Review - The Life O'Reilly by Brian Cohen

Book Summary from authors site

On the outside, Nick O’Reilly has it all: a high-flying legal career, as a partner of an elite Wall Street law firm, and financial security, with an apartment overlooking Central Park.  Having grown up in a working-class family, as far back as Nick can remember this was his dream.  But at the age of thirty-six, after several years of sacrificing his personal life for professional gain, Nick has started to ponder his future and consider the mark he wants to leave on society both professionally and personally—his legacy.

After being chastised in the press for turning a cold shoulder to the community, the firm calls upon Nick to help rehabilitate its image by handling its first pro bono case.  Nick is asked to represent Dawn Nelson, a domestic violence victim who is fighting for custody of her young son, Jordan.  A far cry from Nick’s specialty of defending the misdeeds of Corporate America, it is up to Nick to set Dawn and Jordan on a path to a better life.  But Nick gets much more than he signed on for, as Dawn forces him to reassess his life choices and, ultimately, be true to himself.  Only when Nick finally realizes what is truly important in life does he face his toughest—and possibly final—challenge: a battle for his own survival.

Exploring the flaws of being human and the importance of controlling one’s own destiny, The Life O’Reilly reminds us of how precious life is and how quickly and tragically it can change.  Written with great empathy, The Life O’Reilly is an emotional and unforgettable tale that will challenge one’s expectations of the modern love story.

My Review - 4 Great to the last drop

What a charming, sad, thought provoking read.  I went through the why do bad things happen to good people opinion to appreciating and having a life of fulfillment opinion.

I have had this book for far too long but I am such a mood reader I just didn't pick it up.  I am on vacation with my best friend and her new born baby and I thought it would be perfect while missing my daughter, partner and family back home.  What a great choice.

I really enjoyed this story and recommend it for anyone that has chosen to be a career mom or dad, living the legacy of a family tradition, deciding to put their lives on hold for that 'special moment' instead of creating the moments.

All the characters were very real and I enjoyed them, even the miserable pain the ass colleagues.  They had their place in the story.  I thought the legal storylines were true and gave you a sense of the hard choices needed to be successful in this industry.

Nick had to be placed on Pro Bono work to be shown another side of life that he had dreamt of but never thought of achieving.  The beginning of a journey that threw him every curve ball thought of but what amazing strength to get through it, very touching.

I think Brian Cohen did a great job with his debut book and can see this kind of story being his niche.  I enjoyed reading an adult fiction novel from a men's perspective.

Overall, I thought this was a very good love story with legal drama and the way to deal with unfortunates of life.

I took a moment and considered what kind of person I wanted to be.  I love and revered my father deeply, but his company-guy mentality no longer served me well.  I was ashamed of myself.  And then, when I thought about it, I realized that, deep down, after everything Dad went through, he wouldn't want me to just sit back and keep quiet.  It was time to stand and be counted.  pg. 120

And there it finally was.  The faceless picture I had had in my mind for so many years was no longer faceless.  The blanks were filled in.

No matter what the future rings, I thought, my legacy is intact.  pg. 247

If you enjoyed A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker I also think you will enjoy this one.

Thanks to the author Brian Cohen for sending me his book for your review.  I apologise for taking so long but am pleased to say I really enjoyed it, thank you.