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Live Fast, Die Young: a novella
Molly Corbett can’t stand seeing her childhood pal Alex Gibson destroy himself. He’s gone from straight-A student to rebel without a cause. With so much at stake, some serious interference is called for—or at least Micromanaging Molly thinks so. Alex needs to get back on the path to the Ivy League. But the harder Molly pushes Alex, the harder he pushes back.
Alex has a secret. Well, two secrets. Number one: He has terminal melanoma. With six months to live, Alex hasn’t got a second to waste. And hanging around hospitals when his friends think he’s cutting school definitely counts as wasted time. Instead, he’s going to drop out, surf, drive fast cars…and finally put secret number two out there. He’s in love with Molly and he’s going to tell her before it’s too late.
Alex has a secret. Well, two secrets. Number one: He has terminal melanoma. With six months to live, Alex hasn’t got a second to waste. And hanging around hospitals when his friends think he’s cutting school definitely counts as wasted time. Instead, he’s going to drop out, surf, drive fast cars…and finally put secret number two out there. He’s in love with Molly and he’s going to tell her before it’s too late.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2016
10 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Barneveld
7 books94 followersAustralian Vanessa Barneveld lives in a 19th-century house in inner-city Sydney with a 21st-century husband, two eccentric cats and one ghost—all of whom provide inspiration for her spirited novels. In addition to her writing career, she’s part of a crack team that produces closed captions for deaf TV viewers and audio descriptions for the blind.
An avid traveler, she enjoys the journeys almost as much as the destinations. She freely admits to being food motivated and will stop at nothing to find the perfect hot chips wherever she roams around the world.
An avid traveler, she enjoys the journeys almost as much as the destinations. She freely admits to being food motivated and will stop at nothing to find the perfect hot chips wherever she roams around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 20, 2017
Full Review on the Blog
www.carolineandrus.com/blog
If ever there was a book that made me think twice about skipping the sunscreen, it was this one.
If you want a short, well-written, tragically beautiful story look no further. If books about cancer trigger you, maybe leave this one alone.
www.carolineandrus.com/blog
If ever there was a book that made me think twice about skipping the sunscreen, it was this one.
If you want a short, well-written, tragically beautiful story look no further. If books about cancer trigger you, maybe leave this one alone.
December 15, 2016
A cute story, but too short to be really engaging. It almost feels like the trailer of another book: all happens too quick, there isn't enough time to feel any real emotion for the characters and when youre finally gettin to know them the story is already ending.
Ok, but forgettable.
Ok, but forgettable.
October 23, 2017
2.5 stars
- nicked it when kindle threw a cheaper price
- a short novella: within a blink of an eye, it was over and i don't know what to make of it
- i really appreciate Molly's parents. I mean who will allow their daughter/son to skip months of classes so that she/he could be with a dying friend. I NEVER SEE THAT.
- live fast, die young/rebel without a cause: can we live with this motto? i wonder.
- friends turned lovers story combined with a tragedy
- nicked it when kindle threw a cheaper price
- a short novella: within a blink of an eye, it was over and i don't know what to make of it
- i really appreciate Molly's parents. I mean who will allow their daughter/son to skip months of classes so that she/he could be with a dying friend. I NEVER SEE THAT.
- live fast, die young/rebel without a cause: can we live with this motto? i wonder.
- friends turned lovers story combined with a tragedy
December 5, 2016
*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really liked the premise of this book but for me it failed to deliver; I didn't tear up once throughout the book despite the book being about a boy Alex who is dying of Melanoma. The length of the book was too short with the pace of the story just starting to pick up towards the end of the book. Because of this, the ending, and the book as a whole, felt unfinished and hurried. I also really didn't like Alex because of the fact that he kept his illness a secret. While it would be hard breaking the news that he has cancer to his best friend Molly, it is also quite selfish to have kept it from her for so long especially when he claims to love her. I also think that Molly accepts his apology too quickly although that could be just because if I was in her position I would feel betrayed and probably hold a grudge for a bit longer.
I think if this story had been fleshed out a bit more, that is it was a full novel, it would have been more enjoyable as the characters and plot would have had more time to develop. Overall, this was an okay read however I didn't like the two main characters very much because of their lack of communication throughout the book. Most of the drama would have been solved if Molly and Alex just had an honest conversation and laid all their cards on the table.
