“A bold, lovely, and haunting story of loss, hope, and the redeeming power of friendship.” — Lauren Oliver, author of Before I Fall
Grade: 4.5
Disclaimer: this book will break your heart!
It’s never explained how, but in this world you get a call on your last day to alert you it’s your last day. Now, you have the opportunity to seize your final moments and live them to the fullest.
Our main characters, Mateo and Rufus, meet on an app built for people on their last day and decide to spend the day together. They both help each other deal with issues from their past, while trying to experience life. Along the way we visit characters that orbit Mateo and Rufus’ last day.
The book had an interesting set up. Each new character chapter started with whether or not a person was dying. It made for an interesting introduction into their thought process. Throughout the book, I found myself contemplating what I would do on my last day if I knew. I’m sure that was the writer’s intention, but I still found it to be fascinating to experience the book on both the personal and fantasy levels.
I loved the characters of Rufus and Mateo, although Rufus felt a little disjointed to me. The actions of Rufus do not always match his inner dialogues. Mateo was adorable and had great character growth through the whole book.
My only real criticism, and the only reason it’s not a 5, is the love story. About halfway through the book we start getting hints dropped that they are heading in the direction of a relationship. Prior to that there isn’t any discussion, inclination, slight attraction shown. It just came on very suddenly and I would have liked to see some build up to it.
Overall: Great characters, thought provoking story, guaranteed emotional punch.
Lori Carroll
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