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2024-05-23 3:49 pm

The Life List

by Lori Nelson Spielman

Paperback, 2013

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Tags

Genres

General Fiction

Publication

Arrow (2013)

Description

Brett Bohlinger has forgotten all about the list of life goals she'd written as a na©·ive teenager. In fact, at thirty-four, Brett seems to have it all--a plum job at her family's multimillion-dollar company and a spacious loft with her irresistibly handsome boyfriend. But when her beloved mother, Elizabeth, passes away, Brett's world is turned upside down. Rather than simply naming her daughter the new CEO of Bohlinger Cosmetics, Elizabeth's will comes with one big stipulation: Brett must fulfill the list of childhood dreams she made so long ago. 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 pla… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member rlb0616

I loved this book. Yes, it is probably coming to a hallmark movie near you shortly, but I still loved it. When Brett is told that she must complete a list of things she wanted to do when she was fourteen in order to get her beloved mothers inheritance she is floored. After taking a few missteps,

she manages to find her eay onto a path that completes all her dreams and the dreams her mother had for her. Sme plot twists I saw coming, others I didn't, but I was throughly entertained!

LibraryThing member Britt1075

I received this book by accident from the early reviewers and I am so glad I did. Like another reviewer I am not sure what I can say that will do this book justice. I read a lot and I have to say this is by far the best book I have read in a long time. The characters were so well developed that

when I was done with the book I was left wondering how they were and missed them terribly. I have never reread a book because in my life there are so many books and so few days but I find I want to read this book again.
The book is about the death of Brett's mom and the tasks she must complete before she will be given her inheritance. At first you wonder how can a mom be so cruel and then you begin to see Brett's mom knew her so well that she knew she had to make sure even from the grave that Brett did the things in life that would make her life complete.
A wonderful read, a wonderful book and I will be watching more from this author. What a wonderful book!!!!!

LibraryThing member chutzpanit

I really enjoyed this book! I was expecting it to be somewhat cheesy and predictable but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the idea of a mother who, in her will, goes against everything that her family thought would happen. She gives her daughter, Brett, a life list that Brett had written when

she was fourteen. Brett is shocked by this list because she thought that none of these goals as a fourteen year old are goals that would interest her in her thirties.

As she completes this list, first trying to quickly rush through them to get her inheritance and then more slowly, savoring each and everyone, she learns so much more about herself, her mother and her entire family.

I was also somewhat disappointed yet completely not by the ending. It definitely was not what I expected and I was glad that it was such a good surprise. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author!

LibraryThing member Nise

This is perfect when you need a feel good, happy ending book! Did you ever make a list of goals, wants, wishes when you were young? Still have that list? Brett made such a list and unbeknownst to her it was found and kept by her mother. After her death, Brett's mother encourages her to fulfill the

list. Brett, devastated at the request, sets out on a quest to do as her mother asked. An emotional, funny journey with a predictable, but satisfying ending. A nice summer read.

LibraryThing member Mrsmommybooknerd

An amazing novel about visiting past expectations in order to find ones self! A must read! It is also a great book club pick!! I loved how well developed the characters were. Spielman has found a distinct voice in the world of writing.

LibraryThing member CandyH

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman is an excellent read. It is the story of a young woman who loses her mother and then by stipulations of her mother's will revisits wishes from the past. The story is totally about family relationships and the challenges and treasures that come from close family

ties. I highly recommend this book.

LibraryThing member nvbookgirl

I really enjoyed this book. The author weaves a wonderful story about a woman trying to fulfill her childhood life list per her mother's last wishes. From its description, I thought it might be a little light but after reading it, the book had much more substance to it than I thought. I liked that

the story wasn't totally predictable. It's a book that is funny, touching, and romantic -- a very enjoyable read.

LibraryThing member suefernandez

Brett Bohlinger seems to have it all until the death of her mom. She is in a relationship, likely to take the reins of her family's cosmetic's company, has siblings she loves and great friends. Even she thinks everything if falling into place.

