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Only The Good Die Young
The first year of college is supposed to be about parties, parties, and getting the hell out of Texas. Instead, Milcah Daniels is spending her eighteenth year in and out of Houston's hospitals. Her hair is falling out, they’ve cut off her boobs, and if she makes it to nineteen, she’ll consider it a personal miracle.
Breast cancer really has a way of messing with a girl’s social calendar.
When Milcah’s temporarily discharged from the hospital, she’s determined to get a tattoo for every medical procedure she’s had. Her quest leads her to Skin Stories, a new tattoo parlor a block from her apartment. And to it’s infuriatingly sexy artist, Callum Scott.
Callum is everything Milcah wants, and everything she shouldn’t have now. A new relationship when the official prognosis is one to five years is a terrible idea. But Callum doesn’t know about the breast cancer, and Milcah’s not running to tell him.
But when the doctor says things are actually looking positive, her entire life turns upside down. How is she supposed to start living again when she’s finally learned to accept her death?
Breast cancer really has a way of messing with a girl’s social calendar.
When Milcah’s temporarily discharged from the hospital, she’s determined to get a tattoo for every medical procedure she’s had. Her quest leads her to Skin Stories, a new tattoo parlor a block from her apartment. And to it’s infuriatingly sexy artist, Callum Scott.
Callum is everything Milcah wants, and everything she shouldn’t have now. A new relationship when the official prognosis is one to five years is a terrible idea. But Callum doesn’t know about the breast cancer, and Milcah’s not running to tell him.
But when the doctor says things are actually looking positive, her entire life turns upside down. How is she supposed to start living again when she’s finally learned to accept her death?
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2014
373 people want to read
About the author
K.K. Hendin
21 books176 followersKK Hendin writes books where people flirt awkwardly, make out, dish out a whole lot of sass and ridiculousness, and live happily ever after. She's the author of many books, including the weekly serial, ALL THE WRONG REASONS.
She also writes books as Brontë Reeve, where people aren't as nice and Happily Ever After isn't a guarantee.
KK is currently writing way too many books and is still waiting for the subway to run on a regular schedule. When she's not playing book Tetris in an attempt to fit everything onto the bookshelves in her tiny NYC apartment, she's probably wandering her neighborhood with her camera or drinking yet another cup of coffee.
She also writes books as Brontë Reeve, where people aren't as nice and Happily Ever After isn't a guarantee.
KK is currently writing way too many books and is still waiting for the subway to run on a regular schedule. When she's not playing book Tetris in an attempt to fit everything onto the bookshelves in her tiny NYC apartment, she's probably wandering her neighborhood with her camera or drinking yet another cup of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 13, 2014
Title: Only The Good Die Young
Series: No. It’s standalone novel.
Author: K. K Hendin
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Rating: 3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:. No
HEA:
Only The Good Die Young is a story about eighteen year old Milcah that found a lump in her breast that was more dangerous than a teen girl ever thought it could be. After six months of neglecting it, the doctors say she has a breast cancer stage three. It’s like the world seemed to stop for her. Now, she’s constantly living the day as it’s her last; between the chemo and mastectomy, Milcah is bitter, lonely and miserable.
“I don’t know how to live anymore,” I whisper.
“What do you mean?”
“Right now, I’m living like a piano is going to come plummeting from the sky any second, and I don’t know when. So it’s always like, this is it. This is all you’ve got left.”
She decides to have a tattoo and instantly feels attracted to Callum, the tattoo artist from Skin’s Secrets and apparently her neighbor.
But what young man would want boobless, bald barely living girl without any perspectives for the future, not counting death?
“Everyone’s dying, Milcah. Some people are just dying sooner than others.”
This was very emotional read. From start to finish I got to know not only very depressive and heart wrenching story but something entirely dark and unique.
Milcah’s journey was raw and very real. I found myself bottoming out in the same deep dark hole the main heroine was thrown into. My heart broke for her over and over again and well, I can honestly say her depression was rubbing of on me; when I read Hendin’s work, the day seemed to look even sadder and grayer than ever before for me.
I absolutely adored the biggest part of the book. Despair, hopelessness, sorrow and the constant desperateness was the slow agony that Milcah has to go through and it was bleeding through the pages, which I found as much appealing as overwhelming. Somewhere in the middle the story started to go downhill for me.
After pretty big load of sorrow and hopelessness I’ve read about I was getting anxious and tired of it. I hoped the romance would lift things up a little bit, but on the contrary it made this book even gloomier. Milcah started to be very hard character to bear with, even though I was hurting for her and admiring some of her actions. Her relationship with Callum was wary, slow burning and fragile.
Overall, Only The Good Die Young was definitely eye-opening book that was very depressive. Still I found myslef appreciating this emotional roller coaster. Despite the hollowness that I felt when I’ve finished it, I found Only The Good Die Young good, realistic read. And even though I hoped for more demonstrative and passionate romantic relationship between Milcah and Callum the story was admirable and I highly recommend this book for those of you who look for something truly unique and beautiful.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest review *
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August 12, 2016
3.5 STARS
This is a story about girl who lost will to fight for her life, a girl who became bitter person waiting for her death. But what happens when things change? When she meets someone who doesn’t fall for her pretenses?
"Why he has to show up in my life now - at the same time where I can handle him the least but need him the most."
Only The Good Die Young is very depressive book. Heroine (Milcah) is not only fighting with cancer, but she is going through everything all alone. Milcah was alienating herself from everyone, pushing all who cared about her away from her. It was heartbreaking to witness it, but also realistically written.
"I don’t know if I know how to not die anymore. I don’t know if I want to remember."
This book brought up many emotions when I started reading it. But I kept asking myself - was it the topic itself that made me so emotional while reading this book? I was hurting for Milcah, but was it honestly because of the writing style? Or was it because I am human and would be hurting for everyone in the similar situation, no matter who wrote the book? The answer is that I don’t really care in this case. Maybe I wasn’t impressed with the writing style, but I was still touched my Milcah’s story.
