The Wrap-Up List

Dec 05, 2012 Brandi Kosiner rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Wrap-up List features a cast of diverse and fun to read about characters. They feature diversity in their backgrounds, religious preferences, race, and in their sexual identities, but it features a beautiful friendship.
Gabriela is the main character, and she receives a letter from Death, a magical type creature that escorts you basically to the afterlife, telling her that she has a week to live. She can make requests and she can be given a hint about Death's weakness in order to grant a pa...more The Wrap-up List features a cast of diverse and fun to read about characters. They feature diversity in their backgrounds, religious preferences, race, and in their sexual identities, but it features a beautiful friendship.
Gabriela is the main character, and she receives a letter from Death, a magical type creature that escorts you basically to the afterlife, telling her that she has a week to live. She can make requests and she can be given a hint about Death's weakness in order to grant a pardon, meaning basically that she gets to live. Gabriela is typical teenager at first, but then she begins to think of others with her list, and looks into her past to her brave and patriotic grandfather who died a hero in battle for clues.
Along the journey to first kisses, she learns a lot about herself and about her friends as well. It is a quick and enjoyable story, and I especially liked the slap stick type humor when Hercule showed up on the scene.
The only thing that I wish were different is a little more explanation about when and how the letters started as well as some sort of context for the upcoming war. It left me with a lot of questions, but once I put that aside, and if you readers can look over that, I think you will enjoy.
I really like how religion is handled in this book, that it is something that her family does, and she questions it of course, and she has heart to hearts with her priest, but it is not made a big deal out of and it is shown in every day context... Meaning not preachy and well done.
I also wish that there was more ground work on why Gabriela had a crush on Sylvester, but then again, I suppose that is really how romantic infatuations are... We know little about the person, but we see how they look and know about their public persona, and we are drawn to them. I do think it is well done how they are drawn together, and that it is not instant fall at your feet love, but that it hints the beginning of a possible relationship, and acting out on mutual attraction. It was also well done how two of her friends got together, although again with the third it just seemed like it happened with no real indicators from the other person, but I also guess that the Influence of death worked to escalate things that were already there under the surface.
As for the plot, it was well paced, and the ending tied everything up very well, and I was satisfied when I put the book down.
Bottom Line: Enjoyable book with sweet romantic elements.

For more of my reviews, check out Blkosiner’s YA and Teen Book Blog: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com (less)

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May 09, 2013 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Summary:
About 1% of all deaths are labeled as departures. A departure is when a Death (supernatural type being) sends you a letter stating that you have been scheduled for departure. We meet Gabby and her group of friends as they rush over to see if The Singing Man is departing. Unfortunately, he is, and this is when we learn about departures. Deaths seem to walk around humans, but they are a little different. They are super tall and silvery with gills. This doesn't stop them from having their o...more Summary:
About 1% of all deaths are labeled as departures. A departure is when a Death (supernatural type being) sends you a letter stating that you have been scheduled for departure. We meet Gabby and her group of friends as they rush over to see if The Singing Man is departing. Unfortunately, he is, and this is when we learn about departures. Deaths seem to walk around humans, but they are a little different. They are super tall and silvery with gills. This doesn't stop them from having their own personalities and drinking coffee. Most everything we find out about Deaths are told to us from Iris, Gabby's best friend. After watching The Singing Man depart, Gabby heads home to find an envelope with her name on it. It's from a Death, Hercule, the states he will come for her departure in seven days. Seven days! She has to write a wrap-up list (to get her, barely 16 life in order) and send it back to her Death. As she is writing, she realizes everything that she hasn't gotten to do and will not be able to do in seven days time. She consults her priest for guidance and is reminded to serve others. So, her wrap-up list involves her best friends, Iris, Raahi, Sarena, and herself first kisses. Then of course, she writes for a pardon to be excused from departure to live the rest of her life. This begins a list of trying to find out the meaning of clues, match-making, and a look at inevitable war and drafts. Will Gabby be able to wrap everything up and trick death in the process? The clock is definitely ticking.

