy topic, I was surprised that the terminal illness part wasn’t really the focus of the book but rather the character sharing her grievances.
This book inevitably makes the reader think about what they would do if they only had a few months to live. I know that I, like many readers, pondered this question throughout the novel and in all honesty, I have no idea what I would do but I appreciated that Jennifer was open and honest about how she was feeling toward the people in her life and I felt like her letters reflected honest feelings and thoughts from her character.
I think one of the hardest things for be about this book was that Jennifer at times was a doormat and I had a hard time relating to that aspect of her character, but the way she evolves was interesting and honest. I personally wouldn’t care about any of my ex’s if I had a terminal illness but to each their own. Some people still harbor complex feelings about former lovers and if that’s what Jennifer felt like she needed to do to resolve her feelings then to each their own.
I was surprised by how fulfilled I was once I finished this book. It was unexpected and welcome. While there were some things about this book that didn’t always work for me, in the end I enjoyed it and felt content once I was finished.
See my full review here
It wasn’t until the book physically arrived at my house that I took some real stock of my review calendar to see if I could accommodate this book. The publicist for this book raved about it with such passion that I felt compelled to work it in. I hate missing out on great books simply for calendar purposes so I made it happen.
I snuck in little bits of this book here and there each day and before I knew it, I was completely invested in this book and quickly saw what the big fuss was all about!
So the first line of the summary already makes this book sound depressing: There’s nothing like being told that in three months you’ll be dead to make you think about what you really want in life. But don’t let that fool you, this book tackles the taboo and difficult topic of death with classic British dark humor. To be honest, given that this is such a heavy topic, I was surprised that the terminal illness part wasn’t really the focus of the book but rather the character sharing her grievances.
This book inevitably makes the reader think about what they would do if they only had a few months to live. I know that I, like many readers, pondered this question throughout the novel and in all honesty, I have no idea what I would do but I appreciated that Jennifer was open and honest about how she was feeling toward the people in her life and I felt like her letters reflected honest feelings and thoughts from her character.
I think one of the hardest things for be about this book was that Jennifer at times was a doormat and I had a hard time relating to that aspect of her character, but the way she evolves was interesting and honest. I personally wouldn’t care about any of my ex’s if I had a terminal illness but to each their own. Some people still harbor complex feelings about former lovers and if that’s what Jennifer felt like she needed to do to resolve her feelings then to each their own.
I was surprised by how fulfilled I was once I finished this book. It was unexpected and welcome. While there were some things about this book that didn’t always work for me, in the end I enjoyed it and felt content once I was finished.
See my full review here
June 13, 2020
Three and a half stars.
Jennifer Cole is a single middle-aged woman with a middle-management job in HR when her GP gives her the devastating news that she has a rare incurable blood disorder and only three months to live. The news causes Jennifer to do some thinking about past relationships and family ties culminating in her writing three letters: one to her ex-husband,; one to the love of her life; and one to her sister explaining all the things she never had the courage to say before.
At first jennifer finds that her letters have a good effect, and, despite the poor prognosis, she feels pretty good about life. But soon things aren't quite as rosy as they appear.
I did quite enjoy this novel about being brave enough to tell the truth (especially to yourself) and how people respond to imminent death. However, I also found it entirely predictable, maybe the blurb foreshadowed events, which kind of took the gloss off of things, I could see from the the start where this was going.
I think this is an enjoyable summer read by the pool, fun but not particularly memorable or unique.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Jennifer Cole is a single middle-aged woman with a middle-management job in HR when her GP gives her the devastating news that she has a rare incurable blood disorder and only three months to live. The news causes Jennifer to do some thinking about past relationships and family ties culminating in her writing three letters: one to her ex-husband,; one to the love of her life; and one to her sister explaining all the things she never had the courage to say before.
At first jennifer finds that her letters have a good effect, and, despite the poor prognosis, she feels pretty good about life. But soon things aren't quite as rosy as they appear.
