I Liked My Life

A Novel

By: Abby Fabiaschi

Narrated by: Susan Bennett, Dan Bittner, Thérèse Plummer

“An emotional journey of love, loss, healing, and redemption. I rooted for every character.” —Lisa See, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Snow Flower and The Secret Fan

“I Liked My Life is a treasure of a novel. Warm-hearted and clever, the story will keep you reading until the final delicious revelation.” —Diane Chamberlain, New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author

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

A story from debut author Abby Fabiaschi that is "as absorbing as it is illuminating, and as witty as it is heartbreaking."

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

"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)

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

Wait for it....

Any additional comments?

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

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.

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.

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.