book report they both die at the end

They Both Die at the End

88 pages • 2 hours read

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Summary and Study Guide

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera is a young adult, science fiction novel published in 2017. Set in a dystopian alternate version of New York City in September 2017, the book follows two teenagers, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio , who both have been notified by Death-Cast that they will die by the end of the day. Death-Cast, the defining feature of Silvera’s dystopia , is a company that predicts citizens’ deaths and notifies them when they have 24 hours left to live. This study guide refers to the first paperback edition of the novel published by HarperTeen in 2018.

In the world of the novel , Death-Cast notifies citizens on the day they will die. A person’s final day alive is referred to as their End Day, and people experiencing their End Day are called “Deckers.” Society is different due to the existence of the Decker population: There are blogs that follow Deckers on their End Days, bars that serve Deckers looking to party before they die, and an app called Last Friend that matches Deckers with another person so they do not have to spend their final day alone. The book focuses on the End Day shared by two Decker teenagers, Mateo and Rufus, who meet through Last Friend.

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The novel deals with themes of mortality and the inevitability of death, the importance of friendship, and the experiences of LGBT teens of color. The novel is a New York Times bestseller, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, Kirkus Best Book of the Year, and Booklist Editors’ Choice of 2017, among other praise. 

Plot Summary

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Mateo receives the call from Death-Cast a little after midnight on September 5, 2017. At first, Mateo wants to spend the day tucked away in his bedroom, but because it is his last day alive, he pushes himself to try and make the most of his final 24 hours. He joins the app Last Friend, which pairs Deckers with other individuals—either Deckers or non-Deckers—who are looking for companionship on their End Day. Through Last Friend, Mateo meets Rufus, another Decker who got the call from Death-Cast while he was in the middle of beating up Patrick “Peck” Gavin, the current boyfriend of Rufus’ ex-girlfriend, Aimee Dubois . After the assault on Peck, Rufus is on the run from the police and cannot spend his End Day with his best friends, Tagoe Hayes and Malcolm Anthony . Mateo and Rufus make plans to meet. Mateo insists that Rufus pick him up at his apartment.

At 3:30 a.m., Rufus arrives at Mateo’s apartment. They begin their day with a visit to Mateo’s father in the hospital. After they see Mateo’s best friend, Lidia Vargas , they visit a Make-A-Moment virtual reality station to go skydiving. Finally, they visit Mateo’s mother in Evergreens Cemetery. Mateo sees that, alongside his mother’s grave, there is another grave being dug for Mateo. Mateo kneels beside his mother’s tombstone and tells her that he will be joining her soon. The more time Mateo and Rufus spend together, the bolder Mateo becomes and the deeper their friendship grows—there is an intense connection forming between them. Before leaving the cemetery, Mateo and Rufus chat about the afterlife while sitting inside Mateo’s freshly dug grave.

At 12:22 p.m., it is about halfway through Mateo and Rufus’ End Day. Mateo wants to visit the World Travel Arena; on the way there, they stop at a pier along the Hudson River, where Rufus contemplates the deaths of his parents and sister. Mateo hops on the back of Rufus’ bike, and together they ride to a nearby park. Mateo and Rufus meet up with Lidia again at the World Travel Arena, where the group selects the virtual reality experience to tour the world in 80 minutes. They travel to Australia, Iraq, Colombia, Egypt, China, and Puerto Rico, Mateo’s family’s country of origin. Afterward, Rufus and Lidia head to Clint’s Graveyard, a club for Deckers. Rufus posts a picture from the bar. Peck, who wants revenge after Rufus assaulted him, sees the picture and heads to Clint’s Graveyard with a loaded gun.

At 5:14 p.m., Mateo and Rufus perform a karaoke version of “American Pie” by Don McLean at Clint’s Graveyard, and everyone in the audience is moved by their performance. When the song ends, Mateo works up the courage to kiss Rufus. Tagoe, Malcolm, and Aimee arrive at Clint’s Graveyard to say their final goodbyes to Rufus, when Peck and his gang shows up. Peck goes to shoot Rufus, but commotion ensues and Mateo and Rufus manage to flee the club. Mateo and Rufus retreat to Mateo’s apartment, where they lie in bed and profess their love for one another—both wish they had met each other sooner. They fall asleep on Mateo’s bed, and Mateo wakes up from the nap before Rufus to make tea. When he goes to ignite the gas burner on the stove, the apartment erupts into flames. Mateo is killed instantly, and Rufus wakes up moments later, dazed in the smoke. Rufus is devastated by Mateo’s death. After Rufus says his goodbyes to Mateo’s corpse, the novel ends with Rufus putting on headphones so he can listen to a recording of Mateo’s voice as he crosses the street without checking for cars first. 

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They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

A love story with a difference - an unforgettable tale of life, loss and making each day count

Title: They Both Die at the End

Author:  Adam Silvera

Publisher:  Quill Tree Books

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

First Publication: 2017

Language:  English

Major Characters: Mateo Torrez, Rufus Emeterio, Lidia, Delilah Gray, Andrea Donahue, Aimee Dubois

Setting Place: New York City, 2017

Theme: Mortality, Life, and Meaning; Human Connection and Social Media; Choices and Consequences; Friendship and Chosen Family

Narrator:  First Person; Third Person

Book Summary: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

Book Review: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

They Both Die at the End is the story of Mateo and Rufus, two very different guys who live in New York and then, one day at dawn, they receive the call from Death-Cast, a company that alerts people the day they’re going to die. They don’t tell you exactly when or why you’re going to die, they just tell you it’s going to happen in the next 24 hours and that you should say goodbye and put your affairs in order.

When Mateo, who’s a very shy and reserved guy, receives the call he panics and decides he’s going to make the most of his last day, but he can’t make himself go out of his apartment. That’s when he decides it’s a good idea to download the Last Friend app, that connects deckers (people who have received the call) and allows them to meet on their End Day. And that’s how he gets to know Rufus, an orphan guy who’s running from the police for having beaten the hell out of some dude, and spend his End Day with him.

“You may be born into a family, but you walk into friendships. Some you’ll discover you should put behind you. Others are worth every risk.”

What hurt me most about They Both Die at the End is that, same as Rufus and Mateo at one point, I completely forgot that they were on their End Day. I was so absorbed by their adventures and their growing friendship, that I forgot the title of the book… Which was a big mistake!!!

They Both Die at the End was not a typical bucket list for people who are about to die; but a tale of two people who are doomed and are living the best moments of their life. They are learning to trust in a stranger; and they are trying to make things right for the people they’re leaving behind and who, above all, are daring to love until the very end.

“Maybe it’s better to have gotten it right and been happy for one day instead of living a lifetime of wrongs.”

They Both Die at the End has a very peculiar tone, because it’s not all dark and depressing, but it also isn’t all bright and full of hope. The story Adam is telling us is a melancholic and bittersweet one. Death is on every page, but also is Love and Friendship and Family . There’s the inevitability of everything ending, but also the thrilling sensation of the path they’re taking until the moment comes.

How Adam Silvera makes us believe in a relationship on the very End Day is amazing, because you’d think he’s used the classical instalove… but he didn’t. I think They Both Die at the End shows us how powerful bonds can be when formed under very stressful and intense situations. What I really loved about this aspect of the book was that, apart from Death, everything was a choice: trusting, hanging out together, going certain places, becoming friends, caring for the other. Everything was a choice, Destiny had nothing to do there.

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They both die at the end, common sense media reviewers.

As riveting and heartbreaking as the title promises.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

The boys discuss serious topics such as religion/f

Try to make the most of every day, because you nev

Mateo is generous, kind, and selfless. Rufus is lo

A guy beats up another guy pretty badly (punching,

Teens discuss or think about sex and romantic rela

Regular strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "

A character's Trek bike plays a pivotal role in th

A bar allows underage "Deckers" (those who will di

Parents need to know that They Both Die at the End is the third novel from acclaimed author Adam Silvera. Like in his first book, More Happy Than Not , the setting is a contemporary New York City with one big life-changing piece of technology in place. In this case, it's the existence of Death-Cast, a…

Educational Value

The boys discuss serious topics such as religion/faith, the foster system, LGBTQ identity, and orphanhood -- also less heavy topics like cycling, playing video games, and favorite parts of New York City. Readers wil be exposed to various real and fictitious places in New York, and will learn a bit about the experience of being a Latino teen.

Positive Messages

Try to make the most of every day, because you never know when it's going to be the day you die. Seize the day, put yourself out there and take risks. Strong messages about the importance of forgiveness, redemption, and love, and how family can include close friendships; a parent can (and should) also be a child's confidant and close friend.

