4.14
"Don't Die, My Love" by Lurlene McDaniel is a heart-wrenching young adult novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life. The story revolves around Eric, a high school soccer star, and his girlfriend, Annemarie, who are faced with the harsh reality of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that slowly deteriorates the lungs. McDaniel masterfully portrays the emotional turmoil that Eric and Annemarie experience as they navigate their relationship while dealing with the constant hospital visits, medications, and the looming threat of Annemarie's deteriorating health. The author also delves into the perspectives of Eric's parents, who grapple with their own grief and the challenge of supporting their son through this difficult time. The novel is a poignant exploration of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of adversity. McDaniel's writing style is straightforward and accessible, making it an ideal read for young adults who are just beginning to explore more mature themes. The book also serves as an educational tool, shedding light on a little-known disease and the impact it can have on individuals and their families. Overall, "Don't Die, My Love" is a powerful and emotional read that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to transcend even the most difficult of circumstances. This book is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys young adult fiction, as well as those who are interested in exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition...
John Green
The Fault in Our Stars
This bestselling novel tells the story of two teenage cancer patients who fall in love. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the desire to make the most of the time one has.
Learn MoreNicholas Sparks
A Walk to Remember
In this novel by the bestselling author of The Notebook, a popular teenage boy falls in love with a quiet, religious girl who has been diagnosed with leukemia. The book is a tear-jerker that explores the themes of love, faith, and the fragility of life.
Learn MoreJenny Downham
Before I Die
In this novel, a teenage girl named Tessa is diagnosed with leukemia and makes a list of things she wants to do before she dies. As she sets out to complete the items on her list, she learns to live life to the fullest and find meaning in the time she has left.
Learn MoreJodi Picoult
My Sister's Keeper
This novel tells the story of a family dealing with the emotional and ethical challenges of a daughter's illness. The parents have a younger daughter who was conceived through in vitro fertilization specifically to provide a genetic match for a bone marrow transplant for their older daughter, who has leukemia. The book explores themes of family, love, and the difficult choices that must be made in the face of illness.
Learn MoreJodi Picoult
The Pact
In this novel, two teenagers make a pact to commit suicide together. When one of them backs out at the last minute, the other is left to face the consequences. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the difficult choices that teenagers must face.
Learn MoreJojo Moyes
The Giver of Stars
While not directly related to the theme of illness, this novel tells the story of a group of women in Depression-era Kentucky who form a traveling library to bring books to people in remote areas. The book explores themes of friendship, community, and the power of literature to bring people together and change lives.
Learn MoreChloe Benjamin
The Immortalists
In this novel, four siblings visit a fortune teller who tells them the date of their deaths. The book explores how this knowledge affects their lives and the choices they make, as they each grapple with the question of whether they can change their fate.
Learn More