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)

well written , stellar performance

this story line was a captivating read, that kept me entertained every chapter, every word. I literally found myself giggling and contemplating my own list. well done

Light and funny!

Easy listen and parts of the book were funny. I think it would have been better if the narrator hadn't sounded like she was reading the book at times.

i loved this book!

this was such a light and refreshing book on a rather traumatic situation. i loved the narrator! she really grew on me as the story progressed. i’m on a hunt for more chick-lit books like this. and not overly nauseous on the romance front. the story was very relatable for 30-something working singles! highly recommended.

Cute sweet upbeat entertaining

What can I say the book was cute funny entertaining uplifting… I enjoyed it. It even made me look at my own life just a little bit. Definitely worth the time if not the credit which I guess it’s free right now so…

A little predictable, but still as sweet story.

If you could sum up The Next Thing on My List in three words, what would they be?

Eat. Pray. Love.

What other book might you compare The Next Thing on My List to and why?

See above.

Any additional comments?

The book was predicable. Once I got half way through it, I pretty much knew how it was going to send, but the narrator was nice to listen too and just like watching a Rom Com it was just a sweet story.

***Spoilers***


If there was anything I could change about this book it would be that the last two chapters it seemed like the author just threw in a last minute love interest which was disappointed because one of the lessons I was hoping the main character would learn was that she does not need a man.

The Next Thing on My List (Unabridged)

This was an excellent book! I am 25 and I listened to it with my mother who is 58 when we went on a road trip together. We both thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a heartfelt easy listen that made us laugh out loud sometimes!
**I would also give this book a PG-13 rating for the cursing and sex talk.

Listened to it Twice unintentionally…. Worth both listens!

I downloaded this book as a freebie about a year ago and really enjoyed it. Easy fun listen, great narrator, good cadence, good pace for keeping interest with a few surprises and thought provoking storyline (no spoiler alert). I’m creating a New Year’s list for myself now which I haven’t done in YEARS. But when I ran across this title again recently, I thought it was a follow-up to the “first” one and immediately bought it. After about 20 minutes of thinking it sounded so familiar and wasn’t just recapping the “first” book, I realized I purchased the same book! I listened again and loved it as much the second time… where it’s actually moving me to action. Guess it’s just perfect timing! Definitely recommend!

Wonderful.

narrator was awesome and really brought the character to life. story was a breath of fresh air.

Good read.

Would purchase again. I shed a few tears but enjoyed. Makes you wonder what you add to your own list.

Great Story

This was a wonderful idea for a story! It dealt with a very serious subject matter but with heart and a surprising positive overall feel!