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The Half-Life of Love
Flint Larsen has 41 days, 9 hours, and 42 minutes to live.
He’s known exactly when he’s going to die since he was eight years old and half-lifed, a small twinge that tells a person when they’ve lived half their life. From that moment, Flint’s done everything he can to make his death more bearable. Cutting off all his friends, refusing to eat his favorite foods, reading only the most depressing literature by long-dead writers. He plans to spend his final days back in his hometown with his parents, quietly waiting to die.
But then he meets September Harrington, an utter explosion of brilliance and fun, and all his plans fly out the window. September has dedicated herself to curing the half-life, landing a coveted internship at the world-renowned Half-Life Institute. She has her own past that she’s refusing to deal with, choosing instead to spend her nights living it up with her friends and her days deep in the lab, where she’s working to find a cure.
When their worlds collide, it feels like the start of an epic, once-in-a-lifetime love. Only Flint can’t bring himself to tell September he’s dying, and September’s keeping secrets too. The closer they get, the less time they have together and the more their secrets threaten to destroy everything.
Can September and Flint save each other, or are their days numbered from the start?
Perfect for fans of THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END
He’s known exactly when he’s going to die since he was eight years old and half-lifed, a small twinge that tells a person when they’ve lived half their life. From that moment, Flint’s done everything he can to make his death more bearable. Cutting off all his friends, refusing to eat his favorite foods, reading only the most depressing literature by long-dead writers. He plans to spend his final days back in his hometown with his parents, quietly waiting to die.
But then he meets September Harrington, an utter explosion of brilliance and fun, and all his plans fly out the window. September has dedicated herself to curing the half-life, landing a coveted internship at the world-renowned Half-Life Institute. She has her own past that she’s refusing to deal with, choosing instead to spend her nights living it up with her friends and her days deep in the lab, where she’s working to find a cure.
When their worlds collide, it feels like the start of an epic, once-in-a-lifetime love. Only Flint can’t bring himself to tell September he’s dying, and September’s keeping secrets too. The closer they get, the less time they have together and the more their secrets threaten to destroy everything.
Can September and Flint save each other, or are their days numbered from the start?
Perfect for fans of THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2023
About the author
Brianna Bourne
3 books172 followersWhen she's not writing, Brianna Bourne works as a stage manager for ballet companies around the world. Originally from Texas, she grew up in Indonesia and Egypt and now lives in England with her husband and their two daughters.
(photo credit: Barnaby Aldrick, www.barnabyaldrick.com)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BriannaBourneYA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna_bou...
(photo credit: Barnaby Aldrick, www.barnabyaldrick.com)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BriannaBourneYA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna_bou...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
May 30, 2024
Trochę zajęło mi zanim „poczułam tę książkę”, ale motyw śmierci ukochanej osoby absolutnie mnie rozwalił. Niezależnie od tego czy uczucie między dwojgiem głównych bohaterów było początkowo trudne do zrozumienia (dla mnie), gdy utożsamiłam się z poczuciem straty, byłam zgubiona.
March 17, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t say the G-word. So many people torture themselves about last words. What they said, what they didn’t say. You have to trust that the sum of all your moments with them outweighs the last words you said to them. Hardly anyone gets a perfect goodbye.”
What would you do if you knew exactly half the years remaining before your life was going to end ? How would you live with the valuable time that you had remaining? How many dreams would you fulfill from your bucket list? How would you spend the days with those closest to you? Would you want to live life to the fullest? Or be content to simply wait it out and push your loved ones away because you felt in your heart that it wasn't worth the effort?
We only have so much life to spare - would you want to go out with a bang - or a whimper? The Half-Life of Love takes this rather depressing morbid thought and tells the story of two young people, who are facing the challenges of this bizarre phenomenon and deal it in a bittersweet emotional yet heartfelt manner that leaves an ache in your heart, thankful for the time we could have and remorseful for all the time that could have been. 🥺🥺
This really was a beautiful if not bittersweet read - as sad as the notion is, it is an interesting concept of how humanity is struck with this strange moment when at the half-way mark of the remainder of your life, you get to assess how much time you have left on your hand. And it was interesting to see two different lives and how they were affected by it. Flint Larsen, who's in the final stages of his imminent death, returns to his home, in the baleful hope of just passing through the time, without a care in the world, not wanting to leave his mark on the world.
How often have we had those thoughts? That we don't want to be a burden on others? What's the point of making friends, connections, if it's not going to last? But he didn't count on meeting September Harrington - September, a brilliant bright scientist working at the institute of understanding the half-life theory. September, who can't move on from the grief and denial that has afflicted her heart, since she recently lost her younger sister, when she was just four years old.
I liked how their relationship developed - they both were polar opposites of each other, but their relationship progressed so naturally - even if it was for Flint to grasp that faint spark in his final moments, his denial to act on his attraction to her - it was believable, it was real. It was heartbreaking when you think that he could find love, hope for love, when he knew it wouldn't last.
And then when September did find out that his life was a ticking time bomb, her reaction to not knowing was real to me too. It's how they moved on from there, how she wanted him to no longer be broody and moody, but embrace life, enjoy the moments - carpe diem ! And her innate persistent hope to find a cure to save him from death, to make it possible to find a cure - I wanted to believe in my heart for a hopeful finish...💟💟
"You’re right, and I know I can’t fix this. Not in eleven days, not in eleven decades. I just—I didn’t expect any of this. I didn’t expect you."
I always enjoy reading a book more, when the writing and words resonate with me - and I'm happy to say that this definitely met my expectations. I also appreciate how Brianna Bourne chose to end the book - it may have not been what the romantic in me would have wanted, but it was still a hopeful message.
"I can’t press pause on falling for you, even if you won’t be there to catch me five days from now."
To anyone who reads it, well the message it left me with was... - it's for us to know that don't waste life. Be grateful for what you have been given - the time you have to live on this Earth. Spend it with those who you love - if someone you know has limited time, don't let them hide away - make them know that they matter- that they matter to you.
We only get one life. Make the most of it that you can. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t say the G-word. So many people torture themselves about last words. What they said, what they didn’t say. You have to trust that the sum of all your moments with them outweighs the last words you said to them. Hardly anyone gets a perfect goodbye.”
What would you do if you knew exactly half the years remaining before your life was going to end ? How would you live with the valuable time that you had remaining? How many dreams would you fulfill from your bucket list? How would you spend the days with those closest to you? Would you want to live life to the fullest? Or be content to simply wait it out and push your loved ones away because you felt in your heart that it wasn't worth the effort?
We only have so much life to spare - would you want to go out with a bang - or a whimper? The Half-Life of Love takes this rather depressing morbid thought and tells the story of two young people, who are facing the challenges of this bizarre phenomenon and deal it in a bittersweet emotional yet heartfelt manner that leaves an ache in your heart, thankful for the time we could have and remorseful for all the time that could have been. 🥺🥺
This really was a beautiful if not bittersweet read - as sad as the notion is, it is an interesting concept of how humanity is struck with this strange moment when at the half-way mark of the remainder of your life, you get to assess how much time you have left on your hand. And it was interesting to see two different lives and how they were affected by it. Flint Larsen, who's in the final stages of his imminent death, returns to his home, in the baleful hope of just passing through the time, without a care in the world, not wanting to leave his mark on the world.
How often have we had those thoughts? That we don't want to be a burden on others? What's the point of making friends, connections, if it's not going to last? But he didn't count on meeting September Harrington - September, a brilliant bright scientist working at the institute of understanding the half-life theory. September, who can't move on from the grief and denial that has afflicted her heart, since she recently lost her younger sister, when she was just four years old.
I liked how their relationship developed - they both were polar opposites of each other, but their relationship progressed so naturally - even if it was for Flint to grasp that faint spark in his final moments, his denial to act on his attraction to her - it was believable, it was real. It was heartbreaking when you think that he could find love, hope for love, when he knew it wouldn't last.
And then when September did find out that his life was a ticking time bomb, her reaction to not knowing was real to me too. It's how they moved on from there, how she wanted him to no longer be broody and moody, but embrace life, enjoy the moments - carpe diem ! And her innate persistent hope to find a cure to save him from death, to make it possible to find a cure - I wanted to believe in my heart for a hopeful finish...💟💟
"You’re right, and I know I can’t fix this. Not in eleven days, not in eleven decades. I just—I didn’t expect any of this. I didn’t expect you."
I always enjoy reading a book more, when the writing and words resonate with me - and I'm happy to say that this definitely met my expectations. I also appreciate how Brianna Bourne chose to end the book - it may have not been what the romantic in me would have wanted, but it was still a hopeful message.
"I can’t press pause on falling for you, even if you won’t be there to catch me five days from now."
To anyone who reads it, well the message it left me with was... - it's for us to know that don't waste life. Be grateful for what you have been given - the time you have to live on this Earth. Spend it with those who you love - if someone you know has limited time, don't let them hide away - make them know that they matter- that they matter to you.
We only get one life. Make the most of it that you can. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
June 12, 2024
oddałam tej książce część mojego serca. widzę w september siebie, bo ja też nigdy nie zapomnę o mojej maybelle.
May 28, 2024
ugly crying over a beautiful book
June 2, 2024
4.75 ⭐️
Coś powstrzymuje mnie przed wystawieniem tutaj maksymalnej oceny i chyba tylko to, że ta książka nie jest w stu procentach moja. A poza tym ma:
- bardzo realistycznych i różnorodnych bohaterów
- przepięknie przedstawiony aspekt fizyczności w relacji
- mrocznego i spowitego w czerń bohatera, który w końcu ma powody żeby taki być (nie tylko bycie przystojnym)
- motywy traktujące o stracie, żałobie, czekaniu na śmierć zestawione z korzystaniem z życia, docenianiem piękna i otwieraniem się na ból po stracie
Nie mam absolutnie żadnych zarzutów do tej książki. Jest bezbłędna. Płakałam. Polecam.
Coś powstrzymuje mnie przed wystawieniem tutaj maksymalnej oceny i chyba tylko to, że ta książka nie jest w stu procentach moja. A poza tym ma:
- bardzo realistycznych i różnorodnych bohaterów
- przepięknie przedstawiony aspekt fizyczności w relacji
- mrocznego i spowitego w czerń bohatera, który w końcu ma powody żeby taki być (nie tylko bycie przystojnym)
- motywy traktujące o stracie, żałobie, czekaniu na śmierć zestawione z korzystaniem z życia, docenianiem piękna i otwieraniem się na ból po stracie
Nie mam absolutnie żadnych zarzutów do tej książki. Jest bezbłędna. Płakałam. Polecam.
February 22, 2023
A stunning and bittersweet read
In a parallel universe to our own, scientists discover humans all have a special kind of seizure halfway through their lives. Which means everyone knows their precise deathday as well as their birthday. That's fine for most, but what happens when you hit half-life when you're only 8 years old? Meet brooding 16-year-old Flint, who's spent 8 years of his life avoiding friendship, fun, love and attachment. There’s a sad stigma against people who are post, and what's even the point when he knows he's on the way out?
Flint moves back to his Pennsylvania hometown for the final 41 days of his life with his already-grieving parents. Frustrated and alone, he stumbles into the woods and falls asleep, soon fainting from the cold. Fortunately, bubbly science geek September has decided on a woodland walk at just the right time. She helps Flint recover, sharing some of her scientific theories with him along the way.
You see, after losing her baby sister to the half-life, September's laser focused. She's an intern at the institute which investigates how the half-life works. The research patients who volunteer to come in on their death days inspire her to work even harder. And she's about to burn out, having never let herself deal fully with her grief.
On a whim, bored Flint volunteers to drive September around the state for her research. During their time together, a connection grows, leading to a tentative romance. But will Flint tell September the truth about his ticking clock before they run out of time? And is there anything September can do to keep from history sadly repeating?
The Half Life of Love is beautifully written with a strong sense of place and character. Bourne brings the melancholic autumn feels of post-industrial Pennsylvania to life with a deft hand. The industrial ruins and woodlands are a perfect backdrop for this story of longing and loss. Flint is at once grumpy and vulnerable, with a core of sweetness he just can’t shake off despite living his life in denial. And September is a character for the ages: a natural scientist who thinks in chemical formulas while trying to bottle her bereavement. They are joined by a multi-generational cast, each of them dealing with their own knowledge of the half-life.
