Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

After a few suicide attempts, the most recent of which left her unable to speak, teenage narrator Daelyn joins a Web site called Through-the-Light, which gives her 23 days to prepare for death. Although rules state that “[p]articipants may not attempt to dissuade or discourage self-termination,” the site does send provoking questions so she can think through her choice. Through Daelyn's rants in the site's forums and in her embittered internal narrative, readers will come to understand her struggles (from being molested in the boys' bathroom to being sent to fat camp) and see people trying to connect with her, including offbeat Santana, who is dealing with his own pain—cancer. Peters (<EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">Luna) doesn't pull any punches (Through-the-Light details various suicide methods, each with an effectiveness rating, and the users' stories are painfully real). Readers may find some plotting heavy-handed (such as Daelyn's growing friendship with a boy who really wants to live), but even so, this book and its open-ended conclusion will challenge teens to think about the impact of bullying—including cyberbullying—and Through-the-Light's controversial stance that “self-termination is your right.” Ages 14–up. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Jan.)

School Library Journal (Sat May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Gr 9 Up-Daelyn Rice has been bullied her entire life, whether it was for her past weight problem or because she currently does not talk and wears a neck brace. She has attempted suicide several times in several different ways and is now more determined than ever to end her life. Daelyn discovers a Web site called Through-the-Light, which is for suicide "completers." There she communicates with others who share the same goal. The members share stories of bullying, molestation, etc., and encourage each other's ultimate goal. Meanwhile, Daelyn meets a boy named Santana. She wants nothing to do with him; his presence and determination to draw her out of her shell only annoy her. Over time and as new information surfaces (he has cancer), however, she finds herself drawn to him. Will their connection be enough to make Daelyn realize that her life is worth living? Readers are left not knowing what she will do. This novel is disturbing in that the teen bluntly discusses her desire to kill herself with little to no emotion. She has a plan, and she is eager to carry it out. Also upsetting are the suicide methods that are explicitly detailed on Through-the-Light. However, Santana's presence is welcome, as he softens the unsettling subject matter. This book is definitely worth the read, but for older, more seasoned teens. Sarah K. Allen, Elko Middle School, Sandston, VA

Voice of Youth Advocates (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

The first time Daelyn tried to kill herself she was ten years old. As an obese youngster, she had been bullied and abused by children and adults well into adolescence. Now fifteen, DaelynÆs latest attempt at suicide has left her temporarily mute, in a neck brace, and ironically sans her excess weight. Nevertheless after a lifetime of debasement, Daelyn still considers herself fat, ugly, and worthless. So much so, she is never able to share with anyone her deepest, darkest, most humiliating experiences. That is, until she discovered the Web site Through-the-Light. Here Daelyn is not only able to confide her secrets to an audience of like-minded strangers, but she also receives tips and handy how-to instruction on the various methods of suicide. Determined that this next attempt will be her last, Daelyn chooses the minimum timeframe of twenty-three days as her final ôDate of Determinationöùher last day on earth. Already considered a ôloner and a freakö by her classmates, Daelyn has little trouble cutting ties at school, until she is befriended by Santana, a strange, persistent boy who tells her she is mysterious and beautiful. Even though she does everything she can to dissuade him, Santana awakens feelings within her she never knew existed. As such, and with very little time left, Santana proves to be far more of an obstacle than she ever could have anticipated. Any teen fortunate enough not to relate to the subject matter should read this book, which turns the old adage, ôsticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me,ö on its ear. Powerfully portrayed in the first person, the protagonistÆs account offers compelling insight into just how spiritually and emotionally devastating bullying can be. The title is intriguing enough that teens may pick it up on their own, but they could find it a tough read as a result of the negative and depressing context. Although some pushing will be required for the uninitiated audience, anyone who has been the victim