Ways to Live Forever

Author: Sally Nicholls
Recommended Age: 10 and up
Publisher:  Marion Lloyd Books
ISBN: 978-1407104997
Year Published: 2008
No. Pages: 215
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Main Character Gender: Male
Read & Reviewed by: Cameron




Sam is eleven years old and he has leukemia. Sam dreams of a normal life but instead he collects stories and facts to find a sense of ordinary in his life. His teacher encourages him to start writing a book, he does, and it evolves into something more. He considers questions others wouldn’t: What does it feel like to die or why do you die? Sam puts all of the facts, stories, and the questions inside the book hoping it will be published one day and offer comfort to those who may be grappling with the same questions. 

 Sam spends most of his time at his house or at the hospital. His mom and sister take care of him most often and try to make him happy, but his dad brings him to the places he always wanted to go. His best friend, Felix, is also a cancer patient. Felix is thirteen, and loves to break the rules and be funny. With the help of Felix, Sam has a list of goals he wants to accomplish before dying such as finally being able to kiss a girl, beat a world record, watch a R-rated movie, or fly in a floating ship. Will Sam be able to do this before the inevitable?

Sally Nicholls did an excellent job as the writing was magnificent and it allowed me to know and love Sam and Felix. The book was from Sam’s point of view which helped because it made the reflections that much more realistic and touching. Since Sam was easy to like, I was pulled into the story that much more. I could also believe that this was the voice of a boy about my age.

This novel is about a young boy’s struggle with cancer which is sad but as the illness was presented from a child’s point of view, it does not dwell on the sadness of the situation. In fact, this book is very funny at times, mostly because of Felix’s humor. For example, Felix would steal cigarettes from the nursing staff, or suggest the most out of the blue ideas to Sam.

I rated Ways to Live Forever a 9 out of 10.