However, story lost its momentum in second half. I was expecting something epic after intense and emotional first half and it never happened. Even though this is a standalone, story left me hanging, feeling unfulfilled. Stories about characters with cancer are very tricky. Only The Good Die Young did not disappoint, but it did not make some kind of unforgettable impression either.
*ARC provided by author as an exchange for honest review*
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March 25, 2014
This book was made of two of my favorite things! Tattoos and a hot guy!
I really felt for Milcah and I loved her “no give a shit” attitude. She really gave the nurse’s and the physicians a run for their money. She told it like it was and you could tell early on that she was holding back her real feelings by trying to seem tough on the exterior.
Callum was really sweet and I am impressed with his skill at being able to talk to Milcah and tell her exactly what she is doing to herself. At first he tries to be sweet but by the middle of the book, he holds back no punches.
When I started this book, I expected a real tear jerker but this was not the case. There were some times that I could feel the tears brewing, but for the most part, Milcah was such a tough chic that there were not many tears from her.
The book’s main premise is of Milcah trying to deal with the fact that she is dying. She goes through chemo, sick as a dog and continues to push through. All by herself. But then, the unthinkable happens, she is going into remission. Her feelings are all jumbled up because she was preparing to die and now, she doesn’t know how to live!
The surprise about Milcah’s family REALLY blew me away! I can honestly say that I was not expecting that little scenario to come into play. But it worked wonderfully with the story.
In conclusion, if you enjoy NA, then pick this one up. You will be sucked in immediately by Milcah’s sassy attitude and Callum’s charm! You won’t be disappointed;)
I really felt for Milcah and I loved her “no give a shit” attitude. She really gave the nurse’s and the physicians a run for their money. She told it like it was and you could tell early on that she was holding back her real feelings by trying to seem tough on the exterior.
Callum was really sweet and I am impressed with his skill at being able to talk to Milcah and tell her exactly what she is doing to herself. At first he tries to be sweet but by the middle of the book, he holds back no punches.
When I started this book, I expected a real tear jerker but this was not the case. There were some times that I could feel the tears brewing, but for the most part, Milcah was such a tough chic that there were not many tears from her.
The book’s main premise is of Milcah trying to deal with the fact that she is dying. She goes through chemo, sick as a dog and continues to push through. All by herself. But then, the unthinkable happens, she is going into remission. Her feelings are all jumbled up because she was preparing to die and now, she doesn’t know how to live!
The surprise about Milcah’s family REALLY blew me away! I can honestly say that I was not expecting that little scenario to come into play. But it worked wonderfully with the story.
In conclusion, if you enjoy NA, then pick this one up. You will be sucked in immediately by Milcah’s sassy attitude and Callum’s charm! You won’t be disappointed;)
April 3, 2014
Break my heart... Stomp on it! Leave me desperate and praying for a miracle!!!! That is want I endured while reading Only The Good Die Young
Heartbreaking, gut-wrenching. emotional over kill!!!!!It was great. I freaking loved it. A beautiful and touching story that was thought provoking and profound.
.... I am emotionally drained!
Milcah was so alone it just broke me and her refusal to let any one in ripped me apart. Enter Callum quite possibly the most swoon-worthy lead male I have read in a long time. What a breath of fresh air he was. He was truly a gem….romantic, sweet and incredibly patient. He was perfect and watching him love Milcah was something remarkable. I really loved this story and hope that the story continues.
Rating 4 1/2 touching stars
Heartbreaking, gut-wrenching. emotional over kill!!!!!It was great. I freaking loved it. A beautiful and touching story that was thought provoking and profound.
.... I am emotionally drained!
Milcah was so alone it just broke me and her refusal to let any one in ripped me apart. Enter Callum quite possibly the most swoon-worthy lead male I have read in a long time. What a breath of fresh air he was. He was truly a gem….romantic, sweet and incredibly patient. He was perfect and watching him love Milcah was something remarkable. I really loved this story and hope that the story continues.
Rating 4 1/2 touching stars
April 18, 2015
"The bravest thing any of us can do isn't love. The bravest thing we can do is let other people love us."
Milcah is dying. After being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer at eighteen years old, Milcah ran away from her foster home and her little brother to Nahor, just outside of Houston, Texas. Most of her time is spent in the hospital going through treatment and fighting the disease. When she's not in treatment, she lives in a sparsely furnished state-funded apartment.
For a long time, her only source of support is this sweet nurse named Holly, whom Milcah frequently prods and pokes to share details of her dating life. I really loved Milcah and Holly's relationship. My heart went out to Milcah early on because she was alone. On the outside, she appears strong and doesn't let anyone see her cry or breakdown. But on the inside, she's scared of what's to come, of dying. Holly was there for her, even when Milcah didn't want her to be there.
Mentally, she has given up on living and has accepted her fate. She's angry, bitter and generally unpleasant to be around. She snaps at her doctors and makes the breast cancer support group ladies leave her room. She even dropped out of college after learning that she had months to live, thinking education is useless at this point. There were times that I found Milcah to be a little too abrasive. I can understand that cancer can put you in a bad emotional state, but I had a hard time liking her at times because of her attitude and the way she treated people. I loved that Milcah is an crocheting addict, and I found that to be an endearing quality in her. Throughout most of the book she can be seen knitting when she is stressed out. She uses it as an outlet for her stress since she keeps so much bottled up in side.
Milcah is sent home from the hospital after undergoing a double mastectomy and she's left to recover on her own. Well, until she meets Callum Scott. She is immediatley attracted to him. He's hot and funny, but she refuses to allow anything to develop between them because of her illness.
"Nothing scares off someone of the opposite gender like telling them your body is infected with cancerous tumors and chances are, you're not going to see the other side of twenty."
