Intriguing, stimulating and full of energy, this is a thought-provoking read…it also contains a hidden sting in the tale. 12 year old Linda lives in Norway, she is popular, athletic and fast approaching her 13th birthday. Linda discovers she has a life threatening heart condition and her life instantly changes as she meets an unusual boy and starts to consider the implications of death. The author allows Linda to be completely normal, sometimes she's nice, sometimes she not, however she is still likeable and due to the lurking shadow of death a completely fascinating character. There is a mystery weaving through the pages, it initially nudges your attention and encourages a wider thought process before becoming a major aspect of the story. Challenging observations about death and what could be beyond, this is a sad, yet ultimately hopeful and captivating tale. Please be aware that this book contains a very small amount of lesser swear words. ~ Liz Robinson
It's not always easy to become the person you want to be. When Linda discovers that she has a life-threatening heart condition, she refuses to be wrapped in cotton wool. Determined to experience everything a thirteen-year-old girl should, she starts to work her way through a list of all the things she and her best friend wish to do: have a first kiss, go to a pop concert, travel without her parents...But when a strange and mysterious boy called Zak appears, Linda's life takes an unexpected turn - suddenly she is experiencing things she never dreamed possible, and every moment is precious. Minus Me is a gripping, addictive novel - written with heart-stopping emotional honesty - from one of Norway's most acclaimed young adult writers.
'The story is moving, and Linda is a realistic 13-year-old, complete with flaws. Her reaction to her diagnosis is believable: She is angry about her illness and often cruel to her family and friends, though she is remorseful afterward. Give this one to fans of Gabrielle Zevin's Elsewhere' School Library Journal
Author
About Ingelin Rossland
Ingelin Rossland is an award-winning Norwegian author and journalist. Her books have won numerous awards and have been translated into several languages. Her fourth book, Handgranateple, was listed in the 2008 IBBY Honours List. She lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Deborah Dawkin was born in London in 1961. She worked in the theatre and in marketing before becoming a literary translator. In 2009 she completed an MA in Social and Cultural History.
