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Before I Die [Paperback]

Jenny Downham (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (223 customer reviews)
RRP: £6.99
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Book Description

Publication Date: 29 April 2010

Tessa has just a few months to live.

Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It's her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is sex.

Released from the constraints of 'normal' life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up.

Tessa's feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa's time finally runs out.

BEFORE I DIE is a brilliantly-crafted novel, heartbreaking yet astonishingly life-affirming. It will take you to the very edge.

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Product details

  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: David Fickling Books (PB) (29 April 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1849920451
  • ISBN-13: 978-1849920452
  • Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 19.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (223 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 191,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Review

"Before I Die is so real, so sad, so true - and I so wish I'd written it myself" (Jacqueline Wilson 20070815)

"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" (The Sunday Times 20070610)

"Tough but tender, angry rather than resigned, Tessa is an appealing heroine whose company is never less than bracing" (Nicholas Tucker Independent 20070720)

"This is an affecting and brave novel. Tessa is such a rich character . . . For everyone, it is a reminder to value the people that matter, seize the moment, wish with courage, adventure with relish, even if it's just a trip to the swimming pool, drinking hot chocolate or driving down a dual carriageway in the rain" (Guardian 20070922)

"Destined to drive hundreds of thousands of readers to tears and to swift injunctions to all their friends to read it" (Observer 20070715)

Book Description

A new edition of this best-selling book reissued alongside five other great titles from David Fickling Books.
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
108 of 108 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Wish List 11 Sep 2007
By kehs TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format: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.
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77 of 80 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Before I Cry... 3 Nov 2007
By Luanne
Format: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.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars heart rending 20 Feb 2008
By Mrs. Anne E. Burgess
Format:Hardcover
How I felt for Tessa and her urge to scramble as much into a few months as most of us would experience over many years. A book that could be so maudlin was exceptionally uplifting and even those who have never experienced the journey down this darkened path found insights into our own lives. When I was diagnosed with cancer as a middle aged adult how I experienced the panic of wanting to see my children happy and settled and not needing me - at least not too much. Tessa and her family touched my heart. Every time I speak to my daughter I find myself saying have you started that book yet. Thank you Jenny Downham for this wonderful read.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow.
What a wonderfully delightful book. It grasps at your heart strings and really pulls you into the reality that at some point, some sooner than others, we all join Tessa and no... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Louise
5.0 out of 5 stars weepy book.
This book arrived quickly and well packaged in great condition. I loved this book although I did cry quite a lot, certainly makes you think about life and death, and the cards some... Read more
Published 8 days ago by Andie
2.0 out of 5 stars Now is (not) good
Many have had their negative said on this book, and I'm just about to reflect their very impression and comments. Read more
Published 19 days ago by JR_82
4.0 out of 5 stars 'Now is good' really was good
I love this book... Had me in tears, couldn't stop reading. I would defiantly recommend you read it. Read more
Published 26 days ago by In my opinion...
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing story!!
OMG I cried so much while reading this book!! the girl is so mature yet so scared, I can't even imagine her feeling!!
Published 1 month ago by Anonyme
5.0 out of 5 stars Wowww
Incredible journey through life. Teaches you a lesson, fantastic book!

Shows that life doesn't stop for anyone and to not forget
Published 1 month ago by noelle loughran
4.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming
A well written book that makes life real. Despite her situation it's a happy book, I want to go out there and live life, enjoy it for those who can't. Read more
Published 1 month ago by book_luva
3.0 out of 5 stars So so
The book was very predictable. Riggs at your heat strings from time to Tim. Not really for me if I'm honest
Published 1 month ago by Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
I live this book but it is very sad at the end I have to admit it is very sad!
Published 1 month ago by it's really good but some of them are hard
4.0 out of 5 stars Really interesting and thought provoking book!!
I read this book after being interested by the film being at the cinema. I thought the story would be great as a novel and it did not disappoint me whatsoever. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jodie B
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