2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This thread is to discuss the Adam Silvera book, They Both Die at the End.

Pages: 373 pages

Length: 1 month

Participants: Elisa, Ilona, Joan

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.


Happy Buddy Reading!

I think I'll be starting my year with this one!

I started this last night and it hooked me pretty good. I wanted to read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society but I have a feeling I may fly through this one.

I just finished it and am not sure yet what to think about this book.. Will post my thoughts in a while.

I'm on page 56 with this one. I've been reading it on my kindle in bed. I like it so far. I like the premise of it but it does freak me out a bit. I don't have much to do on Guernsey so I should be able to read this one more soon.

I finished this book in one day! I really enjoyed it but do have some question marks regarding certain parts as well. Nevertheless, it was a great first read of the year!

Since I've read the book in 1 go, and didn't organize my notes by page, I will post my thoughts about the entire book below.

(view spoiler)[ I thought the part about Future Mateo to be so sad but also so recognizable. I think it's so easy to see ourselves as a better version in the future but Mateo talking about this was so disheartening.

I immediately grew to like Mateo as I can be curled up at home as well and this opened my eyes that I should be outside more. Contrary to Rufus as I am more of a nerd like Mateo hahaha. However, both characters seemed to be "full" in my opinion.

"I swear this isn't an excuse to not go outside" made me laugh as again it was so relatable for me.

I had question marks about Pecker's action of calling the cops on Mateo as from his perspective you could understand it however if I were in his shoes I couldn't live with myself if I would "rob" someone from his last day... but then again... if Rufus had killed my dad... but that's another cookie I suppose? Im curious what your thoughts are regarding this.

The after after life talk gave me some serious Black Mirror vibes hahaha.

Overall I truly enjoyed the story and their journey together. I thought their growth in character were beautiful however perhaps at the end their romance seemed a bit forced in how fast it developed but then again...wouldnt you do the same if you had only 1 more evening to live?

One thing I didn't like was that I felt like the side characters gave not much value to the plot. It was all right to read but if I have to nitpick I could do without some of 'em.
I also thought it highly unlikely for a 17/18y kid to want to cold heartedly shoot someone dead or is that just me? I thought it added unnecessary build up.

Overall I still thoroughly enjoyed this book! Can't wait to read your thoughts about it! (hide spoiler)]

I'm on Part 3 page 251. I'm confused about a couple of things. I do like the book though but if someone could clear up my confusion unless it comes later....

(view spoiler)[Do they ever explain what a Decker is? I just feel like there is lack of world building. I mean I feel like a Decker is a lower class or something. And the Plutos - is that just the last name of Rufus' foster family? Also didn't I read that Rufus is gay? I'm so confused on these parts but I am enjoying the story. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I guess Deckers are anyone that gets the Death Cast phone call. Do they make that clear? Did I just miss it? (hide spoiler)]

I feel like I figured it out now. I finished the book. I thought it was pretty good overall. I rated it 4 stars.

Hey Joan! To answer your questions just in case

(view spoiler)[ Deckers are indeed people who get the Death Cast phone call and the Plutos are Rufus's foster family "gang"/friend group. And Rufus said somewhere in the beginning that he was bi if I recall correctly. (hide spoiler)]