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Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Before I Die

by Jenny Downham
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  • Critics' Consensus:
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  • First Published:
  • Sep 25, 2007, 336 pages
  • Paperback:
  • May 2009, 336 pages
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Reviews

Page 5 of 5
There are currently 40 reader reviews for Before I Die
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Carolyn

Before I Die
I think that perhaps this book could appeal to some adults who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Having already lived some of the life experiences Tessa has on her list, might encourage one to think about their remaining days and make a list of their own. While I found some of the experiences on the list, things I didn't like, it is her list. The end of the book is beautifully written. I shall give this book to my two granddaughters who are 13 and 16. It will be interesting to hear their comments.
Power Reviewer
Beverly

Good First Effort
Before I Die is a good first effort. I felt that the first half of the book needed tighter editing; if you can get there, the second half flowed a lot better with more "action". The adult characters were not as developed as the teens were, guess that's why it's a teen/young adult novel. Because we are given Tessa's feelings about death and dying, the theme is reminiscent of The Lovely Bones.
Susan

Before I Die
I had a hard time getting into this book.It took several attempts for me to finish the book as I found it disjointed and didn't flow well.

.
Becky

Tries too hard
This sex & drug filled book seems to follow a young girls race to death. Definitely not for adults, it will probably appeal to younger readers and even though it deals with very serious topics, I would recommend it for mature young readers.
Jane

Before I Die by Jenny Downham
Although I gave this book an overall three, it was not an average book. I thought the first third of the book could do with some rewriting -- just didn't grab me right off the bat.The more I got into the story, the more interested I became.

I have never been with a young person who died so can't speak with any authority about whether or not this book relates experiences which are believable. My experience in being with elderly persons at the time of their death tells me that the author did a fairly good job of describing the gradual disorientation which occurs.

Probably the least developed characters were the adults in the novel. I felt with a little rewriting this story could really grab your heartstrings. As it is currently, I just felt annoyed at the omissions and the poorly developed characters. The flow of the story was off and overall I just ended the book with a sense of frustration about 'what it could have been'.
Darlynne

Concerned Parent
This book is filled with graphic sexual content and should never be intended for a teenager. It should only be for mature audiences. Shame on the publisher for gearing this book towards a younger audience.
fionadoyle

blatant voyeurism
I hated this book and it left me depressed not uplifted as previous reviews had promised? Who wants to hear the dying thoughts of a sick young girl, frightened and angry? It was terrifying and only a voyeuristic reader would enjoy this horrible viewpoint. The ending was almost macabre. Don't read this if you are ill or know anyone who is, please.
Kate

Before I Die
This is possibly the most bizzare book ever. After I read it, I just sat there thinking, "interesting....." it stuck in my mind for a very long time. It is definitely a very good book, and worth a read.

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