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casieropski's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Easily one of my new favorite novels. I plucked this one from the library on a whim, and I won’t be able to put into words how utterly delightful it was but I will try! From the first chapter to the very last, Something to Live For was loaded with wit, humor, and the most unique plot I have read in years! Roper did an amazing job at instantly endearing the audience to Andrew (and Peggy). And, of course, the rest of this cast of characters were equally loveable in their quirkiness. I never knew what was coming next, but as it custom with a super well-written book, as soon as the scenes played out, it was clear it never could’ve gone any other way. This book made me gasp with shock, gasp with glee, and laugh the entire time. 10/10!!
redewhurst's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sagecannon's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
erikapesek's review against another edition
4.0
In the same vein as Eleanor Oliohant is Completely Fine, but I much preferred this book.
bubbaandlew's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely loved this book...until the last page. It felt like the author had a deadline and didn't take the time to think through a proper resolution. I'm not saying that everything needed to be tied up neatly with a little bow (I actually hate it when books do that, because that's not how life works), but this ending was so abrupt I got whiplash.
dbines's review against another edition
4.0
Really easy to listen to on audio book. Appreciated Andrew’s development and made me want to listen to more Ella Fitzgerald haha.
emilyjamison14's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The whole premise of this book was very unique and engaging. I found myself staying up late to read “one more chapter.”
I do think the comparison to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine makes a lot of sense, as the book is ultimately life-affirming and does focus a lot on the POV characters insecurities.
Another comparison I would draw is to Sophie Kinsella. The humorous scenes in this book were ridiculous in the way that Sophie’s are (which I personally love) andthere’s also a miscommunication theme. If you like her books, I think you’d enjoy this one as well.
I do think the comparison to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine makes a lot of sense, as the book is ultimately life-affirming and does focus a lot on the POV characters insecurities.
Another comparison I would draw is to Sophie Kinsella. The humorous scenes in this book were ridiculous in the way that Sophie’s are (which I personally love) and
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
It was a bit ironic to be reading this book while cleaning out our parent's house after 60 years of accumulation. Andrew's seemingly 'dead-end' job with the council consists of entering homes and trying to find next-of-kin information for people who have died alone. He's a quirky guy whose main human contacts outside the office are fellow train afficianodes he's met online. When he started his current job, he accidentally told a white lie about having a wife and kids. The lie has grown out of control and is about to be exposed. Meanwhile, Peggy has joined the work team and she and Andrew have become good friends. This is a sweet, off-beat love story which also serves to remind us to prioritize our relationships and clean up our junk!
ipetrine's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was truly a heartwarming and uplifting read!
Andrew has a grim job at the council. In his job interview he accidentally made up a happy family, and now he's so deep in the lie it's impossible to back out. So he decides to go with it and make the everyday small talk in the office easier for himself. But when his boss insists on a sort of "Come dine with me" as a team building activity, the lie becomes a big problem. Because in Andrew's home they won't find a wife and two lovely children, but lots and lots of model trains ... His imaginary family becomes an even bigger problem when he gets a new colleague: the lovely Peggy, the first person he truly feels comfortable with in a long time.
This was truly a heartwarming and uplifting read!
Andrew has a grim job at the council. In his job interview he accidentally made up a happy family, and now he's so deep in the lie it's impossible to back out. So he decides to go with it and make the everyday small talk in the office easier for himself. But when his boss insists on a sort of "Come dine with me" as a team building activity, the lie becomes a big problem. Because in Andrew's home they won't find a wife and two lovely children, but lots and lots of model trains ... His imaginary family becomes an even bigger problem when he gets a new colleague: the lovely Peggy, the first person he truly feels comfortable with in a long time.