They Both Die at the End Was Written by Adam Silvera and published in 2017.
Adam Silvera cleverly defines the ending in this bestselling novel titled, They Both Die at the End. While the title explains the ending, the journey to the main characters' final fate is told over the course of a day. In this futuristic world, you have the benefit (or misery) of knowing when you are going to die, 24 hours ahead of time. What you'd like to do with that time is up to you. But there's something else.. the call never lies (gasp).
Concepts and science fiction
I initially liked that this book takes on such a unique concept. A company called Death-Cast will give you a call to let you know this is your last day alive. The entire book takes place over the last 24 hours of main characters Rufus and Mateo's lives after the two meet through an app called Last Friend. This app enables you to befriend someone who is also grappling with their last day on Earth too. As you can tell, this book will cause you to think about death.
Overall themes
Death looming in the distance will bring up feelings you might be suppressing. In the case of this book, characters Rufus and Mateo are two boys, who on the last day of their lives, are coming to terms with their sexuality. The LGBTQ+ concept doesn't overshadow the book's themes of living life to the fullest and perhaps being your true self. The love story, however, is short-lived because of the 24-hour time limit which gives a slightly inauthentic feel. The two teens seem to develop their love in a rocky and sad way, with every hour that passes they have less time together. This creates the tension that keeps you reading throughout the story.
Carrying the story through other perspectives are friends of the main characters that are viewing this fictional world through their own eyes. I admire the other perspectives in the story, because, without them, the story seemed to dry up in some areas. At some times it felt like there just needed to be some sort of mundane actions to fill in each of the hours of time that they had left.
The final score
I think the story is unique, touching at times, and contributes to a genre (LGBTQ+) where representation matters. With that being said, I couldn't emotionally connect to the characters as well as I'd hoped to. I think there are other novels in a similar genre where you feel the tension and confusion that comes with self-discovery (sexually) in a more honest way than this book.
Death is a fragile and painfully scary concept for some. Does this book allow you to reflect on your life? Yes. Did it make me think about anything that I haven't before? Not really. Would I recommend this book if you're wanting to read something fresh and fast-paced? Sure :). Finnally, will you cry at the end when the inevitable death occurs? Who's to say! It was a quick read, with a cool concept but not a whole lot of substance for me. Final score: 6/10.
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