I really liked the premise of this book but for me it failed to deliver; I didn't tear up once throughout the book despite the book being about a boy Alex who is dying of Melanoma. The length of the book was too short with the pace of the story just starting to pick up towards the end of the book. Because of this, the ending, and the book as a whole, felt unfinished and hurried. I also really didn't like Alex because of the fact that he kept his illness a secret. While it would be hard breaking the news that he has cancer to his best friend Molly, it is also quite selfish to have kept it from her for so long especially when he claims to love her. I also think that Molly accepts his apology too quickly although that could be just because if I was in her position I would feel betrayed and probably hold a grudge for a bit longer.
I think if this story had been fleshed out a bit more, that is it was a full novel, it would have been more enjoyable as the characters and plot would have had more time to develop. Overall, this was an okay read however I didn't like the two main characters very much because of their lack of communication throughout the book. Most of the drama would have been solved if Molly and Alex just had an honest conversation and laid all their cards on the table.
September 29, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Vanessa Barneveld, and this may just be my favorite story of hers! Vanessa has this wonderful way of blending humor and emotion that makes you smile and tear up at the same time. I love Alex and Molly so much, and I did not want this story to end! I'm so impressed with how Vanessa can pack so much emotion into such a short space. A quick read, and immensely satisfying.
December 31, 2016
This book was a really quick read with a promising story but the length of it didn‘t work. It was too short for a story with cancer and dying. I need more time to connect with characters and here I didn’t get a chance. Why should I be attached to people I don’t know?
I didn’t see the point in this book and if there was a message (except fully living our lifes), I totally missed it.
***
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t see the point in this book and if there was a message (except fully living our lifes), I totally missed it.
***
I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
*Review copy received from publisher*
Live Fast, Die Young is a realistic portrayal of the impact terminal illness has, not only on the individual but also their family and friends. I loved the writing style, devoured the story and wished it was a full-length novel. I will be looking out for more of Vanessa Barneveld's work.
A short story with a big impact. Add it includes recipes!
Live Fast, Die Young is a realistic portrayal of the impact terminal illness has, not only on the individual but also their family and friends. I loved the writing style, devoured the story and wished it was a full-length novel. I will be looking out for more of Vanessa Barneveld's work.
A short story with a big impact. Add it includes recipes!
December 11, 2016
i did a quick review for this book here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3nIC...
February 6, 2017
Thankyou to Netgalley for this book.
This didn't take me at all long to read.
I have to say it was rushed thought it made sense at the end. And parts of the story wasn't fleshed out right. I felt like I've read this somewhere before.
Molly and Alex are best friends but Alex has a secret that he doesn't want anyone to find out. Predictable much?
I liked the characters thought they didn't seem organic to me. I was slightly into the story. I don't have much to say.
This didn't take me at all long to read.
I have to say it was rushed thought it made sense at the end. And parts of the story wasn't fleshed out right. I felt like I've read this somewhere before.
Molly and Alex are best friends but Alex has a secret that he doesn't want anyone to find out. Predictable much?
I liked the characters thought they didn't seem organic to me. I was slightly into the story. I don't have much to say.
October 16, 2016
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
Alex has dreamed of going to Yale, becoming a pediatrician and spending his life with his best friend Molly. Molly is just as hard working and dedicated to going to college with Alex and nothing is about to stop her. So when Alex comes back from a recent trip to visit his dad, Big Dave in Sydney and seems to have lost his drive for school, studies and even Yale, Molly is livid. What Molly doesn't know is that Alex has a secret, his trips to visit his father haven't been just that, he has been getting chemotherapy and treatments for Stage IV Melanoma, problem is none of it is working. Live Fast, Die Young is the story of Alex and Molly, as they deal with this diagnosis and a six month sentence. Author Vanessa Barneveld tells the story from both Molly's view and Alex's view, and brings in real teenage emotion and thought processes.
Live Fast, Die Young is a relatively short novella that it is engaging. You are easily able to understand the characters. It is a great young adult read. The only thing I can think to say bad is that, reading it as an adult, I can see the problems in a few of their rationals, but as sixteen year olds, I definitely see that the author, Vanessa Barneveld has captured the mindset and thought processes of the characters and real life teenagers. It is a cute, short story that is a great read and I enjoyed it quite a lot. It has no sex or real language in it, so I would feel comfortable letting even younger kids read this one. It will remind kids, nothing in life is forever, and to grab what you can while you have the chance.
Alex has dreamed of going to Yale, becoming a pediatrician and spending his life with his best friend Molly. Molly is just as hard working and dedicated to going to college with Alex and nothing is about to stop her. So when Alex comes back from a recent trip to visit his dad, Big Dave in Sydney and seems to have lost his drive for school, studies and even Yale, Molly is livid. What Molly doesn't know is that Alex has a secret, his trips to visit his father haven't been just that, he has been getting chemotherapy and treatments for Stage IV Melanoma, problem is none of it is working. Live Fast, Die Young is the story of Alex and Molly, as they deal with this diagnosis and a six month sentence. Author Vanessa Barneveld tells the story from both Molly's view and Alex's view, and brings in real teenage emotion and thought processes.
