Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: November 12, 2013
Source/Format: BEA 2013 || ARC
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]
Alex’s father recently died in a car accident. And on the night of his funeral, her best friend Becca slept with Alex’s boyfriend. So things aren’t great. Alex steps away from her friendship with Becca and focuses on her family.
But when Alex finally decides to forgive Becca, she finds out something that will change her world again--Becca has cancer.
So what do you do when your best friend has cancer? You help her shave her head. And then you take her bucket list and try to fulfill it on her behalf. Because if that’s all you can do to help your ailing friend--you do it. (from Goodreads)
What appeals to me the most about The F-It List is the entire premise of a friend dying of cancer who needs help completing her bucket list before she kicks the can. It sounds like the makings of a Lifetime movie or a Disney Channel film, doesn't it? Well, with the amount of foul language, sexual occurrences and the overall, well, f-it attitude of this book, it's a far, far cry from that initial impression I had of it.
Ultimately, the two reasons I liked the book are Alex and Becca. Even though Alex is stubborn, irreverent and slightly offbeat, she's also a loyal friend to Becca -- once she forgives her, of course. Plus, it totally made her awesome that she was a fan of horror movies! And Becca, even though she's going through something so terrible and unexpected, is surprisingly positive and patient with Alex. I admire their friendship, because it is so strong that it makes itself known in spite of the extreme ups and downs they pass. Their friendship is the reason that Alex's attempts to help Becca out with her list work, because you sense the genuine, sincere affection and regard between them.
The F-It List ended up being a diverting read, particularly because it really focused on Alex and Becca's friendship. It was really fun to witness Alex's f-it attitude, and her determination to do this one thing for Becca while she still could. It kind of caused me to think about what I'd be willing to do for my friends, and I'd like to think that I would be as dedicated as Alex to making sure they are able to accomplish all the things they want in their lives -- within reason (as in legal). While it's not my favorite contemporary I've read this year, it was pretty entertaining.
Ultimately, the two reasons I liked the book are Alex and Becca. Even though Alex is stubborn, irreverent and slightly offbeat, she's also a loyal friend to Becca -- once she forgives her, of course. Plus, it totally made her awesome that she was a fan of horror movies! And Becca, even though she's going through something so terrible and unexpected, is surprisingly positive and patient with Alex. I admire their friendship, because it is so strong that it makes itself known in spite of the extreme ups and downs they pass. Their friendship is the reason that Alex's attempts to help Becca out with her list work, because you sense the genuine, sincere affection and regard between them.
The F-It List ended up being a diverting read, particularly because it really focused on Alex and Becca's friendship. It was really fun to witness Alex's f-it attitude, and her determination to do this one thing for Becca while she still could. It kind of caused me to think about what I'd be willing to do for my friends, and I'd like to think that I would be as dedicated as Alex to making sure they are able to accomplish all the things they want in their lives -- within reason (as in legal). While it's not my favorite contemporary I've read this year, it was pretty entertaining.
I'm looking forward to this one! Glad you liked it well enough.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous you read this already! I've been looking forward to read it :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it!
You know, I actually really like the sound of this one. I think that dying by cancer is one of those things that makes you go, well, fk it. I'm going to do what I need to do to go out on a high note. I think a book that embraces that mentality could really soar! Lovely review, Alexa! I'm so excited to read this one.
ReplyDeleteUghhh ALEXA!! When I saw your tweet I got really excited, but I can't do cancer books! You have me so tempted though because this one sounds really great.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some mixed things about this book and I don't think this would be my type of book. I'm happy you liked it though :D
ReplyDeleteI was definitely taken aback by the attitude in this one too but won over by the snark and friendship. I've read quite a few YA books with cancer this year as well as a few with bucket lists (not always overlapping though) and this was definitely among my favorites in those subcategories.
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