One Sentence Summary
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera is a life-affirming, emotional journey of two strangers navigating their last day on Earth.
Book Genre
They Both Die at the End is a young adult fiction novel.
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of They Both Die at the End is about two teenage boys who become unlikely allies who decide to make the most of their last day on Earth after being notified of their impending deaths.
Key Ideas
- Death is inevitable
- Friends are valuable and should be cherished
- Live life to its fullest
- Love conquers all
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary
They Both Die at the End is set in a near-future New York City. The plot revolves around two teenage boys, Mateo and Rufus, who are strangers but who both receive the same notification that their fates are sealed and they are going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are both determined to find meaning and connection in their shared last hours, so they set off on a journey of discovery. On their adventure, Mateo and Rufus encounter both heart-wrenching moments as well as humorous moments; they make some wild discoveries and learn that friendship can be found in unexpected places. The characters challenge existing preconceptions about death and find joy and life affirmation in their final moments together.
Key Takeaways
They Both Die at the End challenges readers to look at death in a new way. It encourages readers to find value and meaning in their relationships and to live fully and joyfully in the present. It teaches readers to appreciate the people around them and to not take anything for granted.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Adam Silvera is a New York Times bestselling author of several young adult novels. He is an advocate for LGBTQ rights and is a recipient of the 2020 GLAAD Media Award. He has written for several magazines, including Seventeen and MTV News. He is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Target Audience
The target audience of They Both Die at the End is teenagers and young adults.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The publisher of They Both Die at the End is HarperCollins, and it was first published on September 5th, 2017.