The Bucket List
8.12 / 10 8K ratings
- Language
- French
- Published
- 2023
- Publisher
- Plumes du Web
- Pages
- 492
- ISBN
- 9782381511306
Lily is a diligent medical student with a structured life and clear goals, a stark contrast to her brother, Kyllian, who struggles after their father's death. Her best friend, seeking to broaden Lily's horizons, creates a bucket list for her, including the challenge of falling in love. This leads Lily into the orbit of Maël, a rising football star and her brother's teammate, known for his challenging personality.
Initially, Lily and Maël clash, their forced proximity as housemates fueling an immediate dislike. As their lives become intertwined, both confront personal struggles - Lily in navigating her brother's difficulties and Maël in facing the hidden complexities beneath his successful exterior. This setup explores whether two individuals with opposing worlds and initial animosity can find a connection.
Initially, Lily and Maël clash, their forced proximity as housemates fueling an immediate dislike. As their lives become intertwined, both confront personal struggles - Lily in navigating her brother's difficulties and Maël in facing the hidden complexities beneath his successful exterior. This setup explores whether two individuals with opposing worlds and initial animosity can find a connection.
Subjects
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
Lily Johnson leads a life meticulously ordered, a tapestry woven with excellent grades and the promising threads of a medical career. Her world is one of control and predictability, a stark contrast to her brother, Kyllian, who has spiraled into a tumultuous existence since their father's death. Lily, too sensible and serious, finds herself at a crossroads when her best friend, Sarah, intervenes, crafting a "bucket list" designed to nudge her out of her carefully constructed comfort zone and into the wild, unpredictable currents of youth and experience.
Enter Maël Gellman, the acclaimed quarterback for the New York Giants, a star both adored and reviled. His life, from the outside, gleams with success, yet he carries the quiet understanding that fame often masks a deeper discontent. When Lily, Kyllian's younger sister, crosses his path, their initial encounters are charged with a mutual animosity that Maël, surprisingly, finds rather amusing. Lily, for her part, harbors a deep-seated resentment, blaming Maël for the growing chasm between her and her brother.
Fate, however, has a mischievous streak. A series of events, including a poorly conceived wager, thrusts Lily and Sarah directly into the chaotic, male-dominated world of the Giants' shared apartment. Suddenly, Lily is not just encountering Maël; she is forced to cohabit with him and his teammates. The tension between them escalates, a constant battle of wits and wills as they each strive to destabilize the other, hoping to drive them out. Maël, unaccustomed to being challenged, finds himself intrigued by Lily's fierce spirit, even as he vows not to yield to her perceived caprices.
Amidst the pranks and the heated arguments, a different kind of connection begins to simmer. Lily, in her efforts to complete the audacious challenges on her bucket list, finds herself relying on Maël in unexpected ways. Her carefully guarded control starts to unravel, revealing a vulnerability and a depth of emotion she rarely permits herself to show. Maël, in turn, sees beyond the "little pest" and glimpses the genuine, if somewhat chaotic, woman beneath.
Their forced proximity becomes a crucible, forging an undeniable, if still fiercely resisted, attraction. The initial dislike slowly morphs into something more complex, a dance between animosity and burgeoning desire. As Lily navigates the wild demands of her bucket list and the volatile world of professional football, she and Maël are drawn into a romance that defies their expectations, challenging them to confront their past hurts and open their hearts to a future neither of them had planned.
Enter Maël Gellman, the acclaimed quarterback for the New York Giants, a star both adored and reviled. His life, from the outside, gleams with success, yet he carries the quiet understanding that fame often masks a deeper discontent. When Lily, Kyllian's younger sister, crosses his path, their initial encounters are charged with a mutual animosity that Maël, surprisingly, finds rather amusing. Lily, for her part, harbors a deep-seated resentment, blaming Maël for the growing chasm between her and her brother.
Fate, however, has a mischievous streak. A series of events, including a poorly conceived wager, thrusts Lily and Sarah directly into the chaotic, male-dominated world of the Giants' shared apartment. Suddenly, Lily is not just encountering Maël; she is forced to cohabit with him and his teammates. The tension between them escalates, a constant battle of wits and wills as they each strive to destabilize the other, hoping to drive them out. Maël, unaccustomed to being challenged, finds himself intrigued by Lily's fierce spirit, even as he vows not to yield to her perceived caprices.
Amidst the pranks and the heated arguments, a different kind of connection begins to simmer. Lily, in her efforts to complete the audacious challenges on her bucket list, finds herself relying on Maël in unexpected ways. Her carefully guarded control starts to unravel, revealing a vulnerability and a depth of emotion she rarely permits herself to show. Maël, in turn, sees beyond the "little pest" and glimpses the genuine, if somewhat chaotic, woman beneath.
Their forced proximity becomes a crucible, forging an undeniable, if still fiercely resisted, attraction. The initial dislike slowly morphs into something more complex, a dance between animosity and burgeoning desire. As Lily navigates the wild demands of her bucket list and the volatile world of professional football, she and Maël are drawn into a romance that defies their expectations, challenging them to confront their past hurts and open their hearts to a future neither of them had planned.
What other readers say
Liked
The book is widely praised for its captivating and addictive nature, with many readers finding it a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. The author's writing style is frequently described as fluid, dynamic, and accessible, making it perfect for a lighthearted escape. Reviewers particularly enjoyed the humor woven throughout the story, highlighting the witty banter and amusing interactions between characters. The "found family" trope is a significant highlight, with many readers developing strong attachments to the close-knit group of friends. Maël, one of the main characters, is often celebrated as a charming and appealing "book boyfriend," and the supporting cast, including Max and Ted, are also well-received, sparking anticipation for future installments. The blend of university romance, sport themes, and popular tropes like "enemies to lovers" and forced proximity contributes to its appeal for those seeking a fun and emotional read.
Disliked
However, the book also draws considerable criticism, primarily concerning its protagonist, Lily. Many reviewers found her character to be immature, selfish, narcissistic, and at times, unlikeable, with some describing her behavior as more akin to a child than a 19-year-old. Her intense focus on her brother is noted as an unhealthy obsession lacking sufficient background or explanation. The writing style, while praised by some for its simplicity, is criticized by others for being too simplistic, childish, or even crude, with repetitive phrases. Pacing issues are also mentioned, with some finding the story losing momentum towards the end or feeling unrealistic and disjointed. The central "bucket list" premise is often forgotten after the initial chapters, and plot points are sometimes perceived as forced, lacking credibility, or resolved too quickly, especially regarding sensitive topics like sexual assault, which some felt were mishandled or lacked appropriate trigger warnings.
In short
Overall, this book appears to be a polarizing read. It is likely to be enjoyed by young adult readers, particularly those between 16 and 20, who are looking for a light, humorous, and fast-paced university romance featuring popular tropes like "enemies to lovers" and a strong "found family" dynamic. Readers who appreciate a charming male lead and don't mind a flawed, sometimes exasperating female protagonist, or those seeking an undemanding story for relaxation, will likely find it engaging. However, readers seeking deep character development, a highly realistic plot, refined prose, or a nuanced handling of serious themes might find themselves disappointed.
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