CHICK-CHAT REVIEW: Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

Alexandra and Luisa discuss Waterstone's Children's Prize winning book Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

Alexandra: So, I’ll be really frank, when I started reading this, I started thinking – you can’t give this to a kid! Nooooo! However, after some chapters, I realized you can.  And as I kept reading I realized the book was toughening me up! I started out a bit of a wuss over the topic then ended up feeling tougher somehow?  And yes, I would give it to a child.

Luisa: I also started reading with mixed feelings. I thought, "I can tell this is a very well-written book, but I'm just not sure I want to read about a dying child." And I also changed my mind as I read. Because, of course, it's actually about a living child. I enjoyed seeing all the details of Sam's life, and reading about his need for facts, both trivial and important. Sam was always very down-to-earth (apart from when he literally wasn't, but I don't want to give anything away!) and he was a wonderful character. And I could completely picture his family situation, and feel what his parents and sister were going through.

Alexandra: The bit where Ella goes to Sam’s room and pats him to make sure he’s still there and then jumps up next to him and falls asleep with her toy nearly made me cry. It’s very poignant and clever.  Actually there’s so much in this book where I was like, wow, that’s so cleverly done. Very impressive.  Can see why it’s getting amazing reviews!

Luisa: I agree. The writing is stunningly good - it always hits exactly the right note. Ooh, I'm glad you mentioned Ella, because she was my favourite character in the book, and I've worried about her ever since reading it. Have you found yourself thinking about the characters after finishing the book?

Alexandra:  Not the main characters, strangely now you say it – I am now worrying!! Reminds me though, when I was reading, I kept thinking a lot about Annie and Mrs Willis and wondering how hard their jobs must be and yet how wonderful they are with Sam and his family. Makes you really sympathetic for people in those roles in real-life.

Luisa: That's true. So what age group would you recommend this book for?

Alexandra:  You can really recommend this for anyone can’t you? Adults are going to love it too. So we give it 5 chick-chat gold stars?

Luisa: Definitely! And huge, huge congratulations to Sally Nicholls for winning the Waterstone's Chidren's Book Prize.

Comments

[Sally]

Thank you! You guys are lovely and chicklish rocks!