They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

What is it about?

Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio are strangers, but they have one thing in common: they both know that they will die within the next 24 hours. As their paths cross, they strike up a wonderful friendship and embark on one last adventure together.

OK, but what is it really about?

Mateo and Rufus both receive the call that everyone dreads: shortly after midnight, Death-Cast is on the line, informing them that they are going to die today. For different reasons, they end up alone on this day of all days and connect through the Last Friend app. What begins as a timid encounter quickly develops into a deep connection, and they decide to make their last day on earth one that counts – one that leaves them with a myriad of wonderful memories.

Is it any good?

OK, confession time: I’m a crybaby when it comes to reading sad, tragic, beautiful books. And with this novel, well, I shouldn’t have been surprised – it’s right there in the title, duh! It’s a pretty bold move by the author to announce the ending of the story on the cover and still expect the reader to want to read on until the last page – yet Adam Silvera has managed to craft a tale that is so sweet and tender that it’s impossible not to accompany Mateo and Rufus until the end.

This book broke my heart several times because not only does the author so skillfully incorporate elements of friendship, loss, first love and death into the story and shows, in a very real way, how the two main characters react to the news of their impending death – he also provides glimpses into the minds of their families and friends, and how they are dealing with losing a loved one.

At its core, this book is a love letter to life itself, with all its ups and downs, its triumphs and tragedies, its most gut-wrenching and happiest moments. It is a reminder that we only have one life, and that it’s about bloody time we start living it.

Favorite character?

Don’t make me choose between Mateo and Rufus! They couldn’t be more different, but they’re both incredibly human and approachable. When they finally meet, it’s like everything falls into place. They complete in each other in more ways than one, which makes the whole premise even more devastating, and you’re left wondering: WHY?

Most memorable quote?

“Maybe it’s better to have gotten it right and been happy for one day instead of living a lifetime of wrongs.”

Conclusion? 

As you can probably tell by now, I truly loved this book. But I was a blubbering mess at the end, so much so that my sister asked me if something had happened – in real life. And even though I told her, no, don’t worry, “it’s just this book I’m reading,” the pain felt real. But not only the pain: the sense of belonging, the love, and the friendships. They will stay with you.

AT A GLANCE

Title: They Both Die at the End

By: Adam Silvera

Published by: Simon & Schuster (2017)

Pages: 384

Language: English