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If I Die Young
When Caelyn Noel was diagnosed with asthma five years ago, it put a damper on things. Now, she’s sixteen and things are finally going her way. She has loving parents, the best friend ever, and the boy she has had a crush on since elementary school has finally noticed her. Then, she collapses in school one day. To her horror, she finds out her heart is failing and she must have a heart transplant to live. Caelyn struggles with her fear of dying and worries of having someone else’s heart.
- GenresYoung AdultRomance
ebook
First published May 5, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 28, 2011
This book happily satisfied my craving for a teenage drama/romance! Its been a long while since I have read a book of this genre and it was a nice refresher. Most teenage dramas are sad and may bring tears to the reader's eyes, but I'm one of those odd people who likes sad books, songs, and movies. I've forgotten how much I love this genre and will have to start reading a little more of it!
Lets start with the plot. Caelyn thinks she is an every day teenager with an allergy problem until she finds out the hard way that she truthfully has heart failure. After staying in the hospital for what seems like an eternity, Caelyn discovers that she needs a heart transplant in order to survive the condition trying to claim her life. And of course, along the way she finds a handsome lover who has a few problems of his own. It is a very original and suspenseful plot that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Onto the characters. I liked all the characters but I couldn't connect to any of them. I have almost nothing in common with Caelyn and have never experienced anything she was going through. Lindsay, the best friend, is my favorite character because she is very loyal, smart, and probably the best friend a girl could ever ask for. She almost seemed a little too perfect at times...
As for the love connection between Austin and Caelyn, I found it to be a little rushed especially towards the very end of the book but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It was heart warming and inspiring reading about a girl near the edge of death falling in love and being happy once again.
I absolutely loved following Caelyn's horrific journey. It was an eye opener to read how a strong girl can be so close to dying and then recover to live a happy life. I can't even imagine taking all the tests Caelyn did or thinking about leaving my family and friends behind for good.
I look forward to reading more of this genre and maybe even some of Talia's other novels! I recommend If I Die Young to every single person out there. It is a fun, short read that can teach everyone life long lessons. Because while this book was fiction, it is crazy to know that there are people who are going through the exact same thing as Caelyn Noel.
Lets start with the plot. Caelyn thinks she is an every day teenager with an allergy problem until she finds out the hard way that she truthfully has heart failure. After staying in the hospital for what seems like an eternity, Caelyn discovers that she needs a heart transplant in order to survive the condition trying to claim her life. And of course, along the way she finds a handsome lover who has a few problems of his own. It is a very original and suspenseful plot that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Onto the characters. I liked all the characters but I couldn't connect to any of them. I have almost nothing in common with Caelyn and have never experienced anything she was going through. Lindsay, the best friend, is my favorite character because she is very loyal, smart, and probably the best friend a girl could ever ask for. She almost seemed a little too perfect at times...
As for the love connection between Austin and Caelyn, I found it to be a little rushed especially towards the very end of the book but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It was heart warming and inspiring reading about a girl near the edge of death falling in love and being happy once again.
I absolutely loved following Caelyn's horrific journey. It was an eye opener to read how a strong girl can be so close to dying and then recover to live a happy life. I can't even imagine taking all the tests Caelyn did or thinking about leaving my family and friends behind for good.
I look forward to reading more of this genre and maybe even some of Talia's other novels! I recommend If I Die Young to every single person out there. It is a fun, short read that can teach everyone life long lessons. Because while this book was fiction, it is crazy to know that there are people who are going through the exact same thing as Caelyn Noel.
September 28, 2011
This is a wonderful teen read! It focuses a lot on love, death and just trying to have some hope.
I basically cried through most of this book! Caelyn’s story is tragic and one that stayed with me for days. This would have to be every parent’s worst nightmare, but I appreciated the fact that the story was from Caelyn’s perspective. It kept the reader attuned with the thoughts and feelings of the actual patient instead of a loved one.
The relationship between Caelyn and her best friend, Lindsay was so real. Every one of us has either had a relationship like that or at least wanted one. It was agonizing reading while knowing exactly what was going through Lindsay’s mind.