Live Fast, Die Young is a relatively short novella that it is engaging. You are easily able to understand the characters. It is a great young adult read. The only thing I can think to say bad is that, reading it as an adult, I can see the problems in a few of their rationals, but as sixteen year olds, I definitely see that the author, Vanessa Barneveld has captured the mindset and thought processes of the characters and real life teenagers. It is a cute, short story that is a great read and I enjoyed it quite a lot. It has no sex or real language in it, so I would feel comfortable letting even younger kids read this one. It will remind kids, nothing in life is forever, and to grab what you can while you have the chance.
December 24, 2016
I appreciate that this was only a short novella, but I wanted more at the end!
Also, a good book to read in summer, you'll never forget your sunscreen again!
Also, a good book to read in summer, you'll never forget your sunscreen again!
December 10, 2016
Two best friends have feelings for each other, but one doesn't know the other is dying of cancer. By the time Molly finds out the truth about Alex's cancer, the book is almost over.
Although it's a novella, the story could have been elaborated more. It also ends on the hopeful note of them acknowledging feelings for each other, when he still have several months left to live.
Received as GoodReads giveaway.
Although it's a novella, the story could have been elaborated more. It also ends on the hopeful note of them acknowledging feelings for each other, when he still have several months left to live.
Received as GoodReads giveaway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2016
I'm confused. I'm really not sure how I feel about this, or what to say about it. My initial reaction was, 'what's the point in it?', then I thought a bit more, and I sort of get it but I'm still a little lost. Part of the problem is its novella status. The point at which it ends, is the point I expect the story to take off. It's like reading the introduction to a book, but missing the book itself. I'm sounding quite negative here, but my opinion isn't wholly negative. It's written very well, and the characters have a very realistic teen vibe to them. I think, on the whole, it's just a reminder of why I don't read novellas. It's a snapshot of a life, when I prefer to get the extended directors cut.
June 7, 2021
I love this author and am working my way through her backlist. Live Fast, Die Young was no exception to the wonderful writing I found in Under the Milky Way And, this was my first venture into 'siclit' so new horizons for me there.
I found the knife-edge emotions linked to first love AND terminal illness authentic, and raw, in a way that allowed me to connect to old feelings long buried. I can say for certain, this work of fiction is true, in every sense of the word.
I kept thinking, how will this end? How can it possibly leave me feeling uplifted? But no surprise coming from Barneveld, it did.
A great story. Must read!
I found the knife-edge emotions linked to first love AND terminal illness authentic, and raw, in a way that allowed me to connect to old feelings long buried. I can say for certain, this work of fiction is true, in every sense of the word.
I kept thinking, how will this end? How can it possibly leave me feeling uplifted? But no surprise coming from Barneveld, it did.
A great story. Must read!
June 7, 2021
I love this author and am working my way through her backlist. Live Fast, Die Young was no exception to the wonderful writing I found in Under the Milky Way And, this was my first venture into 'siclit' so new horizons for me there.
I found the knife-edge emotions linked to first love AND terminal illness authentic, and raw, in a way that allowed me to connect to old feelings long buried. I can say for certain, this work of fiction is true, in every sense of the word.
I kept thinking, how will this end? How can it possibly leave me feeling uplifted? But no surprise coming from Barneveld, it did.
A great story. Must read!
I found the knife-edge emotions linked to first love AND terminal illness authentic, and raw, in a way that allowed me to connect to old feelings long buried. I can say for certain, this work of fiction is true, in every sense of the word.
I kept thinking, how will this end? How can it possibly leave me feeling uplifted? But no surprise coming from Barneveld, it did.
A great story. Must read!
October 17, 2017
Live Fast, Die Young is a fast-paced novella that is intriguing and so hard to put down. I love both Molly and Alex and the way they both show the different stages of grief. I also enjoy the way Vanessa creates their story, it’s as if I’ve known Alex and Molly my whole life. I wish the story would continue on. If you're looking for a short and intriguing read.
To see my full review https://www.boundtowriting.com/novell...
To see my full review https://www.boundtowriting.com/novell...
October 29, 2017
Live Fast, Die Young was short, sweet and utterly beautiful!
My favorite thing about this Novella was that even though it featured a main character with cancer, it ended leaving me hopeful, not heartbroken.
I loved the happy happy ending! <3
My favorite thing about this Novella was that even though it featured a main character with cancer, it ended leaving me hopeful, not heartbroken.
