An easy read filled with page-turning thrills.
Would you choose to know the day you will die? If so, you’re going to want to meet Leonardo Cantrell and look him in the eyes. When a seemingly impossible gift is bestowed upon kind-hearted Leo by a homeless man, he is understandably shaken. His dependable best friend, J.C., takes the news well until Leo makes eye-contact and realizes that J.C. will be murdered next Friday! Unable to idly sit by, the usually reserved Leo determines to do everything in his power to prevent the tragedy. Together with their new friend Lauren, they suss out the clues in hopes of catching the would-be perpetrator. In a community as small as theirs, they likely already know the killer.
Geared toward younger readers, many themes such as bullying, inclusion, materialism, and vanity are addressed. In the forefront, however, is the tenacity of true friendship. The relationship between J.C. and Leo is repeatedly demeaned in the book by adults and teens alike, but their friendship wins out in the end. The suspense, particularly during the climactic conclusion, is heightened by the author’s choice to write in first person present tense.
For an easy read filled with page-turning thrills, give Michael Bowler a try. Surprisingly introspective, I Know When You’re Going To Die is as stimulating as it is entertaining.
