What do you think?
Rate this book
Melissa & Jory #1-2
Always and Forever
Sixteen-year-old Melissa Austin has always worked hard to get what she wants. As the school year begins, her work is paying Her grades are up and she’s landed a coveted spot on the Brain Bowl team. She and her best friend, Jory Delaney, are determined to have the best junior year ever.
Then Melissa receives devastating news about her health. At first she refuses to accept the doctor’s diagnosis, but as her illness gets worse, she cannot deny the truth. Only with the loving support of her family, and especially Jory, can Melissa come to terms with the mysteries of living . . . and dying.
Then Melissa receives devastating news about her health. At first she refuses to accept the doctor’s diagnosis, but as her illness gets worse, she cannot deny the truth. Only with the loving support of her family, and especially Jory, can Melissa come to terms with the mysteries of living . . . and dying.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 11, 2004
31 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Lurlene McDaniel
138 books2,740 followersLurlene 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
Other places to find her are...
https://www.facebook.com/lurlenemcdan...
http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/aut...
http://www.youtube.com/user/LurleneMc
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 27, 2010
This book is full of friendship and love and family. I love this book because it will make you feel the love and the anger and the sadness in it. It's such a good book I highly recomend it to anyone who likes sad books.
March 23, 2009
Oh gosh. This book was amazing.
The girl and her best friend have been there for each other since fifth grade. Mellisa's dad left when she was little leaving her bother, her mother, and her to fend for themselves. The brother took full responsibility for his baby sister. Their mom woked two jobs so she could support her children. The brother worked to support his sister and mom. The brother liked to ride in his air ballon. It made all of his problems dispear. Mellisa would drive her brothers truck and make sure he didn't hit any telephone cords. Her best friend went with them sometimes. Then Mellisa found out she had cancer. She always looked at the bright side of things but her family and friends were extremly worried about her. She ended up dieing in the end. It's so upsetting beacause she had alot of good things going for her in life. I learned that you should always look at the posotive, never the negative.
The girl and her best friend have been there for each other since fifth grade. Mellisa's dad left when she was little leaving her bother, her mother, and her to fend for themselves. The brother took full responsibility for his baby sister. Their mom woked two jobs so she could support her children. The brother worked to support his sister and mom. The brother liked to ride in his air ballon. It made all of his problems dispear. Mellisa would drive her brothers truck and make sure he didn't hit any telephone cords. Her best friend went with them sometimes. Then Mellisa found out she had cancer. She always looked at the bright side of things but her family and friends were extremly worried about her. She ended up dieing in the end. It's so upsetting beacause she had alot of good things going for her in life. I learned that you should always look at the posotive, never the negative.
April 26, 2009
I never really expected much of this book, being it was one of the books on the sale table in my school book fair years ago. I only picked it out of chance since I had already spent most of my money and this book's description said there was a character named Melissa(which is my name). So, it stayed on the bottom of my stack until one day I decided to read it. Once I began reading this though I was so sympathetic that I had not read it before. It is a beautiful piece of literature that makes you think and books that make you stop and think about life are rare and definetly deserve five stars.
April 6, 2023
I thought both books were very good. They were both well written. The characters are raw and very well developed. It is touching, heartwarming, and heartbreaking all at the same time.
September 18, 2017
Why
I have a goal to slowly read all this author's books. I don't know why but I always feel touched by this author and she puts great feeling in her books
I have a goal to slowly read all this author's books. I don't know why but I always feel touched by this author and she puts great feeling in her books
November 29, 2018
I love Lurlene McDaniel. As a kid, I went through these books so fast. It's nice picking them up again!
June 4, 2020
Wow. This book is truly so touching! Best book I’ve read thus far!
October 27, 2020
one of my favourite books as a kid - read and reread this one.
March 19, 2022
This is a tear jerker!
July 3, 2023
A Heartwarming Tale of Love and Second Chances: "Always and Forever" by Lurlene McDaniel
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
"Always and Forever" by Lurlene McDaniel is a touching and heartfelt story that explores the power of love, forgiveness, and the possibility of second chances. With its engaging characters, emotional depth, and themes of personal growth, this book offers a heartwarming reading experience.
The story revolves around Melissa and Jory, two individuals with complicated pasts and wounded hearts. As they navigate their own personal struggles and confront the mistakes of their past, they find solace and healing in each other's presence. McDaniel's skillful storytelling brings their journey to life, portraying the complexities of their relationship and the challenges they face with authenticity and sensitivity.
The characters in "Always and Forever" are well-developed and relatable. Melissa and Jory are flawed but sympathetic, and their emotional journeys are compelling and filled with growth. McDaniel's portrayal of their evolving relationship is tender and realistic, capturing the ups and downs of love, forgiveness, and the delicate balance between holding on to the past and embracing the possibilities of the future.