Her mom turns all this around with the reading of her

will...where she gives Brett "conditions," for her inheritance. She wrote a life list at age 14 (as many of us do)...and her mom wants her to fulfill that list, within a year, before she can receive her portion of the inheritance.

Life has a way to forcing us to reexamine things that need to change, things that might make us uncomfortable. This is the case with Brett, and it's a funny, poignant, touching read as we follow her path. I found myself jealous at MANY points that this was a debut author and that she'd done such a great job with this.

This might seem predictable...but I promise you...there are twists and turns and it's well done. You'll be surprised with some of the turns of events.

Book clubs would love this book, and it's sure to spark conversation. Be warned: I was up until 3:00a finishing it. I couldn't put it down.

I can hardly wait for the next book

LibraryThing member VaniaNunes

Brett is devastated. She has just lost her mother to cancer. Being the youngest daughter of three children, she was always the closest to the mother, and with the advent of the disease, they became inseparable. Until the inevitable came. Now Brett needed to be strong and then driving the family

business, a large cosmetics company.

On the reading of the will her two older brothers, Jay and Joad, received their part of the inheritance. It seemed possible that Brett would receive her part as expected, after all, she worked at her mother's company in recent years. But by a twist of fate that was not what her mother planned.

It is a touching story, full of surprises, with passages and other funny, emotional. But the lesson learned in each event is a treasure discovered.
A book with scenes that should make the reader feel sad at times, but for some reason, can bring strength to say "go ahead, do not ever give up."

LibraryThing member Sherry_Rummler

WARNING: This is one of those reads where your eyes burn and become heavy, your head begins to ache, your work suffers because you are hiding in a closet with a flashlight to capture just one more page…. Lori Nelson Spielman, the REAL deal! This can’t possibly be her first novel? The

descriptions are exceptionally smooth, the voice of each character so clearly defined. I was mesmerized from page one. There were times I had plump tears falling down my cheeks, and times where I laughed out loud (quote p.315… “I can’t unbake this cake!” Lori Nelson Spielman, buckle up, I believe you will be heading to the NY Times Best Seller list with this one. Congratulations in advance!

LibraryThing member cyncie

This is one of my favorite books of the year, a story of a single 30 something woman, whose mom dies and leaves a strange provision for her to inherit. She must fulfill a long-forgotten wish list made as a teen. This is the story of how she accomplishes that with lots of twists and turns and life

changes that will leave you in tears at times, but it has the most satisfying ending.

LibraryThing member sdbookhound

Loved. It. This was a good story. Even though I could guess what was going to happen most of the time, I was still happy to keep reading. It is interesting to think about how our life goals may have changed over time and whether the changes were really the correct choices. I will recommend this

book to my friends.

LibraryThing member muddyboy

If you can buy into the premise of this book you will probably like it. The story involves the death of a wealthy woman with two son and a daughter. The daughter, Brett, it seems is in line to assume control the leadership role of a major corporation that the family runs, Instead, when the will is

read the daughter in law is giving that role instead. (She does have business training) Brett gets nothing until she completes a "life list" of tasks that she wrote down as a teenager. Many things both expected (to me) and unexpected happen along the way. The book reads easy and is light Summer fare. But, if you have trouble believing that a mother would do this to her daughter without explanation the book might be a challenge.

LibraryThing member itsJUSTme

Very well done! This book flows right along and makes you want to keep reading.
The story line, having to complete a list before getting your inheritance, is not exactly a new idea, but there was plenty of new ideas in this book to make it a very good read.

At first I thought, this poor woman, how

unfair to have to complete this bucket list right after her Mother's death. I didn't think I was going to like it at first. But the list became very real, the list itself almost became a separate character that you wanted to hate or love at times.

Even though the mom has already passed away before you start reading the book, you get to know her through her letters to Brett. She was a very good mom and a very smart lady. She sure knew what was good for her only daughter and you can see how her love continues on even after her passing.