Positive Role Models

Mateo is generous, kind, and selfless. Rufus is loving, loyal, and protective. They both have plenty of flaws (Rufus is impulsive and Mateo too timid), but as the story continues, they bring out the best in each other.

Violence & Scariness

A guy beats up another guy pretty badly (punching, pushing, knees, etc.). The victim of the beatdown enlists friends to retaliate, but with guns. A Decker is mad he has only one day to live and decides to "take others out" with him via a suicide bombing. Deckers die via explosions, fires, car accidents, acts of violence, and several other ways.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Teens discuss or think about sex and romantic relationships. One character has zero experience and wishes he had connected with someone. Another character recently broke up with his most serious significant other and tells his friend about his first kiss. Two characters kiss and eventually make out a couple of times.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Regular strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," "douche," "d--k," "motherf----r," etc.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

A character's Trek bike plays a pivotal role in the book.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

A bar allows underage "Deckers" (those who will die that day) to drink if they choose. Deckers of various ages drink and smoke in a club.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that They Both Die at the End is the third novel from acclaimed author Adam Silvera . Like in his first book, More Happy Than Not , the setting is a contemporary New York City with one big life-changing piece of technology in place. In this case, it's the existence of Death-Cast, a company/organization that alerts everyone who is going to die in a given day in the wee hours of each new day. The "heralds" calling those who will die don't know when or how you will die, just that you will. There's regular use of strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t"), some disturbing violence (explosions, a gun wielded, a suicide bombing, and several ways people can die), and a little bit of romance (mostly limited to making out), but given the intense circumstances, it's all age-appropriate for mature eighth graders and up. Silvera once again conveys strong messages about love, loss, grief, acceptance, and joy in his work.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

• Parents say (10)
• Kids say (104)

Based on 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Adam Silvera's third novel, THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END, takes place in an alternate contemporary universe that's basically the same except for one life-altering technological advancement: A company called Death-Cast mysteriously knows everyone who's going to die in any given day (but not how or when) and alerts each of those people somewhere between midnight and 3 a.m. Introverted New York teen Mateo Torrez receives his Death-Cast call (there's even a special ring so you know it's them) at 12:22 a.m. on September 5, 2017. It's horrifying timing, because 18-year-old Mateo's father (his mom died in childbirth) is in a coma, which means other than Mateo's best friend, single mom Lidia, there's really no one to say goodbye to or support him on his final day on Earth. In another part of New York, 17-year-old foster kid Rufus Emeterio initially misses his Death-Cast call, because he was too busy beating up his ex-girlfriend's jerk of a new boyfriend. Rufus eventually gets the call, and just wants to spend it with his foster parents and siblings (his parents and sister died in a car crash a few months earlier). The two "Deckers" (what everyone who's been alerted is colloquially called) end up meeting via an app called "Last Friend," which matches up people to spend their final day together. Mateo and Rufus help each other make their last day a memorable one.

Is It Any Good?

The title might tell readers what to expect, but there's a heartbreaking, heartwarming journey before the emotional end that will inspire teens to live bigger and better. Adam Silvera is one of YA's most interesting writers, because he doesn't shy away from death, grief, or loss. Like his other books, this one involves LGBTQ New York City teens, and as in his debut, there's a technological feature that changes the way people live. The premise isn't entirely new, but the way he implements it is, because Mateo and Rufus don't spend the precious time they have in their final day trying to find a desperate way around it. As Mateo makes clear early on, even a former president who hid himself in a secret shelter ended up assassinated by the Secret Service. No one can get around death once Death-Cast calls. The title isn't a spoiler, because it's not the point of the book.

Instead, Silvera's characters benefit from some of the perks of being on Death-Cast's list, like discounts and special Decker-only activities. They do small, quiet things (visit Mateo's dad in the hospital, his mom in the cemetery), as well as take virtual-reality trips around the world, and sing karaoke. The story doesn't feel like a race against time, and in fact unfolds at a slow, thoughtful pace, with the exception of a few sequences, like when bicyclist Rufus is running (well, riding) from the police or when he and Mateo are surviving (against the odds) a couple of deadly situations. In some ways, the book is reminiscent of The Sun Is Also a Star , because it's about one powerful day in which two teens change each other's lives -- and also because Silvera offers several short chapters from other characters' perspectives, always starting with whether Death-Cast has or has not called that person. This isn't a book that's going to work for readers who demand a happily ever after, but it's such a thought-provoking and sweet read nonetheless.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about what characters they believe are role models in They Both Die in the End . What character strengths do they display?

Discuss how the book depicts diversity. How are Mateo and Rufus unlike the majority of young adult protagonists? Do you have to share background, identity, and race/ethnicity with characters to care about them? Why is it important to read about people like and unlike yourself?

Talk about the role of sex and sexuality in this story and in YA literature in general. Is reading about sex different from watching depictions of it on TV or in movies?

Book Details

• Author : Adam Silvera
• Genre : Contemporary Fiction
• Topics : Friendship , Great Boy Role Models
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : HarperTeen
• Publication date : September 5, 2017
• Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
• Number of pages : 368
• Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
• Last updated : September 26, 2017

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Review: They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

They Both Die at the End Adam Sivera Quill Tree Books Published September 5, 2017

Amazon | bookshop | goodreads, about they both die at the end.

Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

My Review of They Both Die at the End

Okay, so I read this book mostly as a result of my daughter complaining that she wanted to read a book where people fall in love and then they both die at the end. So I was like, I think I know the right book for this! Ha.

I love that Mateo and Rufus have such different voices. And I love the rituals between Rufus and his friends, the Plutos. I love the way he challenges Mateo to come out of the safe careful cave he has lived in, and how Mateo challenges Rufus to stop hiding from his emotions.

In the story, you get a call the day you die, letting you know it’s coming. There’s nothing you can do to stop it, and you have no idea how or when during that day it’s going to happen. It’s an interesting paradox because knowing you’re going to die changes what you do that day, but you were already going to die before you decided to make those changes.

And it’s not only Rufus and Mateo getting those calls, it’s everyone. So all around them are people who’ve gotten the call or who are living in fear of it or living wilder because they haven’t gotten it. There are whole businesses that exist for people who are living their last day, which is kind of weird to think about, but would definitely happen if we knew what day everyone was going to die.

I love the two-people-thrown-into-a-situation-together-ness of this book, and I love how knowing each other changes both Rufus and Mateo. I like that they don’t meet each other looking for love, but find it unexpectedly.

It’s very weird to read a book knowing someone will die at the end. It’s kind of like accepting that something is going to hurt you but doing it anyway, knowing that along the way, that same thing is going to make you laugh, make you think about things in a way you hadn’t thought before. I guess all that to say that I was afraid this book was going to be too sad for me, and it’s definitely sad. But it’s also so full of hope and value and love. And I’m so glad I got to read it for those things, too.

If you liked AWAY WE GO by Emil Ostrovski , definitely check out THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END.

Content Notes for They Both Die at the End

Recommended for Ages  14 up.

Representation One character is bisexual and another is gay.

Profanity/Crude Language Content Extreme profanity used mainly by Rufus.

Romance/Sexual Content Kissing between two boys. At one point they fall asleep together.

Spiritual Content Rufus and Mateo discuss what they think happens after death, whether there’s an afterlife. Neither believe very deeply in any sort of religion. One character believes in reincarnation.

Violent Content At the beginning of the story, Rufus is beating up another boy. Later, a character brings a bomb to a gym and sets it off, killing himself and others nearby. A girl stands on top of a building, contemplating killing herself. A car accident kills another person. Someone points a gun at a member of a crowd. A fire kills someone.

Drug Content None.

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They both die at the end, by adam silvera, recommendations from our site.

Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End is a heartfelt, New York Times- bestselling YA novel that focuses on two teenage boys, Mateo and Rufus. It’s set in a dystopian, near-future version of New York City, where both boys have been informed that they only have 24 hours to live by the tech corporation Death-Cast. They both turn to an app, Last Friend, to meet up and share one final adventure on their last day on earth—which culminates in a heart-warming love story. This devastating LGBT romance reminds us that loss and love are inextricably linked.

From our article Books like Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us

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THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END

by Adam Silvera ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 5, 2017

Engrossing, contemplative, and as heart-wrenching as the title promises.

What would you do with one day left to live?

