Five Feet Apart

📘 About This Book

Also a major motion picture starring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson! Goodreads Choice Winner, Best Young Adult Fiction of 2019 In this #1 New York Times bestselling novel that’s perfect for fans of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, two teens fall in love with just one minor complication—they can’t get within a few feet of each other without risking their lives. Can you love someone you can never touch? Stella Grant likes to be in control—even though her totally out of control lungs have sent her in and out of the hospital most of her life. At this point, what Stella needs to control most is keeping herself away from anyone or anything that might pass along an infection and jeopardize the possibility of a lung transplant. Six feet apart. No exceptions. The only thing Will Newman wants to be in control of is getting out of this hospital. He couldn’t care less about his treatments, or a fancy new clinical drug trial. Soon, he’ll turn eighteen and then he’ll be able to unplug all these machines and actually go see the world, not just its hospitals. Will’s exactly what Stella needs to stay away from. If he so much as breathes on Stella, she could lose her spot on the transplant list. Either one of them could die. The only way to stay alive is to stay apart. But suddenly six feet doesn’t feel like safety. It feels like punishment. What if they could steal back just a little bit of the space their broken lungs have stolen from them? Would five feet apart really be so dangerous if it stops their hearts from breaking too?

📖 Summary

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott is a poignant young adult romance novel that explores the profound emotional depths of connection against seemingly insurmountable physical barriers. Published in 2019 and spanning 288 pages, the narrative centers on two extraordinary teenagers, Stella Grant and Will Newman, whose lives intersect within the sterile environment of a hospital. Both characters suffer from cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that dictates the rhythm of their daily routines, medical treatments, and ultimate life expectancy. Because cross-infection is a severe and potentially fatal risk for cystic fibrosis patients, Stella and Will are forced to maintain a strict physical distance from one another at all times. The foundational rule of their existence is simple yet devastating: stay at least six feet apart, with no exceptions. Stella Grant is a young woman who prefers to maintain absolute control over her life, despite the unpredictable nature of her failing lungs. Having spent a significant portion of her youth in and out of hospitals, Stella has learned to manage her illness with meticulous precision. Her primary goal is preserving her eligibility for a crucial lung transplant, which means she must strictly avoid any bacteria or infections that could jeopardize her medical status. She creates lists, adheres to schedules, and even maintains an online presence to cope with her isolation. Her structured world, however, is suddenly disrupted by the arrival of Will Newman. Will is the exact opposite of Stella. Where she finds comfort in order and compliance, Will is rebellious, cynical, and eager to escape the endless cycle of treatments and experimental drug trials that define his hospital stay. He views his condition as a ticking clock and has little interest in following the rigid rules that Stella holds so dear. Despite their contrasting personalities and initial clashes, an undeniable attraction sparks between them. As they spend more time together in the hospital corridors and common areas, they begin to chip away at each other's emotional defenses. Falling in love when you cannot physically touch one another presents an agonizing dilemma. Can you truly love someone if you can never hold their hand, embrace them, or feel their warmth? For Stella and Will, every interaction is a calculated risk. They must constantly measure the physical distance between them, utilizing ingenious methods to bridge the gap while respecting the hard boundary of safety. Their romance challenges the traditional boundaries of intimacy, forcing them to find creative ways to express their affection, rely on emotional vulnerability, and communicate without physical contact. Through stolen glances, shared conversations, and heartfelt gestures, they discover a profound bond that transcends the physical limitations imposed by their illnesses. The narrative delves deep into themes of mortality, control, sacrifice, and the sheer power of human connection. Stella and Will teach each other how to truly live rather than merely exist within the confines of a hospital room. While Will helps Stella loosen her grip on control and experience spontaneity, Stella inspires Will to find a reason to fight for his future rather than passively accepting his fate. As their relationship deepens, the stakes become increasingly high, testing their resolve, their courage, and their understanding of what it means to care deeply for another person. Rachael Lippincott crafts a deeply emotional story that resonates with readers of contemporary young adult fiction, drawing comparisons to beloved works like John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. The novel captures the bittersweet reality of loving someone under extraordinary circumstances, highlighting the resilience of the teenage spirit in the face of chronic illness. Through the dual perspectives of Stella and Will, the book offers a tender look at vulnerability, the pain of longing, and the courage it takes to open your heart when everything is on the line. Ultimately, Five Feet Apart is a memorable exploration of how love can flourish even in the most restricted spaces, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who has ever yearned to close the distance between themselves and someone they cherish.

🎯 Key Lessons

⚖️ Pros & Cons

❓ FAQ

💬 💬 Reader Comments (0)