# This Book Will Save Your Life

By A. M. Homes

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/this-book-will-save-your-life-0f585c22/

Wealthy Los Angeles day trader Richard Novak can pay people to manage his household, but a hospital visit exposes how alone he is. As he starts reaching out to other people, a sinkhole threatens the orderly retreat he's built for himself.

## What makes it funny?

A horse stuck outside Richard's house sets off a rescue involving a movie star and a helicopter. The police worry about a gathering permit and mistake the arriving veterinarian for a veteran.

### The comedy at work

Homes gives the people around Richard brisk, practical dialogue while his surroundings grow stranger. His housekeeper has little patience for his bewilderment, and even a horse rescue proceeds through social awkwardness and paperwork.

### Try this if…

Los Angeles satire with room for an isolated man's attempts at kindness and reconnection. The extravagant setting suits readers who enjoy ordinary conversations in increasingly absurd circumstances.

### Good to know

Richard's health scare, divorce and estrangement from his son give the comedy an emotional burden. This is a novel about reconnecting with other people, despite the self-help promise of its title.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- Kind of humor: Absurdism · Satire · Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Audience: Adult
- Format: Novel

## Sources & further reading

- Author commentary: [Author and excerpt](https://www.amhomesbooks.com/books/this-book-will-save-your-life)
- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780670034932)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/297837/this-book-will-save-your-life-by-am-homes)