Before I Die: Amazon.co.uk: Jenny Downham: Books

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Product Description

Sunday Times
'Dealing frankly with teenage life, Before I Die will be the year's most talked-about novel'

Heat
'A novel that won't fail to touch those who read it...will make you happy to be alive'

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Customer Reviews

77 Reviews

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

Average Customer Review

4.5 out of 5 stars (77 customer reviews)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Before I Cry..., 3 Nov 2007

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.

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65 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book I have read, 3 Jul 2007

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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34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, 25 Sep 2007

By	TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Before I Die (Hardcover)

I devoured this book in two days. It called to me. Beckoned me across the room and begged me to pick it up and finish what I'd started. If I hadn't needed to eat and sleep, I'd have finished it in mere hours. It was that vital to keep going.

Tessa Scott keeps going, too. She keeps writing on the wall and adding to the list of things she wants to do before she dies. Tess's life is being driven from her by leukemia before she herself can even drive a car. It's not fair. She wants a boyfriend. She wants normal.

Tessa pushes. She pushes against the people who want to be near her. She pushes against the rules she's been forced to follow throughout her brief life. She pushes against death.

She keeps breathing. In and out. It's simple. Except, it's not that simple.

This book gives a promise. This book keeps its promise. This book is real. It is deep and winding and important. It is beautiful and strong and eloquent and everlasting. It is just beautiful.

Reviewed by: Julie M. Prince

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Signs of life
A beautiful book, gives you time to reflect on what life is really about: little moments. As Tessa knows that she's going to die she appreciates the way the grass moves and the... Read more

Published 13 days ago by Lou Ice

5.0 out of 5 stars In Huge Competition With Twilight
I am 14 and reading this book has made a great impression on the way I look at the world. I have encoraged my friends to read it, because of its close relation to teenage life... Read more

Published 1 month ago by Emma Heatherley

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly Moving
Most books don't get to me like this, even as a bookworm! This novel has got to be the most moving I have ever read. Read more

Published 1 month ago by C. Burleigh

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
If you need a reminder of all that's important in this world, then you should read this novel. Even if you don't think so. The title says it all. Read more

Published 1 month ago by B. Powley

5.0 out of 5 stars Before I die
I really,really enjoyed this book.
Before my mum bought it for me she warned me it wouldnt really be the best book to get. Read more

Published 2 months ago

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!
I bought this book at the airport before I went on holiday to Benidorm because it was the only one that caught my attention. Read more

Published 2 months ago by Alana Strong

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've read!!
I Love this book. A great and sad story that makes you really appreciate your life. Cried a lot in the end. I recommend this book to everyone

Published 3 months ago by V. Sebestova

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read..
I bought this book after reading the 50 odd good reviews about it and i cant say i was disappointed. The characters were likeable and you cant put it down. Read more

Published 3 months ago by A. T. R. Slater

5.0 out of 5 stars a fantastic read
I read some of the reviews and thought that this book wouldn't affect me. It did--I had tears in my eyes at the end. Thoroughly enjoyable. The kind of book you don't want to end.

Published 3 months ago by Mr. Eamonn Young

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous - couldn't stop crying at the end
This book was absolutely brilliant. I have recommended it to all my friends. A real tear jerker that you just can't put down. Read more

Published 3 months ago by Joanne Bates

› See all 77 customer reviews...

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Before I Die (Hardcover)

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