Things to Do Before the End of the World by Emily Barr | Review
An Ultimate book blog tour from The Write Reads.
Thank you to Emily Barr, Penguin Platform, NetGalley, and Dave & the Gang at The Write Reads for providing me the information for this tour.
Things to Do Before the End of the World by Emily Barr Published by Penguin on 05/01/2021
Genres: Contempoary Romance, Fiction, LGBTQ, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Self-Esteem, Suspense, Thriller, Young Adult
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 368
Timely and powerful; the new coming-of-age thriller from the bestselling author of The One Memory of Flora Banks. One minute you're walking in the park, hiding from a party. Then you discover that the next nine months will probably be your last. Everyone's last. You realize that you happen to be alive at the time when your species becomes extinct.You have to decide whether to go with it meekly like you usually do or to do something brave, to live your last months with all the energy and bravery you can muster, to rage against the dying of the light.
Olivia struggles to live her real life as fully as she wants to. She plans out conversations and events in her head but actually doing them and interacting with other people is hard. When the news breaks that humans have done such damage to the earth that there are only nine months of safe air left everybody makes bucket lists and starts living their best lives - everyone, that is, but Olivia who is still struggling to figure out who she wants to be.
Then out of the blue comes contact from a long-lost cousin Olivia didn't even know existed. Natasha is everything Olivia wants to be and more. And as the girls meet up for their last summer on earth Olivia finds Natasha's ease and self-confidence having an effect on her. But what if Natasha isn't everything she first appears to be . . . ?
Add to Goodreads
Source: NetGalley, Received from the author or publisher for review., The Write Reads Tours
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Purchase Links for Things to Do Before the End of the World by Emily Barr
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My thoughts on Things to Do Before the End of the World by Emily Barr
This story is a unique coming-of-age story. Our main character decides to step out of her shy, reticent self when the end of the world is predicted to happen in just a few short months. I expected “the end of the world” to be the main focus of this story. It actually takes second billing to the feelings, thoughts, and actions of humans who are adjusting their mindset to this doomsday prediction.
While I expected chaos, people seem to continue on with their life for the most part while expecting a miracle to step in and save the Earth from the global destruction humans have caused. Upon reflection, I can see this attitude being the norm. After all, we are so good at burying our heads in the sand.
The main character, Olivia, refuses to contemplate ending her days without taking chances and trying to gain the love of her life. Disaster ensues when she is duped by Natasha, a previously unknown cousin. On the surface, Natasha is everything Olivia wishes she could be. But, is she really? There are hints throughout the story that all is not as it seems.
When days are running short, Olivia realizes she is in over her head. She has no choice but to turn to her family. In the course of solving the mystery of Natasha, long-buried family secrets are disclosed.
I enjoyed the drama of family secrets, mysteries, and reconciliations. The doomsday aspect is ever-present in the background influencing actions and feelings, but if you are looking for it as the main character of this story, you won’t find it. Let me finish by saying …What an ending!
There is considerable use of “language” in this book. Please consider checking the content warnings on Book Trigger Warnings to see if there are any issues that might prevent you from enjoying the story.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Things to do Before the End...Shop on Amazon Things to do Before the End...Shop on Amazon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Things to Do Before the End of the World
About Emily Barr
Emily Barr worked as a journalist in London but always hankered after a quiet room and a book to write.
She went traveling for a year, which gave her an idea for a novel set in the world of backpackers in Asia. This became BACKPACK, an adult thriller that won the WH Smith New Talent Award, and she has since written eleven more adult novels published in the UK and around the world.
Her first Young Adult novel, THE ONE MEMORY OF FLORA BANKS, has been published in 26 languages worldwide.
Her latest YA novel is THE GIRL WHO CAME OUT OF THE WOODS, which was published in May 2019.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE END OF THE WORLD will be published by Penguin in May 2021.
She lives in Cornwall with her partner and their children.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Similar reviews:
The After Days by Amy Ginsburg
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I also share many of my reviews on the following websites:
- Lovely Audiobook’s Monthly Link-up (Not limited to audiobooks)
- The Inspire Me Monday Link Party
- Inspire Me Monday with Anita Ojeda
- Grammy’s Grid Unlimited Monthly Link Party
- Esme’s Salon Monthly Link-up
[…] Things to Do Before the End of the World by Emily Barr […]
Great review, Gina! I’m starting this soon as my post is due on the 6th!
Great review!