That rare, rare thing, a first novel with a sustained, magical and utterly faultless voice. After five pages, I knew she could persuade me to believe anything.”
— Mark Haddon
Daring, wise, and sensitive.”
— People magazine
Powerful and engaging …a likely future classic.”
— The Observer (UK)
A crunchily perfect knock-out of a debut novel.”
— The Guardian (UK)
Awards
- Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2004
- Branford Boase Award 2005
- Michael L. Printz Award 2005
- Der Luchs des Jahres Book Prize 2005
- Julia Ward Howe Prize (Boston Authors Club) 2005
I read How I Live Now when I was fifteen, and in the last four years I’ve done a lot of growing up that I didn’t expect at all, but even through that, it is still one of my favorite book. The first time I read it, I couldn’t put it down; and when I finished, it was all I could think about. I was consumed by the characters and the plot for about a week after I read it. I had such an intense cluster of emotions ranging from happiness to utter depression. I have never felt that way about any other book. Thank you, you are addicting.
I read this book a few weeks ago and I really liked it although I didn’t understand everything. My english is not that good. But I look forward to read your other books.
Thank you, Corinna. xxx
I absolutely loved this book.
Is there a sequel?
Hi Meg,
I am a Library Tech in a public Secondary College in Victoria, Australia. When searching our shelves for some school holiday (Winter) reading I picked up How I Live Now and Just In Case. Really loved both of these books and will definitely be recommending them to my students in Term 3. Also looking forward to reading What I Was & Brides Farewell. It’s exciting to pick up a book and not want to put it down until you turn the last page!! Thank you for giving us all some really unforgettable stories. All the best.
Thanks, Shelley. Really glad you liked them. x
I love this book
its well amazin
Thanks Shaney.
this book is da bom
im reading your books for an english project and i think your books are great they are very witty and humerous i would love to become a writer of your standerd some day i wonder if you have any tips for me xxxx
Hi Meg!
How I Live Now is the first of your books that I have read and I absolutly loved it! I don’t know whether it was meant to but it brought a tear to my eye! The story really touched me! I shall be moving on to read What I Was next and then Bride’s Farewell and Just In Case, I can’t wait!
Keep up the great work!
Lily xx
I absolutely love this book. I read it my sophmore year right before a huge ice storm had my family trapped i the house for a week with no power or water. Totally set me off on a survival kick. I love this book. I love everything by you, but this is my favorite. Keep up the great work.
Hi Meg,
I loved How I live now – its really stayed with me. I am a student teacher and wondering about what age group you’d see this for. My sense is that kids age 11 up could manage the language, but what do you think? Have you used it with schools and if so what kinds of activities have they done around it? what age group with? Re the sexual content, i don’t think its too graphic, so I don’t have a problem with that aspect. But wonder if the themes are too adult for 11, 12, 13 year olds….
I’m looking forward to reading your other books, and think that the film will be great – a very cinematic novel. I worry sometimes that good film adaptions mean less people read the book, which would be a shame. How ever will they get round Edmund chain-smoking on camera with health and safety and anti-smoking laws??
Thanks
R
Hi Rachael
Not sure how the film will get around the smoking, or if they’ll keep it in. It doesn’t make or break the book, so I can’t see it being a huge problem. As for age….depends where you are and what the kids are like. In the UK I recommend it to really good (generally female) readers at 11 (not younger), but generally I think 12-13 is a better age. Kind of depends on the maturity of the kids. There’s not that much real complexity, unlike What I Was, which is very tricky for lots of early teens. Try it and see.
Glad you liked it, in any case!
xMeg
Thanks Me,g for such a quick reply! It’s good to know what you’ve found works. I was thinking of 13 year olds so sounds like that would be ok. I certainly will try some of your other books, thanks.
Rachael x
I watched your youtube video on how you networked when you were trying to find a publisher so I decided not to be shy either. I want to play Daisy – I feel drawn to the characture. I am an actress and anti-bully advocate based out of Boston and I feel as though I could bring her to life.. I sent my information to the casting agent so fingers crossed and perhaps a bit of luck. Thanks and I apologize if I am too forward.
Meredith
No need to apologize, Meredith. I have no control over the casting, but I wish you good luck. x
Thank you so much for responding! I know it is usually up to casting agents but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the book and how strong Daisy is. She sets a good example for others.
Thanls again – feel great that you even noticed my little “forward” post
Meredith
http://www.meredithprunty.com
SAG Actress
I found this book sitting on a park bench on my way home from work one day. It had no name in it and no one was around so I decided to sit and read some of it.
How I Live Now quickly became my favourite book. I finished it in one sitting that day in the park. I decided to leave it where I found it and left a note inside saying “Thanks for the lovely read”, and headed to the book store to buy myself a copy.
Now every time I’m in a used book store I buy myself a copy and leave it somewhere public so someone else has the chance to read it.
These days I always have a copy on me.
Thank you so much for this life changing book. It brings me to tears every time.
Just beautiful.
What a fantastic story, Chantelle. Thank YOU. x meg
Hi Meg,
I’m now doing a presentation on this book for an english project at school, is there any advice or tips you could give me?
I absolutely ADORE this book, every time I have read it, it has moved me to tears
Thanks x