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After a car accident in which her passenger, Marissa, dies, June Parker finds herself in possession of a list Marissa has written: “20 Things to Do by My 25th Birthday.” The tasks range from inspiring (run a 5K) to daring (go braless) to near-impossible (change someone’s life). To assuage her guilt, June races to achieve each goal herself before the deadline, learning more about her own life than she ever bargained for.A reader's perspective (from bn.com) . . .Conversation-starter by WriteWomanReader Rating: See Detailed RatingsNovember 11, 2009: Had I not been looking for something a little different for my book club to read, I doubt that I would have ever picked this book up. While it definitely falls into the (perjorative?) category of "chick-lit," "The Next Thing on My List" also is a great discussion-starter.While I found the plot somewhat unbelievable (and a little inconsistent internally), I liked the premise of the book. We had a very lively discussion about our own "To-Do" lists--and it's probably worth it for everyone to think a little bit about what are the things you'd like to do in your life...and how many of them really, truly have anything to do with personal growth or quality of life.
I enjoyed the main character--she's funny and feisty and a bit discombobulated. Some of the other characters are less interesting, but they all do work together to move the book forward.
I'd recommend the book to book clubs, to people who want a relatively fast read, and to those who do want to spend a little bit of time in self-examination.
It took me until today, but I finally figured it out! I thought I read The Inheritance years ago. Not so! I read A Long Fatal Love Chase (written by Louisa May Alcott in 1866, published in 1995). Check out this article in which Stephen King analyzes "Alternative Alcott" works. Muy interasante! Type this into Google ("Stephen King" "Long Fatal Love Chase" Alcott), then click on the second link down--should begin www.nytimes!
Out of curiosity, when are birthdays that belong to the rest of you?
A new book you might be interested in . . .
"Here at last is the book 'Jo' wrote. Generations of fans have longed to plumb that first romance, hinted at so captivatingly on the pages of Little Women, Alcott's autobiographical classic. Now, after nearly one hundred fifty years spent among archived family documents, Louisa May Alcott's 
debut novel finally reaches its eager public. Set in an English country manor, the story follows the turbulent fortunes of Edith Adelon, an impoverished Italian orphan whose loyalty and beauty win her the patronage of wealthy friends until a jealous rival contrives to rob her of her position. In the locket around her neck, she carries a deep secret about her natural birthright. But an even greater truth lies hidden in Edith's heart - her deep reverence for the kind and noble Lord Percy, the only friend who can save her from the deceitful, envious machinations of Lady Ida. Reminiscent of Jane Austen in its charms, this chaste but stirringly passionate novel affirms the conquering power of both love and courtesy." (bn.com synopsis)
After a car accident in which her passenger, Marissa, dies, June Parker finds herself in possession of a list Marissa has written: “20 Things to Do by My 25th Birthday.” The tasks range from inspiring (run a 5K) to daring (go braless) to near-impossible (change someone’s life). To assuage her guilt, June races to achieve each goal herself before the deadline, learning more about her own life than she ever bargained for.
