Jesse Andrews released his debut Me and Earl and the Dying Girl in 2012. The book centers around the life of Greg and his two close acquaintances; Earl and Rachel. Jesse chose to write a meaningful and strong book, about harsh themes and life itself. He chose to illuminate death and the life around it but put it under the disguise and cover of a comedic book. Whilst enjoying the book Jesse has written, you are simultaneously learning important lessons in life and how to deal with them.
Rachel, one of the main characters in the book, is slowly dying. This is something Greg, the protagonist must learn to deal with early on in the book. The way Rachel choses to live her life contrasts with how Greg lives. Greg is in constant fear of rejection and bullying. He doesn’t embrace anyone as his friend but is acquainted to everyone. Rachel lives life to the fullest, enjoying her true friends and leaving those who doesn’t matter. Jesse was trying to show the reader the way life should be enjoyed, and to not waste any seconds of the life they have been given.
The book also battles low self-esteem. Greg doesn’t believe in himself and doesn’t know what or who he is. Throughout the book, the reader gets bombarded by the though process Greg has in each situation he interacts with people. Close to the ending of the book, we see a change. When Rachel dies, Greg starts reflecting, and choses to change how he lives life, and how he views himself and others.
