They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera, 3.5 stars

[NancyJ]

I think I would have loved this book when I was young. It's a gay friendly YA book about what you might do if you knew you would die within the next 24 hours. The adventure and contrivances keep it from being too depressing, but it can provide some exploration about what makes life worthwhile.

Through a magical scientific advance, an agency is able to contact citizens who are going to die within the next day. We don't know how they know, or why they get all the information at midnight, or why all the support services seem designed for young people, but that's OK. It was a nice diversion. 3.5 rounded down.

[Joi]

I'm reading this now, and it's a super interesting concept. I'd love more worldbuilding in this time set where you know when you die- and the repercussions of this both for individuals, but also for industries. We get glimpses, but I feel like that's a whole concept that could have gotten more in depth and dived into.

[NancyJ]

Joi wrote: "I'm reading this now, and it's a super interesting concept. I'd love more worldbuilding in this time set where you know when you die- and the repercussions of this both for individuals, but also fo..."

I agree. It would be interesting to see these ideas handled from a broader adult or societal perspective. There are many different directions it could take. The YA focus (and the 24 hour time period) is limiting, and more focused on having fun. I think many adults would spend a good chunk of that time thinking about practical issues to protect their family. (I was nagged by mundane thoughts about old insurance policies, my will, and disorganized paperwork. All things I wouldn't want to have to think about during my last day.) I think it's a good exercise to think about the things you still want to do in your life. What and who really matters to you.