Callum is a tattoo artist and part-time worker at a pizza place in Milcah's neighborhood. Initially, when I read that he was a tattoo artist, I automatically assumed that he was going to be this bad boy. But I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he was just an all-around good guy. You know how I like my good guys. Callum breathes life into Milcah's grey and dull existence. He is determined to show her that her life is worth living and to start fighting.
"If you really love someone, baby, you'll let them make their own decisions over what heartbreak they can handle."
I would recommend this book to readers who like a slow-burning romance. Callum and Milcah are friends for the majority of the book. Their relationship develops very organically, and it is very sweet.
3 stars
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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April 1, 2014
Having already read K.K. Hendin's previous work when I saw she had a new book coming out I knew I HAD to read it. Only the Good Die Young follows Milcah as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and having to face the facts that she has to have a double mastectomy. Faced with facing death sooner than planned Milcah drops out of school, and tries to keep to herself, her only friend being Holly, a nurse who helps take care of Milcah whilst she is in hospital.
Only the Good Die Young is a hard hitting, fact facing read, but also intertwines the positive things in life, friends, having hope and a desire to live, to want to be alive and to celebrate each day you have. Milcah is a foster kid so doesn't have the support of family, but this certainly doesn't affect her outlook, and she is brutally honest about her future. She doesn't pretend that its all sunshine and butterflies, she faces the truth head on, and while this may cloud her judgement at times, she doesn't want sympathy off anyone and expects them to be honest with her.
Milcah's friend Holly treats her like a normal person, letting her have that small chance, the small time frame to be like an average girl, and not someone faced with cancer and death. She is a solid friendship for Milcah and is there for her when Milcah doesn't realise she needs someone.
After surgery Milcah's attitude changes, she constantly thinks of death and various ways that would be better to die of than from cancer. But when she is faced with the chance that her survival rates have significantly improved Milcah is lost and unsure about her future. After spending so long preparing to die, keeping others away from her and losing contact with her foster family, Milcah is lost and helpless, spinning around in circles trying to reorientate herself in her new future.
Milcah was an enigma, I wanted to praise her for fighting and for living a life, but she technically ran from her family and only lives because she has to and not because she has something to live for. She has a negative outlook on life in general and constantly thinks of death, but to keep going day after day having experienced what she has isn't easy, and while she thinks of death and ways to die she doesn't take the easy way out, and continues to go on, day after day. Granted her ideas on friendships could have done with a bit of improvement, but after Callum makes his presence known and refuses to take no for an answer Milcah realises that her sickness doesn't have to control her life and that she can be happy, have friends, and feel something for others.
Only the Good Die Young was a quick, emotional read. While I haven't experienced what Milcah has gone through personally, I have lost people close to me through breast cancer and I have seen how it affects others. The subject is dealt with in a tasteful and caring way, with enough detail from Milcah herself that you quickly become emotionally attached to the characters, and wish with all your heart that everything will work itself out in the end. There were a lot of tears reading Only the Good Die Young, but also some laughs.
Only the Good Die Young is a hard hitting, fact facing read, but also intertwines the positive things in life, friends, having hope and a desire to live, to want to be alive and to celebrate each day you have. Milcah is a foster kid so doesn't have the support of family, but this certainly doesn't affect her outlook, and she is brutally honest about her future. She doesn't pretend that its all sunshine and butterflies, she faces the truth head on, and while this may cloud her judgement at times, she doesn't want sympathy off anyone and expects them to be honest with her.
"So the only option right now is to cut off my tits" I repeat, trying to be clear.
Milcah's friend Holly treats her like a normal person, letting her have that small chance, the small time frame to be like an average girl, and not someone faced with cancer and death. She is a solid friendship for Milcah and is there for her when Milcah doesn't realise she needs someone.
After surgery Milcah's attitude changes, she constantly thinks of death and various ways that would be better to die of than from cancer. But when she is faced with the chance that her survival rates have significantly improved Milcah is lost and unsure about her future. After spending so long preparing to die, keeping others away from her and losing contact with her foster family, Milcah is lost and helpless, spinning around in circles trying to reorientate herself in her new future.
Milcah was an enigma, I wanted to praise her for fighting and for living a life, but she technically ran from her family and only lives because she has to and not because she has something to live for. She has a negative outlook on life in general and constantly thinks of death, but to keep going day after day having experienced what she has isn't easy, and while she thinks of death and ways to die she doesn't take the easy way out, and continues to go on, day after day. Granted her ideas on friendships could have done with a bit of improvement, but after Callum makes his presence known and refuses to take no for an answer Milcah realises that her sickness doesn't have to control her life and that she can be happy, have friends, and feel something for others.
Only the Good Die Young was a quick, emotional read. While I haven't experienced what Milcah has gone through personally, I have lost people close to me through breast cancer and I have seen how it affects others. The subject is dealt with in a tasteful and caring way, with enough detail from Milcah herself that you quickly become emotionally attached to the characters, and wish with all your heart that everything will work itself out in the end. There were a lot of tears reading Only the Good Die Young, but also some laughs.
March 28, 2014
Milcah was only eighteen years old when she found a lump in her breast. After ignoring it for half a year, the doctors confirm her worst fear, she has breast cancer. Which to Milcah sounds like they are saying she will die. Now she is constantly living the days with the thought that it might be her last one. Undergoing the chemo and eventually a double vasectomy, Milcah has become very bitter, angry and depressed.
Sick and tired of the whole cancer things, she feels the need to turn it somehow into something positive. That is where she gets the idea for getting a tattoo and that is how she meets Callum. He is a tattoo artist and apparently also her neighbour. While Milcah can not deny the attraction she feels for him, she tries to keep him at arms length. The last things she needs right now is to get involved with someone, when she doesn't even know if she'll make it to her nineteenth birthday.
When you read the blurb you know it's not going to be a light fluffy read, on the contrary. Only The Good Die Young plays very much on your emotions. Milcah's thoughts are often very depressing and negative. It is executed so well you get sucked into that same emotional state as the character, leaving you feel drained. Still those thoughts and her struggle are very real and that is what makes it so easy to connect with the character.
