Title: Always and Forever
Author: Karla J. Nellenbach
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Mia's first reaction is outright disbelief. Obviously, a mistake has been made. Sixteen-year-old girls don't die. But, when the diagnosis is confirmed, she dives headlong into anger. If she has to die, why should it be of cancer? In fact, anything would be preferable to cancer. Better for her to say when, where, and especially how. Determined to meet death on her own terms, Mia devises scheme after scheme to get the job done. A “fall” down the basement stairs, driving her car off a bridge, and even a dance with a train all end in her survival. And through it all, Mia keeps her family and friends at arms' length with her destructive and hurtful behavior. With each failed suicide attempt and burned relationship, she slowly realizes that it’s not the dying that she’s afraid of, but the life she’ll be leaving behind. Now, that life is in a shambles. As time begins to slip through her fingers and death is upon her, Mia fights to rebuild the bridges she has destroyed, but can she do it before the clock runs out?
My Thoughts:
Ok I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed up to review this book, so I only have myself to blame for my current emotional state. This book was a heartbreaking look at a life being cut short. Mia was so many things: she was funny, sarcastic, smart, and loveable. The way she deals with her diagnosis seemed so real to me. At first she didn't want to accept it, but eventually she has no choice. It's at that point where she realizes she doesn't want to watch her loved ones go through the process of her dying. She just wants to take the easy way out. I didn't blame her for that, but I was getting pissed at her for wasting what time she had left!!
Towards the end of the book when things started getting really emotional, the writing started getting really beautiful. I loved the last third of the book so much even though it was the hardest to read. I think I must like to put myself through emotional pain because after The Fault in Our Starsby John Green I should've learned my lesson. I was in a week long depression after reading that book, and I think I'm emotionally scarred from this one too.
OVERALL: If you want to read something meaningful with characters that become your best friends, read this one!!
PS- the cat is named Horcrux!! Love it!!!
My Rating:
Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
About Karla J. Nellenbach
Karla J. Nellenbach divides her time between dayjobbing, writing, and indulging in her Winchester obsession. The rest of her day is spent playing butler to a cranky old man masquerading as a housecat and two rambunctious puppies that closely resemble small horses.
Born and raised in the wilds of Michigan, she knows two immutable facts: (1) it is entirely possible to live in a thumb, and (2) you definitely can go home again...you just might not survive the winter. Having resided in the sunscape of Florida for the last decade, she's still on a quest to see a real live alligator outside of the "petting" zoo.
Born and raised in the wilds of Michigan, she knows two immutable facts: (1) it is entirely possible to live in a thumb, and (2) you definitely can go home again...you just might not survive the winter. Having resided in the sunscape of Florida for the last decade, she's still on a quest to see a real live alligator outside of the "petting" zoo.
Find her at:
Goodreads
Thanks to Young Adult Novel Reader Blog Tours for letting my participate in this tour!!
I usually shy away from “sad” books, but this book looks so good, especially since you said the writing was beautiful! Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteAlice @ Alice in Readerland
Oh wow this sounds amazing! I love it when a book really gets your emotions involved! I have been in a contemp kick lately too so I'll have to keep my eye on this one! I'm also scared to read The Fault in Our Stars! Cancer books freak me out enough as it is but I hear it's epically emotional!
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