In this sisterly PS, I Love You, an introverted young woman is saddled with fulfilling her late sister’s final wish and completing her bucket list while millions of people follow along online.
Jodie Boyd is a shy and anxious twenty-something, completely unsure of what to do with her life. Meanwhile, her older sister, Bree, is an adventurous, globe-trotting, hugely successful Instagram influencer with more than a million followers. She’s the most alive person Jodie knows – until Bree’s unfathomable, untimely death from leukaemia. The Boyds are devastated, not to mention overwhelmed with medical debt, but Bree thought of everything – and soon, Jodie is shocked by a new post on her sister’s Instagram feed.
The first of many Bree recorded in secret, the post foretells a jaw-dropping challenge for Jodie: to complete Bree’s very public bucket list. From ‘fly over Antarctica’ to ‘perform a walk-on cameo in a Broadway musical’, if Jodie does it – and keeps all Bree’s followers – a corporate sponsor will pay off the staggering medical debt. It’s crazy. It’s terrifying. It’s impossible to refuse. So, despite her trepidation, Jodie plunges in, never imagining that in death, her sister will teach her how to live, and that the last item on the list – ‘fall in love’ – may just prove to be the easiest.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
What an amazing book to get lost in. Someone Else’s Bucket List is a book full of feels. From the very beginning you know Bree is dying and her sister Jodie is there beside her all the way. After Bree has gone her family have so much debt to pay back for all her medical expenses. Luckily for them Bree had a plan. Jodie will need to finish Bree’s bucket list for her. Someone Else’s Bucket List will bring you in touch with loneliness and sadness of grief to the joys of happiness of love and life. It will bring your emotions up and crash them down. Jodie’s journey of highs and lows is powerful and yet gentle and touching. This is more than a bucket list, it’s a way to honour her sister by finishing it. Amy T. Matthews has written a beautiful emotional rollercoaster of a book that will leave you falling in love with her writing. Ann-Marie, SA, 5 Stars
What a beautiful motivational story. The bond between sisters is incredible in this novel and although heartbreaking a real poignant message about not taking anything for granted. I absolutely loved this book. Kim, NSW, 5 Stars
I’m not going to lie, I cried, a lot. I cried at the sad parts, I cried at the happy parts, I cried at the frustrating parts and I cried at the funny parts, this book had all the feels. I also fell totally in love with some wonderfully colourful and entertaining characters, some of which definitely deserve stories of their own. I would very much love to see this book made into a movie, there are some very moving scenes and some very entertaining ones that would be hilarious to watch on the screen. I’d just have to be sure to bring the tissues along! Rebecca, NSW, 5 Stars
For personal reasons it was hard to get started, but once I got started I could not put it down. Just loved it, such a feel-good book. Felt for Jodie, and then I am cheering her on, wanting her to conquer all her fears. I was disappointed when the book finished. Lynette, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved this book! It took me on such an emotional journey – loss, heartbreak, courage, hope, joy, the love and importance of family and friends. Such a thought-provoking and moving read full of heart and soul. Highly recommend. Karen, NSW, 5 Stars
Loved, loved, loved this book. Could not put it down! Fantastic storyline and kept me entrenched the whole way through. I loved watching the characters grow. Tugged at the heartstrings in places and then had me laughing out loud in other spots. Highly recommend this one. Amanda, SA, 5 Stars
This beautifully written story is about grief, friendship, family, laughter and, most of all, love. Beautiful, shy Jodie is grieving. Her extroverted sister Bree has recently passed away after a battle with leukaemia. This story hits you with all the feels, as you share the emotion from Bree’s family and friends, as Jodie is compelled to complete her deceased sister’s bucket list. Jodie embarks on a journey of a lifetime where she finds herself surrounded by new fame, bold tasks and opportunities to learn to love and be loved. Highly recommend this book it was such a pleasure to read. Thanks Better Reading Australia for another opportunity to review this ARC. Jess, QLD, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed Someone Else’s Bucket List. The story brought home what it would be like to go through cancer and the difficulties of the ones left behind. Amy T. Matthews has an excellent way of describing the events, people, feelings and emotions in this book. I enjoyed the concept of doing someone else’s bucket list. Her description of the emotions of the family and friends involved did not leave a lot for imagination as her descriptions left you feeling like you were going through it. I loved the way Bree thought out the idea to involve all of the family and how Jodie, her sister, took on the challenge. A few surprises thrown in to keep you wondering, and information about how her family reacted to the changes to their life after Bree’s passing. I can highly recommend this book. I will be looking out for her future books. I normally read Australian-based stories but thanks to Better Reading I really enjoyed a change of scenery. I suggest you put this one on your to-be-read pile. Jenny, NSW, 5 Stars