Milcah often uses sarcasm and wit to divert from that path of total despair, still halfway through the book her negative attitude becomes too much. I had hoped that the romance between her and Callum could uplift the story a bit, but somehow it got even more darker. Callum made an effort to turn her thoughts positive, to keep looking at life as something good, but one little thing and Milcah is going down again.
I would have thought that an eighteen-year-old had more will to live than Milcah did. There were often times I wanted to yell at her for being so negative and to live her life to the fullest. It is understandable that this isn't easy, but I can not agree with some of the choices she made. Instead of leaning on other people, she wanted to do this on her own.
Overall it was certainly an interesting book, though quite depressive. It doesn't leave you very happy, but I could appreciate the honesty and reality of the story. I wouldn't have minded to've seen more passionate romance between Milcah and Callum though. Only The Good Die Young is a pretty fast and unique read.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Sick and tired of the whole cancer things, she feels the need to turn it somehow into something positive. That is where she gets the idea for getting a tattoo and that is how she meets Callum. He is a tattoo artist and apparently also her neighbour. While Milcah can not deny the attraction she feels for him, she tries to keep him at arms length. The last things she needs right now is to get involved with someone, when she doesn't even know if she'll make it to her nineteenth birthday.
When you read the blurb you know it's not going to be a light fluffy read, on the contrary. Only The Good Die Young plays very much on your emotions. Milcah's thoughts are often very depressing and negative. It is executed so well you get sucked into that same emotional state as the character, leaving you feel drained. Still those thoughts and her struggle are very real and that is what makes it so easy to connect with the character.
Milcah often uses sarcasm and wit to divert from that path of total despair, still halfway through the book her negative attitude becomes too much. I had hoped that the romance between her and Callum could uplift the story a bit, but somehow it got even more darker. Callum made an effort to turn her thoughts positive, to keep looking at life as something good, but one little thing and Milcah is going down again.
I would have thought that an eighteen-year-old had more will to live than Milcah did. There were often times I wanted to yell at her for being so negative and to live her life to the fullest. It is understandable that this isn't easy, but I can not agree with some of the choices she made. Instead of leaning on other people, she wanted to do this on her own.
Overall it was certainly an interesting book, though quite depressive. It doesn't leave you very happy, but I could appreciate the honesty and reality of the story. I wouldn't have minded to've seen more passionate romance between Milcah and Callum though. Only The Good Die Young is a pretty fast and unique read.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
March 30, 2014
4 *Highly Emotional* Stars
First let me start by saying, I have a few breast cancer survivors in my family and I think this is an accurate description of what life is like when you get it and then after, when against all odds, you survive. Some have said Only The Good Die Young is a depressing story but I say it's life. Raw and beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Milcah was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. While she was discharged from the hospital she goes to a tattoo parlor called Skin Stories and decides to let the tattoos she wants speak for her story. She plans to get one for each procedure she has had done. She has built up walls using sarcasm and a sharp whit attitude. She is a tough character at only 18 years old and I loved that about her. She is coping in the only way she knows how. Sure there were sometimes in the story where I wanted to smack her and tell her to snap out of it but as I read I tried to put myself in her shoes and I would probably have the same attitude. She thinks by keeping her cancer and thoughts to herself, she is protecting those around her. Then she meets him.
Callum is on my list of sexy book boyfriends. Who wouldn't swoon over a charming but HOT tattoo artist!?! He had a way with connecting with Milcah that makes him stand above the rest. He stopped being Mr. Nice Guy part way through the book and held nothing back when it came to her. (Aggression only made him hotter lol) I felt his genuine personality pour from the pages as we got deeper in there story.
"Everyone's dying Milcah. Some people are just dying sooner than others" *SIGH*
She realizes she needs him so indescribably bad but doesn't know how to live again after being dead on the inside for so long.
This story was so much more than YA/NA. There isn't a heat factor so if that's what you are looking for you may wanna pass. Only The Good Die Young is a vulnerable, raw emotion filled, gut wrenching, heart breaking and make you smile all at the same time kind of book. I was pulled so deep into Milcah story that I felt every emotion it seems she felt. Happy, Sad, Flirty, Angry, Relief and Depression. I recommend this book highly to anyone looking to get away and step into someone else's reality. You won't regret it ♡
Reviewed for Stories and Swag
First let me start by saying, I have a few breast cancer survivors in my family and I think this is an accurate description of what life is like when you get it and then after, when against all odds, you survive. Some have said Only The Good Die Young is a depressing story but I say it's life. Raw and beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time.
Milcah was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. While she was discharged from the hospital she goes to a tattoo parlor called Skin Stories and decides to let the tattoos she wants speak for her story. She plans to get one for each procedure she has had done. She has built up walls using sarcasm and a sharp whit attitude. She is a tough character at only 18 years old and I loved that about her. She is coping in the only way she knows how. Sure there were sometimes in the story where I wanted to smack her and tell her to snap out of it but as I read I tried to put myself in her shoes and I would probably have the same attitude. She thinks by keeping her cancer and thoughts to herself, she is protecting those around her. Then she meets him.
Callum is on my list of sexy book boyfriends. Who wouldn't swoon over a charming but HOT tattoo artist!?! He had a way with connecting with Milcah that makes him stand above the rest. He stopped being Mr. Nice Guy part way through the book and held nothing back when it came to her. (Aggression only made him hotter lol) I felt his genuine personality pour from the pages as we got deeper in there story.
"Everyone's dying Milcah. Some people are just dying sooner than others" *SIGH*
She realizes she needs him so indescribably bad but doesn't know how to live again after being dead on the inside for so long.
