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Life Expectancy
In the moments before he is born, Jimmy Tock has a strange destiny thrust upon him. His dying grandfather prophesies five dark days in his grandson's life - five dates on which Jimmy will face terror and violence, malice and perversion. A storm rages. There is a chilling significance in the old man's words. The moment his grandfather dies, Jimmy emerges squalling into the world, destined to struggle against an evil so dark and pervasive, only the most extraordinary of human spirits can shine through.
What dangers await Jimmy on these five dark days? What terrifying events must he survive? At each of the crisis points, a mystery unfolds that will challenge his understanding of good and evil, life and death - and everything in between.
What dangers await Jimmy on these five dark days? What terrifying events must he survive? At each of the crisis points, a mystery unfolds that will challenge his understanding of good and evil, life and death - and everything in between.
476 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
1855 people are currently reading
12936 people want to read
About the author
Dean Koontz
880 books39.9k followersAcknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,423 reviews
October 6, 2022
Written as a biography of Jimmy Tock's life, it begins with his birth, which occurs just after the ten predictions made by, and the death of, his grandfather - predictions that include the warning of five terrible days in the life of his newly born grandson. A great concept, some solid writing and enough twists and turns to satisfy any thriller reader; but it was also this book that began my disliking of Koontz's work, which to me was often work, like this book that never realises the huge potential of its core concepts! 4 out of 12.
2006 read
2006 read
November 4, 2015
My second favorite Koontz' novel!!!
A TRUE FAVORITE
I love this book!!!
This novel isn't featured in my virtual shelf of "Favorites", but not because I don't like it, just since I already have Phantoms in that shelf and I want to keep it to maximum 10 books there, it would have to be 2 books from Dean Koontz and if I have to make the hard choice, I'd choose Phantoms.
But, Life Expectancy is a REALLY CLOSE second favorite book by Dean Koontz.
It's one of the best books that I ever read.
NOT HORROR PER SE BUT STILL SUPERB
It has all, horror, humor, romance, etc...
Even it's not your typical horror book, since not matter you have an insane killer here, you don't feel it as in other horror books.
If you like the type of books of Stephen King where he develops seudo-paranormal stories with content about life and human relationships, not exactly looking to present a horror story but a complex tale with some horror-like elements on it.
I think you can have a pretty good idea of what you will find here.
SOOO GOOD!!!
Two of the highest points of the books are:
First: The humor. You will laugh a lot with this book, because even some situations of life or death are portraited in such surrealistic way that you have to laugh (in a good way) about how the events are ocurring.
Second: The female supportive character. She is one that the lead character met. She is fantastic! It's one of the best female characters that I ever read in book. I just love her. I won't elaborate more since I don't want to spoil about her. I just want to say that she is the light who shines plenty, since she becomes part of the story.
A TRUE FAVORITE
I love this book!!!
This novel isn't featured in my virtual shelf of "Favorites", but not because I don't like it, just since I already have Phantoms in that shelf and I want to keep it to maximum 10 books there, it would have to be 2 books from Dean Koontz and if I have to make the hard choice, I'd choose Phantoms.
But, Life Expectancy is a REALLY CLOSE second favorite book by Dean Koontz.
It's one of the best books that I ever read.
NOT HORROR PER SE BUT STILL SUPERB
It has all, horror, humor, romance, etc...
Even it's not your typical horror book, since not matter you have an insane killer here, you don't feel it as in other horror books.
If you like the type of books of Stephen King where he develops seudo-paranormal stories with content about life and human relationships, not exactly looking to present a horror story but a complex tale with some horror-like elements on it.
I think you can have a pretty good idea of what you will find here.
SOOO GOOD!!!
Two of the highest points of the books are:
First: The humor. You will laugh a lot with this book, because even some situations of life or death are portraited in such surrealistic way that you have to laugh (in a good way) about how the events are ocurring.
Second: The female supportive character. She is one that the lead character met. She is fantastic! It's one of the best female characters that I ever read in book. I just love her. I won't elaborate more since I don't want to spoil about her. I just want to say that she is the light who shines plenty, since she becomes part of the story.
