MY NEXT LIFE

In this debut novel, a man in the hereafter must decide how he will live his next life.

Thirty-something American Scott Stillman finds himself in the afterlife, though details of his death are initially hazy. The realm is not unlike a giant airport terminal, as people decide if they’ll stay or live another life on Earth. But Scott is a “direct return”—his unnatural death means he must go back to the planet. He can purchase a new body and such traits as artistic talent and IQ points using the “monetary award” he’s earned during his latest lifetime. This doesn’t give Scott much of a budget, so he’ll have to choose wisely. Amazingly, he spots people he knows in the hereafter—his recently deceased and overbearing father, Mort, and Scott’s ex-girlfriend Allison Newhart, who’s also a direct return. Scott’s on-again, off-again relationship with Allison is back on, and the two plan to reunite in their ensuing lives. But Scott has a devastating secret that he’s afraid to tell Allison. He may have to make amends, even with Mort, before his departure. Alexander’s amusing afterlife tale comes with numerous guidelines. There are, for example, different levels in the hereafter, and a worthy soul will “graduate” to the next. Scott befriends, Buddy Shanken, a Level 8 who is the novel’s most endearing character. The vibrant story’s short chapters include snippets of a popular hereafter guidebook that entertainingly elucidates the “rules” and provides tips. Along with dry humor and a charmingly sardonic Mort, the tale offers intriguing insights into these characters, who examine their lives, past and future. Scott, who blames his misfortune on everyone except himself, soon has regrets over things he’s done. Eventually, the cast members choose which traits will afford them happiness, from physical beauty to something that can make others joyful. The ending, while predictable, delivers a memorable wrap-up.

A breezy, funny, and profound tale about death and new beginnings.