I always think I know what I am getting myself into, when I opt to read a "sick kids" book, but still, I under estimate the emotional toll it will have on me. My advice for reading this book: grab a box of tissues and be ready to shed some tears, because it was painful, while also being really touching and beautiful.
Lia was such an incredible character. I first met her, while she was dominating on the roller derby track, so fierce and commanding. But, she was born with biliary atresia, and knew that, someday, she would need a new liver. Unfortunately, that someday had arrived during her derby practice.
This story followed Lia and her family as they tried to come to terms with Lia's illness and her possible impending death. Yes, very emotional stuff. Being in the head of an eighteen year old as she grappled with her own mortality was extremely difficult at times, but Malone really did a wonderful job with depicting Lia's feelings, and interspersing the heartbreaking moments with some joyful, fun, and lighthearted ones.
"Why does a disease only one person is afflicted with get to affect so many people?"
I must also comment Malone on how well she explored how Lia's illness affected her loved ones. As a parent, I was especially moved by many of the scenes involving Lia's mother and father. Their pain was palpable. There are tears currently streaming down my face, as I recall the heart-to-heart Lia and her dad shared. It was so incredibly touching, it made my heart physically ache.
"That's what I want for you, Sunshine. More 'remember-whens'" - Dad to Lia
This story also covered organ donation, and what the families and patients awaiting an organ may experience. The anxiety and disappointment Lia and her family felt had me feeling really good about the fact that I am a registered organ donor, and have a directive in place to donate my body to science in the event of my death. Although this was a fictional story, it was based upon a real person, and there are many people out there, facing a fate very much like Lia's. I hope that a story like this will inspire others to learn more about organ donation, and perhaps, consider becoming a donor themselves.
I wouldn't call this an easy read. I actually need to thank Shannon for all her emotional support, but it was nonetheless a beautiful story, which really touched my heart.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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