Author: Megan Bostic
Publisher: HMH Children's Books, 204 Pages (January 17th, 2012)
From: the publisher & Amazon Vine
Format: ARC
Synopsis: I had the dream again. The one where I’m running. I don’t know what from or where to, but I’m scared, terrified really.
Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. But in the short time he has left there’s one thing he can do: He can try to help the people he loves live—even though he never will.
It’s probably hopeless.
But he has to try.
Review: 3 Stars - Never Eighteen By: author Megan Bostic was a must read from the first time I read the synopsis! Which was at least a year ago. It’s a contemporary story about life, chances and what each person chooses to do with the life they lead and the time they have.
Austin, our male lead is sick. He has cancer and he knows
he’s not going to make it to his eighteenth birthday. He wants to use the time
he has left to try to help the people around him. To make them see that while
he doesn’t have a chance to lead a full life, that they… the people he loves
still have a chance to find happiness, to live their lives more than they are
right now.
So, he sets out on a journey with his best friend over the
course of a weekend, while he’s still feeling good, like himself. With Kaylee
by his side and driving him around in her car - with the ever changing name – he
sets out to visit friends and family.
Speaking of Austin and Kaylee, they’ve known and been best
friends with each other forever. Austin has stronger feelings for Kaylee and
throughout the story we see him fight with the idea of telling her before it’s
too late, yet at the same time he knows that if she doesn’t feel the same way
it might ruin what little time they have left and if she does feel the same way
it’ll hurt her more because of what he’s getting ready to face.
While this was an extremely quick read and I enjoyed
Bostic’s writing and story, I wish there would have been a bit more to it. I
didn’t feel that I had much of a chance to get to know who Austin and Kaylee
really were or to better understand their back story and relationship. Yet I
understand that’s not really the point of the story, however, it’s always nice
to better understand the characters you’re trying to connect with.
All in all, it was a contemporary novel I was very much
looking forward to and enjoyed, but was hoping for a bit more. It was touching
and emotional and I would recommend this title to those who are looking for a
contemporary with heart and a strong message.
FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.
I liked this novel but I agree that a little more would have been nice. I would have liked to not only know the characters more but also more about the situations and why Austen chose to visit these particular people.
ReplyDeleteGreat review I've been hearing mixed opinions on this it sounds very sad but maybe a bit too short!? I'm definitely curious enough to try it.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that this book could have been a bit longer. Going by what you just said this seems true. I would still like to read it. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI know! I was really looking forward to this book as well but was disappointed by the lack of development in terms of character. Things were just a little too easy for Austin and we didn't get to go deep into his psyche. I did still cry at the end though. Great review!
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