Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Before I Die is Downham's first novel. Unfortunately there is nothing out of the ordinary or striking about this particular book. It did not evoke emotion from me, which is surprising since the subject matter deals with death. It is predictable and a bit on the boring side. Don't expect a "wow" factor.

Grade: D+

Synopsis This intensely moving story is now available in paperback.Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, and drugs with excruciating side effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraintsof “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, and her new boyfriend, are all painfully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.