Someone Else's Bucket List: finding a new life after the death of a loved one

Someone Else’s Bucket List by Amy T. Matthews is a story of grief and finding new life after the death of a loved one. Bree Boyd was an outgoing, successful Instagram influencer with millions of followers, who lived life by the seat of her pants. When a sudden diagnosis of leukemia forces her to face her death, she plans for a life changing adventure for her introverted sister. Jodie Boyd is shy, anxious and unsure what to do with her life. She learns that Bree’s dying wish is for Jodie to finish her bucket list and if she does, a corporate sponsor will pay off the remaining medical debt as well as debt for other cancer patients. At first, the idea of doing very public events terrifies Jodie; but knowing that her family and others will benefit, she reluctantly agrees. As she checks off the remaining items on the bucket list, Jodie never imagines that she would find herself and the life she has always wanted. 

Someone Else’s Bucket List is a heartbreaking story of grief and finding a new life. It is also a sweet story of finding the courage to truly follow one’s dreams despite fears and doubts. It has P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahren vibes, except it’s sisters instead of a husband and wife. While I expected more of an emotional impact, Someone Else’s Bucket List is a great depiction of grief reactions and the journey of learning to live a new life without a loved one in it. Grief is not a straight line from sadness to acceptance. It is a windy road from sadness to being okay and back to sadness. One of my favorite quotes from the book that explains this windy road is “Grief was like weather: it had seasons and moods, and it could always take a turn for the worse.” Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were moments of laughs and tears. I highly recommend Someone Else’s Bucket List. 

Someone Else’s Bucket List is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook