laupoeschl's review
4.0
I thought this book was wonderfully different and bittersweet. The premise of the "'death with dignity' cruise ship" was new, and surprisingly Firestone's writing was funny. At times I was laughing out loud, then the very next minute sobering as I remembered the ultimate goal of the ship and its passengers. Maddie was relatable, and Enzo was the perfect dreamy guy to sweep you off your feet in a heartbeat. The "instalove" (as some might classify it) didn't feel forced; the instant connection between two grieving individuals felt natural and as time went on, the relationship continued to grow. I would definitely recommend for a quick summer read on the beach.
sarahjolioli's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
girlreading's review
3.0
I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this but I decided to pick it up as it sounded unique to anything I've read before, and it definitely was. But I'm still not totally decided on how I felt about it. Some things I enjoyed, others not so much.
I think my favourite part of the whole book was the travel element. I really enjoyed the descriptions of each individual country. I felt as though I was travelling the world with them and loved it!
Despite it being a character driven story, I didn't find myself truly connecting with a lot of the characters. They weren't 'unlikable', I just didn't really warm to them or personally relate to them all that much. I also found the romance to be very rushed, it went from 1-100 within a page and I honestly didn't feel much for it.
There was this slightly cynical and rude humour within the families which was fun and the whole premise surround the idea of the cruise was definitely interesting!
Each individual family had their own unique story which I thought was really sweet, although it did get a little confusing at times when trying to fit each of the many characters to their name and backstory. I think Paige, Lane and Gracie were my favourites, their story was heartbreaking. :')
This was enjoyable enough but on the whole I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped I would.
I think my favourite part of the whole book was the travel element. I really enjoyed the descriptions of each individual country. I felt as though I was travelling the world with them and loved it!
Despite it being a character driven story, I didn't find myself truly connecting with a lot of the characters. They weren't 'unlikable', I just didn't really warm to them or personally relate to them all that much. I also found the romance to be very rushed, it went from 1-100 within a page and I honestly didn't feel much for it.
There was this slightly cynical and rude humour within the families which was fun and the whole premise surround the idea of the cruise was definitely interesting!
Each individual family had their own unique story which I thought was really sweet, although it did get a little confusing at times when trying to fit each of the many characters to their name and backstory. I think Paige, Lane and Gracie were my favourites, their story was heartbreaking. :')
This was enjoyable enough but on the whole I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped I would.
renel's review
4.0
This is such a good book and I know this because it made me feel like crying (did not cry because eye eczema lmao) but had that teary feeling
rosiethespy's review
1.0
I really really did not like this. Maddie, frankly, sucks. And so do most of the other characters.
lucy_lowe_'s review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the concept and the ending but the story was so boring in the middle and for 100 pages nothing really happened
robinmara96's review
3.0
Debating whether to give it a 4.5 or 4 stars... it was hysterical, real and honest and if I wasn't in public all the time whilst reading this, I would have cried my eyes out.
tpteacher's review
4.0
What a great book! I went into it thinking it was going to be brainless fluff but it was poignant, loving and funny. I love the premise and the relationship of the family and all of the people they met. There was definitely some teenage angst and sex but despite that it was very good.
melissapalmer404's review
5.0
Book #41 Read in 2016
The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
Maddie's grandmother is hip and sometimes embarrassing but Maddie is very close to her. She is devastated when her grandmother tells the family that they will be going with her on a cruise which will allow her to die with dignity at a time she picks. This book is emotionally difficult but amazingly, filled with humor and hope and even romance. The people and families on this cruise will tear at the heartstrings of readers. High school girls and adults would love this book. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
Maddie's grandmother is hip and sometimes embarrassing but Maddie is very close to her. She is devastated when her grandmother tells the family that they will be going with her on a cruise which will allow her to die with dignity at a time she picks. This book is emotionally difficult but amazingly, filled with humor and hope and even romance. The people and families on this cruise will tear at the heartstrings of readers. High school girls and adults would love this book. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
andimontgomery's review
2.0
This book tries just a bit too hard to be fun and quirky. It deals with assisted suicide, highly unrealistic family relationships, and first love ("insta-love").