Thank you to the publisher who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mehreen Miah’s depression and anxiety, or ‘Chao’, as she calls it, has taken over her life, so much that she can’t bear it anymore. So, Mehreen joins MementoMori, a website that matches people with partners, a date and method of death, otherwise known as ‘the pact’. Mehreen is paired with Olivia Castleton and Cara Saunders, two complete strangers who are struggling with their own serious issues.
Trigger Warnings: Mental health, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, mentions of suicide, sexual abuse.
This book has an incredible note from the author before you even start the book and let me tell you, it made me want to read this book immediately and it also made me realise how likely it was I would relate to at least one of the characters in this book.
This is the first book I have ever read that embraced religion the way that this book does. It felt extremely real to read a book with heavy religious beliefs throughout which didn’t feel forced or fake.
There are three perspectives throughout the book, Mehreen, Cara and Olivia. All three girls stories feel like main character stories. They are all vastly different and show their own lives as leading characters, without it all being overwhelming. I love how easy it was to distinguish between the three girls perspectives, if there wasn’t name cards at the start of the different chapters, I feel as though I would still have been able to distinguish between the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed Olivia’s narration and the way this is displayed in the book.
The way this book tackles the heavier issues felt incredibly real to me. Mental health, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, mentions of suicide and sexual abuse were all dealt with realistically and they all hit me hard. This book is not very cliché and there was a sickening twist to the story.
The writing in this book is extraordinary. I already want to read more of Yasmin Rahman’s books and this is only her debut novel. The writing is beautiful, realistic and incredible. One of my favourite things about the writing comes from the three girls different point of vies. They each have a unique voice and a unique style of writing and shows the personality of each girl as an individual. It made the book feel as though each chapter is a journal entry by each girl.
I left this book feeling hopeful and I feel this is the way Yasmin wants readers to feel when finishing this book. I cannot praise this book enough at all!
This book sends an important message throughout the narrative. Embrace you mental illness, acknowledge it and most certainly do not ignore it. As well as, it is never too late, do not give up.
I will be recommending this book for years to come and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yamsin has written a beautiful debut novel that I flew through within a matter of hours. Thank you Yasmin for such an extraordinary book and I cannot wait to read more!
Loisreadsbooks 
I’ve seen a few people mention this book on Twitter and have to admit that I’m unsure. Its premise sounds very similar to a book which I read a few years ago however I think I would maybe look at it and see how I feel. Great review, it’s definitely made me curious about this book now.
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It isn’t for everyone! Thank you!
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This doesn’t sound like my kind of read but I’m glad you enjoyed it and this was a great review!
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Another one right up my street, I’m intrigued about the religious themes too since it’s not something you see every day in YA.
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I hope you enjoy it!
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This sounds a bit like My Heart and Other Black Holes which wasn’t my favourite but I’m definitely going to add this to my goodreads to read list now! Amazing review!
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I’ve heard a lot of people say it is similar but I didn’t event pick up on it and I’ve read My Hear and Other Black Holes. I personally loved this one a lot more and it stood out to me a lot more!
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This sounds like an interesting one. I’m usually not for contemporary but I’d probably read this one!
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If you pick it up I hope you enjoy it!
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I’ve been interested in picking this book up. I knew it would be a tough read but really appreciated your honesty in this review. Due to some of the content Warnings I probably won’t be picking it up, so appreciate the warnings you’ve given. 😊
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I’m glad the warnings helped!
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All The Things We Never Said sounds like a very hard read, although I think the dark humour would somewhat offset that for me.
Excellent review, I really appreciate the content warnings.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
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Thank you! I’m glad the content warnings were helpful!
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i almost sold this at work today but they opted to not buy anything ;;
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Saved yourself for YALC instead!
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It sounds very interesting – as is your review of it – much appreciate 🙂
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Thank you!
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This was a fantastic review, I am so glad you enjoyed this one.
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Thank you!
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Great review! Probably not a read for me but I loved hearing about it.
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Thank you!
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