Our Last Night

“Our Last Night” may appear to be a book about the “end-of-the-world”. However, it is more appropriately viewed as a commentary on people, how they live their lives, and how each person uniquely responds to the immediate threat of death. As if looking through a movie screen, the words of this book paint a visual narrative which unfolds with ease. Each character is described with an understanding not only of the visible person, but with special insight of “why” people might act a certain way. . . what drives them to make certain choices and decisions. Literature written with this in mind is my favorite! I loved the balance between situational and character “tension” and description of relatable, everyday situations, such as purchasing paint (and returning it for a lighter color) and description of chaotic morning routines in a household. This helped me to feel like I could be a personal character, easily added into the plot. My main “critique” of the book is actually silly. In real life, I’m not sure that it would have ended so well! However, this is a book with great potential for a movie. As no one wants to read a book or watch a movie and leave feeing upset or sad, the ultimate contemplative ending was the overall best possible fit. Overall- quick read, great characters, positive message.

This is a very impressive first book by author Chris Therrien. With its dynamic cast of characters and multiple storylines it is suspenseful to the end. It does make you pause, and wonder what would I do on my last night? Who would I choose to spend it with? The characters are people we can relate to and have empathy for. They are a very diverse group of people, but very similar in the end. I am usually a romance novel girl, and I could not put this book down. I highly recommend it!

I was pleasantly surprised with OUR LAST NIGHT as I was prepared for a sci-fi doomsday story of which I am not necessarily a fan. This was definitely more about the characters and their journey through the day. A fast paced read which will keep the reader engaged. The characters are relatable on so many levels. It is certainly thought provoking as it had me thinking as to what I would do in this worse case scenario. I would highly recommend this book.

I'm normally not a sci-fi reader, but this book was great!! I became intrigued by the individual stories of each character and the way they approach "their last night". I loved the story plot, the characters, and the ways the book makes you think about your own life and who/what you would do if it was your last night. Thank you, Chris, for an interesting, intriguing, and suspenseful story!!

Surprise! I won’t spoil the ending, but this is a story about people, not the end of the world. Mr. Therrien has developed characters that come to life on the pages and make you care about them. You think about them as real people, and that is the goal of any writer worth the name, author. A must read. I’m waiting for your next one, Chris.

Once I started this book, I literally couldn't put it down - and finished it in one day! Loved the insights into the characters thoughts. I think that anyone reading this book would find at least one character they could relate to. Really makes you think about what you would do on your last day. Great read - would make a great movie!

It seemed a bit "disjointed" to me. Didn't really like the writing style. Did like the variety of characters--old, young, rich, poor, entitled and working class.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the "walks of life" the different characters portrayed. You could easily find yourself relating to them on some level. The book reminded me that as humans we all crave relationships in some form. These relationships are our identity, it's what makes us who we are, and it's where we turn to in good times and bad times. It's where we feel safe. It was thought provoking in that when I closed the book I was left with the questions "What would I do, and am I doing what I'm supposed to in life to it's fullest"? Life is precious yet fragile all the same.