I’m Not Dying With You Tonight by Gilly Segal and Kimberly Jones

Synopsis

“Lena and Campbell aren’t friends. Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she’s going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school.

When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together.

They aren’t friends. They hardly understand the other’s point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they only have each other to rely on if they’re going to survive the night.”

-Synopsis from Goodreads

Review

This book was so good! First of all, that title. That cover. Whoa. When my friend recommended this book to me, I was already sold based on the title alone. How intriguing and mysterious! I knew I had to read it.

I’m Not Dying With You Tonight by Gilly Segal and Kimberly Jones is short enough to read in a day, which is exactly what I did last weekend. Since it takes place over the course of one night, every chapter is go-go-go as Campbell and Lena are trying to find safety from the fights and riots and, ultimately, reach their homes.

At first, I couldn’t believe everything that Campbell and Lena were witnessing, at the school fight and then downtown at the protest and the riot. But then, I could. Because unfortunately, things like this are becoming more common now and it’s very real and very serious. All I could think about while reading was what I would do if I was in their position. They say that when there is a shooting you are supposed to either run, hide, or fight. Campbell and Lena had pretty much the same options when they first got stuck at the concession stand at school, except it was too dangerous to run, and neither of them stood a chance to fight.

When they eventually do make it off the school grounds, they assume their biggest now concern will be walking home, and yet the city is about to explode when a riot erupts after a protest. Looters take over and Campbell and Lena are caught up in the crowds of people trying to get out of the downtown area. Police in riot gear close in, and helicopters shining search lights fly overhead. Every decision they make could affect their getting home safely, and they have to work together to save each other. I don’t want to reveal too much more because a lot happens, but I will say it is intense up until the final pages.

Recommend? Yes! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary YA, or readers who enjoy books that are fast-paced and make you think. I know I won’t forget this story for a long time.