“Okay, okay.” She took my hand again. “Caelyn, you are my best friend. I have no plans on letting you die. But, if you do….,” She choked back tears. “If you do, I will always remember you. You will forever be a part of me. I love you too.”
When Austin arrived, he was like a breath of fresh air! I really adore his character. He brought the light back into Caelyn’s eyes and made her happy again.
There is a slight twist to the story that the reader finds out in the end. It was kind of predictable and I knew that was how the ending would go, but I loved reading about it anyway.
I would like to highly recommend reading this book. It will forever be one of my favorites. Thank you to Talia Jager for the copy for this review and giving me a little insight to the feelings of a very ill adolescent. It was interesting to see inside Caelyn’s head and share her fears right alongside her.
I basically cried through most of this book! Caelyn’s story is tragic and one that stayed with me for days. This would have to be every parent’s worst nightmare, but I appreciated the fact that the story was from Caelyn’s perspective. It kept the reader attuned with the thoughts and feelings of the actual patient instead of a loved one.
The relationship between Caelyn and her best friend, Lindsay was so real. Every one of us has either had a relationship like that or at least wanted one. It was agonizing reading while knowing exactly what was going through Lindsay’s mind.
“Okay, okay.” She took my hand again. “Caelyn, you are my best friend. I have no plans on letting you die. But, if you do….,” She choked back tears. “If you do, I will always remember you. You will forever be a part of me. I love you too.”
When Austin arrived, he was like a breath of fresh air! I really adore his character. He brought the light back into Caelyn’s eyes and made her happy again.
There is a slight twist to the story that the reader finds out in the end. It was kind of predictable and I knew that was how the ending would go, but I loved reading about it anyway.
I would like to highly recommend reading this book. It will forever be one of my favorites. Thank you to Talia Jager for the copy for this review and giving me a little insight to the feelings of a very ill adolescent. It was interesting to see inside Caelyn’s head and share her fears right alongside her.
June 30, 2011
Thanks so much to Talia Jager for sending me an ecopy of her novel. Here's my honest review:
I wish I had better things to say about this book, but the writing just wasn't that great. I loved the cover, and I mostly liked the idea behind the book, but I just couldn't get past certain elements of the writing. There were random details thrown in at odd moments, and it just didn't flow for me. It felt like a Lurlene McDaniel novel, just not quite on par.
I somewhat enjoyed the story, but it was pretty transparent on where it was going. It was just a little young for me, and I didn't feel like the quality was there. I don't want to say bad things.. just trying to be honest about my reasons for only 2 stars.
I wish I had better things to say about this book, but the writing just wasn't that great. I loved the cover, and I mostly liked the idea behind the book, but I just couldn't get past certain elements of the writing. There were random details thrown in at odd moments, and it just didn't flow for me. It felt like a Lurlene McDaniel novel, just not quite on par.
I somewhat enjoyed the story, but it was pretty transparent on where it was going. It was just a little young for me, and I didn't feel like the quality was there. I don't want to say bad things.. just trying to be honest about my reasons for only 2 stars.
February 21, 2015
Rating: 3.5 stars.
This was a very good and emotional book about a girl, Caelyn, living with heart failure who receives a new heart.
WARNING SPOILERS:
This book was lovely and a fun read although it was very predictable. The moment I read that Austin's sister died, I knew immediately that it was her heart that Caelyn had received.
The other problem I had with the book was the ending. Married? Really? That was very quick and they were still just teenagers. I felt that that part of the story was unnecessary and overdoing things.
Other than that the book was very enjoyable. Also it was a very fast read. I'm glad I got to read it.
This was a very good and emotional book about a girl, Caelyn, living with heart failure who receives a new heart.
WARNING SPOILERS:
This book was lovely and a fun read although it was very predictable. The moment I read that Austin's sister died, I knew immediately that it was her heart that Caelyn had received.
The other problem I had with the book was the ending. Married? Really? That was very quick and they were still just teenagers. I felt that that part of the story was unnecessary and overdoing things.
Other than that the book was very enjoyable. Also it was a very fast read. I'm glad I got to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2012
This book was AMAZING. It mad me laugh and cry. It truly touched my heart. This book was so real to me and I think everyone who reads this book will fall in LOVE with it. This is a must read for teens and parents.
January 18, 2019
If I Die Young is an acquired taste type of book. It is related to the Notebook or Twilight with the level of being predictable and cheesy. Seeing the characters fall in love after her heart transplant was very cute, but when the author put that the heart was his dead sisters, it was too big of a touch for me. The story of her asthma turning into heart failure and then miraculously getting a new heart right before she died I could handle. The relationship was cute as well, but I think that the ending of the book was poorly written. The rushed feeling of marriage and the ring was a heart was too much for this book and made me leave it with a sour taste in my mouth. This book is definitely down a couple reading levels for me and wasn't a challenge. The writing of this book is similar to Twilight in its simplicity and it is kind of bad writing. But those are the books that I tend to like more then books that are overly complicated. This is a book for someone in middle school or freshman year who is looking for a quick read and a simple but good story.
October 9, 2011
This was such a great short read. I read it in about 3 hours. I bought it on Kindle for 2.99.
*If you are a "crier" I highly suggest you read with a box of tissues.*
Caelyn Noel is an ordinary teenager. Maybe not as active as some of her friends, due to asthma, but she still has the usual problems. Getting homework turned in, final exams, breaking up with her boyfriend. All of a sudden Caelyn is faced with some heart wrenching issues. She is in the last stage of heart failure and it has been misdiagnosed her whole life as asthma. Her heart is giving out and she is in desperate need of a new one.
Her parents don't tell her she is going to need a heart transplant and she keeps asking the Doctor what else can you do. Her parents have asked the Doctor not to mention a heart transplant to her and for some reason he agrees. She knows they are hiding something from her, but never guessed it to be this big of a secret.
She has a best friend Lindsay, and her parents but everyone else seems to disappear. She is lonely. She wants love. She has normal thoughts that I think every teen has even if not faced with heart failure. What if she dies without having found the love of her life? When she meets Austin Walker, she thinks that maybe she does have chance at love. Has she found her true love?
"If I Die Young" is a must read for any young adult. It is a sweet yet heart wrenching romance and filled with Caelyn's life as she deals with heart disease and facing death. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Caelyn's situation is a bit terrifying, a lot for a young girl to go through, yet she soldiers on. I highly suggest you read it for yourself!
After reading the Kindle version, I purchased it in paperback so that my kids will have it to enjoy when they are older.
*Spoiler alert*
There is one part in the story where she is faced with the decision to be put on a machine that breathes for you. I have to say this part really touched me. I balled. She thought this was the end of her. She said her goodbyes right there. But she didn't want to give up. She kept on trucking, not being able to speak. SHE NEVER GAVE UP! She was so close to death. As a parent I think if I ever have to face situations like this. I don't know how I would even begin to cope. She was strong for her parents.
*If you are a "crier" I highly suggest you read with a box of tissues.*
Caelyn Noel is an ordinary teenager. Maybe not as active as some of her friends, due to asthma, but she still has the usual problems. Getting homework turned in, final exams, breaking up with her boyfriend. All of a sudden Caelyn is faced with some heart wrenching issues. She is in the last stage of heart failure and it has been misdiagnosed her whole life as asthma. Her heart is giving out and she is in desperate need of a new one.
Her parents don't tell her she is going to need a heart transplant and she keeps asking the Doctor what else can you do. Her parents have asked the Doctor not to mention a heart transplant to her and for some reason he agrees. She knows they are hiding something from her, but never guessed it to be this big of a secret.
She has a best friend Lindsay, and her parents but everyone else seems to disappear. She is lonely. She wants love. She has normal thoughts that I think every teen has even if not faced with heart failure. What if she dies without having found the love of her life? When she meets Austin Walker, she thinks that maybe she does have chance at love. Has she found her true love?
"If I Die Young" is a must read for any young adult. It is a sweet yet heart wrenching romance and filled with Caelyn's life as she deals with heart disease and facing death. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Caelyn's situation is a bit terrifying, a lot for a young girl to go through, yet she soldiers on. I highly suggest you read it for yourself!
