This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

I love the doctor perspective of these premonitions and the internal conflict of what to do with them, do you tell someone they have 18 days left or just let them live their days out?

I adored the MC, Charlie, and honestly all of the characters were so whole and lovable. Such a good concept to contemplate and a very interesting read! The word “spectacular” has a whole new meaning🥹🩷

I think I, personally, struggle with magical realism as a genre since it isn’t a full fledged “magic system” like fantasy, but not a normal occurence in reality either. I very much want to know the “why” and “how” so it’s hard for me to just accept and fully enjoy without wanting to dig deeper.

[arc review]
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
All the Perfect Days releases May 20, 2025

2.5

What would you do if you suddenly had the ability to know the exact day in which someone was going to die?
Well, as a well-known physician, this proves to be a moral dilemma for Charlie Knight as he naturally has a personal connection with everyone in his hometown.
Stuck at a crossroads in his life, Charlie must decide whether to go ahead with his move to London and escape everyone he knows, or stay tethered to the unexpected return of his old flame.

Thompson’s sophomore novel is charming and has a great sense of community, but lacks the right level of emotional depth that you’d want from a premise that hinges upon life and death since most of the emotional punches are left too late in the story.
The lack of logic tied to the fantastical elements of the plot also weakened the ending since nothing really made sense in those last couple of chapters — what was the purpose? If the numbers could often be wrong, what kind of takeaway is there, really?

I think this would appeal to readers who enjoy the works of Marianne Cronin and Clare Pooley, or books like <I>The Measure</I> and <I>Here One Moment</I>.

Dr. Charlie Knight is a small town doctor who suddenly develops an extraordinary condition. Whenever he treats a patient, he feels an intense headache, the colors in the world around him seem to drain, and then a number forms in his brain. Soon he realizes that the number represents how many days the person has left to live.

What would you do if you knew exactly how many days someone had left to live? That’s the question I was asking myself as I read this poignant, thought-provoking novel. I went through all the feels, grinning as Charlie uses his power for good, and my heart cracking in two at the moment he realizes his new ability is both a blessing and a curse. Although some of the themes are heavy, the author treats them tenderly and the book ends on an open-ended but hopeful note.

If you’re looking for a romance, the gentle second-chance romance between Charlie and Gen is more of a side plot and might not hit the spot for you. But if you’re looking for thoughtful contemporary fiction with a touch of magical realism, this one is for you. Also perfect for fans of “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick, “Here One Moment” by Liane Moriarty, and “Expiration Dates” by Rebecca Serle.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me an advance copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook arc. This story would be great for fans of The Measure, and it wonderfully written with enough suspense to keep you guessing and hold your interest, as it follows a Dr who suddenly can see how many days a person has left. Upon keeping track he tells one patient that she has one day left and she goes out and kills herself instead of giving her family farewells like he thought that she would. Then following him through the grief of his decision and the the outcome of his choice to tell someone that they were about to die.

3.5 Stars
One Liner: Nice!

Charlie Knight is a family doctor in his late thirties. He has a fixed routine and the same clients he’d been seeing since he was a child. However, Charlie has a secret plan to escape and live the life he wants, even if Genevieve Longstaff, the woman he wanted, has long since left the town.
However, Genevieve is back. Suddenly, Charlie realizes he has gained a new gift. He can see exactly how many days are left in the lives of his visitors/ patients. Charlie thinks he could use his gift to help his patients, but every gift comes with a price. What if there are things he would rather not know?
The story comes in Charlie’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:
Should I tag this general fiction or men’s fiction? Either works, I guess.
The story starts with the MC gaining his gift unexpectedly and goes on from there. He is an easy guy to like. A friendly, sweet, and dedicated doctor whose life feels too structured and safe. He is also lonely.
While there is some ‘romance’, it is not a love story or a romcom. So if you go in expecting it to be heavy on this element, you will be disappointed. Moreover, there isn’t much chemistry between Charlie and Gen as such. They’d make good friends, though.
The book deals with themes like guilt, decisions, wanting a second chance, life, death, etc. Naturally, death is a bigger theme, so it does occur more than once.
Characters like MaryAnn, Gen, Lorraine, etc., had potential, but it seems to be barely explored. In fact, it’s the same for the entire book. The whole narration has a slow and mellow tone. Quite a few topics are touched upon, but none are given full attention.
The concept of seeing the numbers is intriguing. We get a probable explanation, which is not perfect since even the characters don’t know. This may not appeal to some readers, but it aligns with the book’s tone.
The ending is hopeful and a tad bittersweet. I guess I can call it an open-ish ending since some issues are never discussed. Still, the book feels complete, so it is not vague or random.

To summarize, All the Perfect Days offers quite a bit to think about, but doesn’t delve deep into any of those. The pacing is slow, so plan accordingly.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This just wasn't it for me. In the genre of the 'The Measure', which I loved - this felt unfinished and underdeveloped.

I don't mind an element of magical realism and thinking about 'what if' we had certain powers or capabilities within our current world. But I never felt like there was a lesson - or a reason - for Charlie's ability to see how many days left on earth his patients had. Why did Charlie have this power and what did he learn from it? I honestly felt sorry for Charlie as he grappled with his newfound capabilities.

The love story felt forced and confusing - as we waited quite some time in the book to understand why Gen had left in the first place. In fact, all of Charlie's relationships felt confusing and lacked purpose.

Parts felt underdeveloped and I struggled to really connect with any of the characters. I found myself not often picking up the book and almost struggling to get through it.

All The Perfect Days is the second novel by Australian journalist and author, Michael Thompson. The first time it happens, country GP Charlie Knight thinks he is dying. His patient, Edna Bradley, is convinced he is having a stroke, but he recovers quickly with no ill effects. Except maybe one…

He describes the weird episode to a neurologist acquaintance: pressure in his skull, colours draining from his vision, and a shifting sensation behind the eyes, the impression of a number. But rush tests detect no abnormality. Stress? It keeps happening, seemingly triggered by the request for medical advice or treatment. Something makes him note down the numbers for each person, and he comes to understand, after the unexpected death of a patient, that they represent the number of days the person has left.

Charlie is bewildered as to why this information is falling into his brain. What is he meant to do with it? Surely, not tell people? Soon enough, he discovers how this thing he’s experiencing can be both a blessing and a curse: he saves a life, but also feels responsible for an unexpected death. Knowing this about patients for whom he has cared for years, let alone about family and friends, it’s such a weight on his mind. He starts avoiding those chats in the pub, on the street, at parties.

Charlie has a plan he hasn’t shared, either at the Marwick Family Clinic, or with friends and family: he intends to decamp from Marwick in six weeks to take up a spot in Emergency Medicine at St John’s Private Hospital in London, where he knows he can do something special, perhaps even spectacular. Seven years ago, events conspired to keep him in Marwick, but now he has an added reason to escape: knowing the life expectancy of strangers will be much easier to cope with.

And then, Genevieve Longstaff turns up, back after seven years, ready to resettle in Marwick. Ordinarily, if there was anything that could keep him here, her presence would be it. But they have a history and, of all people, Genevieve’s number is the last one he wants to know.

It would be hard to meet the standard that Thompson set himself with “How To Be Remembered”, but he’s managed to do it with this compulsive tale. The premise is one that will have most readers contemplating, and he easily evokes his setting. His characters have depth and appeal, are believably flawed but pull together in that inimitable small-town way: Charlie is the doctor everyone would want to have, especially if they had children. Only the hardest of hearts won’t empathise over his dilemma. This is enthralling speculative fiction
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark

I love magical realism, and this had such an intriguing premise! A doctor suddenly gains the ability to see exactly how many days someone has left to live. I was so invested by this moral and emotional dilemma Charlie is placed in. Do you tell people the truth? Do you try to intervene? How do you maintain relationships when every interaction is threatened by an expiration date?

It was definitely thought-provoking, and I really felt for Charlie and the immense guilt and helplessness he faces. I also appreciated its reminder to live life to the fullest. But overall, I was expecting a lot more of an emotional punch. Even the rekindled romance was a little underwhelming.

Some aspects of the ending felt unfinished, and the direction the magic took left it feeling a bit purposeless. Without giving away spoilers, it's so hard to explain! It’s definitely a compelling story (it would make a great book club pick!), but I found myself wishing for more clarity and closure.

Charlie Knight is one of two local town doctors. His life is boring, but he has plans to finally move and take a job he has always felt remorse for leaving. Even Gen moving back isn’t enough to keep him here. At a routine appointment with a patient, Charlie suddenly feels off, and a number comes to him. He later finds out the number is the number of days that patient had left. How can he be a Doctor when every time someone tells him what is wrong he finds out when they will die?

After loving How To Be Remembered, when Sourcebooks reached out about this one I needed it! This book was so unique, but so dang heavy at the same time! I cannot imagine knowing when people will die, and I certainly never want to know about myself! I loved the magical realism of this one, but overall it just felt like something was missing, maybe it felt like there were a few storylines that didn’t feel completely finished? I still really enjoyed the book though! If you liked The Measure, you will enjoy this one!

Thank you to @bookmarked for my gifted copy of this book!

Charlie is a thirty-eight-year-old doctor living in the small town where he was born. He works at a local clinic and is beloved by all his patients. He has always dreamed of leaving home and doing something more exciting. His chance finally comes when he receives a job offer from a London hospital. Even though he has not told his boss or his parents, Charlie has rented a flat in London and is packing to leave in four weeks when two unexpected happenings threaten to derail his plans.
First, Genevieve, the love of his life, who left him behind, returns to live next door. Second, Charlie discovers that he has the ability to determine the number of days any patient will live. This is a very mixed blessing.
All the Perfect Days is an intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable story of love, responsibility, and loss. I become very involved in the character's lives and in the whole question of how to live if one knows the precise date of one's death.
That said, I did think Charlie seemed a bit immature for thirty-eight and I disagreed with several of his important choices. The ending felt good but didn't make as much sense as I thought it should. (I can't clarify that without a lot of spoilers!)
I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for granting me access to a free advance reading copy of All the Perfect Days in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 Stars.

What if you knew how many days someone else had to live? Would you tell them? Would you do something to prevent their death?

For those who loved The Measure by Nikki Erlick or Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty, you'll definitely want to pick up Michael Thompson's newest book All the Perfect Days for a unique variation on the "death date" plot line.

This book spans multiple genres (my favorite book type!)-- it is mostly adult contemporary magical realism fiction with threads of mystery and romance as well. It is mostly a character-driven novel, with excellent use of showing not telling in the writing style (like, textbook perfect.)

Quick Plot Summary: Charlie is 38 year old single male working as a small-town family physician. One day, out of the blue, he obtains the ability to see the number of days his patients will live. It takes him a while to understand his new-found ability, and he is faced with the decision of what to do with this death date information. His ex-girlfriend Gen also moves back to the area, bringing up Charlie's past, both good and bad. As Charlie encounters different family, friends, and patients, will he be able to help them live their days to the fullest? Or does his involvement doom their future?

My Impressions: I really enjoyed this unique story! I felt real emotion as Charlie helped each of his patients through difficult situations, and I loved the character of Gen. I took off half a star because I wanted the magical-realism elements to be a little more explained/resolved in the end. This was a quick read but felt like the perfect length and had great pacing.

Content Considerations: Scant language, and a chaste kiss or two with implied intimacy but not described in any way, adult issues/challenges/themes.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my honest opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson tells the story of Charlie. Charlie is moving to London to be an emergency physician. He is leaving his small town, family doctor practice behind and moving to a city where he knows no one. That's the key; he knows no one. Charlie woke up one day and he could "see" how many days people had left on the Earth. How can he tell people how much longer they have? Charlie struggles with this knowledge and he starts avoiding people. Then Gen moves back to town. Can he pick up and leave when the love of his life moves back next door? Charlie continues to struggle being a doctor while knowing when people will leave this world. Is London really the answer?
I loved Thompson's previous book, How to Be Remembered, and was so excited to get an early copy of All the Perfect Days. I love Thompson's story-telling and his creative ways he looks at the world. His books make you think, what would you do? I am torn with this book. I really wanted to absolutely love this book, but I just didn't love it. I liked it, I just didn't love it. It was overall kind of sad and I really felt Charlie's overwhelming sadness/ depression. Special Thanks to NetGalley, Michael Thompson, and Sourcebooks Landmark publishing for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 3.75 stars for me.

3.75/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a digital copy of this book!

All the perfect days’ is a wonderfully pleasant book discussing themes like love, death, and the potential burden some knowledge can be.

We follow our main character Charlie, a doctor, as he comes to discover his ability to know how many days his patients have left to live. Charlie views this ability as a gift, a chance for him to encourage his patients to get the most out of their lives. But is it a gift? And what happens when there are people whose final day you do not want to know about?

The plot of this book was incredibly intriguing. I think the topic of death has always been one I approach with curiosity, but also some feelings of dread, which I think are very human responses. Upon requesting the eARC of this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect, how death as a theme would be approached, but I think Michael Thompson does a great job at tackling this challenging subject. It’s a more light-hearted read than I expected it to be! It maybe could have gone a little more in depth at times, but it didn’t take away from this book being a great read.

I also loved the small-town feel to it, although I am not from one, I do come from a smaller city and I could compare that feeling to the one that this book evoked in me!

What I least liked about the book is something I don’t think I can fully explain without spoiling it, but I will just say that there were some topics that didn’t have a satisfactory ending to me. Things don’t have to be clear cut by the time that the book is at its end, but it was in a way that left me a little dissatisfied.

Oh, I actually really liked the romance! It came across more calm and different from what I am used to (I mean, I mostly read YA and New Adult, so I think that makes sense lol). I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t go into details, but I just really liked seeing the romance develop and also just getting to know our FMC.

All in all, I had a great time reading! I’m really glad I read this and I cannot wait for ‘All The Perfect Days’ by Michael Thompson to be released, so that you all can finally read it!

I jumped at the chance to read this because I had enjoyed Thompson's previous novel, How to be Remembered. This book was an interesting spin on the question "If you could know when you would die, would you want to?" Charlie can't know when he will die, but as soon as he starts treating patients or talking to friends and family about any symptoms they have, a number appears in his brain, indicating how many days they have left to live. Does he want to know this about the people he loves the most? And should he let someone know if their time is almost up? Along the way, Charlie's damaged relationship with his mom grounds the story and adds depth to Charlie and other characters. I enjoyed reading this and thought the premise was unique.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson blends magical realism and romance into a fascinating and inventive narrative. At its heart is Charlie Knight, a doctor who has grown up in the community he serves. His close connections with his patients make his work deeply personal. Charlie has put aside his dream of becoming an emergency doctor. The story kicks off with the return of Genevieve Longstaff, a former love interest coinciding with Charlie developing a strange new ability. He can intuit how many days someone has left to live.

While understandably freaked out by this power, Charlie tries to use it to help his patients make the most of their remaining time. However, knowing isn’t always good, as he soon realizes the impact his intervention can have on someone’s life. On top of that, Charlie struggles to avoid learning the number of days left for the people he loves most.

The story cleverly explores themes like cause and effect, fate versus free will, and the consequences of knowledge. I wanted more clarity on some of the magical elements of the story but overall it was both deeply thought-provoking and engaging. I felt that the romance between Charlie and Genevieve took a back seat to the rest of the narrative, and would have loved more depth in that aspect of the story. I was left thinking about this one after I had finished.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

I thought this book had a great premise but found it difficult to be hooked in the first 4 chapters. I needed a little bit more emotional connection to the character. Overall good .

The thing I love about Michael Thompson it is so easy to get into the shoes of his characters. I always find myself wondering and even somewhat planning what I would do if I was in the situation. The main character in this book, a doctor, can suddenly tell exactly how many days are left before his patient dies. It drew me in right away and I enjoyed following him as he navigated the complications this created for his personal and professional life. Thompson doesn’t overcomplicate things; while there are some twists and turns, I never feel like I’m lost or confused like I do with some magical realism and/or fantasy. This book was happy, sad, clear, and thought provoking. An enjoyable read.

If you loved The Measure, then you will absolutely eat this book up. The two had a lot of similarities - but that's not to take away from either book; they were both such fresh takes on the question, "would you want to know how long you have left?". Where 'The Measure' took a whimsy and magical realism path, All the Perfect Days stayed real and very much in the present for how it was approached and I truly appreciated that.

Charlie, a family doctor with a lifelong dream of being an ER physician had his first 'episode' when caring for a patient - the way in which it was described truly had me gasping and thinking that whom I thought was the MMC would be dying in the opening pages of the book - so as more was revealed, I was highly invested! As he comes to terms with his 'gift' of knowing when people will die it's easy to see the toll that it takes on him - his fears regarding the knowledge, how he questions everything, and then ultimately how he puts everything back together and works it all out.

There's a lot that happens, and the way that it twists really allows for the heartstrings to be pulled on as you read. The friendships he makes along the way, and the ways in which he sees what it truly means and how it can be both good and bad to know something about when a persons life may end was really beautifully written.

This is one for sure that you will want on your radar for when it's released in May! Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.