3 Stars: A Good Read
Paperback: 200 Pages
Publication: January 17, 2012 by HMH Children’s Books
Austin Parker is on a journey to bring truth, beauty, and meaning to his life.
Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. The doctors say his chances of surviving are slim to none even with treatment, so he’s decided it’s time to let go.
But before he goes, Austin wants to mend the broken fences in his life. So with the help of his best friend, Kaylee, Austin visits every person in his life who touched him in a special way. He journeys to places he’s loved and those he’s never seen. And what starts as a way to say goodbye turns into a personal journey that brings love, acceptance, and meaning to Austin’s life.
Austin has been diagnosed with leukemia, and he knows that he won’t live to see his eighteenth birthday. Because of this, he has been forced to ask questions that none of us would hope to be faced with. Questions such as, “Have I leaved my life without regrets?”
The answer for Austin is no. Hence, he sets out to set right to wrong, to face his fears, to talk with people in his lives. He goes to places he hasn’t been before, he visits places he hasn’t seen since his illness weakened his body, and he tell people to live their lives as he no longer can.
Austin is a strong character. He hasn’t lived the life of a saint. He’s been the elementary school bully, he’s been the jock, and he’s dated girls when he had his eye on a single girl the entire time. However, he’s proved through his actions it is never too late to change. To start trying to make a difference in the world.
Never Eighteen is a short read that can be read in one afternoon. It’s not the best book if you’re looking for action, as it’s mostly anticlimactic with Austin preparing for his death. I recommend it if you’re looking for an inspirational contemporary read.
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An ARC was provided by the publisher for review purposes
Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Giselle says
This sounds promising I haven't heard of it before. Lovely review I'll have to check it out!
Giselle
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