The Next Thing on My List

A Novel

By: Jill Smolinski

Narrated by: Staci Snell

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

“You’ll be hooked by this charming story.... Smolinski gives us a quick-witted heroine...with just the right amount of romance and a tad of suspense.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Meet June Parker. She works for L.A. Rideshare, adores her rent-stabilized apartment in Santa Monica, and struggles with losing a few pesky pounds.

But June's life is about to change.

After a dark turn of events involving Weight Watchers, a chili recipe, and a car accident in which her passenger, Marissa, dies, June finds herself in possession of a list Marissa has written, "20 Things to Do By My 25th Birthday". Even though they barely knew each other, June is compelled by both guilt and a desire to set things right and finish the list for Marissa.

The tasks before her range from inspiring (Run a 5K), to daring (Go braless), to near-impossible (Change someone's life), and as June races to achieve each goal before the deadline, she learns more about her own life than she ever bargained for.

Funny, engaging, and heartwarming, The Next Thing on My List features a loveable, relatable heroine and a story with plenty of humor and heart.

©2008 Jill Smolinski (P)2008 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Clever and winning, Smolinski's novel will have readers rooting for June as they eagerly turn the pages to keep up with her progress on the list." (Booklist)

It gets to you

Where does The Next Thing on My List rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Tough one. I read (or listen) to non fiction, science, psychology, fiction, magic, fantasy. I would put it in the same category as "Objects of my Affection."

What did you like best about this story?

The main character's introspection triggered by fulfilling the items on the list "in the spirit they were written."

What about Staci Snell’s performance did you like?

OK. Not superb but not astonishing either.

If you could take any character from The Next Thing on My List out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would take out Troy, Marisa's brother. I got the feeling that there was more to the character and would like to know what was going on there.

Cute story

I enjoyed this book although the narrator was a bit boring. Even during the “funny” moments, her voice was so monotoned, I found it tough to laugh.

Addictive from beginning to end

Wonderful story, really great characters, relatable and honest. Narrator was great all the way through also.

Light fun

The reader did a great job. Interesting story line. A relaxing upbeat experience A pleasant escape

pleasantly surprised

I didn't expect to like this one as much as i did. It's not the traditional chick-lit, in that it has slightly sad undertone, but i think it's what made the main character more thoughtful and likable. It made her seem less....flighty/girly than the traditional chick-lit heroine. Plus, I enjoyed the narrator, which is key for a good audiobook.

Touching with just enough humor!

Thanks Jill Smolinski for a good story. There were no gimmicks or constant "f" bombs, just likable characters that I could either relate to, or recognize from my own circle of family, friends and acquaintances. I've heard several weak audio books lately, that this one was a pleasant surprise!

Great story

OK, well, I have to say I had the same idea for a book! But this book was really well written. Charming and funny, and I found myself identifying with the main character and the girl she is finishing the list for (Marissa). I definitely thought about what my list would look like. A great, great book! I didn't get bored once.

good read

I was able to occur myself completing someone's list. It was very insightful and thought provoking.

Must listen to.

I have to say this book has made the chores And lawn work I’ve done in the past few days flyby.
This book is very sweet and surprisingly uplifting. I highly recommend :)

Wonderful Book!

This was a great 'feel good' book. You really relate with the characters and are really pulling for her to find love and complete the list. Excellent read!!