They Both Die at the End

My Review (Spoiler Free)

Whoa. Truthfully, this book was on track for a solid 4 stars from me, until about three-fourths of the way through. Then I knew it would be a 5 star. Adam Silvera introduces us to a world where everyone knows exactly when their last day on Earth will be. Citizens receive phone calls on the day of their death from the trusty service, Death-Cast. On their fateful day, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio receive the dreaded call. What’s interesting about the world Silvera builds is that everything works nearly as expected. By that I mean, if there is a corporation saddled with the responsibility to notify people of their Death Day, then of course there are Death Day specific online forums, apps, and experiences. Mateo and Rufus meet on one such app, Last Friend. The purpose of Last Friend is to connect with people on your Death Day when you either don’t have anyone in your life, or don’t want to burden them with the dreariness of death. Mateo and Rufus connect on the app and seize their last day on Earth, living it to the fullest. 

They Both Die at the End is a heartwarming story in the face of distressing themes. Silvera shows how even in big cities, people’s lives are interconnected, and even though we may not know the names or stories of strangers, we can affect their lives in big ways, without even knowing it. The book handles the theme of death from a variety of angles: coming to terms with your own death, handling the death of others, and leaving behind a legacy you are proud of. It deals with family and relationships, accepting yourself, depression, and anxiety. Silvera handles all of these disparate themes artfully and presents them in authentic ways. They Both Die at the End shows the true meaning of leaving each day as if it’s your last, and it is a welcome reminder to live authentically to your true self. Overall, They Both Die at the End is a surprisingly uplifting tale, given the grim title. It is a book that I definitely see myself revisiting.