After reading the Kindle version, I purchased it in paperback so that my kids will have it to enjoy when they are older.
*Spoiler alert*
There is one part in the story where she is faced with the decision to be put on a machine that breathes for you. I have to say this part really touched me. I balled. She thought this was the end of her. She said her goodbyes right there. But she didn't want to give up. She kept on trucking, not being able to speak. SHE NEVER GAVE UP! She was so close to death. As a parent I think if I ever have to face situations like this. I don't know how I would even begin to cope. She was strong for her parents.
February 23, 2017
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Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
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* Written in 2012 under the pen-name Marie Hughes!
If I Die Young by Talia Jager was a book that had me in tears. It was an amazing story that had me looking at what life was really about and how it can come to a hault in a matter on minutes. This story you won't be able to put down. Talia Jager is a wonderful writer who knows how to move her readers with the heart and soul of this story.
The story follows Caelyn Noel; a young 16 year old that was wrongly diagnosed with asthma 5 years ago only to discover that it was her heart all along; resulting in the need of a transplant. As you read you'll be filled with so many emotions that you won't know what to do with yourself.
* Written in 2012 under the pen-name Marie Hughes!
If I Die Young by Talia Jager was a book that had me in tears. It was an amazing story that had me looking at what life was really about and how it can come to a hault in a matter on minutes. This story you won't be able to put down. Talia Jager is a wonderful writer who knows how to move her readers with the heart and soul of this story.
The story follows Caelyn Noel; a young 16 year old that was wrongly diagnosed with asthma 5 years ago only to discover that it was her heart all along; resulting in the need of a transplant. As you read you'll be filled with so many emotions that you won't know what to do with yourself.
October 3, 2011
If I Die Young
By: Talia Jager
ASIN: B004ZLD0P2
Published May 5, 2011
Available Format: ebook
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Cailyn is your average teenage girl, dating and hanging out with her best friend at the mall. She’s had a few health problems, some asthma and allergies, but she isn’t prepared for the news that she is a lot sicker than she thought. So sick, in fact, her life may be over much too soon.
Drama of any sort is something that I have to read quite sparingly. It is just too much for me to read something far too close to real life, especially life that is tragic and sometimes depressing. I really enjoyed the basis of this story. I think Jager is fantastic at understanding the feelings and emotions of the characters she writes about. Who could truly understand what goes through a young girl’s mind when she is on the brink of death?
Cailyn’s life felt very authentic to me. I think that much of what she experiences and felt was exactly how it is for young people who are faced with a situation similar to hers. There were times that the writing style bothered me just a bit. I think Jager could really fluff her stories up a bit to make the writing itself more interesting. She has the story; it just needs a little spark to really grab the readers’ attention.
Overall, this book is quite enjoyable and I do recommend it to anyone who likes a little real-life drama and teen romance. I think the further I read into the story, after Cailyn’s heart transplant, everything really picks up and it is much easier to lose yourself in the writing.
Thanks, Talia for allowing me the opportunity to read and review your work!!
By: Talia Jager
ASIN: B004ZLD0P2
Published May 5, 2011
Available Format: ebook
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Cailyn is your average teenage girl, dating and hanging out with her best friend at the mall. She’s had a few health problems, some asthma and allergies, but she isn’t prepared for the news that she is a lot sicker than she thought. So sick, in fact, her life may be over much too soon.
Drama of any sort is something that I have to read quite sparingly. It is just too much for me to read something far too close to real life, especially life that is tragic and sometimes depressing. I really enjoyed the basis of this story. I think Jager is fantastic at understanding the feelings and emotions of the characters she writes about. Who could truly understand what goes through a young girl’s mind when she is on the brink of death?
Cailyn’s life felt very authentic to me. I think that much of what she experiences and felt was exactly how it is for young people who are faced with a situation similar to hers. There were times that the writing style bothered me just a bit. I think Jager could really fluff her stories up a bit to make the writing itself more interesting. She has the story; it just needs a little spark to really grab the readers’ attention.