I finished The Half Life of Love days ago but can’t stop reflecting on the core question Bourne asks: if we knew when we were going to die, what would we change? Would it make us different people? And who would we love?
In a parallel universe to our own, scientists discover humans all have a special kind of seizure halfway through their lives. Which means everyone knows their precise deathday as well as their birthday. That's fine for most, but what happens when you hit half-life when you're only 8 years old? Meet brooding 16-year-old Flint, who's spent 8 years of his life avoiding friendship, fun, love and attachment. There’s a sad stigma against people who are post, and what's even the point when he knows he's on the way out?
Flint moves back to his Pennsylvania hometown for the final 41 days of his life with his already-grieving parents. Frustrated and alone, he stumbles into the woods and falls asleep, soon fainting from the cold. Fortunately, bubbly science geek September has decided on a woodland walk at just the right time. She helps Flint recover, sharing some of her scientific theories with him along the way.
You see, after losing her baby sister to the half-life, September's laser focused. She's an intern at the institute which investigates how the half-life works. The research patients who volunteer to come in on their death days inspire her to work even harder. And she's about to burn out, having never let herself deal fully with her grief.
On a whim, bored Flint volunteers to drive September around the state for her research. During their time together, a connection grows, leading to a tentative romance. But will Flint tell September the truth about his ticking clock before they run out of time? And is there anything September can do to keep from history sadly repeating?
The Half Life of Love is beautifully written with a strong sense of place and character. Bourne brings the melancholic autumn feels of post-industrial Pennsylvania to life with a deft hand. The industrial ruins and woodlands are a perfect backdrop for this story of longing and loss. Flint is at once grumpy and vulnerable, with a core of sweetness he just can’t shake off despite living his life in denial. And September is a character for the ages: a natural scientist who thinks in chemical formulas while trying to bottle her bereavement. They are joined by a multi-generational cast, each of them dealing with their own knowledge of the half-life.
I finished The Half Life of Love days ago but can’t stop reflecting on the core question Bourne asks: if we knew when we were going to die, what would we change? Would it make us different people? And who would we love?
Want to read
January 6, 2023If this book is half as good as You and Me At the End of the World, I will sell my soul for it.
Also, the summary says "Perfect for fans of They Both Die in the End". HOLD UP. What does that mean??? THEY HAD BETTER NOT BOTH DIE!
Also, the summary says "Perfect for fans of They Both Die in the End". HOLD UP. What does that mean??? THEY HAD BETTER NOT BOTH DIE!
May 30, 2024
PÓŁ ŻYCIA MIŁOŚCI - Brianna Bourne
★★☆☆☆ [2/5]
[ współpraca reklamowa @wydawnictwoyoung ]
Byłam bardzo ciekawa tej książki. I również, niestety, bardzo się zawiodłam.
Pomysł był super. Świat, w którym istnieje półrozpad. Moment w twoim życiu, w którym dowiadujesz się ile zostało Ci dni do śmierci. Z wykonaniem gorzej.
Uwielbiam wyciskacze łez łamiące serce. Ta pozycja nie dała mi ani jednego, ani drugiego. Podczas czytania nie odczuwałam kompletnie żadnych emocji. Całą książkę potwornie się nudziłam, chciałam ją jak najszybciej skończyć.
Bohaterowie również nudni. Bez charakteru. Flint - przygotowujący się do śmierci od dłuższego czasu. September - dziewczyna pragnąca znaleźć rozwiązanie na półrozpad. Tyle. Naprawdę, postacie oraz fabułę można było dobrze rozwinąć i byłoby dużo razy ciekawiej.
Niestety, nie mogę Wam polecić tej książki. Nie podobała mi się. Ale to moja opinia i może innej osobie się spodoba.
★★☆☆☆ [2/5]
[ współpraca reklamowa @wydawnictwoyoung ]
Byłam bardzo ciekawa tej książki. I również, niestety, bardzo się zawiodłam.
Pomysł był super. Świat, w którym istnieje półrozpad. Moment w twoim życiu, w którym dowiadujesz się ile zostało Ci dni do śmierci. Z wykonaniem gorzej.
Uwielbiam wyciskacze łez łamiące serce. Ta pozycja nie dała mi ani jednego, ani drugiego. Podczas czytania nie odczuwałam kompletnie żadnych emocji. Całą książkę potwornie się nudziłam, chciałam ją jak najszybciej skończyć.
Bohaterowie również nudni. Bez charakteru. Flint - przygotowujący się do śmierci od dłuższego czasu. September - dziewczyna pragnąca znaleźć rozwiązanie na półrozpad. Tyle. Naprawdę, postacie oraz fabułę można było dobrze rozwinąć i byłoby dużo razy ciekawiej.
Niestety, nie mogę Wam polecić tej książki. Nie podobała mi się. Ale to moja opinia i może innej osobie się spodoba.
March 19, 2023
Oh my goodness where to start. I loved everything about this book. It provoked more feelings in me than I ever anticipated.
The characters where absolutely everything. I felt everything both Flint and September were going through. The heartache, growth and gratitude felt so real for me.
I honestly cried for the whole ending of this book, it was so unbelievably sad and yet still so beautiful.
I am now entering my sad book era.
The characters where absolutely everything. I felt everything both Flint and September were going through. The heartache, growth and gratitude felt so real for me.
I honestly cried for the whole ending of this book, it was so unbelievably sad and yet still so beautiful.
I am now entering my sad book era.
June 20, 2024
„-Proszę, żyj dalej tak, jak tylko umiesz. To takie niezwykłe, że po tym, co cię spotkało, nadal potrafisz dostrzec magię w świecie wokoło. Kiedy pierwszy raz mi to pokazałaś, dosłownie zwaliłaś mnie z nóg. To chyba najbardziej odważna i niezwykła rzecz, do jakiej zdolny jest człowiek. Znaleźć piękno pomimo bólu.”
„-Żałuję, że nie mamy więcej czasu - szepcze.
- Ja też.”
„Muszę jedynie go kochać - a potem pozwolić mu odejść.”
„Nie chcę być tylko żywy. Chcę żyć.”
