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Chasing Mayflies
A Dying Wish...
What would you do if your best friend’s last wish was to help him escape from a hospice so he could “take care of a few things?”
The initial dilemma for Dennis Sullivan is not the anger he will incur from Jack Nagle’s family, or how to manage a terminally-ill curmudgeon who mistakenly believes he knows everyone. He can even humor Jack’s desire to become like a mayfly—one of those nasty spring bugs with a lifespan of only a few days, but are unforgettable monsters. The quandary for Dennis is why help someone that was painfully absent when he needed a friend.
Guilted into this late odyssey, Dennis soon finds the road to hell is truly paved with good intentions and it takes courage, faith, and a generous dose of anarchy to change the destination. He also discovers his best friend’s “bucket list on steroids” is not a tale of self-absorption at all, but rather a well-considered plan to seek redemption and touch his estranged family. And Jack plans the biggest makeover of all for Dennis.
Chasing Mayflies is a "R.I.P" roaring, hilarious journey that matches an intriguing plot with a thought-provoking message that will resonate with your soul long after the story ends.
What would you do if your best friend’s last wish was to help him escape from a hospice so he could “take care of a few things?”
The initial dilemma for Dennis Sullivan is not the anger he will incur from Jack Nagle’s family, or how to manage a terminally-ill curmudgeon who mistakenly believes he knows everyone. He can even humor Jack’s desire to become like a mayfly—one of those nasty spring bugs with a lifespan of only a few days, but are unforgettable monsters. The quandary for Dennis is why help someone that was painfully absent when he needed a friend.
Guilted into this late odyssey, Dennis soon finds the road to hell is truly paved with good intentions and it takes courage, faith, and a generous dose of anarchy to change the destination. He also discovers his best friend’s “bucket list on steroids” is not a tale of self-absorption at all, but rather a well-considered plan to seek redemption and touch his estranged family. And Jack plans the biggest makeover of all for Dennis.
Chasing Mayflies is a "R.I.P" roaring, hilarious journey that matches an intriguing plot with a thought-provoking message that will resonate with your soul long after the story ends.
- GenresFictionContemporary
299 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2021
17 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
About the author
Vincent Donovan
6 books92 followersVincent Donovan, a two-time quarter-finalist in the highly competitive Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest, graduated with a B.A in English from Merrimack College and an M.B.A from Rivier University. For over twenty-seven years, Vin worked in leadership positions in the biopharmaceutical industry, allowing him to bring a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to his writing. A runner most of his life, Vin uses that time to work out plot lines and characters. He has a large family with crazy and creative grandsons but is especially passionate about being the change you want to see in the world by volunteering with the Society of St Vincent de Paul to help many who have nowhere else to turn. No work of charity is foreign to this ministry.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 21, 2016
A great ride
If your purpose for reading is to take you somewhere you have never been and to return enriched by your journey then this title is a must read. I assure you it will not disappoint. For some of us trying to make sense of who we are and how we fit in "Chasing Mayflies" provides some answers and valuable insight through its characters. Even if you're looking for nothing but a great story you'll find it here.
If your purpose for reading is to take you somewhere you have never been and to return enriched by your journey then this title is a must read. I assure you it will not disappoint. For some of us trying to make sense of who we are and how we fit in "Chasing Mayflies" provides some answers and valuable insight through its characters. Even if you're looking for nothing but a great story you'll find it here.
August 2, 2016
This book changed me. It changed my whole perspective on life, death and what matters most. I was surprised how funny it was, too. It made me chuckle more times than I could count. Days later, I am still reflecting on the two characters and their journey. I want more!
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July 2, 2022The trailer for this was
"What would you do if your best friend's last wish was to help him escape from a hospice so he could "take care of a few things?"
I enjoyed reading this amusing story, with somewhat unbelievable events but delivered with laughter. The author admits the story was motivated by his Father’s last days. he states “While my Dad was the opposite of the main character in this "R.I.P.” roaring, bittersweet journey, he would agree with its central message that it’s never too late to set things right. But it takes courage to change your perspective.”
The story has plenty of surprises as the two friends embark on their impetuous journey. At times it invokes sadness, provides plenty of laughs and leaves one thinking. Throughout story the dying man Jack manipulates his friend Dennis to become the man he never was and overcome his. I highly recommend this story.