Overall, this book is quite enjoyable and I do recommend it to anyone who likes a little real-life drama and teen romance. I think the further I read into the story, after Cailyn’s heart transplant, everything really picks up and it is much easier to lose yourself in the writing.
Thanks, Talia for allowing me the opportunity to read and review your work!!
October 21, 2012
If I Die Young is such a heartwarming story. The writing makes it feel so realist. There is a nice mixture of drama, friendship and romance.
Caelyn is a typical teenager who has asthma. One day at school she gets shortness of breath and collapses. She comes to find out that she has heart failure. As the story progresses Caelyn is told that she will need a heart transplant and soon to survive. The first half of the book is very sad and just breaks your heart reading it. I can't imagine having a loved one dealing with something like this. Caelyn and her best friend Lindsy's relationship was so strong. Lindsy was there for Caelyn throughout her entire ordeal.
The book is written from Caelyn' point of view. You really get to see and feel her struggles and will to survive. I really enjoyed the second half of the book. Austin comes into the picture and brings joy and happiness into Caelyn's life. I liked Austin but didn't agree with some of the things that he did. I did come to realize why he felt the way he did. There is a twist towards the end of the book that I didn't see coming until it was almost revealed.
Overall I enjoyed reading this. This is not a genre that I normally read but there is just something about Jager's writing that I enjoy. You get drawn into the story right from the beginning and you don't want to put it down.
This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
Caelyn is a typical teenager who has asthma. One day at school she gets shortness of breath and collapses. She comes to find out that she has heart failure. As the story progresses Caelyn is told that she will need a heart transplant and soon to survive. The first half of the book is very sad and just breaks your heart reading it. I can't imagine having a loved one dealing with something like this. Caelyn and her best friend Lindsy's relationship was so strong. Lindsy was there for Caelyn throughout her entire ordeal.
The book is written from Caelyn' point of view. You really get to see and feel her struggles and will to survive. I really enjoyed the second half of the book. Austin comes into the picture and brings joy and happiness into Caelyn's life. I liked Austin but didn't agree with some of the things that he did. I did come to realize why he felt the way he did. There is a twist towards the end of the book that I didn't see coming until it was almost revealed.
Overall I enjoyed reading this. This is not a genre that I normally read but there is just something about Jager's writing that I enjoy. You get drawn into the story right from the beginning and you don't want to put it down.
This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
May 22, 2011
Teenage drama at it's finest can be found in "If I Die Young" by Talia Jager.
Cailyn Noel is 16 years old with more health issues than even she could ever imagine. Follow her, along with her family and best friend, Lindsay, as her health deteriorates and she must face the possiblity of never being able to live her life to it's full potential. Will she ever go to college? Will she ever fall in love and marry or even go on a date? Will she ever be "normal?" These are just a few of the things that run through her mind as she goes day by day, fighting to stay alive. It's not an easy journey, but has an amazing outcome that you won't want to miss.
This story captures you right away. The characters and descriptions of everything are just so real that you feel like you know them and are right there with them. It actually brought tears to my eyes a couple of times, so it can be an emotional ride as well. I truly enjoyed this story and couldn't wait to see how it ended.
If you enjoy medical drama combined with teenage feelings and issues, I would highly recommend this book to you!
This book was graciously provided to me by it's wonderful author for my honest review.
Cailyn Noel is 16 years old with more health issues than even she could ever imagine. Follow her, along with her family and best friend, Lindsay, as her health deteriorates and she must face the possiblity of never being able to live her life to it's full potential. Will she ever go to college? Will she ever fall in love and marry or even go on a date? Will she ever be "normal?" These are just a few of the things that run through her mind as she goes day by day, fighting to stay alive. It's not an easy journey, but has an amazing outcome that you won't want to miss.
This story captures you right away. The characters and descriptions of everything are just so real that you feel like you know them and are right there with them. It actually brought tears to my eyes a couple of times, so it can be an emotional ride as well. I truly enjoyed this story and couldn't wait to see how it ended.
