This is a delightful book drawing sentimentality about two gentlemen at odds with each other thrown together in the same room in their adult living facility. Their lives join to create the spark they both are missing enlivening both their personalities and the people around them. It is a thoroughly enjoyable book.

Not for me. I just didn't find it interesting. I liked "A man called Ove" so I am not completely heartless when it comes to the elderly. And I found "A patient man funny," so I like my aging humor. It's just that I felt like, this one was trying a little too hard for my taste. I joke shouldn't be over done.

Thanks Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this title.

I enjoyed this story very much. It's a wonderful story of friendship, loss and what it takes to be yourself. Dan Mooney's voice is unfogettable

This is a genuinely and unique story about an elderly living the remaining years if his life "rotting away" in a nursing home, Joel and his wife sold their family home to give their money to their only daughter after her husband divorced her and left her with two small children. Joel had embraced the move with wife Lucey, but as fate would have it Lucey dies in her sleep. Joel becomes despodent and hates everything and everyone.

He becomes a grumpy old man, until a new roommate appears one day. Up until then, Joel contemplated ways to end his life, but Frank, a retired soap opera actor disagrees with Joel's undignified plans. Joel's death should hold meaning, instead the two develop a friendship and get into various shenanigans at the retirement home, sneaking out to bars at night to have pints of beer, walk the town where Joel used to live and work. They even mingle with the young crowd and get tickets to the VIP section of their favorite bar.

Meanwhile, facing the wrath of The Rhino, owner of the nursing home and Eve, Joel's daughter, who threaten him with seeing a therapist because of his moods of lately which could ultimately cause him to move to another institution. All these issues pose additional pressure into perfecting Joel's suicide plans.

The Great Unexpected is a lovely story about ageing and finding love and friendship, about forgiveness, respect and experiencing joy and no regrets later on in life.
When you read this novel, look around you and see how many of us are living our lives to the fullest.

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this story, as I too go through my experience of looking after an ageing parent who may need to be sent to a nursing home. I will certainly be cognizant of his need for independence and dignity.

The Great Unexpected is an interested, moving tale about how aging is viewed in society and how we view it ourselves. It was thoughtfully executed and humorous at times. Recommended!

Oh, my heart. Be forewarned, this book has some heavy themes. Depresson, death, suicide...it took me aback at first but by the end of the book I understood and appreciated Joel. I cannot imagine the loneliness one must feel in a nursing home, especially after the love of your life has passed.

I loved the characters that Dan Mooney wrote. They simply leapt off the page. The friendship between Frank and Joel, one of true acceptance and appreciation, is just beautiful.

I smiled, laughed, cringed, and cried throughout this book. And at the end I just felt hopeful and happy. The perfect addition to my Up Lit must read list.

Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

Not funny. Not interesting characters. I did not like this book at all! Maybe it was me but I can not recommend this.

There is something heart warming and sweet about an old curmudgeon. But don't you dare say that to Joel Monroe. He will threaten to punch you right in the kisser. And it is sort of an enduring quality about him. He has fiest and spirit, but he doesn't see it in himself anymore. The world basically views him as a child forcing him to follow their rules. All he wants is a choice. And taking his life is a decision he can make all on his own. One day Frank enters Joel's world. Frank is an old soap star with a scarf for all of his moods. Together Frank and Joel turn the nursing home upside down. But is it enough to change Joel's mind?

What can I say about The Great Unexpected? It is was hilarious! And I absolutely loved this story. It was a bit reminiscent of A Man Called Ove in various ways. But instead of a youthful family mucking up the works, it's Frank a man older than Joel. Together Joel and Frank are a pretty damn great duo of mischief. Their banter and back and forth comments will have you laughing out loud. Not just a smirk, a laugh loud enough for your dog to look over at you with a mean mug because you disrupted their slumber. Their antics and teenage ways will have you hoping to be half as cool at their age. And lastly, their willingness to have open minds to accept things considered taboo during their youth will having you feeling a certain sort of way. This team is deviously wonderful, an unforgettable couple of dudes.

