From School Library Journal
Grade 9 UpโDaelyn 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.โSarah K. Allen, Elko Middle School, Sandston, VA
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Product Description
Daelyn Rice is broken beyond repair, and after a string of botched suicide attempts, sheโs determined to get her death right. She starts visiting a website for โcompletersโโ www.through-the-light .com.
While sheโs on the site, Daelyn blogs about her life, uncovering a history of bullying that goes back to kindergarten. When sheโs not on the Web, Daelynโs at her private school, where sheโs known as the freak who doesnโt talk.
Then, a boy named Santana begins to sit with her after school while sheโs waiting to for her parents to pick her up. Even though sheโs made it clear that she wants to be left alone, Santana wonโt give up. And itโs too late for Daelyn to be letting people into her lifeโฆisnโt it?
National Book Award finalist Julie Anne Peters shines a light on how bullying can push young people to the very edge.