reading about the death of a child is never easy. The books never get easier to read, comprehend or imagine.

But, I like when they are a little light. This one is told with diary entries from a boy named Sam. he is going through his memories and life and writing it all down. He makes goals and completes them, he writes down his stories, his dreams and about his family. And it would all seem like a typical diary, except where you remember that he's dying.

It's just sad and it never gets easier to read about. ( )

Oh my goodness. Just a normal kid who wants to have normal fun ... but who is too unhealthy to go to school because he's dying, so what can he learn, what can he do, in the months left? The best thing about the ending is that we finally get to know Dad a little better and can understand his pov well enough to root for him.

I'm not glad that this was discarded from the library. I am glad that I picked it up from their sale shelf and I will read it again before donating it to a Little Free Library. ( )

This was a quick read, but it didn't take away from the emotion of this book. I laughed a lot, then would abruptly stop and try not to cry. I was delighted for the characters at so many times, then my heart felt heavy at so many moments. I'm so glad this book was written. ( )

I got this book at my local bookstore on Independent Bookstore day. It was one of those "blind date" books where they wrap the book in paper and write a short description of the story on front, preventing you from "judging a book by its cover". I'm so glad that not only did I get this book but I couldn't see its cover- which doesn't relate the story at ALL and probably wouldn't have been a book I picked up on my own.

This story is told in a mix of letters, lists and journal entries. Ways to Live forever, by Sally Nichols is narriated by an eleven year old boy named Sam who has Leukemia. There are also added pictures of drawings, ticket stubs and postcards- which complement this story so well. This story is fast paced and the language is very easy to read, but the story- oh the story.

I don't know if I've ever been this emotional over such a short book, or any book to be honest. In just a short 224 pgs I had to put this book down countless times because of how emotionally gripping it is.

While this novel isn't perfect, I rated it 5*'s because of how moving it is. If I was any less moved by this story I probably would've given it a solid 4*'s. I loved all the characters, although I wish there was a little more background info on them. Sam and Felix have a beautiful friendship and I absolutely love them both. There were some things I wish that could've been added to the story, minor details, that I feel would've made this story better/ stronger?

This is small book packed with a powerful story and I'm left with mixed feelings. I'm heartbroken but relieved. I'm all over the place right now. So I'll be back to finish / fix my review tomorrow when my head is more clear.

*** Edit ***

I think why this book moved me so much is because I am a mother and I can't imagine being a parent to child with any sort of cancer or terminal illness. Sam's parents dealt with his disease in their own way, while struggling to keep him and themselves happy, healthy and stable. The strength these parents have... Its both incredible and inspiring. A cousin of mine just had to experience going through a kidney transplant surgery for her Adoptive son. What a scary situation.

I did find things that I didn't like about the writting (lack of background info for one) but its such a beautiful story about such an ugly disease, that I'm keeping my rating at 5*'s.

I definitely recommend this book to everyone. It could very well break your heart like it did mine, but its well worth the read.


( )

Terminally ill boys question their home-schooling teacher about the big questions in life. Rather than study maths and history, they seek out the answers to the biggest questions people have.

Oh dear! Why do I do this to myself? This sweet story left me blubbering, but I'm so glad I read it. I loved the characters, and while it is ostensibly a simple narrative, there are big questions that can extend readers beyond the story. I loved it! ( )

Ohh, ohh, ohhhh. Here is a wonderful book about death that isn't sentimental or sugar-coated but presents a very realistic and sometimes funny perspective of a dying child. It made me realize that maybe it's the terminally ill children who do a better job of accepting and dealing with their situation while the rest of us allow ourselves to be too hopeful, too careful and too fragile. Sam is a terrific boy with fortitude and his voice is unforgettable. ( )

Oh my goodness, what a poignant, heart-wrenching book this turned out to be. It is so beautifully and simply written, and with such genuine characters, that I found it difficult to put down. It is impossible not to fall in love with young Sam and his best friend Felix, but my heart bled for Sam's family as they watched him bravely battle against leukemia. This book made me smile and it made me cry. An incredibly moving read for all ages. Highly recommended! ( )

This novel is told in such a wonderful way with the main character being a boy who is dying of leukemia. Obviously this book is set at a rather sad premise however the author does a great job at making the book playful and thought provoking. Sam (the main character) wants to experience many things that we all take for granted and his list of things to do before he dies becomes something he can actually achieve when he and those who love him set their minds to helping him complete the list.

