Last Clear Chance by Bob Bachner is a thought provoking novel. The novel centers on Paul Cormier, an average man who has an issue with guilt. His life is riddled with feelings of guilt and to find a way to redemption. Society in itself is portrayed as rigid and very staunch. The novel can be taken as a satire on the current state of being in the world. Last Clear Chance is about an old man of 74, who is about to die in a couple of months. He lives alone and has regretted his past, but he is welcoming death with open arms because that means he will be free from the torture that is his life.

I really enjoyed the writing style: diary entries. The date and day mentioned at the beginning of certain paragraphs gave me a sense of belonging. I felt connected with Nate and Paul; I felt as if I was there with them and understood the notorious Uncle Ed in a different way. The multi-faceted narrative allowed me to sympathize with Paul and enjoy his remaining days with him. Of course, the complexity of the novel will be enjoyed by readers who like to read books that are very much like Toni Morrison’s. I believe Bachner has a lot of potential and this novel will take him to the next level. I am now his fan and will be looking forward to reading more from this amazing writer. Deep, inspiring and emotional, this novel is everything a great novel should be.

When Paul Cormier finds out that his death is near, he isn’t really surprised. He is 74, after all, and has known many people his age or younger that have already died. What is surprising, though, is how calmly he takes the news that he only has about three months to live. So begins the absolutely fantastic novel, Last Clear Chance, by author Bob Bachner. Following the stories of Paul, Nate Wharsager and Alan Ricks in a unique, diary-style format, this novel allows us an insider’s look into the intimate lives of three individuals who, on the surface, may seem unconnected, but when one looks a bit further, you can see just how much they have in common. Exploring themes of guilt, death, life and love, Last Clear Chance is a book that, once read, is never forgotten.

I loved this book. Loved it. Author Bob Bachner has done a simply masterful job at writing a beautiful, beautiful novel that will not only get into the reader's mind, but also their heart. His words are beautifully crafted, and you will find yourself re-reading passages for the sheer joy of hearing them in your mind a second time. He has created characters that are so realistic, so relatable, so interesting that they will feel like people you have known intimately for years. I know how fickle and difficult the world of publishing can be, but I can only hope that Last Clear Chance will somehow make its way into the hands of the right people, because the literary world deserves the chance to read and appreciate this book. I am so pleased to highly recommend Last Clear Chance, and I certainly hope that author Bob Bachner is hard at work on his next masterpiece. I, for one, will be eagerly anticipating its arrival.