Contemporary fiction
How Not to Die Alone
Debut
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Early Release
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Quick take
Steady job? Check. Great apartment? Check. Loving family? Well...
Good to know
Fast read
Family drama
Sad
Quirky
Synopsis
Andrew's been feeling stuck. For years he's worked a thankless public health job, searching for the next of kin of those who die alone. Luckily, he goes home to a loving family every night. At least, that's what his coworkers believe.
Then he meets Peggy.
A misunderstanding has left Andrew trapped in his own white lie and his lonely apartment. When new employee Peggy breezes into the office like a breath of fresh air, she makes Andrew feel truly alive for the first time in decades. But telling Peggy the truth could mean losing everything. For twenty years, Andrew has worked to keep his heart safe, forgetting one important thing: how to live. Maybe it's time for him to start.
Free sample
Get an early look from the first pages of How Not to Die Alone.
Why I love it
Liberty Hardy
BOTM Judge
Prepare yourself for hilarity and heart-squeezes in this life-affirming novel about—wait for it—death!
Andrew has an unusual job for a civil servant: He goes into the homes of deceased people who lived alone and searches their belongings for clues of any living relatives. He is respectful and sensitive, and the job suits him. Andrew himself lives a quiet life alone—not that his coworkers know that. For five years, due to a small error, he’s allowed them to believe he’s happily married with children.
Now Andrew’s lie has come back to bite him, not only because his boss is suggesting they take turns hosting team-building dinners, but also because of the new employee, Peggy. Peggy is friendly and full of life, and Andrew is falling for her. But if he tells her the truth, will she ever talk to him again? And will his boss fire him if he finds out the truth?
I had no idea what to expect when I started this, and was delighted to discover that not only was it full of humor, but it has so much heart. Roper has done a great job weaving together a story of one man’s loneliness and dreams in the face of mortality. I never found it to be too heavy, despite death playing a large part in the story, and I also found myself wishing that everything, against all odds, would turn out all right for Andrew in the end.
Member ratings (8,288)
Jennifer Si Eun L.
Forest Hills, NY
It wasn’t what I’d expected but I loved the book. Also am glad to have come across and read this one before the book was renamed “Something to Live for.” I honestly would not have picked it up then.
Jennifer C.
Santa Barbara, CA
I’m typically a thriller and historical fiction gal, but I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and picked this one! What a gem this is! It’s about grief and love and it gave me all the feels!!
Amy R.
Mesa, AZ
I don’t even know how to explain this book. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. You want to protect him but beat him at the same time! It’ll make you look at strangers differently.
Michelle M.
Walla Walla, WA
This book was great! Funny, in a warped way ???????? Peggy is wonderful how she encourages our hero to live. The life lesson.. take a Chance, worse case? You’ll be in a plastic suit going through homes
Sarah B.
Nashville, TN
I ADORED it. I love Andrew and I love the idea behind this book which I believe is what a lot of people misunderstood. The story isn’t leading anywhere in particular, which is the point. It’s subtle.