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So This Is the End: A Love Story
In this inspiring tale of spiritual romance, a young woman meets her soulmate--with only 24 hours to live--perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Jill Santopolo.
In a world where doctors can revive the dead for a single day, Nora Hamilton has just received the extraordinary gift of an extra twenty-four hours of life. One more day. One more chance to tell her family how much she loves them, listen to her favorite song, and feel the grass beneath her feet. And she's determined to make every moment count.
Renzo. Ren, for short. He's strong, compassionate, and unfairly attractive, with a face that makes Nora's stomach explode into stars. Their connection is immediate and undeniably intense. Nora is wracked with bittersweet joy and confusion as she realizes, "I've finally met the love of my life . . . on the last day of my life."
Should she tell Ren the truth about her condition? Or simply try to enjoy their brief time together? Is it wrong to fall in love when there's no chance for a future? Or is love a precious gift, no matter how long it lasts, even if it's just for one day? So This Is the End is a story about taking chances, making your own rules, and the power of living like there's no tomorrow.
In a world where doctors can revive the dead for a single day, Nora Hamilton has just received the extraordinary gift of an extra twenty-four hours of life. One more day. One more chance to tell her family how much she loves them, listen to her favorite song, and feel the grass beneath her feet. And she's determined to make every moment count.
Renzo. Ren, for short. He's strong, compassionate, and unfairly attractive, with a face that makes Nora's stomach explode into stars. Their connection is immediate and undeniably intense. Nora is wracked with bittersweet joy and confusion as she realizes, "I've finally met the love of my life . . . on the last day of my life."
Should she tell Ren the truth about her condition? Or simply try to enjoy their brief time together? Is it wrong to fall in love when there's no chance for a future? Or is love a precious gift, no matter how long it lasts, even if it's just for one day? So This Is the End is a story about taking chances, making your own rules, and the power of living like there's no tomorrow.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2018
25 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
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January 1, 2025Я збиралась дочитати її 31 грудня, було б дуже символічно, зважаючи на назву. За сюжетом, вчені придумали, як кінською дозою стимулянтів оживити померлу людину ще на добу — і головна персонажка проживає таку добу. Вся думка твору — втілення ідеї «що ти зробиш в останній день свого життя». Я не знаю, як оцінювати цей текст. З одного боку, він дуже вдумливий і чуттєвий, я трохи покривилася з клішейних реплік і дій персонажки, але зрештою, вона звичайна людина і цілком очікувана як у своїй зашореності, так і в своїй сміливості. З іншого боку, я як я почуваюся зраджено від того, наскільки близько я змогла засоціювати себе з головною персонажкою спочатку і наскільки далеко від мене вона опинилась в кінці. Неправдоподібність того, як їй щастить у цей останній день, зашкалює, але само по собі це було б смішно, а в парі з усвідомленням, що мені так не пощастить — відчувалося просто як жорстокість. «Тобі так не буде, ха-ха». І я не проти якихось фантастичних штук — концепт оживлення хоч і пояснений, але все ж фантастичний, — але фантастичні і ще й відверто лишні штуки у фіналі були занадто для мене.
Ну я проридалась, шо там казати. І навіть надихнулась словами «завтра не гарантоване». А потім… потім я згадала, що й так живу, знаючи це. І пішла снідати.
Ну я проридалась, шо там казати. І навіть надихнулась словами «завтра не гарантоване». А потім… потім я згадала, що й так живу, знаючи це. І пішла снідати.
December 31, 2016
This book was a breath of fresh air, after the last few books I read turned out to be great disappointments. I always adore Franzen's writing and this was no exception. I fell in love the instant I started reading this and my love only grew as I stayed up late into the night, unable to put it down. (Well, that's not entirely true; I had to stop for a few minutes in the middle when I was crying too hard to see the screen.) This was one of those books that shook me up inside so deeply that I feel like it really changed me as a person. I'm so glad that I read this and look forward to reading it again some sleepless night in the future when I need a potent dose of fictional spectacularity.
December 19, 2018
So I love the idea of this book, the plot and storyline is so unique and fun and introspective! My interest was piqued right from the beginning (I loved the opening) and I continued to be captivated while reading. I did keep thinking that it was missing something big, but then changed my mind once I finished the book. It was a simple read and it was rather sweet, and I’m not sure I would want anything about it to change.
