Book Review

Wow, I have so many things to say about this AMAZING book and yet…

I’m simultaneously speechless because it was that good! I know it doesn’t make sense but if you read this, I guarantee you’ll feel the same way.

The Things We Learn When We’re Dead (Release Date: January 26, 2017)

With elements of The Wizard of Oz, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and The Lovely Bones, The Things We Learn When We’re Dead shows how small decisions can have profound and unintended consequences, and how sometimes we can get a second chance.

On the way home from a dinner party, Lorna Love steps into the path of an oncoming car. When she wakes up she is in what appears to be a hospital – but a hospital in which her nurse looks like a young Sean Connery, she is served wine for supper, and everyone avoids her questions. It soon transpires that she is in Heaven, or on HVN. Because HVN is a lost, dysfunctional spaceship, and God the aging hippy captain. She seems to be there by accident… Or does God have a higher purpose after all?

At first Lorna can remember nothing. As her memories return – some good, some bad – she realises that she has decision to make and that maybe she needs to find a way home.

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My Thoughts…

When Charlie graciously sent me his book all the way from the U.K. (Thanks Again!), he did mention that there was a “Wizard of Oz” feeling to the story. When I finally got the chance to read it, I had forgotten what it was about (occupational hazard) and just remembered that I wanted to read it.

It was actually kind of nice to go in “blind” because once I started reading, it was like one surprise gift after another.

The book starts with us knowing next to nothing about the protagonist, Lorna. The more you read the more you learn about her and what makes her tick. Again, I love books like this. The fun is in the surprise.

Everything about this book is fantastic. It’s superbly written, insightful, and so imaginative. Lorna is a flawed but relatable protagonist and the rest of the characters are interesting. They are an integral part of Lorna’s journey, and much like Dorothy’s encounters on the yellow brick road, they enrich the whole story.

Truthfully, I adored every bit of this book. I was captivated by every word and could NOT put it down. Hands down this is the most original story I’ve read in ages and it’s easily one of the best books I’ve read all year. I don’t even think my review is doing it justice, but believe me, where my words fail, the author’s will blow you away.

You must read this book!

Rating… A+

To learn more about this wonderful book and other titles by the author, visit his website!

Charlie Laidlaw

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