Before I Die

Jenny Downham

Tessa has just a few months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It's her Ten Things To Do Before I Die list. And Number One is sex.

Released from the constraints of 'normal' life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa's feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa's time finally runs out. Before I Die is a brilliantly-crafted novel, heartbreaking yet astonishingly life-affirming. It will take you to the very edge.

Review by Carol Willetts (120108) Rating (9/10)

Review by Carol Willetts
I've just finished reading Before I Die by Jenny Downham - its about a teenager dying of leukaemia who makes a list of things she must do & I have to admit its not my usual kind of fiction but this book is stunning.

Her writing is concise yet manages to convey a wide range of emotions so you really empathise with the characters. It's funny, sad, romantic yet realistic and I would recommend this book to anyone - even a man!!!

Brilliant first novel from this author... can't wait to read the next one.
Carol Willetts (12th Janauary 2008)