Things I'd Rather Do Than Die

(Paperback)

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Description

When the two most mismatched seniors at Walt Whitman High School find themselves locked in an aerobics room overnight, their confinement forces them to push past the labels they've assigned each other and they share a night they'll never forget. Jade Fulton and Ethan Garrett are opposites in every sense of the word. Ethan is an all-American poster boy - a star athlete dating the most popular girl in school and a devout Christian. Jade keeps mostly to herself. She abhors joining "things," hates everyone at their high school except her best friend, Gia, and considers herself agnostic. When Ethan and Jade find themselves locked in an aerobics room overnight, their confinement forces them to push past the labels they've given each other. Jock. Loner. Jesus freak. Skeptic. Golden boy. Intellectual. Amid hours of arguing, philosophising, and silly game playing, Ethan and Jade learn there's a lot more to the other person than meets the eye. After that night, life returns to normal and each goes back to their regular lives. Still, neither one can shake the unexpected bond they formed and they can't help but question what they've been taught to believe, who they want to be, and where their hearts truly lie. AGES: 14 to 18 AUTHOR: Christine Hurley Deriso is an award-winning young adult author who loves putting interesting characters in characterdefining situations. Her novels include All the Wrong Chords, Then I Met My Sister, Thirty Sunsets, and Tragedy Girl.

Reviews

"The main characters are both complex and delightful. An inspirational read that readers can appreciate."Booklist
"Deriso alternates viewpoints seamlessly, providing Jade and Ethan with unique voices and personalities to tell their intertwining stories. For fans of tear-jerking realism." School Library Journal
Jade and Ethans believable dialogue and the quick switches between their perspectives make this a fast, light read. Publishers Weekly
"This feel-good book uses heart and humor to tell a romantic story that is all about breaking stereotypes and making room for genuine connections." Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Christine Hurley Deriso is an award-winning author of YA novels, including Tragedy Girl, Thirty Sunsets, and Then I Met My Sister. She has also contributed to Ladies Home Journal, Parents, and other national magazines. She lives and writes in South Carolina. Visit her online at www.christinehurleyderiso.com.