My thoughts:
As a current doctoral student, I only have my class breaks to read things for fun. I've read four books in the past week in an attempt to catch up, and this has been the best one. Cliche aside, I laughed and cried within this rather short book. Gabby and her group of friends are adorable. I enjoyed the mystery elements involved in figuring out the clues that Hercule, Gabby's Death gives her. The world that we are put into is so similar to ours that it is easy to imagine the setting, even if there are some slight elements changed. I, like Iris, was fascinated with learning about the Deaths. I believe that Hercule becomes my favorite character within the book. I enjoyed his mix of pain in the behind and fun to be around personalities. Throughout the story, it is very easy to forget that the main character is about to die. Everyone is extremely wrapped up in trying to figure things out, both in their own personal (and problematic) lives and their journey to try to save Gabby. Even though some people are somewhat detached in the departure aspect, I think about what it would be like to know exactly when your best friend is going to die. Would you waste time grieving while they were still here? I think that most of the characters are handling things the best that they can and spend the time trying to have the best times without the mixture of grief and anger that will surely accompany the fear of death and loss.

As a teacher, I can't wait to put this on my bookshelf. I really enjoyed it and I want to hear what my students think of it as well. They heard me laugh at some of the comedy of errors type things, so I'm sure they will as well. I'd love a second one to share, but think it may be difficult to write. Things seem pretty wrapped up at the end. Regardless, this author is now on my watch list. (less)

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Mar 16, 2013 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, contemporary-fiction-read, my-library, paranormal-read, romance, young-adult-read

My Summary: Gabby has always been a good girl. She loves her parents and her friends and she never gets into trouble, spending most of her free time at church or at home doing schoolwork. She is barely sixteen and she knows she has her entire life ahead of her.

Until she receives the letter: a bright red envelope with nothing on it but her name, Gabby knows what this means - she's been chosen for departure.

Now, with only a week left to cross off everything on her 'wrap-up list', Gabby must get he...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Dodie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I waited until I had extended reading time on a pool/beach vacation, and brought this along. I really enjoyed The Wrap-Up List's snarky, intelligent and quirky story and voice, and the unique storyline. I just got a finished copy today, and when I saw the covers, which feature post office boxes (yes, those old style brass and window and spin lock things), I was reminded all over again how much I loved this book.

Bummer for Gabriela for her Death to visit her and give the one week warning when sh...more

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Feb 05, 2013 Miss Literati rated it 4 of 5 stars

THE WRAP-UP LIST by Steven Arntson is definitely a one-of-a-kind read. Readers are thrown into a world where it is common for teenagers to receive letters from Death informing them of when they will be brought into the after-life. There are no explanations as to how this came about, it’s just common knowledge among the characters in the story.

Not only do you get a time-line as to when you’ll be escorted out of the human world, but you also receive a challenge. Expose Death’s weakness and you sta...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-mt-bookpile

DEATH is my favorite character in all of Discworld, and the Deaths imagined here by Arnston are pretty great! In this proximate future version of America (well, the world, really) people die, but some "depart" following letters received from a Death. Gabrielle is one such person - Hercule sends her a letter suggesting a week from Wednesday as her departure date. The established protocol is to write a wrap-up list, similar to a bucket list but with a definite time frame in mind. The Death will re...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Liviania rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved the premise of THE WRAP-UP LIST, even as I fretted that the novel would leave me in tears. In Gabriela Riviera's world, one percent of all fatalities are due to Departures. You receive a red envelope warning you you're about to depart and you then have a short time to put your affairs in order and try to earn a Pardon. Gabriela just received an envelope and has one week to get a first kiss for herself and her three best friends: Iris, Raahi, and Sarena.

There are other ways Gabriela's wor...more I loved the premise of THE WRAP-UP LIST, even as I fretted that the novel would leave me in tears. In Gabriela Riviera's world, one percent of all fatalities are due to Departures. You receive a red envelope warning you you're about to depart and you then have a short time to put your affairs in order and try to earn a Pardon. Gabriela just received an envelope and has one week to get a first kiss for herself and her three best friends: Iris, Raahi, and Sarena.

There are other ways Gabriela's world is slightly different from ours. Her US is not only at war; the draft has been instituted. It seemed like a throwaway detail at first, but the war becomes more entwined with Gabriela's fate as the story goes on. The Deaths are also explored more as Gabriela's Departure draws closer, which was a welcome development. But there are many ways it is the same. Gabriela's family is Catholic, but she's been questioning for a long time. Her parents hope she'll find comfort at St. Mary's, but she thinks many of her priest's answers are unsatisfactory.

