Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

Reviewed by Jennifer

Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Language: One religious exclamation

Adult Themes: Sam and his family are dealing with his impending death. He and Felix watch the movie The Exorcist and Sam recounts that a girl possessed with an evil spirit stabs herself repeatedly with a cross and there is also use of a Ouiji board. Later Sam and his friend Felix make a Ouiji board but it is actually a funny scene, not scary. Sam tries a cigarette and cherry brandy. Sam deals with the death of a friend and goes to see his body.

Synopsis

Sam is 11-years-old and he is dying of leukemia. In the last months of his life he writes a collection of stories (the story of grandfather’s footsteps), lists (List No. 5 – Ways to Live Forever) and questions (Will the world still be there when I am gone?) relating to his illness and his life in general.

One of the lists Sam makes consists of the things he wants to do before he dies, like watching horror movies with his friend Felix, breaking a world record and walking up the down escalator. As Sam makes his way through his list and his final days, we feel his sadness, hear his mother cry, and smile at Sam’s penchant for humor, even in sorrow. An incredibly honest and moving look at a young boys last days on earth.

My 14-year-old daughter HIGHLY recommended this book and I am so glad I read it. A topic that could have easily felt emotionally manipulative instead evoked very real emotions in me. What is sadder than a sweet, innocent young boy accepting the finality of terminal cancer? Yet Sam is not a pathetic character; he is smart and funny and caring.

My favorite part of the book is his last list: “List No. 11 – Things I Want to Happen After I’m Dead”. Number 6 on the list reads, “You’re allowed to be sad, but you aren’t allowed to be too sad. If you’re always sad when you think about me, then how can you remember me?” I cried and cried and I loved this book.

Ways to Live Forever is recommended for ages 9-12. Although a 9-year-old would have the ability to read the words, I think it is a bit young for such a weighty topic. Judging from how much my 14-year-old liked the book, I would recommend it for grades 6 and up.