Book Review: By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead

Thursday, December 17, 2009

By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters

Releases: January 5, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Pages: 200
Rating: 4 stars
Daelyn Rice is broken beyond repair, and after a string of botched suicide attempts, she's determined to get her death right. She starts visiting a website for "completers"- www.through-the-light .com.

While she's on the site, Daelyn blogs about her life, uncovering a history of bullying that goes back to kindergarten. When she's not on the Web, Daelyn's at her private school, where she's known as the freak who doesn't talk.

Then, a boy named Santana begins to sit with her after school while she's waiting to for her parents to pick her up. Even though she's made it clear that she wants to be left alone, Santana won't give up. And it's too late for Daelyn to be letting people into her life. Isn't it?

Suicide is a serious issue and more people really should be aware of it – you never know who you might meet that is thinking about or has tried to attempt suicide. I think teens and parents both should read this. You’ll get a basis of what a suicidal person thinks like.

Daelyn has attempted suicide several times. Her latest effort left her mute and in a neck brace. She counts down what
she feels will be her final days and tells her terrible stories about being bullied because of her weight by using Through the Light, a website dedicated to those who wish to commit suicide. Then one day, while waiting for her mother to pick her up from school, she meets Santana, who seems to be interested in being her friend. Each day, Santana sits with Daelyn while she waits for her mother, but there’s more to Santana than his humor and witty remarks.

This book goes to show you what repeated bulling can do to someone and I do recommend reading it. Although I enjoy the ending, others may not. You are left wondering what happens and it’s up to your imagination to create an ending. By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead had so much truth to it. Daelyn’s voice was captivating and her journey will suck you in.



signature

10 comments:

Nicole Settle said...

Oh, I've been wanting to read this. I'm very much anticipating it. I'm glad you liked. I think it's great that the book is about such a heavy topic.

Natascha De Marco said...

I so want to read this... Great review.

Just Your Typical Book Blog said...

Wow, this sounds absolutely wonderful. Thanks for the review.

Lauren said...

Really great, thoughtful review. I've been unsure if I can handle the emotional intensity of a book like this, and every time I read a positive review I get a little closer to thinking I can. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Thank you for the nice review. I hadn't been aware of this novel before. It reminded me of that poor young teen girl who killed herself last week due to bullying. :( I've put it on my TBR list.
Happy Holidays,
RKCharron

Nikki @ Bookizzle said...

Sounds like a powerful book. I signed up via OST as well - I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the review!

book weirdo said...

awesome review I love Julie anne peters way of writting so i will definetely be keeping an eye out for when this comes out

Unknown said...

I wonder how much research the author did before writing this. It is an amazing achievement to create a book that can show you something so personal. I really think I should read this.

Tales of Whimsy said...

Wow. Sounds powerful. I'm totally curious of what could leave a person mute.

Becca said...

This book sounds like an important read, Casey. I like endings that don't tell you every single detail and leave something open to interpretation and the imagination if it is written well.

Post a Comment

Thanks for taking the time to comment! I love hearing what you have to say!!

Blog Widget by LinkWithin