I leave this honest review voluntarily.
"What would you do if your best friend's last wish was to help him escape from a hospice so he could "take care of a few things?"
I enjoyed reading this amusing story, with somewhat unbelievable events but delivered with laughter. The author admits the story was motivated by his Father’s last days. he states “While my Dad was the opposite of the main character in this "R.I.P.” roaring, bittersweet journey, he would agree with its central message that it’s never too late to set things right. But it takes courage to change your perspective.”
The story has plenty of surprises as the two friends embark on their impetuous journey. At times it invokes sadness, provides plenty of laughs and leaves one thinking. Throughout story the dying man Jack manipulates his friend Dennis to become the man he never was and overcome his. I highly recommend this story.
I leave this honest review voluntarily.
August 9, 2017
I received this book through Goodreads' giveaways. I was not expecting to laugh as much as did. I quickly began rooting for the main characters at every mishap. It manages to bring a smile to your face, and break your heart at the same time. If you're looking for an entertaining book that really makes you think, this is it!
February 14, 2022
Good premise - a dying man trying to atone for the pain he had caused in his lifetime turns to his lifelong best friend to help him atone while also giving his friend hope and inspiration to live his life to the fullest. Unfortunately only the premise was good - the writing was weak, the situations too far-fetched and the stereotypes offensive. Very disappointed in this book.
April 10, 2022
Fun story with important lessons. Knowing what the “right thing to do” can be confusing in life. Being there for family and friends is what is important. This story was set in Salem, NH, where I grew up. I enjoyed knowing the landmarks and culture of the setting very much and the plot kept me guessing in humorous ways!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2017
I highly recommend this engaging story of two not so savory characters. And I do mean characters. I've enjoyed getting to know Jack and Dennis, while holding my breath during their hysterical antics and finally embracing the beautiful message of mercy and foregiveness.
October 2, 2021
Review
Wow! What a beautiful story! It was so sad but so funny. Jack was quite a character. He was also very clever how he made Dennis finally become who he never was and helped him accept his demons. I highly recommend this story.
Wow! What a beautiful story! It was so sad but so funny. Jack was quite a character. He was also very clever how he made Dennis finally become who he never was and helped him accept his demons. I highly recommend this story.
July 27, 2022
Wonderful, funny and sad
We all are chasing Maggie's in our lives but Jack and Dennis did it so well. Having a best buddy that you can count on for thick and thin is a blessing we should aim for during our lives. This story was so good, I will read it again.
We all are chasing Maggie's in our lives but Jack and Dennis did it so well. Having a best buddy that you can count on for thick and thin is a blessing we should aim for during our lives. This story was so good, I will read it again.
February 28, 2020
Interesting
A bitter sweet story that keeps your head spinning. Unusual characters and wise words along with some wacky asituations. Unbelievable.
A bitter sweet story that keeps your head spinning. Unusual characters and wise words along with some wacky asituations. Unbelievable.
September 23, 2021
Chaos
As two old friends reunite, the death wishes of one are revealed. The journey that transpires is humorous, in a sad way. Interesting journey to make retribution.
As two old friends reunite, the death wishes of one are revealed. The journey that transpires is humorous, in a sad way. Interesting journey to make retribution.
May 9, 2022
This book didn't really do anything for me. I had to push myself to get it read. Maybe it was suppose to be funny but I didn't find they things that they did funny.
July 15, 2016
This book really struck a chord in me - it was so moving that I both laugh and cried.
The writing is fantastic and as a former English major, I really enjoyed the literary prose - the story telling is so in-depth that you feel like you are taking the journey with Jack and Dennis. A journey that makes you question your own life and its destination.
I bonded with these characters, I rooted for them and I found myself thinking about the outcome long after it ended. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for fiction that is thought provoking and comical.
The writing is fantastic and as a former English major, I really enjoyed the literary prose - the story telling is so in-depth that you feel like you are taking the journey with Jack and Dennis. A journey that makes you question your own life and its destination.
I bonded with these characters, I rooted for them and I found myself thinking about the outcome long after it ended. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for fiction that is thought provoking and comical.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews