What do readers think of The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey? Write your own review.

Turning 62 this year has brought me to a new reading genre, nursing home survival novels. All joking aside, THE BIG FINISH, came to me right after I read and thoroughly enjoyed, THE GREAT UNEXPECTED; what a kismet this lovely novel was to read. Information in the cover adequately prepares you for the story line, but the story you find between the covers will fill your heart. Duffy, Carl, Josie, Alice, Anderson, Nora, the shameless Sharon, and a delightful cast of residents and caregivers, allow everyone approaching assisted living or anyone who is assisting the elderly a reason to believe that true love never dies, family and friends are forever, good, with a bit of old age wisdom, always overcomes the bad guy or a scheming woman, and life's most important lesson, as you reach the age of assistance :WHITE FLAGS ARE NEVER AN OPTION!!!

You will laugh, cry, wonder, question, and learn the importance of living your life so you too can enjoy A BIG FINISH!!!!

As the daughter of a 96-year-old mother in Memory Care, I can attest to the authenticity of this book. From the swoosh of the electric front doors to the selection of the Resident of the Month, Brooke Fossey draws the reader into the world of the Centennial Retirement Community. Not glamorized or overstated, the Memory Care experience is very realistic. Fossey's characters take center stage as the reader begins to root for Duffy, Carl, and Josie. This awkward band struggles for redemption, and the reader truly cares about their progress. The writing is often an intriguing blend of wry humor and biting realism. As Ms. Fossey assembles this odd cast of characters, I was drawn in, ready to take this journey with them. This novel is a poignant message for us all about accepting the vicissitudes of life and loss. As Duffy meets this challenge at 88 years of age, I really rooted for him, as I think most writers will. Many will see this book as an excellent choice for their book club with its many avenues for discussion on aging and on the requirements for a life well-lived. Maybe it's never to late to qualify
for that "well-lived" category!

This debut novel is the charming story of a diverse cast of characters who find their lives entwined in an assisted living center. Duffy, the elderly protagonist, is likable and very sharp in his senior years. This is a very enjoyable read, quick but smartly written, with many bits of humor and heartfelt moments interspersed throughout. While a straightforward story, there's plenty of book club fodder and opportunities for discussion. A very enjoyable read!

The Big Finish surprised me. I thought I knew where the story was going but it took me so many places I didn't expect to go. I read this book quickly as I was immediately moved from the role of passive reader to involved reader by the laugh out loud dialogue. I soon learned that beneath this snappy dialogue ran a poignant shadow that dogs the characters from beginning to end. Fossey's characters are richly drawn, so human in their failures and goodness that you will care deeply about them and you will skip to the last page to see if they get the gentle landing they deserve. I was so drawn into the story and invested in the outcome that I did indeed sneak a peek at the ending. Fossey has managed to write a book that has elderly people in it, that deals with aging and all the sadness and loss that entails and yet somehow the book is not a depressing book, it is a funny, hope filled, and life affirming read. I enjoyed The Big Finish very much, it is a truly good story and I found many great topics that would be perfect for my book club discussion. In short, The Big Finish is an uplifting book with a character driven story. It is a story about growth, goodness, pain and aging and what lays beyond us all.

What a lovely story! A tale of many things: Different kinds of love, family, friendship, self-awareness, owning one's mistakes, redemption, forgiveness, togetherness, teamwork. The characters are well-rounded, especially Duffy. There are laugh-out-loud funny moments. The foundation of the story is solid, and the adornments charming. Highly recommend! 5 stars.

p.s. I've fallen in love with an old curmudgeon... and Anderson, too.

I enjoyed this book even though it took me a while to get through it. I felt it started a little slow so I didn't feel the need to find out what would happen next. However, once I got into it, I found the story heartwarming and interesting. Duffy was funny with his grumpy old man attitude and I found myself laughing at times. He reminds me of a few elderly men I have known and just like Duffy, they are grumpy and humorous on the outside but soft and caring on the inside. I feel that after reading this story, I have a better understanding of how the elderly must feel about nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I will recommend The Big Finish to anyone who enjoys a book that is funny but serious and sad at the same time.

I really enjoyed this book. The story was very engaging and well written, and the characters were well developed and authentic. This is a story of the fullness of life especially when that life in is its last years. It is a story of life's challenges and hopefulness in surmounting regrets. The story and the characters stayed with me long after I finished The Big Finish! I would highly recommend this book.

The Big Finish is a close look at the choices we make and where we end up. Duffy is forced to come to terms with his past as he helps a young girl all while facing the specter of being tossed out of his nursing home and forced into a place he'd rather avoid. Duffy is a character. I loved reading about life at the home with its host of characters and drama both big and small. It's a quiet book with a big impact.