Checking Out Paperback – March 22, 2018

Nathan James has just discovered it’s over or is it? This a beautiful story of a man who discovers himself in a brilliant way and does in fact make the best of his life. Bravo!

I won this book as part of a giveaway on Goodreads. Having never read this author, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Well, I ripped through this book in no time and I can say it's exceptionally good.Nathan is a man who seems at first glance to be a bit of a jerk. Thanks to his creation, The Foodies, he's a man with all the material comforts he could imagine - nice house, fast car, overly sexual model girlfriend. Then his life is thrown into a tailspin when he learns he's now a man who can die at any moment and likely will do so in a short amount of time.After learning of his diagnosis, Nathan endures a series of hilarious adventures as he tries to make sense of what to do with the rest of his short life. I can honestly say that I've never laughed as hard as I did during the allergic reaction scene. I even had to stop, find my husband, and read it aloud to him. On top of this, Nathan has some cheeky British moments which are so endearing.Of course, this leads to him meeting Allie. She's exactly what he's really needed in his life except for that pesky problem of his impending death. We get to experience it all with him and yes, there were rib aching laughs but also some touching moments which caused more than a tear or two in my eye.I loved this book and will gladly seek out other books by this author.

An author who can portray the darkest of human experiences, but lace it (often) with humor, has accomplished more than most. Your talent shined and soared with this novel, Nick. You can't fool me with the slapstick humor of your past novels - b/c your intelligence and creativity is now known. And, you wrote this novel in present tense - a feat I find a punishing challenge. Thanks for this read, that brought tears and fear, but also laughter. For those unaware of Focused Ultrasound, please look it up online. Although funding is needed for this miracle to be available widespread, it can and does cure tumors, even ones as deep in the brain as Nathan's, the protagonist in this novel. As of this time, Parkinson's is being treated on a widespread basis, and many other ailments. Again, an online search will supply a phone number and more information. A brief explanation here, the patient is placed in an MRI tube, and sedated. Sound waves break up and destroy cancers, tremors from Parkinson's, and many more diseases, with no pain or illness to the patient. Truly a miracle.

Interesting premise, sometimes delivered, but once again a male writer trying to be too clever with too little emotional interaction with the reader. Just ok.

Ehhhh…like he had a deadline or something. Definitely not his best. A solid quick read that feels rushed. So ehhh.

Nick , I have read all of your novels now…. And wish there were words to describe how much I love them…. You have a unique talent for making me part of the hilarious , true to life foibles and fun of all your characters. I feel as though I have dozens of new family members and such gently shared life lessons. Yours is truly an incredible gift. Thank you for sharing …. Need more more more….

I have read several books by this author and have loved them all. This is another laugh out loud book, which is hard to believe when the main character has a brain tumor. However, it's written is such a great way that the subject is covered with warmth and humor that makes the whole book totally believable, and so enjoyable with crazy characters and crazy adventures. As with every other Nick Spalding books the "I was sat, instead of I was sitting, and I'm stood alone instead of I'm standing alone" still is like nails on a blackboard, because even though I was brought up in Yorkshire and it's quite commonplace there, it's still wrong. Sorry Mr Spalding, I really love your books and my next one will be Fat Chance.

This book! I told my husband I was reading a book about a man who had an inoperable brain tumor. When I was laughing out loud, he said to our daughter, "Obviously she's reading that book about a man who is dying of a brain tumor. You can tell by her hysterical laughter." I tried to explain some of the funny parts to him, but I guess you just have to read it to see the humor. I didn't want him to think I was a horrible person! I laugh at inappropriate humor, but this was even beyond that!Nick Spalding really has a way with words. I have enjoyed all his books. I don't want to spoil it, but I will say it was hard to put the book down because I wanted to know how it ended.

I have read all your books but this one made me laugh so much. I did not want it to end. Laughing at death is the only way to go. The characters were amazing. Love your style of writing. It is like you are in the room telling a story. Great. 😂

Nathan, I have a grumpy Herman thingy, but of a female type. This will hopefully make sense after reading this book, if you have of course read my review. This book is extremely beautifully written, full of humour, kids, young adults, middle-aged adults and the very elderly. The authors sensitivity when writing about the elderly is especially endearing. Oh there are Donkies too, how could I forget them! Anyway it's an exquisitely written story about happy things with the untimely terminal illness of Nathan interwovenPlease don't be put off by this, it's not just a book for us Termi's, it's eye opening (when they aren't sodden in tears) but most of all mind and heart opening. Please, please read this book!

Uproariously funny more than achingly sad. Never have I cried so much with laughter, then cried in sympathy, but I was almost continuously kept in stitches by the outrageous humour.I have to forgive the main character, Nathan, for consigning the present participle to the grave.This is one book I will read some years later... if I haven't checked out.

'Checking Out' is the first book I have read by Nick Spalding and I have to say I enjoyed it immensely. Following a guy called Nathan who seems to have it all, until he gets a terminal health diagnosis and is forced to engage with the world in a whole different way, this book manages to be humorous and poignant in almost equal measures.I was surprised at how easy it was to read and at just how funny I found it. I read this in a couple of days and enjoyed every minute. Despite the subject matter it wasn't maudlin or depressing and tied things up at the end in a satisfying way (I had my concerns going into the book how he would end it when the whole premise is based on a guy with a terminal condition).All in all this made for an entertaining and engaging read and I'm glad I took a chance on this and I'd definitely try some other books by Nick Spalding if the price was right.

Absolutely hated this book! I did not find if remotely funny and the graphic sex scenes were repellent and gratuitous. It is very rare for me to dislike a book so much that I did not want to keep it on my kindle but I have happily deleted it. It is the first book I have read, or rather half read, by this author and I am reluctant to try any of his others. Treating serious illness with a light, even humorous touch can be very effective but not I fear in Nick Spaldings hands.