I did quite enjoy this novel about being brave enough to tell the truth (especially to yourself) and how people respond to imminent death. However, I also found it entirely predictable, maybe the blurb foreshadowed events, which kind of took the gloss off of things, I could see from the the start where this was going.
I think this is an enjoyable summer read by the pool, fun but not particularly memorable or unique.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
April 25, 2020
Death and other Happy Endings
by Melanie Cantor
Well, the premise of the book is fairly predictable, and of course, I thought that she would (recover, have gotten a bad diagnosis) something like that.. but when she started getting sick, I actually started to wonder.
Unlike some other reviewers, I was glad that the book didn't focus on her illness, after all, if I got a firm, "you are going to die" there is really no reason to keep on repeating that fact or why... it really is about what and how you would like your life, or what is left of your life out. I agreed with all of the things that she did and how she started to live while she was dying. I think the book makes you stop and think about what you would do in those circumstances and how you would want the end of your life to go.
Overall, I rather enjoyed the book. It was sort of lite reading and bounced along at a good pace. I will say that it is chick-lit, but chick lit lite for sure. So 3.5 stars for me... and I would read Ms. Cantor again.
3.5 stars
Happy Reading!
by Melanie Cantor
Well, the premise of the book is fairly predictable, and of course, I thought that she would (recover, have gotten a bad diagnosis) something like that.. but when she started getting sick, I actually started to wonder.
Unlike some other reviewers, I was glad that the book didn't focus on her illness, after all, if I got a firm, "you are going to die" there is really no reason to keep on repeating that fact or why... it really is about what and how you would like your life, or what is left of your life out. I agreed with all of the things that she did and how she started to live while she was dying. I think the book makes you stop and think about what you would do in those circumstances and how you would want the end of your life to go.
Overall, I rather enjoyed the book. It was sort of lite reading and bounced along at a good pace. I will say that it is chick-lit, but chick lit lite for sure. So 3.5 stars for me... and I would read Ms. Cantor again.
3.5 stars
Happy Reading!
September 8, 2019
2 1/4 stars
this is a tough one to rate for me. I'm on the fence. it's different. so i'll just begin.
Ok, so the protagonist is given a terminal diagnosis. what do you do w/your time left?
do you do your bucket list, carry on normally? do you let everyone know how you really feel & say "F it!" that's what our protagonist does. she writes letters to people.
so first, no matter who your doctor is, you get a 2nd opinion!!!
and the people surrounding Jennifer were terrible. they were unlikable characters.
and oh yeah, the incident in the heath? seriously! really???
also, i figured out the surprises early on.
that being said, i did finish & read it.
also, the lead character had the same name so i had to root for her.
and the ending was good. the last 3 chapters were great.
also it was a quick read.
this is a tough one to rate for me. I'm on the fence. it's different. so i'll just begin.
Ok, so the protagonist is given a terminal diagnosis. what do you do w/your time left?
do you do your bucket list, carry on normally? do you let everyone know how you really feel & say "F it!" that's what our protagonist does. she writes letters to people.
so first, no matter who your doctor is, you get a 2nd opinion!!!
and the people surrounding Jennifer were terrible. they were unlikable characters.
and oh yeah, the incident in the heath? seriously! really???
also, i figured out the surprises early on.
that being said, i did finish & read it.
also, the lead character had the same name so i had to root for her.
and the ending was good. the last 3 chapters were great.
also it was a quick read.
December 19, 2020
Opinião em vídeo: https://youtu.be/JZZZ1xUgkCs
December 31, 2021
Ultima leitura de 2021, não vou dizer que esta leitura foi uma bomba, foi uma leitura leve para estes dias mais agitados :)
Consegui rever-me um pouco nesta estória e é (talvez) uma chamada de atenção para todos os prognósticos que nos são dados, tive a prova de que não devemos nos fiar só por uma opinião ou diagnóstico, temos sempre de ter a curiosidade de saber mais, de não nos resignar com aquele primeiro choque inicial, levantar a cabeça e seguir a luta... E principalmente viver a vida todos os dias como se fosse o nosso último dia, não deixar nada por dizer, não esquecer que o outro também tem sentimentos e acima de tudo amar-nos a nós próprios, pois só assim poderemos dar amor e atenção ao próximo e ficar-mos bem com nós próprios ;)
Feliz Ano de 2022 e boas leituras para todos ;)
"Por que razão, quando estamos à espera que algo aconteça, nunca acontece e, quando achamos que é a última coisa possível de acontecer, ei-la que chega sem aviso prévio?"
