Bucket List: The 'ultimate feel-good novel'
Two lonely strangers. One chance encounter. Six winning numbers.
Dot is a lonely pensioner. Max is a young offender. But a chance meeting in their local park changes everything for this unlikely duo. They soon find they share a wicked sense of humour and a penchant for petty crime.
When Dot wins the lottery, Max helps her make a bucket list of all the things she's always wanted to do but never had the chance.
The pair gradually realise that it's not just expensive gadgets, fast cars and fun fairs that make them happy. And that the secret to living a rich life isn't money . . .
Readers of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and The Keeper of Lost Things will love this book.
'Rarely does one read a novel that so nourishes the soul and completely restores one's faith in the inherent goodness of mankind. Jones is an exceptional writer' - Tendai Huchu, author of The Hairdresser of Harare
'A poignant, entertaining and uplifting read as loneliness, larceny and a lottery win lead to the unlikeliest of friendships' - Olga Wojtas
'There is pathos and poverty, brutality, and a longing for connection that sings throughout this book. I could not put it down' - Jane Yolen
Dot is a lonely pensioner. Max is a young offender. But a chance meeting in their local park changes everything for this unlikely duo. They soon find they share a wicked sense of humour and a penchant for petty crime.
When Dot wins the lottery, Max helps her make a bucket list of all the things she's always wanted to do but never had the chance.
The pair gradually realise that it's not just expensive gadgets, fast cars and fun fairs that make them happy. And that the secret to living a rich life isn't money . . .
Readers of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and The Keeper of Lost Things will love this book.
'Rarely does one read a novel that so nourishes the soul and completely restores one's faith in the inherent goodness of mankind. Jones is an exceptional writer' - Tendai Huchu, author of The Hairdresser of Harare
'A poignant, entertaining and uplifting read as loneliness, larceny and a lottery win lead to the unlikeliest of friendships' - Olga Wojtas
'There is pathos and poverty, brutality, and a longing for connection that sings throughout this book. I could not put it down' - Jane Yolen
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Community Reviews
Bucket List: The ‘Ultimate Feel-Good Novel’ by Russell Jones is a heartwarming, funny, and poignant story that follows Dot, a sharp-witted septuagenarian, and Max, a troubled young man doing community service. When Dot wins the lottery, instead of choosing a quiet retirement, she decides to complete a bucket list of wild and meaningful experiences—dragging Max along for the ride. What unfolds is a tender and humorous intergenerational journey filled with unexpected adventures, genuine connection, and emotional growth. Jones captures the loneliness and quiet strength of his characters with empathy and wit, creating a novel that is both laugh-out-loud funny and quietly moving. Readers have praised the story for its unforgettable characters, especially the feisty and lovable Dot, and the feel-good charm that makes it a perfect escape. While some moments lean into predictability, the novel more than makes up for it with its sincerity and emotional depth. If you’re a fan of stories like The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry or A Man Called Ove, this book will likely leave you smiling through your tears and thinking about the power of kindness and second chances.
Audiobook review
This completely took me by surprise. Absolutely loved it. I have decided over-70 main characters are my favourite haha. I enjoyed the honesty, the laughs, the fun, and also the reflection. There were tearful moments but I was mainly left with just pure joy. It is a book set during the Christmas period that really celebrates those values, and how they are needed all year round. The narration is superb at bringing these characters to life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
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