„- A co byś powiedział Maybelle? Dostałeś trzynaście lat życia więcej niż moja siostra i co z nimi zrobiłeś? - Jestem bezlitosna. - Co byś jej powiedział, Flint?”
Zdecydowanie zgadzam się ze wszystkimi, którzy wypłakiwali swoje oczy na tej książce, bo sama ją przeżywałam. Może też trafiła idealnie w moment, w którym jestem giga wrażliwa, ale 41 dni, 9 godzin i 42 minuty życia Flinta bardzo ścisnęły moje serce. Bo książka jest właśnie o tym - jak chłopakowi zostało tyle czasu by żyć, a on odkąd właściwie się o tym dowiedział wcale nie żyje, lecz jedynie oczekuje tego, co nieuniknione. Odcina się powoli od ludzi i świata, chcąc spędzić te ostatnie dni z rodzicami w mieście.
Spotyka jednak September - dziewczynę, która jest jego totalnym przeciwieństwem, co barwi rzeczywistość chłopaka na nieco inne kolory niż tylko czerń i biel, więc Flint nie przyznaje się jej, do której z wzajemnością zaczyna żywić uczucia, o jego niedalekiej śmi3rci. Im bliżsi się sobie stają, tym czas zdaje się uciekać szybciej…
Czy ta dwójka będzie się w stanie wzajemnie uratować?
Bo dziewczyna też ma za sobą przeszłość, którą dźwiga z ogromnym trudem…
Bardzo przygnębiająca książka, ale jednocześnie tak wartościowa. Ucząca, jak każdego z nas dni są policzone, choć nie wiemy czy zostały nam dni, czy lata życia i jak powinniśmy z niego korzystać. ŻYĆ. Szczególnie jeden dialog o tym mi się bardzo spodobał.
I choć nie lubię chemii - mamy do niej trochę nawiązań, które również bardzo mi się podobały, bo September ma staż w Instytucie Półrozpadu, gdzie bada m.in. to, co spotyka Flinta…
Współpraca reklamowa z @wydawnictwoyoung dziękuję
June 22, 2024
Motyw limitu czasowego to EMOCJE GWARANTOWANE 🥺
February 20, 2023
4.5⭐️
Thankyou to Scholastic for sending me an advance copy of this in exchange for an honest review ✨
When this book came with tissues, why did I trick myself into thinking I might not need them? Heartbreaking and yet heartwarming at the same time💔
This book is a YA romance told in Dual POV and I adored getting to see the two main characters thoughts and reactions separately, it really helped me to connect with them both and root for them!
This book had me smiling, crying, wishing, hoping, reflecting on grief and navigating the world through it and I enjoyed every page ✨💕
Thankyou to Scholastic for sending me an advance copy of this in exchange for an honest review ✨
When this book came with tissues, why did I trick myself into thinking I might not need them? Heartbreaking and yet heartwarming at the same time💔
This book is a YA romance told in Dual POV and I adored getting to see the two main characters thoughts and reactions separately, it really helped me to connect with them both and root for them!
This book had me smiling, crying, wishing, hoping, reflecting on grief and navigating the world through it and I enjoyed every page ✨💕
March 22, 2023
This was so beautiful and sad. Delightfully written and difficult to put down.
April 2, 2024
⋆⭒˚｡⋆₊ ⊹ 5 stars . . .
reviewed on aug.24, 2023.
last revised apr.2, 2024.
trigger warnings:
This book. oh. my. fucking. god.
my heart got ripped out and stampeded on. I sobbed. I stared at the pages until I felt my entire body going numb. I felt like something inside of me died, when the book ended.
this book fucking changed me. the author was able to execute so many thoughtful and passionate ideas, and so well in this book, and if there's one thing among the thousands of lessons I learned from this book, it's that live. live like every fucking day is your last. live like the world is ending tomorrow. live and love yourself.
Flint Larsen has 41 days to live, and he's moved back to his hometown to die peacefully, surrounded by nothing besides his parents. because he has cut off everyone, everything, important to him, to make his death more bearable. for him, and for everyone.
September is working at the Institute, searching for a cure for the Half Life, less than a year after a haunting memory that she can't seem to shake. on the outside, she's easygoing, definition of popular, nice, it girl. on the inside, she's barely holding it together.
It's an opposites attract. Acquaintance to lovers. Impossible love. Sunshine x Grumpy. if some of the sweetest tropes were combined into one book, this would be it.
I felt like someone ripped my heart out and smashed it with a sledgehammer right in front of me. the ending? I cried. and it wasn't one tear; it was like a river, like I had been bottling up something inside and it just flowed out. that's what stuck with me the most, how emotional I was in the end.
the insanely heavy topics that were dealt in this book were executed so well. you can't write a sad book but not put any emotion in it. you can't write a happy book but not know what happiness is. this book knew the definition of sadness, grief, happiness, love, and it impacted me to my core. the entire book progression was one that was emotionally focused on their characters and in the end it was just built up so so well.
and on the topic of characters, they're perfect for each other. I didn't hate September, and I fell in love with Flint. these two have endured it all, and my heart broke for them a thousand times. the way September holds onto her happiness and friends, the way Flint pushes away his feelings but in the end , makes them so good for each other. they balanced each other out but helped each other as well, to be become better people and for themselves. and literally they are so fucking wise. look at this quote:
on top of the really sweet romance and emotional character growth, the concept that the author designed itself was really well done. I loved the concept of the half life and the science parts to it. it felt well developed and I immersed into their world right away.
this book isn't a happy one, where everyone gets their happy ending and perfect fairytale like life. it teaches you about the cold, harsh reality. not everything is perfect, good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people, but the best you can do is live, be more than just alive, and make it better.
Rating: 5/5
Song: Hold On (Remix) - Chord Overstreet, Deepened
Ages 12 and up (minor swearing, no violence, implied sex)
reviewed on aug.24, 2023.
last revised apr.2, 2024.
❝ I kiss her, on this perfect last day in this perfect airplane, and I wish this moment could be infinite. ❞ ✩࿐
trigger warnings:
This book. oh. my. fucking. god.
my heart got ripped out and stampeded on. I sobbed. I stared at the pages until I felt my entire body going numb. I felt like something inside of me died, when the book ended.
this book fucking changed me. the author was able to execute so many thoughtful and passionate ideas, and so well in this book, and if there's one thing among the thousands of lessons I learned from this book, it's that live. live like every fucking day is your last. live like the world is ending tomorrow. live and love yourself.
