Title: By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead
Author: Julie Anne Peters
First published April 1, 2009
200 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781423116189 (ISBN10: 1423116186)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
In the novel “By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead” by Julie Anne Peters, we meet Daelyn Rice, a girl who has given up on life. After failed suicide attempts, she finds solace in a website for “completers” where she blogs about her life and her history of being bullied.
At school, Daelyn is known as the “freak who doesn’t talk,” but then Santana starts sitting with her after school. Despite her initial resistance, Santana persists in trying to be her friend.
As Daelyn struggles with whether or not to let him in, Peters shows how bullying can have severe and lasting effects on young people.
About the Author
Julie Anne Peters was born in Jamestown, New York, but her family moved to the Denver suburbs in Colorado when she was five years old. Her parents separated during her high school years, and she has three siblings: a brother named John, and two younger sisters, Jeanne and Susan.
Peters is an accomplished author of young adult literature, with an impressive collection of published works. Her books include Define “Normal” (2000), Keeping You a Secret (2003), Luna (2004), and many more.
Her writing often focuses on lesbian characters and the LGBTQ+ community, making an important contribution to representation and awareness in young adult literature.
Despite her success, Peters has announced her retirement from writing. Her last novel has been published, and she now works full-time for the Colorado Reading Corps.
Editoral Review
By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead is a young adult novel written by Julie Anne Peters and first published on April 1, 2009. The book is a story about a teenager named Daelyn Rice who has been tormented throughout her life due to being considered overweight.
The story takes place as Daelyn decides to end her life, and the book shows the events that led her to this decision, as well as her attempts to commit suicide. Peters, a critically acclaimed LGBTQ+ author, wrote this book with her signature depth of character and a focus on issues that young readers face in contemporary society.
By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead is a powerful story about a young woman’s struggle with depression, bullying, and suicidal ideation, and it is written with care and understanding. The main protagonist, Daelyn Rice, is a complex character.
She is a victim of repeated bullying that has driven her to the brink of suicide. She is psychologically complicated, and Peters draws the reader into her world, making them feel her pain and suffering.
The writing style is sparse but beautiful. Every word hits home and resonates with the reader, and the pacing of the book is perfectly done.
Peters does an excellent job of showing the bleakness of Daelyn’s life, and the hopelessness that she feels. By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead touches on themes of bullying, depression, and suicide, which are all critical issues in today’s society.
Peters brings attention to these topics and shows readers the importance of being kind, compassionate, and understanding towards those who may be struggling. One of the few limitations of the book is that the story is painfully sad.
The entire book is filled with a sense of foreboding, leading up to the inevitably tragic ending. However, this emotion is purposeful, and it serves to drive home the message of the book.
Overall, By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead is a powerful and important book for young adults. Peters’ writing is gripping and her characters are authentic and relatable.
Although the story is heartbreaking, it delivers a message of hope and reminds the reader of the importance of empathy and kindness. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand mental illness, and how it can affect young people.
Rating: 4/5