Gabriela's entire background is very well done. Her family is a large part of the story, as much as her friends. I did think that Raahi and Sarena faded into the background too much at times, but Iris is always a large part of Gabriela's life and the person most determined to save her. I loved the characterization in THE WRAP-UP LIST. Her impending death makes Gabriela not only face herself, but the people around her. She learns things about her friends, her family, and her crush that she mind never have even wondered about before.

I read THE WRAP-UP LIST very quickly. The day-by-day structure, following each of Gabriela's last seven days, keeps the story moving. Not that I wouldn't have read quickly anyway since I wanted to know whether Gabriela would be able to perform the right altruistic task to save herself. (No, I will not give the ending away.)

I highly recommend THE WRAP-UP LIST. It has great characters, an irresistible premise, humor, and a touch of the paranormal. It's the strange not-one-thing-or-another type of genre story that YA does so well. (less)

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Feb 01, 2013 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, whimsy, contemporary, fantasy

A YA supernatural story that doesn't revolve around a waif pre-destined to save the world, her mopey lover, or both?! Color me intrigued!

The Setup

In Gabriela's world you can die in a car accident, of a heart attack, or by skydiving, but 1% of the population "departs" accompanied by an 8ft tall, aquatic Death. With war looming, the number of departures are increasing and 16-year-old Gabriela just received her letter from Hercule, suggesting a departure date just seven days away.

Now with just a we...more

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May 14, 2013 Nari Johnson rated it 3 of 5 stars

There were so many things that could be improved with this book. And I'm not going to list them all, because there are too many little things. But it's books like these that make me wish that I as an editor, and I'm not sure if this fact is a good thing for the sake of The Wrap-Up List.

Overall, the writing was nice. Not incredibly impressive, but simple. No adjective overloads. No overthinking, although the ending might have been left to leave the reader pondering.

This book didn't leave a huge i...more

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Jan 06, 2013 Liza Wiemer added it

Shelves: arc, bea

I received a copy of The Wrap-Up List at BEA.

"What would you do if you were told you only had a week to live?" It's a question young and old are asked to think at least a few times in their lives. The last week (or month or year) is a topic presented in quite a few novels. But in The Wrap-Up List, there is a twist, especially to how a person can die.
When Gabriela receives her "departing letter" from her Death, a being that will take her on the next part of her journey, she has a chance to recei...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Sonia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, finished-copy-for-review

Steven Arntson skillfully manoeuvres the topics of death and friendship in this relatively light-hearted supernatural read.

Gabriela has received notification that she is going to "depart" (die) in one week. Before this happens, she has been generously provided the opportunity to write up a list of the things she hopes to accomplish before her death and hopefully figure out a way to escape it. Gabriela's voice shines in this first-person novel with sharp wit and dark humour.

Despite the morbid con...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Haley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Well. This was my third book in three days. All of which I wish I had time to read again. This wasn't a good book, but it wasn't a bad book. Really it's just sort of neutral, but I loved it anyway. I immediately fell in love with Raahi before I even knew anything about him, and honestly as things progressed in the story I just loved him even more. I'm glad he got what he wanted, at least for one night. It's sad that he got drafted for the war, but he sounds like he'd look good in a uniform. :)
T...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

It's taken me a while to write this review, not because I didn't like the book but because I didn't know how to formulate my thoughts about this story. Steven Arnston definitely has a unique and creative mind, that's for sure. His writing almost felt poetic in nature but in a very organic way. In this new civilization Death is in the form of a person, and when he writes you a letter, your days are numbered, that is unless you can find out your Deaths' weakness and recieve a pardon, but those are...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Mara rated it 5 of 5 stars

A unique and original story makes this YA a must read! Some of the description at the beginning felt clunky, but the book gets better and better with each page. Gabriela is a great character, and I loved how her Catholic upbringing was weaved throughout-- you don't see many religious families in YA (and it feels like when you do, the devout are evil, in some way). Faith and religion are presented in a nuanced, realistic way. Hercule was also fascinating as one of the Deaths. Lots of twists that...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, humor, romance, young-adult, mystery, reviews

