Official Review: List Life by Sophie Jackson

[Mariana Figueira]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "List Life" by Sophie Jackson.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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One day, Elise was texting her recently divorced friend Brad, who was being gloomy about not getting on with his life, when she decided to cheer him up by sending him a list of tasks to complete in a certain amount of time; just like that, List Life was born.

Because the list proved to be such a raging success for Brad, Elise spread the word, and soon, her friends, family, and coworkers were in on it, sending and asking for lists. Initially, the intention was to improve her friend's mood and, after a while, a way to get out of her comfort zone by doing the crazy things people told her to. Because Elise is consistently on the move, these lists are perfect for her, though sometimes they were more than inconvenient.

I think this book is a pleasant, light read that many people can enjoy. Sophie Jackson wrote it in a journal format, so she tells of the events addressing the reader directly, and it feels like a trusted friend is talking to you. The language is straightforward, informal, and the author's style was refreshing and relatable; unfortunately, I found more than a handful of grammar errors and typos, so it requires further editing.

I find the concept of List Life fascinating and want to try it myself. I relished the diary composition in which the author described the events and the narrator's enthusiasm, as she rejoices in so many things and is not afraid to express her opinion. Lastly, it thrills me to know the book is based on real events. Those things were my absolute favorite thing out of the novel.

The sole thing I didn't appreciate was the lack of plot development; although the book is nearly three hundred pages, not much happens. It consists predominantly of stories of how Elise ticked off all the items on the lists and the consequences she experienced and, at the very end, there are some reflections on what the lists meant for her as a lifestyle. However, this wasn't a significant issue for me, and it didn't prevent me from liking the book.

Overall, I enjoyed reading List Life. It is a shame it wasn't edited properly, as I would have granted it four stars; as it is, I have to give it three out of four stars because of the number of errors, as well as the underdeveloped storyline. I think it would be a lovely read for many people, as long as they're not bothered by it having several instances of non-borderline vulgar language.

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List Life
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[Kavita Shah]

The idea of a list and doing all the crazy things mentioned within a time limit is a good topic. The concept of list's has been since long, but I never came across a book/diary about it. What list did she make for Brad and then for her family? Thank you for the informative review!

[Zaeda Amrin]

Following a list of tasks to get out of your comfort zone is a really interesting idea. It reminds me of the movie Dare, which was itself a really thrilling movie! The writing style also sounds nice, I don't often read books written in a diary-style. Thank you for the great review!

[Becca Olsson]

I love when an author can write in a conversational way. I always feel more involved. Thanks for the great review!

[Kristy Khem]

The concept of List Life sounds so cool! I would love to make lists for those around me. I wonder what kind of activities were on Elise's lists. Nice review.

[Yvonne Monique]

A list life sounds like a great way to get out of our daily routine. This book sounds like a fun read for a lazy afternoon.

[Kennedy NC]

The idea of a list being the solution to someone's moodiness is new. Great review written here.

[Joyful17]

I'm quite curious about what the list contains. I guess I would have to get my copy to find out. Thanks for a great review.

[WADonnelly]

Thanks to your review I think I'll give this book a go as it sounds like a light and easy book to read.

[Rayah Raouf]

I quite like journal-type books! This book does sound interesting though. Thank you for the review.

[Mariana Figueira]

The idea of a list and doing all the crazy things mentioned within a time limit is a good topic. The concept of list's has been since long, but I never came across a book/diary about it. What list did she make for Brad and then for her family? Thank you for the informative review!

The lists had everything from what to eat to "text someone you love them" Thanks for stopping by!

Following a list of tasks to get out of your comfort zone is a really interesting idea. It reminds me of the movie Dare, which was itself a really thrilling movie! The writing style also sounds nice, I don't often read books written in a diary-style. Thank you for the great review!

Thanks for commenting! This book is quite nice indeed.

I love when an author can write in a conversational way. I always feel more involved. Thanks for the great review!

Thank you for the compliment!

[Mariana Figueira]

The concept of List Life sounds so cool! I would love to make lists for those around me. I wonder what kind of activities were on Elise's lists. Nice review.

The lists had everything in them! Though it usually only had five items. Thanks for stopping by.

A list life sounds like a great way to get out of our daily routine. This book sounds like a fun read for a lazy afternoon.

Absolutely, it's a nice easygoing book. Thanks for stopping by.

The idea of a list being the solution to someone's moodiness is new. Great review written here.

Thanks!

[Mariana Figueira]

I'm quite curious about what the list contains. I guess I would have to get my copy to find out. Thanks for a great review.

I hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for stopping by.

Thanks to your review I think I'll give this book a go as it sounds like a light and easy book to read.

Awesome! I hope you like it.

I quite like journal-type books! This book does sound interesting though. Thank you for the review.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

It seems like an easy but educational read. An interesting combination . Thank you for this interesting review!

[Marcel Cantu]

This seems like a fun and easy read. The premise is very interesting and sounds like a unique idea to deal with things. It is too bad the story is not better developed!