Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

I rarely find books that are so true to life. Tessa emulates what most sick teen experience. She is afraid of what will come next and wants one last huzzah. With the help of her party loving best friend Zoey, she is able to complete the crazy list. She also meets Adam, who is one of the most sweet guys that I have ever read about. It is amazing that his love reached into Tessa's death. I also loved Tessa's little brother, who is completely sweet and adds humor to this bleak book. The plot is amazing and I guarantee tears by the end of the book. Downham makes you care for a strong character that is fearless against the final act of her life. Seriously, buy this now.