Liked It4 of 5 members found this review helpful“This story revolves around the life of 16 year old Tessa who is dying of cancer. In her final months, she is determined to get the most out of her remaining days. She starts a list of things to accomplish before she dies. She wants to have sex, try drugs, drive without a license, travel, be in...” see full review » see other reviews » |
“ it looks good:)”
dayan g wrote this review 5 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This book is hard to read because it is depressing and it speaks through the girl strugglign to live a normal life while battleing cancer i recomend it to many.”
Emma S wrote this review 6 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Excellent! I love the plot line. I adore the fact that its english, and just a good read. Makes you think about what you'd want to do before you leave the earth. Made me more sensitive to cancer. I LOVE the detail that the main character, Tessa notices. For me, thats the best part of the book.”
Hannah M wrote this review 6 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This book is about more than a dying girl and a list she makes. It made me think of how life is so short and we might not have as long as we think to live it. We shouldn't waste time on the little things, we must act now because although today isn't forever, tomorrow could be the end.”
Taylor B wrote this review 8 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“great!”
Taylor waz here!:) wrote this review 11 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I have no idea what it would be like to die. There are so many things I want to do and accomplish in my lifetime. Anytime would be too soon. Tessa, a 16 year old with leukemia, is dealing with death at a young age. She battled the disease for four year and ultimately decided to not to fight back. In turn she created a list of things to do before she dies.
As expected from a teenager, sex was at the top of her list, followed close behind by drugs, shoplifting, falling in love and a variety of other “dreams.” Tessa speaks to me as a normal teenager girl. She has dreams and ambitions, but is rushed to accomplish everything because of her shortened life.
Tessa’s dad has revolved his life around her treatments and well being. He has surrounded her so much so Tessa begins to rebel and pull away. Many teens react very similar to Tessa. With her family and friends her attitude seems very realistic. She is angry, somewhat afraid and often uses humor to disguise both.
Cal, Tessa’s brother, also seems to shot realistic emotions. Because their dad has spent so much time with Tessa he is jealous of the time and things she has received throughout her illness. I like how Downham showed the progression of Cal and Tessa’s relationship. Initially he despised her and disease. As the story progresses she spends time with Cal and helps provide some of the attention he lacked from early on.
This is one of my favorite books, though when I picked it up to read had no idea I would cry so much. Many times throughout the book I tried to put myself in the place of Tessa. I am not sure I could have handled this with the same attitude as Tessa. Part of my hoped they would find a treatment that would help Tessa, though I secretly I knew this book would not have been as powerful if the fairy tale ending prevailed.
5Q
5P”
“It was okay but nothing special”
Justinne G wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This book was recommended to me by a friend of mine in the school. I saw it one day on her shelf and thought it might be interesting.
Anyone could infer that the girl on the cover of the book would eventually die, but that doesn't take away from the intense plot of the book.
Tessa makes a list of things she wants to do before she dies. Her friend Zoey is her total opposite but they still hung out. Zoey was the one who decided she would help Tessa complete her list even when Tessa decided she didn't want to do it any more. Zoey, though not the protagonist in the story, plays a big part in Tessa's life. Zoey is many times the catalyst that leads Tessa to challenging and dangerous events.
One conflict in the story is the relationship between Tessa and her family. She begins to distance herself from the realities of her life and gets lost in her imagination.”
“It had a good plot and message ( 'take life by the horns') but a horrible narrator. Tessa was self-centered and bitchy. Sorry 'bout the language but I can't think of any other word that described her. She had this list and let it control her life, she became dependent on it. ”
Sam B wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No