In an alternate present, a company named Death-Cast calls Deckers—people who will die within the coming day—to inform them of their impending deaths, though not how they will happen. The End Day call comes for two teenagers living in New York City: Puerto Rican Mateo and bisexual Cuban-American foster kid Rufus. Rufus needs company after a violent act puts cops on his tail and lands his friends in jail; Mateo wants someone to push him past his comfort zone after a lifetime of playing it safe. The two meet through Last Friend, an app that connects lonely Deckers (one of many ways in which Death-Cast influences social media). Mateo and Rufus set out to seize the day together in their final hours, during which their deepening friendship blossoms into something more. Present-tense chapters, short and time-stamped, primarily feature the protagonists’ distinctive first-person narrations. Fleeting third-person chapters give windows into the lives of other characters they encounter, underscoring how even a tiny action can change the course of someone else’s life. It’s another standout from Silvera ( History Is All You Left Me , 2017, etc.), who here grapples gracefully with heavy questions about death and the meaning of a life well-lived.

Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2017

ISBN: 978-0-06-245779-0

Page Count: 384

Publisher: HarperTeen

Review Posted Online: June 4, 2017

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2017

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION

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by Adam Silvera

by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

More About This Book

BOOK TO SCREEN

IF HE HAD BEEN WITH ME

by Laura Nowlin ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2013

There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.

The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.

Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.

Pub Date: April 1, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5

Page Count: 336

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES

More by Laura Nowlin

by Laura Nowlin

SEEN & HEARD

IF ONLY I HAD TOLD HER

by Laura Nowlin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024

A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind.

In this companion novel to 2013’s If He Had Been With Me , three characters tell their sides of the story.

Finn’s narrative starts three days before his death. He explores the progress of his unrequited love for best friend Autumn up until the day he finally expresses his feelings. Finn’s story ends with his tragic death, which leaves his close friends devastated, unmoored, and uncertain how to go on. Jack’s section follows, offering a heartbreaking look at what it’s like to live with grief. Jack works to overcome the anger he feels toward Sylvie, the girlfriend Finn was breaking up with when he died, and Autumn, the girl he was preparing to build his life around (but whom Jack believed wasn’t good enough for Finn). But when Jack sees how Autumn’s grief matches his own, it changes their understanding of one another. Autumn’s chapters trace her life without Finn as readers follow her struggles with mental health and balancing love and loss. Those who have read the earlier book will better connect with and feel for these characters, particularly since they’ll have a more well-rounded impression of Finn. The pain and anger is well written, and the novel highlights the most troublesome aspects of young adulthood: overconfidence sprinkled with heavy insecurities, fear-fueled decisions, bad communication, and brash judgments. Characters are cued white.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024

ISBN: 9781728276229

Page Count: 416

Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL THEMES | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT FICTION | TEENS & YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE

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They Both Die At The End Ending Explained

“They Both Die at the End” is a thought-provoking novel written by Adam Silvera that was published in 2017. The book has captivated readers with its unique premise – a world where people receive a phone call on the day of their death, giving them the chance to live their final day to the fullest. The story follows two teenage boys, Mateo and Rufus, who receive this call and decide to spend their last day together. As the title suggests, both characters meet their demise by the end of the book. The ending has sparked a lot of discussion and debate among readers, with many wondering about the meaning behind it. In this article, we will delve into the ending of “They Both Die at the End” and provide an explanation for what it may signify. Additionally, we will explore seven interesting facts about the book that you may not have known.

Ending Explained:

The ending of “They Both Die at the End” is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. Mateo and Rufus spend their final day together, forming a deep and meaningful connection as they come to terms with their impending deaths. As the day comes to a close, the two boys find themselves in a dangerous situation that ultimately leads to their tragic demise. The book ends with their deaths, leaving readers with a sense of sadness and loss.

Many readers have interpreted the ending in different ways. Some see it as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living in the present moment. Others view it as a commentary on fate and the inevitability of death. Ultimately, the ending of “They Both Die at the End” serves as a poignant reminder that life is precious and should be cherished, no matter how much time we have left.

One interpretation of the ending is that Mateo and Rufus’ deaths symbolize the idea that no one can escape their fate. Despite their efforts to make the most of their final day, the boys are unable to avoid the tragic events that lead to their demise. This can be seen as a reflection of the unpredictability of life and the fact that death is an unavoidable part of the human experience.