I thought the character development was very good. There were a couple of characters that I thought, at the time, could have been developed better, but now I think maybe we were not meant to get too close to them.
The main character, Brett, you got to know very well. I really liked her. She seemed a bit spoiled and selfish at first, but her inner heart came out and she really grew on me. Brett became a home-bound teacher to complete one of the items on her list. This was my favorite part of the book. I loved getting to know the kids she was seeing. Each had such a unique personality. I thought this part was very well done... then I read that the Author herself was a home-bound teacher! A-ha, no wonder. It is a very good idea to write about something you know.

You all know I love sad books. This book is sad in spots, but also heartwarming, suspenseful, and interesting. I read this book while vacationing on the coast pf Maine . At one point I thought I was gonna start tearing-up. That would have been embarrassing on a bus in front of 40 other people, but I held it together!

And - I love the cover! Isn't it gorgeous, I just love daises.
I really hope this author continues writing, I would love to read more by her.

LibraryThing member BookDivasReads

I found THE LIFE LIST to be a rather fast-paced and engaging read. In many ways it was a coming-of-age story as Brett discovers not only who she is but what she truly wants out of life. I did have problems with her supposedly smart and savvy mother forcing her 34-year-old daughter to adhere to a

list she had made when she was 14-years-old, but stranger things happen in reality. Parts of the story seemed a little too contrived such as the ending, but overall it was a nice story about self-discovery, building self-esteem and confidence. I enjoyed the family drama, flirtatious relationship between Brett and her mother's attorney Brad, the phone calls between Brett and Dr. Garrett Taylor, and Brett's interactions with her students, especially Sanquita. If you're looking for a quick read to enjoy during a lazy Summer afternoon (or weekend), filled with relationship drama, romance, and angst, then THE LIFE LIST is a story you'll want to read.

LibraryThing member justablondemoment

Well done on this one. I kept thinking while reading this ..how much the mother really loved her daughter by having her seek out and complete her dreams. A little on the iffy side of believability though as I know how many of my younger year dreams have changed through the years and what you

thought you might have wanted "then" changes. Not sure if this plot would happen in my life if I would want or even COULD do some of the things on my years younger "list". I also think this would make an excellent movie. Warm and moving this book kept me reading into the night until I had finished the last page.

LibraryThing member polarmath

This book is one that will make you think and ponder. It gives insight into the character's lives that you can apply to your insight.

LibraryThing member Kikoa

I have just started to read The Life List. I agree with the other review, in places it is sappy (thanks for the word). But it is an engaging read that I am enjoying. More when I finish...I woke up at 4 am to finish this book.
I take the word sappy back....
I loved this book. I love debut novels.

Never again will a book be the first one. There is something so new and fresh. You kind of knew where this book was going, but then the author took you on a spin and you did not know. A must read.

LibraryThing member Jencey

Thank you to Librarything and Random House for sending me two copies of The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman. I have two copies to giveaway.
Synopsis:
Brett is mourning the death of her mother, her boss, and confidante. She barely makes it through the funeral. The reading of the will is the

following day. Brett sees herself as the new president of Bohlinger Cosmetics which her mother founded. When the will is actually read Brett does not get the job but gets something else instead. A Life List that she wrote when she was fourteen years old with goals. These goals must be completed in order to get her inheritance. Will Brett follow through? How will her life change because of these goals?
My Thoughts:
An interesting story by author Lori Nelson Spielman. Half the fun when reading covering a topic such as this is what ends up being on the Life List. Is there any outlandish goals? Or are they simple and easy to complete? The author does a great job of creating complexity in the plot to keep reader guessing. Will Brett be able to complete the task or not?
The only part that wasn’t my favorite is the fact that I read a novel like this before. In other words the plot is not new to me. The descriptions and the tone of this story create a setting that you are ready imagine yourself part of.
The novel is still a good read and worth picking up!

LibraryThing member wrbinpa

Elizabeth Bohlinger. an Extraordinary woman, mother, grandmother, and friend, was a remarkable woman who touched so many lives so profoundly. And now she was gone, her diagnosis and death had come so quickly.