⊹˚. ♡ “As I stand there on the Half-Life Institute’s steps, I think about the other half-life – how long it takes for a chemical element to decrease to half of its original amount. Sometimes it takes less than a microsecond, sometimes it takes trillions of years, but eventually that last atom decays.
But with people?
No matter how much time passes, there’s always something left of that person in you. ❞
Flint Larsen has 41 days to live, and he's moved back to his hometown to die peacefully, surrounded by nothing besides his parents. because he has cut off everyone, everything, important to him, to make his death more bearable. for him, and for everyone.
September is working at the Institute, searching for a cure for the Half Life, less than a year after a haunting memory that she can't seem to shake. on the outside, she's easygoing, definition of popular, nice, it girl. on the inside, she's barely holding it together.
It's an opposites attract. Acquaintance to lovers. Impossible love. Sunshine x Grumpy. if some of the sweetest tropes were combined into one book, this would be it.
I felt like someone ripped my heart out and smashed it with a sledgehammer right in front of me. the ending? I cried. and it wasn't one tear; it was like a river, like I had been bottling up something inside and it just flowed out. that's what stuck with me the most, how emotional I was in the end.
the insanely heavy topics that were dealt in this book were executed so well. you can't write a sad book but not put any emotion in it. you can't write a happy book but not know what happiness is. this book knew the definition of sadness, grief, happiness, love, and it impacted me to my core. the entire book progression was one that was emotionally focused on their characters and in the end it was just built up so so well.
and on the topic of characters, they're perfect for each other. I didn't hate September, and I fell in love with Flint. these two have endured it all, and my heart broke for them a thousand times. the way September holds onto her happiness and friends, the way Flint pushes away his feelings but in the end , makes them so good for each other. they balanced each other out but helped each other as well, to be become better people and for themselves. and literally they are so fucking wise. look at this quote:
“The wreckage has cleared, and I can see now that living means savoring the good moments. Being able to appreciate the beauty, despite all the pain. ❞ ⧣₊˚𓂃★⸝ ⧣₊˚
on top of the really sweet romance and emotional character growth, the concept that the author designed itself was really well done. I loved the concept of the half life and the science parts to it. it felt well developed and I immersed into their world right away.
this book isn't a happy one, where everyone gets their happy ending and perfect fairytale like life. it teaches you about the cold, harsh reality. not everything is perfect, good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people, but the best you can do is live, be more than just alive, and make it better.
Rating: 5/5
Song: Hold On (Remix) - Chord Overstreet, Deepened
Ages 12 and up (minor swearing, no violence, implied sex)
March 9, 2023
okay… i guess that judging by the plot summary, i should've known that we were in for a very sad ride, but truly nothing could have prepared me for how fucking gut-wrenchingly heartbreaking this book would be i literally feel SICK. and yes, it was very good, but at what cost😭🫠
Read
June 24, 2024popłakane, polecam.
____________pełna recenzja:
"Jest coś boleśnie ironicznego w fakcie, że moje rodzinne miasto, miejsce, w którym się urodziłem i w którym um*ę, stało się siedzibą Instytutu Półrozpadu, najważniejszego ośrodka badającego zjawisko, z którym ludzkość mierzy się od zarania dziejów.
Gdybym miał dość energii, pokazałbym mu środkowy palec."
Opowieść z małego miasteczka, które słynie z instytucji badającej genezę śm*erci, tzw. Półrozpadu. Flint jest jedną z takich osób. Czterdzieści jeden dni brzmi jak odległa data, jednak chłopak wie, że nie zostało mu wiele i pragnie spędzić ten czas z rodzicami. Nie spodziewa się, że jego ostatnie tygodnie zmieni pewna rudowłosa naukowczyni. September jest nie tylko stażystką w Instytucie, ale i osobą zmagającą się z trudną przeszłością.
Jakże ta książka jest nieoczywista w swojej oczywistości. Brianna Bourne zabrała mnie w emocjonalną podróż przez życie Flinta i September. Poznałam tajniki pracy laboratoryjnej, a nawet przypomniałam cząsteczki i związki od podszewki. Już o izotopach nie wspominając. Nie spodziewałam się tej naukowej strony, a dodała ona do tej historii naprawdę wiele. Nasi bohaterowie zetknęli się z Półrozpadem na jakimś etapie swojego życia - czy to przez siebie czy bliskich. Taka instytucja jest jednocześnie elementem nadprzyrodzonym tej historii, jak i czymś, co mogłoby stanowić podstawę życia. Ja nie chciałabym tego doświadczyć, ale myślę, że znalazłyby się osoby, które chciałyby poznać ten ostatni termin. Relacja jaką zaprezentowała nam Bourne sprawiła, że moje serce wypełniła nadzieja. Była to iście emocjonalna mieszanka, którą czytałam z dużym zaangażowaniem. Zarówno Flint, jak i September zdobyli moją sympatię już na starcie, a poznawanie ich perspektyw, myśli oraz doświadczeń jeszcze bardziej poruszyło. Niezależnie od tego, co czuli, stanowili naprawdę zgraną parę.
"Pół życia miłości" nie byłoby pełne bez miłości i tej miłości jest tutaj więcej niż możecie sobie wyobrazić. Są tutaj pięknie przedstawione relacje rodzinne, przyjacielskie, które tylko rozgrzewają serce. Jest nawet miejsce na rozmowy o skrywanych tajemnicach i innych demonach przeszłości. Motyw śm*erci, radzenia sobie (lub nie) z bólem po stracie bliskiej osoby są niezwykle trudne do napisania, co można zauważyć już po samym stylu autorki (tłumaczki). W tych momentach po części mogłam utożsamić się z September, której ucieczka i tłumienie emocji były sposobem na przetrwanie. Autorka pokazuje w tej książce wszystkie aspekty z rozwagą i umiarem, choć 》ta《 jedna końcowa scena rozwaliła mnie po całości. Śm*erć jest nieodłącznym elementem naszego życia i od tego raczej nie uciekniemy. Możemy spróbować zapomnieć, szukać rozwiązań, ale to zawsze przyjdzie. Dlatego warto wynieść z życia jak najwięcej, i z tym Was zostawiam.