Before reading this book, I had mixed feeling. From the description it could be an epic, twisted dale of a girl escaping Death, or it could be an amateurish, choppy attempt at something cool. Sadly it was the latter. The writing was very basic, but at first dismissed this, saying the book was so short that it was just quick read. But one thing I will not dismiss is the plot and characters having absolutely no depth, with this very basic writing. One or the other can make up for each other, but b...more Before reading this book, I had mixed feeling. From the description it could be an epic, twisted dale of a girl escaping Death, or it could be an amateurish, choppy attempt at something cool. Sadly it was the latter. The writing was very basic, but at first dismissed this, saying the book was so short that it was just quick read. But one thing I will not dismiss is the plot and characters having absolutely no depth, with this very basic writing. One or the other can make up for each other, but basic writing + no depth = bad book.

I'm not saying it was all bad - I did give it two stars, after all. There were some interesting parts, just small moments that I thought redeemed it a little bit. Hercule, for one, was such a good character(really the only one I cared about). And then there was just some dialogue here and there that made me laugh(not out loud, but in my head at least).

When I had about thirty pages left, I still couldn't decide if I liked it or not. I knew the ending would make my final decision. An ending can make a bad book good and vice versa. Arntson almost had it, but then he went and ruined it. [spoiler]Gabby giving away her pardon at the end was amazing. I felt very unresolved that Sylvie's list didn't make sense, and when that happened I was ready for give this three stars(because too bad Goodreads doesn't have 2.5 stars). However, when Gabby figured out how to get her own Pardon, it just took the moment away. It was no longer a great moment a selflessness, but simply her wanting her own Pardon. I like to think that she would have given it away even if she didn't get her own, but how can I tell? And since they never explained why Deaths did this, I didn't know whether or not to feel bad for Hercule, my only loved character. Did they do it to be mean, or was there a higher reason? I see it as unfair that Hercule has to be punished for 50 years(and they made it sound like he got tortured or something) so that Gabby can live, if it wasn't even Hercule's fault that she had to go in the first place. [/spoiler]

There were many things in this book that went unexplained. For one, what was this war about? I was supposed to feel against it and like it was taking away people's lives for no reason, but I don't even know what it's for! Were we just trying to get more land? Were we defending ourselves against some crazy dictator? I have absolutely no idea, and that's why I don't care when these kids get drafted.

They also explained almost nothing about Deaths. Also, Deaths? Since when is there more than one Death? Shouldn't they have just been reapers? Because in essence, that's what they were, they just called themselves Deaths. Where did they come from? Where did they get their orders? Why can't they just not kill people? Who knows? Apparently Arntsonm doesn't, or just didn't feel like sharing with us.

So, in short, this could have been a great book, but it failed miserably.(less)

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Mar 14, 2013 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-release, arcs-i-own, 2013-reading-challenge, mundie-moms-reviews, 2013-debut-author

This is a book that caught my attention based on it's synopsis alone. Yes I am totally intrigued by YA books that have death as a character. I don't know what it is about that, that intrigues me, but it does. More interesting in this story is that Death doesn't just unexpectedly come calling. No, you know when you're being requited, because you get a lovely read envelope in the mail with a letter telling you when your departure from life with be. Our story starts when 16 year old Gabriela gets h...more This is a book that caught my attention based on it's synopsis alone. Yes I am totally intrigued by YA books that have death as a character. I don't know what it is about that, that intrigues me, but it does. More interesting in this story is that Death doesn't just unexpectedly come calling. No, you know when you're being requited, because you get a lovely read envelope in the mail with a letter telling you when your departure from life with be. Our story starts when 16 year old Gabriela gets her letter.

What would you do if you received your departure notice, aka death letter? Well I'd hope if I got something like that and knew I had one week left I would be like Gabriela and create a Wrap Up list. A short list of things I'd want to have accomplished so see happen in the week I had left. That's exactly what she does. I loved her list. Being sixteen Gabriella's was mostly about first kisses. For her, for her friends, and then of course a pardon. Because who wouldn't want to be excused from Death. Despite Gabriella only have 7 days till Death comes, I loved that Gabriela was determined to continue living. She enjoyed all the little moments with family, and friends. She didn't give up, but treasured all the priceless moments more, as well as plotted how she was going to get out of her departure, not something easily done.

Here's the thing about this book, though it does talk about death, this book is anything but dark. Steven Arnston added the right amount of light humor to this story to make it both funny, and slightly moving at times. That really worked for this book. Okay well that and the fact that Gabriela is a bit of a spunky girl, and she's not one to take her impending departure lightly, so she comes up with a plan to out smart Death. The combination of having those realistic moments with family and friends, combined with the right amount of humor made this book a quick, fast paced read, when it easily could have gone down a darker road that wouldn't have been very enjoyable to read. I also liked how Steven was able to give his YA debut both a contemporary and slight supernatural feel to it.

Gabriella has a great cast of characters who support her. From her parents, to her friends, and even her crush, Sylvester. My biggest compliant with this story is that I didn't feel like I really got to know any of them. I'm a reader who is character driven, and I want to feel like I either got to know the characters or at least connect with them on some level, and I didn't feel like I got either of these with this book. Don't get me wrong, this was still a good, quick read, but for me personally I wanted more than just the surface of each character. Over all, this was a good read, and it's one I'd recommend picking up if you're looking for a good read. (less)

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Feb 16, 2013 Anne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, fantasy-sci-fi, young-adult

Totally reads like realistic fiction about a girl who finds out she has 7 days left to live and what she would do with that time - except for the introduction of Deaths as 8-feet-tall beings who come to 1% of the population and help them "depart" rather than die. I enjoyed this story of Gabriela, her family, and friends as they all try to both accept her possible departure as well as fight it by trying to get her Death, Hercule, to grant her a Pardon.

A fun read with interesting characters and a...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Rachael Woohoo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, book, reviewed

[2.5 - 3/5]

THE WRAP-UP LIST had such a cool concept, featuring Gabriela, who is sent a notice of your death by "Deaths", and has a few days to fulfill whatever deeds they would like to accomplish in their remaining days. Though overall the book was short and had a honey-sweet ending, I still felt like the plot and characters weren't very developed. Nevertheless, this was a quick read, and one that will appeal to many younger readers and some fantasy readers.

The characters, though likable and uni...more [2.5 - 3/5]

THE WRAP-UP LIST had such a cool concept, featuring Gabriela, who is sent a notice of your death by "Deaths", and has a few days to fulfill whatever deeds they would like to accomplish in their remaining days. Though overall the book was short and had a honey-sweet ending, I still felt like the plot and characters weren't very developed. Nevertheless, this was a quick read, and one that will appeal to many younger readers and some fantasy readers.

The characters, though likable and unique in a sense, still seemed undeveloped to me :/ Take Gabriela, your heroine. You get a general sense of who she is - she's sweet, relatively pretty, a great songwriter, and kind. However, by the end, I still felt like I only got a shallow sense of who she was and her relationships with other characters. The side characters felt the same to me - Sylvester (Gabriela's crush), Raahi, Sarena, and Iris all had unique quirks of their own, but the characters weren't very developed. However, if you're the type of reader who doesn't care much for character development, you might enjoy this set of likable characters much more.

As for the plot, it felt... "juvenile" (this was a word I saw in another review, and I felt like it described the plot perfectly). Specifically, I found the fact that Gabriela focused only on "first kisses" just seemed a little immature. I mean, if you only had a few days to accomplish whatever, why not wish for something adventurous or out of the world? Or something you've never done? Other than that though, the story was also filled with a sweet romance and a happy ending, which I relatively enjoyed and smiled at once in a while. Therefore, I guess if you're looking for a more "fluffy" or beach/weekend type of read, THE WRAP-UP LIST might be a good choice.

One more thing - the world. One of the main reasons I picked up the book in the first place was because I wanted to know more about this modern world with Deaths walking around. However, it's more like you're thrown in the world with no explanation of it, except for a few descriptions about Deaths, their letters, and the purpose of them. I mean, the world in the book is pretty similar to ours, but I wanted to know where Deaths came from, how the world in the book was different from ours, etc. Overall then, I guess I was expecting more world-building, but ended up pretty disappointed.

