The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey
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Wow, this debut novel caught me entirely by surprise and even now, half a day later, I still have a hard time putting my thoughts into cohesive sentences, much less a review. If you loved A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman you’ll enjoy this book. It had all the emotions and a cast that was incredibly witty, cantankerous, grumpy, endearing and just charming.
And yes, it’s definitely a book that I mainly picked for its cute cover but the blurb was what pulled me in.
SYNOPSIS
Meet Duffy, an old curmudgeon who lives in an assisted living home.
Meet Josie, a desperate young woman who climbs through his window.
Together, they’re going to learn it’s never too late—or too early—to change your ways.
For Duffy Sinclair, life boils down to one simple thing: maintaining his residence at the idyllic Centennial Assisted Living. Without it, he’s destined for the roach-infested nursing home down the road—and after wasting the first eighty-eight years of his life, he refuses to waste away for the rest. So, he keeps his shenanigans to the bare minimum with the help of his straight-laced best friend and roommate, Carl Upton.But when Carl’s granddaughter Josie climbs through their bedroom window with booze on her breath and a black eye, Duffy’s faced with trouble that’s sticking around and hard to hide—from Centennial’s management and Josie’s toxic boyfriend. Before he knows it, he’s running a covert operation that includes hitchhiking and barhopping.
He might as well write himself a one-way ticket to the nursing home…or the morgue. Yet Duffy’s all in. Because thanks to an unlikely friendship that becomes fast family—his life doesn’t boil down the same anymore. Not when he finally has a chance to leave a legacy.
In a funny, insightful, and life-affirming debut, Brooke Fossey delivers an unflinching look at growing old, living large, and loving big, as told by a wise-cracking man who didn’t see any of it coming.
The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey
MY THOUGHTS
I had the BIGGEST expectations going into The Big Finish. They were HUGE. And with big expectations often comes disappointment.
So call me surprised when I read this book, and it blew my mind!!! The story was emotional, no doubt about that, I cried at the end, and I hate crying. But it was also meaningful, touching, thoughtful, and just heart-warming.
This book, a story about characters in an assisted living home, hooked me from beginning to end. Stories like this, charming and endearing, and about a generation that’s often put aside, forgotten, weren’t on my radar a couple years ago. And now, I can’t tell you how happy I am that I gave this book a chance.
Besides it being an emotional and touching novel, The Big Finish had actually one of the most endearing bromances so far. Full of heart and love. It was so easy to fall in love with Duffy and Carl. From their banter, to the way they cared about each other. Their friendship was what made this book such an outstanding novel.
But besides the most endearing bromance, the book had so much more to offer. A story that had depth, and was brimming with emotions, charm, and joy. The characters, their friendships and interactions with each other was heart-warming to no end. It’s hard to believe, but I fell in love with old people – lol.
This book has already made it on my best of 2020 list. It had everything I love in a good book, a great, but most of all unique story, wonderful characters, witty and crisp writing, and emotions – so many feels, it was impossible to keep them all in at the end.
Another amazing debut novel for 2020!
4.5 STARS
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I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey
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