If you enjoy medical drama combined with teenage feelings and issues, I would highly recommend this book to you!
This book was graciously provided to me by it's wonderful author for my honest review.
December 16, 2016
3.5 stars... Would have been 4 if it wasn't for the ridiculous ending. I will not post any spoilers but I mean seriously?? They are teenagers essentially.
I cannot even begin to understand the physical as well as mental issues one has to deal with as an organ recipient. Being a teenager, I am sure the mental aspect may even be worse. However, Caelyn did become very annoying with it at times. All in all, this was a good read.
This is a very quick (one sitting) read with an emotional twist. I would recommend this as a read to break up a series or after a long novel. It is very typical in YA fiction, except the parents are actually present and involved LOL.
I cannot even begin to understand the physical as well as mental issues one has to deal with as an organ recipient. Being a teenager, I am sure the mental aspect may even be worse. However, Caelyn did become very annoying with it at times. All in all, this was a good read.
This is a very quick (one sitting) read with an emotional twist. I would recommend this as a read to break up a series or after a long novel. It is very typical in YA fiction, except the parents are actually present and involved LOL.
May 15, 2014
I really liked this story. Cailyn gets sick with a serious illness and you would expect it to become monotonous and long winded, but it doesn't. This well written story made me experience her desperation, fear and anxiety, and then later her joy at finding love. When I read the last words, I felt a warm, fuzzy feeling of happiness.
June 14, 2012
Wow! This book was hard to put down! The plot is so twisted and surprising! Although the likeliness of this happening in real life is slim to nill, it will still warm your heart, make you cry, and put butterflies in your tummy!
June 1, 2013
Overall I liked this book, but the last few chapters seemed to skip too much time and it all blurred together. Aside from that, it really is a realistic account of what Caelyn's situation would be like...so maybe it's a 4.5.
May 15, 2014
I'm in love.
this book I read in less than a day. it made me cry. it made me laugh. and most of all it made me think. I loved this book. the journey this young girl had to take is remarkable and it is written so well that as a reader you feel apart of the story.
this book I read in less than a day. it made me cry. it made me laugh. and most of all it made me think. I loved this book. the journey this young girl had to take is remarkable and it is written so well that as a reader you feel apart of the story.
January 1, 2015
Amazing
... this book was amazing. Words can't describe how good of a book it was. I wouldn't recommend it to anybody who doesn't like chick-flicks but even if they didn't, this book was amazing.
... this book was amazing. Words can't describe how good of a book it was. I wouldn't recommend it to anybody who doesn't like chick-flicks but even if they didn't, this book was amazing.
March 28, 2012
really good.i didnt think it was going to have any romance but in the end it did.which was fantastic! and especially the way that caelyn ended up getting his sisters heart! just fantastic!(:
November 4, 2013
Disappointed. It felt too rushed and I didn't like the ending at all. Just ok for me.
Full review on my blog www.the-book-tower.blogspot.co.uk
Full review on my blog www.the-book-tower.blogspot.co.uk
August 6, 2014
If I Die Young
If I Die Young
this was the best book ever I will read it over and over
it was amazingly amazing. it was the best book ever.
If I Die Young
this was the best book ever I will read it over and over
it was amazingly amazing. it was the best book ever.
February 2, 2015
This is one of the best books I have EVER read.
March 29, 2015
Great read! I loved this book. It almost brought tears to my eyes. A book has never had such an influence on me like that. Simply amazing.
March 27, 2015
This was amazing book for teens and Tweens. It has dramatic and romantic parts.
June 1, 2011
A tragically beautiful story with a great ending. Must read for teens.
July 3, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this. There was so much emotion in this book and I really liked Caelyn.
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May 24, 2018If I Die Young by Talia Jager was a book that had me in tears. It was an amazing story that had me looking at what life was really about and how it can come to a hault in a matter on minutes. This story you won't be able to put down. Talia Jager is a wonderful writer who knows how to move her readers with the heart and soul of this story. I Reccomend this book for middle schoolers and high schoolers. This was a really great book. I really enjoyed and I hope to read more of this incredible author, Talia Jager!
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