Overall, I would say THE WRAP-UP LIST was a disappointing read. While I found the characters and world to be undeveloped, and the plot to be rather juvenile, younger readers or people looking for a simple, sweet, and short read might enjoy this book more.(less)

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Mar 27, 2013 Katelyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

The start of a review is usually the hardest for me, and I can say that the beginning of this book was also what I found slightly difficult to find my way through. Like my reviews though, this book picked up quickly and at the end I couldn't even pinpoint why it was a struggle to start. I think overall it was the concept of this book that I found hard to grasp. We're dealing with a Roosevelt ear background setting and characters who don't fall into any specific category. They're just like you an...more The start of a review is usually the hardest for me, and I can say that the beginning of this book was also what I found slightly difficult to find my way through. Like my reviews though, this book picked up quickly and at the end I couldn't even pinpoint why it was a struggle to start. I think overall it was the concept of this book that I found hard to grasp. We're dealing with a Roosevelt ear background setting and characters who don't fall into any specific category. They're just like you and me...with a one difference. Apparently 1% of all fatalities in this "reality" are due to what Arnston refers to as Departures.

People who find themselves receiving a letter in the mail from what are called Deaths scheduling their departure from this world. These deaths are eight feet tall and have silver, almost translucent like skin and walk as though they're walking under water....slowly and with some difficulty. Do you see where I might have been a little hung up in the beginning? But all that aside, this book turned out to be a really fun read and one I ended up highly enjoying.

Everyone who is scheduled for departure is allowed to create a wrap-up list (hence the title) and here they can do a sort of bucket list of things they'd like to see happen or accomplish before they depart this world. There are no guarantees but you get the idea. Our main character's wrap-up list was original and while it might have seemed silly to be revolving around first kisses, it turned out to be about so much more.

I found myself really enjoying these characters and not wanting to see anyone have to depart their world. Arnston also packed quite a few witty scenes that had me laughing out loud and reeling from it all. And while scenes like the oatmeal being flung at the death Hercule for startling an unsuspecting mother were hilarious, there were also some highly insightful moments throughout as well. One in particular has stuck with me when our main character meets a soldier and realizes that, "...when he puts on the uniform he takes off the feelings. When he puts on the soldier he takes off the man." While this quote might not make complete sense to someone who hasn't read Arnston's book, it hit home with me and still has me thinking long after I finished.

So if you're looking for a fun, light read that contains both humor and thoughtful insights, look no further and check this title out!(less)

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Jan 30, 2013 Jasmine Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-books-read, standalone-13, favorites, wishlist

I never thought I'd find such a wonderful story hidden behind this unassuming cover and strange description, but there it sits, nonetheless.

I would describe Arnston's writing as uncluttered. He doesn't use extravagant descriptions or take more time than necessary to get the point across and it works splendidly. Often times, this kind of approach creates a disjointed story that doesn't pull you in, but that isn't the case with The Wrap-Up List. The writing makes all the emotions more palpable and...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Alexa Yupangco rated it 3 of 5 stars

(Originally posted on the blog)

The premise of this story is really a very interesting one - what would you do if you were told Death were going to come for you and that you only had a certain amount of time to do all the things you wanted to do in your life? This state of affairs is precisely what sets the story of The Wrap-Up List into motion, inviting readers to explore this strange notion as it happens to Gabriela.

What really made this story interesting to me is the idea of death by “departur...more (Originally posted on the blog)

The premise of this story is really a very interesting one - what would you do if you were told Death were going to come for you and that you only had a certain amount of time to do all the things you wanted to do in your life? This state of affairs is precisely what sets the story of The Wrap-Up List into motion, inviting readers to explore this strange notion as it happens to Gabriela.

What really made this story interesting to me is the idea of death by “departure”, mostly because it made me think about the pros and cons of having such knowledge. Knowing when I would be taken means I would probably take advantage of what time I had left and finish the things I always wanted to do; but knowing when I would be taken would also leave a lingering cloud of doom and gloom over every single event. It was interesting to see how it had become a normal thing for people to “depart” in the book, almost as if it were an eventuality that could exist in our own futures.

Even though the book was narrated by Gabriela, I get the distinct feeling that I didn’t really know her, but just knew OF her. However, I admired her tenacity in fighting for her right to live, as well as her consideration and love for her friends and family. She falls into a myriad number of YA characters that I’ve encountered over the years otherwise, as I’m not significantly attached to her or knowledgeable about who she is.