In this story the main character is dealing with him impending demise from leukemia. He starts writing a book and makes a bucket list. He's got a free spirited friend, Felix, who helps him start doing those things he wants to do - like kiss a girl, smoke a cigarette, and go to space...
A sad look with how a family and a young boy deal with the coming end of life. ( )

This book was so sad, but also very uplifting! Sam, the main character, is a thirteen year old boy diagnosed with leukemia for the third time. In the beginning of the book, he has his best friend Felix by his side. Sam and Felix were like partners in crime; they did everything together. Felix was almost like an older brother to Sam, so when Felix suddenly passes away, Sam becomes very lonely and depressed without him. He feels no urge to continue with his medications (which aren't really appearing to be working anyway), so he decides to stop taking all of his medications and just let his cancer take its course. He spends a lot of time contemplating what it will be like to die, somewhat obsessing over death. He makes all of these lists of different ways to die, but also ways to live forever. He makes lists to leave behind to his family, and I think it helps him cope with his dying. Sam eventually dies in his sleep, and his family is left to conquer the list he left them of things for them to do once he passed. It sounds somewhat morbid, but his take on life, and death, is actually very interesting and inspiring. A very touching story for a middle school, or a high school student.

Sam is an eleven year old boy dying from lymphoblastic leukemia. Him and his best friend Felix met in the hospital and quickly became very close. Felix is also sick, but he has a different type of cancer.Together they cause a lot of trouble in the hospital. Sam looks up to Felix because he is older and kind of a trouble maker. Sam lives with his mom, dad, and little sister Ella. Felix's health fades quickly and he passes away. Sam is lonely without his best friend and gets fed up with taking all sorts of different medications that aren't helping him to get better. He decides to stop all medications and spends a lot of time thinking about his upcoming death. He starts to write all sorts of lists about death, including ways to live forever, what to do when someone else dies, and even things for his family to do after he is dead. Sam dies quietly in his sleep with his family around, and they are left with plans to do things exactly how Sam wanted them.

Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls is truly an inspirational tear-jerker that makes you really think about how fortunate you are. However, this book just did not surpass other books in the same genre, but, nonetheless, it is definitely worth a read.

I really enjoyed Sally Nicolls's writing style. I found it interesting on how she included lists, stories, etc into the story to help readers feel for Sam (she was quite successful, I should add). The plot was great - fairly original, and definitely sad. The pacing was "just right."

The last page or so of the book really jerked out the tears!

The characters were pretty realistic and well-done; I definitely felt for them and their struggles in battling cancer. I am thankful that Sally Nicolls decided to not try to have readers focus on pitying Sam, but rather she helped direct the reader's focus on how strong Sam was and how he didn't let his cancer define him.

There wasn't really much to critique in Ways to Live Forever, except that it doesn't surpass other YA books that deal with the same concept. That doesn't make it a bad story (it really was great), it just won't be as memorable as, for example, [b:The Fault in Our Stars|11870085|The Fault in Our Stars|John Green|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360206420s/11870085.jpg|16827462].

This is a great debut novel by Sally Nicolls. I definitely will be expecting more out of this author! I'd recommend Ways to Live Forever to fans of realistic fiction; specifically of [b:The Fault in Our Stars|11870085|The Fault in Our Stars|John Green|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360206420s/11870085.jpg|16827462] and [b:Love, Aubrey|5982448|Love, Aubrey|Suzanne LaFleur|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320458579s/5982448.jpg|6155858]. Happy reading! ( )

Sam is eleven years old and this is his third time with lukemia, he's also sure it will be his last. As Sam, and his family come to terms with his sickness and approaching death, Sam realizes there are things that he still wants to do. Along with his best friend, he makes a short list of seemingly impossible dreams. As Sam's days count down, he finds ways to have the experiences he's always wanted.

I cried when I didn't expect to...it followed a typical sick child book progression but it still gets you. Any eleven year old, even fictional, who has a better understanding of the important things is a good gut check for most everyone in our culture. ( )

Amazing book about a boy with terminal leukemia, seen from his eyes. What a way to open up young reader's eyes to this illness and what it means to have life, and knowing that the end is coming. Cried my eyes out, however, it was an uplifting, and worthwhile read that I believe all people should read, to be inspired about the true meaning of life and why dreams are necessary. ( )

WATCH BOOK TRAILER

Living through the final stages of leukemia, Sam tells his story through a collection of stories, pictures, questions, and facts. Sam makes a list of things he wants to do, which becomes a map to help guide his family and friends toward Sam’s final days.

