Book Review – Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott

Five Feet Apart: A Heartfelt Dive into Teen Romance and Resilience

A Heartfelt Teen Romance

If you’re a fan of tear-jerking love stories, “Five Feet Apart” by Rachael Lippincott will hit you right in the feels. Picture this: Stella Grant is a control freak with a to-do list for everything, including her Cystic Fibrosis (CF) treatments. Enter Will Newman, the rebellious guy who sees rules as mere suggestions, and you’ve got a recipe for a love story that’s as sweet as it is tragic.

Stella and Will’s chemistry is off the charts, but there’s one tiny, life-threatening problem – they can’t get within six feet of each other without risking their lives. Yup, talk about social distancing before it was cool. Their interactions are filled with a mix of longing and frustration, making you root for them even harder. The alternating perspectives between Stella and Will give you a deep dive into their minds, making their love story feel all the more real and raw.

The book doesn’t just throw a love story at you; it goes deep into the emotional rollercoaster that is living with CF. It’s not just about romance; it’s about two teens trying to find a reason to keep fighting, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Alright, let’s break it down. CF isn’t just a backdrop in this novel – it’s practically a character. Lippincott does an incredible job of portraying the daily struggles and harsh realities of life with CF. Stella’s regimented routine versus Will’s more laid-back approach highlights the different ways people cope with chronic illness.

We also get to meet Poe, Stella’s best friend, who brings another layer to the story with his own battle against CF. The dynamic between these three characters paints a vivid picture of the CF community and the importance of support systems. It’s a crash course in empathy, making you appreciate the resilience of those living with this condition.

The whole six-feet-apart rule is a constant, heart-wrenching reminder of the fragility of their situation. It’s like watching a beautifully choreographed dance where the dancers can never touch – poignant, frustrating, and incredibly moving. This rule adds a unique twist to the typical YA romance, making every moment between Stella and Will charged with emotion.

Emotional Impact and Reception

“Five Feet Apart” doesn’t pull any punches. This book will bring you to tears, so if you’re a fan of emotional reads, you’re in for a treat. Lippincott’s writing is filled with heartfelt moments that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.

Many readers draw parallels between this book and John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars,” and while there are similarities, “Five Feet Apart” stands on its own. The alternating narratives give us deep insights into both Stella and Will, making their journey all the more compelling. The book has garnered praise for its authentic portrayal of illness and the genuine connection between its protagonists.

The movie adaptation, featuring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson, brought this touching story to the big screen, broadening its reach. While some fans prefer the book for its detailed internal dialogues, the film has also received positive feedback for staying true to the essence of the story. Whether you read the book or watch the movie, you’re in for an emotional ride.

Final Thoughts

“Five Feet Apart” is a great love story. Lippincott has crafted a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, making it a must-read for fans of YA fiction and romance. It’s a story that stays with you, long after you’ve turned the last page, reminding you of the resilience and hope that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances.

So, if you’re looking for a book that will make you feel all the feels, “Five Feet Apart” should be at the top of your list. It’s a beautifully written story about love, loss, and the lengths we go to for those we care about. Dive into this emotional journey, and don’t forget to keep those tissues handy!