I Liked My Life

A Novel

By: Abby Fabiaschi

Narrated by: Susan Bennett, Dan Bittner, Thérèse Plummer

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

Maddy is a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother, host of excellent parties, giver of thoughtful gifts, and bestower of a searingly perceptive piece of advice or two. She is the cornerstone of her family, a true matriarch...until she commits suicide, leaving her husband, Brady, and teenage daughter, Eve, heartbroken and reeling, wondering what happened. How could the exuberant, exacting woman they loved disappear so abruptly, seemingly without reason, from their lives? How they can possibly continue without her? As they sift through details of her last days, trying to understand the woman they thought they knew, Brady and Eve are forced to come to terms with unsettling truths.

Maddy, however, isn't ready to leave her family forever. Watching from beyond, she tries to find the perfect replacement for herself. Along comes Rory: pretty, caring, and spontaneous, with just the right bit of edge...but who also harbors a tragedy of her own. Will the mystery of Maddy ever come to rest? And can her family make peace with their history and begin to heal?

©2016 Abagail Katherine Wittnebert (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Warm and hopeful, this marvelous debut stands next to novels from Catherine McKenzie and Carolyn Parkhurst." ( Booklist)

"Listeners won't want to miss this surprisingly positive yet truthful novel.... Susan Bennett's soft, gentle voice is perfect for Maddy's sections, and her self-assured narration highlights the character's practicality as she questions her circumstances and tries to make things right with the family members she left behind. Therese Plummer's youthful pitch and varied tone, from trembly to sassy, believably project Eve's roller-coaster emotions and changing perspective on how to live a full life. Dan Bittner's performance teases out Brady's guilt, anger, and insecurities as he reviews his married life and attempts to create a new future. All three performances are strong, creating a seamless listening experience." ( AudioFile)

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Any additional comments?

My favorite book this year! It kept me "listening" and on the edge of my chair, great ending!

And I loved this book!

I am so glad that other reviews warned to not be put off by the subject - a mother's suicide - and I took a chance. Wow - what a great book! While the idea of a "voice from beyond" was a little strange at first, this book was funny, endearing, poignant, and just had a fantastic ending. And the narration was spot on, too. Definitely recommend.

True voices

This book is amazing and surprising. The author does a great job capturing a teenager’s voice and personality, as well as those of complex and likable adults. The plot kept me guessing until the end.

Everything happens for a reason

Not what I expected. This book is full of life lessons and really makes you think.
Don't be deterred by the suicide theme. At the end, I felt inspired and hopeful.

A Lovely, Cleverly Told Story

It's been awhile since I read a book with a well written ending. often I'm dissappointed that even books on the best sellers list seem to wrap up the end like they were suddenly at deadline. This story comes together beautifully.

I admit, it's been in my audible library for awhile, I was nervous to read a book about suicide. I shouldn't have been because this story celebrates life at it's very essence.

Don't be afraid. My only regret is that it's finished and I miss my new friends.

Loved this book!!!!

This is now my new favorite book. I recommend it to all moms and daughters of all ages.

Beautiful!

I loved this book! BEAUTIFULLY written and so much deeper than you would think from the summary! Great narrators also!

Great book

Emotional, thought provoking, yet an easy listen with a twist at the end. Great book

Loved this book!

Would you listen to I Liked My Life again? Why?

Yes. I really enjoyed the narrator's and loved the story. I listened to it in 2 days!

Perfect listen

From the very beginning I was drawn in. It added that this book had 3 narrators, because each chapter was told by one of the 3 main characters. Their thoughts, feelings and realities. That is very difficult to accomplish. This book , like the Poisenwood Bible, seamlessly flows.
It's thoughtful, touching and I found it difficult to stop listening.
I am usually very good at predicting endings, but I never saw this one coming.
I highly recommend this book. This story will stay with you long after you finish the book. Do not let the subject of suicide put you off. This is a story of love, deep love.