The Next Thing on My List

A Novel

By: Jill Smolinski

Narrated by: Staci Snell

“You’ll be hooked by this charming story. . . . Smolinski gives us a quick-witted heroine . . . with just the right amount of romance and a tad of suspense.”
—Richmond Times-Dispatch

Meet June Parker. She works for L.A. Rideshare, adores her rent-stabilized apartment in Santa Monica, and struggles with losing a few pesky pounds.

But June’s life is about to change.

After a dark turn of events involving Weight Watchers, a chili recipe, and a car accident in which her passenger, Marissa, dies, June finds herself in possession of a list Marissa has written, “20 Things to Do By My 25th Birthday.” Even though they barely knew each other, June is compelled by both guilt and a desire to set things right and finish the list for Marissa.

The tasks before her range from inspiring (Run a 5K), to daring (Go braless), to near-impossible (Change someone’ s life), and as June races to achieve each goal before the deadline, she learns more about her own life than she ever bargained for.

Funny, engaging, and heartwarming, The Next Thing on My List features a loveable, relatable heroine and a story with plenty of humor and heart.©2008 Jill Smolinski; (P)2008 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Clever and winning, Smolinski’s novel will have readers rooting for June as they eagerly turn the pages to keep up with her progress on the list."
–Booklist

"Smolinski crafts a believable heroine, and her chipper carpe-diem message may have readers devising their own Top 20s. . . . Sweet."
–Kirkus Reviews

"Cheers for Jill Smolinski, who has transcended the chick lit category by giving us a heroine who really tries to make a difference in this world. What a concept! I loved this book- its humor and its humanity. You will, too."
–Jane Heller, author of Some Nerve and Lucky Stars

"Instantly engaging, original, and funny, Jill Smolinski's new novel charmed me from the first page. Put this on your list: you won't be sorry!"
– Isabel Rose, author of The J.A.P. Chronicles

well written , stellar performance

this story line was a captivating read, that kept me entertained every chapter, every word. I literally found myself giggling and contemplating my own list. well done

Light and funny!

Easy listen and parts of the book were funny. I think it would have been better if the narrator hadn't sounded like she was reading the book at times.

i loved this book!

this was such a light and refreshing book on a rather traumatic situation. i loved the narrator! she really grew on me as the story progressed. i’m on a hunt for more chick-lit books like this. and not overly nauseous on the romance front. the story was very relatable for 30-something working singles! highly recommended.

Cute sweet upbeat entertaining

What can I say the book was cute funny entertaining uplifting… I enjoyed it. It even made me look at my own life just a little bit. Definitely worth the time if not the credit which I guess it’s free right now so…

A little predictable, but still as sweet story.

If you could sum up The Next Thing on My List in three words, what would they be?

Eat. Pray. Love.

What other book might you compare The Next Thing on My List to and why?

See above.

Any additional comments?

The book was predicable. Once I got half way through it, I pretty much knew how it was going to send, but the narrator was nice to listen too and just like watching a Rom Com it was just a sweet story.

***Spoilers***


If there was anything I could change about this book it would be that the last two chapters it seemed like the author just threw in a last minute love interest which was disappointed because one of the lessons I was hoping the main character would learn was that she does not need a man.