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3.5
The Life O'Reilly
ByPublisher Description
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 and introduces a poignant and sensitive new voice in fiction.
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 and introduces a poignant and sensitive new voice in fiction.
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesThe Life O'Reilly Reviews
3.5
“This book had been on my wish list since I first read about it when one of my fellow book bloggers reviewed it on their own book blog. So I have to admit I was delighted when the author contacted me wondering if I would be interested in reading and reviewing this story for myself!
When I first started the book, I had a hard time identifying with the main character. He was a corporate lawyer that worked long hours and made a lot of money. I must say I wasn't too impressed with him and I was worried the story wouldn't keep my interest. Slowly, though, that all started to change. Nick, the main character, began to realize the importance of the other non-materialistic aspects of life. He found love. He supported his family emotionally and appreciated the people in his life. I truly loved seeing him mature and grow into a loving, caring person.
Then there was the ending--ugh! I really can't divulge much without giving it away entirely, but I was not happy with it at all. I wanted to see more of his story once he had finally realized his life's dream.
This book was written based on a premise that too many of us often overlook during our hectic, busy lives--the idea that life is too short and we should live it to the fullest while truly appreciating those who are most important to us. It really grew on me, and I have to say I hugged my boys a little tighter when I was finished reading!
This was a heartfelt read that I ended up enjoying quite a bit. I am rating it four (4) cups--would have been five if not for that darn ending!”
“Nick O’Reilly is a very good lawyer. He’s partner at a successful firm, he’s got an apartment with a view of Central Park and his life is going incredibly well. Until the firm directs him to start their new pro bono project. His case is with Dawn, a domestic violence victim. She and her young son, Jordan, are trying to get away from her abusive husband. And not long after the case begins, Nick’s life is upside down.
You probably think you know where it’s going, right? You’re probably piecing together part of it, but not all.
The Life O’Reilly is a wonderful, unexpected book. It’s one of those books that makes you take stock of your life and what you really value.
I think most people, if asked, would say that their friends and family are more important to them than their job. But I think that what most people do (myself included) sort of runs counter to that. I know I tend to work on days off or check work email from home, and I also know that there are people who are much worse about that than I tend to be.
But The Life O’Reilly cautions us to stop and take stock of what’s really important in life.
Absolutely recommended.
The author’s note says that Brian Cohen’s working on his second book. I hope he’s almost done, because I cannot wait to see what he writes next.”
“A surprising read, loved it!!
http://web.me.com/quirion/Bookaddict/Blog/Entries/2010/5/5_Entry_1.html”
“In this day and age, when people struggle to find balance between work and personal life, when they are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week thanks to smartphones, laptops, e-mail, cell phones, and all of the latest technological breakthroughs, The Life O'Reilly is here to remind us of the importance of setting our priorities. It is a beautifully written story that requires the reader to stop and think about his or her own life and what is truly important, something everyone needs to do periodically. <br/><br/>Brian Cohen definitely has a way with words. In fact, he likes his details. Everything is meticulously described, from the setting to the interior to appearance. Actually, he likes his details a bit too much. While I understand, and appreciate, establishing a clear picture for the reader, at times I felt that the details distracted the reader from the overall story. Mr. Cohen does a fantastic job of establishing a connection between the reader and Nick that does not require knowing the brands and fabrics of what he is wearing or where he purchased his furniture. The story and underlying tension loses momentum each time Mr. Cohen would start drawing a verbal picture for the reader. <br/><br/>The Life O'Reilly is very fairy tale-esque in that most of the conflicts are quickly and easily resolved. Life is just not as tidy as Mr. Cohen presents. The easily resolved conflicts leaves a reader wanting more - more drama, more problems, more reality. However, the reader eventually realizes that Nick's problems are not the point of the story. Rather, Mr. Cohen is stressing the idea of not taking life for granted. Once the reader ascertains the overall message, he or she can sit back and enjoy the rest of the story, and enjoy it they will. While one might not be a high-powered lawyer, almost all readers can relate to the need to eke out a personal life from the ever-expanding work requirements, to establish our values and our priorities. Nick struggles with these very real issues, and the reader supports his every move.<br/><br/>Added to Nick's struggle is the very poignant bloom of romance between Nick and Dawn. Mr. Cohen does an amazing job of presenting the first blush of love - the confusion, doubts, and emotional roller coaster that coincides with that romance. Nick and Dawn's story is heartbreaking and beautiful, reminiscent of first love in all its hesitancy. Again, it is a relationship to which most readers can relate. The reader cannot help but fall in love along side Nick and Dawn.<br/><br/>In spite of its weaknesses, The Life O'Reilly will remain with the reader long after the last page is turned. Mr. Cohen does an excellent job of reminding his audience that we should have no regrets in life, that life is fleeting, and that we need to live it to its fullest now rather than wait for a future date. Nick's story is haunting, and I find myself dwelling on the lessons learned periodically throughout the day even weeks after I finished reading the book. The Life O'Reilly is a subtle story but well worth the time spent reading.”
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