February 21, 2017
Life Expectancy is a pretty fun read. It was so different than most books I've read in the genre, and was much different than I expected. It flows so perfectly from the first person point of view, and the characters are unforgettable. Plus, it has clowns...
October 21, 2008
It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you question all good looking men.
August 2, 2023
Jimmy Tock's grandfather died at the same time as Jimmy was born. Before his death, he made 10 predictions, five of which were future dark significant dates in Jimmy's life. All his predictions were accurate and Jimmy has to face something very dark those days.
I liked the book very much: the plot, the style and the humour that lightens the dark story. Dean Koontz is a great storyteller.
I liked the book very much: the plot, the style and the humour that lightens the dark story. Dean Koontz is a great storyteller.
June 20, 2025
Ever since first reading this book 2005, I have considered it my very favorite Dean Koontz novel. After reading it for the sixth time, this masterpiece retains its rank of my #1 favorite :-) I will admit it has some fierce competition with "By the Light of the Moon", "Relentless" and "Cold Fire", but it stands as a shining star of my favorites for its superb mix of simplicity, humor, suspense and twists. It's lessons on life and family are wonderful - the clowns and aerialists are entertaining :-) and we mustn't forget Grandma Roweena (my favorite character in the story)
PREPARE TO BE ENCHANTED!!!!!!
Related Film and Television: Forest Gump, Twister, FRINGE
Related Works: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Beowulf, The Time Machine, The Man in the Iron Mask, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass, Whispers, Relentless, The Bad Place
Favorite Passages:
Some lives, conducted with grace, are beautiful arcs bridging this world to eternity.
_____
No one's life should be rooted in fear. We are born for wonder, for joy, for hope, for love, to marvel at the mystery of existence, to be ravished by the beauty of the world, to seek truth and meaning, to acquire wisdom, and by our treatment of others to brighten the corner where we are.
______
"No one can grant you happiness. Happiness is a choice we all have the power to make."
PREPARE TO BE ENCHANTED!!!!!!
Related Film and Television: Forest Gump, Twister, FRINGE
Related Works: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Beowulf, The Time Machine, The Man in the Iron Mask, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass, Whispers, Relentless, The Bad Place
Favorite Passages:
Some lives, conducted with grace, are beautiful arcs bridging this world to eternity.
_____
No one's life should be rooted in fear. We are born for wonder, for joy, for hope, for love, to marvel at the mystery of existence, to be ravished by the beauty of the world, to seek truth and meaning, to acquire wisdom, and by our treatment of others to brighten the corner where we are.
______
"No one can grant you happiness. Happiness is a choice we all have the power to make."
January 10, 2022
Lots of plot twists and not the easiest to follow. 6 of 10 stars
October 13, 2023
What a book! ‘Five Terrible Days’ I enjoyed this book so much - the best I’ve read by Dean Koontz (so far).
What terrifying events await Jimmy on these five dark days? What nightmares will he face? What challenges must he survive? A struggle against an evil so dark and pervasive only the most extraordinary of human spirits can shine through.
This is one of those books that I couldn't stop thinking about, even a few years on I think back to this book and think wow it was good, I definitely need a re-read of this one. Dean Koontz is so hit and miss for me if anyone has any other Dean Koontz books that they think matches Life Expectancy's vibes and writing please let me know.
What terrifying events await Jimmy on these five dark days? What nightmares will he face? What challenges must he survive? A struggle against an evil so dark and pervasive only the most extraordinary of human spirits can shine through.
This is one of those books that I couldn't stop thinking about, even a few years on I think back to this book and think wow it was good, I definitely need a re-read of this one. Dean Koontz is so hit and miss for me if anyone has any other Dean Koontz books that they think matches Life Expectancy's vibes and writing please let me know.
June 23, 2023
My first Dean Koontz books I ever read were Chase, Shattered and then Life Expectancy which was amazing. Highly recommend this one. Plenty of gripping moments and action scenes. No dull moments, original plot and prime Koontz.