I also really appreciated the new perspective. Often times, I consider getting older meaning losing your youthful looks. I haven't put much thought into the changes you experience. How life can happen and alter your circumstances putting your children in charge of your life. You might experience losing a spouse who you've spent a better part of your life with. Or losing the ability to make decisions on your own about your health and well being. Getting older can mean losing someone you've known your whole life, yourself. This getting old thing can be hard and unbearable. Not that I know yet, but I now have a better idea of some of thoughts running through a grandparents mind.

Overall, this story was really fun. It has such a spark of life to it which is ironic given the suicide subject matter. You really do root for Joel to change his mind. But life isn't always sweet and books don't always end how we want. Just know, you should add The Great Unexpected to your bucket list.

Thank you NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Trade Publishing for approving my request. This will be a 2019 hit.

We meet Joel, who upon the death of his roommate experiences an existential crisis. Hilltop, where he has been living for some years, seems very nice for an assisted living establishment, a place where the staff is caring and the residents are afforded a certain amount of luxury. There appears not to be too much in the way of stimulation, however, which encourages Joel to become morosely introspective. Enter Frank, a new roommate.

I was strongly reminded of A Man Called Ove, in which the central person having lost his focus and will to live, is granted a second wind so to speak from an unlikely source. Also of The Secret Diary of Henrik Groen in its depiction of making the best out of life in assisted living. Through Joel we are reminded of the theory that you're never too old to learn something that will change your world view.

This book offers a fairly accurate impression/look at some issues re aging & life in/around a Nursing Home.....in a very readable, interesting story. It offers some friendship & family, reality, hope, humor, life & death, adventure, curiosity......it's a good read.....for all ages!
I received this e-ARC from Harlequin Trade Publishing & NetGalley.....in return for my own fair/independent review.

If you're up for a quick read, this book is for you! It is charming, poignant, and tragic...but funny. The main character, a grumpy old pessimist, only changes his archaic world views when a flamboyant and equally troubled man becomes his roommate (and best friend) in the jail-like care home they both reside at. The story provides a glimpse into the life of an elderly man, who is isolated and lonely and surrounded by deep loss and triumphantly finds his way back to love, friendship and happiness. I enjoyed reading this novel, so thank you to Harlequin Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview this book in return for an honest review.

Irish writer Dan Mooney has brought a combination of dark humor and morbidity to “The Great Unexpected” that is truly a showpiece of fine writing. The author blends suicidal intent and the inability to adapt to life in a nursing home with the development of a deep and durable friendship with another patient that makes the idea of death unappealing.

Joel is feeling despondent after losing his wife and a blessedly silent roommate, fed up with being told what to do, and decides he needs to end his life. A new roommate shows up in the person of loud and boisterous former actor, Frank, who, despite living under the same burdens, seems to enjoy life. He and Joel, at odds in the beginning, quickly develop a friendship. He eventually induces Joel to undertake a series of adventures with him, to have a pint or two out in public, and to become more in touch with the world, all in violation of nursing home rules.

Their frequent “breaking out of captivity,” as they deem it, brings a good bit of disfavor from both nursing home officials and Joel’s family, but creates a better frame of mind for Joel, to the point where he develops a great love for Frank, and becomes more tolerant of his conditions. Their relationship, heavy with insults and degrading pranks, forms a solid defense against their oppressive guardians. The love story of two men, one gay and one definitely not, is not anatomical but one of merging souls and minds. Frank insists that any suicide by Noel must be big and meaningful, continually goading him into revising any plan that falls short of magnificent.

The quality of Mooney’s skill, as he captures this seemingly incongruous mixture of dark drama and joyous escapism, is hard to describe. With a droll sense of humor, the author clearly conveys the message that some worth is found during one’s ending years and all should not be doom and gloom. I was entranced by the wisdom and feeling he puts into the characters’ words and actions, and was deeply affected by his vision and the rendering of his thoughts. Excellent writing.

I’ve never read anything quite like it, it’s not often you come across a read that moves you to tears from its hilarity one moment and then thought-provoking and heart-wrenching sadness the next. Blog Tour Review at Link below.

”He wanted respect, and love and admiration, all the things that come from a relationship between two equals.”

I wanted a story featuring a deep platonic bond,,,,and guess what Dan Mooney provided????? SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP. I am so affected. I’M DEAD.
This story was everything I wanted (except the ending) plus a serving of chocolate chip cookies. This is surprisingly the first book I’ve ever read in which the main characters are over fifty. I’m so pleased this was my first experience, I just. FRANK. FRANK ADAMS. AND JOEL. How dare they love one another so much??????????? I need a cup of tea to center myself absolutely right now.