This story was so much more than YA/NA. There isn't a heat factor so if that's what you are looking for you may wanna pass. Only The Good Die Young is a vulnerable, raw emotion filled, gut wrenching, heart breaking and make you smile all at the same time kind of book. I was pulled so deep into Milcah story that I felt every emotion it seems she felt. Happy, Sad, Flirty, Angry, Relief and Depression. I recommend this book highly to anyone looking to get away and step into someone else's reality. You won't regret it ♡
Reviewed for Stories and Swag
November 17, 2014
**arc was received for honest review- post 12/4/14 http://booklitlove.com/book-review-on...**
Only the Good Die Young by KK. Hendin hit close to home for me. The novel narrates a story about a young woman who is fighting breast cancer at just eighteen. It is something that is very close to my heart, so this was a very emotional read for me. The novel follows Milcah Daniels as she struggles through the stages of breast cancer. Being as I am only 19, and I volunteer at a hospital where I see cancer patients daily, I’m not going to lie when I say I understood the book more than most.
The exquisite journey that Hendin takes the reader on is one of pain, love, laughter and survival. Milcah has accepted her diagnosis and finds it hard to see the good in life anymore leaving what little she has up to fate. I believe within the novel, the portrayal of the emotion and story is true to what so many young teens going through, having prior knowledge of this definitely made me understand Milcah more.
“Everyone’s dying Milcah. Some people are just dying sooner than others.”
The narrative explores how Milcah is challenged when she meets the ever so charming Callum Scoot. I loved the relationship he formed with Milcah and it was more than the physical sort. It was about breaking down wall and showing that hey life should be lived to the fullest whilst you have the chance. It warms my heart the relationship that goes on between Milcah and Callum as they really are something special. I think the author should however of spent a little more time with Milcah and Callum because I wanted more of there relationship.
Although there is a very sorrowful and dismayed tone to the novel, I loved how the book progressed and how we got to know the characters and their emotions. Overall I gave it a 5- Lit Love because although I wanted to see a little more of Milcah and Callum it was such an emotional and amazing read for me that hit hard on some very relatable topics to teenagers and young adults that haven’t been discussed in-depth and to this manner really. At the end it’s the heart and soul of the fight, the relationship and the realization that fighting is worth it that I loved.
Only the Good Die Young by KK. Hendin hit close to home for me. The novel narrates a story about a young woman who is fighting breast cancer at just eighteen. It is something that is very close to my heart, so this was a very emotional read for me. The novel follows Milcah Daniels as she struggles through the stages of breast cancer. Being as I am only 19, and I volunteer at a hospital where I see cancer patients daily, I’m not going to lie when I say I understood the book more than most.
The exquisite journey that Hendin takes the reader on is one of pain, love, laughter and survival. Milcah has accepted her diagnosis and finds it hard to see the good in life anymore leaving what little she has up to fate. I believe within the novel, the portrayal of the emotion and story is true to what so many young teens going through, having prior knowledge of this definitely made me understand Milcah more.
“Everyone’s dying Milcah. Some people are just dying sooner than others.”
The narrative explores how Milcah is challenged when she meets the ever so charming Callum Scoot. I loved the relationship he formed with Milcah and it was more than the physical sort. It was about breaking down wall and showing that hey life should be lived to the fullest whilst you have the chance. It warms my heart the relationship that goes on between Milcah and Callum as they really are something special. I think the author should however of spent a little more time with Milcah and Callum because I wanted more of there relationship.
Although there is a very sorrowful and dismayed tone to the novel, I loved how the book progressed and how we got to know the characters and their emotions. Overall I gave it a 5- Lit Love because although I wanted to see a little more of Milcah and Callum it was such an emotional and amazing read for me that hit hard on some very relatable topics to teenagers and young adults that haven’t been discussed in-depth and to this manner really. At the end it’s the heart and soul of the fight, the relationship and the realization that fighting is worth it that I loved.
March 21, 2014
3.5 STARS
*This book was given to me for a fair and honest review*
I have to be honest and say that I waited a couple of days after finishing Only The Good Die Young to write the review. I really wanted to ponder how I felt about the book as a whole. The writing was strong and the characters were very real in their depiction.
Before I go any further I want to say that I enjoyed the book. I recommend the book without a doubt. But – here it is – Milcah bothered me. I am close friends with two breast cancer survivors. They are strong, independent women much like Milcah. They faced incredible obstacles to call themselves survivors. I felt that Milcah took too many chances with herself because she gave up too easily. She resigned herself to her fate instead of fighting. There it is. That is what held me back from loving this book instead of liking it. It may seem silly. It may seem picky. But she was 18 years old and had absolutely no fight in her. Even when her treatments began working, it was like she had to convince herself that it was ok to have the will to live. I realize that this can be attributed to her age and the fact that she is naïve, it seemed, but this left me feeling completely frustrated.
Callum was a great guy. Sometimes I thought that he should move past Milcah but he loved her so he only saw the best in her. It was nice to see him stick by her even when she pushed him away.
I applaud K.K. Hendin for taking on such hard subject matter. It is hard to come to terms with a young person (fictional or real)fighting this terrible disease and I think she did a wonderful job tackling something that could not have been easy.
This book does not have a cliffhanger. You will not use a box of tissues but you will need a couple. Maybe some chocolate to munch on when the angsty parts happen. All in all, a good read worth your time!
Review originally published on Books Books Books Blog http://booksbooksbooksblog.com/2014/0...
*This book was given to me for a fair and honest review*
I have to be honest and say that I waited a couple of days after finishing Only The Good Die Young to write the review. I really wanted to ponder how I felt about the book as a whole. The writing was strong and the characters were very real in their depiction.
Before I go any further I want to say that I enjoyed the book. I recommend the book without a doubt. But – here it is – Milcah bothered me. I am close friends with two breast cancer survivors. They are strong, independent women much like Milcah. They faced incredible obstacles to call themselves survivors. I felt that Milcah took too many chances with herself because she gave up too easily. She resigned herself to her fate instead of fighting. There it is. That is what held me back from loving this book instead of liking it. It may seem silly. It may seem picky. But she was 18 years old and had absolutely no fight in her. Even when her treatments began working, it was like she had to convince herself that it was ok to have the will to live. I realize that this can be attributed to her age and the fact that she is naïve, it seemed, but this left me feeling completely frustrated.
