Author: Adam Silvera
Reviewed by: Hailey, Gr 11
They Both Die at the End is a 2017 young adult novel written by Adam Silvera. The plot follows two young boys, Mateo and Rufus. They both receive a phone call from Death-Cast, which informs them that they are “deckers”, meaning they will pass away in the next 24 hours. Mateo and Rufus are complete strangers before they meet each other on Last Friend - an app where Deckers alike meet and can spend their last day together. The boys accompany each other running errands, such as saying goodbyes, last visits to people and different places etc. Throughout the progression of Mateo and Rufus’ story, the book also follows a couple of subplots. Some about other minor characters who are deckers as well. This book has a special place in my heart because it brought me back into reading after being in a huge slump. It’s a super easy and light read, though it stuck with me for so long. Despite the simplicity of the plot, Silvera makes it impossible to expect things to go down like they did. Maybe I was just younger and also a crybaby but the ending of this book made me burst into tears. I give They Both Die at the End a 4/5. I recommend it to any younger/tween audiences or if anyone is looking for a shorter or lighter read. I also believe that this book lives up to its hype on social media and I can see why it’s so loved.