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.
As Brett's world flips upside down she realizes that sometimes not having what you thought you wanted (like the CEO position or the designer watch) can actually be a blessing. As she completes the list, her life focus changes and she finds things that bring her joy that she would have never expected. Happiness isn't something you strive to achieve. It's not impressing people who are difficult to please. It's not something you can buy. As she completes each item, she gains ground on finding the hopeful optimistic girl she used to be and moves past the fearful woman who is settling and is afraid of change. In her will, her mother left her the greatest gift a mother could give – a roadmap, long abandoned, to the simpler things in life which will bring the greatest happiness. She left her daughter a final lesson, a lesson on how to follow her own dreams and not to compromise.
This novel makes me want to tackle something I'm afraid of and reflect back on abandoned dreams. It reminds me that even if you've traveled a long way down road, 30+ years down that road, if you realize it's going in the wrong direction you can always turn around or forge a new path somewhere else. It is not too late to live the life you were meant to live. The life that feels real and brings inspiration and passion. It shows us that we have the strength all along to do what brings us the greatest joy. It's a testimony not to compromise on love, friendship, and family, and that if you find that you're lonely despite being surrounded by others then maybe it's the wrong people you are surrounded by. The book is about first impressions and lasting impressions. It's about forgiveness, choices, love, and taking the leap of faith even if you can't yet see where you'll land.
The narration on this book was excellent. I had read this in paperback and was curious to see how the audio version would be. Rebecca Gibel does an excellent job portraying Brett. I would definitely recommend this novel
NARRATED BY: REBECCA GIBEL
LENGTH: 11 HRS AND 33 MINS
RELEASE DATE: 7/9/13
PUBLISHER: AUDIOGO