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A review by book_concierge
Before I Die by Jenny Downham
2.0
Audiobook narrated by Charlotte Perry
Sixteen-year-old Tessa Scott has leukemia, and a bucket list of things she wants to do before she dies. Number one on this list is have sex. But getting what you want isn’t always easy, and what you want may not be what you need.
Okay .. this is young adult fiction and following in the footsteps of other writers who have dealt with this tragic situation. I had a hard time reconciling the seriousness of her illness with her obsession with behaving badly. Still, there were times when the relationship with Adam was very sweet, and I thought Downham did a decent job of writing the final scene. I can see where it would be popular with the intended YA audience, but it didn’t do much for me. I found it maudlin and emotionally manipulative.
Charlotte Perry performs the audio version well. She has good pacing and uses different voices for the various characters, so it is easy to follow the action.
Sixteen-year-old Tessa Scott has leukemia, and a bucket list of things she wants to do before she dies. Number one on this list is have sex. But getting what you want isn’t always easy, and what you want may not be what you need.
Okay .. this is young adult fiction and following in the footsteps of other writers who have dealt with this tragic situation. I had a hard time reconciling the seriousness of her illness with her obsession with behaving badly. Still, there were times when the relationship with Adam was very sweet, and I thought Downham did a decent job of writing the final scene. I can see where it would be popular with the intended YA audience, but it didn’t do much for me. I found it maudlin and emotionally manipulative.
Charlotte Perry performs the audio version well. She has good pacing and uses different voices for the various characters, so it is easy to follow the action.