Callum was a great guy. Sometimes I thought that he should move past Milcah but he loved her so he only saw the best in her. It was nice to see him stick by her even when she pushed him away.
I applaud K.K. Hendin for taking on such hard subject matter. It is hard to come to terms with a young person (fictional or real)fighting this terrible disease and I think she did a wonderful job tackling something that could not have been easy.
This book does not have a cliffhanger. You will not use a box of tissues but you will need a couple. Maybe some chocolate to munch on when the angsty parts happen. All in all, a good read worth your time!
Review originally published on Books Books Books Blog http://booksbooksbooksblog.com/2014/0...
March 18, 2014
What an emotional journey this book was. Milcah is ready to die. She has accepted her diagnosis. She has breast cancer. She has had both of her breasts removed and she is only 18.
I’ve had a couple of lumps that were scary, one requiring a visit to an oncologist when I was 38. I can’t even imagine going through that at 18. I think KK Hendin did an absolutely amazing job writing Milcah’s emotions. The anger she felt, the moments when she exploded, I think those were so real. The sadness, the fear, the loss, it was all there.
Callum was an amazing character. I loved the little journeys he took her on and the reasons behind those trips. I loved his attitude towards Milcah. I just loved that he made her forget that she was dying while she was with him.
There were times in this book that my eyes teared up from the emotions that Milcah and Callum were feeling. At the end I was holding my breath and hoping. Then I was laughing.
I loved Only The Good Die Young. I think it was an amazing book that showed how people feel when they have cancer, the range of emotions that they run. I thank you so much for my copy of Only The Good Die Young! I honestly think I was blessed to read it. I think the next time I meet someone who has cancer it is going to open my eyes a bit more. It’s not that I was understanding before, it’s that I didn’t know. I don’t want to give anything away that isn’t in the blurb, you’ll know what I mean when you read it. There is just things I never thought about that Milcah has really strong feelings about, and I get it. I can see it being this way not just for a fictional character but also for people who are going through cancer right now.
I’m going to say it again, beautifully written powerful book.
I’ve had a couple of lumps that were scary, one requiring a visit to an oncologist when I was 38. I can’t even imagine going through that at 18. I think KK Hendin did an absolutely amazing job writing Milcah’s emotions. The anger she felt, the moments when she exploded, I think those were so real. The sadness, the fear, the loss, it was all there.
Callum was an amazing character. I loved the little journeys he took her on and the reasons behind those trips. I loved his attitude towards Milcah. I just loved that he made her forget that she was dying while she was with him.
There were times in this book that my eyes teared up from the emotions that Milcah and Callum were feeling. At the end I was holding my breath and hoping. Then I was laughing.
I loved Only The Good Die Young. I think it was an amazing book that showed how people feel when they have cancer, the range of emotions that they run. I thank you so much for my copy of Only The Good Die Young! I honestly think I was blessed to read it. I think the next time I meet someone who has cancer it is going to open my eyes a bit more. It’s not that I was understanding before, it’s that I didn’t know. I don’t want to give anything away that isn’t in the blurb, you’ll know what I mean when you read it. There is just things I never thought about that Milcah has really strong feelings about, and I get it. I can see it being this way not just for a fictional character but also for people who are going through cancer right now.
I’m going to say it again, beautifully written powerful book.
August 14, 2017
HOLY FREAKIN WOW!! I don't even know where to begin. I absolutely LOVED this book so much. Micah is this funny, beautiful, says, sarcastic and sometimes morbid young woman who has gone to Hell and back from the age of 17. Two years of her life have been spent thinking she could die at any moment. Chance is a devastating disease in itself but the side effects are more than anyone should ever have to endure. Callum is this gorgeous, sexy, kind, considerate, caring and very talented man who looks beyond the disease that's taken over Milcah's body. She was diagnosed with third degree breast cancer and at the age of nineteen had to have a mastectomy of both breast, not to mention all the other side effects that come with chemotherapy. When Callum first meets Milcah he instantly thinks she's beautiful and wants to get to know he better. When he finds out she lives in the same building as him happens to be the same day she had her head shaved and when he sees her the chemistry between them is off the charts amazing. Micah has been extremely attracted to Callum from the beginning and for some reason she is feeling even more horny than usual. Lol. I laugh and I cried so hard my heart literally ached. At times I was so angry I was yelling at my Nook and I loved every minute of it. I didn't want this story to end. I extremely enjoy a book that makes me feel such a plethora of emotions and this book most definitely does that. I have to warn you, you had better have alot of tissues handy. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
March 21, 2014
If you are looking for a very real and very emotional book dealing with cancer, you have found it. Only The Good Die Young, centers around Milcah, whom finds out she has breast cancer at the young age of 18 and told she will not make it to see 19. Milcah decided she does not want anyone around her as she deals with her cancer. She is all alone in the world anyways, she doesn't have parents, and has alienated everyone else out of her life. I cant not imagine being all alone when going throughout cancer. My heart bike while reading this book. Milcah was in and out of the hospital, and no one came to visit her.
In the course of the book, Milcah endures chemo, her breasts removed, sickness and hospital stays. She does all these things alone. It is very emotional. Through it all she wear a tough exterior. She pretends nothing bothers her, but in reality, it does.
Milcah meets Callum whom lives in her building. There is instant attraction, but Milcah fights it off. Not wanting to let him in, knowing she is going to die. Callum is willing to take friendship and makes his way into what little time Milcha lets him have in her life. For most of the book Callum is in the dark to the fact Milcah's cancer.
This is more a story about dealing with cancer, than romance. It is still a touching story.
In the course of the book, Milcah endures chemo, her breasts removed, sickness and hospital stays. She does all these things alone. It is very emotional. Through it all she wear a tough exterior. She pretends nothing bothers her, but in reality, it does.
