Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Format: Paperback
Pages: 165
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date:
September 14, 2010
About the Book
This moving and charged novel by
Lurlene McDaniel, the bestselling author of inspirational fiction for young
adults, presents ethical as well as moral dilemmas and explores the harsh
reality of making a choice that, once made, can never be undone.
Travis Morrison knows how good his life is. He’s a champion
diver and one of the most popular kids at school. He has Darla, the girl he
loves; Emily, his kid sister, whom he actually doesn’t mind hanging out with;
and Cooper, his best friend.
On the first day of summer vacation, all four go boating on the lake, and
everything feels perfect. They cut the motor and drift toward their favorite
spot, where cliffs abound—nature at its finest. Travis’s friends ask him not to
try the diving stunt, but he can’t resist a challenge.
Travis’s silly stunt dive goes
wrong, and he fears he has broken his leg. Instead, his trip to the hospital
reveals devastating news. In an instant, Travis’s life and the lives of
everyone around him are forever changed.
Travis understands that his parents
believe they’re doing what’s best for him. But he’s always been sure of
himself, and he’s sure of one thing now—that he and only he should decide the
course of his life. He has a plan, but he can’t carry it out alone. How will he
convince the three people he feels he can count on most to help him? And when
things get even worse, who will fulfill his most important request?
In this honest and probing novel,
Lurlene McDaniel tackles a controversial subject, sensitively exploring the
issues of personal choice and quality of life, and poignantly reminding readers
that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity.
My Review
Cover: I
liked the cover of this book. It lets me know as a reader what the book is
going to be about. So I know that the guy on the cover is most likely the main
character. I also really like the reflection on this cover.
What I liked about the book: I really like
that there are four main characters that each tell their side of the same story
and everything is tied together. I also really liked that the perspectives were
somehow related to the main character. This I would have to say was an
emotional read for me, but I was surprised that I didn’t cry towards the end.
It makes me think about life though in a way that you shouldn’t be scared of
death, and that there should be an open communication with family members about
decisions and everything when it comes to the medical policies.
What I didn’t like the book: *Spoiler alert* I didn’t like that main character had
to suffer and died in the end, but also that the very last piece doesn’t give a
hint as to who gave him the insulin that did him in. I would have like to know
who was doing it. I thought maybe it was the little sister that did it but I’m
not sure.
Overall: I
enjoyed reading the book. It was something different from what I read, and I
would recommend it to other readers.
Until next time, Happy Reading!
1. Heaven by Alexandra Adornetto - this is the third and final book in the Halo series I believe.
2. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling - this is her new Adult novel and I'm very excited to jump into reading this one.
3. King of the Screwups by K.L. Going
4. The Liberation of Gabriel King by K.L. Going
5. Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going
1. The Map of the Sky by Felix J. Palma 
2. Eve & Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine
Applegate (ARC)
3. Through to You by Emily Hainsworth (ARC)
4. Collateral by Ellen Hopkins (ARC) 
5. Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 
6. If I Lie by Corrine Jackson 
7. Fathomless by Jackson Pearce 
8. Tiger’s Destiny by Colleen Houck
9. TEN by Gretchen McNeil
