I really enjoyed this book and thought the concept was incredibly unique. I tend to gravitate towards more serious, emotional stories, and this one absolutely delivered. There were several heartbreaking moments that genuinely moved me, and I found myself completely invested in the characters and their journey. I love books that make me feel something long after I've finished reading, and this one certainly did. It's an easy high rating from me, and I'd happily recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional, thought-provoking fiction.

I read this book in 12 hours, which is very fast for me. I really loved the concept as it is so different. I love more serious content and it was absolutely heartbreaking in parts. It made me emotional and made me feel. I love that in a book. So it gets a great rating from me!

This book is highly unusual, but I think if you read the blurb and pick it up, you're probably just the right type of unusual to appreciate it.

It's hard to find a place to start for this book. I really enjoyed it, and I breezed through it in the equivalent of a couple of days (I did a lot of reading between tasks at work, so I'm not sure exactly how long it took in total). The book is full of a type of dry humor that I really respond to, as well as circling some large questions handled with, if not a delicate touch, then a knowing one. Those questions include things like: Can anyone really be truly alone in the world? Is it ever okay for someone to make the decision to end their own life? What does legacy really mean to us when we're gone?

Charles, our narrator, is alone in the world after the death of his only living relative. He checks himself into hospice (despite being completely healthy), and begins to seriously consider ending his life. The narrative jumps through time, from Charles's younger years to the present, and touches on how he ended up where he is and the people he and his mother had met through the years. He grapples with his mother's death and handling her legacy and estate, and then his own. The entire book is filled with a signature dry humor, and the dialogue is incredibly funny and often poignant. It feels very real, and every character is interesting as well as flawed, even the ones we meet only briefly.

I wanted to give this book five stars, because I really enjoyed it, but if I could I would settle around 4.5. There are often chunks of dialogue without any dialogue tags whatsoever, so it can become a little difficult to follow who's talking. Additionally, because the narrative moves around in time, I often lost track of exactly where we were in Charles's life. That being said, I actually didn't mind that too much, because it makes the past feel deeply untethered to the present, careening in space -- and that feels apt, given Charles's feelings of isolation and disconnection.

I think the best summary of the book and my feelings on it comes from the text itself towards the end. Without spoiling anything, the book lampshades its own questions about mortality and suicide and the way we handle people considering harming themselves. The work is deeply respectful and empathetic to people like Charles, and treats him like the adult he is, who is logical and intelligent and realistic about his life. At the same time, it's also clear in its message that even someone like Charles who has "done nothing" and is "connected to no one" has a number of people that he did affect and who do care, and it calls into question whether we can really be disconnected as we may feel.

I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy.

I'm Going to Miss Me by Lee Knoll

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you. It isn't driven by huge plot twists or constant action, but by the emotional journey of its characters and the questions it asks about identity, relationships, and what it really means to move forward.

I appreciated how thoughtfully the author explored difficult emotions without ever becoming overly sentimental. The writing felt sincere and reflective, allowing the quieter moments to have just as much impact as the larger ones. I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the characters and wanting the very best for them.

By the end, I was left feeling both emotional and hopeful. It's a moving, character-driven novel that lingers after you've finished reading, and one I'd happily recommend to readers who enjoy stories with plenty of heart.

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)**

*I'm Going to Miss Me* was one of those books that quietly sneaks up on you emotionally. I expected a story about heartbreak, but what I got was a powerful reminder that healing often means letting go of the version of yourself that settled for less. It was raw, honest, and filled with reflections that made me stop and think about my own life.

The writing was simple but impactful, and so many passages felt like they were written for anyone who's struggled with self-worth, grief, or learning to put themselves first. Instead of focusing on getting someone else back, the book emphasizes rediscovering yourself, and I found that message incredibly empowering.

This isn't a fast-paced read—it's one to take your time with, highlight, and revisit when you need a reminder of your own strength. I finished it feeling lighter, more hopeful, and grateful for the journey. If you enjoy reflective, healing-centered books that encourage personal growth, I'd definitely recommend this one.