Another interpretation of the ending is that Mateo and Rufus’ deaths serve as a commentary on the power of human connection. Throughout the book, the boys form a deep bond with each other, finding solace and comfort in each other’s company. Their deaths highlight the impact that relationships can have on our lives, even in the face of death. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of love and friendship in the face of adversity.

Overall, the ending of “They Both Die at the End” is open to interpretation and can be seen in many different ways. Whether viewed as a reflection on the fragility of life, a commentary on fate, or a celebration of human connection, the ending leaves a lasting impact on readers and prompts them to contemplate the meaning of life and death.

7 Interesting Facts About “They Both Die at the End”:

1. The idea for the book came to Adam Silvera after he lost several loved ones in a short period of time. The experience inspired him to explore themes of death and mortality in his writing.

2. “They Both Die at the End” was a New York Times bestseller and received critical acclaim for its unique premise and emotional depth.

3. The book is set in a near-future world where a company called Death-Cast notifies people of their impending deaths. This fictional technology adds a sci-fi element to the story.

4. Adam Silvera has stated that he wanted to challenge the notion that tragedy is necessary for a story to be meaningful. He wanted to explore the idea that even in the face of death, there can be moments of joy and connection.

5. The title of the book was inspired by a quote from the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, which reads: “To burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves.”

6. “They Both Die at the End” has been praised for its diverse representation, with the main characters being a gay Latino and a bisexual black teenager. The book has been lauded for its depiction of LGBTQ+ characters in a positive and authentic light.

7. The book has sparked discussions about the meaning of life and death, prompting readers to reflect on their own mortality and the importance of living in the present moment.

Common Questions About “They Both Die at the End”:

1. Why did Mateo and Rufus have to die at the end of the book?

– One possible interpretation is that their deaths symbolize the inevitability of death and the unpredictability of life.

2. What is the significance of the title “They Both Die at the End”?

– The title serves as a reminder of the book’s central theme – the idea that death is an unavoidable part of the human experience.

3. How does the book explore the themes of love and friendship?

– Mateo and Rufus’ relationship serves as the heart of the story, highlighting the power of human connection in the face of death.

4. What message does the book convey about living life to the fullest?

– The book encourages readers to cherish each moment and make the most of their time on Earth, no matter how much time they have left.

5. Is there a deeper meaning behind Death-Cast and its role in the story?

– Death-Cast serves as a catalyst for the events of the book, prompting Mateo and Rufus to confront their mortality and make the most of their final day.

6. How does the book challenge traditional notions of tragedy and storytelling?

– Adam Silvera subverts expectations by crafting a story that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, showing that even in the face of death, there can be moments of joy and connection.

7. What impact has “They Both Die at the End” had on readers and critics?

– The book has been praised for its emotional depth, unique premise, and diverse representation, sparking important conversations about life, death, and the power of human connection.

8. Did Adam Silvera draw from personal experiences when writing the book?

– The author has stated that his own experiences with loss and grief influenced the themes and emotions explored in the story.

9. How does the near-future setting of the book contribute to its overall tone and message?

– The futuristic elements of the story add a sense of urgency and mystery, highlighting the book’s themes of mortality and the passage of time.

10. What challenges did Mateo and Rufus face throughout the book, and how did they overcome them?

– The boys grapple with their impending deaths, as well as personal struggles and conflicts, but ultimately find solace and strength in each other’s company.

11. What role do secondary characters play in the story, and how do they impact Mateo and Rufus’ journey?

– Supporting characters provide additional depth and context to the narrative, influencing the main characters’ decisions and experiences.

12. How does the book handle themes of identity and self-acceptance, particularly in relation to Mateo and Rufus’ LGBTQ+ identities?

– The book portrays the boys’ identities with sensitivity and authenticity, showcasing the importance of self-acceptance and love in the face of adversity.

13. What lessons can readers take away from “They Both Die at the End”?

– The book prompts readers to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and mortality, encouraging them to live with intention and appreciate the time they have.

14. How does the ending of the book resonate with readers, and what emotions does it evoke?

– The ending of “They Both Die at the End” has left many readers feeling a mix of sadness, contemplation, and appreciation for the story’s powerful message.

In conclusion, “They Both Die at the End” is a powerful and poignant novel that explores themes of life, death, love, and friendship in a unique and compelling way. The ending of the book leaves a lasting impact on readers, prompting them to reflect on their own mortality and the importance of living in the present moment. Through its heartfelt storytelling and diverse representation, the book has touched the hearts of many and sparked important conversations about the human experience. As one professional in the literary field puts it, “Adam Silvera’s exploration of life and death in ‘They Both Die at the End’ is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of existence, urging readers to embrace each moment with gratitude and love.”

