 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead
- By Julie Anne Peters
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Realistic portrayal of a teen committed to killing herself.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is an intense book that centers on a teen who is about to kill herself. This book includes frank discussions of different methods, including their pain and effectiveness ratings. There is plenty of other intense material as well: In elementary school, Daelyn is sexually attacked by boys in a boys' bathroom. She is also verbally and physically humiliated at an abusive "fat camp." A previous suicide attempt left her having to wear a neck brace and unable to talk. She spends a lot of time on a website that helps users make plans for their own suicides. Other participants on the website talk about being raped and molested. The language, like the topics, can be rough. While there's plenty to frighten parents away from this book, as a small positive note it could be an entry point to talk to teens about cyberbullying.
What's the story?
When depressed Daelyn stumbles upon a mysterious website called "Through-the-Light," she is given 23 days to decide if she really wants to kill herself. The site asks her questions that help her reflect on her decision (For example, "Who will help you through the darkness?"). The site also provides her a community where she can vent t her problems (and read what other suicidal users have to say). But as she is preparing herself to leave this world, she makes a surprising connection with an offbeat boy with a secret of his own. Suddenly, she has to rethink everything.
Is it any good?
Daelyn is a realistic character whom readers will empathize with. The author makes her tragic story come to life, even when using devices that could easily fall flat (like chat board discussions). Her relationship with Santana seems a little too well timed. But, ultimately, this book will certainly give readers a lot to contemplate, especially its open-ended conclusion.
This author is known for teen books that push the envelope on edgy subject matter. Of course, sadly, it could certainly resonate with some teens for the wrong reasons.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the website Daelyn visits. It tells users "self-termination is your right." Do you agree or disagree with this attitude? Should websites that support dangerous behaviors -- like suicide, anorexia, or cutting -- be allowed to operate?
Dealyn is a target of cyberbullying, something that happens to 43 percent of kids. Ask your teens if they've ever gotten -- or sent -- a hurtful message online. What happened? You may want to review Common Sense Media's article about protecting kids from cyberbullying.
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AGE
Its all true
I felt so bad for her! I cried through a few chapters. I've thought about it too, but I'm too scared about if it would hurt, hurting my family, and where I'd end up after. I've gained a lot of weight too, and my own family (thats full of model like people) admitted I'm not the 'best' looking.. I won't call her stupid for wanting to kill herself, people are stupid, for not caring about her like they should. Nobody deserves the kind of ridicue she had to go through. I wouldn't let a kid with depression read this because it would set off an example of how cruel the world can be and make them want to leave it more, besides it would give them ideas.. Its not just teens that get depressed either by the way, I've been depressed sinse 3rd grade.. so parents don't think your kids are okay at that age. And by the point of being tortured like Daelyn has, she'll forget how to love, believe me. I haven't hugged my mom sinse I was 6. (I'm not making the deal about me, I'm just making examples)
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AGE
Good
I loved it n im onlyy 12! I read it for my book reportr n yeahh it was greaTT!!!
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AGE
It is a good read and really gets into the mind of a someone who suffers from abuse and depression. WARNING: The girl in this book is suicidal and has attempted suicide. There are parts in the book that tell you different ways to kill yourself and very detailed explainations on how to carry it out.
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AGE
i loved it! i agree some parts were innapropriate but other than that it was good
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AGE
*****
The main character wants to kill herself. Guess what parents, most teens DO think about suicide. Give them this book. Let them read it. Let them be horrified by it. Let them learn that it's not an answer. And let it teach them what cruelty can push kids toward.
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AGE
i loved this book i liked the fact that they just leave to think what you want at the end.
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AGE
im 13 and this is what i thought of it
i read this book and thought that it was appropreate for ages 13 and up. there is some gross things daelyn says about suicide ect. also fat camps, sexual harresment. i felt this book sent a message as to why its important not to hurt yourself and how every desision you make is going to effect you. its not the best book but it kept me reading. over all a good book.
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AGE
Not for younger kids.
For those of you who have read 13 Reasons Why, this book is waaaay better. The main character isn't half as whiny. The most disturbing part of the book is the website describing ways to off yourself. It was a fairly good read and in the end, the character's choice leaves an impression on the reader. I enjoyed it. It's an especially good read for victims of bullying (I was one myself).
Parents, if your kid is known to be suicidal, don't let them read this. It's pretty explicit on ways to kill yourself.
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AGE
For anyone who has ever dealt with bullying, this is a must read.
As someone who can relate to Daelyn and as a lover of literature, I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
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| Author: | Julie Anne Peters |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Hyperion Books for Children |
| Publication date: | January 5, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 224 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 17 |
| Read aloud: | 14 |
| Read alone: | 14 |
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