Amy T. Matthews beautifully captures the exploration of grief, life, love and the pursuit of dreams. I was absolutely enchanted by the story and Amy’s narrative and descriptive prowess brought me into the world that brought Jodie’s struggles to life as she navigated the bucket list. I didn’t just read about her grief, I felt it. I read this book over the Christmas and New Year holidays and it was the perfect read for the season and a timely reminder to explore one’s own dreams. I absolutely love the idea of leaving a legacy like this for your family! Stalla, VIC, 5 Stars
The most heartbreaking story about life and love and never taking a single moment for granted. We never know when our time on this earth will be up so make sure your loved ones know what they mean to you. I have never cried so much while reading a book. Although it is fiction, it also could unbelievably be a true story for so many people out in the world. Cancer affects so many people’s lives and this book is about family. While Bree has passed away, she leaves a bucket list for her sister Jodie to finish. I think that this helped Jodie through her grief even though she had to step out of her comfort zone. I easily related to this book as someone who spent a significant amount of time in hospital. It’s heartwrenching but uplifting in one! Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this rollercoaster of emotions. This book is well-written and well-structured. Of course, the beginning is quite sad, but also quite necessary You are taken on a journey with the protagonist that will have you laugh and cry along with them. I loved that Jodie didn’t just succumb to peer pressure but she learned to stand up for herself, and for her sister’s wishes. It is great to see how differently each member of the family dealt with their grief. There is no one-size-fits-all. Sharon, QLD, 5 Stars
An unforgettable and utterly moving story of loss and healing, that had me in tears but also swelled my heart, made me laugh and reminded us of the bond of family. This would make an excellent movie! Rachel, QLD, 5 Stars
This was my New Year’s Day read, and yes, I did read it in a day. The story captured for me the raw grief of a family and some may find this triggering, BUT it also reveals hope and the many aspects of love. It explores how self-image influences our view of the world and the impact it has on our decision-making and confidence. The themes of “15 minutes of fame” and the intrusion of social media are also explored, both positive and negative aspects. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster, which at times was painful but nonetheless I wanted to ride it to the end. Heather, NSW, 5 Stars
Read with a box of tissues is my recommendation but don’t miss out on reading this gem of a book. Although the content was sad at times the stories behind the characters and the concept of the book were engaging and uplifting. It’s the kind of book that lingers after you finish reading it. I am looking forward to what comes next from this author as this one really left its mark. Tracy, WA, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book – the perfect summer read. I could hardly stop reading it – and when I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Jodie is such a likeable heroine, and so beautifully written and described. Amy T. Matthews makes such a bittersweet premise for a novel so uplifting and full of life. A joy to read! Nicola, NSW, 5 Stars
What a great story! I started crying on page one but somehow knew things would turn out well in this book about two very different sisters. From beyond the grave, the extroverted sister (Bree) sends the introverted one (Jodie) on a life journey that honours them both. Along the way, more characters join the journey and they enrich one another’s lives. Past wounds are healed, there are more tears but plenty of laughs as well. It’s a warm, funny, and touching book – a perfect summer read to help you feel good about the world again. Susan, VIC, 5 Stars
Someone Else’s Bucket List is a tender exploration of coping with life after loss and the ways in which our loved ones never truly leave us. This book centres on Jodie, who is devastated at the loss of her sister Bree. The writer so eloquently captures the emotional rollercoaster that is the journey through grief. Having personally lost a beloved, the writing is exquisite in its rawness. You will feel, you will love, you will appreciate, you will smile, and you will chuckle all while reading this book. You may even sob. The humour especially is well-balanced and expertly woven throughout. This is a sensational debut and I hope that Amy is already writing her next novel. A sincere thank you to Better Reading, Simon and Schuster Australia, and Amy T. Matthews for this preview copy. Brooke, VIC, 5 Stars
