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Changing Fate
All Kate wants is to live. Battling cystic fibrosis is hard enough, dying from it is even harder. When her mom moves them closer to the hospital in the middle of her senior year, Kate's determined to isolate herself-saving everyone the trouble of befriending a dying girl. It's a difficult task when cheerful optimist Giana insists on being Kate's friend.
Kate's resolve falters even more when curly-haired Kyler captivates her with his sweet melodies. As her emotional walls collapse, Kate realizes the people she's been pushing away may be the ones giving her a reason to live. But it might be too late.
Kate's resolve falters even more when curly-haired Kyler captivates her with his sweet melodies. As her emotional walls collapse, Kate realizes the people she's been pushing away may be the ones giving her a reason to live. But it might be too late.
252 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2014
13 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Merrill
9 books52 followersMichelle Merrill loves kissing her hubby, snuggling her kids, eating candy, reading books, and writing first drafts. She names her computers after favorite fictional characters and fictional characters after favorite names.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 12, 2014
If you want to know more about cystic fibrosis through a the eyes of someone suffering from it, this is a great way to gain awareness! It's an emotional teenage romance. What's there not to love?
I hope you all read and enjoy. I look forward to your reviews :)
I hope you all read and enjoy. I look forward to your reviews :)
September 11, 2014
3.5 stars
I am always grateful for books that help inform and educate me on something I don't know much about. I don't often get that sort of thing in YA fiction, but with this book, I did. Cystic Fibrosis is something I have absolutely no first hand knowledge of. I don't know anyone who has cystic fibrosis. I am completely ignorant. That must be the motivation behind the author's desire to write a book like this because by reading this book I learned many things I did not know about this disease. Not only did my knowledge increase, but my compassion as well.
Kate has had a rough go of life. Facing death every day and trying to protect your fragile emotions must be a difficult thing. Kate manages well for the most part but her self imposed isolation is making her life harder, not easier. Kate is trying to protect herself and others but I love how she gradually realizes that people are willing to help her carry tough burdens. Friendship is one of the greatest treasures we have. Kate finds some true friends and it makes all the difference for her.
I really liked the strong friendships in this book. It was less of a romance and more friendship based. It is also a story of healing within Kate's own family. The ending was a little hard to believe, but this is a work of fiction and it made for a happily ever after ending for Kate tied up with a pretty red bow. It was both heart wrenching and hopeful.
It must be hard to write a book like this, I think, because you want to bring out the realities of of cystic fibrosis without it becoming overwhelming to the reader. There were plenty of hard and emotional things in this book but I felt like I walked away better for reading it.
I am always grateful for books that help inform and educate me on something I don't know much about. I don't often get that sort of thing in YA fiction, but with this book, I did. Cystic Fibrosis is something I have absolutely no first hand knowledge of. I don't know anyone who has cystic fibrosis. I am completely ignorant. That must be the motivation behind the author's desire to write a book like this because by reading this book I learned many things I did not know about this disease. Not only did my knowledge increase, but my compassion as well.
Kate has had a rough go of life. Facing death every day and trying to protect your fragile emotions must be a difficult thing. Kate manages well for the most part but her self imposed isolation is making her life harder, not easier. Kate is trying to protect herself and others but I love how she gradually realizes that people are willing to help her carry tough burdens. Friendship is one of the greatest treasures we have. Kate finds some true friends and it makes all the difference for her.
I really liked the strong friendships in this book. It was less of a romance and more friendship based. It is also a story of healing within Kate's own family. The ending was a little hard to believe, but this is a work of fiction and it made for a happily ever after ending for Kate tied up with a pretty red bow. It was both heart wrenching and hopeful.
It must be hard to write a book like this, I think, because you want to bring out the realities of of cystic fibrosis without it becoming overwhelming to the reader. There were plenty of hard and emotional things in this book but I felt like I walked away better for reading it.
May 16, 2014
I love that CF has been brought up in a book, especially one geared toward young adults to raise more awareness. Unfortunately the book is more about the friendships and love life of this CF patient and not too detail focused on what actually happens in CF. Without giving away any spoilers Id just like to say that the events that happen in the end of the book are highly unrealistic. End stage CF is much more complicated and harder to deal with then is described here.
September 13, 2014
While the end stage CF component may be a bit over simplified, the story is a solid read focusing on relationships in the context of life and death. I enjoyed the story more than I expected to, and the fact that it will help bring greater awareness to a disease that is close to my heart makes this a big win for me.
May 15, 2015
Wow. This book was A-MAZING!!!! I usually hate real to life books and movies but not this one. I'm sitting here bawling at 12am. Kate has Cystic fibrosis and has kept everyone at arms length before this move. I loved how open and kind and friendly people were at the new school. Such a touching story! Giana was absolutely amazing! And Kyler wasn't like any teenage boy I've ever met.
May 12, 2014
I loved this book! It was an easy-read YA book with lovable characters. It also brought a new awareness of cystic fibrosis in a really natural and real-world way. I was a bit teary at the end and felt inspired to give and love a little more freely. Great read.
December 12, 2014
Touching story tainted only by the unlikely ending. Nevertheless I enjoyed it.
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
October 31, 2016
This isn't the kind of book I'd normally read because it's really heavy on the romance. I'm pretty sure nearly every page has the main character thinking about hugging or kissing her boyfriend, so therefore I can't recommend the book.
BUT! It was amazing. And got four stars from me, which y'all know how rarely that happens. So, why the high rating? The book is from the perspective of a girl who has cystic fibrosis, something I'd never even heard of before reading this book. The first time I read this book was several years ago when I was still really struggling with Lyme disease. Although the character obviously had way different struggles and dealt with them far differently than I dealt with my own problems, I could relate to her. I wanted to cheer her on, show her how wrong she was in some areas, and shake my head at her attitude in other areas.
When I re-read it this time (in the space of less than 24 hours) I could remember how the story ended (although strangely enough, just the events, not which characters did which thing), and even though I was prepared for it, it still touched me. (And yes, that means I had tears in my eyes while reading it.)
This book isn't for everyone, and yes, the main character could be incredibly annoying at times, but wow. I am thankful it was written and found it quite relatable. I can only imagine how much hope it has given people who have cystic fibrosis. Thank you, Michelle Merrill for writing it!
BUT! It was amazing. And got four stars from me, which y'all know how rarely that happens. So, why the high rating? The book is from the perspective of a girl who has cystic fibrosis, something I'd never even heard of before reading this book. The first time I read this book was several years ago when I was still really struggling with Lyme disease. Although the character obviously had way different struggles and dealt with them far differently than I dealt with my own problems, I could relate to her. I wanted to cheer her on, show her how wrong she was in some areas, and shake my head at her attitude in other areas.
When I re-read it this time (in the space of less than 24 hours) I could remember how the story ended (although strangely enough, just the events, not which characters did which thing), and even though I was prepared for it, it still touched me. (And yes, that means I had tears in my eyes while reading it.)
This book isn't for everyone, and yes, the main character could be incredibly annoying at times, but wow. I am thankful it was written and found it quite relatable. I can only imagine how much hope it has given people who have cystic fibrosis. Thank you, Michelle Merrill for writing it!
May 9, 2019
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Grab a box of tissues because you’ll need them. This story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. If your looking for a clean read, that still gives you all the feels, look no further! One click now! I’ve had this on my kindle and I’m happy I finally got to read it. Really good story.
Grab a box of tissues because you’ll need them. This story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. If your looking for a clean read, that still gives you all the feels, look no further! One click now! I’ve had this on my kindle and I’m happy I finally got to read it. Really good story.
January 31, 2025
It was such a touching book that I practically cried. I never knew about cystic fibrosis and this book was such a good way to spread the awareness. I loved Kyler and Giana, who stuck by Kate through her sickness and I loved how selfless, optimistic, and determined Giana was. Excellent book!
June 6, 2017
Why
This so a great book and one of my new favorite. With a girl with this terable illness and all her friend does to help her love on.
This so a great book and one of my new favorite. With a girl with this terable illness and all her friend does to help her love on.
June 27, 2014
My fourteen-year-old daughter and I both enjoyed this book. Neither of us really knew anything about Cystic Fibrosis, and it was an eye-opening read detailing the struggles of those affected. Learning about the grueling treatments and precautions sufferers must take makes you feel not only for the main character Kate, but for everyone going through this in real life. I also sincerely hope it will make people rethink their decisions to run around with cold and flu symptoms, with no regard for others who can be quite adversely affected. Overall, a very educational read and a welcome break from the usual high school drama. One more positive thing: half of all proceeds will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.
May 13, 2016
A Walk in the Clouds meets A Fault in the Star, with a twist.
18-year old Kate is battling cystic fibrosis. She's determined to isolate herself—saving everyone the trouble of befriending a dying girl. But it becomes difficult when Giana insists on being Kate’s friend. Then Kate’s resolve falters even more when a Kyler captivates her with his songs. As her emotional walls collapse, her mom continues to push Kate to make friends in hopes that they can give her a reason to live before it's be too late.
I didn't know much about CF, but this story explains it well enough and not going overboard with medical terms. Seen through the eyes of Kate, her troubles and reasoning, I as the reader, could really feel what she was going through.
Author Michelle Merrill really did her homework because the whole story felt very authentic. All her characters are likeable, even the school bully.
18-year old Kate is battling cystic fibrosis. She's determined to isolate herself—saving everyone the trouble of befriending a dying girl. But it becomes difficult when Giana insists on being Kate’s friend. Then Kate’s resolve falters even more when a Kyler captivates her with his songs. As her emotional walls collapse, her mom continues to push Kate to make friends in hopes that they can give her a reason to live before it's be too late.
I didn't know much about CF, but this story explains it well enough and not going overboard with medical terms. Seen through the eyes of Kate, her troubles and reasoning, I as the reader, could really feel what she was going through.
Author Michelle Merrill really did her homework because the whole story felt very authentic. All her characters are likeable, even the school bully.