Milcah meets Callum whom lives in her building. There is instant attraction, but Milcah fights it off. Not wanting to let him in, knowing she is going to die. Callum is willing to take friendship and makes his way into what little time Milcha lets him have in her life. For most of the book Callum is in the dark to the fact Milcah's cancer.
This is more a story about dealing with cancer, than romance. It is still a touching story.
November 3, 2014
When I started this novel, it almost unsettled me, but at the same time, I couldn't put it down. There’s something about the writing style that is so raw and in your face. It’s almost a bit ragged, which makes it sound like my favorite pair of worn, frayed jeans instead of a story, but that’s the best word I can come up with to try to describe how I felt about it when I started reading.
Milcah has a lot of harsh edges and makes a lot of mistakes, but she’s definitely lovable (even when you want to grab her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her). I’m often partial to characters who lean towards the dark side, put up walls, and have to battle a lot of inner-demons, so I definitely adored her.
And Callum is so freaking amazing. He’s positively delicious. Yu-um. I wanted to lick my Kindle. To be honest, I almost hoped he would leave Milcah for me. Just kidding! Kind of. . . ;)
On a more serious note, I had a friend who died young of breast cancer and also some family members who battled the disease with varying degrees of success, so I appreciated Milcah’s raw and less than traditional reactions to the disease and process. I’m glad she never acts like a poster child for breast cancer awareness. She handles her cancer in a very messy way that is rarely pretty, and occasionally misguided, but always feels honest.
Milcah has a lot of harsh edges and makes a lot of mistakes, but she’s definitely lovable (even when you want to grab her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her). I’m often partial to characters who lean towards the dark side, put up walls, and have to battle a lot of inner-demons, so I definitely adored her.
And Callum is so freaking amazing. He’s positively delicious. Yu-um. I wanted to lick my Kindle. To be honest, I almost hoped he would leave Milcah for me. Just kidding! Kind of. . . ;)
On a more serious note, I had a friend who died young of breast cancer and also some family members who battled the disease with varying degrees of success, so I appreciated Milcah’s raw and less than traditional reactions to the disease and process. I’m glad she never acts like a poster child for breast cancer awareness. She handles her cancer in a very messy way that is rarely pretty, and occasionally misguided, but always feels honest.
March 20, 2014
I've been thinking about this book since I finished it three days ago. I didn't want to rush to review it because I have a lot of thoughts about it. A friend, knowing how I feel about swoony YA/NA romances, recommended this about a month before it was published. I was SO MAD at her for recommending a book I couldn't immediately read. Instant gratification, yo!
I wanted desperately to love it. I think in the beginning I did. But as the story progressed I just got more and more disenchanted with the story.
I'd still recommend the book, but I enjoyed reading it as a whole. Maybe I'll do a reread in a year and I'll feel differently.
I wanted desperately to love it. I think in the beginning I did. But as the story progressed I just got more and more disenchanted with the story.
I'd still recommend the book, but I enjoyed reading it as a whole. Maybe I'll do a reread in a year and I'll feel differently.
February 28, 2014
Cover -4/5
Storyline – 5/5
Characters – Milcah – I think she has to be one of the toughest female characters I have read in a long time, she is strong yet broken and who can blame her with what she is going through.
Callum – I LOVED him, gosh what a sweetie and he takes no crap
Romance- Sweet and Romantic
Heat Factor- This book is YA/NA so there isn’t much heat
Drama- Oh yes, and my heart broke. This story is a reality for a lot of young women so it was very moving.
Laughs- I had a laugh at Milcah’s antics
Tears- Oh yes there was tears on a number of occasions
Suspense- A little bit of suspense when something happens and you are holding your breath just waiting to see how it will turn out.
I LOVED this story, this girl is hurting and alone, but she is alone by her own doing (that’s all I will say)
I laughed and cried all throughout this book, I could feel this girl’s pain and it was hurting me while I was reading it, just imagining someone having to go through this at a young age, it is bad enough at any age but at 19 it would be crushing.
This book is REAL! It is raw is it honest and it hurts.
I look forward to reading more of this authors work
Book Addict Mumma Highly Recommended
5 Stars!
Storyline – 5/5
Characters – Milcah – I think she has to be one of the toughest female characters I have read in a long time, she is strong yet broken and who can blame her with what she is going through.
Callum – I LOVED him, gosh what a sweetie and he takes no crap
Romance- Sweet and Romantic
Heat Factor- This book is YA/NA so there isn’t much heat
Drama- Oh yes, and my heart broke. This story is a reality for a lot of young women so it was very moving.
Laughs- I had a laugh at Milcah’s antics
Tears- Oh yes there was tears on a number of occasions
Suspense- A little bit of suspense when something happens and you are holding your breath just waiting to see how it will turn out.
I LOVED this story, this girl is hurting and alone, but she is alone by her own doing (that’s all I will say)
I laughed and cried all throughout this book, I could feel this girl’s pain and it was hurting me while I was reading it, just imagining someone having to go through this at a young age, it is bad enough at any age but at 19 it would be crushing.
This book is REAL! It is raw is it honest and it hurts.
I look forward to reading more of this authors work
Book Addict Mumma Highly Recommended
5 Stars!
March 28, 2014
3.5 Stars
This was a tough one to read. A book with the main character suffering from cancer is never easy, but eighteen year old Milcah is one that your heart breaks for and you want to throttle at the same time.
Milcah is a sharp-tongued girl who protects herself by being sarcastic and argumentative. Behind the exterior is a girl who's doing whatever she can to thumb her nose at cancer and prove that she's stronger than the illness that has robbed her of so much. Some might see her as being a bit reckless, but (in my opinion) it was Milcah's way to gaining control over her life which had most definitely spiraled out of her control and into the hands of the doctors and hospital.
Callum was a a character that I loved. Even though he didn't fully understand exactly what was going on with Milcah, he did open up things for her to start learning to live her life...no matter how long she's here. Despite herself, Callum gives her something to live for.
