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Jerry King
Hold back your tears...
For Before I die is possibly one of the most emotional books that you may ever read. While struggling with leukemia, Tessa Scott tries to live the normal life of a teenager and writes a list of things she wants to do before she dies. Number 1 being sex.
Jenny Downham brings a clogged up throat and a tear to every readers eye while you hope and wish that this young woman survives something that nobody should ever have to experience, a painful goodbye to the world.
E,13
ReadThisBook.
I received this book last Christmas and I was apprehensive about reading it. It seemed morbid and depressing, and I didn't really fancy it. However, a few weeks later, a good friend recommended it, saying that it was completely amazing. So for arguments sake I started reading and was completely swept away with it. While being faced with the unthinkable, Tessa manages to keep going and to help her through her last months she writes the list. The story follows her journey and towards the end it is written so beautifully and with such depth of emotion. Congratulations, Ms.Downham, fabulous book.
Deborah
Reluctantly a 4 instead of a 5
I really did love this book. I read it in one sitting which is a rarity for me. I give it a 4 only because I found it profoundly depressing and am reluctant to heartily endorse it for young adults.
I guess that would be an endorsement. Ms. Downham writes well enough to make me worry about its effects on younger teens. As another reviewer suggests, this book is not for anyone facing a recent death. It is intense, realistic and avoids being maudlin or melodramatic.
A heartbreaker that I will not soon forget.
Carolyn
Before I Die
I really did not like the first half of the book. The tone, to me, was one of being talked down to. Also, Tessa was not sympathetic even though she was dying. Her father at one point told her she was a monster and I agree. During the second half I did start feeling some sympathy and by the end I was deeply touched. The prose, in places, is poetic and sensual. I saw pictures of the UK cover and the US cover, and I feel the UK cover is more meaningful. I was surprised this is being marketed as age 14+.
Deborah
Reluctantly a 4 instead of a 5
I really did love this book. I read it in one sitting which is a rarity for me. I give it a 4 only because I found it profoundly depressing and am reluctant to heartily endorse it for young adults.
I guess that would be an endorsement. Ms. Downham writes well enough to make me worry about its effects on younger teens. As another reviewer suggests, this book is not for anyone facing a recent death. It is intense, realistic and avoids being maudlin or melodramatic.
A heartbreaker that I will not soon forget.
Kimberly
Sad, Yet Inspiring
Before I Die, the story of a sixteen year old girl with leukemia, was written in such a sincere and bold manner that I often felt I was reading a true memoir rather than a work of fiction. Ms. Downham seemed to effectively capture the emotions and thoughts one might experience in this situation. She did this not only for the main character, but also for her supporting characters as well. Although, the intended market population for this book is adolescents, I think it would be enjoyable for anyone over the age of fourteen.
Lori
Poignant
Before I Die by Jenny Downham is a poignant "coming of age" story told from the perspective of Tessa, a sixteen year old girl dying of leukemia. Tessa often speaks with the voice of a typical self-absorbed teen, but her thoughts seem crystallized in their clarity as her time grows more brief. As she sets out to accomplish what takes most people a whole lifetime -- determining what makes for a well-lived life -- she comes to the life-affirming realization that the simple things -- the cycle of nature, the love of family and friends, human touch-- are the ones that mean the most. This book will appeal to young adult and adult readers and book clubs, and fans of The Lovely Bones.
Jayne
very good book
I read the book in a couple of days and really enjoyed the writing. The story was haunting and made me think. I will recommend this book to a teenager who is interested in something more than the normal teenage books out there.
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