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How Not to Die Alone
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
118 posts | 84 read | 90 to read
A darkly funny and life-affirming debut novel for readers of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: the story of one man who is offered a second chance at life and love when he develops an unexpected friendship--if he can expose the white lie he told years ago that grew into so much more. Andrew's day-to-day is a little grim, searching for next of kin for those who die alone. Thankfully, he has a loving family waiting for him when he gets home, to help wash the day's cares away. At least, that's what his coworkers believe. Andrew didn't mean for the misunderstanding to happen, yet he's become trapped in his own white lie. The fantasy of his wife and two kids has become a pleasant escape from his lonely one bedroom with only his Ella Fitzgerald records for company. But when new employee Peggy breezes into his life like a breath of fresh air, Andrew is shaken out of his routine. She doesn't notice the wall he's been safely hiding behind and their friendship promises to break it down. Andrew must choose: Does he tell the truth and start really living his life, but risk losing his friendship with Peggy? Or will he stay safe and alone, behind the faade? How Not to Die Alone is about the importance of taking a chance in those moments when we have the most to lose. Sharp and funny, warm and real, it's the kind of big-hearted story we all need.
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TheSpineView
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Klou Love this! Perfect choice! 1y
44 likes2 comments
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allureofbeauty
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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LoverOfLearning
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Panpan

Hmm I don't think I am the intended audience for this book and besides that the writing style was just odd.

I didn't like this book for many reasons. But I think the biggest reason was because the story slowed down during irrelevant parts and completely flew through the parts that were the most interesting and most relevant to the plot. I was so frustrated.

Oh and the ending.... I wanted romance, it gave nothing.

2.5 stars, sorry.

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LoverOfLearning
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Definitely some funky lines in this book yet it's still struggling to keep my attention. I'll keep pushing through. I'm predicting a 3 star read.

But wow it is nice out. Not too hot, not too cold,m not too windy! So nice to get some fresh air. 🏡🌳🌤

MyNamesParadise I really enjoyed the book. Stick with it and I hope you enjoy it too! 3y
LoverOfLearning @MyNamesParadise okay great! Will do! I'll read some more tonight! 3y
52 likes1 stack add2 comments
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LoverOfLearning
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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What 🤣🤣🤣 this so far from the plot.

Im so confused. Lmao.

Texreader “Happily punch a puffin”. 🤔 Now that‘s stirs the imagination 3y
43 likes2 comments
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Lauram
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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“Books are for nerds.” -unnamed 2nd grade student when I told him my lunch plans. He has no idea how happy I am to sit alone in a quiet room and escape for 30 minutes.

Jas16 I am happily a nerd then! Hope you enjoyed your break. 3y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Sounds lovely! I need to this more at work for lunch! 3y
45 likes2 comments
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LoverOfLearning
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Single as a Pringle. HA

But seriously send help 🙄 😒

Megabooks This was a weird one for me! 3y
EKonrad Oh, I loved this one! 😊 3y
LoverOfLearning @Megabooks yeah very odd and definitely dragged on. I don't think I was the intended audience. I nearly DNFd it multiple times. 2y
41 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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kplovesbooks
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Okay but does this sound great or what?? Instant add to the TBR!

CollapsingLibrary This has been on my TBR for a ridiculously long time 3y
22 likes1 stack add1 comment
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MyNamesParadise
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

Recently republished as “Something to Live For”, this book is full of dark humor, humor, and quirky characters and situations. I would‘ve liked to have more with the characters. I was disappointed that the climax happened off-screen so to speak, but still worth reading. It takes a look at loneliness and how opening yourself up to others is worth it. I would read something else from this author!

BennettBookworm That‘s so fascinating that it was renamed! 4y
27 likes1 stack add1 comment
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monalyisha
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

If you want to have a bit of a cry (& a few morbid laughs), How Not to Die Alone could be the book for you.

I started it today in the midst of a snowstorm & finished after the snow stopped but before the day was through. It‘s quick & hopeful. I think the biggest surprise was the heartwarming message about the positive connections that social media can foster. It‘s not the dominant message we typically hear — but here on Litsy, we know it‘s true!

monalyisha Note: While this was an enjoyable read & I certainly wouldn‘t discourage anyone from reading it, a similar but ultimately better (& stranger) book is 4y
monalyisha Also, TW for a few different topics (including self-harm). 4y
76 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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monalyisha
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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“Ham AND cheese,” he boasted to the camera. “Blob of pickle goes central, then we‘ll just spread it out to each corner. I like to imagine it‘s a traitor‘s body parts being sent to the four corners of England, but come up with whatever metaphor you want.”

vivastory 😬😂 4y
vlwelser That looks delicious. 4y
46 likes2 comments
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CandiReadsBooks
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

Imagine coasting through life without many friends. Imagine working at a job where you have to inspect a dead person‘s home to find out whether or not they have any living next of kin. That kind of job will do a number on your mental health. It‘ll make you question how you‘re living your life and who will be there when you die. Interesting read

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Jilly6183
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

At first, I thought Andrew was a bit of a turd. His reason for his predicament seemed so weak. But he grew on me greatly through the book and I was all-in, cheering him on.

