Before I Die by Jenny Downham
Review by Mrs. Dettling
I have been a librarian for more than 15 years. During this time I have been asked to find all kinds of books. Two of the weirdest topics I have ever searched for are how to build a coffin, and how to garden with human manure. ICK! Most times I am asked simple requests, like recommending a sad story. In the past, I have suggested Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata. However, I have now found the saddest story of all time…
Jenny Downham’s Before I Die is a real tearjerker. WARNING, you need to break out the Kleenex when reading this book. Downham’s debut novel is absolutely brilliant. Tessa is a 16-year-old who is terminally ill. She has two choices, to hide under her covers and wait to die, or live the rest of her life. I am not giving anything away when I say Tessa decides to live. She makes a list of 10 things she wants to accomplish during her remaining time. Downham holds nothing back in this story. Tessa’s desires are realistic, and her journey is an affirmation of how important it is to live each day to the fullest.
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