Consegui rever-me um pouco nesta estória e é (talvez) uma chamada de atenção para todos os prognósticos que nos são dados, tive a prova de que não devemos nos fiar só por uma opinião ou diagnóstico, temos sempre de ter a curiosidade de saber mais, de não nos resignar com aquele primeiro choque inicial, levantar a cabeça e seguir a luta... E principalmente viver a vida todos os dias como se fosse o nosso último dia, não deixar nada por dizer, não esquecer que o outro também tem sentimentos e acima de tudo amar-nos a nós próprios, pois só assim poderemos dar amor e atenção ao próximo e ficar-mos bem com nós próprios ;)
Feliz Ano de 2022 e boas leituras para todos ;)
"Por que razão, quando estamos à espera que algo aconteça, nunca acontece e, quando achamos que é a última coisa possível de acontecer, ei-la que chega sem aviso prévio?"
September 5, 2020
I must admit that I quite enjoyed the book. Some of it was a bit predictable, but the writing was good. It was quite amusing in parts. Will keep an eye out for her next book.
September 8, 2020
Det var länge sedan jag läste en bok som fick mig att gråta både av skratt och sorgligt! En riktigt höjdare om än lite förutsägbar men rolig! Titeln omfamnar hela storyn. Sannolikt bättre på originalspråket, men helt klart ett fint sällskap i höstkvällen framöver.
August 28, 2019
3.5 stars
Such a strange read. Something that happened in the beginning that I couldn't understand why it happened connected with the ending. I did like how the main character confronted those people in her life that wronged her in some way but a bit of showing her own flaws would have been nice too. I guess that's what was tried with her former friend Emily but it didn't conclude well.
Such a strange read. Something that happened in the beginning that I couldn't understand why it happened connected with the ending. I did like how the main character confronted those people in her life that wronged her in some way but a bit of showing her own flaws would have been nice too. I guess that's what was tried with her former friend Emily but it didn't conclude well.
December 30, 2019
At just 43 years old, Jennifer Cole has just been told that she has a rare and terminal blood disease. She has just three months to live - ninety days to say goodbye to friends and family and put her affairs in order. Trying to focus on the positives Jennifer realises she has one overriding regret: the words she’s left unsaid.
Rather than pursuing a bucket list, she chooses instead to write letters to three significant people in her life who have hurt her in some way: her overbearing, selfish older sister Isabelle, her ex-husband Andy who cheated on Jennifer after she suffered from 3 miscarriages, and her charming, unreliable ex-boyfriend Harry who left her for another woman. The letters give her a way to finally tell them all the things she’s always wanted to say but never dared, thinking what is the worst that could happen?
At first, Jennifer feels cleansed by her catharsis. Liberated, even. But once you start telling the truth, it's hard to stop. And, as she soon discovers, the truth isn't always as straightforward as it seems, and death has a way of surprising you …
I really enjoyed this, despite the subject matter and read it in just a couple of days. I love the idea of writing old fashioned letters, rather than emails, to people who have upset or disappointed you. I have done it myself although haven't ever been brave enough to send them! But just putting the words on the page can help you feel much better about a situation and to even let bad feelings go.
I thought initially this book might be a bit depressing - after all a woman around my age, being diagnosed with a terminal illness is a pretty miserable subject. But Jennifer herself, despite being devastated, takes control of the time she has left and somehow the author makes it an engaging and amusing read. It made me think about my own life and what I would do if I was told I only had a short time to live. I think airing long-held grievances is excellent advice for anyone!
