This is an uplifting, entertaining story about a girl in her thirties who lives in Los Angeles. The heroine of the story, June Parker, has no certain goals in life as an underachiever, even though she is intelligent.

In the backstory, June’s only aim is to lose ten pounds. One day, after a Weight Watchers meeting, June agrees to give Marissa, who is an acquaintance from the Weight Watchers, a ride. On the way, Marissa unhooks her seatbelt to give June a soup recipe that is in her bag on the backseat. As soon as Marissa turns around, a dresser falls off a truck in front of June’s car. June yanks at the steering wheel to avoid the dresser. She loses control and skims the curb at an angle. The car rolls over several times. The twenty-four year-old Marissa dies, and June lives.

June keeps a list found in Marissa’s bag, titled, "20 Things to Do by My 25th Birthday." Out of her feelings of guilt and possibly for having handed some goals that she herself was unable to come up with for her life, June decides to complete Marissa’s list. Marissa has already achieved the first two items; so June has about eighteen items left to fulfill in less than a year. Some of the tasks are simple like eating ice-cream in public, watching a sunrise, and riding in a helicopter; others are more challenging and life changing

As the story progresses, June finds herself becoming a different person as she begins completing the more difficult tasks such as making a major pitch at work and changing someone’s life, for which June becomes a Big Sister to Deedee, a teenager who is in a predicament.

As a subplot, June also forms a relationship with Troy, Marissa’s brother. In the beginning, neither of them knows who the other is. June is the first one to find out. Eventually, Marissa’s demise becomes a major obstacle between June and Troy.

easy reading; plus, the book has an encouraging message.

the way the theme of personal development was handled. That the main character changed so drastically and so believably is a true writing feat.

Jill Smolinski is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She has also written Flip Flopped, a novel; non-fiction books on Origami and Travel Games; and several short stories. Her work has been included in major magazines.

it is a cleverly written, easy-to-read book. I found it to be original, charming, and inspirational.

The author could have taken the classic road of focusing on the throes of guilt for the main character. Theoretically, that could have deepened the story in the styles of Dostoyevski and Balzac; however, it would not have made it more readable or inspiring for the readers. After this book was published, many people were encouraged to come up with their own life-goals lists, which is a big achievement for the writer. After all, true art is for the benefit of the people.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of The Next Thing on My List: A Novel   from Amazon.Com!

Created Jul 08, 2009 at 11:07am • Submit your own review...