What a wonderful debut novel from Amy T. Matthews, I couldn’t put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It can be hard to read about grief and death, particularly when it feels so real, with Bree having cancer and passing away. But the way that this was written was beautiful, you felt the family’s pain, her sister’s love, fears and challenges in death. I liked all of the characters and the way her sister’s bucket list was the start but not the end of Jodie’s story was well done. It was not cheesy which I had concerns with when I read the premise of the book. I would recommend this to my book club to read. Emma, VIC, 4 Stars
What an emotional rollercoaster. Tears, smiles, held breath, giggles. You truly feel immersed in this storyline. Valesha, SA, 4 Stars
In our current world of Instagram, this was very cleverly written. It was such a moving story and an inspiration to see how shy Jodie steps up to fulfill the bucket list set for her by her deceased influencer sister to help out with the family’s medical debt. Kerry, WA, 4 Stars
I saved this book to read by the pool during the holidays. One chapter in, I was so drawn into the fictional family’s grief that I packed Someone Else’s Bucket List into the bottom of my suitcase until I returned home. Worth waiting for. A book that unpacked sibling rivalry, grief, friendship and love. Thank you to Better Reading for the opportunity to meet these relatable characters. KB, SA, 4 Stars
Someone Else’s Bucket List was a delightfully easy-to-read novel. There were plenty of likeable characters and the story was fresh and engaging. Whilst the novel started in a place of illness and grief, the sadness of the story didn’t take over the reader’s experience. Rather, the story gently evolves into an uplifting and explorative focus on the main character’s life, relationships and journey ahead. It also showed how a sister’s love can be beautiful and enduring. Would recommend. Debbie, VIC, 4 Stars
Someone Else’s Bucket List will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions as we look at grief and how it affects our life and relationships. But it is not just a book on grief it’s about taking stock of your life, what may be holding you back and striving to live your best life. It’s about embracing the qualities you have that others often see more than we do ourselves. I would class this book as a slow burn; the first few chapters can be hard to read especially if you have experienced nursing and ultimately losing a loved one with cancer, but worth sticking with. Some characters you will love, some may frustrate you, but the thing that keeps you turning the pages is the journey to see who redeems themselves and who doesn’t. I was surprised to learn the author is Australian as I found the book very American, especially with the importance of baseball in Jodie’s life – it’s a sport not a lot of Australians have knowledge of. While I did enjoy the book, I think the book would better suit a younger audience than myself. An audience with more experience and acceptance of the world of influencers, as this plays a large part in the story. Kathy, QLD, 4 Stars
A touching story about Bree, who did things in life one could only dream of, and Jodie, who held back. Bree’s bucket list brought Jodie love and adventure. She came out of her shell to honour and pay the debt off from Bree’s medical bills. She made a few good friends along the way. This book really hit home as I just lost my mum to cancer and it shows healing takes time but life still goes on. Lorraine, VIC, 4 Stars
I enjoyed this story but really think it is more for a younger reader (I’m 52). I loved that Jodie tried to complete the bucket list even though it was out of her comfort zone. We all have confidence issues and I could relate to her anxiety. Recommended for 18-30-year-old readers. Tina, SA, 4 Stars
Bree and Jodie are loving sisters – Bree is a fun-loving Instagrammer & influencer with six things left to do on her bucket list; Jodie is insecure and anxious, in a job she dislikes. Bree has a mountain of medical bills as she is dying, and makes a deal with one of her sponsors to get Jodie to complete the bucket list when she has gone, and the sponsor will pay the bills each time something is crossed off the list. Jodie will now be in the public eye, under scrutiny, out of her comfort zone. Can she honour her sister’s wish as she grieves, and find the courage to be her true self? Thanks to #BRPreview for my uncorrected proof. Marice, NSW, 4 Stars
