Review: The Life O’Reilly by Brian Cohen
Reviewed by Denise G.
As The Life O’Reilly begins, we meet Nicholas O’Reilly, a young and very capable attorney. Nicholas is on the fast track at a New York law firm which specializes in corporate law. As such, he has all the perks: six figure salary, lavish corner office, access to all the movers and shakers in the city. The one thing he doesn’t have is a life, as he spends all his waking hours working.
The firm, looking for good PR, decides to offer some Pro Bono work, and Nick is chosen for the project. Enter Dawn Nelson and her young son, Jordan. Dawn needs help getting out of an abusive relationship with a guy who has connections everywhere and deep pockets to fight the divorce. Nicholas is deeply affected by the experience and begins to question his life choices up to that point. The author takes us through a series of unexpected twists and turns that keep us riveted to the action in the story and wondering what will come next for Nicholas. Haunting and emotional, the book will also make you think long and hard about the choices you make everyday.
With a series of short chapters a la James Patterson, Brian Cohen’s writing style can better be compared to Nicholas Sparks, though it is much more matter of fact. The book compares favorably to many similar works that I’ve read, and the author’s writing is engaging and keeps you wanting more.
Overall, this is a great first effort. A page-turner that leaves you wanting more – I cannot wait for Brian Cohen’s next book!
With a diverse but unsatisfying career background, Denise made the decision to pursue what she loves: writing! Her first novel, of course, is in the works. More info about her is available at her blog http://makemoney-writingonline.blogspot.com.
This book was provided free of any obligation by Brian Cohen. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received
Category: Contemporary, Literature & Fiction
I read this book some time ago and loved it. It was so geniune, not gushy.
I didn’t see any more books by him on Amazon so I am disappointed.
Carol Wong
fascinated by this story line, having been a recipient of pro bono work first hand. i like the personal aspect, the timing in our hero’s life and the anticipation created by this review as to its outcome! well done ~
with a comparison to Sparks, another winner to add to the wishlist ”)
thanks!
The book sounds interesting…some self-reflection, possible romance and appreciation of non-material things, and a general low stress, feel better read.
LeAnn/sunshine9
sunshine9 at imonmail dot com
[...] our review of The Life O’Reilly by Brian Cohen? 2 winners will receive their own signed [...]
It is easy for people with money to question their lives (think Eat, Love, Pray) but harder for the everyday person who tries to make ends meet. The questioning for the latter involves more of who they select to spend their time with and less about career choices.
It does seem that the character questioning their life in novels is usually a woman.
Sharon Young recently posted..The African Queen- the Movie and the Memoir
This kicked off as promising, but there were two statements by the reviewer that made me pause: “Brian Cohen’s writing style can better be compared to Nicholas Sparks” and “Overall, this is a great first effort.” Typically, great first effort means this could be a great writer, but this is not a great book.
I have no doubt that the author will be checking in, as he provided the review copy. I am going to check back and see if provides some commentary. I am always interested in reading what the author has to say.
Jen recently posted..Announcing the Roald Dahl Dahlathon
I don’t consider Nicholas Sparks a great writer. I think he has great story ideas, but his writing is simplistic and not in a good way.
I guess it also depends on whether or not you like Nicholas Sparks. I think Denise enjoys his work and compared Mr. Cohen’s work to his in a positive way.
LOVE this cover
So dreamy and fallish and … thoughtful, which is what fall should be 
This sounds like a good read for one of those times when you want some perspective. A little self-administered bibliotherapy maybe? Will keep my eyes out for this …
I love that cover too! Doesn’t it seem like some sweet small town, where you could walk down the streets kicking up leaves? Dreamy is the perfect word for it.
Jen recently posted..Announcing the Roald Dahl Dahlathon
It definitely reminds me of the towns around here, and down through Georgia, where trees cover the roads and in fall it’s all … cosy
We are going to Savannah later this month. I am so excited, I can hardly stand it.
Oh not even fair!
I’m pretty sure my heart is in pieces across the Deep South/Southeast: Gulf Coast Florida, Savannah … random dirt roads in north Florida and south Georgia … ::happy sigh:: 
Enjoy your time in Savannah!
Thanks Rivka. It sounds like you are a lot closer to Georgia than I am on the West coast. I have been on a couple of trips to Atlanta, this is the first, hopefully not the last, trip to the Georgia coast area.
The cover is sweet. Reminds me of an English park, with the large trees and the repetitive benches every few feet.
First off, I love the cover! It is refreshing to hear of a book that might have a romantic or “what have I done with my life” aspect that has a male protagonist. So often the main character is a woman questioning her life (which is wonderful in itself but it is always good for a change in perspective
). Sounds like it would make a good movie as well! Will add this one to my wishlist. Thanks for the review!
Agreed! There are not a lot of books like this (that I’ve stumbled upon) with guys … actually, thinking through the books I’ve read in recent memory that feature male main characters, I wasn’t overly impressed. So to have one that sounds so promising? Definitely interesting
I wonder if there is more of a trend with guys writing for the chick lit crowds. It is nice that this author wrote from the male perspective.
Sounds like an entertaining book, possibly a romance. Love reading about NYC. It is nice that the reviewer liked the book so well, that way if I come across it I won’t hesitate to spend time reading it. Did question that the lawyer was questioning the life/life style he had chose. What did he think he should be doing instead?
Thanks for the review. I started reading this, this weekend at the beach. As an attorney I am always fascinated with attorney book, especially ones where the attorney questions their career choices. The sad reality is that most attorneys would not do it again.
Yeah, I questioned the attorney questioning what they were doing being successful in NYC.
Everyone has heard at some time the “Life of Riley” to mean you have it all (more or less).
This book may help explain some of the facts of just what is “The Life of Riley”. Thanks for the great review. Have added to my wish list.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I will out myself and admit I actually didn’t know that. That’s more than a little embarrassing to find out something late in life that practically everyone else already knows about.
Jen recently posted..Announcing the Roald Dahl Dahlathon
There was a television show in the late 1950′s called the Life of Riley but I do not remember much about it. I have used the phase a few times in my life, mainly when talking to my son. He probably does not have a clue what I am talking about.
Sharon Young recently posted..The African Queen- the Movie and the Memoir