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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
I Liked My Life summary
Abby Fabiaschi
Brief summary
I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi is a poignant novel that explores the aftermath of a mother's suicide. Told from the perspectives of the mother, daughter, and husband, it delves into themes of love, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of family.
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Table of Contents
I Liked My Life
Summary of key ideas
The Aftermath of a Tragic Loss
In I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi, we are introduced to Maddy, a loving wife and mother, who unexpectedly commits suicide. The story then unfolds through the perspectives of Maddy, her husband Brady, and their teenage daughter Eve. Maddy's death leaves her family and friends shattered, struggling to understand why she would take her own life.
Brady, a workaholic, and Eve, a high school student, are left to piece together the puzzle of Maddy's life and death. They discover that Maddy was not as happy as she seemed, and that she had been struggling with her own demons. This revelation forces Brady and Eve to question their own roles in Maddy's unhappiness, and they begin to doubt their own memories of her.
Connecting from Beyond
Meanwhile, in the afterlife, Maddy is given the chance to make amends for her past mistakes. She is allowed to observe her family from beyond and attempts to guide them towards healing. Maddy's presence is felt in the small gestures, like a favorite song playing on the radio or a found photo, that bring comfort to Brady and Eve, convincing them that Maddy is still with them in some form.
As the story progresses, Maddy's ghostly presence takes on a more substantial role. She tries to prevent Brady from moving on too quickly by influencing his romantic choices. Maddy also tries to steer Eve away from a rebellious phase by influencing her friendship choices. However, her attempts at controlling their lives from beyond the grave only serve to complicate matters further.
Acceptance and Moving Forward
In the end, Maddy realizes that her attempts to control her family's lives are doing more harm than good. She learns that she needs to let go and allow her family to live their lives without her. Brady and Eve, on the other hand, come to terms with Maddy's death and their own roles in her unhappiness.
Brady faces his guilt over being an absent husband and father, while Eve confronts her anger towards her mother for leaving her. They both understand that they cannot change the past, but they can work towards a better future. They learn to appreciate the memories they have of Maddy and find comfort in the fact that she will always be a part of their lives.
Unearthing the Truth
As the story unfolds, we also learn the truth about the events leading up to Maddy's suicide. It is revealed that she had been struggling with a deep sense of failure, stemming from her inability to achieve her career dreams. Maddy had been a talented artist, but she gave up her passion to support her family. Her sense of unfulfilled potential and the loss of her artistic identity had been eating away at her.
In the end, I Liked My Life is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and forgiveness. It portrays the complexity of human emotions and the impact of our actions on those we love. It also serves as a reminder that even in death, our presence can continue to shape the lives of those we leave behind.
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What is I Liked My Life about?
I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and the connections that bind us together. Told from multiple perspectives, it follows the aftermath of a mother's unexpected death and the impact it has on her family. As they navigate their grief and search for answers, they uncover surprising truths about themselves and each other. This heartfelt story reminds us to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones.
I Liked My Life Review
I Liked My Life (2017) delves into the aftermath of a woman’s mysterious suicide, exploring the lives of her husband and daughter as they navigate grief and guilt. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
- Offers profound insights on family dynamics, loss, and healing, resonating with readers on an emotional level.
- Unexpected plot twists and multi-layered characters keep the story gripping and unpredictable until the last page.
- The exploration of unanswered questions and the search for understanding make the narrative poignant and thought-provoking, ensuring a captivating read.
Who should read I Liked My Life?
Readers who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally resonant stories
Those who appreciate exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption
People who are interested in the complexities of family dynamics and relationships
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Book summaries like I Liked My Life
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I Liked My Life FAQs
What is the main message of I Liked My Life?
The main message of I Liked My Life revolves around family relationships and finding purpose after loss.
How long does it take to read I Liked My Life?
Reading time for I Liked My Life varies, but expect it to take a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is I Liked My Life a good book? Is it worth reading?
I Liked My Life is a poignant tale that delves into grief and redemption, making it a worthwhile read for those seeking introspective fiction.
Who is the author of I Liked My Life?
Abby Fabiaschi is the author of I Liked My Life.
What to read after I Liked My Life?
If you're wondering what to read next after I Liked My Life, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich August von Hayek
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- What Money Can't Buy by Michael J. Sandel
- The Long Tail by Chris Anderson
- The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein