Book Review: Bucket List by Russell Jones
I fell completely in love with this book—and I did not see that coming. Bucket List by Russell Jones is heart-warming, hilarious, and just the right amount of chaotic. It’s the kind of story that makes you snort-laugh on one page and tear up on the next.
Dot, our fiercely independent pensioner with a dry wit and a criminal streak, is exactly the kind of heroine I didn’t know I needed. And Max, the slightly lost young offender serving out community service, is her perfect (and perfectly bewildered) counterpart. Their friendship feels fresh, believable, and totally unfiltered—which makes every moment of their bucket-list mischief all the more delightful.
This book is like Thelma & Louise meets The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, with just a hint of The Inbetweeners for good measure. They race cars, sneak into zombie films, start low-level chaos with wildly good intentions—and somehow, somewhere in between stealing gnomes and blowing lottery winnings, they create a community.
What really stayed with me was how Jones balanced the humour with genuinely moving moments. Dot might joke about her age, but she’s lived a life filled with missed chances—and watching her finally grab life with both hands was surprisingly emotional. Max’s transformation is subtle but powerful. You root for him, even when he’s being a bit of an eejit.
It’s an absolute gem of a book—charming, quirky, and full of mischief. If you’re looking for something feel-good with a side of pensioner-led petty crime, you’ve just found your next read.
Now excuse me while I go write my own bucket list…
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Fabulous review! So glad you enjoyed this too!
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