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G**O
Wonderful story
This book really captures friendship like it truly is: even when you haven't seen a real friend in many months or years, you can pick up right where you left off. Dennis and Jack are like that even as things go over the top as the story unfolds. I might say thick as thieves, but that's too cliche. Read the blurb and if that strikes your fancy, buy this book and give it a read. I think you'll be glad you did.
C**E
Would highly recommend this book!
I had never heard of this book prior to it being recommended recently by my book club. I was hooked from the verystart! I think I laughed through the first three quarters of the book and then cried throughout the last. Having spent my entire early years attending parochial school, there were so many parts of this story that almost seemed like aninside joke. I fell in love with both Dennis and Jack and for very different reasons for each one. I found myself laughing out loud many times. And I was glad to be home alone while reading the last parts as the tears were flowing freely. It was exciting to see that the author lives locally too. This was such an enjoyable read and I cannot wait to be able to dive into the next one!!
K**Y
Well written and captivating
This book is funny and sad by turns. I grew up in the area where it is set and the descriptions bring me right back home. A great story!
C**E
NH made it such an enjoyment to know the exact mentioned locations
The quick synopsis to the story of 'breaking a friend out of hospice' seemed outlandish, but this rare storyline made me curious. Growing up in Salem, NH made it such an enjoyment to know the exact mentioned locations, and being able to truly picture/map the exciting tale. The incredible sensory details made me feel as though I was in Dennis' shoes. I could picture my analytical self with one of my own friends that never second guesses one move, and relating to Dennis being completely apprehensive to each absurd obstacle that Jack sets.At first glace one could think this was a morbid tale, but it is far from it. "Chasing Mayflies" has an abundance of adventure, action, comedy, and obvious lessons throughout the book. After recently experiencing a tragic family event, this book helped me realize you cannot live your life in fear and that you must seize the day! --- As Linda Ellis once wrote, "What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash"
K**E
Statistically, the Death Rate is 100%.
This story takes place at the end of one man’s life; a man who has left misery in his wake. It is a search for redemption in the final hours of his squandered life. The story goes back and forth between a screwball comedy and a drama. The reader remains interested in what happens next, and there is genuine concern for Jean Bradley, M.B., and Jack’s daughter Kate. The theme of this story is “Forgiveness”. The sub-theme is “It is never too late to do the right thing.” Both of these points are certainly valid. But I feel Jack should have done something to reach out BEFORE he was on his death bed. The story will keep you engaged and wondering what happens next. Statistically, the death rate is 100%. If you have unfinished business, remember what George Elliot said—“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” Jack was a better man in the end. I just wish he had done it much sooner.
S**T
Excellent
I started reading this with the thought that it was going to be the stereotypical "bucket list" story. It quickly turned into a fast moving tale with unexpected twists and turns. The story is liberally sprinkled with some hilarious comparisons and situations which were totally unexpected. I found myself laughing aloud at various passages. The book intertwines many different storylines together without diluting the main theme. Technically very well written and edited. I loved this book. One true measure of a book is if you end up going back and reading it again. I have only done this with a few stories, but I know I will go back and read this one again to capture some of the small details that I missed the first time. The Author should be very proud !
S**8
Highly Recommend. Delightful to read and deeply moving!
A perfect book to read on the beach!! A page turner that had me laughing out loud , shedding a few tears, and then laughing again! I loved the hilarious capers and could not wait to see what trouble those 2 would get into next!! Vincent's writing was so vivid, that I could just imaging being right there and watching Dennis and Jack narrowly miss getting caught time after time. This story contains life lessons that the reader will contemplate long after finishing the book. I especially appreciated Vincent's moving dedication to his father. What a great man and what a great son he had in Vincent to inspire a complex, meaningful, spritual and well-written story like Chasing Mayflies! Highly recommend! Anxiously awaiting a sequel and/or prequel!
A**E
Fun and happy read; not just for individual but for book clubs too
If you have endured a loyal friendship, this story certainly makes you reflect on 'what would I do' from both characters perspectives. Having grown up in New England I enjoyed the local references. Our book club had a lively, spirited discussion on the storyline, the characters, and the symbolism of this book. The relationship of Dennis and Jack kept you rooting for the underdog--wanting both men to succeed in their endeavors. And while the outcome was inevitable, the way the story was written made you curious for more and in some respects, not ready for it to end. Well done!
S**E
Hold onto your hats!
Tearaway geriatric Jack is on his deathbed but has some unfinished business. He needs to break out of the hospice, and for this, he calls upon his oldest buddy, conventional Dennis despite the deep grudge he holds against Jack.What follows is an hilarious, poignant, fast-moving race so that Jack can right wrongs and save Dennis from boredom out west before it's too late. This is the exceptional story of two old blokes who create mayhem and havoc wherever they go, have the police on their tail, get saved from impossible situations, face near hairy biker death and relentlessly pursue their mission. However uncomfortable.It's full of kindness, sheer wonderful humanity, bickering, fighting, and love.A fab read.
R**X
A hilarious journey
The trailer for this was"What would you do if your best friend's last wish was to help him escape from a hospice so he could "take care of a few things?"I enjoyed reading this amusing story, with somewhat unbelievable events but delivered with laughter. The author admits the story was motivated by his Father’s last days. he states “While my Dad was the opposite of the main character in this "R.I.P.” roaring, bittersweet journey, he would agree with its central message that it’s never too late to set things right. But it takes courage to change your perspective.”The story has plenty of surprises as the two friends embark on their impetuous journey. At times it invokes sadness, provides plenty of laughs and leaves one thinking. Throughout story the dying man Jack manipulates his friend Dennis to become the man he never was and overcome his. I highly recommend this story.I leave this honest review voluntarily.
C**L
Chaos
As two old friends reunite, the death wishes of one are revealed. The journey that transpires is humorous, in a sad way. Interesting journey to make retribution.
L**T
Interesting read
I thought the premise to this story was good but I found the story moved along very slowly. I finally started getting into the story when I was 60 percent into the book but from there on it moved along nicely and kept my interest.
G**E
what if the sky is keeping up the earth?
This novel brought me asking the question: is the sky that is keeping up the earth or viceversa? Indeed this would give a different perspective of facts and feelings.Tough topics became light and treated with irony and hilarity. The way it is written keeps you stuck to the drama and makes you diving so deep to make you feeling like the protagonists.It was a joy to go through and I strongly suggest everyone this GREAT book.
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