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Jilly6183
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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🙌🏻

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LiteraryinPA
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Mehso-so

I have basically just been reading and feeling vaguely down all day, so that might be why I felt that this book was fine but not great. I read it straight through but wasn‘t really savoring it along the way. I think that says more about my state of mind than about the book‘s merits.

KathyWheeler Sometimes it really is more about you than the book. That‘s been the case with me before. I hope you feel better soon. 4y
slategreyskies Days like that are tough. Hang in there. 💕 4y
Bette Some days are like that. And I also feel bad that I take it out on my books. Take care. 🌞 4y
TheArtsierTheBeckster Totally makes sense. Love you, my sister! I‘m sure you will find some more vibrant books very soon! 🥰 4y
98 likes4 comments
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AileenRR
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Panpan

I don‘t enjoy long, drawn out lies/misunderstandings/ cover ups. There were some funny parts, but ultimately not for me.

LoverOfLearning I have this one sitting on my shelf... hmm. 4y
AileenRR @LoverOfLearning Everyone‘s different 🤷🏻‍♀️ 4y
LoverOfLearning Yeah. It wasnt on the top of my list but it's still on it. 4y
18 likes3 comments
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Gryffleclaw95
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A year later, I finally read my May 2019 #BOTM pick. Unlike many reviews, I loved this book even though it was a heavy read and I had to take breaks throughout. I loved the characters and the portrayal of mental health is an accurate one. Overall, I loved Andrew and Peggy and their character arcs. My only complaint is that there is no epilogue.

🚨CONTENT INCLUDES: mentions of suicide, depression, self-harm, alcoholism

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wen4blu
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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“Andrew looked at the coffin and tried to remember who was inside it.”

#firstlinefridays
@ShyBookOwl

Sace Well that's a good hook! 4y
30 likes1 stack add1 comment
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cwarnier
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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#lmpbc @BethM @nelehelen @Sharpeipup
Thanks ladies for a great round. I cant wait to read you comments.

nelehelen Thank you ladies for a great round! 5y
21 likes1 comment
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Mtroiano
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Up next! #booksandbeer

Social distancing day 23

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OriginalCyn620
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Bailedbailed

Had to bail. The MC, Andrew, wasn‘t funny or quirky, at least to me. He was more sad than anything and I couldn‘t get invested in him or his story. The story just seemed slow.
#doublespin

TheAromaofBooks I've heard similar reviews from other people. Sorry this one didn't work out for you, but at least it's off the shelf!! 5y
OriginalCyn620 @TheAromaofBooks Exactly! And there are too many books out there to stick with one that‘s not working for you! 5y
57 likes2 comments
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tome.fries
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

Funny, poignant, and terribly tragic. I loved this book and totally read Peggy as Catherine Tate.

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Trina_L
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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BethM
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Sorry for the late post I‘ve been fishing off almost daily these “neck headaches” (cervogenic 🤷‍♀️) and have had 5 ppl arrested on my caseload- things have been crazy! But thank you for this package! I immediately ate almost everything 😂

nelehelen Glad you got it!! And hope that second keychain is useful! 5y
Crazeedi I hope you start feeling better! ❤ 5y
Avanders Ooph neck headache sounds awful! Hope you feel better in the morning! ♥️ 5y
61 likes3 comments
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nelehelen
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

3.5/5
Quirky and charming, I grew to love Andrew, the MC, and was rooting for him the whole way through. Some of the side characters were not my favorite (one-dimensional and super annoying), but I adored Peggy (Andrew‘s love interest). This one will make you laugh, cry, cringe and smile. #lmpbc

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Kelsyereadsbooks
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5. This book surprised me so much. Dealing with death as a subject is not my favorite content. However, the unexpected depth of this story brought it to a different place for me. Good work!

