The Me List

By: Julee Balko

Narrated by: Penny Coffeen

Ziplining despite being scared of heights. Learning yoga when you're afraid of downward anything. Facing your strained relationship with your mother.

When Olivia writes a ME List, she picks 10 things to get her out of her suburban mom funk. But what she really needs is to figure out how to deal with her next-door neighbor, nemesis, and new boss—Patricia. Patricia is the top realtor in their town and has the perfect life. But when Olivia agrees to be Patricia's assistant, she discovers Patricia's life isn't as perfect as she thought.

The Me List is a touching tale about the complexity of friendship, the importance of reserving judgment, and the rocky path that life takes as we get older. Julee Balko brings snark and heart to this journey of self-improvement with a keen eye for flawed characters.

Can a list change a life?

©2023 Black Rose Writing (P)2023 Black Rose Writing

Loved listening to this fun, humorous, meaningful story

This was such a fun change from my usual non-fiction selections. The main character, Olivia, was so relatable and likable that I was immediately drawn in from the beginning of chapter 1. Julee Balko clearly has a gift for storytelling and liberally sprinkling humor and wit throughout her writing. Olivia’s journey of empowerment is inspirational, but in addition to that overarching theme, I really enjoyed just listening to the narrator bring the plot and characters to life through expertly-crafted prose.

The growth of the main character.

This book was an easy listen with a great message. I think we all can see pieces of ourselves in the story.

Lovely exploration of growth from complex past

I loved the way the author showed personal growth as not just as simple as a self-improvement list, yet rooted from the act of seeing what we want, intending it, and dealing with what arises in the process... . Lovely brisk writing, characters you care about. Thanks to the author for a lovely read!

The book I didn’t want to end

I found this story touched so many feelings and emotions I have had in relationships. Olivia’s journey, the story, the characters, the writing kept me wanting to not put the book down. Fabulous story - sort of every day life, so relatable and yet so dramatic and complicated as life. A must read!

Easy read

Loved this easy read. Characters were relatable, and it was an insightful and inspiring book.