A good friend will bury your body, a best friend will dig you back up.
Dino doesn’t mind spending time with the dead. His parents own a funeral home, and death is literally the family business. He’s just not used to them talking back. Until Dino’s ex-best friend July dies suddenly—and then comes back to life. Except not exactly. Somehow July is not quite alive, and not quite dead.
As Dino and July attempt to figure out what’s happening, they must also confront why and how their friendship ended so badly, and what they have left to understand about themselves, each other, and all those grand mysteries of life.
‘A good friend will bury your body, a best friend will dig you back up.’ How could you not want to read this book after a line like that? I needed to know why July came back.
I had a love/hate relationship with these characters. At times, I loathed both of them – especially July, as she comes across as extremely self-centered and incredibly selfish. A couple of moments I warmed to her, after the reason behind some of her actions came to light. Deep down, both Dino and July have some heavy self-esteem issues, but deal with them in different ways.
The friendship between these two is puzzling. They appear to care deeply about each other, but make hurtful, biting comments (especially July), and then a couple of paragraphs later, are friends again. It’s true those you love the most can inflict the deepest wounds. Towards the end, Dino and July’s conversations are more heartfelt and honest, and a couple hit close to home for me.
It’s hard to classify this story. It’s made up of laugh-out-loud funny lines and situations, bittersweet conversations, deep character introspection – and I learned far more about how morticians prep bodies than I wanted to. Things I’ll never be able to forget. An unusual, darkly amusing portrayal of death, and a sometimes too honest, but deeply loving friendship. This book is scheduled for release February 19th, 2019.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Books and Such 
It sounds humorous and a bit creepy (you know, dead bodies and all that) at the same time. Thanks for reviewing this one.
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It was odd, bizarre, and entertaining, Priscilla. One of the most unusual reads I’ve come across.
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Eh. I think I’ll take a pass on this one. The blurb sounds intriguing and the first line grabbed me the first time I came across it. But overall it doesn’t sound like a book I’d enjoy. Your review, as always is excellent!
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Thanks, Mae! I admit, I had my doubts at certain parts, and almost thought about DNFing it at one point, but I’m so glad I continued with it.
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There was a movie when i was little about a girl who had a mortician father. it was a sweet movie, but her best friend died at the end. it was heartbreaking…. i can’t remember the name of the movie. Anyway, i stay clear of those books these days.
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Definitely heartbreaking – I doubt I could have watched that one, Jina.
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found the name: My Girl – 1991. my sister rented us the movie and we cried through the entire ending. Have you ever heard of it?
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I know that movie, but I never watched it. Now I’m glad I didn’t.
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ah, it’s a nice movie – coming of age thing. But it’s also sad. Don’t take my word on it, i’d hate to discourage people from things.
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That opening tagline caught my attention, too. But if the characters are unlikeable and the relationship doesn’t make sense, I don’t think I’d believe it or commit to the story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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It was a strange relationship, Staci – hot, cold, honest, too honest. But I enjoyed the story.
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Good review, Teri.
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This sounds a bit different and quite entertaining, Teri. Great share.
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You nailed it, Robbie – different, yet entertaining.
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That’s quite the tagline! Sounds like an interesting read 🙂
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It was a roller coaster, Jacquie, but an enjoyable read.
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