June 27, 2009
This is my first Dean Koontz book. I expected a horror story, but this book was actually quite funny. I just grabbed it off the paperback section of the library to take to the beach, and I was pleasantly surprised. Initially, I found the main character, Jimmy, a little like Ignatiuos Reilly from "Confederacy of Dunces," but he actually had a great deal more sense. I think it was more in Koontz's writing style. The characters were so likeable, that I wanted to be friends with them; except for the clowns. Yes, there were clowns, and while this was weird and bizarre, I somehow sort of got what Koontz was trying to do. This book is eccentric because it combines the bizarro with the little sweet lessons about the good and honest things in life- love, family, and faith. I found myself rereading some of the poignant passages that Koontz would slip into this wacko story because they were so well written and so meaningful. I doubt many people will feel the same way about this book as I did, but to anyone who reads it, I recommend that you lighten up and not take things too seriously when you read it. There are unexpected surprises and alot of humor. This is always a good mix.
June 26, 2019
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 5 stars.
PLOT 5 stars.
AUTHOR'S WRITING STYLE 5 stars.
Done reading LIFE EXPECTANCY. It is my first time to read a Koontz's novel in first-person-perspective. Surprisingly, this would be my new top-favorite of his. It contains five major parts divided into 70 chapters. The protagonist is a complete opposite of me. He is a pastry chef who wants a big family - but the way it is written, it feels like I embark on a reflective journey. I am Jimmy Tock who is surviving the five darkest days of life. His mysterious grandfather predicted these days right before Jimmy is born. Will he survive? Instead of answering the question, here is the lesson I've learned about his story, "We must have the wit and wisdom to recognize the strengths and tools at our command, and find the courage to do what must be done, (page 360)."
PLOT 5 stars.
AUTHOR'S WRITING STYLE 5 stars.
Done reading LIFE EXPECTANCY. It is my first time to read a Koontz's novel in first-person-perspective. Surprisingly, this would be my new top-favorite of his. It contains five major parts divided into 70 chapters. The protagonist is a complete opposite of me. He is a pastry chef who wants a big family - but the way it is written, it feels like I embark on a reflective journey. I am Jimmy Tock who is surviving the five darkest days of life. His mysterious grandfather predicted these days right before Jimmy is born. Will he survive? Instead of answering the question, here is the lesson I've learned about his story, "We must have the wit and wisdom to recognize the strengths and tools at our command, and find the courage to do what must be done, (page 360)."
May 21, 2018
I borrowed this book from a library. It is my second time reading it.
Update: 5-21-18
I finished it! I might do a review. This is something very personal.
Update: 5-21-18
I finished it! I might do a review. This is something very personal.
April 2, 2008
This is what I wrote reading this book........
This is the second time I am trying to read this book.
I am a huge Koontz fan but this book really disappointed me.
It is so far, not exiting or scary at all, because the main characters are not frightened.
They are constantly making funny (not) remarks and it is just not realistic.
You are a hostage and you are constantly cracking jokes!!! No way.
I have read 170 pages of the book and am really struggling (again!) to read more.
And that is really an exception cause I love all Koontz his books. The humour is just way to much. I don't buy a Koontz books to be laughing (I don't laugh by the way, not my kind of humour anyways) but I buy his books to be scared!
4 out of 10
This is the second time I am trying to read this book.
I am a huge Koontz fan but this book really disappointed me.
It is so far, not exiting or scary at all, because the main characters are not frightened.
They are constantly making funny (not) remarks and it is just not realistic.
You are a hostage and you are constantly cracking jokes!!! No way.
I have read 170 pages of the book and am really struggling (again!) to read more.
And that is really an exception cause I love all Koontz his books. The humour is just way to much. I don't buy a Koontz books to be laughing (I don't laugh by the way, not my kind of humour anyways) but I buy his books to be scared!