This book was excellent. I don't know why I read it, though. I knew from the beginning that by the end I would be sobbing. This one is definitely a tear jerker. ( )

Grades 4-7
Sally Nicholls is such an amazing writer. I went right into this after reading her Season of Secrets (also 5 stars), and have to admit, the subject matter had me a little leery. This is one of this year's Virginia Readers' Choice nominees, and what middle grader is going to want to read a story where we know that in the end, the main character dies from leukemia? But it's not about the end, is it? It's about all the stuff that happens before "the end," and Sam is such a compelling, warm, funny 11-year-old that readers will quickly get caught up in his life and his various adventures with family and friends. Yes, there are sad bits, but there are silly bits and joyful bits and it's just an altogether wonderful and ultimately uplifting book. Read it, read it, read it. ( )

I dreaded reading a weepy boy dying of leukemia story. Thankfully Ways to Live Forever is NOT that type of book. It's a funny, honest portrayal of what it's like to be a child with cancer. Sam is a real 11-year-old boy. He's not angelic, he gets angry, he wants to do research on aliens and people who have near-death experiences, and to ride in an airship. In little-boy handwriting the book is full of checklists, research, and "Questions Nobody Answers." Yet Nicholls portrays so realistically and honestly the tragedy of a child's death and how it affects him, his family and friends. Beautifully written, sad, but surprisingly not banging-you-over-the-head sadness. ( )

Posted on Multiply on 22.07.08

Ways to live forever by Sally Nicholls

I fall in love at the first sight with this book. When I was randomly browsing for some books at Gramedia book store, this one caught my attention. As I read the synopsis written on the back cover, I immediately decided that I have to buy this one.

This is a story about Sam, a young boy who suffered leukemia and he only has months left to live his life. He’s a funny and optimist one. An innocent soul with so many questions and tolerable sense of curiosity. Not to forget, he has a solid sense of humor.

What do people do when they know they’re dying? Be good, do more charity, ask for forgiveness, or simply do anything for redemption? Those are what most people will do, but Sam is an exception. He wants to live his life to its fullest and makes the remaining days of his life memorable. It’s a sad book delivered in a narratively happy thoughtful way. I bet you’ll cry reading this one.

You might think it’s UNFAIR. Well, that’s what life is all about and this book kinda put an underline on the statement. Life is unfair. What I like about it is the brutal honesty lies in the message. Yes, life is unfair. Yes, people will die. We all gonna die sooner or later, but is that it? What do you want to do to make your life useful? What do you want to pass to those who will still be alive once you’re gone? A beautiful memory or a pathetic one?

More importantly, this book is a nice one for children who has to cope with death. Whether it’s the death of their grans, their friends, their pets, or any member of the family… Death has been described as a bad thing in life, while it is actually a part of life. Good or bad isn’t ours to decide. We often find it hard when we have to face death in the family. We can’t describe it well to children… most of us are afraid that it will bring nightmares for kids, while the rest are too busy denying it. This book is trying to explain that death is not something to be feared.. This book captures the beauty of life and the essence of death as our part of life.

Well written by Sally Nicholls who surprisingly is the same age as me. Too bad, there are a number of errors in the Bahasa Indonesia translation. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful heart-warming, eye-opening, brilliant story. Well done.

Link:
www.sallynicholls.com
www.waystoliveforever.co.uk

Just asking, how was your first encounter with death? Mine was when my puppy got hit by the school-car (mobil antar jemput) and when my grandad passed away at my home.

UPDATES - posted on 29. Jul. 2008

Woohhooo!!! A few times ago, I wrote a review about Ways To live Forever; a book written by Sally Nicholls. I did post a line or two on her website regarding the beautiful story she wrote and how I like it a lot. Surprisingly, she replied my post via email. Let me quoted it here:

Hi,
Thank you for your email. I’m so pleased you liked the book - it is very odd to think of people as far away as Indonesia reading it and liking it!

