They Both Die in the End by Adam Silvera

Saturday, June 25, 2022--San Antonio

They Both Die in the End by Adam Silvera is an young adult novel that seems to be written for the 16+ age group.  It is science fiction based on the idea that somehow people who sign up for it can get a phone call letting them know they are going to die within 24 hours.  In addition, an app has been created that can be used to have a Last Friend for the day for those who don't want to be alone or spend the last day with those they already know.  The two main characters (17 & 18 years old) have both received their notice and have never met.  One is somewhat of a recluse, and the other has friends who are fulfilling his wish for a funeral early in the morning on his last day, but has to quickly leave the funeral when the cops show up because he beat up his former girlfriend's new boy friend the night before.  Therefore, he is alone on his dying day, too.  The book follows the characters as they hesitantly meet (not knowing whether to trust the other) and gradually get to know each other as the day continues filled with shared experiences.  I found the book a bit boring at first and considered quitting it.  But as more characters were introduced, it became more interesting.  By the end, I was enjoying the book and curious to see how it would end (beyond the fact that I knew the big news about the ending from the title of the book itself.  Reviews for the book range from 1 star to 5 with the former apparently being from trolls worrying about the book including topics that they think children should be protected from reading (death, cursing, homosexuality [not even hinted at until about 50% of the way through the book and then not acted on until about 85-90% of the way with that being limited to kissing and expressing love verbally], skipping school, etc.) and the latter being raves probably from young readers because it seemed so realistic in terms of matters of importance in their own lives.  I gave the book 3 1/2 stars out of 5 (due to being about 2 stars at the beginning and moving into 4-star range by the end).