Megan Bostic

Seventeen-year-old Austin, aware that life is short, asks his best friend and secret love, Kaylee, to take him to visit people and places in and around Tacoma, Washington, so that he can try to make a difference in the time he has left.

Never eighteen

Manda

First off, I didn’t give this one a squee rating because I didn’t feel that it was appropriate. There is too much emotion and real life in this book to give it that sort of rating.

When I read the synopsis of this book, I knew I was going to have a hard time with it. This is definitely not one for the faint of heart and I would recommend having a box of tissues near by.

The pain and heartache that the characters go through is so intense that I found myself in tears throughout the whole thing. I also knew that sadder moments were coming, so I had to brace myself.

You will cry reading this. If you don’t, then I worry about you. Having experienced the death of loved ones, I’ve contemplated how I’d spend my last days. Austin did exactly what I would do if given the chance to know my time was up. The people he reaches out to and the changes he tries to make are strong and emotional. I knew right away there was going to be an emotional moment with Kaylee and it came for sure.

This was a tear jerker and hard read for me, but I recommend it. This book will make you think about the people in your life and the impact you have on them. You’ll feel pain, guilt and loss just like I did. I felt connected to Austin and Kaylee, which made the end so much harder to read. Being a avid YA reader, I’m used to so much fluff and happy stuff. This book is not the case. I wouldn’t recommend this one if you’re currently dealing with grief, but it is worth the read.

ashley hopkins

IN A NUTSHELL
If you want a read that will tug on your heart and show you that even the simplest story can have a huge impact then this one is for you. Never eighteen can be seen as a bit of an inspirational story. It makes you think..what if you knew you didn't have long to live? What would you do? Who would you want to make peace with? Who could you try and impact/give hope to? After I read this it made me think of my fiance, Ryan. Although he's not sick he has a rare disability (for some it's fatal). He told me that the doctors said he wouldn't live past being a teenager, but he here is 2 years away from 30. I thank god for giving him his life and the strength he has because without him my life would suck.(I know that sounds cliche after being with him only 7 months, but if you were to know me before I met him you'd understand.) I know some days for him are difficult to get out and he's in pain, but he still tries. Like Kaylee I think I would do anything for him and vice versa. Sorry I got a bit off topic.


CHARACTERS

I really enjoyed Austins voice as a male protagonist. It's rare (although it seems like it's happening a little more now...so I guess not to rare) that you see a male protag in any YA. Then for one to be as genuine as Austin. To care for people in the way he does. It's nice to have characters like these. :) It's nice to know that not all guys have to be stalker-ish/overbearing idiots. That some can be shy about the feelings they have for certain people.

Kaylee was also another great character. Although I loved Austin more Kaylee was the kind of best friend that anyone would be lucky to have. Austin asked if she'd drive him to places without any question and she did. She let Austin take care of his business, and when he did need her she was there for him to lean on (and puke on..lol)

As for the other characters we briefly met like their friends it was nice to learn about them. To see them interact with Austin when he came around to talk with them about their lives. They weren't to overshadowing of the main characters, but they had just enough background to weave the story together nicely.


ALL IN ALL

It's fair to say that I truly loved this story. The characters, storyline, the writing, everything. It really makes you stop and think what kind of life you're living. I have to admit the ending was what really did it for me. 

Full reviews can be found at my site Bookaholis Anonymous Online

Never eighteen

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