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by Robin Sharma
Five Feet Apart summary
Brief summary
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott is a heart-wrenching young adult novel that tells the story of two teenagers with cystic fibrosis who fall in love but must maintain a distance of five feet to avoid risking their lives.
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Five Feet Apart
Summary of key ideas
The Beginning of an Unlikely Connection
In Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott, we are introduced to Stella Grant, a seventeen-year-old cystic fibrosis patient who is meticulous about her treatment regimen and maintaining a safe distance from others to avoid cross-infections. When she meets another patient, Will Newman, who also has cystic fibrosis, she is immediately drawn to his carefree attitude and artistic spirit. However, their connection is complicated by the need to remain at least six feet apart to prevent cross-infection.
Despite their initial animosity, Stella and Will begin to develop a close friendship. They create a set of rules to keep themselves safe, such as never touching each other and always maintaining a six-foot distance. However, as they spend more time together, they start to question the strict boundaries they've set for themselves, and Stella even begins to bend the rules, allowing them to be five feet apart instead of six.
Challenges and Emotional Turmoil
As their relationship deepens, Stella and Will face numerous challenges. Stella's health takes a turn for the worse, and she is put on the waiting list for a lung transplant. Will, on the other hand, has opted out of his clinical trial and has a more pessimistic outlook on his future. Their differing attitudes towards their illness and its potential outcomes create emotional turmoil and tension between them.
Despite the difficulties, Stella and Will find solace in each other's company. They share intimate moments, explore their feelings, and learn to live in the present rather than constantly worrying about the future. Their connection becomes a source of strength, helping them navigate the uncertainties of their health conditions.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
As the story progresses, Stella's health deteriorates further, and she is informed that she has to undergo the lung transplant surgery immediately. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the surgery is delayed, and Stella's condition worsens. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Stella's sister, Abby, who has been a constant pillar of support throughout, offers to donate her lung to save Stella's life.
Despite initial resistance from Stella, who is unwilling to put her sister at risk, Abby insists on going through with the donation. In the end, Abby's sacrifice gives Stella a second chance at life. Meanwhile, Will comes to terms with his own mortality and decides to travel the world, embracing the time he has left.
Reflections and New Beginnings
In the aftermath of the transplant, Stella grapples with survivor's guilt and the absence of Will, who has left the hospital. She finds solace in her newfound health and the memories of her time with Will. The novel concludes with Stella starting a YouTube channel to document her recovery and raise awareness about cystic fibrosis.
Despite the physical distance, Stella and Will remain connected through the art and stories they shared during their time together. In the end, Five Feet Apart is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life-threatening illnesses.
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What is Five Feet Apart about?
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott tells the story of two teenagers with cystic fibrosis who fall in love but are forced to stay five feet apart at all times to avoid cross-infection. The book explores themes of love, friendship, and the challenges of living with a chronic illness.
Five Feet Apart Review
Five Feet Apart (2018) tells the heart-wrenching story of Stella and Will, two cystic fibrosis patients who fall in love but must maintain a safe distance to avoid cross-infection. Here's why this book is a page-turner:
- Explores the challenges and complexities of living with a chronic illness, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the characters' struggles.
- Delicately balances hope and despair, love and loss, in a poignant narrative that will tug at your heartstrings from start to finish.
- Their forbidden romance unfolds with tension and emotion, ensuring that every chapter keeps you hooked and invested in their story.
Who should read Five Feet Apart?
Teenagers and young adults dealing with chronic illness
Readers who enjoy emotional and heartwarming love stories
People interested in exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of human connection
Categories with Five Feet Apart
Book summaries like Five Feet Apart
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Five Feet Apart FAQs
What is the main message of Five Feet Apart?
The main message is about love and resilience despite challenging circumstances.
How long does it take to read Five Feet Apart?
The estimated reading time for Five Feet Apart is moderate. The Blinkist summary can be read quickly.
Is Five Feet Apart a good book? Is it worth reading?
Five Feet Apart is worth reading for its heartfelt story and emotional depth.
Who is the author of Five Feet Apart?
The author of Five Feet Apart is Rachael Lippincott.
What to read after Five Feet Apart?
If you're wondering what to read next after Five Feet Apart, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
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- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher