Before I Die
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More About the Author
Product Description
Sunday Times Culture Magazine (10/6/07)
Novels for young teenagers do not usually feature drugs and casual
sex within the first 20-odd pages. But most books for teenagers will not
leave an adult reader's eyes so blurry with tears that it's hard to see the
final chapters. Jenny Downham's extraordinary first novel does both.
sex within the first 20-odd pages. But most books for teenagers will not
leave an adult reader's eyes so blurry with tears that it's hard to see the
final chapters. Jenny Downham's extraordinary first novel does both.
Heat
'A novel that won't fail to touch those who read it...will make you happy to be alive'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
96 of 96 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wish List,
By
This review is from: Before I Die (Paperback)
An intense story narrated by Tessa, who is 16 and has only a few months left to live. She has a list of `to do before I die' wishes and is working her way through them, number one on the list is to have sex. Along the way the reader hears about Tessa's observations on life, how she faces what fate has dealt her with grace but also with rebelliousness and anger. She thinks about what it will be like for her family once she is dead and whether she will be able to haunt them. We also learn what her family think, and how they are trying to come to terms with the knowledge that they are going to lose their daughter.
This book could have been unbearably painful to read, but Downham has allowed Tessa to retain a sense of humour about her situation, along with meeting her first (and only) true love. I admit to having been moved to tears a few times, especially when she has some special moments with her younger brother. I found this to be an incredibly moving read, while at the same time it retains a sense of dignity and humour. Downham writes beautifully and her words just flow over the pages. This was a page-turner for me and I highly recommend it.
67 of 69 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Before I Cry...,
By Luanne (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Before I Die (Hardcover)
I bought this book not realising it was aimed at the teenage market, but I thought I would read it anyway. And I am so glad I did, because this is a book for everyone, regardless of age. It is the story of Tessa, 16 years old and dying of cancer. Tessa seems bolshy and defiant on the surface but, as you read on, you peel away the layers and find a mass of compicated emotions so powerful they grab you by the heart and tug very very painfully.
The writing is economical, simple to read. I read the book in two days. On the first day I felt mainly anger at Tessa's seemingly uncaring, selfish best friend ("It's always got to be about you!") and Tessa's flighty mother who is never there for her. On the second day I felt so many emotions I cannot possibly begin to write them down. The last twenty pages or so of the book were read through a veil of tears. It is not, however, a sentimental read. Tessa is spirited and her humour shines through, but the raw emotion towards the end can make the book a difficult read, though I guarantee you will not be able to put it down. Even after you have finished, you will likely read the last few pages again. I urge everyone to read this book. It is raw and true, terribly sad and yet life-affirming, too. A marvellous achievement. Just thinking about it makes me feel like crying.
79 of 84 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best book I have read,
By Polly Hall (London, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Before I Die (Hardcover)
This is an amazing book - I laughed, cried, it made me feel as though I'd lost a best friend by the end. But it isn't depressing - in fact it's a book about death that made me feel exhilarated at the end - amazing. It reminded me in some way of THE LOVELY BONES by Alice Sebold - dealing with loss, death, love in the most incredible way. And when I remember what being a teenager was like I think the author has just put her finger on the extremes of feeling you have - let alone under such a life sentence. If there is any book you must read, this is the one! It certainly isn't just for teenagers - it's for everyone. Unforgettable.
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