Review: "This Star Won't Go Out" by Esther Earl

Author: Esther Earl (with Lori and Wayne Earl)
Genre: Young Adult, Non-Fiction, Autobiography
Publication: Penguin
Release Date: January 28th 2014
Pages: 431
Spoilers: –

I’m not going to write a real review on this book, because this book tells the REAL story of a girl who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 12. In 2006, Esther Earl – living in France with her parents and siblings – got pretty sick. Pneumonia, they all thought. Well, fuck this world. Turns out it was cancer. Thyroid cancer. And like she mentions herself, it’s a rare one too. And in the end, she lost her battle.

“This Star Won’t Go Out” is a book that combines stories from Esther, her family, friends and other people who knew her. It’s a story about the amazing person she was (and actually still is, in heaven) and about her disease. It contains texts from her diaries, letters to her mom and dad, pictures of Esther and some drawings she made through the years.

When I started reading this book, I knew it had to be one of those books I’d be reading in one read. And, with a small interference of a nap, I did read it in one read. Esther was a real person, nothing in the book is made up. The introduction is done by John Green, author of “The Fault In Out Stars”. Turns out that book is based/inspired/dedicated to Esther. John Green knew Esther. They talked, the wrote and they met. And during reading his introduction, I realized how much he cared for her. I could feel how hurt he was by her loss. Because Esther Earl, only being 16, died in the summer of 2010.

Even though Esther was very young, she had a miracle mind and her thoughts were from somebody much older. I was so mesmerized by how the story was told and how much love Esther Grace Earl had in her, I just couldn’t imagine a world without her. But all I know is a world without her. Because I’d never heard of her before this book came out. And that was three months ago, when she had already passed away for 3,5 years.

I’d recommend this book to EVERYBODY. It really slapped me in the face. Reading a book about a young girl being so sick, made me feel so blessed with what I have. I felt like I needed to do more for this world and for the people who are living in it. Like Esther always wanted to – but couldn’t. Well, that’s what she thought. But after closing the book, I knew she had already changed the world and had touched so many lives. I can’t say I made it through the book dry, but I feel so much more grateful for my life. I feel like I should get off my butt and do something. Something good.

This book kinda opened my eyes. Esther was an amazing sister, daughter and friend. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been and still is for her family to have lost her. Esther was a bright star to her family and friends. The title says it all: this star won’t go out. This book is a dedication to her wonderful life and cheerful character.

If there’s anything I’ve learned over the past 24h (yeps), is that we shouldn’t take anything for granted.

Keep shining. Be awesome.

Rest is peace, Esther. You will never be forgotten.