Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara

This is a depressing book, and I didn't love it the whole time I was reading it.  Then, at the very end, there is a telling of the story that inspired the title and just that one clever quote made the book all right. 

This is the story of Julian English and how he destroys his life in three days.  He makes repeated bad choices (most of which seem like old habits).  He drinks heavily, cheats on his wife, and contemplates suicide.  He acts in impulsive ways.  It is pretty hard to read about his incredibly stupid behavior.  The final quote and title are references to fate or destiny and how English's end was inevitable.

This book is worth the time, but it isn't light-hearted or uplifting.