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nelehelen
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Received my #lmpbc package yesterday! Thank you @Sharpeipup for these awesome goodies!! So perfect for winter. 🥶

Sharpeipup So glad it arrived & my apologies again for the delayed arrival! 5y
43 likes1 stack add1 comment
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DMC_run8
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

Easy, enjoyable read. Satisfied the "book selected because the title caught your attention" category for this year's reading challenge.

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Megabooks
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Bailedbailed

This book is completely mediocre and totally muddled in the middle. Next!

Count this as a bad entry into the awkward misanthropic Brits category that seems so popular now. 🙄🙄

Chelleo Agreed. 5y
Megabooks @Chelleo 👍🏻 just so mediocre. 5y
Jas16 I think bailing was the right choice. 5y
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KT1432 Oh no!! I got this from BOTM a while ago but haven't read it yet. I was hoping it would be a standout. 😑 5y
Megabooks @lele1432 I liked the beginning, but the middle was just bad, and I lost interest. I thought it was going to be more rom com-y and less Eleanor Oliphant-y. I got it from BOTM as well. 5y
Reviewsbylola 😣😣 this is on my TBR. Luckily I only paid $1 for it. 5y
Megabooks @Reviewsbylola Lucky you! I wasted a BOTM credit on it! 5y
77 likes7 comments
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Megabooks
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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⭐️ Continue 🦆
⭐️ Reread Dreyer‘s?
⭐️ Find our what happened at Chernobyl

🎧 Listen to Miracle Creek while I work on my shelves

📚 Finish tagged
📚 Start my new BOTM Little Women

Have a Merry Christmas 🎄!!
#weeklyforecast

Happy Chanukah my dear @Cinfhen 🕎💜

k.reads.5 Loved Dreyer's English and Miracle Creek, and Ducks and Midnight are on my TBR! Merry Christmas! 5y
Daisey This looks like a fantastic forecast for this week. Enjoy! 5y
Megabooks @k.reads.5 I loved Dreyer‘s too! It‘s so fun. Ducks I‘m taking a piece at a time 😂 merry Christmas to you!! 🎄🎄 5y
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Megabooks @Daisey Thank you!! ❤️ 5y
BarbaraBB You‘re diving into Ducks! Impressive! 5y
OnlyYoo I really want to read Miracle Creek! Lol I really want to read all the top good read thriller books 5y
Megabooks For the past week! I‘m 100 pages in! 👍🏻👍🏻 @BarbaraBB (edited) 5y
Megabooks @OnlyYoo it‘s fantastic. I‘m about a third in and already have all kinds of opinions! 5y
TrishB I enjoyed Miracle Creek and have the Chernobyl one ready for sometime in the new year 👍🏻 5y
Cinfhen Thank you so much, sweet Meg 😘😘Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful parents ❤️💚 5y
Megabooks @TrishB I‘m liking Miracle much more than I thought I would!! I‘ve been on the library list for Chernobyl for forever!! 5y
Megabooks @Cinfhen 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you very much!! ❤️❤️ I hope we both have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends! 5y
Cinfhen 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 5y
68 likes13 comments
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Jas16
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Mehso-so

I loved this book in the beginning. Heart strings were being tugged and I was chuckling aloud in places. Then the middle of the book became a slog where the main character clung to a lie and it became increasingly more difficult to be sympathetic and not just frustrated.

Megabooks I‘m in the middle now and totally agree! 5y
Jas16 @Megabooks I will definitely be interested in you final opinion. 5y
49 likes2 comments
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Sharpeipup
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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@cwarnier @nelehelen @BethM
Must be the day for book mail. Received my book and reading is underway! #lpmbc

cwarnier I am glad it made it safely to you. 5y
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
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cwarnier
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Sorry this is going out late but I shipped it off today.
#lmpbc @Sharpeipup

Chrissyreadit Did you get your email for Read in the new year swap? 5y
cwarnier Yes I did and I responded to it. I have also been in contact with my swap partner.
5y
Sharpeipup So excited! 5y
Chrissyreadit Thank you!!! I did not see your response- Litsy will not notify me unless I‘m tagged 😃 5y
17 likes4 comments
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cwarnier
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

#lmpbc #groupA @Sharpeipup @nelehelen @BethM
I hope you all enjoy this book. Tina I will get it sent off as soon as possible. I am going to stuff it with tons of fun bookmarks. What do you like to drink for next month? Coffee, tea, cider?

Sharpeipup I‘ll keep an eye out for it. Tea is my drink of choice. 5y
20 likes1 comment
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cwarnier
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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#lmpbc
Lunch time reading. Should finish the book today.

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cwarnier
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Coffee and a book between church services.
#24B4Monday #lmpbc

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Chelsea.Poole
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

Finished this a little over a week ago and I forgot to post. Comparisons to Eleanor Oliphant were spot on for me. I listened to the #audiobook and found the narrator to be a perfect match to the main character. Sad, funny, awkward, and British.

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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Pickpick

Completely delightful. It was happy, sad, tender and Simon Vance's narration made this terrific to listen to. ☺️

JanuarieTimewalker13 Oh, I‘m so happy!! This is one of my BOTMs I haven‘t gotten to yet!!! 5y
35 likes2 comments
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TheNerdyProfessor
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
Mehso-so

I liked the overall premise and am glad to get this off my to TBR, but I wouldn't rush to recommend this to anyone. A bit predictable and, by the end, I was annoyed with the frequent references to some secret in the main character's past.This was also a book focused on plot rather than character development - so it lacked some depth. A quick and easy read. ⭐⭐⭐/5

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TheNerdyProfessor
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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This book was one of my #BOTM selections earlier in the year. The premise intrigued me but for some reason, it ended up in the middle of my TBR pile. There have been some comparisons between this book and Eleanor Oliphant. I'm about 60 pages in and I can certainly see how this gives off some Eleanor vibes. Hoping this one will pull me out of my recent reading slump.

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Chelsea.Poole
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Book thief! Tried to take a picture of my latest read, but this ornery thing had other plans.

Cinfhen Soooo cute!!!!! Better a book thief than a book shredder!!! My one son just delighted in ripping paper 🥺😬 5y
marleed He‘s so cute! 5y
BarbaraBB Too cute 😍😍 5y
See All 16 Comments
JennyM Oh my heart. Beautiful ❤️ 5y
tessavi It's story time 😉 5y
Sace Precious! 5y
Texreader Cute beyond words 5y
Jas16 So adorable! 5y
Bookzombie So cute! 5y
Chelsea.Poole @Cinfhen My boys have been known to destroy a book or two as well. They've only gotten ahold of their own, thankfully, but we've had talks about respecting books! 5y
Chelsea.Poole @marleed @BarbaraBB @JennyM thank you all! He's got the personality to match his cute little face too! 🥰 5y
Chelsea.Poole @tessavi He does love stories! Raising him right! ☺️ 5y
Chelsea.Poole @Sace @Jas16 @Texreader @Bookzombie Thank you all! ♥️ He makes things interesting 😅 (edited) 5y
Gissy So cute!❤️❤️❤️ 5y
Cinfhen Good job, mama!!!! 5y
112 likes1 stack add16 comments
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CassieLovesBooks
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
Panpan

I had a hard time getting into this book. The characters did not pull me in and make me love them or hate them. Just meh.

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YouReadMyEyes
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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On vacation in the most darling town, #Portsmouth, #NewHampshire, and this is the view from my hotel balcony.

Found a local bookstore and picked up #HowNotToDieAlone because I‘m in the mood for something charming and witty.

Spent the last week with my mom exploring Maine and New Hampshire. Just two California girls who found themselves falling in love with the east coast on this trip. 🦞 🌊 🍁

JanuarieTimewalker13 Beautiful, but chilly, I‘m guessing. 5y
Nute I like everything about this post! 5y
68 likes2 comments
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DimeryRene
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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There‘s nothing like a Power Point presentation to stamp out green shoots of happiness. 😂

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hes7
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Bookwormjillk Nice! 5y
Alfoster Pretty pic!❤️ 5y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty 🧡🧡🧡 5y
See All 8 Comments
marleed Beautiful 5y
OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚🧡 5y
Nute Yes! 5y
Eggs Great photo! 5y
96 likes8 comments
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Twainy
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Mehso-so

🎧 this is an odd comedy. The job they have, the lengths he‘ll go to continue an accidental lie, the nerdy pastimes. I laughed. It was a little frustrating because the main character is a little attached to a silly lie but it is worth a listen. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Romancegirl
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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This one is my favorite book this year, so far. :) #mbcreadathon #mbcfrogsread12

elyseh Entered! 5y
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atla
How Not to Die Alone | Richard Roper
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Mehso-so

Meh. I finished this one, but I‘m not sure why. I was intrigued by the career of the protagonist (searching homes of recently deceased for any evidence of them having a next of kin or anyone who cares enough about them to pay for their funeral) and by his hinted-at (and later explicitly explained) romantic trauma. But the writing was meh - very much telling rather than showing - and I was never emotionally invested.