"[9] Joan Smith was harsher, calling the plot "so hackneyed that it is hard to read without yawning." dives right into joyous fun." The New York Times Book Review. Some people in life, Sue, are weather forecasters, whereas other people are the weather itself.. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency. Kill you? You will be powerless and, besides, it'll be fun for all of us, so let's stop even discussing it.". ", "She has lovely nails, though," says Joyce. [7] Tom Nolan of The Wall Street Journal called it "an unalloyed delight, full of sharp writing, sudden surprises, heart, comedy, sorrow and great banter",[5] with Dirda calling the book "wildly entertaining". Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2022. She would kill for a Kit-Kat. Although I believe "The Man Who Died Twice" is a better novel than its predecessor, there will still be those who will hate it with a vengeance - but the many readers that lapped up the first book will, almost certainly, love this one too. [5], The Man Who Died Twice focuses on the theme of age, with Osman saying that he did not want to patronise the elderly. There is one called Elizabeth who is nearly seventy but talks like shes twenty; one of the many signs of poor characterisation in this book. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really thats the way he likes it. There was a problem loading your book clubs. . I identify with Joyce. . What company I keep! Fiendishly clever and brimming with wit on every page, The Man Who Died Twice is the tonic we all need. About the author (2021) Richard Osman is an author, producer and television presenter. However, hand on heart, the escapades of the main and supporting characters in this somewhat crazy plot really did get farcical, and my patience was tested many times. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, No Import Fees Deposit & $8.80 Shipping to United Kingdom. If you loved The Thursday Murder Club then I think youll love the sequel even more. . A young constable had cordoned off an area of the foreshore, and the pavement on the Albert Embankment had been closed. ", "Thank you, Ron," says Joyce. Donna had recently introduced Chris, her boss, to Patrice, her mum. Background [ edit] "Immaculate. Cover is in very good condition. I admit that I didnt finish the first book, misunderstanding that humor and good mystery can be in the same book. Did Elizabeth remember Marcus Carmichael? . Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. As with Mr Osmans debut novel, I sat down with this one eagerly anticipating the cozy mystery which would no doubt await me. It is literally painful to read this book. . Summer books: Bernardine Evaristo, Hilary Mantel, Richard Osman and more on what theyre reading, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. ", "Fifteen," says Ron. This title will be released on September 19, 2023. Fun from start to finish. Will they help this person? What does retirement for them actually look like?) They tussle with the mafia, investigate murders, and, of course, enjoy teatime.The Christian Science MonitorThe club makes a triumphant return The Man Who Died Twice, like its series predecessor, is an unalloyed delight, full of sharp writing, sudden surprises, heart, comedy, sorrow and great banter.Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal Fun and ingenious Osman blends humor and pathos while weaving his tangled web of intrigue and deception. The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman is published by Viking (18.99). Both easy, and challenging (respectively, if you're trying to solve the mysteries). Expect danger, devious tactics, double crossings and a few dead bodies! An awful lot of water under the bridge, and so on. I'll get the hang of it eventually." In this instance, on a Thursday lunchtime in a sleepy Kent retirement village, it seems that Joyce wants a dog, there is a discussion about sizes, and Ibrahim has doubts. ", "Fifteen," says Ron. That said, nothing was out of the realm of what septagenarians in reasonably good health and of sound mind could accomplish. Osman just gets better., , like its series predecessor, is an unalloyed delight, full of sharp writing, sudden surprises, heart, comedy, sorrow and great banter., , his supremely entertaining debut, with an even better second installment. Donna looks out of the window. "You must die before your children, of course, because you have taught them to live without you. . Donna looks out of the window. When Douglas and his handler, Poppy, are shot dead, the group must race MI6 and several vicious crooks to neutralize a number of killers and find the diamonds. I could only marvel at the ingenious ways in which they disentangle themselves from sticky situations, somehow never the worse for wear! This series is both a load of fun and an ode to how the power of friendship is important throughout ones life but especially during the final stretch. In other words, this book, metaphorically speaking, is not intended to be rolled around the inside of a carefully chosen glass, sniffed, gurgled, analysed and picked apart for the benefit of other snobs. Those who prefer their mysteries with touches of spycraft, humor, and eccentricity will be well pleased.Publishers WeeklyThis slick sequel will leave you buzzing with 'the gentle hum of contentment. The book is available for the readers around the world and here are my views on it on behalf of Team Thinkerviews. Her little unit eventually reached the embankment, and the body was loaded into the white Transit van. Javascript is not enabled in your browser. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! An instant New York Times bestseller!The second gripping novel in the New York Times bestselling Thursday Murder Club series, soon to be a major motion picture from Steven Spielberg at Amblin Entertainment“It’s taken a mere two books for Richard Osman to vault into the upper leagues of crime writers. "I'm afraid I would advise against a dog altogether, Joyce-small, medium, or large-at your time in life. That's the question. A plot that does nothing, characters that irritate and attempts at humour that do nothing but irritate, this is the last-minute homework of a talentless amateur desperately trying to avoid failing a creative writing course. ", "Says the Kennel Club, in case you want to take it up with them, Ron. Her name is Poppy, and she has a tattoo of a daisy on her forearm. Richard Osman The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Paperback - Large Print, October 26, 2021 by Richard Osman (Author) 52,800 ratings Book 2 of 3: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle $11.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover Not me. She had found Marcus Carmichael's dead body slumped against a Thames bridge at low tide. These books are absolute gold.Joe Hill, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The FiremanRichard Osmans action-packed second outing with the Thursday Murder Club overflows with wit, friendship, and derring-do, as the eccentric quartet of British crime solvers joins forces from a countryside retirement village. Beyond the lockups is the sea. Queenpin? Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahimthe Thursday Murder Clubare still riding high off their recent real-life murder case and are looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet at Cooper's Chase, their posh retirement village. ", "So if you were to get a dog now, Joyce, would you outlive it? No need to reply, I shall await with a bottle of wine regardless. The writing here is undemanding, with short, bite-size chapters, so regardless of my misgivings, I was still able to soldier on in order to (a) find out what happens in the end, and (b) enjoy the occasional funny quip or observation. asks Joyce. . [6] Due to a lack of proof, the police's hands are tied and the remaining trio is told to seek retribution themselves. This is the perfect book with which to unwind.Malcolm Forbes, Minneapolis Star-TribuneOsman follows The Thursday Murder Club, his supremely entertaining debut, with an even better second installment. ", Joyce nods. A young constable, thrilled to have been called to help, had fallen and broken an ankle, which was all they needed. She walks back to the kitchen. but utterly endearing members of the club who will leave readers eager for Osman to call the next meeting to order.BooklistRiveting. Elizabeth and her team had clambered down a flight of stone steps, lethal with slick moss. It really doesnt give me any pleasure to write this mainly negative review. Regular mystery readers won't have any trouble figuring out what really happened, but just like on Law & Order half the fun is watching it all unfold. Not me. We guarantee that you will read this just as fast as last years book. In this novel, we learn more about Elizabeth's 4.5 stars. You must never die before your dog. It really would be lovely to see you. A failed composer finds meaning as street drummer. The confidence from the first book really shows! Thoroughly enjoyable. says Joyce. Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2023. . I dont think Ive read a crime novel where Ive laughed so much. The Man Who Died Twice, like its series predecessor, is an unalloyed delight, full of sharp writing, sudden surprises, heart, comedy, sorrow and great banter." Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal "Fun and ingenious Osman blends humor and pathos while weaving his tangled web of intrigue and deception. "You've brought us table twelve, Poppy," says Ron. Im happy to report that this crime busting quartet led by ex spook Elizabeth are back with a vengeance, hogging the limelight as they engage in some lateral thinking and uproarious antics in order to outsmart the latest round of villains who threaten to darken their doorstep. Richard Osman The Man Who Died Twice Hardcover - September 16, 2021 by Osman Richard (Author) 59,035 ratings Book 2 of 3: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense See all formats and editions Kindle $9.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover I'll get the hang of it eventually." Goodreads members who liked The Man Who Died Twice also liked: The . I do hope you remember me, and I do hope to see you tomorrow. Some of us are good, others are bad, and some , The Sentence is Death (Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, #2). Those of us who write comic crime are often asked to explain the appeal. Agatha Christie is the most widely published author of all time and in any language. The New York Times Book ReviewElizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahimthe Thursday Murder Clubare still riding high off their recent real-life murder case and are looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet at Coopers Chase, their posh retirement village. dives right into joyous fun." —The New York . If so, how would three p.m. tomorrow. The Twist of a Knife (Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, #4), Death and Croissants (A Follet Valley Mystery, #1). asks Joyce. Its this self-awareness that grounds Osmans characters, and makes us look forward to seeing them again. I just love her voice with its mixture of naivety, flirtatiousness, kindness and eccentricity. Poppy nods. Despite my many quibbles though, Ive given this book three generous Amazon stars because of the entertainment value at the beginning, and the odd moments of humour peppered throughout this nonsense. It was 1975, after all. "I thought I might either get a dog or join Instagram.". Namely that they are taking it far too seriously, much more seriously than it is intended to be taken. I have read a few negative reviews of this book on here, and in my opinion they all have one thing in common. Ibrahim is making a point with his wine glass. Neat and tidy. You should never put anything beyond the Thursday Murder Club. I salute you, sir! Richard Osman is an author, producer and television presenter. I am literally begging you. She is going through the text of the letter again in her head. His first two novels, The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice were multi-million-copy record-breaking bestsellers around the world. His style in "The Man Who Died Twice" is noticeably more relaxed and fluent than it was in book one. Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2023. [4] Joan Smith of The Sunday Times, however, criticised the lack of realism in Osman's portrayal, highlighting that the Club were "in their seventies or eighties, but retain all their faculties and do not appear to have any financial problems as they run rings around the police. She had sat feet away from his corpse in a white Transit van advertising window cleaning services. But she has other things on her mind for now, and the mystery of Poppy can wait for another day. "Sir, I am begging you. Prices (including delivery) for The Man Who Died Twice by Osman, Richard. No wonder readers, myself included, have surrendered to [the Thursday Murder Club members] abundant charms. The New York Times Book ReviewThink of the Thursday Murder Club itself as a senior version of 'The A-Team'. . "So, at seventy-seven years old, we have to take a look at your life expectancy. "Sir, I am begging you. The Thursday Murder Club Mystery Series 1-3 books [The Thursday Murder Club; The Man Who Died Twice; & The Bullet That Missed]. Its all this plus the friendships, the loyalty and support that exist between the gang of four and their growing band of associates that makes this such a delight to read. The team dispersed, save for Elizabeth and the doctor, who stayed in the van with the corpse as it was driven to a morgue in Hampshire. The low tide had left behind a corpse, propped, almost sitting, against the near parapet of the bridge. Elizabeth?". dives right into joyous fun. The Man Who Died Twice: The New Thursday Murder Club Mystery. Would you like to take it up with them? Poppy has been at the restaurant for nearly two weeks now and, thus far, the reviews have not been good. Its a grenade that goes off while youre still in the room, and you cant help but be caught in the blast. I suspect she is meant to be the strong female character in the story, which is par for the course these days for any book, but this one lacks strong characters of any gender. They are frequently laugh-out-loud hilarious but also entirely real and three-dimensionalIf possible, this sequel is even better than the Osmans charmer of a debut, . A young constable, thrilled to have been called to help, had fallen and broken an ankle, which was all they needed. What company I keep! Please try again. I had steeled myself for a cozy-crime story which would, no doubt, be awful but at least be a harmless way of passing some time. Although I thought "The Thursday Murder Club" was good, I didn't think it was great. You teach your dog only to live with you. Ron, you would die long before the dog; male life expectancy is far lower than female life expectancy, and you know what your GP has said about your blood sugar. But they are out of luck. But not your dog. Luckily for all of us, Richard Osman follows up last years Thursday Murder Club very quickly! The letter is signed by Marcus Carmichael, whose corpse Elizabeth had seen pulled from the Thames years earlier, but it turns out to have been written by Elizabeths ex-husband, Douglas Middlemiss, who knew that name would get her attention. Time to be back in the room, though. Top-up, anyone? An instant New York Times bestseller! But it is the four very different. Queenpin? He received an unwarranted promotion several months later, so no lasting harm was done. I wonder if you remember me? Everything had been done properly; Elizabeth had made sure of that. But the formula is fiendishly clever: four senior-citizen friends living in a Kent retirement community have decided to eschew the usual 5,000-piece jigsaws to pool their intelligence and solve murders. Richard Osman's style won't appeal to everyone, but it does to me. Even if you detested it, Richard Osman deserves significant credit for inspiring huge numbers of non-regular readers to put their nose into a book again. . 2021-06-29Osman follows The Thursday Murder Club (2020), his supremely entertaining debut, with an even better second installment. As for characters its pointless trying to pick a favourite when the author spoils you for choice but Im going to anyway! The Man Who Died Twice (1958) Movies Preview remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. Share to Pinterest . Elizabeth reaches for the white wine. This week they have been looking at the cold case of a Hastings newsagent who murdered an intruder with a crossbow. "Sorry," says Poppy. However, Im afraid this second outing just didnt cut the mustard as far as Im concerned. Theres been a few developments in the lives of these characters since we were last in their company but they are all still game for a laugh and ready to rise to this latest crime solving challenge. The characters are written so wonderfully, and you are kept guessing what will happen next. It was 1975, after all. You have to be so careful what you wish for. Now Chris has a Tupperware container filled with olives, carrot batons, and hummus. First class and without hesitation a 5 read. Don't you think, Elizabeth? You'll get a rescue dog. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2021. The villagers of Chipping Cleghorn are agog with. Libraries near you: WorldCat. Elizabeth nods. "She is very well-meaning," says Ibrahim. Tie a knot in it if you have to. There is a bottle of red and a bottle of white on their table. ", "It's a mystery to me why you never got married, old son," says Ron to Ibrahim, and takes the bottle of white wine from the cooler on the table. "Fill it to the brim to save having to do it again. The Bullet That Missed: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery, The Last Devil to Die: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery. Heres a one sentence quote from that same paragraph: Chris had always fantasised about being the sort of man who might buy the red, yellow and green peppers. Makes me wonder how he ever made it to a DCI! suit? There would be crisps, there would be quizzes, there would be gossip about the new DS who'd just started at Fairhaven and had accidentally sent a picture of his penis to a local shopkeeper who was asking for advice on security grilles. You are simply a little lost, Donna. . 25 A CONSPIRACY OF BONES by Kathy Reichs RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2020 "But ill-suited to this role. An invitation from a dead man? Dont miss it.BookPage fistarred review)[The Man Who Died Twice] captures the spirit of older folks who don't want to be pigeonholed by their age and who capture the charming insouciance of those who've seen a lot. What a ridiculous question. A month or so later, police had discovered that the intruder was dating the newsagent's teenage daughter, and the newsagent had a long record of assault, but at that point everybody had moved on. "Sorry," says Poppy. It looks like WhatsApp is not installed on your phone. (Sept.), In this sequel to The Thursday Murder Club, Elizabeth Best and her septuagenarian friends Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim are once again on the trail of a killer. "We'd just sit in opposite corners of the room, staring each other out, and see who went first. Richard Osman self-awareness grounds his characters. She would kill for a Kit-Kat. 2. "A bit soulless perhaps. Before starting on what is likely to be Richard Osman's second international bestseller, " The Man Who Died Twice ," I would normally have read his first, " The Thursday Murder Club ," but I. 'The Times (London)If you liked The Thursday Murder Club, youre in for a treat, as this sequel is even better.Good Housekeeping (UK)Its balm for the soul.Daily Express (London)Its an unalloyed pleasure to spend time with Osmans sparkling, well-observed characters who are also wittily perceptive about our foibles and the quirks of modern life.Sunday Express (London)Osmans characters are beautifully drawn, and the result is a novel thats pure pleasure to read.The Observer (London), In Thriller Awardfinalist Osmans riveting sequel to 2020s The Thursday Murder Club, Elizabeth Best, one of four members of a crime-solving club at Coopers Chase, a retirement residence in Kent, England, receives an SOS written by a feckless secret agent from her past whos supposed to be dead. It is around a quarter to twelve. "Okay, I spy, with my little eye, something beginning with Y.". Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon, [{"displayPrice":"$12.95","priceAmount":12.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"j%2FGA4dcp6X%2FjOr4DNAkr2hVudOVDIuTyauf%2BW215uOC5dC4YUs2ucrav%2B8UnRdJY4w4wMfXg1PMjON2%2FTNHAvoIawMy67GObsUhSHc%2F83UK4OBR1mG1l2ub06x9eTXaZ8%2Fw5%2BsdigVnHUPa%2BTBTTS7LdFo7LHFbXdSdnZIo%2FSd7p%2BKQvXDhs6n9WKH%2BFnKCJ","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED"}]. Yapping it up, barking at cars. ", Ibrahim continues. "[8], While calling it "superbly entertaining", Truss criticised the novel's lack of a "sense of jeopardy",[3] with Kerridge agreeing. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but it is the truth. Audio CD. If Im honest I love them all! They're also funny, warm, and big-hearted. To add the following enhancements to your purchase, choose a different seller. Robinson was born in Head Tide, Lincoln County, Maine, but his family moved to Gardiner, Maine, in 1870. I had my tarot done on the pier once. And if one is never lost in life, then clearly one has never traveled anywhere interesting.. Share to Tumblr. When Donna had suggested buying a Kit-Kat, he'd looked at her and said, "Empty calories.". The two Antonio brothers from St Leonards had controlled the local drug trade for some years, but they had gone missing around a year ago, and Connie Johnson had stepped into the breach. It really would be lovely to see you. 'The Times (London)If you liked The Thursday Murder Club, youre in for a treat, as this sequel is even better.Good Housekeeping (UK)Its balm for the soul.Daily Express (London)Its an unalloyed pleasure to spend time with Osmans sparkling, well-observed characters who are also wittily perceptive about our foibles and the quirks of modern life.Sunday Express (London)Osmans characters are beautifully drawn, and the result is a novel thats pure pleasure to read.The Observer (London). Pages are crisp and clean with no highlighting or notes. He has been there for eight years, living at the Rectory alongside his widowed mother - opinionated, fearless, ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey - and his tw. Fifty-one percent. ", "And is that an old Egyptian saying, or an old psychiatrist's saying?" SIMILAR ITEMS (based on metadata) I mention that because I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, in fact I gave it a glowing 5 star Amazon review when I read it last year. One of her team had examined the clothing and rifled through the pockets of the heavy overcoat, a young woman from Highgate had taken photographs, and the doctor had recorded the death. "I love this sort of thing. ", Ibrahim tips his glass toward Joyce again, an indication of more wisdom to come. I never thought a murder mystery could be hilarious and still fully meet my expectations. Elizabeth has been mulling it over ever since. "Get a dog that's old already; beat Ibrahim's system," Elizabeth says. I am literally begging you. Elizabeth?". Rating: 4.0/5 After the phenomenal success of "The Thursday Murder Club" there was never really any doubt that there would be a sequel. [4], Elizabeth's former husband, Douglas Middlemiss, a secret service agent, had broken into the home of a criminal banker, Martin Lomax. ", "A medium dog," says Ibrahim, "say a terrier, or a Jack Russell perhaps, would have a life expectancy of around fourteen years. A clever, funny mystery peopled with captivating characters that enhance the story at every quirky turn.Kirkus Reviews fistarred review)Its impossible to single out any one feature that makes The Man Who Died Twice such an absolute treatRichard Osman creates real magic with his characters. Our vision is to be your go-to site that you can always count on when comparing products and prices. + = . He's made a big mistake, and he needs her help. . The Man Who Died Twice It's the following Thursday. She had helped to carry his dead body up those slick stone steps in the dead of night. ", Elizabeth hears, but her mind is still in the back of the speeding Transit van with the corpse and the doctor with the mustache. Richard Osman is an author, producer, and television presenter. Clever, witty, and touching, this thriller has it all.Lisa Gardner, #1New York Timesbestselling author of Before She DisappearedA thing of joy. The septuagenarian residents of Coopers Chase, who make up the eponymous "Thursday Murder Club", are back again, but with a new mystery to get their dentures into. A former nurse, Joyce is likely to comment favourably on the shade of someones blouse while in the presence of a headless corpse. Looking for what? Looking for what? The low tide had left behind a corpse, propped, almost sitting, against the near parapet of the bridge. I had steeled myself for a cozy-crime story which would, no doubt, be awful but at least be a harmless way of passing some time. "I wonder if you remember me?" May show signs of wear or have minor defects. I have read a few negative reviews of this book on here, and in my opinion they all have one thing in common. Richard Osman The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Paperback - July 26, 2022 by Richard Osman (Author) 65,661 ratings Book 2 of 4: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense See all formats and editions Kindle $12.99 Read with Our Free App Audiobook $0.00 Free with your Audible trial Hardcover Ron, you would die long before the dog; male life expectancy is far lower than female life expectancy, and you know what your GP has said about your blood sugar. She said I was going to come into money. They arrived in a white Transit van, shabby on the outside, seemingly owned by g. procter-windows, gutters, all jobs considered, but, on the inside, gleaming, full of buttons and screens. Her heart is pure gold but she isnt above a bit of gentle persuasion and coercion as Ibrahim knows only too well! Would you like to join me at 14 Ruskin Court for a drink? When someone is killed during an attempt on Douglas's life, Elizabeth is contacted by MI5 agents who want to figure out who located his safe house. Soon after, 20 million of diamonds go missing from that house, with the banker suspecting him;[4] the banker threatens to give the diamonds' owners, mobsters from New York and cartel members from Colombia, details on her husband should the diamonds not be returned. ", "Ooh, yes?" ", "I'd outlive a dog through pure spite," says Ron. The twisty plot, knotty issues of relationships with life partners, and steadfast loyalty among the sleuths provide depth and poignancy. Her name is Poppy. ", "Well, that is certainly food for thought, Ibrahim; thank you," says Joyce. If you are happy to let other pens dwell on guilt and misery, you can relax and enjoy this novel, which is superbly entertaining. "Oh, you'd advise against everything," says Ron. She went further, lambasting Osman as "very much a one-trick pony", his characters as "paper-thin", and scorching both of his "soap opera" books as "lack[ing] the underlying moral seriousness that is an essential ingredient of the best crime fiction. . However, after another few chapters my heart began to sink, and I found myself struggling to keep interested in a story that slowly but surely meandered all over the place, and got sillier by the minute. In this outing, Elizabeth receives an unexpected letter, delivered under her door, and originating from someone from her younger days. . They each feel like real people who are experiencing their own personal emotions and moral ambiguities even as they participate in the world around them. But now? . I am going back to read it, before I read the third book. We were watching Antiques Roadshow last night," says DCI Chris Hudson, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. Ships direct from Amazon! It's the toss of a coin, and I don't believe that is a risk worth taking. [4], Robert Dex of the Evening Standard had mixed thoughts on the novel, writing that the plot "has more holes than a dodgy knitting pattern and his characters aside from Elizabeth and her sidekick Joyce are pretty flimsy. Thank you. This series is both a load of fun and an ode to how the power of friendship is important throughout ones life but especially during the final stretch.