Denton Little's Deathdate

February 9, 2015
Denton Little lives in a world just like ours, except that most people know the exact day they will die, thanks to advances in the field of “AstroThanatoGenetics.” Denton is a so-called “Early,” because he’s slated to die at age 17. On the day of his funeral, Denton wakes up with a wicked hangover and few memories of the night before, other than that he thinks he broke up with his girlfriend and made out with his best friend’s sister. As Denton’s death date creeps closer, he develops a strange purple rash, begins to have questions about his late mother, and wonders if he’s wasted his short life by trying to live it “normally.” Rubin’s debut doesn’t take itself too seriously—Denton gives a horrible rambling eulogy at his own funeral, and there’s even a coordinated dance number at prom—and the open-ended conclusion necessitates a sequel. But the tweaked contemporary setting, irreverent end-of-life humor, and big, existential questions make this a good pick for fans of John Corey Whaley’s Noggin. Ages 14–up. Agent: Mollie Glick, Foundry Literary + Media.

January 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-In a not-so-distant future, every person knows from tests performed on hair and blood at birth what day he or she will die. As the book begins, Denton knows that tomorrow is his deathdate and he is as ready as a person can be in this rather weird situation. His family has planned the funeral and the "sitting," the wait for death to come. Denton attends the funeral, but as far as the sitting, he has other plans-time with his friends and girlfriends, some alcohol, smoking pot, sex-much better ways of spending his last day of Earth than just waiting. Then there is this strange purple rash with red dots that is spreading over his body, as well as the bodies of the people he has exchanged "spit" with-and the numerous near misses of his death when he's almost hit by a car (twice) and is nearly shot. Denton's deathdate gets stranger and stranger. This humorous story of mortality, friendship, family, and secrets is a strange, fun, and unusual read that keeps readers laughing, gasping, and quickly turning pages. Denton, a likable and well-rounded character, just can't keep from getting in trouble-his hookup with his best friend's sister has made his girlfriend mad, his girlfriend's ex keeps trying to kill him-as does the neighborhood drug dealer-and everything he does seems to cause a problem. The plot is quirky and highly original. Denton Little just can't win-but readers certainly do. While this seems to be a stand-alone novel, and a satisfying one at that, there is plenty of fodder for a sequel. Rubin's is a new voice on the YA literature scene and is well-worth reading.-Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas

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