Bild © Eleni Schneider, 4B, 2017/18

Bild © Eleni Schneider, 4B, 2017/18

Nicholls; Sally: Ways to live forever

The book “Ways to live forever“ was written by Sally Nicholls and it is about a boy with leukaemia and his friendship with another sick boy. I have chosen this book, because of the sad-looking boy on the cover.

Sam is twelve years old and has got leukaemia. He has a friend called Felix, who is also ill. They are best friends and they have school together in Sam’s house. Sam has so many questions, that he wants to write a book about them. He also makes lists of which things he wants to do before he dies. Felix and Sam write down all their thoughts and ideas about death. Unexpectedly, Felix dies in hospital. Sam is very sad and stays in his room for days. His dad never wants to talk with Sam about his illness, but after Felix died, they spend more time together. Sam’s mum, dad and his sister Ellen, really care about him.

My favourite character is Sam, because he has so much hope to live long and this is admirable.

This story is so touching, because there are very sad chapters in this book. When I had finished reading this book, I was just crying, because the ending was very moving.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think the book is a little bit boring at the beginning but after two chapters it is very interestingly written. I would recommend “Ways to live forever” to teenagers, because it would be too childish for older people.

Nicholls; Sally: Ways to live forever

Pages: 201
Shelf mark: FE.J/SAL
Genre: children’s literature, drama
Themes: illness, death, family

Rating: ****

© Elisabeth Witz, 5A (September 2012)

Bild © Eleni Schneider, 4B, 2017/18