What I Loved
Basically, the premise for this story is that Joel is tired of life in the retirement home. He doesn’t have the freedom to make his own choices as an adult and he resents his lack of agency. Which is one of my greatest fears, to not have free will & I related to Joel’s feelings 1000000%
So, he decides he wants to commit suicide and he asks his new roommate, Frank, to help him come up with ideas as to how to go about it. It’s morbid but the author handles the subject matter well. So! They start to sneak out on adventures to brainstorm creative ways for Joel to off himself.
Howeverrrrrrr. FRIENDSHIP RESCUES THEM.
My favorite thing about this book was the pacing. The soulmate-brand relationship between Frank + Joel takes time to develop, but as they spend time together slowly but surely, they grow closer. It felt so natural and it was perfectly timed.
I also enjoyed the humor, Frank and Joel have an entirely new level of banter. I was bracing myself for the pure force of their witty comebacks. Their togetherness was so wholesome because they challenged one another with deep true feelings, honest intellect, and affectionate CUTENESS.
”Without thinking about it, Joel reached out and pulled his friend into a hug.

I also loved the philosophical aspect; this book reminded me to enjoy life while I have it. These characters are elderly people, but they feel so young??? It reminded me that, essentially, the elderly are really just young people in old bodies. And just, *realizing* this as an existential idea,,,,,,,,,was a shock.
For example, Frank is gay but has spent his entire life closeted due to fear. He lost his lover because he couldn’t publicly be with him. He was never genuine with his friends, so he never formed deep connections. (((((until Joel)))))))
This book really made me want to live an authentically as possible. c: c: c:
”When it’s all said and done we’ve given decades to doing the same thing every day, and very few people are lucky enough to have something to show for it besides a few scars and, if they’re lucky, some savings.”

Overall, I truly adored this book and I hope to buy a copy because Frank and Joel are precious and special. :)

ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read the description of this book I instantly wanted to read it! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Harlequin for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
The Great Unexpected was simply a beautiful novel, one of my favorite this year!
After Joel’s roommate passes away one morning, he finds himself in a deep depression and starts contemplating taking his own life. Joel is spending his last days as a “prisoner” of Hilltop Nursing Home and becoming quite rebellious and agitated. He is forced to eat when they say, sleep when they say, and take his pills when they say to. At least that’s how he sees it as of lately.
But then he meets his new roomy, Frank, a retired actor and they discuss Joel’s suicide options, wanting it to be classy and send a powerful last message.
I fell in love with Joel and Frank, and their candid friendship. Their story made me contemplate my own mortality and family connections. It opened my eyes to caring for an elderly person and what is important at that stage of their life.
Even though death is the main topic of this book, the message is so powerful and inspiring! Joel’s character grows so much from his friendship with Frank and he learns to see the beauty and joy in even his nursing home. The two laugh, cry and even break a few rules together. This book is a must read!
This review will be featured on my blog Sunday November 24, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com

Maybe 4.5 stars. Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to preview this book. Heartwarming. Worthwhile and recommended.

A beautiful story about grief, purpose and friendship. Joel and Frank are wonderful characters and their bond is powerful. I liked this much more than expected.

I loved the cover and the description of this novel and that is why I wanted to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed this heartfelt and poignant story. The fellowship of friendship transcends age and the moral is that one can find companionship at any time in life, if one is open to the opportunity. Not to be pladitudiness, but people come into your life for a reason or a season and it’s up to us to embrace. Mutual trust and support of a fellow human being, triumphs over negativity. This, to me, is the take-away of this wonderful and well written book. It’s funny and sad and totally worth reading. Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

The Great Unexpected tells the story of 75 year old Joel Monroe, who has been forced to retire to a nursing home. He has survived his beloved wife and his comatose room mate. He is a cranky curmudgeon and one day he decides that it is time to end things and join his deceased wife. He gives the nursing staff at the nursing home a terrible time, but his new room mate, Frank, a former soap opera star, teaches Joel that he has been looking at everything in a negative light: that the nurses and his daughter do in fact care for him, and are his family. Joel Monroe may feel that his life is not worth living, that he has lost his independence and a reason to live, but his friend Frank teaches Joel that life will not always stay the same, and that we must make the best of every day we have left. There are some humorous antics which will amuse most readers.

