Review: One Last Thing Before I Go
Things didn’t go the way Drew Silver planned. Sure, the band he was in (he was the drummer) had that one hit years ago, but his life has gone downhill ever since. He’s divorced, his ex-wife is getting remarried, his college student daughter is pregnant, and now the doctor tells him he has to have heart surgery or he will die. Silver refuses the surgery and decides to spend the rest of the time he has left improving himself and his relationship with his daughter. His family tries to convince him he’s making a mistake and Silver must decide if his life is worth living.
I’ve heard a lot about Jonathan Tropper‘s writing, so I was really excited to listen to his latest book, One Last Thing Before I Go and, for the most part, I enjoyed the book. I wouldn’t say that I loved it, but I certainly liked it a great deal. I’m not really sure why I didn’t love it, but I think it might be because not a whole lot really happened in the book – it was really an exploration of Silver’s relationships with the emphasis on his relationship with his daughter.
I did think the book was very well written and funny. Tropper certainly has a way with words and I found the dialogue to be witty and clever. In fact, I laughed out loud several times as I listened. This was my first experience with Tropper’s work and I certainly hope it’s not my last.
The audio version of One Last Thing Before I Go is narrated by John Shea and he was fabulous! He nailed Silver’s attitude with just the right amount of gruffness. He is a narrator I would like to listen to again. The audiobook is on 7 CDs and lasts about 8 and a half hours.
I’ve got this reviewing coming up as well. I love Tropper. He has such a clever, snappy prose, and he is hilarious. I did find that this book, versus his last “This is Where I Leave You” that there was more serious musing. But I loved it.
I have heard of this book and now I want to read it!
I have this in both book form and audio – can’t decide which one to do! But I can’t wait – he is definitely one of my favorite authors!
I’ve read a couple of his earlier books and really enjoyed This Is Where I Leave You. I think I’ll put this one on my audiobook list.
Makes me wonder what happens to Drew Silver in the end! This is a new-to-me author.
I have the audio of this too and I’ve been hesitant to listen (not sure why), but I think I’ll go ahead and add it to my list.
I enjoyed this one a lot but his last one is even better!
I waned too read his first book, but never got around to it, and have heard some great initial buzz about this one. It seems like this is a character driven novel, which is something that I usually like, and I would be interested in giving it a try. I have a feeling that I would love it.
I’m definitely going to be kindling this one. Sounds like such an interesting read. I’ve had my eye on it, but wasn’t too sure and after reading your post I am. Thanks
You liked this a lot more than I did. The audio was great, I enjoyed the writing, but I really disliked Silver and when I can’t connect at all with a character that ruins it for me.
Glad to hear you liked it. I’ve considered it.
I’m glad to hear that the audio was enjoyable, I’m supposed to be getting one of these audios for review but it hasn’t come yet. I hope it gets here soon!
I’m curious how the author manages to make such a serious-sounding book funny. Glad you enjoyed it.
The premise of this sounds good–and I like the idea of working on important relationships to improve health. Great review!
This is sitting on my desk right now! it is a few books away from being read, but it looks good! I love that it made you laugh, that makes me much more excited for it!
So many stories and novels about dying early out there! This writer is new to me but you’ve got me curious so I’ll probably check out the sample on my nook. Thanks for sharing!
I really need to give Jonathan Tropper another chance. I feel like he deserves it. Don’t know when…..
I love reading his books and you are seriously making me want to try an audio book…someday!
I just can’t imagine listening to a book for eight hours! I guess the advantage is that you can do other things while you’re listening.
I know what you mean about liking a book, but not being sure why you don’t love it. Sometimes, though, I enjoy the books most that are about the relationships and the quiet moments. Especially if the language is good, with “witty and clever dialogue.”
Thanks for sharing….
I read his last book and liked it but didn’t love it. This sounds like the same kind of thing! Great review.
I’ve heard about Tropper too, but haven’t read any of his books yet. This one does sound pretty good.
I’ve heard about this one, it does sound good, especially if the dialogue is clever.
Glad you got a taste of Tropper! I just treated myself to this book.
I have been on the fence about reading this one because it seems depressing that he would opt not to be treated. It surprises me when I see that people find the book funny. I haven’t ruled it out though, since so many people seem to like it.
I read The Book of Joe and remembering really liking that one. I’ve been meaning to read more by him.
Funny and great narrator!! Adding it to my list.
I have heard quite a bit of good things about Tropper and have not read him yet. I must get one!
I started listening to This is Where I Leave You and really liked it. Unfortunately I had to return it to the library so I’ll have to track it down again. Quite a few parts made me laugh at loud.
I heard this one is funny. I’ve also read mixed reviews so I’m not sure if I’ll pick this one up. Maybe.
I discovered this author when my book club selected This is Where I Leave You – I loved it and have been a fan of Tropper ever since. Definitely looking forward to this one.