There are a few twists and turns, nothing startling but the story is sweet and well written and I liked Jennifer and her best friend Olivia's relationship especially. A great debut!
Rather than pursuing a bucket list, she chooses instead to write letters to three significant people in her life who have hurt her in some way: her overbearing, selfish older sister Isabelle, her ex-husband Andy who cheated on Jennifer after she suffered from 3 miscarriages, and her charming, unreliable ex-boyfriend Harry who left her for another woman. The letters give her a way to finally tell them all the things she’s always wanted to say but never dared, thinking what is the worst that could happen?
At first, Jennifer feels cleansed by her catharsis. Liberated, even. But once you start telling the truth, it's hard to stop. And, as she soon discovers, the truth isn't always as straightforward as it seems, and death has a way of surprising you …
I really enjoyed this, despite the subject matter and read it in just a couple of days. I love the idea of writing old fashioned letters, rather than emails, to people who have upset or disappointed you. I have done it myself although haven't ever been brave enough to send them! But just putting the words on the page can help you feel much better about a situation and to even let bad feelings go.
I thought initially this book might be a bit depressing - after all a woman around my age, being diagnosed with a terminal illness is a pretty miserable subject. But Jennifer herself, despite being devastated, takes control of the time she has left and somehow the author makes it an engaging and amusing read. It made me think about my own life and what I would do if I was told I only had a short time to live. I think airing long-held grievances is excellent advice for anyone!
There are a few twists and turns, nothing startling but the story is sweet and well written and I liked Jennifer and her best friend Olivia's relationship especially. A great debut!
August 25, 2022
At the beginning you think it's going to be a sad story where the main character will die at the end.
Jennifer gets a diagnosis that turns her life upside down. According to specialists, she only has 3 months to live. These special circumstances make her learn a lot about her life and the people she associates with. Some of the relationships she finds need to be sorted out before her days are over. So she sends letters explaining her situation and telling people everything Jennifer thinks about them. Especially the relationship with her perfect sister gets a good shaking up.
It's not a sad story by any means, even though it seems to be in the first part. But as soon as her days are almost numbered, there is a big plot twist that you would never have suspected at the beginning.
The book is delightfully funny written with a little bit of serious and sad themes. A beautiful book! However, if you have just lost someone important in your life, you will find the first part of the book a bit difficult, with all the talk about death and goodbyes. In this part there are some trains of thought that make you think for yourself.
In general, a very successful book. I will continue to look at this author.
Jennifer gets a diagnosis that turns her life upside down. According to specialists, she only has 3 months to live. These special circumstances make her learn a lot about her life and the people she associates with. Some of the relationships she finds need to be sorted out before her days are over. So she sends letters explaining her situation and telling people everything Jennifer thinks about them. Especially the relationship with her perfect sister gets a good shaking up.
It's not a sad story by any means, even though it seems to be in the first part. But as soon as her days are almost numbered, there is a big plot twist that you would never have suspected at the beginning.
The book is delightfully funny written with a little bit of serious and sad themes. A beautiful book! However, if you have just lost someone important in your life, you will find the first part of the book a bit difficult, with all the talk about death and goodbyes. In this part there are some trains of thought that make you think for yourself.
In general, a very successful book. I will continue to look at this author.
September 27, 2019
Today, I will be interviewing Jennifer Cole from the book "Death and Other Happy Endings" by Melanie Cantor, who has recently been diagnosed with a rare and fatal blood disease. With just over three months to live, she is navigating her path of what to do with the rest of her life.
Q: When you first received the diagnosis, what were your initial reactions? Did you think that there had been some sort of mistake?
Honestly, the information had hit so quickly that it took a moment to process it. But as soon as I was able to digest the fact that I was going to die, I was more furious than scared. The way in which the doctor had reported the news to me, made it seem as though it was my fault for having a blood disease! Can you believe? But after the anger, came the urge to vomit everywhere. I mean, it’s not everyday that one gets told that they’ve got only 90 days to live. I was confused and frustrated, because I just didn’t know what to do. Would I live my last days like in the films? Or would I whither away in silence? I was just so lost, hurt and stuck in this awful whirlwind of emotions.
