A really moving read! - Rated 
Tessa is just a young teenage girl when she is struck by leukaemia and after many failed attempts at treatment Tessa and her family must face up to the fact that she is going to die. Instead of just wallowing Tessa decides to make a list of things she wants to do before she dies, including having sex, taking drugs and getting her seperated parents back together.
Things happen that she doesn't expect and that weren't on the list like love and a suprise from her best friend but Tessa is getting wealker throughout it all.
I never really cry at books but I welled up numerous times whilst reading this, some of the most heart wrenching moments were between Tessa and her younger brother. The book is beautifully written especially the final parts and the letters Tessa writes to her loved ones are sure to bring a tear to your eyes. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a weepy!
Uplifting, warm and humbling - Rated 
I have just finnished this book and I write this review through tears. In the day it took me to read I have laughed, cried, felt uplifted and humbled.
This is the story of 16 year old Tessa who is dying of terminal cancer. In her last months she makes a list of 10 things she wants to do before she dies (this includes falling in love and saying yes to everything for one whole day). Tessa goes through a range of emotions including anger (why her?) but the overriding feeling I got from her was an amazing spirit. She notices things that you and I forget to notice - the colour of leaves, the sound of a thunder storm, sunshine reflecting in a tea cup. These are the things that make her feel alive and she embraces them in a way that most of us who think we have years left infront of us don't.
This is a beautifully written and important book. It reminds us to live.
not bad for a kiddies book - Rated
i picked this up on a whim - yet had to read it all in one go. one of the best books i've read in a while. the characters were well drawn and there as enough for older readers to relate to, what with the drugs etc. the ending makes you wonder what we're all really here for. is death just it?
Before I Die - Jenny Downham - Rated
I found this book pulls at all your emotions you feel happy one minute, angry and sad another. All the characters have important parts in this book, not just Tessa it is not just soley about her. It is book people should read to be aware of what goes on with families in these situations.
It would be great to know what happens next, does Zoey cope with her new baby? Does Mum and Dad get back together? Is Adam able to go to university and leave his Mum?
I recommend anyone to read this, it's short easy read, teens or older. I read it one afternoon sunbathing in my garden.
Petes view - Rated
This is a great story and i absolutly love all the characters. zoey is great. it made me weep, smile and above all feel proud to live. the title before i die is helpful and gives a full account of what the book is about:2-do lists! only 1 thing left:
WHERES THE FILM???????????
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