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The Checklist
Louise Mallard knows exactly what she wants.
She is quiet and perfect.
She takes honors classes and comes from a privileged family.
She is deserving of a handsome husband, adorable children, and a picturesque life.
Mom and Dad would approve. Society approves.
Until one day, unexpected events ignite her revelation.
Louise Mallard was trained to obey the rules of society and never step out of line. Growing up, she made her own list of prerequisites for a spouse modeled after her favorite TV show’s dream couple, and she followed all the regulations instilled in her. But deep beneath her seemingly organized life was a turmoil of emotions and an unanswered call - one Louise could not recognize as her own. As her life spiraled towards the path that followed the book of social expectations, Louise failed to pay attention to what it had stolen from true happiness. Caged inside a prison of societal regulations, bound to a narcissistic husband, amidst a backdrop full of expectations of what every woman should be like - it is only when Louise experiences a truly life shattering event that she must find the courage within to embrace who she really is.
The Checklist by Kiki Kennedy is a humorously relatable account of growing up following society’s unwritten but often socially enforced rules. Yet each page holds an undertone of no matter how well versed you may be in society's unwritten rules and regulations, if you never think for yourself, you could end up living someone else’s life.
She is quiet and perfect.
She takes honors classes and comes from a privileged family.
She is deserving of a handsome husband, adorable children, and a picturesque life.
Mom and Dad would approve. Society approves.
Until one day, unexpected events ignite her revelation.
Louise Mallard was trained to obey the rules of society and never step out of line. Growing up, she made her own list of prerequisites for a spouse modeled after her favorite TV show’s dream couple, and she followed all the regulations instilled in her. But deep beneath her seemingly organized life was a turmoil of emotions and an unanswered call - one Louise could not recognize as her own. As her life spiraled towards the path that followed the book of social expectations, Louise failed to pay attention to what it had stolen from true happiness. Caged inside a prison of societal regulations, bound to a narcissistic husband, amidst a backdrop full of expectations of what every woman should be like - it is only when Louise experiences a truly life shattering event that she must find the courage within to embrace who she really is.
The Checklist by Kiki Kennedy is a humorously relatable account of growing up following society’s unwritten but often socially enforced rules. Yet each page holds an undertone of no matter how well versed you may be in society's unwritten rules and regulations, if you never think for yourself, you could end up living someone else’s life.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2022
29 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 21, 2023
As Ernest Hemingway says, “Write hard and clear about what hurts,” and, oh my, does Kiki Kennedy do just that! I stood in solidarity with Louise Mallard and her perfectionist pleaser mindset. With a similar upbringing, I sashayed in and out of Louise’s experiences like they were my own, and found myself parroting her reactions to adversity. Kennedy brilliantly paints a precise picture of what it’s like to live with a narcissist, and how one tiny diversion from compliance can completely decimate the life you once knew. Oh please let there be a book two!
April 23, 2023
I couldn't put it down. Started around 7pm and finished by noon the next day. It's a quick read but not exactly an easy one. It's relatable for anyone who's questioned the "rules" given to them as a kid. Long-term relationships are hard, and this tells of one with exceptional explosiveness. Hindsight gives us the opportunity to make meaning of our experiences, and "The Checklist" does that well. I felt some heavy, lonely moments, and I also raged at the injustice combined with ignorance. It's a surprisingly balanced view of an imbalanced situation. I'm rooting for the whole family to grow back into balance.
April 6, 2023
"The Checklist" by Kiki Kennedy is a thought-provoking and humorous account of a young woman's journey to find her true self. Louise Mallard is the epitome of perfection - intelligent, obedient, and from a privileged family. She is set on achieving the perfect life - a handsome husband, adorable children, and a picturesque existence. However, when unexpected events unfold, Louise realizes that she has been living someone else's life all along.
Kennedy's writing style is engaging and relatable, and she captures the complexities of navigating societal expectations with humor and authenticity. The book's message is clear - blindly following societal norms can lead to a life unfulfilled, and it takes courage to break free and embrace who we truly are.
Overall, "The Checklist" is a captivating read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pressure to conform to societal expectations. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a refreshing and honest take on the struggles of finding oneself in a world that constantly tells us who we should be.
Kennedy's writing style is engaging and relatable, and she captures the complexities of navigating societal expectations with humor and authenticity. The book's message is clear - blindly following societal norms can lead to a life unfulfilled, and it takes courage to break free and embrace who we truly are.
Overall, "The Checklist" is a captivating read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pressure to conform to societal expectations. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a refreshing and honest take on the struggles of finding oneself in a world that constantly tells us who we should be.
February 23, 2025
Easy but crazy read. I need to do some research to see how much of this story is true, and who the people are. She writes so well the messages the world/society/“they” sends and the stories we tell ourselves as well. I feel like I only know half of the story of this emotional affair though, and there are so many missing pieces!
December 16, 2022
This book is beyond relevant! There is a massive demographic of women who have kept quiet for years. Now is the time to speak up. Now is the time to redefine the female role in society. Now is the time to scrap the checklist!
April 13, 2024
great and very relatable book
I looked up the author after I became a fan of her other work on TikTok and she mentioned she had written a book. I’m glad I read this book as it’s very relatable
I looked up the author after I became a fan of her other work on TikTok and she mentioned she had written a book. I’m glad I read this book as it’s very relatable
November 29, 2025
didn’t think I would but I enjoyed this
The writing style is different and takes getting used to but once I did I really enjoyed this. It moved quickly and was exactly what i needed to get out of my reading slump
The writing style is different and takes getting used to but once I did I really enjoyed this. It moved quickly and was exactly what i needed to get out of my reading slump
March 5, 2023
A good message here but the author wants no responsibility. Flags notes and ignored.
August 29, 2025
This an easy, fast read and I really loved it. I could relate to many of her experiences and it was a raw vulnerable look into her life.
March 4, 2023
GREAT MESSAGE!
Quick read, great writing! I couldn’t put it down! Everyone should read this book! What an excellent message…if you never think for yourself, you could end up living someone else’s life.
Quick read, great writing! I couldn’t put it down! Everyone should read this book! What an excellent message…if you never think for yourself, you could end up living someone else’s life.
June 6, 2023
This is a thoughtful and timely book. The protagonist grows up in an environment in which there are expectations. She follows all of the cultural norms, but does not achieve the fairy tale ending. As a very young girl she learns that society expects her to understand that if she is a good girl, chooses a husband according to a preset checklist of norms, she will achieve the perfect match. But alas, life is not perfect or consistent. We must all find our way.
This book is so well written. While it is a tragic tale, it ends in hope. I wholeheartedly recommend The Checklist!
This book is so well written. While it is a tragic tale, it ends in hope. I wholeheartedly recommend The Checklist!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews