The Tip of Eternity

by K.S. Rafique

A girl’s conviction is questioned when Death starts visiting her dreams.

Bethesda Lily has always been a sickly girl, but lately her body seems to be giving out on her. A skinny diabetic, Bethesda is a frequent flier at her local hospital, visited only by her sister, her sister’s pig-headed, James Dean look alike boyfriend—and, on occasion, the soul of Death. When doctors fail repeatedly to diagnose a painful stomach condition, she begins to question faith, life, and man’s desire to live forever. As Beth’s health continues to nosedive and her home environment crumbles, she finds comfort in a handsome stranger named Venice. Together, they embark on an unusual quest to find a cure. A touching tale of inner strength and family turmoil, “The Tip of Eternity” makes us wonder who to turn to—and who to turn away from—when death seems a luxury.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2014

About the author

Kiran Rafique is a professor at the University of Houston and novelist. When she is not forcing her students to reevaluate their lifestyle behaviors, she is writing for the pure enjoyment of the art and the sake of pleasing her fans.

Reviews

[Booknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE 12/1/14

With my emotions a lot better than they were after reading this novel, it is time to review this beauty. It was such a short book (200 and somefin pages long) that I finished it in one read, which was a pretty bad idea. This book…I did not expect it to be this emotional and even religious. What is amazing about this novel is that it isn’t based on the theme of love (like other cancer books can be) but friendship, which makes it even worse in a good way.

Bethesda (Beth for short) is type 1 diabetic and has been having belly problems that always lands her in the emergency room and gets visited by death because her life is deteriorating quickly. What I liked about death was that it was a thing of beauty and nothing that looked scary. After learning nothing about what is causing her pain, Venice (a cute and adorable guy) takes her to her apartment. You can already guess that this guy is the romantic interest, which he so is, but this book isn’t about that. On the topic of friendship now, we get to meet that annoying asshole and yet the person we cannot live without (Darren is his name) and at first you hate him. He insults way too much and just gets into your business. But deep down, you know that there is softness inside him and that he cares about his roommates (Bethesda and her sister, who is his girlfriend.)

Eva plays the part of big sister and over protective friend. Sisters have a special bond and it is evident in this novel because as Beth gets worse in her condition, the more worried and strict her sister becomes. Of course this turns small problems into big arguments and it strains their relationship. Still, they both clearly love each other and wish no harm done.

As thousands of tests happen to Beth, the relationship between the three of them constantly strain and yet strengthen because they all each support each other in ways that are beautiful and at times, horrible. Then, the terrible name comes into play: cancer. This being a spoiler free review, I won’t name who had the cancer but I was devastated.

Shit happens, Real emotion happens. Car rides in a very nice classical 280Z Datsun happen. A car crash happens. Death and a funeral happen. So. Much. Emotion. If you want a tear jerker with little romance in it, this is it.


11/30/14 On rare occasions, books make me feel so much grief and sadness. I'm so happy that I found this novel on the giveaway (even though I didn't win.) Right now, I don't want to review this beautiful book and instead think about what has happened.

[Paula Ackley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very easy book to read even though it asks the hard questions so many of us ask when life throws you something that seems impossible to deal with. Why? Why me? Why am I having to go through this? The heroine's life is filled with things that are hard to cope with. As she struggles through what life has handed her, when she feels she can't take anymore, when she feels she has reached rock bottom and is still asking why and questioning everything that is happening to her she gets THE answer.

[Cindelu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. It was a fascinating book that led one through a few twists and turns that lead to a rather surprising ending. The writing was beautiful and several passages I have reread for the content and form. The conversation between Bethesda and Death at the beginning of chapter 15 is my favorite. I'm sure we are all linked to the characters in this book and so relate to them at some level. I found this to be a really enjoyable and thoughtful read.

[Lanelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful story. But it was ruined by horrible language!