Jenny Downham’s unforgettable debut novel was published to considerable acclaim in July 2007. Now available in paperback, BEFORE I DIE is set to reach an ever growing number of readers – both young and old. Longlisted for the 2008 Carnegie Medal and one of the focus titles for the 2008 World Book Day Spread the Word Campaign in the UK.

In the USA BEFORE I DIE has been universally embraced by reviewers: The New York Times Book Review hailed the novel’s “inspired originality. The novel also garnered three starred reviews and was named a Publishers Weekly “Flying Start”, a distinction given to notable debut novels (there were four named in 2007), while Entertainment Weekly named Jenny Downham as one of Fall 2007’s breakout authors/authors to watch. (She was the only young/adult author included in this piece).

Jenny Downham has created a novel that will not fail to provoke a reaction in the reader, beautifully written and with the ring of truth, her characters come alive and invite you to examine their thoughts and dreams, hopes and fears. Tessa’s story will stay with you long after you turn the last page… BEFORE I DIE is a brilliantly-crafted novel, heartbreaking yet astonishingly life-affirming. It will take you to the very edge.

With just a few months to live, Tessa has to come to terms with the unimaginable, and tries (and fails) to squeeze in a lifetime of experiences. 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, her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa's time finally runs out.