"Może ma rację. Może to jest wszystko, co każdy z nas może zrobić - szukać piękna i je chłonąć. I cieszyć się nim, dopóki możemy."
[ Współpraca reklamowa z Wydawnictwem Young ]
____________pełna recenzja:
"Jest coś boleśnie ironicznego w fakcie, że moje rodzinne miasto, miejsce, w którym się urodziłem i w którym um*ę, stało się siedzibą Instytutu Półrozpadu, najważniejszego ośrodka badającego zjawisko, z którym ludzkość mierzy się od zarania dziejów.
Gdybym miał dość energii, pokazałbym mu środkowy palec."
Opowieść z małego miasteczka, które słynie z instytucji badającej genezę śm*erci, tzw. Półrozpadu. Flint jest jedną z takich osób. Czterdzieści jeden dni brzmi jak odległa data, jednak chłopak wie, że nie zostało mu wiele i pragnie spędzić ten czas z rodzicami. Nie spodziewa się, że jego ostatnie tygodnie zmieni pewna rudowłosa naukowczyni. September jest nie tylko stażystką w Instytucie, ale i osobą zmagającą się z trudną przeszłością.
Jakże ta książka jest nieoczywista w swojej oczywistości. Brianna Bourne zabrała mnie w emocjonalną podróż przez życie Flinta i September. Poznałam tajniki pracy laboratoryjnej, a nawet przypomniałam cząsteczki i związki od podszewki. Już o izotopach nie wspominając. Nie spodziewałam się tej naukowej strony, a dodała ona do tej historii naprawdę wiele. Nasi bohaterowie zetknęli się z Półrozpadem na jakimś etapie swojego życia - czy to przez siebie czy bliskich. Taka instytucja jest jednocześnie elementem nadprzyrodzonym tej historii, jak i czymś, co mogłoby stanowić podstawę życia. Ja nie chciałabym tego doświadczyć, ale myślę, że znalazłyby się osoby, które chciałyby poznać ten ostatni termin. Relacja jaką zaprezentowała nam Bourne sprawiła, że moje serce wypełniła nadzieja. Była to iście emocjonalna mieszanka, którą czytałam z dużym zaangażowaniem. Zarówno Flint, jak i September zdobyli moją sympatię już na starcie, a poznawanie ich perspektyw, myśli oraz doświadczeń jeszcze bardziej poruszyło. Niezależnie od tego, co czuli, stanowili naprawdę zgraną parę.
"Pół życia miłości" nie byłoby pełne bez miłości i tej miłości jest tutaj więcej niż możecie sobie wyobrazić. Są tutaj pięknie przedstawione relacje rodzinne, przyjacielskie, które tylko rozgrzewają serce. Jest nawet miejsce na rozmowy o skrywanych tajemnicach i innych demonach przeszłości. Motyw śm*erci, radzenia sobie (lub nie) z bólem po stracie bliskiej osoby są niezwykle trudne do napisania, co można zauważyć już po samym stylu autorki (tłumaczki). W tych momentach po części mogłam utożsamić się z September, której ucieczka i tłumienie emocji były sposobem na przetrwanie. Autorka pokazuje w tej książce wszystkie aspekty z rozwagą i umiarem, choć 》ta《 jedna końcowa scena rozwaliła mnie po całości. Śm*erć jest nieodłącznym elementem naszego życia i od tego raczej nie uciekniemy. Możemy spróbować zapomnieć, szukać rozwiązań, ale to zawsze przyjdzie. Dlatego warto wynieść z życia jak najwięcej, i z tym Was zostawiam.
"Może ma rację. Może to jest wszystko, co każdy z nas może zrobić - szukać piękna i je chłonąć. I cieszyć się nim, dopóki możemy."
[ Współpraca reklamowa z Wydawnictwem Young ]
June 2, 2024
„Połowiczny czas rozpadu w chemii i w ludzkim życiu... Te dwie kategorie coś łączy. Wiem to”.
Flint w wieku ośmiu lat poczuł ukłucie, które mówi człowiekowi, że przeżył połowę swojego życia. Teraz zostało mu mało czasu i spędza go z rodzicami, odcinając się od przyjaciół. September jest stażystką w światowym Instytucie Półrozpadu, gdzie poświęca całe dnie na badaniu fenomenu życia a noce na zabawie z przyjaciółmi. Na dodatek próbuję się uporać z bolesną przeszłością. Ich spotkanie może być początkiem silnego uczucia, ale czy nie jest za późno....
„— Ty nie rozumiesz... Kiedy tu przyjechałem, byłem w rozsypce i ...
— Myślisz, że nie rozumiem śmierci? Rozpaczy? Że moje życie jest od nich wolne? Wal się, Flint”.
September i Flint zostali dobrze wykreowani przez autorkę. Jednak według mnie nie byli jak z krwi i kości, więc myślę, że dlatego tak bardzo się z nimi nie zżyłam. Relacja pomiędzy nimi rozwijała się w adekwatnym tempie, niemniej jednak miałam wrażenie, że zamiast przeżywać ich cudowną, piękną, wzruszającą i pełną miłości historię to nie poruszyła mnie jakoś szczególnie. Sama akcja rozwijała się w dobrym tempie, natomiast nie za bardzo tutaj dostałam genialne zwroty akcji, dzięki, którym nie będę mogła się oderwać i rozmyślać o niej dniami i nocami. Naprawdę miałam nadzieje, że tę książkę pokocham całą sobą i nie będę mogła przestać płakać. Niestety nie wzbudziła we mnie aż takich uczuć, jakich oczekiwałam. Chociaż były momenty, które mnie lekko poruszyły, jednak mogę je policzyć na palcach jednej ręki.
Pół Życia Miłości nie jest moim ulubieńcem, chociaż mi się podobała, lecz nie aż tak. Po prostu nie dostałam tego rollercoastera emocjonalnego, jaki chciałam dostać.