The book's exploration of themes such as forgiveness, redemption, and the power of second chances is both poignant and uplifting. McDaniel delves into the emotional depths of her characters, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and root for their personal growth and happiness. The story serves as a reminder that love has the power to heal wounds and transform lives.
One of the strengths of "Always and Forever" is McDaniel's ability to depict complex emotions and tackle sensitive topics with sensitivity. The book addresses themes of loss, grief, and the importance of finding hope and strength in the face of adversity. It delivers a message of resilience and the transformative power of love, making it an engaging and uplifting read.
While the book offers a heartwarming and emotional narrative, some readers may find certain plot developments to be predictable or familiar, particularly if they are familiar with the romance genre and its conventions. However, the strength of the character development and the emotional resonance of the story make up for any predictability.
In conclusion, "Always and Forever" is a touching and uplifting tale of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Lurlene McDaniel's compassionate storytelling and well-drawn characters make this book a recommended choice for fans of heartfelt contemporary romance. If you're looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a warm feeling of hope, "Always and Forever" is a book that delivers on its promises.
Note: Reading experiences may vary, but if you're seeking a heartwarming and emotionally resonant story about love and second chances, "Always and Forever" is a book that will leave you with a sense of hope and a renewed belief in the transformative power of love. Immerse yourself in this touching tale and let it touch your heart.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
"Always and Forever" by Lurlene McDaniel is a touching and heartfelt story that explores the power of love, forgiveness, and the possibility of second chances. With its engaging characters, emotional depth, and themes of personal growth, this book offers a heartwarming reading experience.
The story revolves around Melissa and Jory, two individuals with complicated pasts and wounded hearts. As they navigate their own personal struggles and confront the mistakes of their past, they find solace and healing in each other's presence. McDaniel's skillful storytelling brings their journey to life, portraying the complexities of their relationship and the challenges they face with authenticity and sensitivity.
The characters in "Always and Forever" are well-developed and relatable. Melissa and Jory are flawed but sympathetic, and their emotional journeys are compelling and filled with growth. McDaniel's portrayal of their evolving relationship is tender and realistic, capturing the ups and downs of love, forgiveness, and the delicate balance between holding on to the past and embracing the possibilities of the future.
The book's exploration of themes such as forgiveness, redemption, and the power of second chances is both poignant and uplifting. McDaniel delves into the emotional depths of her characters, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and root for their personal growth and happiness. The story serves as a reminder that love has the power to heal wounds and transform lives.
One of the strengths of "Always and Forever" is McDaniel's ability to depict complex emotions and tackle sensitive topics with sensitivity. The book addresses themes of loss, grief, and the importance of finding hope and strength in the face of adversity. It delivers a message of resilience and the transformative power of love, making it an engaging and uplifting read.
While the book offers a heartwarming and emotional narrative, some readers may find certain plot developments to be predictable or familiar, particularly if they are familiar with the romance genre and its conventions. However, the strength of the character development and the emotional resonance of the story make up for any predictability.
In conclusion, "Always and Forever" is a touching and uplifting tale of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Lurlene McDaniel's compassionate storytelling and well-drawn characters make this book a recommended choice for fans of heartfelt contemporary romance. If you're looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a warm feeling of hope, "Always and Forever" is a book that delivers on its promises.
Note: Reading experiences may vary, but if you're seeking a heartwarming and emotionally resonant story about love and second chances, "Always and Forever" is a book that will leave you with a sense of hope and a renewed belief in the transformative power of love. Immerse yourself in this touching tale and let it touch your heart.
April 18, 2008
This is a book about a girl named melissa.She has hopes and goals that any girl would have.She wahts to go to college and have the best junior year of her life.Her friend jory couldn't be better company and having michael(her brother) close would make it possible.then she starts to bruise after some weeks her mom takes her to the hospital.Test shows that she has leukimia, her dreams are crushed yet she doesn't give up hope.Chemo takes away her beauty and leaves her weak.Milissa and her family suffer yet stay together.Things start to get worst yet hope is never lost.Jory tries her hard not to brake and be strong for melissa.Things then turn for the better melissa gets better and is let out of the hospital.Melissa enters the brain Bowl with so much in it for her.Yet a year later the disease is back, melissa is put in the hospital again yet now they take another attack pla. jory and melissa's mom and friends are strong for her and support her.then the doctors decide to replace melissa's bone marrow with the one of a donor, which is her brother. Their is hope that Melissa will get better.The day of the operation Melissa is nervous and so is her family and friends.Melissa goes through with the operation yet days prove that wrong.Jory wants to help her friend and organizes a carnival to raise money and have people donate blood.Her carnival is a sucess and she raises alot of money.Melissa is so happy yet she gets worst and her days are counted.With all this happening Jory decides to plan her life.She starts to realize her life is passing her by and she has no plan. She starts to see the world differently and sets her goals.This book is so sad because not only does melissa suffer so does her family and tghis book shows us how each member od melissa's life suffers with her illness.Yet it gives us a new view that death shouldn't be painful but a time to reflect what has been good about our life.This book left me with a message the no one is death if at least one person still remembers him or her.