Q: The disease you were diagnosed with is fatal, and limits your lifespan by a large margin, do you think it has impacted your relationship with yourself or others? And if so, how?
The thing is, when you tell someone that you’re dying, they’ll immediately run to your side act as if you’re the greatest thing to ever exist since sliced bread. Which, I guess is the natural response. However, I think that also creates this sense of personal achievement or an idea of being so philanthropic to the person. Like, “Oh look at me! Being nice to the sick girl! Look at the wonderful human being I am!” I think that people should treat it more naturally, and while obviously they should offer their support, it needs to be realized that although it is scary, death is natural. I feel as though I should just appreciate the people around me for the time I have left.
Q: Why are you making the choice to only tell your closest friends as boss about your illness? Why not let coworkers know?
I feel that if I let them know, they’ll pity me for the rest of my time in the office. My boss already is encouraging me to take time off, but what he doesn’t understand is that coming to work gives me a purpose. It provides me routine. If I didn’t show up to work everyday, I would feel so empty, I simply wouldn’t know what to do. Although one close friend knows at the office, most of my coworkers are pretty unaware, and that's how I’d prefer it to stay for the next few weeks, until I can no longer keep the secret. Honestly, I’m just too worried about the pity they’d feel for me, I wouldn’t feel human.
Q: I know that you’ve decided to write letters to inform family and former important people in your life about your illness. How do you expect them to react when they receive a physical, hand-written letter in the mail, that essentially states that you’re dying.
Obviously, I think they’d be surprised. Some of these people that I’ve contacted haven’t spoken to me in years. They’re people I love, people I miss, people who once cared for me. I’m especially worried for my sister, and Harry, my former lover. When we were younger, all that my sister and I did was fight and argue, I never felt that I was truly loved. I’m quite worried that she might think its a hoax for attention, or, if she decides to contact me back, our cycle of torment might continue. I just want to let her know that I care for her, and I truly do hope she reciprocates those feelings. As for Harry, he was the one, or so I thought, until he cheated on me. It's just what happens, I guess, but it still hurts all the time. I just want to inform him about what is happening, but it’s his choice whether he decides to take action.
Q: What do you regret in your life? Do you intend to resolve these problems in the time you have left?
I think that I regret many relationships that I had. I think that the way I acted was childish, and I think I broke off things that could have been beautiful over stupid arguments. If there’s anything that I regret, I think that losing childhood friends over nonsense is my greatest. After that, I think having a falling out with my sister is something that I regret. Part of the reason I sent these letters was to let the closest people in my life know about my illness, before it’s too late. I hope that they are able to forgive me, and that these letters might help rebuild some of my relationships.
Q: What are the positive sides to the diagnosis? Are there any?
Although there isn’t much good to come out of your own death, I truly believe it has opened my eyes and showed me a more spontaneous side. I think before my diagnosis, I was very reserved and always seemed like I was waiting, I just couldn’t let myself go. But as I’ve realized that my time is very limited, I have thrown some caution to the wind and had experiences that the old me would have never even dreamed about. Although it seems a bit mad, these experiences are crucial and so freeing. I just wish that it didn’t take me to the point of dying to understand this.
Q: Has this diagnosis made you realize that there’s anyone you’d like to hold closer in your life? Any enemies that you’d like to make amends with?
I think I would want to mostly make amends with my sister. She’s the only family I have left, and I would like to have her by my side in my final days. I hope that I gain her unconditional support, as unrealistic as that may be. I also think about my former friend, Emily. We were friends since childhood, and we were so inseparable for years, however, we got into a fight years ago and I haven't spoken to her since. I hope that she is well, and after my sister, I would love to re-meet her. I think we both needed time to grow as people, but I think that right now, I need support more than ever.
Q: How do you intend to improve the relationships lost and broken from the past?
