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Ways to Live Forever Audiobook
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(4.01) - 2,075 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
British author Sally Nicholls presents her powerful and heart-stirring debut about Sam, an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia. Sam bravely faces the possibility that he will die, and doesn't want anybody's pity as he seeks answers to some very difficult questions about life and death. Young adults and their parents will find this poignant representation of terminal illness both profound and uplifting.
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"This is one of my favorite books for middle school students that deals with the subject of death in a funny, yet frank way. It tells the story of a young boy dying of cancer, and is written in the form of his journal that he is writing with the knowledge of his impending death. It tells the story of what it's like to stay in the lukemia wing of a hospital, be homeschooled because there is too much chance for disease in public, and having to attend the funerals of your friends with the same illness as they pass away around you. This book is incredibly sad, and I've cried every time I've read it, especially as a read aloud. There are bits of humor put in the book though to stop it from being truly bleak, and this helps it realize the main character's voice in a unique way. This can be jokes, wish chapters where he writes about fantasy ideas if he was better, and lists of things since he likes to make lists. I couldn't recommend this book enough to any student who is middle school age or older. The situations seem real, and it doesn't hold any punches as the character journals about not understand why it's fair for children to go through such pain and die at such a young age. You'll be heartbroken, but this is a sweet and moving story that I always come back to again and again."
— Justin (5 out of 5 stars)
Ways to Live Forever Listener Reviews
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" It's a really sad book but it's worth reading! "
— Kaitlyn, 2/11/2014 -
" An 11-year-old dying of leukemia... written in a perfect 11-year-old voice and tackling all of the questions we don't want to think children are thinking about when they know we are dying. It was heart-breaking, but worth reading. "
— Penny, 2/7/2014 -
" this book was so absolutely perfect and heartbreaking and thinking about it now puts a lump in my throat. Gah!! "
— Lauren, 2/5/2014 -
" Ways to Live Forever is a very tragic story in so many ways. The main thing that I really enjoyed about the book is that the way Sam, the main character in the story, describes his ways to live forever in many different lists. I thought that this was a much more fun way to read the book! I had a mix of emotions whilst reading this book, from crying to laughing! "
— Eleanor, 2/3/2014 -
" This one's a tear-jerker. But in a very good sense. It does not deceive you, nor does it try too hard to be sappy or uplifting. It feels real, only slightly heart-wrenching, and totally moving. I am pleased with how the whole thing was wrapped up, with just the right pacing. The design of journal entries, fact sheets, drawings, lists, etc. fits the character and the events in the story very nicely, as well. Not entirely sure about the cover: seems too muted for a very lively book dealing with death. "
— Roxanne, 1/29/2014 -
" This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down and I've re-read it so many times. "
— Sarah, 1/15/2014 -
" Written in such a matter-of-fact way, which, if anything, adds emotion to the book. I definitely teared up at the end! A super book. "
— Jenna, 1/1/2014 -
" Beautiful book written for children, suitable for age 10 and up, describing the thoughts and experiences of an 11 year old boy dying of leukaemia. Written with a light hand, suitable for kids, but equally touching and meaningful for adults. "
— Elisheva, 12/25/2013 -
" Lovely. In the same mould as Wonder, but (obviously) from a UK perspective. Sensitive and beautifully told. "
— skippity_doo, 12/24/2013 -
" Dying kid with cancer.... "
— Donna, 12/17/2013 -
" its so sad and makes you reliease and think alot. "
— Chantelle, 12/10/2013 -
" A fictional journal of an eleven year old boy dying of cancer. While Sam's vision of being a teenager annoyed me (smoke, drink), I felt that Sam's insights were poignant and I enjoyed this book as much as one can on this subject. "