#odpowiedniaosoba,zlyczas #znanadatasmierci #TheHalf-Lifeoflove #półżyciamiłości #septemberharrington #flintlarsen
http://bookaholicandwriter.blogspot.c...
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ue5qjNv...
https://x.com/Bookaholic22er/status/1...
https://lubimyczytac.pl/ksiazka/pol-z...
Flint w wieku ośmiu lat poczuł ukłucie, które mówi człowiekowi, że przeżył połowę swojego życia. Teraz zostało mu mało czasu i spędza go z rodzicami, odcinając się od przyjaciół. September jest stażystką w światowym Instytucie Półrozpadu, gdzie poświęca całe dnie na badaniu fenomenu życia a noce na zabawie z przyjaciółmi. Na dodatek próbuję się uporać z bolesną przeszłością. Ich spotkanie może być początkiem silnego uczucia, ale czy nie jest za późno....
„— Ty nie rozumiesz... Kiedy tu przyjechałem, byłem w rozsypce i ...
— Myślisz, że nie rozumiem śmierci? Rozpaczy? Że moje życie jest od nich wolne? Wal się, Flint”.
September i Flint zostali dobrze wykreowani przez autorkę. Jednak według mnie nie byli jak z krwi i kości, więc myślę, że dlatego tak bardzo się z nimi nie zżyłam. Relacja pomiędzy nimi rozwijała się w adekwatnym tempie, niemniej jednak miałam wrażenie, że zamiast przeżywać ich cudowną, piękną, wzruszającą i pełną miłości historię to nie poruszyła mnie jakoś szczególnie. Sama akcja rozwijała się w dobrym tempie, natomiast nie za bardzo tutaj dostałam genialne zwroty akcji, dzięki, którym nie będę mogła się oderwać i rozmyślać o niej dniami i nocami. Naprawdę miałam nadzieje, że tę książkę pokocham całą sobą i nie będę mogła przestać płakać. Niestety nie wzbudziła we mnie aż takich uczuć, jakich oczekiwałam. Chociaż były momenty, które mnie lekko poruszyły, jednak mogę je policzyć na palcach jednej ręki.
Pół Życia Miłości nie jest moim ulubieńcem, chociaż mi się podobała, lecz nie aż tak. Po prostu nie dostałam tego rollercoastera emocjonalnego, jaki chciałam dostać.
#odpowiedniaosoba,zlyczas #znanadatasmierci #TheHalf-Lifeoflove #półżyciamiłości #septemberharrington #flintlarsen
http://bookaholicandwriter.blogspot.c...
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ue5qjNv...
https://x.com/Bookaholic22er/status/1...
https://lubimyczytac.pl/ksiazka/pol-z...
March 6, 2023
I wasn't sure how I felt about the half-life element at first, but I got totally sucked in regardless! The characters were really endearing and it's delightfully written. Bring tissues though, this one makes you feel the feelings.
March 10, 2023
i’m writing this with tears in my eyes. this book is a work of art. i don’t really want to get overly analytical because i’m feeling so emotional having just finished it.
this book made me cry (multiple times) and it made me smile. there’s something so vulnerable about it that was just perfection. this book made me feel soooooo much and they were insanely strong feelings.
so in short…
read this book for the perfect autumnal vibes.
read this book if you don’t mind having your heart broken.
read this book.
okay that’s all i can say before i start sobbing for the millionth time<3
(shout out to the people who let me rant to them about this masterpiece)
this book made me cry (multiple times) and it made me smile. there’s something so vulnerable about it that was just perfection. this book made me feel soooooo much and they were insanely strong feelings.
so in short…
read this book for the perfect autumnal vibes.
read this book if you don’t mind having your heart broken.
read this book.
okay that’s all i can say before i start sobbing for the millionth time<3
(shout out to the people who let me rant to them about this masterpiece)
August 5, 2023
It has been many years now that I have read a book that gave me these kind of emotions.
This book is so real with very lovable characters. Characters who sometimes make very bad choices, but these choices are also very relatable and understandable. How Flint just wants to push everyone away from him so that his death would not be a burden and how September doesn't allow herself to grief for her past.
I laughed while reading this book, but I also cried my eyes out. I was hoping for a much happier ending, but I also understand that the bittersweet ending is much better. I know for sure that I will read more books of this author.
This book is so real with very lovable characters. Characters who sometimes make very bad choices, but these choices are also very relatable and understandable. How Flint just wants to push everyone away from him so that his death would not be a burden and how September doesn't allow herself to grief for her past.
I laughed while reading this book, but I also cried my eyes out. I was hoping for a much happier ending, but I also understand that the bittersweet ending is much better. I know for sure that I will read more books of this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2023
The half-life idea is so interesting. Get ready to feel all the feelings and consider what you would do if you knew when you were going to die….and what are you doing because you don’t?
April 15, 2023
this actually just is not okay
April 7, 2024
Em....okay...You owe me a debt, book... You owe me a debt in the form of therapy
April 14, 2023
I can't decide if I like the idea of knowing when I'll die. Books like The Measure, They Both Die at the End, and Half-Life of Love really force those thoughts on a person, and I can honestly say, I still don't know.
The half-life is this feeling, almost seizure-like, someone gets when they are halfway to their death. The lucky ones are older when this occurs, but Flint was 8 when he found out he only had until 16 to live. The question is, what do you do with that information? Go on epic adventures? Make sure you hug your loved ones every night? Keep your friends close? Flint chooses the opposite- he becomes a hermit, choosing to coast through school (it's not like he's going to college), cut off any relationships or friendships, and distance himself from his own family to make the inevitable easier. Or so he thinks. He's only got 41 days left when he and his divorced parents move back to the small town in Pennsylvania where they lived years ago.
September, our second POV, is a scientist living for chemical formulas and solving problems. She interns at the Half-Life Institute, which studies the cause of the half-life. Losing her little sister at age four was heartbreaking, and the grief is constant. There's no cure for this, but September is determined to find something so others can be spared what she and her family experienced. Her summer at the lab and hanging out with friends keeps her busy until a chance meeting in the woods, where she meets a very grumpy Flint. But their meeting sparks a thought in her science brain, and she needs Flint's help (well, his car, to be more specific), to help.