Honestly, I’m not sure. Everyone’s different when it comes to confrontation and apology so it's hard to simplify into one answer. But what I enjoy most is to see the people I wrote letters to, in person. I think a face to face conversation could reignite a friendship or relationship that was once there, or it could go the opposite direction, and make both parties realize that they do not wish to associate any longer. I think letting myself be known, and clearing up some information in person, goes beyond just “improving” the relationship, because honestly, some people won’t like you anymore, and that’s okay. The purpose of sending letters was not only to hopefully improve my relationships, but also to thank them for paying a role in my life, regardless if it was good or bad.
Q: Right now, who do you care about most in this world?
It's hard to say. Sometimes, I feel incapable of love, because I think What’s the point? You’re dying soon. However, right now, I think I care most for my sister, regardless of what she might feel for me. I think the one bit of sanity I have left is in the fact that I still have family left, and I think the idea of a traditional family tricks me into finding this solitude in her. What I mean when I say this is that all throughout my life, she’s always been so controlling and manipulative, but I’ve always followed her, because that what good girls are told to do. The idea of a perfect family entices me so much, that I begin to believe that we fit into this stereotype of siblings, when in actuality we are far from it. I begin to believe that my only source of comfort is from family. My care for her is somewhat based on a lie, and although it sounds cruel to say, it is true.
Q: What has helped you cope with the hard truth of the illness?
Although it sounds a bit morbid, I’ve been counting the days down till I die. My friends and doctors say that it is unhealthy and whatnot, but I think it gives me the stability and routine of the normal life I once had. I also think going to work has the same affect, much to my bosses dismay. I think that the little things that bring stability are all too important, and are overlooked in a chaotic lifestyle. These numbers, calculations and hours spent at work help me take my mind off what and where I’ll be in just a matter of months. Being methodical is my coping mechanism because it is so predictable that I find comfort in it.
Q: When you first received the diagnosis, what were your initial reactions? Did you think that there had been some sort of mistake?
Honestly, the information had hit so quickly that it took a moment to process it. But as soon as I was able to digest the fact that I was going to die, I was more furious than scared. The way in which the doctor had reported the news to me, made it seem as though it was my fault for having a blood disease! Can you believe? But after the anger, came the urge to vomit everywhere. I mean, it’s not everyday that one gets told that they’ve got only 90 days to live. I was confused and frustrated, because I just didn’t know what to do. Would I live my last days like in the films? Or would I whither away in silence? I was just so lost, hurt and stuck in this awful whirlwind of emotions.
Q: The disease you were diagnosed with is fatal, and limits your lifespan by a large margin, do you think it has impacted your relationship with yourself or others? And if so, how?
The thing is, when you tell someone that you’re dying, they’ll immediately run to your side act as if you’re the greatest thing to ever exist since sliced bread. Which, I guess is the natural response. However, I think that also creates this sense of personal achievement or an idea of being so philanthropic to the person. Like, “Oh look at me! Being nice to the sick girl! Look at the wonderful human being I am!” I think that people should treat it more naturally, and while obviously they should offer their support, it needs to be realized that although it is scary, death is natural. I feel as though I should just appreciate the people around me for the time I have left.
Q: Why are you making the choice to only tell your closest friends as boss about your illness? Why not let coworkers know?
I feel that if I let them know, they’ll pity me for the rest of my time in the office. My boss already is encouraging me to take time off, but what he doesn’t understand is that coming to work gives me a purpose. It provides me routine. If I didn’t show up to work everyday, I would feel so empty, I simply wouldn’t know what to do. Although one close friend knows at the office, most of my coworkers are pretty unaware, and that's how I’d prefer it to stay for the next few weeks, until I can no longer keep the secret. Honestly, I’m just too worried about the pity they’d feel for me, I wouldn’t feel human.
Q: I know that you’ve decided to write letters to inform family and former important people in your life about your illness. How do you expect them to react when they receive a physical, hand-written letter in the mail, that essentially states that you’re dying.
