Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead is a darkly funny, painfully relatable novel about anxiety, identity, and the absurdity of existence. Gilda, a queer and death-obsessed woman, accidentally lands a job as a church receptionist despite being an atheist. As she spirals through intrusive thoughts, awkward interactions, and a workplace mystery, her journey is both hilarious and heartbreaking.

Emily Austin’s sharp, dry humor perfectly balances heavy themes of mental health and loneliness, making Gilda one of the most authentically anxious protagonists I’ve ever read. If you love Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, this is a must-read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I just read We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin earlier this month and loved it so I was really excited to read this backlist novel by her and I loved it too! Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead intrigued me right away with that title! And the main character Gilda has such a rich interior voice that sucked me into this story that I couldn’t put down and finished reading in 3 days. I loved the themes of a queer young woman dealing with mental health issues and her existential crisis. I loved the humour in this book! And I absolutely loved the emotional ending that made me cry! I need to read Interesting Facts About Space now!

A breezy read on Depression, if there is such a thing. The character is relatable, if not always likable.

This is very much a slice of life, character driven book. There's not really a strong narrative plot, preferring to let the reader reach their own conclusions and opinion. This isn't my normal choice of story telling, however I think it works well in this instance. This was definitely an interesting read and I will be looking for more by Emily Austin.

A weird, twisted, darkly funny, deeply relatable story about feeling out of place in your own life. I can see why this book is divisive for readers. It straddles the line between lightly entertaining and traumatic anxiety spiral. Emily R. Austin has such a distinctive style and writes complex, fully-realized characters that pop off the page. An unexpected and unforgettable story.

You'll like this book if you like the Midnight Library and Eleanor Oliphant.

This book is darkly funny but also quite serious at times. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I felt seen and I loved the main character. It's subtle and simmers away, and left a lasting impression on me.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

(Review posted on Goodreads June 4, 2021)

(3.5 stars, rounded up to 4)

"Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead" by Emily Austin is a darkly humorous and introspective novel that offers a fresh take on the existential crisis. Austin's writing style is witty and engaging, with clever observations and sharp humor that add depth to the narrative.

The plot pacing is well-executed, with a steady rhythm that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. As the protagonist navigates her way through a series of absurd and often comical situations, the narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency and intrigue. Characterization is a strong suit of the novel, with the protagonist and supporting characters brought to life with depth and nuance. From the quirky cast of eccentrics she encounters to the complex dynamics of her relationships, Austin skillfully explores the complexities of human nature with humor and sensitivity. The relationships depicted are heartfelt and humorous, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. From the protagonist's unconventional friendships to her evolving romantic entanglements, Austin explores the complexities of human connection with authenticity and insight.

Humor is a central theme of the novel, providing moments of levity amidst the existential angst. Austin's witty observations and comedic timing add depth to the characters and the narrative, making for an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Overall, "Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead" is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will resonate with anyone grappling with life's big questions. While the novel may not offer easy answers, its sharp writing, engaging plot, and memorable characters make it a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a darkly humorous take on the human condition.

This hilarious book gave me loads of anxiety! But overall I really liked it. It’s been a while since I had one that made me LOL but this one did it for me. But as much as this one made me LOL it also made me cry. I struggle with anxiety myself and there were moments where I had a full blown panic attack reading this one. Dying is something I’m absolutely terrified of so reading all of her internal thoughts about it was hard. But I’m glad I did and definitely think this one was great!

Whaaaaa whhhhaaaa. This was very millennialy and whiny. I thought this would be humorous but it really didn’t work for me.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

This book turned Emily Austin into a must-buy author for me. The voice was so sharp, so compelling that I couldn't put it down, even when the pace or plot were slowing down. The situation was zany, the humor on point, and the observations sharp and clear-eyed. LOVED THIS ONE.

Witty, sharp and laugh out loud funny. Perfect characterization amd a fun quirky plot make this a novel not to be missed.

This was a weird and wonderful read that made me laugh out loud multiple times. Gilda is such a relatable character in a very unique situation. Will definitely read more from Austin!

A beautiful novel about living with anxiety in a crazy world. I loved the main character and related to each predicament she landed herself in. I definitely recommend this to any reader since I believe many can connect to the story and the feeling of navigating life.

I believe Emily Austin somehow broke into my brain and wrote a story about what she found there. The anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicidal ideation Gilda expresses is so spot-on.

For people who prefer plot-driven stories of character-driven, this one probably won't be for you. But if you like to get in someone else's head and see how they tick, you might like this one. It's weird, funny, sad, and real.

A big thank-you to the author, publisher, and netgally for a copy of this ARC. I actually listened to a library audiobook version, and the narrator does a wonderful job as Gilda.

That title grabbed my attention. Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead is the story of Gilda, who worries nonstop about death. She finds a place offering free therapy at a Catholic church, and she is immediately hired as a receptionist, a job for which she did not apply. She’s also not religious, and some religious duties come along with the job. Did I mention the receptionist she is replacing recently passed away?

An old friend of that receptionist emails Gilda, who doesn’t have the heart to tell her that Grace, the former receptionist, is deceased. This ruse she puts on, while well-meaning, could get Gilda into trouble, as the correspondence continues.

Gilda loves animals, which I could completely relate to, and while she’s not perfect and has so much going on, she feels authentic and absolutely sympathetic because she has a heart of gold. The humor bits made me smile and laugh, even if dark at times. I found this portrayal an honest one, and while it may have been hard to read at times, it tackles some meaty issues surrounding mental health. I also loved the style of writing by the author. In the right hands, I think this is gem of a read, especially if you connect to characters like I did.

I received a gifted copy.

This book grabbed me by the heart and soul and wouldn’t let go. It follows a lesbian that accidentally gets a job at a Catholic church—chaos ensues. it was funny and heartbreaking and queer and all about the ways that we can shape our lives. I can’t wait to read future Emily Austin books.

I was drawn to this being a catholic. Comforting and made you think at the same time as you journey with Gilda and her thoughts. A writer once wrote ( I wish I could remember who) wrote the words “akin to melancholia”. Gilda is a very close relative to melancholia and her story reminds us that while there are many people who are simply just not nice that given that fact to not assume people don’t care and to embrace life as flawed as it is. And yes it’s a fact we will all be dead one day which is often a theme of life we don’t want to admit. This is a book for the brave and noble readers who can.

I absolutely loved this book! I love a quirky book with anxious women who ruminate about death - it makes me feel SEEN. I could imagine myself getting a mess like Gilda, and while hilarious - this book was also heartwarming in a way that only some of us will get. Did not think I would love this as much as I did.

This had me fully laughing out loud. The main character Gilda, while delusional and obnoxious, is simply a delight. Being inside her head was quite the trip. She’s extremely likable and you can’t help but want to root for her, no matter how deep the web of lies she spins.

Gilda is intensely anxious, and I loved Austin’s subtle yet not subtle at all commentary on mental health and all the stigmas that surround it. All the people that kept giving Gilda well intentioned yet unsolicited advice to “meditate” or “take vitamin D” or “choose happiness”, as if that will cure her. Not to mention her parents, who would sooner scream at her than get help for their son and acquiesce that he might be “crazy.”

I never knew where Gilda’s constant inner monologue would go next, it kept me so interested that I read this in less than two days. It was dark, and yet somehow warm and silly and charming. The commentary on the human condition left me thinking. Gilda questioned absolutely everything, and made me think in ways I never have before. I loved the commentary on death, and Gilda’s journey with it. From being terrified to potentially seeing the beauty in it all.

I think she’s right though. Aren’t we all con artists?