In this contemporary novel, Stella Grant and Will Newman are two teenagers living with cystic fibrosis who meet during a hospital stay. Because of their shared condition, they must strictly follow the six-foot rule—remaining at a distance to prevent the transmission of life-threatening bacteria. Stella manages her health with rigid schedules and a surgical robot, while Will participates in a clinical trial for a resistant infection. Their connection develops through video calls and shared hallways, eventually leading them to reclaim one foot of space as a symbolic act of defiance against their terminal prognosis.
Young adult readers and fans of contemporary romance choose this story to examine the physical and emotional constraints of chronic illness. It appeals to those interested in how characters navigate medical boundaries while pursuing intimacy. The reader gains perspective on the daily medical labor required for survival, including chest physiotherapy and lung transplants. Ultimately, the narrative documents how individuals find autonomy when their movements are entirely dictated by clinical protocol and the necessity of keeping people they love out of reach.
Practical, inward-looking, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2018
- Language
- EN
