By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead summary

Struggles and Desperation

In By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters, we are introduced to Daelyn Rice, a fifteen-year-old girl who has been bullied her entire life. The bullying has taken a toll on her mental health, and she has attempted suicide twice. The first time, she slit her wrists, and the second time, she drank a bottle of bleach. Both times, she was saved, but she is determined that her third attempt will be successful.

Daelyn has decided to join a website called 'Through-the-Light' which is a forum for people who are planning to commit suicide. She is counting down the days until she will swallow a lethal dose of pills. She is determined to die, and she is documenting her journey on the website, sharing her thoughts and feelings with the other members.

Unexpected Friendship

Despite her determination to end her life, Daelyn forms an unexpected friendship with a boy named Santana. Santana is a disabled boy who is unable to speak and uses a computer to communicate. He is the only person who has tried to befriend Daelyn since she moved to a new town. Initially, Daelyn is resistant to Santana's attempts at friendship, but she eventually warms up to him.

As their friendship grows, Santana becomes aware of Daelyn's plan to commit suicide. He tries to dissuade her, but Daelyn is resolute. She believes that her life is not worth living, and she is determined to end it. Despite Santana's efforts, Daelyn remains committed to her plan.

Uncovering the Pain

As the story progresses, we learn more about Daelyn's past. Her father was abusive, and her mother was unable to protect her. Daelyn was also bullied at school, and the teachers did nothing to stop it. She feels completely alone and sees no hope for the future. Her experiences have left her feeling worthless and unlovable.

Despite Santana's efforts to help her, Daelyn remains determined to end her life. She has already chosen the day and the method. She is counting down the days until she will swallow the pills that will end her life. She is convinced that this is the only way to escape her pain.

A Glimmer of Hope

As the day of her planned suicide approaches, Daelyn begins to have second thoughts. She realizes that Santana cares about her and that she doesn't want to hurt him. She also starts to question whether death is really the answer. She begins to see a glimmer of hope for the future.

On the day of her planned suicide, Daelyn is faced with a choice. She can either go through with her plan or choose to live. In the end, she decides to live. She realizes that she is not alone and that there are people who care about her. She also understands that her life is worth living, despite the pain she has experienced.

Recovery and New Beginnings

In the final chapters of the book, we see Daelyn starting to recover. She begins therapy and starts to open up about her past. She also starts to make new friends and rebuild her life. She realizes that she has the strength to overcome her pain and that she is not defined by her past.

In conclusion, By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead is a powerful and emotional story about a girl's struggle with suicide. It highlights the devastating impact of bullying and the importance of reaching out for help. Daelyn's journey is a reminder that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.