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What is the toughest request anyone can be asked to fulfill?
Travis Morrison is a champion diver and one of the most popular kids at school. On the first day of summer vacation, while boating on the lake with his friends, Travis attempts a silly stunt dive that goes wrong. He fears he has broken his leg. Instead, his trip to the hospital reveals he has a rare form of cancer, and to save him, the doctors tell his parents they must amputate. In an instant, Travis’s life and the lives of everyone around him are forever changed.
Travis is determined that he and only he should decide the course of his life. He has a plan, but he can’t carry it out alone. Will he convince one of his friends to fulfill his most important request?
Lurlene McDaniel tackles a controversial subject, probing the issues of personal choice and quality of life.
Gr 8 Up
Travis, a champion diver about to start his junior year of high school, is hanging out with his friends and sister on the first day of summer vacation. The cliffs over the lake call to him, and he climbs up to dive from them, only to hear his leg snap when he jumps. Still in the hospital days later, Travis finally hears the diagnosis: bone cancer. Facing amputation and chemotherapy, he knows he'll never get back to the life he had. As Travis gets sicker, his only comfort is his research into death-with-dignity and right-to-die groups, and his only hope is that his friends will help him once he can no longer help himself. The narrative rotates among four teens: Travis, his sister, his girlfriend, and his best friend. Each voice is distinct and shows a different perspective on Travis's life since his diagnosis. The ending is heavily telegraphed from the beginning (the book opens on an unnamed character who admits that "right and wrong dissolved into what I knew I had to do"), but this does not diminish the impact of the final chapters. This is a heartstrings-tugging read that retains the central character's dignity and peace in the face of insurmountable odds. A sensitive book on a delicate topic.-Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA
Lurlene McDaniel is the foremost author of inspirational fiction for young adults. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Anonymous
Posted March 11, 2012
I loved this book i read it in 3 hours and i cryed through the whole book but just because i cryed doesnt make it a sad book this book was...... there are almost no words to tell about this everybody has there own option some say its sad some will say its happy in the end some will say iits a mix of both but no matter u say it is it is a great book and is worth the reading it
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 21, 2010
This book is one of the best discussion books available on the highly controversial topic of euthanasia. This book tells the story about those who are in favor of it and those who are not and all those in between.
Just like this book portrayed, no one really does know what he or she will do in a particular situation unless one actually finds him or herself in that situation. People can say they will or will not do something in any time and place. These same people can also be quick to judge about the actions of others when the honestly have no such right to do so. But if a person really thinks about it, no one can be 100% truly sure.
After reading this book, I realized that all family members, who are old enough to understand, should have the "what-if" discussion. Such talks ahead of time, allows the opportunity for open discussions of a person's wishes and time to come to an informed conclusion. That way, should the time ever come the decision is, in essence, already made. Everyone should be able to choose their own path in life. Other people can only offer guidance. Ultimately, in the end, the path a person chooses is for him or her to decide.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.this book was soo emotional. there were soo many different emotions all put into this one little book.I Think Lurlene did an AMAZING job at making you think about life and situations such as these. It really makes you think about how life can completely change. And how quickly it can be over. This book had me laughing and crying...no more like balling my eyes out. i felt sad, happy, and angry within just a few pages. This book litteraly left me breathless.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 15, 2010
Best book I've read in awhile, the ending is amazing. I cried and cried. Wonderful.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 24, 2009
I Also Recommend:
This was a great book. It was realistic and emotional. The suspense held you all the way through the story even in the end. She did a great job telling the story using point of view and really gets her readers to think.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 21, 2012
I first started reading this book a while ago and it didn't really catch my eye, then in class the other day we had to have a book so I took out my phone and started to read. I sat through all my classes that day and read. That same weekend I sat at home and read all Sunday, finished too. It had my eyes watering three different times. But it really got me crying when the last few chapters came up. I cried, and cried. I recommend this book to everyone who likes sad books.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 9, 2012
This is the best book ever. It breaks your heart in so many way but at the same time that just makes you love the book even more. Its not shy at all to talk about the serious issues they are faced with. (: <3 A Total Must Read!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 8, 2012
People eho dont likthis book are just a little wired!!!!!!I LLLLLLOOOOVVVVEEEEEDDDD this book.this was my first book tht got me started on her books.i have now been reading her books for a year now:) l love tham!!!!!:)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 25, 2011
I thnk it impossible to say u dont love this, first time reading it is the best.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 7, 2011
AAAAAAMMMMAAAAZZZZIIINNNGGG!!!!!
This book was definetley worth the read even though it was a bit short. It was full of emotion...i actually cried!!!I loved how it was written in each charecters different point of view!!!
But its a really great book and i loved it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 9, 2011
i lovedd this book it was amazin. i really could not put this down. i reccommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading it fits any age group from 7th grade and up!!! read itt
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 22, 2009
I thought this book was a very good story and made my heart wrench.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 26, 2009
This book really gets you thinking about what your point of view on things are until your put into a specific situation. You realise what is important to you and how you would like things to go in your life.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 28, 2009
I Also Recommend:
As a cancer survivor I know exactly what this charachter is thinking this book is thought provoking and fmay change your opinion on this controversial topic. It may be in the YA section but I would reccomend this book to anyone.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 22, 2009
this book is a real page turner.
im a teen so to read a book that includes a teen with a health problem he never knew about,it opens my eyes a little bit.
reading this book,i found this idea come to my head : even if you seem to be the best person in the world,you're still not at risk of something devastating just because you see yourself prettier or more athletic than others.
i loved this very much.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 20, 2009
SOMETHING GOOD WILL HAPPEN TO U AT 9:10 SOMEONE WILL CALL YOU OR TALK TO YOU ONLINE AND SAY I LOVE YOU OR ASK YOU OUT BUT HERES THE CATCH Send To 3 boooks
1 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 2, 2013
This story will really touch your heart!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 9, 2012
This is a good book.Ive read alot of her books they are so sad!!!
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Posted August 31, 2012
Its such a good book
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 28, 2011
I could not put it down it made me sad but i did not care. Read and you will understand
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
What is the toughest request anyone can be asked to fulfill?
Travis Morrison is a champion diver and one of the most popular kids at school. On the first day of summer vacation, while boating on the lake with his friends, Travis attempts a silly stunt dive that goes wrong. He fears he has broken his leg. Instead, his trip to the hospital reveals he has a rare form of cancer, and to save him, the doctors tell ...