I loved the happy happy ending! <3
July 19, 2017
DNF at approximately 50%. I simply didn't find it engaging. It just read too much like bad FanFiction and was too factually inaccurate regarding cancer and illness.
July 30, 2017
Okay
The book had a. Great storyline and excellent characters. It could of been a bit more detail oriented but other then that it was good.
The book had a. Great storyline and excellent characters. It could of been a bit more detail oriented but other then that it was good.
June 23, 2020
Nice quick and easy read. Perfect for a day on the beach!
September 29, 2024
I liked it. Which is why I wish it were a bit longer.
November 18, 2016
Stuck between giving 2 or 3 stars so I decided to be nice and round it up.
Alex has changed since coming back from his most recent trip to Sydney, he no longer has an interest in applying to college, he’s distant and acting in a way that his best friend Molly doesn’t recognise and she can’t work out why. What she doesn’t know is that he has stage 4 cancer and 6 months to live.
I think my problem with this book is possibly due to my age. If I was a few years (okay, maybe a lot of years, i’m no spring chicken) younger i’d have adored this because it is a cute short read but as i am now, I couldn’t get on board with the characters rationalisation and reasoning throughout. I found Molly especially to be extremely emotionally immature and struggled to read her parts because I just wanted to give her a shake.
Having said that, I do think Vanessa Barneveld does a really good job at getting into the minds and decision making process of teenagers very well though as there are a lot of teenagers, and adults, who struggle with change and have poor coping skills when they’re that young, especially with something this big or if they think their friends are pulling away from them. You do feel like you’re in the mind of young teenagers whilst reading it so that’s a credit to the author.
Alex has changed since coming back from his most recent trip to Sydney, he no longer has an interest in applying to college, he’s distant and acting in a way that his best friend Molly doesn’t recognise and she can’t work out why. What she doesn’t know is that he has stage 4 cancer and 6 months to live.
I think my problem with this book is possibly due to my age. If I was a few years (okay, maybe a lot of years, i’m no spring chicken) younger i’d have adored this because it is a cute short read but as i am now, I couldn’t get on board with the characters rationalisation and reasoning throughout. I found Molly especially to be extremely emotionally immature and struggled to read her parts because I just wanted to give her a shake.
Having said that, I do think Vanessa Barneveld does a really good job at getting into the minds and decision making process of teenagers very well though as there are a lot of teenagers, and adults, who struggle with change and have poor coping skills when they’re that young, especially with something this big or if they think their friends are pulling away from them. You do feel like you’re in the mind of young teenagers whilst reading it so that’s a credit to the author.
April 6, 2017
That's it?! Full review is posted on my website.
March 20, 2017
I won this book through Goodreads First-reads. This is no way influenced my review.
Molly Corbett and Alex Gibson have been best friends since childhood. Now they are seniors in high school and looking forward to college. Molly is puzzled at Alex sudden change in behavior. He is skipping school and says he wants to live life in the fast lane. He also seems to be pushing Molly away.
What Alex hasn't told Molly is that he had stage IV melonoma and he is terminal. The doctors say he has about six months left. Alex has always loved Molly but how can he tell her and start something only to go and die.
This is a heartwarming tale of two teenagers and how they deal with life's curve ball. I really hated for this book to end.
Molly Corbett and Alex Gibson have been best friends since childhood. Now they are seniors in high school and looking forward to college. Molly is puzzled at Alex sudden change in behavior. He is skipping school and says he wants to live life in the fast lane. He also seems to be pushing Molly away.
What Alex hasn't told Molly is that he had stage IV melonoma and he is terminal. The doctors say he has about six months left. Alex has always loved Molly but how can he tell her and start something only to go and die.
This is a heartwarming tale of two teenagers and how they deal with life's curve ball. I really hated for this book to end.
December 26, 2016
As for such a short type of a book as novella I cried a lot! I'm crazy about all surfing novels or novellas so from the very blurb I knew it's going to be something worth reading and I was right. The story of love and death at a very young age of seventeen will break your heart to pieces. And even tough it's hard to find any comfort in a story about dying in such a young age the ending made me feel calm instead of angry.
June 18, 2018
Perfect
I love this book. It gave me what I read in a series, but only in 12 chapters! I'm the person who reads romance books and this book is a yes. It has every thing I was looking for. I recommend this to anyone who wishes or are in love.
I love this book. It gave me what I read in a series, but only in 12 chapters! I'm the person who reads romance books and this book is a yes. It has every thing I was looking for. I recommend this to anyone who wishes or are in love.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews