Something to Live For

By: Richard Roper

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Previously published as How Not to Die Alone

Smart, darkly funny, and life-affirming, for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Something to Live For is the bighearted debut novel we all need. It's a story about love, loneliness, and the importance of taking a chance when we feel we have the most to lose.

"Off-beat and winning.... Gives resiliency and the triumph of the human spirit a good name." (The Wall Street Journal)

All Andrew wants is to be normal. That's why his coworkers believe he has the perfect wife and two children waiting at home for him after a long day. But the truth is, his life isn't exactly as people think...and his little white lie is about to catch up with him. Because in all of Andrew's efforts to fit in, he's forgotten one important thing: how to really live. And maybe, it's finally time for him to start.

"Roper illuminates Andrew's interior life to reveal not what an odd duck he is, but what odd ducks we all are." (The New York Times Book Review)

©2019 Richard Roper (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Just the kind of book I wanted to read in these times. Charming, empathetic, witty, emotional, and hopeful, Roper’s cast of quirky, vulnerable characters make for a truly warm and affecting debut." (J. Ryan Stradal, author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest)

"[A] winning debut novel.... Roper illuminates Andrew’s interior life to reveal not what an odd duck he is, but what odd ducks we all are.” (New York Times Book Review)

“Quirky and heartfelt.... Andrew's past traumas are revealed gradually, and the reasons behind his isolation are heartbreaking and poignant. A moving and funny look at grief, hope, and the power of human connections.” (Kirkus Reviews)

So funny and sweet

I so enjoyed this book. It has a funny, dry humor, but also a sad story. Really good narration. Just a nice story.

Better than a movie 5 stars!

This was an amazing novel. I found this book more entertaining than most movies produced these days. The story is fantastic. The characters well developed and the narrator was fantastic. Some parts Andrew’s story hit a little close to home for me so I was able to relate with the protagonist very well. I highly recommend this audio book.

Loved It

I was surprised that I had as much fun listening to this as I did. It was sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes funny, and often unexpected. For those who like reading well written characters, I highly recommend.

Wow!

What a fantastic book! Such great character development and twists and heartwarming stories…tears and joy. A great read….like Eleanor Oliphant but a bit less dark. ❤️❤️❤️

Enjoyed it!

Vance did an excellent job on the narration. I enjoyed the story, some of the writing was pretty clever, and parts were interspersed with unexpected heartwrenching moments and humor. This is the kind of book that's a pleasure to stumble upon.

Throughly enjoyable!

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook very much. It was a heartwarming story of love, loss, loneliness, friendship and second chances. The performance was spot on.

Something to Live For

This is a lovely and heartwarming story beautifully read by Simon Vance. I do recommend it!

First Roper novel I have listened to

Great story and totally believable characters. I can see it as a series on Britbox or Acorn.

A bit Meandering But It Gets There Eventually

I almost gave up on this book about 1/3 of the way through but it was intriguing enough for me to stick with it and I'm glad I did. The final few chapters were worth the perseverance and I loved the ending.

That being said, the rest of the book was pretty repetitive and often frustrating (I found myself actually saying out loud on one occasion, "Just TELL HER!") and, honestly, a bit depressing.

Overall, I didn't hate it but I wouldn't read it again and it's definitely not on my top 10 list.

Great book, author, and narrator.

I have listened to a multitude of books and stories, and always come back to narrations of Mr. Simon Vance. This was a book I was excited to hear, and wished the entire time that I was reading along with him. Though, I choose/chose audible, because I need to keep my mind busy while my eyes are on what I'm doing. So while I can't watch TV, movies or read, Audible is perfect.
Definitely worth the read/listen. This book had me hooked from the beginning, and I wanted to listen without interruption... But alas, sleep beckoned and stomach growled... So Andrew and Peggy (and Mr. Vance) had to wait. 🙂 Just finished it, and would love to read/hear more!

Please, mister, may we have another? 😉