This really is a tough read, but it's also special. Cancer is ugly and it doesn't discriminate, but Milcah is a character who's "screw you" message to cancer and anyone who stands in her way hopes get through loud and clear.
This was a tough one to read. A book with the main character suffering from cancer is never easy, but eighteen year old Milcah is one that your heart breaks for and you want to throttle at the same time.
Milcah is a sharp-tongued girl who protects herself by being sarcastic and argumentative. Behind the exterior is a girl who's doing whatever she can to thumb her nose at cancer and prove that she's stronger than the illness that has robbed her of so much. Some might see her as being a bit reckless, but (in my opinion) it was Milcah's way to gaining control over her life which had most definitely spiraled out of her control and into the hands of the doctors and hospital.
Callum was a a character that I loved. Even though he didn't fully understand exactly what was going on with Milcah, he did open up things for her to start learning to live her life...no matter how long she's here. Despite herself, Callum gives her something to live for.
This really is a tough read, but it's also special. Cancer is ugly and it doesn't discriminate, but Milcah is a character who's "screw you" message to cancer and anyone who stands in her way hopes get through loud and clear.
March 15, 2014
I don’t usually read a whole lot of contemporary romance, but it didn’t matter, because Only The Good Die Young kept my interest from first page to last.
Basically, this book was adorable.
Milcah’s voice is fantastic. It’s absolutely perfect for NA—full of snark that made me snicker on more than one occasion, and yet completely honest and real. Her thoughts and attitudes aren’t always pretty, and she isn’t even always a perfectly likable character (in fact, she was kind of infuriating several times), but I honestly didn’t mind because her worldview was so interesting and her voice made everything super fun to read.
Then there’s Callum.
Callum has jumped onto my list of favorite book boyfriends. He’s sexy as hell (I mean, hello gorgeous tattoo artist), and also adorable, and also thoughtful and basically I loved him from the start and didn’t stop loving him ever.
Overall, Only The Good Die Young is a fantastic example of NA fiction and one that I’ll be recommending basically forever to anyone curious about the category. So go read it.
Basically, this book was adorable.
Milcah’s voice is fantastic. It’s absolutely perfect for NA—full of snark that made me snicker on more than one occasion, and yet completely honest and real. Her thoughts and attitudes aren’t always pretty, and she isn’t even always a perfectly likable character (in fact, she was kind of infuriating several times), but I honestly didn’t mind because her worldview was so interesting and her voice made everything super fun to read.
Then there’s Callum.
Callum has jumped onto my list of favorite book boyfriends. He’s sexy as hell (I mean, hello gorgeous tattoo artist), and also adorable, and also thoughtful and basically I loved him from the start and didn’t stop loving him ever.
Overall, Only The Good Die Young is a fantastic example of NA fiction and one that I’ll be recommending basically forever to anyone curious about the category. So go read it.
March 12, 2014
Wow. There are no words to describe this book. That is how good it is. I completely love it. It made me feel what few books only can. This books its extraordinary. It made me sad, happy, angry. There were so many emotions that I didn't know what to feel. Milcah its such an strong character. And stubborn, but a good kind of way. She wants to protect the people she love by keeping to herself, but she doesn't realize that she is hurting them more. I was a waterwork while reading this book. I was so emotional because no body should go through that alone. I can't even imagine how i would feel if i had cancer, much less if somebody I care about had it. Something I didnt like was the ending. It felt incomplete. I wanted to know more about her family and how they reacted to all those action she took without giving them a choice. Overall it was a fantastic book and I consider it one of my favorites. It a must read.
April 19, 2014
Exquisite and truly touching journey that will leave you speechless and you will have a hard time finding words to describe it.
Only The Good Die Young involves some very heavy and emotional topics but at the same time it was a beautiful.
Micah is very interesting character. She is realistic and honest.
Callum is a sweetheart. Sexy and very positive and determined.
KK wrote this story in such a way that she pulled at your emotions. My heart strings were tugged a lot of times.
I have a bit of a problem with the ending. For me it was incomplete and the story ending suddenly. I really wish that there was more.
Overall a raw and very beautiful story.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review<<<
Only The Good Die Young involves some very heavy and emotional topics but at the same time it was a beautiful.
Micah is very interesting character. She is realistic and honest.
Callum is a sweetheart. Sexy and very positive and determined.
KK wrote this story in such a way that she pulled at your emotions. My heart strings were tugged a lot of times.
I have a bit of a problem with the ending. For me it was incomplete and the story ending suddenly. I really wish that there was more.
Overall a raw and very beautiful story.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review<<<
March 14, 2014
This was a easy read I knocked out in a night.
I thought that Hendin portrayed the reality of her main character's situation very authentically. Despite what other reviewers have said, though, I didn't find this depressing but instead refreshing. While Milcah spends much time thinking about her disease, and how terrible her life has been, I wouldn't expect anything less from someone who has gone through as much as she has.
It was nice to see a New Adult that wasn't just all about the heat factor, but instead the realities of being a young woman---and a young woman with a disease that has affected her life so completely.
I thought that Hendin portrayed the reality of her main character's situation very authentically. Despite what other reviewers have said, though, I didn't find this depressing but instead refreshing. While Milcah spends much time thinking about her disease, and how terrible her life has been, I wouldn't expect anything less from someone who has gone through as much as she has.
It was nice to see a New Adult that wasn't just all about the heat factor, but instead the realities of being a young woman---and a young woman with a disease that has affected her life so completely.
March 19, 2014
LOVED this one! Not at all what I was expecting yet then again it kind of was. Still... it was great! Now I need to get a copy for my shelves... preferably signed :D I want more Milcah and Callum!!! Full review to post on my blog - A Life Bound By Books for the blog tour. Check it out for more info.
February 23, 2014
This book is gorgeous and angry and brutally real. And I loved every second of it. Highly recommend.
October 25, 2014
3.5 stars
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