Someone Else’s Bucket List by Amy T. Matthews is a story of challenges, grief, love and believing in yourself. Straight up, you’re seeing the last few months of Bree’s life as it is coming to its end. Bree is the oldest sister who has lived a life of adventure and fun until an unexpected illness changes everything. Meanwhile, Jodie is the younger, more reserved sister who has stepped up to help her parents pay Bree’s mounting medical bills. Soon after Bree’s passing, a video pops up on her Instagram account. It’s a challenge for Jodie to complete Bree’s bucket list for her. The challenges scare Jodie but the kicker is that if she completes them a corporate sponsor will pay off Bree’s medical debts for her family. Can she step out of her comfort zone and complete each challenge? I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of this book to find out. Thanks to Better Reading and Simon and Schuster (Australia) for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this story. Jody, SA, 4 Stars
When you feel like your life is over as you’ve lost your best friend, she reminds you that she’ll always be with you through recorded messages and social media. And it’s possible to trust, love and follow your own dreams. Raelene, QLD, 4 Stars
Jodie’s successful influencer sister Bree who has more than a million Instagram followers has scheduled an Instagram post to appear on Thanksgiving. In this post, Bree who had just six items out of 100 left on her bucket list when she died, asks her quiet, shy, and anxious sister Jodie to complete them for her. If Jodie does it, and retains all Bree’s Instagram followers, a sponsor will pay off all of Bree’s medical bills. Jodie would do anything for Bree, and for her family, but will she be able to muster up the courage to publicly do all these remaining six bucket list items? This is a book about grief, love, and courage. A beautiful story with a cast of mostly enjoyable characters. #TeamJodie Thanks to @betterreadingau for my advanced copy. Michelle, SA, 4 Stars
What a thoroughly enjoyable read. Not a book I would normally pick up but once I started I couldn’t put it down. Thanks Better Reading for the chance to review. Joel, VIC, 4 Stars
Someone Else’s Bucket List has an interesting premise that could have gone many ways. Matthews has aimed for an uplifting romance peppered with humour as well as insights into Jodie’s (the protagonist’s) grief at the loss of her sister. It’s a story of living after loss. This might not sit so well with the more sceptical who would have preferred more exploration of the themes of the roles of capitalism, intrusion of social media, and Jodie’s trauma that are touched upon here. However, Matthews has delivered a more heart-warming look at the aftermath of tragedy. There is a strong sisterhood relationship and some very funny side characters as well as some interesting challenges to follow as we cheer Jodie along (feeling a bit like social media followers as we read). This does provoke thoughts about coping with death. There is a cute little romance for our protagonist – easily likable and not too difficult unlike some of her other challenges. The kind of romance that just makes you nod and smile. Rebecca, NSW, 4 Stars
Beautifully written story, moving and confronting at times. A great read! Heidi, NSW, 4 Stars
Someone Else’s Bucket List is an emotional and bittersweet story about family, sisterhood and grief. Bree and Jodie are two twenty-something sisters. Bree is social, adventurous and an extrovert while Jodie, the younger of the two, is shy, unsure, anxious and an introvert. After Bree dies of leukaemia, she leaves recorded messages to her family, setting a challenge to her sister, Jodie, to complete her bucket list. This encourages Jodie to go out of her comfort zone and shows her personal growth, navigating her grief while trying to fulfill her sister’s dying wish. The romance part of the story was cute. The book starts a little slowly but I thought the writing was good. I enjoyed the book. Meredith, NSW, 4 Stars
Although I am not in the Instagram/influencer age bracket, I will review this book for what it is. It’s a story that started with tragedy but morphed into something more meaningful and uplifting. A shy young girl pushed into the limelight by a gregarious older sister. At times there is possibly too much detail but that doesn’t necessarily spoil the story as the young sister comes into her own. Gloria, SA, 3 Stars
The concept of this book interested me, it was an original idea. I enjoyed the first part of the book far more than the second. A book I had looked forward to, but was disappointed by. Kathryn, NSW, 3 Stars
Someone Else’s Bucket List contains one of the most relatable depictions of grief I’ve read. The story beautifully captures those moments that sharply take your breath away: the heartache, the joy and, at times, the anger. Jodie experiences all these emotions as she carries out her sister Bree’s dying wish of completing her bucket list. Albeit in the limelight of the materialistic Instagram world, which she has scorned. As Jodie completes the tasks, she gets a lot more than she bargained for, including learning to live rather than just exist. There are laugh-out-loud moments, and the ‘will they won’t they’ tension is not as predictable as you think. A great read. Kelly, QLD, 3 Stars
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