Flint and September's relationship develops slowly, with each having immediate and strong feelings for the other quickly but never entirely acting upon it for different reasons until they do. But Flint's waning days aren't something he's talked about with September, and that omission changes things. This bittersweet love story had me rooting for Flint to embrace life and love with his time left. And he finally does. Not just with September but with his parents too. I can't imagine what being a parent is like knowing you will bury your child.
The science of it all takes somewhat of a backstage until later in the story, hitting you in the face. I really hoped the author wouldn't change the way the ending of this story should be, and I was so thankful she didn't. I'm sure someone will disagree with the science behind the storyline, but for the layperson, it was enough to convince you and not confuse you. This will be an easy recommendation for those looking for a little something different or a companion to They Both Die at The End.
The half-life is this feeling, almost seizure-like, someone gets when they are halfway to their death. The lucky ones are older when this occurs, but Flint was 8 when he found out he only had until 16 to live. The question is, what do you do with that information? Go on epic adventures? Make sure you hug your loved ones every night? Keep your friends close? Flint chooses the opposite- he becomes a hermit, choosing to coast through school (it's not like he's going to college), cut off any relationships or friendships, and distance himself from his own family to make the inevitable easier. Or so he thinks. He's only got 41 days left when he and his divorced parents move back to the small town in Pennsylvania where they lived years ago.
September, our second POV, is a scientist living for chemical formulas and solving problems. She interns at the Half-Life Institute, which studies the cause of the half-life. Losing her little sister at age four was heartbreaking, and the grief is constant. There's no cure for this, but September is determined to find something so others can be spared what she and her family experienced. Her summer at the lab and hanging out with friends keeps her busy until a chance meeting in the woods, where she meets a very grumpy Flint. But their meeting sparks a thought in her science brain, and she needs Flint's help (well, his car, to be more specific), to help.
Flint and September's relationship develops slowly, with each having immediate and strong feelings for the other quickly but never entirely acting upon it for different reasons until they do. But Flint's waning days aren't something he's talked about with September, and that omission changes things. This bittersweet love story had me rooting for Flint to embrace life and love with his time left. And he finally does. Not just with September but with his parents too. I can't imagine what being a parent is like knowing you will bury your child.
The science of it all takes somewhat of a backstage until later in the story, hitting you in the face. I really hoped the author wouldn't change the way the ending of this story should be, and I was so thankful she didn't. I'm sure someone will disagree with the science behind the storyline, but for the layperson, it was enough to convince you and not confuse you. This will be an easy recommendation for those looking for a little something different or a companion to They Both Die at The End.
June 8, 2024
Recenzja jest dostępna na moim profilu na Tiktoku pod tym linkiem:
https://www.tiktok.com/@nerd_ksiazkow...
Zachęcam do wysłuchania 💖💖
Liczyłam na coś innego i niestety się zawiodłam. Gdzie ten wyciskacz łez? Gdzie emocjonalne przeżywanie z bohaterami? Niestety nie tym razem. Ja jestem typem wzruszonego czytelnika i zwykle nie wiele mi potrzeba do płaczu, ale jednak chyba więcej niż tutaj zostało zawarte. Szkoda, bo pomysł na fabułę był naprawdę ciekawy. Zabrakło jednak warstwy emocjonalnego chwytania za serce czytelnika. Historia jakich wiele, czyta się szybko i nawet wciąga, ale nie zostanie ze mną na długo 💔
https://www.tiktok.com/@nerd_ksiazkow...
Zachęcam do wysłuchania 💖💖
Liczyłam na coś innego i niestety się zawiodłam. Gdzie ten wyciskacz łez? Gdzie emocjonalne przeżywanie z bohaterami? Niestety nie tym razem. Ja jestem typem wzruszonego czytelnika i zwykle nie wiele mi potrzeba do płaczu, ale jednak chyba więcej niż tutaj zostało zawarte. Szkoda, bo pomysł na fabułę był naprawdę ciekawy. Zabrakło jednak warstwy emocjonalnego chwytania za serce czytelnika. Historia jakich wiele, czyta się szybko i nawet wciąga, ale nie zostanie ze mną na długo 💔
May 19, 2024
The Half-Life Of Love
------------------------
3 WORDS!
1. | Paced.
2. | Exciting.
3. | Warm.
What a good read !
This book brought out a bit of the excitement I was starting to lose for reading.
Finally, a book that provoked me to read more.
-
Overall Rating: 3.25.
-
post-read
it was okay, and it was a sweet read. The romance was honestly awesome and exciting!
-
Happy Reading!!
[mil ☁]
------------------------
3 WORDS!
1. | Paced.
2. | Exciting.
3. | Warm.
What a good read !
This book brought out a bit of the excitement I was starting to lose for reading.
Finally, a book that provoked me to read more.
-
Overall Rating: 3.25.
-
post-read
it was okay, and it was a sweet read. The romance was honestly awesome and exciting!
-
Happy Reading!!
[mil ☁]
March 13, 2023
4.5 stars
March 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this! Set in a world where you can feel when you've lived half your life, and because of that you know the day you are going to die. Flint knows he's going to die and counts down the days while not allowing himself to fully live his life and feel anything that could bring him joy. Until he meets September, who works at the Half-Life institute dedicated to curing the half-life condition. She lights something inside of him and he can't bring to tell her that he's dying in a few weeks. Can September find the cure before his time runs out?
This book definitely made me emotional and really drives home the message of making the most of every day and to collect as many memories as you can. I enjoyed both characters' POV and I found the writing and pacing to be solid throughout.
This book definitely made me emotional and really drives home the message of making the most of every day and to collect as many memories as you can. I enjoyed both characters' POV and I found the writing and pacing to be solid throughout.
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May 27, 2024Nie potrafię jej ocenić gwiazdkami. Po prostu jest to książka, którą warto WARTO przeczytać i samemu przeżyć.
February 21, 2023
In a future where everyone will experience a seizure that means their life is exactly half over, teen Flint has moved back to hometown Carbon Junction to live out the last 41 days of his life. That’s where he meets science prodigy September, who has a prestigious internship at the Half Life Institute and is grieving the loss of her beloved four year old sister six months earlier. Can they help each other to live with uncertainty and grief? Will September’s hypothesis help Flint dodge his death date? EARC from Edelweiss.
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