I've decided to do the A to Z Blogger Challenge this year and I'm recommending five books all from the same alphabetical genre each day. So today, E is for Ending. Lots of books have great endings, but today I'm going to talk about books that deal with the end of life. Here are five of my favorite books, all of which tackle the issue of death.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - This is my favorite of all John Greens novels, and that's saying a lot. This is a very moving love story between two teenagers who meet in a support group for young cancer survivors. The story not only deals with death in a powerful and honest manner, it also tells a great deal about life. I can't recommend this book enough.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - This gripping novel deals with the complex issue of teen suicide. It's definitely not a light read, but it is an incredibly powerful one.
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - Nobody dies in this book, the death happened a few months before this story begins. Instead, The Sky is Everywhere deals with the survivors. Specifically it follows a compelling teenage girl as she tries to step out of her now dead sisters shadow and discover who she is and who she wants to become.
Deadline by Chris Crutcher - This is kind of the YA version of The Bucket List. When 18 year old Ben learns he has less than a year to live, he chooses not to tell anyone. He doesn't tell his parents, his brother, his best friend, or his girlfriend. He simply tries to live everyday as if it is his last, because it might be.
Before I Die by Jenny Downham - Like Deadline, Before I Die is also about a teenager with terminal cancer attempting to cram a lifetime into the final months of a young life. Except Tessa does tell her family members she's dying.What about you? What is your favorite literary ending? What characters death will haunt you forever?