4 out of 10
December 1, 2018
Never going to finish this one. The very fact that I've tried to do it for four years probably tells you that it drives me insane with how boring, dragging and not fun it is to read.
September 26, 2016
I read this book for the first time in August or September of 2011, which started my love of Dean Koontz novels. Now, five years later, I've finally read this book again. And it's just as enchanting as I remember.
The events of this novel don't seem like they would make a compelling story, and yet they do. It's filled with a cast of varied and realistic characters, the struggle between good and evil, and the message that there is always a reason to hope.
Koontz has a beautiful style that has me laughing out loud often, even when the characters are facing life and death situations. There is horror in the novel, just like there is in the world. And if there is horror then should there not also be humor?
I adore the tale of Jimmy, Lorrie, Annie, Lucy, Andy, Rudy, Maddy, and Rowena. Such a great family. And the ending was perfect.
The events of this novel don't seem like they would make a compelling story, and yet they do. It's filled with a cast of varied and realistic characters, the struggle between good and evil, and the message that there is always a reason to hope.
Koontz has a beautiful style that has me laughing out loud often, even when the characters are facing life and death situations. There is horror in the novel, just like there is in the world. And if there is horror then should there not also be humor?
I adore the tale of Jimmy, Lorrie, Annie, Lucy, Andy, Rudy, Maddy, and Rowena. Such a great family. And the ending was perfect.
March 16, 2021
Wow what an exciting and very entertaining book this was. Suspenseful, exciting but also very funny. This had some twist and turns I couldn't guess and one of my favorites of Dean Koontz. The book starts when Jimmy Tock is born, where his grandpa rises from a coma and tells them that there are five important dates Jimmy has to face in his life and the story goes from there. Didn't have huge expectations on this book so this was a huge and pleasant surprise
November 28, 2021
Life Expectancy isn't among my favorite Koontz books, but it's a nice story about family and dedication and sacrifice... it's a bit more whimsical and convoluted than I prefer, and I didn't think the narrative played it straight with the reader all the way, but it's a fine and entertaining story, well-written as Koontz always delivers.
August 16, 2015
I absolutely loved the book!The humor was surprising and the story was as good as anything I've ever read. I could not put this one down, and it thrilled me from beginning to end.!
September 23, 2012
Simply put, this novel is nothing short of incredible. Highly original, darkly amusing and almost (ALMOST) too clever for it's own good.
For me the mark of a good book is the inability to put it down. Getting so caught up in the story and the characters that you think abouto it even when you're not reading it.
I'll try to avoid spoilers, but my favorite thing about this novel is how evrerything is connected. It's obvious that Koontz had every detail planned in advance. One thing leads to another, that leads to something else and so on and so forth until it finally comes full circle. I'll still be thinking about this book in the weeks to come, trying to work out what kind of 'lesson' (so to speak) I got from the story. While it's vastly importment for a story to be entertaining it also helps greatly when the reader can take something out from the book. When the reader is touched emotionally and learns just a miniscule fact concerning this crazy thing we call life, that's when we have something special.
Off the top of my head I can cite hope as a theme. Hope in the face of tragedy and misery and still being brave enough to hope for the best. When Jimmy and Laurie are
For me the mark of a good book is the inability to put it down. Getting so caught up in the story and the characters that you think abouto it even when you're not reading it.
I'll try to avoid spoilers, but my favorite thing about this novel is how evrerything is connected. It's obvious that Koontz had every detail planned in advance. One thing leads to another, that leads to something else and so on and so forth until it finally comes full circle. I'll still be thinking about this book in the weeks to come, trying to work out what kind of 'lesson' (so to speak) I got from the story. While it's vastly importment for a story to be entertaining it also helps greatly when the reader can take something out from the book. When the reader is touched emotionally and learns just a miniscule fact concerning this crazy thing we call life, that's when we have something special.