January 21, 2014
This is two novels in one. The first book, Too Young To Die, Melissa Austin is a junior in high school. She lives with her older brother Michael and their mom. Melissa's best friend Jory Delaney is super rich and lives in a fancy house with parents who don't really seem to care. Jory and Melissa are inseparable. Melissa is really smart, one of the top students in school. Melissa notices she is bruising all the time, but doesn't think about it until she is referred to the counselor because the school thinks she's being abused. It turns out she has leukemia. Melissa begins chemotherapy, is sick all the time, and feels horrible. Jory is there with her, trying to keep her spirits up. All Melissa wants to do is get better and go back to school. For awhile it seems that Melissa is getting better. She goes into remission, and goes back to school.
In book 2;Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever, we pick up with Jory's side of the story. Jory has been in love with Melissa's brother Michael since 5th grade. Michael only sees her as Melissa's friend. Melissa had been doing better, then she gets sick again. Jory is beside herself. She wants to help Melissa but doesn't really know what to do, except be her friend. As Melissa gets sicker, it is decided that she needs a bone marrow transplant. Michael is her donor. The relationship between Michael and Jory changes one night, and things for Jory go from bad to worse.
These books were very well-written. Teens can relate to the problems that these girls face. Choices that have to be made and not just health related. Sometimes it's hard just being a teenager in love with someone who doesn't see you as anything but a kid. And sometimes, school isn't the best place to be. Keep the tissues handy for this book. You will need them.
In book 2;Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever, we pick up with Jory's side of the story. Jory has been in love with Melissa's brother Michael since 5th grade. Michael only sees her as Melissa's friend. Melissa had been doing better, then she gets sick again. Jory is beside herself. She wants to help Melissa but doesn't really know what to do, except be her friend. As Melissa gets sicker, it is decided that she needs a bone marrow transplant. Michael is her donor. The relationship between Michael and Jory changes one night, and things for Jory go from bad to worse.
These books were very well-written. Teens can relate to the problems that these girls face. Choices that have to be made and not just health related. Sometimes it's hard just being a teenager in love with someone who doesn't see you as anything but a kid. And sometimes, school isn't the best place to be. Keep the tissues handy for this book. You will need them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2016
First and foremost, the plot with Jory and her mother in the second book was SO ANNOYING. Boring, stereotypical cliche rebellious foot-stomping wild-child teen daughter and stuffy bitch mother trying to plan her daughter's life and I just wanted them to shut up. Thank GOD that wore off and they had meaningful interaction later on or I'd have thrown the book at the wall.
Melissa's story was sad, but the Brad business was kind of wangsty at times. Thankfully, she was far more concerned with her academic goals and not constantly weeping that she was ugly because a boy didn't want to date her. And the second book broke my heart, it seemed like she was doomed from the outset. Jory was an amazing friend, though, even if she piled it on a little thick.
The Jory/Michael subplot was surprisingly not that eyeroll worthy. Cliche, but I've read far worse. At least Jory wasn't whining about how much Michael belonged with heeerrrrr and trying to sabotage his love interest.
Speaking of love interests, Ric was creepy and gross. He stalked Melissa, tried to convince her they were so meant for each other because they both had cancer, acted like he was going to rape her and insisting he be her first and I was SO glad she called him out and broke it off.
This wasn't the best or the worst Lurlene has to offer. It has some good moments and I was fond of the ending, but it was still pretty meh.
Melissa's story was sad, but the Brad business was kind of wangsty at times. Thankfully, she was far more concerned with her academic goals and not constantly weeping that she was ugly because a boy didn't want to date her. And the second book broke my heart, it seemed like she was doomed from the outset. Jory was an amazing friend, though, even if she piled it on a little thick.
The Jory/Michael subplot was surprisingly not that eyeroll worthy. Cliche, but I've read far worse. At least Jory wasn't whining about how much Michael belonged with heeerrrrr and trying to sabotage his love interest.
Speaking of love interests, Ric was creepy and gross. He stalked Melissa, tried to convince her they were so meant for each other because they both had cancer, acted like he was going to rape her and insisting he be her first and I was SO glad she called him out and broke it off.
This wasn't the best or the worst Lurlene has to offer. It has some good moments and I was fond of the ending, but it was still pretty meh.
December 18, 2015
Melissa Austin has always worked hard for what she wanted, and her grades proved everything.
