Samantha and Julie aren’t just best friends; they’re soul mates. They’ve been having sleepovers and dancing ballet together since they were little. So when Julie gets cancer, it feels like it’s happening to Samantha, too. Told in alternating chapters from both friends’ point of view, this book not only provides a frighteningly real picture of what it is like to watch your best friend go through hell, but also what it is like to experience first-hand through Julie’s eyes the stages of loss–fear, denial, hope and finally painful acceptance that life may be ending just as it is supposed to be beginning. This is a step up from Lurlene McDaniel’s soapy series books about terminally ill teens. This is a story with such real characters and feelings that it almost feels like you’re losing Julie, too–just when you’re starting to get to know and love her. (4 weepies)
Yes! I read this when I was in high school and cried and cried and cried. Great pick!
I stayed up till 4 in the morning reading this book [on a school night!], and I cried so much at the end. It is a really touching book!
I read this book recently and it was a big tear-jerker. Just wanted to say that I just discovered your blog here and I’m so excited by all the great books I now have the read! The hard part is deciding which one first. 🙂
Yah, Alli! Stick around and read some more, I’d love to hear what you think!
I love love love this book to death! its one of my favorite books, even though ive read it like 20 times, and also, the sequal isnt as good 🙁
I agree, Lara, the sequel was a disappointment–maybe the author waited too long to write it, but wasn’t nearly as affecting as the first book.
What is the name of the sequel? Cause I stayed up till 3 reading it and I never crie but at the end for the first time for a book or a movie I cried for 10 minutes straight.
This is one of the saddest books i’ve read in a long time. I cried so hard when i read it.
Thank you.
Oh wow, I read this book over 10 years ago and I still remember it! I read it as a tween, but the fact I still remember it means it must have been good. I should pick it up again someday.
Still my favorite tearjerker, and all my students who like sad books still love reading it.
I love this book….I cried almost all night ..even after I finished it….so sad!
Teaching middle school gifted kids means that the TEACHER has to pre-read what is offered for brainiacs. I read this wonderful ya novel several years ago and continue to recommend it to mature readers, ya and adult alike. The brilliance of the author in crafting a friendship novel of this magnitude is that it won’t go out of style–it will never be dated.
In a time when too many middle schoolers taunt one another with “gay,” it is refreshing to read a brilliant book where truly loving someone of the same sex is so very kool. Friendships endure….as will this splendid book.
this book changed my life. thank you so much.
So glad you liked it, Ally. Thank Davida Wilis Hurwin for writing it!
haha good point. btw, I just LOVE your website! all of the books i’ve picked from here have been amazing! so i’ll thank YOU for that! 🙂
This book was amazing. I read it in two days and stayed up all night to read it. I cried like crazy at the end. I can actually relate this book to me and my best friend. I definatly recomend this book to anyone and everyone.
this is a great story, i am reading it for a book report i am doing it and i fifnished it in an hour !