Search - Before I Die

I gave this book a 4 1/2 star rating, because it truly is a great book. That being said, I have to mention that it is also a very sad book. There is no magical fairy tale ending contained between it's pages. This is sixteen-year-old Tessa's story. She has Cancer, and regardless of her father's outlook on the situation she knows it is only a matter of time before she dies.

Tessa has a plan...

She will make a list. This isn't just any plain list though. It is a list of experiences that Tessa wants to have before she dies. She is determined to complete the list. When I finished reading this book I felt emotionally drained. I wouldn't recommend this book to people who become easily depressed, or enjoy happy endings.

Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com

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.