Before I Die
by Jenny Downham
by Jenny Downham
BEFORE I DIE by Jenny Downham
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 9/25/07
Publisher: David Fickling
Reviewed by: Julie M. Prince
Rating: 4 Stars
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.
Category: Contemporary
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 9/25/07
Publisher: David Fickling
Reviewed by: Julie M. Prince
Rating: 4 Stars
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.