“This is my book, started 7th January, finished 12th April. It is a collection of lists, stories, pictures, questions and facts. It is also my story.”
In her first novel, 23 year old British writer Sally Nicholls swings for the stands and scores a grand slam! In first person narrative she shares Sam's voice, filled with a multitude of interests, countless questions and a way with words that is quite impressive. She must have known the difficulty of the task she set for herself; and yet, she writes with the quiet assurance of a seasoned storyteller.
According to Sam there are many questions about death and dying that no one is willing to answer. And Sam needs answers. He has leukemia and he has only a few months to live. Oh, and Sam is 11. He is not obsessed with death, he just wants answers because he knows he is dying.
Lest you think that this might not be a book you want to read, I hope you will take my advice and give it a chance. It takes the form of a diary/journal as he shares all that he is thinking and includes drawings, tickets, lists and many facts. List 3 takes the story to a new level...giving Sam's take on the things that he still wants to do. They range from the likely, to the unlikely, to the not going to happen. It is important to know that all of his wishes do come true, and as a reader you will want to know how that works. While Sam is an seemingly normal boy, he is transformed by his diagnosis and his final months are a worthy achievement.
While I will admit to tear-stained clothing and salty spots on my spectacles, I loved this book and it has found a place on my 'favorite novels' shelf...books I am willing to share, but not to let go. It is polished, smart, moving, and often humorous. It is never overemotional, while always honoring life and the ending is faultless. This is a book for the brave, but it is quite an amazing read.
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