July 24, 2020
This book is sweet, romantic, and has an interesting idea at the center of it. But it is also quite predictable and ... just so normy. Girl meets boy on the last day of her life, and he's hot and very nice to her. A very light read.
June 22, 2025
Such a short and sweet read that packed an emotional punch. It’s set in a near-future world where people can be brought back to life, but only for 24 hours. The main character, Nora(32), gets one final day after an unexpected death, and she’s determined to make the most of it.
She starts the day with a list of things she wants to do, like saying goodbye to her loved ones and maybe having one last amazing meal. Nora then has a bit of a meltdown unsure what to do with her time as these things just don’t feel like enough, she finds an add for a death coordinator who sets her up with an online dating profile after Nora confesses she really wishes she had found her soulmate. Then enters Ren, and their connection is instant. What follows is a whirlwind 24-hour romance that feels big and meaningful, even though it’s so brief.
The book explores what it means to really live and love, even when time is running out. It’s heartfelt, and super easy to get through in one sitting.
She starts the day with a list of things she wants to do, like saying goodbye to her loved ones and maybe having one last amazing meal. Nora then has a bit of a meltdown unsure what to do with her time as these things just don’t feel like enough, she finds an add for a death coordinator who sets her up with an online dating profile after Nora confesses she really wishes she had found her soulmate. Then enters Ren, and their connection is instant. What follows is a whirlwind 24-hour romance that feels big and meaningful, even though it’s so brief.
The book explores what it means to really live and love, even when time is running out. It’s heartfelt, and super easy to get through in one sitting.
October 1, 2018
***Received via Goodreads Giveaway***
Loved the premise, but the execution was lacking. Way too many times a character "gave a look like..." I found the idea of finding your "soul mate" when you only have 24 hours to live pretty selfish to the soul mate.
And the ending just left me flat.
Loved the premise, but the execution was lacking. Way too many times a character "gave a look like..." I found the idea of finding your "soul mate" when you only have 24 hours to live pretty selfish to the soul mate.
And the ending just left me flat.
December 29, 2018
I never imagined that a Goodreads 4-star book would be this corny. I got about halfway through and couldn't take it any more. Maybe if I were in high school I'd like it, but it's not a story for worldly grownups.
December 2, 2019
A Beautiful Love Story about Living Life
Very intriguing and enveloping. Live life while you have the chance. Live every day as if it were your last!
Very intriguing and enveloping. Live life while you have the chance. Live every day as if it were your last!
October 17, 2018
"...your life happens exactly once. Try to keep your eyes open. Stay awake."
This is a quote from Alexandra Franzen's book that I wrote down because staying awake to life can be hard. There are a million ways to fall asleep or be numb to our lives. I want to remember to "keep my eyes open" instead.
This refreshingly urgent love story is a both a delightful way to spend an afternoon getting lost and a sweet reminder to stay present to the life we have today, in this moment.
The main character, Nora, says in the book, "It's funny how it takes something so dramatic -- cancer, a car crash, a near-death experience, or actually dying -- before things become simple, vivid, and clear. Before we can appreciate what really matters..."
Any writing that calls people to focus on what really matters is a gift to the world, but So This Is The End manages this task while also being intoxicating and just a whole lot of fun.
This is a quote from Alexandra Franzen's book that I wrote down because staying awake to life can be hard. There are a million ways to fall asleep or be numb to our lives. I want to remember to "keep my eyes open" instead.
This refreshingly urgent love story is a both a delightful way to spend an afternoon getting lost and a sweet reminder to stay present to the life we have today, in this moment.
The main character, Nora, says in the book, "It's funny how it takes something so dramatic -- cancer, a car crash, a near-death experience, or actually dying -- before things become simple, vivid, and clear. Before we can appreciate what really matters..."
Any writing that calls people to focus on what really matters is a gift to the world, but So This Is The End manages this task while also being intoxicating and just a whole lot of fun.
February 7, 2025
What would you do if you knew you only had 24h left to live?
The idea of this book was really good, although, I feel like it was a bit rushed. At times, it did make me think about the things in life I could appreciate more.
It wasn’t as impactful as I thought it would be, but overall I enjoyed it.
The idea of this book was really good, although, I feel like it was a bit rushed. At times, it did make me think about the things in life I could appreciate more.
It wasn’t as impactful as I thought it would be, but overall I enjoyed it.