I did like the other characters in the book – her supportive parents, her wonderful friends (especially Iris), the family priest (who reminded me of a kind, old priest that I know back home), Sylvester – mostly because they provide a colorful cast and various facets to the story. Though again, I felt like I only got to know them on a surface level, I still enjoyed reading about them.

The story flew by fairly quickly, traveling the spectrum from more introspective, thoughtful moments to funny bits with her friends and family. I liked the balance of humor and seriousness that the author struck, and I thought he chose his moments well.

The Wrap-Up List is a fast contemporary read, with a slightly supernatural twist (thanks to Death and departures). While I certainly think that there could have been more character development, there were moments both hilarious and reflective that kept me entertained.(less)

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Feb 25, 2013 Heather Panella rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-z-reading-challenge

I thought this was a quick, lovely read that is almost poetic in its narration. Arntson does a great job of creating characters that are interesting and a situation that is wholly unlike anything else popular in YA literature today. Its heroine is no Katniss Everdeen or Tris Prior, she doesn't kick butt or take on a corrupt government, but she does display a sense of bravery, determination, emotion, and intellect that make her stand out all the same. The story is both entertaining and philosophi...more

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May 05, 2013 Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, death, humor

This was a light and fast read. It centers on the impending death of a young girl, but it manages to remain pretty light hearted. I found it a bit fluffy, in spite of the topic and enjoyed that. Perhaps the author meant for it to be a bit more serious, but I read it for fun and it works that way. If you are reading it for the seriousness, there are a few too many holes in the story for that and you don't actually get to know the characters all that well. Good for a vacation read.

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Mar 29, 2013 Darcie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-winter-quarter-2013, review

Gabriela has received a letter from a Death informing her of her demise in one week. Barely sixteen, Gabriela hasn’t even had had her first kiss yet… and neither have her friends. Every time someone receives a letter from a Death, that person writes a Wrap-Up List, and Gabriela puts first kisses for her friends and herself on it. But hopefully she won’t be taken by her Death… because if she can figure out his Noble Weakness, he’ll pardon her. But with limited time, will she be able to do it?

Als...more

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Apr 25, 2013 Sherry rated it 2 of 5 stars

The cover was really neat, but that is about the extent of this one. It was very didactic and it seemed the author tried to cram love, race, religion, and ghostly aspects all into the first three chapters. There was too much going on at once.

Read if you death, love, drama.

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Nov 28, 2012 Alma Ramos-McDermott rated it 2 of 5 stars

It’s perfectly normal for individuals of all ages in sixteen-year-old Gabriela’s town to receive Death letters. Nobody likes it, but there’s nothing you can do.

Read the rest of my review at: http://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.c...

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Oct 05, 2012 Sarah Mae rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: yar

Gabriela is sweet sixteen and never been kissed but now she only has one week to live. She has been chosen for departure. Her wrap-up list includes first kisses for herself and her three best friends and, most importantly, a pardon. If she finds out her Death's secret weakness, she will be pardoned and allowed to return to her life.

This magical-realistic tale does not really give explanations for why the world is the way that it is. Nor does it really explain Deaths and Departures. I was left wo...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Kade rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

This was an interesting take on the whole you’re going to die and have only a week to live premise. I really enjoyed the death creatures they were quite entertaining. This is a very short book but is long enough to give the characters depth.

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Jan 18, 2013 Karin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: quirky, realistic, teen

In a world like ours where things work slightly differently, Gabriela finds out she's scheduled for "departure" in 1 week and makes a wrap-up (bucket) list that includes first kisses for her and her 3 best friends. Humorous and quirky supernatural read.

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Mar 15, 2013 Priscilla Jensen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book in 2 days with all my other life stuff and play practice so, I really got stuck to this book. I love the concept and how it had a happy ending. Most books about death don't have very happy endings. I'm so glad I picked this book up.

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title link	preview: The Wrap-Up List
avg rating	preview: The Wrap-Up List Goodreads rating: 3.27 (124 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13429646-the-wrap-up-list?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1358613072l/13429646.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13429646-the-wrap-up-list?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Wrap-Up List by Steven Arntson[/url]

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