Another professional adds, “The emotional depth and authenticity of Mateo and Rufus’ relationship in the book speak to the power of human connection in the face of adversity. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.”

In the words of a third professional, “The title ‘They Both Die at the End’ serves as a haunting reminder of the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. Adam Silvera’s storytelling challenges readers to confront their own mortality and find meaning in the face of uncertainty.”

And finally, a fourth professional notes, “The themes of love, friendship, and acceptance in ‘They Both Die at the End’ resonate with readers of all backgrounds, emphasizing the universal desire for connection and understanding. The book’s impact is a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring the complexities of the human experience.”

In the end, “They Both Die at the End” leaves a lasting impression on readers, encouraging them to embrace life with gratitude, love, and courage. The book’s themes of mortality, human connection, and the importance of living authentically will continue to resonate with readers for years to come, reminding us all to cherish each moment and hold our loved ones close.

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Book Review: They Both Die at the End

They Both Die at the End follows the tale of two teens, Mateo Torrez (18) and Rufus Emeterio (17), who both receive phone calls from Death-Cast, a national service that notifies people who have only 24 hours left to live. Mateo and Rufus, being two complete strangers living in New York City, meet up with each other via the Last Friend app, and decide to spend their last 24 hours alive with each other. The idea and creativity behind this plot is something I really enjoyed, and the very blunt title already set me up for inevitable sadness. I liked the basic gist of this story, and the romance that formed between Mateo and Rufus was very sweet to read, although as their romance progressed I felt myself getting sadder and sadder as I read because all of us readers knew what was going to happen to end. However, even though I enjoyed the plot, characters, and unique title, I have to say I was let down a little. They Both Die at the End spiked in popularity, and because everyone was raving about how sad and amazing it was, I couldn't help but feel like it was a little overhyped. Yes, the story was generally good, but I think the internet fame it received made my expectations be way higher than the novel actually was. The writing was fine, the characters were fine, the idea was there, but that was pretty much it. The story was nice, but not as amazing and tear-wrenchingly heartbreaking as everyone claimed. To be honest, I didn't even cry once when reading this book. Overall, the story and writing were there, but the novel was given way more credit than was needed.

They Both Die at the End

Adam silvera, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Mortality, Life, and Meaning

They Both Die at the End plunges the reader into a world that, in a variety of ways, doesn’t seem that much different from the reader’s world—except when it comes to dying. In the novel, individuals who are going to die in the next 24 hours ( Deckers ) receive calls from an organization called Death-Cast between midnight and three in the morning, informing them of this fact so that they can make the most…

Human Connection and Social Media

At the start of the novel, Death-Cast (a system that alerts people 24 hours before they’re going to die) has been in operation for about six years. Two years before the novel begins, the app Last Friend debuted. Last Friend is one of many apps and social media platforms that developers created to serve the Deckers (people who know they’re going to die) and others who are interested in and want to connect with Deckers…

Choices and Consequences

The existence of Death-Cast , a business that calls people and informs them that they’ll die sometime in the next 24 hours, poses a simple question to the novel’s characters and to readers: if someone knew it was their last day alive, what would they choose to do with it? Overwhelmingly, the novel proposes that while confronting one’s mortality may make a person’s choices seem more important than they ever were, this mode of thinking…

Friendship and Chosen Family

None of the families in They Both Die at the End are conventional, whole, or uncomplicated. Mateo ’s mother died in childbirth with him, while Mateo’s dad is in a coma; Rufus lost his parents and older sister months before the novel begins and is now in foster care; and Lidia is raising Penny with the help of her Abuelita , as her boyfriend Christian died weeks before Penny was born. However, all of these…

Business, Ethics, and Dehumanization

While They Both Die at the End doesn’t engage outright with the question of whether or not the Death-Cast system (a business that gives people 24 hours’ notice of their death) is good or moral, it does ask a number of questions about the morality of the way that businesses and individuals with something to gain respond to Death-Cast. Though the novel never comes down explicitly on whether these responses are wholly good or bad…

• Teen & Young Adult
• Literature & Fiction

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They Both Die at the End (They Both Die at the End Series, 1) Hardcover – September 5, 2017

Purchase options and add-ons.

Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.

#1  New York Times  bestseller * four starred reviews * A  School Library Journal  Best Book of the Year * A  Kirkus  Best Book of the Year * A  Booklist  Editors' Choice * A Bustle Best YA Novel * A Paste Magazine Best YA Book * A Book Riot Best Queer Book * A BuzzFeed Best YA Book of the Year * A BookPage Best YA Book of the Year

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

In the tradition of  Before I Fall  and  If I Stay ,  They Both Die at the End  is a tour de force from acclaimed author Adam Silvera, whose debut,  More Happy Than Not , the  New York Times  called “profound.”

Plus don't miss  The First to Die at the End:  #1  New York Times  bestselling author Adam Silvera returns to the universe of international phenomenon  They Both Die at the End  in this prequel. New star-crossed lovers are put to the test on the first day of Death-Cast’s fateful calls. 

• Part of series Death-Cast
• Print length 384 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Quill Tree Books
• Publication date September 5, 2017
• Grade level 8 - 12
• Reading age 13 - 17 years
• Dimensions 5.5 x 1.21 x 8.25 inches
• ISBN-10 0062457799
• ISBN-13 978-0062457790
• Lexile measure 870L
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

From school library journal.

“A bold, lovely, and haunting story of loss, hope, and the redeeming power of friendship.” — Lauren Oliver, New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall

★”Extraordinary and unforgettable.” — Booklist (starred review)

★”It’s another standout from Silvera. Engrossing, contemplative, and as heart-wrenching as the title promises.” — Kirkus Reviews   (starred review)

★”Over the course of an eventful day, these thoughtful young men speak honestly and movingly about their fate, their anger at its unfairness, and what it means to be alive, until their budding friendship organically turns into something more.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ “Silvera continues to masterfully integrate diversity, disability, and young queer voices into an appealing story with a lot of heart. A must-have for YA shelves.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“Adam Silvera uses his ample skill to force readers to examine how they live life now and how they want to live it. They Both Die at the E nd is a prime example of his skill at asking the most relevant questions of all of us.” — Teen Vogue

“ They Both Die at the End is beautiful and charged with emotion, and Silvera’s best work to date.” — Jordan April, The River’s End Bookstore, for the Autumn 2017 Teen Indie Next List

“Silvera not only poignantly captures the raw emotion of facing your own morality, but creates such relatable and authentic characters you want to follow on their journey. His gorgeous writing and wonderful storytelling will wreck you in the very best possible way.” — Buzzfeed

“Themes of friendship, love, loss, and fate combine in this novel that should be read with a box of tissues close at hand.” — Brightly

From the Back Cover

We here at Last Friend Inc. are collectively sorry for this loss of you. Our deepest sympathies extend to those who love you and those who will never meet you. We hope you find a new friend of value to spend your final hours with today.

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

Uplifting and devastating, charming and haunting, They Both Die at the End is a tour de force from acclaimed author Adam Silvera, whose debut novel the New York Times called “profound.” It’s a story that reminds us there’s no life without death, no love without loss—and that it’s possible to change your whole world in a day.

About the Author

Adam Silvera is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of They Both Die at the End , The First to Die at the End , More Happy Than Not , History Is All You Left Me , the Infinity Cycle, and—with Becky Albertalli— What If It’s Us and Here’s to Us . He worked in the publishing industry as a children’s bookseller, community manager at a content development company, and book reviewer of children’s and young adult novels. He was born and raised in New York and now lives in Los Angeles. He is tall for no reason. Visit him online at adamsilvera.com.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quill Tree Books (September 5, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062457799
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062457790
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 870L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.21 x 8.25 inches
• #71 in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Fiction (Books)
• #89 in Teen & Young Adult Fiction about Death & Dying
• #146 in Teen & Young Adult Friendship Fiction

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About the author

Adam silvera.

Adam Silvera is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END, THE FIRST TO DIE AT THE END, NO ONE KNOWS WHO DIES AT THE END, MORE HAPPY THAN NOT, HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME, INFINITY SON, INFINITY REAPER, and INFINITY KINGS. He has also co-written WHAT IF IT'S US and HERE'S TO US with Becky Albertalli. He was born and raised in the Bronx and now lives in Los Angeles. He is tall for no reason.

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