February 27, 2017
Interesting and creative premise; enjoyed that it made you think about how you're spending your time.
May 29, 2017
I am without words to describe it - this book is changing my life. Thank you, Alexandra.
January 22, 2020
I really love the idea overall - live life to the full, because what if you do only have 24 hours? The writing is so-so.
January 3, 2022
Started out compellingly, got a bit boring. Hated the ending.
January 29, 2019
The idea was great but...
There were parts of the book that were amazing, parts of the book that were annoying and not well written. I feel like the author tried to sprinkle intimacy in, the way Emeril tosses in a spice and says "Bam," sometimes "Bam" worked, sometimes "Bam" made me feel like it was written for just a filler. The conflict was perfect, the resolution could have been perfect but there is this awkward hole in the middle of the book where the author tried (and sometimes succeded) to bridge the beginning and the end together. This book is an easy read, and short, it has meaning, I would have given it 5 stars if it was executed in a way that didn't feel like the author was grasping for things to write to fill up pages. Maybe it is just me. I do love how the author included the playlist she made and listened to while writing the book.
There were parts of the book that were amazing, parts of the book that were annoying and not well written. I feel like the author tried to sprinkle intimacy in, the way Emeril tosses in a spice and says "Bam," sometimes "Bam" worked, sometimes "Bam" made me feel like it was written for just a filler. The conflict was perfect, the resolution could have been perfect but there is this awkward hole in the middle of the book where the author tried (and sometimes succeded) to bridge the beginning and the end together. This book is an easy read, and short, it has meaning, I would have given it 5 stars if it was executed in a way that didn't feel like the author was grasping for things to write to fill up pages. Maybe it is just me. I do love how the author included the playlist she made and listened to while writing the book.
April 8, 2019
Interesting, yet easy read 😊
This book touches on many points which we always seem to overlook. It makes me want to find the real person inside myself and others, which seems almost impossible to do nowadays. Society is judgemental and robotic. A simple read, but it was hard to put down, so. finished it rather quickly.
This book touches on many points which we always seem to overlook. It makes me want to find the real person inside myself and others, which seems almost impossible to do nowadays. Society is judgemental and robotic. A simple read, but it was hard to put down, so. finished it rather quickly.
October 16, 2018
This book hooked me from the very beginning. The story is incredibly rich and compelling, and it also made reflect on my life and say an extra I Love You to my people. What a joy to have such an experience! I can't wait to read this book again!
December 31, 2018
I just adore Alexandra franzen’s writing. Have enjoyed her blog for several years now and heard her speak on many podcasts. Loved this concept of what would you do if you got to start your life over one more time for 24 hours. Puts things in real perspective.
August 11, 2020
This sweet novel has a big heart and a powerful message that we all need reminding of daily! Alexandra Franzen writing is elegant and warm. I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying Nora through her final 24 hours. Highly recommend.
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February 8, 2024Hmmm, this book is exactly what you would expect based on its cover. My mistake that based on the reviews I expected something more… 😌 I understand the good intentions, it’s cute but extremely cheesy and predictable.
February 23, 2024
You know how a roller coaster is short but intense and, if you’re lucky, a wide ride? That was this book! So much is packed in its short pages that cover a span of less than 35 hours. Made me reflect on my own life. Made me cry. Made me feel … just like a good book should.
June 11, 2025
After reading the author’s note at the end, it is extremely clear that I did not interpret this how she had hoped! (Clearly a negative Nancy over here.) The story is captivating and feels very original, plus it is well written. And short! Give it a try! And then tell me your takeaway please.
October 5, 2018
I really enjoyed this futuristic love story!!!
December 30, 2018
Engaging. A very quick read and something we could all stand to think about. Well done AF.
February 21, 2019
My face will be a puffy mess tomorrow. I don't care. All I can think is: What the fuck am I doing with my life?
June 18, 2020
Loved this book. Quick easy read but a great reminder to get busy living and enjoy each moment.
August 27, 2020
Love the plot..the flow of the story is easy and relax..just enough drama, comedy and sexiness..
September 12, 2020
Love the underlying theme of this book and Alexandra as an inspirational author.
October 15, 2021
Interesting take on "living in the moment" with a Sci-Fi twist. Enjoyable and moving story.
December 3, 2021
Chance and using it wisely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews