Theodore Brown doesn’t like staring into people’s eyes. When he does, their iris and pupil are replaced by numbers, counting down the days that he will know them for. This can create quite the predicament – it’s not easy to form proper friendships and relationships when you know that the relationship literally has an expiry date. As we travel through Theodore’s childhood to adolescence, observing as he navigates puberty, first love, mental health and social anxiety, we begin to understand that the beauty in life exists because it has an end, not because it lives on forever.

Daniel Devenney’s debut is both delightfully funny and poignantly raw. Growing up, Theodore believed that when he saw the numbers in people’s eyes it meant he would bring about their deaths. This is hardly surprising given that he saw the numbers in his dad’s eyes count down to zero on the day he died in a car accident.

As Theodore grapples with his grief and with saying goodbye to childhood friendships, he falls into the darkest of spaces, even attempting suicide. However, upon beginning his therapy sessions, and falling in love with his first girlfriend, Lil, Theodore is able to climb out of this dark space, and embrace everything in life worth living for, especially because eventually it will come to an end.

Counting Down with Theodore Brown is a heartbreaking yet heartwarming coming-of-age novel about friendship, identity, mental health, and cherishing the time you have with the people you love. Perfect for fans of John Green and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. For ages 15+.