The Last Leaves Falling by Fox Benwell

The Last Leaves Falling

by Fox Benwell

And these are they. My final moments. They say a warrior must always be mindful of death, but I never imagined that it would find me like this . . .

Japanese teenager Sora is diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Lonely and isolated, Sora turns to the ancient wisdom of the samurai for guidance and comfort. But he also finds hope in the present; through the internet he finds friends that see him, not just his illness. This is a story of friendship and acceptance, and testing strength in an uncertain future.

Reviewed by lovelybookshelf on

5 of 5 stars

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A teen protagonist with a terminal illness? I expected at least a few clichés and platitudes, and was happy to come across none. This story is honest and sweet, brutal and unrelenting, leaving your mind racing with thoughts. Benwell has created a protagonist who is easy to love, easy to feel compassion for -— not pity. It tackles fears about death/dying and numerous issues related to keeping our dignity until the very end of our lives.

More of my thoughts on this title can be found on my blog at Lovely Bookshelf.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 9 June, 2015: Finished reading
  • 9 June, 2015: Reviewed