The main character dies. Just FYI. It’s not a spoiler. It happens right at the beginning of the book. Wallace Price is a jerk and then he dies. And no one cares. Seriously, no one. Thus, the book begins at the end. As Wallace learns how to be dead, he learns a lot about how he should have lived. In that regard, this book isn’t necessarily unique, as there are other novels out there that encourage us to avoid following in the main character’s footsteps by examining our lives now and making the necessary changes. However, there’s where the similarities end.
This book was absolutely phenomenal. It’s not your typical “love everyone in case you die tomorrow” book. Wallace wishes he would have been kinder to his loved ones, more generous to his employees, more respectful to those he may have mistreated. But at no time does Klune force his characters to show any apology for their boundaries. Wallace didn’t have the best relationship with his parents. Klune never once suggests that Wallace should have overlooked their emotional mistreatment in the name of mending fences. In fact, as he begins to form new friendships after death, Wallace continues to learn about how boundaries are necessary in healthy relationships.
Klune also has an impressive way of honoring diversity without tokenism. His characters come from different backgrounds, races, sexual orientations and cultures. He beautifully honors the uniqueness of his characters without relying on old stereotypes.
To say I liked the book is a definite understatement. This book broke my heart, opened my mind, made me laugh, and gave me hope. Characters this beautiful can only come from an equally beautiful soul. This book is absolutely gorgeous.
This one should be on shelves September 21, 2021. Do yourself a huge favor and grab a copy.
Thanks to TJ Klune, Tor Books and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.
