'To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that's all' - Oscar Wilde
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera - 5 well-deserved stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Following the recent hype there's been on this young adult novel, I found it fitting to write up a review for the book, giving you all the reasons why you yourself should pick it up. You can thank me later.
It's no spoiler that the novel revolves around two characters that die by the end of the story. The thing is, they find out they're going to die twenty-four hours beforehand, and this fuels them to make their very last day, which is the time span of the novel, count. And they do, because they learn to live rather than exist - in which ways you're going to have to read it to find out - I'd be giving too much away.
This book is inevitably about lasts, but in many ways, it is also about firsts. Being only seventeen/eighteen, these friends experience many firsts in one day, especially when it comes to friendship, love, and, well, life. There comes a point when they realise what's important and what's, at the end of the day, insignificant. And this is why Silvera dedicates his book to all those who need a reminder to make every day count - which is only possible when we get our priorities straight.
And even though readers know both characters are definitely going to pass away at some time or other in those twenty-four hours, this doesn't make their death any less heartbreaking - it had me bawling my eyes out, to be exact. You can't help getting attached to both characters and wishing they had a different fate, but sadly they don't.
This was the first time I'd ever read a Silvera novel, and I enjoyed it not only because I felt the plot was very original, but also because of his writing style. His style is what leads readers to build a bond with the characters and what makes the description of their death so effective and heart shattering. I also felt that he's really good at linking seemingly insignificant details to bigger happenings within the story, which makes the novel all the more well written.
What the gif said ⬆. I sincerely hope that without giving too much away, I have intrigued you to read this book, because trust me, it's good.
And to anyone who has already read it, let me know what you think in the comments!
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