I finished this a couple days ago but I had to leave it for a bit because... goddammit, that was GOOD. This was SO good! I cried more than once, and sometimes those tears were happy and sometimes they were sad, and dammit - sometimes they were a mix of both.

I saw someone else compare it to Grumpy Old Men, and it does have kind of the same basic setup - KIND of. Enough that you're going to be reminded of it when you're reading, but that's about all. Grumpy Old Men is mostly comedy with a tiny bit of levity thrown in, but they tend to gloss over the hard parts of aging. The Great Unexpected, on the other hand... shit, TGU just shoves you right into the deep end. And then every time you think you've almost got the hang of things and you're floating along nicely, it shoves you underwater again leaving you as disoriented and spluttering and flailing as when you first went in.

Describing it that way makes it sound mean, but it isn't mean, it's just... it doesn't pull punches. I've dealt with two grandparents in homes, I've worked in a field where I deal with a lot more people who've also dealt with relatives in homes. I've also dealt with the aging people directly. I've seen what it does to people. It's fucking terrifying to deal with on all sides. You've got the elderly people themselves - adults who've taken care of themselves their entire lives, many of them long before they became 'legal' adults. You've got the children or friends or caretakers who want to do what's best for them but don't want to smother them - but also don't want to let them run free and do themselves harm - but also don't want to cage them and keep them from enjoying life - but also is it really okay to let them run around unsupervised if they aren't truly in a space to do what's best for them - but the word 'let' has such terrifying connotations of taking away their free will, and do you want to be that person, and now you're considering that one day someone else is going to be standing in front of you considering whether to 'let' you do the things you want to do and oh my GOD, how do we even live our lives with this terror hanging over our heads?

This book doesn't pull punches. In the character of Joel, it shoves you face first into his life and *makes* you consider life from the point of view of a man who went in by his own will, but who suddenly can't get out the same way. It gives you that view of a desolate, hopeless, lifeless future that Joel faces, and the impotent rage, depression and unhappiness that results when he is thwarted in his attempt to just *be an adult*.

It would have been a good book if it had stopped then and there. If that was the only viewpoint we got, we'd still have gotten something emotional and touching and memorable. But what makes this book both hard to read and hard to put down is how the author takes EVERY SINGLE PERSON that is involved in Joel's dilemma, and puts you in his or her place throughout the book. You see the viewpoints of some of the caretakers, of the head of the care facility, of the daughter, of the grandchildren, of other residents - you see it all, and you understand it all, and you are thrown into this painfully ambivalent state of understanding why Joel wants out and wanting him to succeed, but of also understanding why the people taking care of him don't dare let him do what he wants, and want them to succeed.

AND WAIT, THERE'S MORE. Because I haven't even touched yet on the friendship that develops between Joel and Frank. This is where you're going to think of Grumpy Old Men, and this is where you'll see that where GOM went the lighthearted comedy with a touch of sadness thrown in, TGU went the opposite route and has a great sense of humor, but also delves deep into this friendship and makes it SO much more than GOM ever achieved with its characters. Joel and Frank are delightful. They are wonderful friends, they are wonderful foils, and they play off of each other so simply and easily that as you read you begin to feel like a comfortable third in the party, like you're right there living life with them. It's so rare to be able to read an emotional story centered around men, and this one - this story of two men who've lived full lives but not always happy lives, and who now begin to learn to share those lives with each other, and to be open and loving with each other - it's amazing. It's beautiful.

And again, it's not JUST that relationship that leaves you happy. There are so many relationships between people in this book that make your heart swell and leave a smile on your face - yes, even though I've gone on and on about the hardness of this book, it's a book that left me smiling and glowing more often than not. Just another example of the beautiful writing of this book.

I can't go into some of what makes it best without spoilers and I wish I could because I certainly do have a mouthful to say about it - but I won't! All I will say is that I am so, so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book, and as soon as I was done I opened up Amazon and threw it onto my "to buy" list so that I can grab it at the earliest opportunity. I'm going to need some time before I open it again, but at the same time, I cannot wait to read it again.