Brett, age 34, is the only one of the Bohlinger children who is single. Brett assumes she

will become president of Bohlinger Cosmetics and she is not feeling confident that she can handle it. The company had become a mutltmillion dollar enterprise largely because of Catherine, Brett's sister-in-law, who was vice president and very competent with a good head for business. Brett is humiliated when the will is read and Catherine inherits her mother's shares of Bohlinger Cosmetics, making Catherine the CEO of the company. But, the biggest shock is when Brett finds out she must complete a life list before she receives her inheritance - a list of goals written by Brett when she was 14 years old - a ludicrous list that will mean major life revisions. And the story unfolds ---

Brett was a lovable character with a genuine sweetness about her, but her life seemed to be lacking a basic human need called love. Her mom took a huge gamble, trying to fix Brett's life. She wanted to ensure Brett's happiness and was calling all the shots for each scene in her life by forcing Brett to venture out of her comfort zone and complete this list.

Quote from the book - "There will be another sky, my love, just you wait."

This beautifully structured story touched my heart. The story was brought to life by the unique characters and I enjoyed the splashes of humor spread throughout. I also felt the sadness of Brett's loss of her mother - very poignant. And all the loose ends were tied up neatly at the end. Just an incredible debut novel by an amazing writer! Most definitely a favorite for 2013 with a 5 star rating. Don't miss this one.

LibraryThing member Azacia

5 stars is definitely not enough for this book. I wish I could give it 10!

Most well written books offer enjoyable moments, clever dialogue, and an entertaining adventure for the reader. But a very special few of these books touch a reader's soul in a way that makes them look at life differently, in

a way that makes them feel alive, and in a way that that book will be cherished on their bookshelf like an old photograph to be looked at, revisited, and thought of with fond memories – a book that becomes a valued possession that just could never be let go. The Life List is just that sort of special novel, that in all the books I've read this year, a few of which I've already forgotten, it stands out among the rest. I will remember it and think fondly of the story and recommend it to others with great enthusiasm as an adventure that all lovers of literature should enjoy. My first recommendation, of course, will be to my mother.

This book is a lovely story about the decisions we make in life, our search for happiness, and what really matters in the end. The leading character Brett Bohlinger is a successful executive at her mother's booming cosmetic business. She has an apartment in a coveted area in town, a successful boyfriend who is ambitious and hot enough to cause whiplash in women he walks by, and items that would make the Joneses jealous. From afar, Brett has the perfect life. When her mother suddenly becomes sick and passes away, Brett is dealt a devastating blow. The one parent who truly loved her, the person who she could count on to smooth out life's difficulties, answer any question and fix any problem is torn away from her in a heartbeat. Brett's determined to make her mother proud as the new CEO of the family company and this position fills her with a mixture of motivation and dread. Taking over the CEO will involve her being the boss of her ambitious, perfect sister in law, running a multi-million dollar company, and fitting in a position which she doesn't have the confidence in her ability to succeed. Then Brett is dealt the second biggest blow of her life when the will is read. Instead of the inheritance and company position she anticipates, she's left with a requirement to complete a life list she wrote when she was 14 and she has one year to complete all the items. Brett stares at the list: Buy a horse, have a baby or two, become a teacher, perform on stage, have a relationship with her father. Her mom can't be serious! A horse in the city? A relationship with her father who has already died and was cold and distant to Brett as a child? A baby, or two in a year?

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, that 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 to 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. It's an amazing book that I would love to see turned into a movie, and a book that I think everyone who enjoy's women's literature should read!

LibraryThing member 2LZ

I received an uncorrected digital galley of The Life List from netgalley.com in return for my honest opinion and thoughts.

I liked Lori Nelson Spielman's Life List. The story was interesting, but issues were resolved fairly easily and conveniently. The main character, Brett Bohlinger, is grieving

over the loss of her loving mother. In her Will, Brett's inheritance is delayed until the time she completes ten items on a life list that was created when she was fourteen years old. Each time a wish is fulfilled from the list, Brett receives a letter from her mom. If all ten items on the list are achieved within a period of one year then she will receive her inheritance. The hope is to find that free spirited, fun-loving, daring daughter of days past. The novel was reminiscent of P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern. The story is an easy read, very good at times, sappy at others.

LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy

I won this book as a First Reads book and am so glad I did! I have about 15 books that I should have read first, but, I sat down to take a look and was immediately hooked! I read this book in two sittings and really enjoyed it. It's about life goals set by Brett Bohlinger when she was a teenager.

Her mother saved them and they turn up after her mother passes away. While there is much sadness, there is much growth and important lessons to be learned. Always listen to your mother! I will be passing this to my own mother and daughters, it's a wonderful book!

LibraryThing member WillowOne

Brett Bohlinger has had her life turned upside down. When her Mother passes away Brett believes she will become CEO of the family cosmetics business and get a sizable inheritance, but her Mother had other plans. In order to receive her inheritance Brett must complete the wishes and dreams, written

on a crumpled up piece of paper, of her 14 year old self. Brett is truly and utterly blindsided. What was her Mother thinking, was she even thinking and how in the world could she do this to her? How can the musings of a 14 year old girl compare to the actual life and experiences of a 30+ year old woman? Why weren't her brothers held to the same set of rules?
As Brett gets over the shock and starts to work toward fulfilling her Mother's wishes she begins to remember why she wrote the list and that inside of her there still lives that 14 year old girl. While Brett's journey is not easy eventually she see's what her Mother saw in her and what she is capable of. Through a Mother's love a daughter is reborn.

I enjoyed this book very much. I loved that the author chose not to go the predictable route. Every time I thought I had guessed where the story was headed the author was one step ahead and chose instead to change it up. I found several characters to be very lovable and I became invested in their storyline. The characters will make you fall in love, get angry, laugh, cry and drive you crazy. While the plot is not very plausible, it does make for an interesting story.

I was given a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

LibraryThing member Macjam47

Do you have a life list? Perhaps you have a bucket list, but did you ever even consider a life list. Lori Spielman’s main character Brett Bohlinger in the book THE LIFE LIST didn’t realize she had one, after all Brett was just a fourteen year old when she wrote it. When her mother’s will was

read, Brett’s brothers got their inheritance, but Elizabeth Bohlinger gave her daughter a year to fulfill each item on that very same list and upon completion, according to the terms of the will, Brett would receive her inheritance.
Sounds simple doesn’t it? But through an unexpected turn of events, Brett finds herself in need of her inheritance to survive, or so she thought. Brett had been groomed to take over as CEO of her mother’s company, Bohlinger Cosmetics, but her mother gave that position to her daughter-in-law Catherine as well as all of her shares in the company. On top of that, Catherine’s instructions were to relieve Brett of her responsibilities. Brett was without a job. She broke up with her boyfriend and had nowhere to go but to her mother’s house to live until she could get a job. Even the kind of job was stipulated on the life list – she was to get a teaching job. Her brothers kept reminding her that according to their mother’s wishes, none of them could live in her house for more than a month at a time.
Within the year Brett was also to fall in love, get married, and have a child. No easy task when there seemingly was no eligible bachelor that she was in love with. There was Brad Midar, her mother’s attorney, but he was in a long-distance relationship. Garrett Taylor, a psychiatrist, seemed extremely friendly and just the right person, but he was old and they never seemed to be able to meet. Their only contact was over the telephone to discuss one of his patients who was also one of Brett’s students. Her brother introduces her to Herbert Moyer who seems to fill the bill, but can Brett fall in love with him? What about the mysterious man in Burberry coat that she keeps bumping into?
It just doesn’t seem possible to meet all of the demands her mother is making. Get a dog, buy a horse, help poor people, have a good relationship with her dad. This one was a hard one to solve, after all her father was already dead.
I loved the characters in THE LIFE LIST. They were real and charming and unforgettable. The plot was well developed and generously sprinkled with humor. I was hooked from the first page. It is a quick read that is enjoyable right up to the last word. I highly recommend Lori Nelson Spielman’s THE LIFE LIST.

I received this book as part of the Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2013

2013, Bantam Books, New York

Physical description

5.08 inches

ISBN

0099580152 / 9780099580157

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