Book Summary
“Five Feet Apart” (2018) is a heartbreaking yet uplifting novel that explores the harsh realities of living with a chronic illness and the desperate longing for human connection. The story follows two teenagers, Stella Grant and Will Newman, who are both living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Stella is a control freak who meticulously follows her treatment plan, eager to live long enough for a lung transplant. On the other hand, Will, tired of countless hospitalizations, has adopted a rebellious attitude towards his treatment, waiting for his 18th birthday when he can stop the tedious medical routine. Their worlds collide in the hospital, and despite the rule that CF patients must stay six feet apart to reduce the risk of cross-infection, Stella and Will can’t help being drawn to each other. They negotiate to ‘steal’ one foot back, staying five feet apart instead of six. The story takes us on a journey of their forbidden love affair, where a single touch could be a death sentence, yet they find ways to express their feelings, often leading to intense and emotional scenarios.
Author Intro
Rachael Lippincott
Rachael Lippincott is an American author who earned recognition and acclaim with her debut novel, “Five Feet Apart.” She was born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Lippincott always had a love for storytelling and graduated with a degree in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. Her writing is filled with emotion, and she has a knack for creating characters and plots that resonate with a young adult audience. Lippincott’s work primarily dwells in the realm of contemporary and realistic fiction, with narratives often revolving around intense emotions, complex relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Book Reviews
Rachael Lippincott’s “Five Feet Apart” is an unforgettable tale of love, loss, and the intense desire for human connection. The narrative is raw and heart-wrenching, exploring the tragic reality of two young individuals bound by an illness that forbids them the one thing they crave most: touch. Lippincott handles the subject matter with sensitivity and respect, creating an authentic portrayal of life with cystic fibrosis. The depth of emotion in this book is immense, and readers will find themselves rooting for Stella and Will till the very end.
Rachael Lippincott’s “Five Feet Apart” is an unforgettable tale of love, loss, and the intense desire for human connection. The narrative is raw and heart-wrenching, exploring the tragic reality of two young individuals bound by an illness that forbids them the one thing they crave most: touch. Lippincott handles the subject matter with sensitivity and respect, creating an authentic portrayal of life with cystic fibrosis. The depth of emotion in this book is immense, and readers will find themselves rooting for Stella and Will till the very end.
“Five Feet Apart” is a touching exploration of love under extreme constraints. Lippincott masterfully brings to life the harsh reality of cystic fibrosis while illustrating a bittersweet love story. The alternating perspectives offer insight into the protagonists’ thoughts and emotions, making the narrative immersive and the characters relatable. It’s a beautifully woven tale that captivates with its mix of hope, despair, love, and sacrifice.
Rachael Lippincott’s debut novel, “Five Feet Apart,” is a gut-wrenching story of survival and forbidden love. Through Stella and Will, Lippincott gives us a glimpse into the life of those battling cystic fibrosis, their daily struggles, and the toll it takes on them and their loved ones. The book is heavy with emotion but also filled with moments of joy, love, and hope. It’s a reminder of the power of human connection and the lengths we go to preserve it.
