Loukko by 
Original title: Kaunis ilma kuolla
Author: Veera Salmi
Published: 2020
Publisher: Otava
Genre: Young Adult (13 or 14+)
Pages: 221
Reading material:
English sample & synopsis
Isra has decided to die. But before that she needs to complete a rescue mission! Embark on a road trip with Isra, her friend Leo, 900 euros and a stolen sky-blue Hyundai.
Leo and Isra are not the most popular kids of their high school. They don’t have high expectations, and nobody expects much of them. So why not take a break from school – and a break from life, and try to do something meaningful before it’s all too late?
Funny, realistic and tragic story of teenagers who don’t know what they want, and are tired of trying to figure it out on their own.
Praise:
"Veera Salmi depicts youth bravely, without shying away from dark waters, but still describes everything through joy and positiveness – much like the American YA author John Green." – Lastenkirjahylly blog
"The road trip-inspired book realistically and credibly describes the lives of young people in situations from which there seems to be no way out. The novel challenges us to think about the significance of starting points for life and its direction. At the same time, it tells a resounding story about the difficulty of making choices, getting to know yourself, and taking responsibility.” - Topelius Prize Jury
A Beautiful Day to Die: Isra, who has a Moroccan background, and Leo, who is thrown from one surrogate family to another, feel deadlocked. They have one goal in their life: to see the pandas of Ähtäri and die. The road trip-inspired book realistically and credibly describes the lives of young people in situations from which there seems to be no way out. The novel challenges us to think about the significance of starting points for life and its direction. At the same time, it tells a resounding story about the difficulty of making choices, getting to know yourself, and taking responsibility.
– Topelius award jury
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