July 1, 2014
This was a very moving book. The raw struggle that brings awareness of the pain and torment of a tragic disease. The author weaves a stark story full of adrenaline and internal struggle. It feels like real life and I guarantee you'll need a box of tissues...or two...before it's over. However, while it did such a great job in this aspect, as a romance it seemed to fall short. The rest of the world the main character is living in is a bit fuzzy, including the love interest. After a while, it hardly seemed like Kyler was much of a driving part of the story, though it was compelling in other ways. Overall a great and moving book, but not a great romance.
March 2, 2017
In Michelle Merrills' words this book is truly "informative, emotional, romantic and supports a great cause." This teen romance is between a "normal" guy and a girl who is battling against Cystic Fibrosis.
All Kate wants is to live. But all she can focus on is dying. Until she meets Kyler. He can take away her focus. But he can't take away her pain. Kyler and her best friend Giana helps her live as "normal" a life as possible. Read this very sad, educational and sweet novel to find out what happens.
All Kate wants is to live. But all she can focus on is dying. Until she meets Kyler. He can take away her focus. But he can't take away her pain. Kyler and her best friend Giana helps her live as "normal" a life as possible. Read this very sad, educational and sweet novel to find out what happens.
June 13, 2014
I have been truly touched by this story. Sometimes there aren't adequate words when you have such strong emotions. This wasn't just a book about CF - it's a book about life. The characters are fantastic and fun, and I love following Kate's journey through life, while also trying to keep certain things to herself. There are many levels and arcs to this story that make it a great read that you really don't want to put down. I highly recommend you read it... like NOW!
October 25, 2016
Wow!
Such a beautiful story. Kate's use of getting herself through the illnesses/CF, is remarkable, considering, her every day battle just to be able to breathe. At this point, I'm having trouble finding the words to describe this book, other than the effects of sorrow and love and happiness that each character had contributed was wonderful. Grab a box of tissues and read this story. (Then my review will make for better understanding).
Such a beautiful story. Kate's use of getting herself through the illnesses/CF, is remarkable, considering, her every day battle just to be able to breathe. At this point, I'm having trouble finding the words to describe this book, other than the effects of sorrow and love and happiness that each character had contributed was wonderful. Grab a box of tissues and read this story. (Then my review will make for better understanding).
June 24, 2014
Charming and sweet, it made me giggle and tear up by turns. It also gives a good look into life with a rare chronic disease. I knew so little about CF before reading it, and it inspired me to look into it a little more, and gave me compassion for people struggling with the disease. And I love that the author donates some of the proceeds to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!
June 5, 2015
The first half of this book dragged on for me, I felt like it was slow and contemplated even finishing it. I'm glad I did. I was hoping for a different outcome, but it was still beautiful. I'm left kind of mixed up, and sad. This book sparked emotions, and I cried. :-) but I love a good cry book now and then, and was hoping for a good 2nd half, and it was.
August 27, 2021
I love this book! Having a child with cystic fibrosis, it is great finding a novel to help explain her life to her friends. This book follows a high schooler going through life with CF. Great read!
May 11, 2014
I marked it as to read
May 26, 2014
I loved this book. It was an eye opener to CF that I didn't know about and to see a young women have to go through that was hard. But it gave me a new awareness to the disease.
February 15, 2016
First half was a 3 for me but finished stronger with a four.
April 20, 2016
Loved this book and fell in love with the characters. Can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
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June 3, 2016Loved it. My friend is the author.
April 11, 2017
There are few novels published for teens with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their families and friends. This book is a treasure! Kate’s story gives readers an authentic look into what it’s like to live with CF and have a normal life. It’s a daily battle for Kate to breathe, let alone focus on friendships and outside activities.
Michelle Merrill has written a powerful novel that is filled with vivid imagery, fear, anger, humor and courage. The characters are colorful, realistic and well-developed. Kate is a determined and gutsy teen who keeps her CF a secret from the very classmates who are eager to befriend her, especially after she uses her black-belt skills on a lunch-room thief. There is no resisting upbeat Giana who insists on being Kate’s best friend. And there is Kyler, with a freckle on his upper lip, soft curly hair and a song in his heart. They become a close threesome and Kate realizes their friendships give her a reason to live. It is an emotional story, so grab some tissues.
Michelle Merrill has written a powerful novel that is filled with vivid imagery, fear, anger, humor and courage. The characters are colorful, realistic and well-developed. Kate is a determined and gutsy teen who keeps her CF a secret from the very classmates who are eager to befriend her, especially after she uses her black-belt skills on a lunch-room thief. There is no resisting upbeat Giana who insists on being Kate’s best friend. And there is Kyler, with a freckle on his upper lip, soft curly hair and a song in his heart. They become a close threesome and Kate realizes their friendships give her a reason to live. It is an emotional story, so grab some tissues.
April 13, 2017
I really like this book. It gives you an insight to the thoughts and feelings of a person with a chronic disease. I'm biased on it though as a parent with a child with the same disease. But at least I know will have a better insight to her potential feelings as she grows.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews