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Melissa & Jory #2

Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever

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Jory Delaney has always had lots of money. But there's one thing she knows she cannot buy--and that's her best friend Melissa's life. Although Melissa's leukemia is in remission, it's hard for both girls to hold on to the possibility of a very bright future.

When Melissa's health begins to deteriorate, Jory watches her friend's courageous battle and is overwhelmed by a sense of loss. Distanced from her parents, Jory grows closer to Melissa's mother and older brother, Michael, as they give each other untold strength in the face of tragedy. As she grapples with the unfairness of Melissa's imminenet death, can Jory find a way to turn her anger into the hope and inspiration that Melissa wanted to leave behind?

176 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1989

9 people are currently reading
601 people want to read

About the author

Lurlene McDaniel

137 books2,723 followers
Lurlene McDaniel (born c. 1948) is an author who has written over 50 young adult books. She is well known for writing about characters struggling with chronic and terminal illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and organ failure.


Other places to find her are...
https://www.facebook.com/lurlenemcdan...
http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/aut...
http://www.youtube.com/user/LurleneMc

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5 stars
464 (42%)
4 stars
320 (29%)
3 stars
247 (22%)
2 stars
53 (4%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha Osborne.
488 reviews48 followers
February 25, 2020
a very sad touching read i wish that 2 people get together in this book but other then that a very good read
36 reviews
June 5, 2009
This book was about Jody's life after the diagnose of Melissa's life. She was always there for her friend. She also faced challenges from her personal life to school life. Melissa became her motivation for school and life.
I think that this strongly shows the special love between best friends. One way to know if that person is your best friend is through working with each other and support each other at hard times. A connection I can make is that during this year I have most depression moment of life, and my best friend was there for me, allowing me to cry on her shoulders, just like what Jody and Melissa, cry in each others arms. This book taught me a lesson that death of a loved one is hard to face, but with friends and memories, that person will never disappear in one's life.
51 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2024
This book was so good I just wishes she and Micheal had become a thing it would of made the ending of the book way better. And I loved the part where she died I felt like it added that last touch to the book and a bit of mystery I would of loved to of heard if from Micheal or her mother's side that would of been cool
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mary Bronson.
1,551 reviews87 followers
October 30, 2014
I thought this was a pretty good book. I really enjoyed reading it. The book was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I loved the characters and plot of the story. It was a nice continuation from the first book and how it was from the POV of the best friend.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,734 reviews199 followers
September 29, 2015
When I first started this book I didn't think I was going to like Jory too much, with the way she treated her mother in the beginning and coming off like a spoiled brat. However, slowly her behavior started to make sense, and I began to like her. I kind of wish I'd read Too Young to Die, the first book about these two characters, first. I don't think it was necessary, since all the back story was given, but now I know the outcome of that one. I'll still read it sometime, but I'll probably wait so this one isn't so fresh in my mind.

The story is definitely typical of many of Lurlene McDaniel's books, with someone in the book dealing with a life-threatening illness. So there are obviously ups and downs with the story.

It was a nice fast read, that packed a punch. I'd recommend it if you enjoy books like this.

4 1/2 stars
Profile Image for Sharelle Scott.
27 reviews
April 9, 2021
Ok don't get me wrong the book is really good and all. But it's Jory stubborness for me. Like all she wanna do is party and hang out not even thinking about college to the last minute until something really horrible happens. Melissa and Jory are really good close bestfriends until one slips away. Jory have to make sure she's by Melissa side every step of the way and trying to get her mom off her back. She's in between with loving Micheal and heaving drama with Lyle. But this isn't the beginning. ALOT of drama and love caught up. BUT A REALLY GOOD BOOK.
Profile Image for Calleigh Vander.
13 reviews
May 23, 2024
A heartwarming story of two friends fighting a disease together. The friendship and the hardships are beautiful and heartbreaking but a good story nonetheless. I love Lurlene McDaniels books they are sad but heartwarming and a good easy read book.
Profile Image for Traceylee.
599 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2019
Why

Jory's friend Melissa s cancer was in remission after her brother gave her a bone transplant then comes back into her life
Profile Image for Jenna Gragnani.
7 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2020
This was an easy quick enjoyable read after reading "Too Young To Die" Picks up right where the other book left off. Good read on it's own as well.
Profile Image for Annie.
158 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2024
This book destroyed me when I was 10 years old. 29 years later I read it in just over an hour and bawled again. Some childhood books just stick with you. I’m glad I reread it
Profile Image for Anna.
765 reviews159 followers
May 17, 2025
A simple romance and friendship type of story (two different characters lol not a romance with the friend). There was a bit more content than I expected;
Profile Image for Deval Patel .
39 reviews10 followers
July 28, 2012
One of the best book I have read. I loved it so much that I lied to my librarian that I lost it & ended up paying the entire cost of the book which was not in a great condition... But I don't regret it. This book is a treasure...
12 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2007
The book was very enjoyable to read !
It gives you more thoughts about how you treat your friends !
It was a very inspiring book.
I am glad i read this book !
Profile Image for Kianna.
87 reviews
February 14, 2008
This book really touched me. At first i didnt think would be that interesting ,but at the end i really learned alot from it.
Profile Image for Belén Torres.
265 reviews17 followers
August 9, 2010
This book is very tender and sad. It taught me about loyal friendship and love, and that death is not the end of everything. I really loved it.
Profile Image for Sangheetha.
40 reviews17 followers
October 15, 2012
The story was sad, but expected since the first book was in Melissa's narrative and the second in Jory's. However, I think I preferred the first book in this series. BUt it still was a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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