— Rebecca, 9/4/2013 -
" Don't be deceived by the apparent simplicity of this book. It is indeed one to touch the heart "
— Ðнна, 7/3/2013 -
" its really a very nice book i had not fully gone through it but i liked it please can u prefer your ideas of writing book. such as how do u start? "
— gharibullah aryan, 6/4/2013 -
" A very sweet and inspirational book. I thought it was adorable and a very good book to read. "
— Kellie, 4/28/2013 -
" Very impressive. I kept resisting all the recommendations to read this book, but finally gave-in and am glad I did. Really lovely, lovely book. "
— Monica, 4/2/2013 -
" Loved this book. Sad and funny. Will it be good for 4th or 5th graders? Some of my students want to read it, so I'll give it a whirl. "
— Trish, 2/22/2013 -
" Really sad but of course it was going to be. very good book and I'm really glad I read it. "
— Abi, 2/11/2013 -
" I don't frequently give books a 5 star rating and this one definitely deserved it. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Besides the fact that it's set in England, I love the way the author explores all aspects of death and dying. Fulfilling, tender, real and really well written. "
— Kristy, 1/20/2013 -
" Felt like what an adult would think a kid would think about dying at 11 - all deep and naive at the same time. Hollow and false notes. "
— Kyla, 3/1/2012 -
" A great book about Sam's short life with leukemia. "
— Maggie, 8/7/2011 -
" I was hysterical by the time I finished reading, but I could not put this book down. The writing was very insightful. I just hope I never have to use the lessons that I learned from this book. "
— Jennifer, 4/20/2011 -
" Sweet story about a boy dying of leukemia. Very authentic child-like view of death and dying. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming, all at the same time. My students love this book, although some have found it difficult to get through. It's just so real, and that can freak them out. "
— Heather, 4/12/2011 -
" Such a beautiful book you connect with the character really well. "
— Grinney, 4/5/2011 -
" very cute and sweet, sam is a really good character and it's pretty sad at parts but a little bit predictable.. 5/5 for me because i read it so quick, i just loved it & overall amazing book, worth the read!! "
— Bethany, 4/2/2011 -
" NO. <br/>I got to admit that I am picky with books, but I would have gave this book 1 star if I really have to. <br/>First of all, the narrator of the story, is not strong enough to lure my mind. But yes, the plot is stunning. i'm afraid it's a no to other elements. <br/> <br/> "
— Junsa, 3/27/2011 -
" This is a very well written book. I laughed and I cried. Excellent! "
— Angee, 3/23/2011 -
" It's about a guy who has leukemia. Very good book. "
— Rhiannon, 2/17/2011 -
" This book was amazing because it is about a boy who had cancer and his life. The author portrayed the <br/>characters very well. It was funny, sad and happy. The boy is 12yrs old. I've read this book already 2 times and I bought this book 2 weeks ago! "
— Sophia, 2/8/2011 -
" this looks cool <br/>i think it will teach me how to live cooly "
— $JAE, 2/7/2011
About Sally Nicholls
Sally Nicholls has wanted to write for as far back as she remembers. As a child, she loved reading authors such as Noel Streatfeild, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Isaac Asimov. She wrote Ways to Live Forever while getting a Masters degree at the University of Bath Spa, where she won the award for “writer with the most potential.” After she finished school, she worked in a Red Cross in Japan, and traveled through out Australia and New Zealand. Currently, she spends three days a week as an administrator for a charity. She devotes the rest of her time to writing. Instead of coming up with a finished story concept, Sally says that she envisions scenes, then makes up characters, situations, and locations. She pulls these together as she thinks of them, and when she thinks she’s written all of the scenes that should be in the book, she reorganizes them so that they better flow with the story she wants to tell. Sally Nicholls lives in London, England.
About Charlotte Parry
Charlotte Parry is an actress and Earphones Award–winning narrator. She made her Broadway debut in the 2000 Tony Award–winning revival of The Real Thing and has also appeared in stage productions of As You Like It, Pygmalion, and The Importance of Being Earnest. She has performed in several Broadway plays, including the revival of The Winslow Boy and The Importance of Being Earnest.