Off the top of my head I can cite hope as a theme. Hope in the face of tragedy and misery and still being brave enough to hope for the best. When Jimmy and Laurie are
April 3, 2008
Wow! This book totally blew me away. Best Koontz book I've read yet, and I thought Odd Thomas would be a tough act to follow. I may have to pick up a copy of this book for own PC bookshelf so I can let hubby and all my other non-BC friends read it too. :)
Great character development, suspense, the kind of book I didn't want to put down. At times, I was so anxious to know how a particular situation would turn out that I'd find myself skipping ahead a couple of chapters, and then immediately scolding myself for doing so. Screw going to bed! I must read a few more chapters so I can see how this part turns out! LOL
Though it contained plenty of suspense, it was also a love story in a sense, not a romance, but so many parts of the book, and particularly the end, gave me the warm fuzzies--the kind that bring tears to your eyes. I guess touching is the right word, as the story touched me on so many levels. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it held me in thrall. An excellent read indeed!
Great character development, suspense, the kind of book I didn't want to put down. At times, I was so anxious to know how a particular situation would turn out that I'd find myself skipping ahead a couple of chapters, and then immediately scolding myself for doing so. Screw going to bed! I must read a few more chapters so I can see how this part turns out! LOL
Though it contained plenty of suspense, it was also a love story in a sense, not a romance, but so many parts of the book, and particularly the end, gave me the warm fuzzies--the kind that bring tears to your eyes. I guess touching is the right word, as the story touched me on so many levels. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it held me in thrall. An excellent read indeed!
January 9, 2009
This book was a strange book. I don't know how else to describe it. When my husband told me it was a weird one but he thought I would like it, I really I was almost sure I didn't want to read it. I almost pasted it up, but I am glad I didn't. I never knew where it was going to go next. I never even tried to make predictions like I normally would. It also was filled with so much dry humor that you just had to laugh. The entire time I was reading this one, I couldn't help but think that the author must have had a ball writing it! I know I enjoyed it. There was some light swearing, but overall, very good and clean.
March 6, 2017
This is one of my favorite Dean Koontz novels. It has all of the elements you would expect to find in a DK novel!
August 22, 2016
Dean Koontz never disappoints. So many unexpected twists and turns. Gripping and imaginative story that reminded me why I used to read his books every chance I got.
July 9, 2012
3 ½ stars. Tongue in cheek mystery suspense.
I was disappointed when I saw this was first person. Sometimes it works, but usually it’s not as good for me, and in this case first person did not help. The plot premise was odd. It didn’t draw me in as much as other plots. When the book begins, we are told something disastrous will happen five times during Jimmy’s life. It feels like a scavenger hunt. The first day comes and we watch a disaster which Jimmy survives. Then we wait a little and watch the second disaster. I did not enjoy the formula. It felt staged - contrived. It was hard to identify with.
BUT, because the author is such a talented writer, there were many parts I enjoyed. I laughed or chuckled several times - especially at Lorrie’s comments. If you’re new to this author, don’t start with this book. See below for my favorites.
The narrator John Bedford Lloyd was great. I was pleased that he used a soft, feminine voice for Lorrie without sounding like an effeminate gay guy.
DATA:
Narrative mode: first person Jimmy and a little Lorrie. Unabridged audiobook reading time: 11 hrs and 30 mins. Swearing language: (rarely used) moderate. Sexual content: none. Setting: 1974 to 2005 Colorado. Book copyright: 2004. Genre: mystery suspense. Ending: happy.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Dean Koontz books. Dates are copyright dates.
5 stars. Watchers 1987
5 stars. Lightning 1988
5 stars. Intensity 1995
3 stars. Odd Thomas 2003
3 ½ stars. Life Expectancy 2004
2 stars. Velocity 2005
I was disappointed when I saw this was first person. Sometimes it works, but usually it’s not as good for me, and in this case first person did not help. The plot premise was odd. It didn’t draw me in as much as other plots. When the book begins, we are told something disastrous will happen five times during Jimmy’s life. It feels like a scavenger hunt. The first day comes and we watch a disaster which Jimmy survives. Then we wait a little and watch the second disaster. I did not enjoy the formula. It felt staged - contrived. It was hard to identify with.
BUT, because the author is such a talented writer, there were many parts I enjoyed. I laughed or chuckled several times - especially at Lorrie’s comments. If you’re new to this author, don’t start with this book. See below for my favorites.
The narrator John Bedford Lloyd was great. I was pleased that he used a soft, feminine voice for Lorrie without sounding like an effeminate gay guy.
DATA:
Narrative mode: first person Jimmy and a little Lorrie. Unabridged audiobook reading time: 11 hrs and 30 mins. Swearing language: (rarely used) moderate. Sexual content: none. Setting: 1974 to 2005 Colorado. Book copyright: 2004. Genre: mystery suspense. Ending: happy.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Dean Koontz books. Dates are copyright dates.
5 stars. Watchers 1987
5 stars. Lightning 1988
5 stars. Intensity 1995
3 stars. Odd Thomas 2003
3 ½ stars. Life Expectancy 2004
2 stars. Velocity 2005
November 20, 2018
I’ve inherited plenty of things from my mother (looks, laugh, sense of humor, mannerisms), and among those is a predilection for mystery novels, Dean Koontz, and plot twists. This book contains all three of these things.
If you’re craving a book with action that starts right away, and a plot that surprises you at every page-turn, this is a book for you.
If you enjoy relatable, humorous characters that provide a personable narration, this is a book for you.
If you like short chapters (another thing I got from my mom) that make you feel like a super-sonic fast reader, this is a book for you.
If you enjoy mysteries and puzzles, this is a book for you.
If you want an easy-reading book to have in your spare time, but still want to be entertained (and this book provides knock-your-socks-off entertainment), this is a book for you.
If you hate clowns, well, you still will like this book but it definitely won’t help your suspicion of creepy circus clowns (the clown thing isn’t pervasive or haunting, don’t worry).
If you’re gluten-free, this is STILL a book for you even though the main character is a bread maker. Yes, that’s right, clowns AND bakers. Don’t forget about those plot twists I was talking about.
My mom didn’t skimp on giving me good-book-detecting genes. This is a great read and easily one of my favorite Koontz novels. It’s perfect for a weekend or vacation read. It’s like a roller coaster: it may leave you dazed, but you’ll be so satisfied by the end.
If you’re craving a book with action that starts right away, and a plot that surprises you at every page-turn, this is a book for you.
If you enjoy relatable, humorous characters that provide a personable narration, this is a book for you.
If you like short chapters (another thing I got from my mom) that make you feel like a super-sonic fast reader, this is a book for you.
If you enjoy mysteries and puzzles, this is a book for you.
If you want an easy-reading book to have in your spare time, but still want to be entertained (and this book provides knock-your-socks-off entertainment), this is a book for you.
If you hate clowns, well, you still will like this book but it definitely won’t help your suspicion of creepy circus clowns (the clown thing isn’t pervasive or haunting, don’t worry).
If you’re gluten-free, this is STILL a book for you even though the main character is a bread maker. Yes, that’s right, clowns AND bakers. Don’t forget about those plot twists I was talking about.
My mom didn’t skimp on giving me good-book-detecting genes. This is a great read and easily one of my favorite Koontz novels. It’s perfect for a weekend or vacation read. It’s like a roller coaster: it may leave you dazed, but you’ll be so satisfied by the end.
January 25, 2010
Jason gave me this book for Christmas - he had listened to it as book on tape and really liked it, and thought I might like it too. I didn't - I LOVED it!! Laugh out loud funny at times, and yet also reflects on what makes a good life, relationship, and family, all in a suspenseful story!
I loved the characters - the main one, Jimmy Tock, but also all the supporting cast of characters. Each one was fleshed out and real. There was a unique banter amongst his family that I both recognized my own family in, and also wanted to be even more like. The story itself was engaging - I'm not sure how I'd really classify it, it had elements of drama, mystery, suspense, humor, and even romance (not gross fake romance, but real, sarcastic, honest, loving, inspiring romance).
The book subtly reflects on themes such as living your life to the fullest despite not knowing what the future holds, what makes "family", good vs. evil, the meaning of life.... all wrapped up in a story with bakers, evil clowns, crazy people, car chases and twists and turns that caught me off guard throughout.
This was a fast read, both because it's so well written, and also because I was so dying to know how it happened that I picked it and didn't put it down until I got through it!.
Inspiring, entertaining, well written - I highly recommend to anyone! :)
I loved the characters - the main one, Jimmy Tock, but also all the supporting cast of characters. Each one was fleshed out and real. There was a unique banter amongst his family that I both recognized my own family in, and also wanted to be even more like. The story itself was engaging - I'm not sure how I'd really classify it, it had elements of drama, mystery, suspense, humor, and even romance (not gross fake romance, but real, sarcastic, honest, loving, inspiring romance).
The book subtly reflects on themes such as living your life to the fullest despite not knowing what the future holds, what makes "family", good vs. evil, the meaning of life.... all wrapped up in a story with bakers, evil clowns, crazy people, car chases and twists and turns that caught me off guard throughout.
This was a fast read, both because it's so well written, and also because I was so dying to know how it happened that I picked it and didn't put it down until I got through it!.
Inspiring, entertaining, well written - I highly recommend to anyone! :)
March 28, 2012
Jimmy Tock is probably my favorite of all of Dean Koontz characters - and that's a lot considering one of Koontz' strengths is character development. Jimmy was born on the day his grandfather died. Before his grandfather died and the minute of Jimmy's birth, his grandfather sat up in bed and stated that Jimmy would have five horrible days. He listed the dates in question. Jimmy's family didn't know what to make of Jimmy's grandfather's prophesy until the first of the dates arrived and Jimmy, indeed, had a horrible day, filled with tragedy. The second day on the list was the same. The book really starts on the third of Jimmy's horrible days and the events that result.
Jimmy is such a normal, lovable character, that you'll find yourself rooting for him more than most others. He's a normal baker; a good, honest man who works hard and always tries to do what's right. He has a wonderful family who raised him well and later a family of his own that he raises the same way. But there are three more horrible days to get through.....after the first two, you start to wonder if he can survive them.
Jimmy is such a normal, lovable character, that you'll find yourself rooting for him more than most others. He's a normal baker; a good, honest man who works hard and always tries to do what's right. He has a wonderful family who raised him well and later a family of his own that he raises the same way. But there are three more horrible days to get through.....after the first two, you start to wonder if he can survive them.
May 8, 2019
This is such a weirdly wholesome book. And by far MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR (AND OF DEAN KOONTZ). Picture this:
• Killer Clowns so bent on screwing your life in 5 pivotal days
• Syndactyly, Indefatigable optimist, Baker hours
• DRY WIT HUMOR.
I LOVE DEAN KOONTZ AND THIS BOOK JUST MADE ME REALIZE AGAIN WHY I BECAME A READER IN THE FIRST PLACE. (Koontz have been an influential author to me since high school). GAHD. I JUST. OHMYGOODLERD. Full coherent and (hopefully) eloquent RTC (I NEED TO JUSTIFY MY LOVE FOR THIS BOOK)
• Killer Clowns so bent on screwing your life in 5 pivotal days
• Syndactyly, Indefatigable optimist, Baker hours
• DRY WIT HUMOR.
I LOVE DEAN KOONTZ AND THIS BOOK JUST MADE ME REALIZE AGAIN WHY I BECAME A READER IN THE FIRST PLACE. (Koontz have been an influential author to me since high school). GAHD. I JUST. OHMYGOODLERD. Full coherent and (hopefully) eloquent RTC (I NEED TO JUSTIFY MY LOVE FOR THIS BOOK)
October 24, 2021
3.5/5. I enjoyed this book but other people's mileage may vary. This is not a serious thriller but it's also not completely light-hearted. This is like a mix of From the Corner of His Eye and Tick Tock if you can get on board with that then you'll most likely enjoy this odd book.
December 4, 2013
Found it fascinating
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