A powerful read about school friendship and coping with a friend who has special needs. Written from Nathan's (Simon's friend) perspective, it is light hearted, sad, thought provoking and well worth reading. ( )

Nathan and Simon are best mates. They share interests in soccer, their pretty classmates, and the local paper’s idiotic headlines. But there is something they don’t share: Simon has muscular dystrophy and is confined to a wheelchair. Nathan relates their experiences together, and sometimes apart—at school, visiting Simon at home, and in the hospital. He is honest about all the good and bad points he notices about having a disability, and also about the reality of Simon’s approaching death.

This is an appealing story with realistic, everyday characters. The classroom scenes could be reproduced in any high school in the country, and the breakfast-table argument about who does what chore will be equally familiar. But there is always a shadow cast by Simon’s condition – the thing which makes this story not just another predictable teenage drama.

Although this is primarily a story about Simon, as told by Nathan, their family members are significant parts of the story, too. There are ongoing jokes about Nathan’s sister – Fiona the Moaner – and her enthusiasm for drawing. Simon’s older sister Kirsti also features in the story, with Nathan frequently commenting how good it is for his reputation to be seen talking to a school senior. Accordingly, the reader has the opportunity to identify with many different perspectives on what’s happening with Simon.

Throughout his narration, Nathan maintains a sense of humour. Mostly he shares his jokes with Simon, but the reader also gets to know what’s going on in Nathan’s head with regard to those he’s observing, and many of these observations are recorded in ways that are bound to raise a smile. This is one reason why, despite the subject matter, this is a far from depressing book.

In a sense the main subject of this novel is the end of Simon’s life. As Nathan puts it, early on in the book: “Simon’s my best friend, and sometime in the next year or two years, he’s going to die.” The story concludes on the day before the funeral. However, it would be inaccurate to say that the story is about Simon’s death: rather, it is a celebration of the friendship the two boys share, and an eye-opener regarding the prejudices and difficulties faced by young people with disabilities.

I would strongly recommend this book to all readers who are prepared to get to know characters like Simon as friends; and who can, with Nathan, say, “I’m proud I knew him, and I’ll never forget him.” ( )

Simon is a teenager who likes girls and weekends ( )

Nathan tells of his friendship with Simon, who has muscular dystrophy. During the course of the novel Simon's condition deteriorates, with periodic hospital stays. Simon is very open that he will not survive to adulthood. Nathan's mother is supportive and encourages Nathan to talk about his true feelings about Simon and Simon's fate. In the course of this discussion the feelings of grief are raised. The book ends after Simon's friends visit his body the day after his death. A realistic book, enlivened by moments of humour, usually instigated by Simon, who doesn't let his impending death interfere with his life.

Thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommend for intermediate level. Sad and funny at the same time. ( )