They Both Die at the End Lib/E — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Adam Silvera reminds us that there's no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.
New York Times bestseller * 4 starred reviews * A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * A Kirkus Best Book of the Year * A Booklist Editors' Choice of 2017 * A Bustle Best YA Novel of 2017 * A Paste Magazine Best YA Book of 2017 * A Book Riot Best Queer Book of 2017 * A Buzzfeed Best YA Book of the Year * A BookPage Best YA Book of the Year
On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They're going to die today.
Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they're both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure--to live a lifetime in a single day.
In the tradition of Before I Fall and If I Stay, They Both Die at the End is a tour de force from acclaimed author Adam Silvera, whose debut, More Happy Than Not, the New York Times called "profound."
Review
A bold, lovely, and haunting story of loss, hope, and the redeeming power of friendship.-- "Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author"
Another standout from Silvera...Engrossing, contemplative, and as heart-wrenching as the title promises.-- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"
In this dystopian world, Death-Cast notifies those who have only a day to live. Mateo and Rufus are two teens who get that early morning call. Michael Crouch and Robbie Daymond narrate first-person chapters that recount their feelings upon receiving the fateful news. Crouch animates Mateo...[and] Daymond delivers seventeen-year-old Rufus' sarcasm, bitterness, and fatalism...Bahni Turpin narrates short passages of third-person exposition that gives more context to Mateo and Rufus' world.-- "AudioFile"
Over the course of an eventful day, these thoughtful young men speak honestly and movingly about their fate, their anger at its unfairness, and what it means to be alive.-- "Publishers Weekly (starred review)"
Silvera continues to masterfully integrate diversity, disability, and young queer voices into an appealing story with a lot of heart.-- "School Library Journal (starred review)"
Silvera does a remarkable job of inviting empathy for his irresistible coprotagonists...Extraordinary and unforgettable.-- "Booklist (starred review)"
About the Author
Adam Silvera is the New York Times bestselling author of More Happy Than Not and History Is All You Left Me, and he was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start. Adam was born and raised in the Bronx. He was a bookseller before shifting to children's publishing and has worked at a literary development company and a creative writing website for teens and as a book reviewer of children's and young adult novels. He is tall for no reason and lives in New York City. Visit him online at www.AdamSilvera.com.
Michael Crouch is an actor based in New York City. His audiobook narration has won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, numerous Earphones Awards from AudioFile magazine, and Best of the Year accolades from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. He can also be heard on national commercials, cartoons, video games, and the anime series Pokemon XY and Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V.
Robbie Daymond is an actor, voice talent, and four-time winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a master's degree in acting and works primarily in theater but has made several forays into television, video games, and film.
Bahni Turpin has guest starred in many television series, including NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Six Feet Under, and Cold Case. Her film credits include Brokedown Palace and Crossroads
Frequently asked questions
Is They Both Die at the End Lib/E appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains disturbing violence, including a character contemplating suicide, a suicide bombing, and physical altercations. These elements are integral to the plot and reflect the intense circumstances the characters face. While the book deals with themes of death and loss, it does not contain genuinely frightening content that would cause fear or distress. The focus is on emotional experiences rather than horror.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have violence?
The book contains disturbing violence, including a character contemplating suicide, a suicide bombing, and physical altercations. These elements are integral to the plot and reflect the intense circumstances the characters face.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have scary content?
While the book deals with themes of death and loss, it does not contain genuinely frightening content that would cause fear or distress. The focus is on emotional experiences rather than horror.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have religious themes?
The characters discuss religion and faith, contemplating what happens after death. However, neither character deeply believes in any specific religion, indicating a more secular viewpoint on spirituality.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have racial/cultural content?
The protagonists are of Puerto Rican and Cuban-American descent, and the narrative addresses their cultural backgrounds and identities. This representation is integral to the characters' experiences and perspectives.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have profanity?
The book contains regular use of strong language, including explicit words like 'f--k' and 's--t', primarily used by one of the characters, Rufus. This language reflects the emotional intensity of the characters' experiences.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have climate change?
There are no themes related to climate activism or environmentalism in the book. The story centers around the concept of death and living life fully rather than environmental issues.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have sexual identity?
The narrative includes discussions of romantic relationships and features kissing between the two male protagonists. The portrayal of their relationship is central to the story, emphasizing intimacy and connection.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have gender roles?
The book features diverse characters and relationships but does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. The narrative focuses on love, identity, and mortality rather than traditional gender expectations.
Does They Both Die at the End Lib/E have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features LGBTQ+ representation, including a bisexual Latino protagonist, Mateo, and a Cuban-American character, Rufus. The narrative explores themes of love and identity within the context of their relationship, normalizing queer identities.