Obviously, I think they’d be surprised. Some of these people that I’ve contacted haven’t spoken to me in years. They’re people I love, people I miss, people who once cared for me. I’m especially worried for my sister, and Harry, my former lover. When we were younger, all that my sister and I did was fight and argue, I never felt that I was truly loved. I’m quite worried that she might think its a hoax for attention, or, if she decides to contact me back, our cycle of torment might continue. I just want to let her know that I care for her, and I truly do hope she reciprocates those feelings. As for Harry, he was the one, or so I thought, until he cheated on me. It's just what happens, I guess, but it still hurts all the time. I just want to inform him about what is happening, but it’s his choice whether he decides to take action.
Q: What do you regret in your life? Do you intend to resolve these problems in the time you have left?
I think that I regret many relationships that I had. I think that the way I acted was childish, and I think I broke off things that could have been beautiful over stupid arguments. If there’s anything that I regret, I think that losing childhood friends over nonsense is my greatest. After that, I think having a falling out with my sister is something that I regret. Part of the reason I sent these letters was to let the closest people in my life know about my illness, before it’s too late. I hope that they are able to forgive me, and that these letters might help rebuild some of my relationships.
Q: What are the positive sides to the diagnosis? Are there any?
Although there isn’t much good to come out of your own death, I truly believe it has opened my eyes and showed me a more spontaneous side. I think before my diagnosis, I was very reserved and always seemed like I was waiting, I just couldn’t let myself go. But as I’ve realized that my time is very limited, I have thrown some caution to the wind and had experiences that the old me would have never even dreamed about. Although it seems a bit mad, these experiences are crucial and so freeing. I just wish that it didn’t take me to the point of dying to understand this.
Q: Has this diagnosis made you realize that there’s anyone you’d like to hold closer in your life? Any enemies that you’d like to make amends with?
I think I would want to mostly make amends with my sister. She’s the only family I have left, and I would like to have her by my side in my final days. I hope that I gain her unconditional support, as unrealistic as that may be. I also think about my former friend, Emily. We were friends since childhood, and we were so inseparable for years, however, we got into a fight years ago and I haven't spoken to her since. I hope that she is well, and after my sister, I would love to re-meet her. I think we both needed time to grow as people, but I think that right now, I need support more than ever.
Q: How do you intend to improve the relationships lost and broken from the past?
Honestly, I’m not sure. Everyone’s different when it comes to confrontation and apology so it's hard to simplify into one answer. But what I enjoy most is to see the people I wrote letters to, in person. I think a face to face conversation could reignite a friendship or relationship that was once there, or it could go the opposite direction, and make both parties realize that they do not wish to associate any longer. I think letting myself be known, and clearing up some information in person, goes beyond just “improving” the relationship, because honestly, some people won’t like you anymore, and that’s okay. The purpose of sending letters was not only to hopefully improve my relationships, but also to thank them for paying a role in my life, regardless if it was good or bad.
Q: Right now, who do you care about most in this world?
It's hard to say. Sometimes, I feel incapable of love, because I think What’s the point? You’re dying soon. However, right now, I think I care most for my sister, regardless of what she might feel for me. I think the one bit of sanity I have left is in the fact that I still have family left, and I think the idea of a traditional family tricks me into finding this solitude in her. What I mean when I say this is that all throughout my life, she’s always been so controlling and manipulative, but I’ve always followed her, because that what good girls are told to do. The idea of a perfect family entices me so much, that I begin to believe that we fit into this stereotype of siblings, when in actuality we are far from it. I begin to believe that my only source of comfort is from family. My care for her is somewhat based on a lie, and although it sounds cruel to say, it is true.
Q: What has helped you cope with the hard truth of the illness?
Although it sounds a bit morbid, I’ve been counting the days down till I die. My friends and doctors say that it is unhealthy and whatnot, but I think it gives me the stability and routine of the normal life I once had. I also think going to work has the same affect, much to my bosses dismay. I think that the little things that bring stability are all too important, and are overlooked in a chaotic lifestyle. These numbers, calculations and hours spent at work help me take my mind off what and where I’ll be in just a matter of months. Being methodical is my coping mechanism because it is so predictable that I find comfort in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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