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Ways to Live Forever (by Sally Nicholls)

common sense media says

Touching but not maudlin story about a dying child.

parents & educators say
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this book, while funny and often uplifting, may trouble young readers. The young protagonist struggles to answer many questions, including the one most important to him: Why do kids have to die?

Positive messages: Felix and Sam watch an R-rated movie (The Exorcist) when they know they are not supposed to. They try to use a Ouija board. Sam's grandmother believes his grandfather talked to her after he died and sometimes hears his footsteps down the hallway. Felix torments the hospital staff by sneaking out of his room or pretending to be covered in blood.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: "Bloody God!"
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Ways to Live Forever

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about any of Sam's tough questions: Why does God make kids get ill? Where do you go after you die? Family members can discuss what things they would like to do during their life and make a list.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Here are some ways to live forever, according to Sam, an 11-year-old boy with leukemia: Make a Philosopher's stone. Become a vampire. He shares these and other ideas in his journal, dotted with scrapbook pictures and random lists (such as true facts about coffins). When Sam lists all the things he wants to do, he and his best friend, Felix, set out to accomplish them. That means riding in a blimp -- and kissing a girl.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While some well-known books (A Bridge to Terabithia being the most obvious) touch on childhood loss, most follow the perspective of those left behind. WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER offers a fictional 11-year-old's first-person take on dying. Sam is a sweet, believable boy who is never saintly -- "I want to do my things!" he insists, tired of visitors and being "nice to aunts and uncles all day." Despite the sad premise of terminal illness, Sam finds plenty of joy in life, whether goofing off with his friend or trying to call up Marie Antoinette's ghost on a Ouija board (and who should show up but MARIAN TWANET).

Nicholls, a first-time novelist, finds true emotion in Sam's relationships with his family and friends, including his heart-breakingly real interaction with his father, who deals with his illness by pretending it doesn't exist. As much as readers will want to fight it, the novel stays true to Sam to the end.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Sally Nicholls
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Publication date: September 1, 2008
Number of pages: 212
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 10
Read Alone: 11
This review was written by Stephanie Dunnewind
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

smallfry99
kid, 12 years old
10
 
Immense...
Fantastic book, one that i think everyone over 10 should read. Totally touching story
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
TicMotion
parent of 6 year old
10
 
Must-read.
Grown-ups and older kids should definitely read this book at least once. I loved it -- laughed, cried, couldn't put it down, and won't ever forget it.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
writergirl100
kid, 11 years old
11
 
amazing book!
this book is amazing, touching, and inspirational. i cried! haha. i think it is a must read for kids. just amazing. STANDING OVATION!
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (4)
skybugsgirl
kid, 12 years old
11
 
(13+
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
BookWorm333
kid, 12 years old
11
 
11 and up for sure!
It was okay. One message it carries out: How beautiful life is, so don't waste it. Live as if you'll die tomorrow! I don't know if he died at the end.
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kev122
teen, 13 years old
11
 
great for everyone
its awsome
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Iamginger
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Just Loved it !!
I was 12 when I read this first and I don't read often but when I read this book I could not but it down at all. It was the first book I really got in to and wanted to read. It gives really good messages and I have read it about 4 times now and it always makes me laugh and cry at time. Its just great !!
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Books rule
teen, 14 years old
10
 
good not great
This was a pretty good book. I've read better books, but still very good. The kids in the book actually smoke and drink when their 11 and 13. They also try to get people to bring them beers or cigarettes. Other than that it is a very good book.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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