But don’t you see? Obituaries aren’t about death at all. They’re about life, about legacy. from The Obit Habit by Romalyn Tilghman

What matters? What will be leave behind? The Obit Habit may appear to be a charming rom-com with heart and humor but it is so much more. It is about the big questions. How we can motivate others to accomplish the miraculous. Discovering what has made us who we are, and how to bloom into who we should be. It is about the importance of friendship. The impact of books and art and libraries to change lives.

The novel opens with Viva on vacation in Hawaii when a hurricane hits, leaving her to consider what her own obituary would say. Viva is obsessed with obituaries; she even has framed favorites on her wall.

VIva is a single college professor whose best friend James is dying. Her boss and his wife are high school friends. Viva is estranged from her mother. Her last relationship is over and she’s in a long dry spell. “Survived by No One,” she imagines her obit stating.

If you ever decide to speak at full volume, the earth will tremble. from The Obit Habit by Romayln Tilghman

Viva is given the opportunity to teach a course using obituaries which proves to be a success with the students. It also inspires them to think deeply about their own lives.

The school is strugging to raise money for a new library. Viva’s students get involved with fund raisers, incuding 24 hour poetry slams and an audience interactive play, What Matters. A student’s mother creates a quilt for a raffle, using James’s silk neckties; he had been pivitol in her son’s staying in school.

Viva finds herself being stretched into uncomfortable leadership roles by Mark, allowing hidden depths and skills to come to the forefront. Even after his death, James impacts her life, connecting her with lost family. And changes in Mark’s life impacts their relationship.

I loved this book! It is fresh and fun with likeable characters, a feel good read with an important message.

Every chapter begins with an actual obituary and I looked forward to reading them. I have never been a reader of obituaries, having moved so often I figure I won’t know anyone in them. But after finishing this book, the next morning, I checked them out.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.