Ways to Live Forever

“My name is Sam. I am eleven years old. I collect stories and fantastic facts. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead.”

Sam is dying of leukaemia. He hasn’t got forever, so every second counts. He wants to know about UFOs and horror movies and airships and ghosts and scientists, and how it feels to kiss a girl. And because he won’t be here for long, he also needs to know the facts about dying. What he wants are answers to the questions that nobody will answer – and a way to live a lifetime in the months that he has left. Winner of the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, this simple and moving story from a remarkable young talent is a startling look at life in the face of death.

most of you loved this

Recent reviews

  • So incredibly beautiful. From the very beginning you are stunned by the horrifying circumstances characters of the novel face and feel grateful that you are not experiencing what they are. You will become attached to each and every character, whilst the innocence in which Sam views death will make even the toughest readers cry.

    9 March 2014

  • loved it

    This is an amazing read for children aged 9+. I enjoyed reading this book because it puts you in the seat of that person and drags you deep into the book and you don’t want to put it down. I would defiantly read it again.

    5 March 2013

  • this books cover rely makes me want to read it !!!

    7 March 2012

  • loved it

    worth reading. i just couldn’t put it down. loving sam :’)

    4 June 2011

  • loved it

    This is my favie book of all time. It is so so sad and made me tell everyone i know about it. I think you should be around 10 and upwards to relly understand the book.

    19 February 2009

See all reviews

Who's reading this?

Authors

  • Sally Nicholls

    Sally Nicholls was born in Stockton. After graduating in Philosophy and Literature, she took an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University where she wrote WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER when she was twenty-three. Published in 2008, it won the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, has been translated into many languages and made into a film. Her second novel, SEASON OF SECRETS, came out in 2010, and ALL FALL DOWN is published in 2012.

    Awards

    Sally Nicholls won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the North East Award for Ways to Live Forever.

Look inside

  • Preview 0
  • Preview 1
  • Preview 2
  • Preview 3

Rate this book

  1. loved it
  2. liked it
  3. okay
  4. not for me
  5. rubbish
Write about this book