Wishing you all the best and many thanks,
Sally

Well,
it’s very nice of her to do so. I don’t know, I just like correspondence ever since I was in junior high. ( )

Recommended Ages: Gr. 4-7

Plot Summary: Sam has leukemia. He has been through chemo treatments a few times and no longer goes to public school. Instead, he and his friend Felix have a tutor. As part of a school assignment, Sam writes a book about his life. In it, he is brutally honest, detailing the questions and fears he has about death, the things he wants to do (without it being a sappy bucket list), and his relationships with his family and Felix. Felix lives a little more on the edge and finds a way for Sam to do some of the items on his list. Will he manage to accomplish most of them?

Setting: somewhere in the UK

Characters:
Sam Oliver McQueen - 11 y/o, brave, funny kid
Felix Stranger - 13 y/o, loves Green Day and wears t-shirt all the time, his terminal illness is never revealed in detail but the reader knows he is ill, very spunky sarcastic pessimistic humor that still makes the reader like him
Mrs. Willis - Sam and Felix's in-home tutor, rotate whose house they meet at, is very flexible in what they want to do and what is considered "school," likes to blow things up, encourages the boys to write a book, lets them answer their questions through online research
Ella- Sam's younger sister, in primary school, gets jealous that Sam doesn't have to go to school, seems to fight constantly with her mum about everything
Daniel - Sam's dad, went to work no matter what was going on with Sam, refuses to let his kids stay home to go sledding so Sam's mom tricks him and they go anyway, feels bad about it and starts to come to terms with what is happening and is more open towards Sam
Mum -
Mickey - Felix's older brother, works at an oil rig and is gone for a month at a time,
Gillian - Felix's mum,
Granny - brings Sam to see Felix at the funeral home, very no-nonsense and shares truth
Kayleigh - Felix's cousin, her dad owns a bar, is convinced to let the boys into the bar where they share one drink, is dared to kiss Sam on the lips

Recurring Themes: cancer, terminal illness, leukemia, facts, wishes, research, family, friendship, questioning, loss, humor

Controversial Issues:
pg 43 - crap

Personal Thoughts: While the premise of the book is a little overdone (write a book about yourself as part of a class assignment) and the organization is a little messy and confusing (you don't know which parts are written in Sam's book and which are just narrated despite the different fonts), this book was very good. I got inside Sam's head and felt his struggles. His questions and concerns about death were very authentic and handled well. I enjoyed the story and the characters, especially Felix, Sam, and Mrs. Willis.

Genre: realistic fiction, , touch of humor

Pacing: slow-medium, not very much happens but well-written
Characters: few and authentic
Frame: mostly explained but might help to have some background knowledge on leukemia
Storyline:

Activity: list questions nobody answers, research answers, interview and help someone with a terminal illness, create a "Things I want to do" list and research how you can make them happen

Booktalk: Read list of things to do pg 22, or questions about death

"Questions Nobody Answers"
1. How do you know that you've died
2. Why does God make kids get ill?
3. What would happen if someone wasn't really dead and someone thought they were? Would they get buried alive?
4. Does it hurt to die?
5. What does a dead person look like? Or feel like?
6. Why do people have to die anyway?
7. Where do you go after you die?
8. Will the world still be there when I am gone? ( )

This is a beautiful story of a boy that is dying of leukemia. it is written in a sort of journal format, but it actually is done as a book he wrote himself. It really takes you through childhood terminal illness through the eyes of the child.

I loved this novel and I honestly thought it was based on a true story. It is well thought out and a joy to read, though at times it made me cry. I believe middle school students or upper elementary would enjoy reading this novel about a boy with a terminal illness. It is so real and so educational and students would learn a great deal about he life of an ill child their age. I would highly recommend it. ( )

I loved the book. I was facinated with the story I liked the fact that the kid was writting the book as a diary form showing what was goingon while he was dying he made this list with his friend felix that was also sick. they creat this list sort of like a bucket list of things that Sam wants to do before he dies.
The books takes throught his daily life the things that he would do with his friend felix and the way he viewd life.
I liked the fact that throughout the book the author also tied it with actual facts like for instance one of his last wishes was to ride on a n airship and his dad is able to make this dream come true. In one page he has the airship facts . For example the first air ship was built in 1784.
There are so many parts of this book that are really sad specially when he dies. He even left a multiplye choice questionary for his parents to fill out about his death.It gives you as a reader another prospective in life and value. ( )

This book is about a boy would has cancer. He reflects on his life and writes about his thoughts on life and death. He finds friendship with another boy who also has cancer.