Optimists Die First

Susin Nielsen

Ever since tragedy struck her family, Petula has learned to see danger everywhere – whether it’s crossing the road or eating a poached egg. Petula’s determined not to let her guard down, even if this means allowing herself to be ruled by anxiety and grief, and losing her best friend.
Then Jacob walks into her therapy group. Strikingly tall and confident, he’s survived a different kind of disaster and still come out smiling. At first Petula is repelled by his optimism, yet even she can’t deny their chemistry together.
But optimism is blind – and so is love. What will happen if Petula gives in to both?

Reviews

"Hilarious, heart-warming and beautifully unexpected – a real keeper"
Lisa Williamson

"I fell for Optimists Die First like I was curled up with a familiar favourite – offbeat charm, with a bittersweet romance at its sorrowful heart."
Harriet Reuter Hapgood

"Optimists Die First will make you feel bigger in every way. Bigger in courage to face a dangerous world; bigger in feeling; bigger in love; bigger in your ability to put yourself back together after something that should break you; and yes, bigger in optimism"
Jeff Zentner

"Susin Nielsen has produced a richly comic story featuring a cast of mismatched, engaging characters"
Marilyn Brocklehurst - Guardian, The Best New Children's Books supplement

"Entertaining but also poignant"
Claire Hennessy - Irish Times

"One of the most talented teen writers working today"
BookTrust

"Grief and guilt permeate Nielsen’s empathic and deeply moving story, balanced by sharply funny narration and dialogue."
Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Nielsen writes with sensitivity, empathy, and humour"
Kirkus, starred review

"The novel’s greatest strength is its handling of the characters’ very real burdens with sympathy, wit, and not an ounce of melodrama. Nielsen excels at depicting troubled, clever teenagers"
Starred review, School Library Journal

"Optimists Die First is both funny and heartbreaking. Fans of Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor And Park will love it."
Red Magazine Online