Review: The Life List, Lori Nelson Spielman

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book on Netgalley from the publisher in return for an honest review*

1. Go to Paris
2. Perform live, on a super big stage
3. Have a baby, maybe two
4. Fall in love

Brett Bohlinger has forgotten all about the list of life goals she’d written as a naïve teenager. In fact, at thirty-four, Brett seems to have it all—a plum job at her family’s multimillion-dollar company and a spacious loft with her irresistibly handsome boyfriend. But when her beloved mother, Elizabeth, passes away, Brett’s world is turned upside down. Rather than simply naming her daughter the new CEO of Bohlinger Cosmetics, Elizabeth’s will comes with one big stipulation: Brett must fulfill the list of childhood dreams she made so long ago. Grief-stricken, Brett can barely make sense of her mother’s decision. Some of her old hopes seem impossible. How can she possibly have a relationship with a father who died seven years ago? Other dreams (Be an awesome teacher!) would require her to reinvent her entire future. For each goal attempted, her mother has left behind a bittersweet letter, offering words of wisdom, warmth, and—just when Brett needs it—tough love. As Brett struggles to complete her abandoned life list, one thing becomes clear: Sometimes life’s sweetest gifts can be found in the most unexpected places.

Lori Nelson Spielman is a former speech pathologist and guidance counselor. She currently works as a homebound teacher in an inner-city school district. A native of Michigan, Lori lives with her husband and a very spoiled cat.

I started reading this book and was pulled into the atmosphere immediately. The book starts on a very significant moment pulling you deep into Brett's life and thoughts in one go. When the attorney reads out the will it is easy to feel sorry for her but in a way I felt this enthusiasm too. It made me wonder what my goals where when I was 14 and what actually came from them. The interaction between Brett and her mother is great. I love how the letters hold reactions to Bretts reactions to them. It is clear she knew her daughter well. The one challenge "Fall in love" is a real nasty one. It really made me consider how often people settle for less because they are happy enough or things are expected. But the other challenges and the way Brett dealt with them gave enough food for thought on your own life choices without making it depressing or something bad. I had to laugh out loud at some parts in the book. A great read if you want something not to light but still easy to read.

The Life List
Author: Lori Nelson Spielman
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 368
Format: eGalley
ISBN-10: 0345540875
ISBN-13: 9780345540874
Bantam: eBook | Paperback

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