From the #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz comes a heartbreaking contemporary novel full of the author's characteristic empathy and understanding of the human condition: a dying teenager with a final wish, a lonely young man on a journey towards connection, and the unexpected friendship they find together, this is an irresistible and unforgettable read for fans of Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, and John Green. Jesse is fifteen. She loves her friends, her little brother and her parents, even when they're arguing, which feels constant these days. But most of all, she loves playing video games. Even from her hospital bed. Alex is twenty-nine. He doesn't love a lot of things and isn't really sure he knows how to. A virtual reality games designer, his work desk is empty except for his computer, much like his life sometimes feels. Then Jesse makes a wish. A simple one: a video experience made of her life, something to be there, just in case she isn't. One loving teenager. One lonely adult. Which one will get the happy ending?
"Annabel Scholey's narration fully embodies the many characters in this heart-wrenching look at a family dealing with the unthinkable. Fifteen-year-old Jesse has terminal leukemia. Jesse's family is falling apart trying to deal with the news. The Inspire a Wish Foundation sends virtual-reality game designer Alex to try to fulfill Jesse's wish for an interactive video of her life to leave behind for her family. Scholey's serious but upbeat delivery keeps the poignant story from becoming maudlin. She skillfully conveys Alex's uncertainty about the project, Jesse's excitement, her mother's sensible encouragement, and her father's animosity toward Alex, and she portrays the patients and gentle, caring staff of the pediatric cancer ward.
With a performance that's warm, thoughtful, and filled with understanding, Scholey makes this sentimental journey worthwhile."