Mel (Which her friends and family called her) and her bestfriend Jory Delaney are more than determined to have the best most greatest junior year EVER..... until Melissa receives life changing news about her health.
In this amazing, emotion churning book perspectives on life and death change suddenly as Melissa is placed into a world or sickness. " Always and Forever" is a MUST read. It will send you through an unforgettable journey teaching you the value of family and life itself This undeniably amazing book will make you think twice about the way you prioritize your life day to day and put into focus what truly matters in our short time on this earth.
Mel (Which her friends and family called her) and her bestfriend Jory Delaney are more than determined to have the best most greatest junior year EVER..... until Melissa receives life changing news about her health.
In this amazing, emotion churning book perspectives on life and death change suddenly as Melissa is placed into a world or sickness. " Always and Forever" is a MUST read. It will send you through an unforgettable journey teaching you the value of family and life itself This undeniably amazing book will make you think twice about the way you prioritize your life day to day and put into focus what truly matters in our short time on this earth.
July 10, 2017
Always and Forever fue uno de esos libros que consegui en una venta de libros de segunda mano y lo elegí por que me gustó la portada, estuvo meses en mi librero antes de que siquiera decidiera empezar a leerlo, pero una vez que empecé no pude dejar de leerlo.
Es una historia tan bonita y personalmente me identifique con la segunda parte del libro ya que el cancer ha estado presente en mi familia, Lurlene McDaniel describe a la perfeccion ambos lados de la enfermedad, todas esas emociones que sienten los seres queridos y la persona enferma.
Si tienes a un ser querido que esta atravesando por algo similar te vas a sentir identificado.
Es una historia tan bonita y personalmente me identifique con la segunda parte del libro ya que el cancer ha estado presente en mi familia, Lurlene McDaniel describe a la perfeccion ambos lados de la enfermedad, todas esas emociones que sienten los seres queridos y la persona enferma.
Si tienes a un ser querido que esta atravesando por algo similar te vas a sentir identificado.
Read
April 24, 2008this book gave a shot about cancer. the same day that i gat this book, i went home and my mom told me that my grandmother had cancer in her mouth. if she has no a cirugy, she could die in less than one month. this was sarcastic for me. then i talked to my grandmother that everything was all rights,she's like my mom. well she told me if i died don't be sad or mad at anyone i'm old and it's time to leave. when i read that book all my fears desappeared, but when i got the second book my thinker just thought in
July 27, 2008
these are two of my favorite adolescent fiction books. i read them when i was in middle school. this author writes sappy novels about female heroines who go through life-altering crises (and usually have a romantic twist), and this set of books is no exception. they're two of her better written novels though (she hadn't written a gazillion of these yet that just start to blend together after a while).
they're unabashedly tear-jerking and sentimental, but if that's what you're looking for, they definitely deliver.
they're unabashedly tear-jerking and sentimental, but if that's what you're looking for, they definitely deliver.
April 22, 2009
This book really was amazing. I read the book having an idea about how it would end. The back kindof gives it away. The main character Melissa lives with her mom and older brother. Her an her friend Jory spend all of their time together and really enjoy each other. Jory is in love with Melissa's brother but he never gives her a second thought. Everything is fine until Mellisa is diagnoised with cancer....
October 26, 2015
I love this book by McDaniel. The author provided constant enjoyment with complex and dynamic characters. They were interesting characters that, as a reader, you could relate too. Always and Forever drew me in and I never wanted to stop reading it. Also, the mood of the book was always changing, causing you to want to cry, smile, and sometimes even be furious. This is probably one of my favorite books and I would recommend it to everyone.
May 20, 2009
When I first picked up this part reading the first book I found myself interested, I wasnt able to put the book down but when I read the second part I lost interest yeah I did want to know what was going to happen to her but it wasn't like I was actually interested on it like I was on the first part of the book.
June 10, 2015
I read so many of McDaniel's books in high school, but couldn't remember why until I picked up Always and Forever. Her stories remind me how precious and fragile life truly is. I appreciate each day more after reading one of her books. This one is no different. Told from both Melissa and Jory's perspectives, I am more grateful for not only my health but the health of those I care for.
August 17, 2007
This is an amazing story. It is about a girl who is battleing Lukemia, it made me cry. It gave me alot of inspiration to go out and achieve you dreams no matter how far off they seem. This is definatly one of my favorites!
September 18, 2007
i loved this book because the main character Melissa taught me so much about life and the good things around it, even though she goes through a lot of bad things she still keeps a positive attitude towards things.
November 14, 2007
I loved the second book of this series, it really was great. It is a sad book but, you can find at least one character to identify with. I don't remember all of the details but, it's definately worth the read.
Read
April 15, 2010Melissa has everything going good for her. She has a good family, a best friend, and , a merit scholorship as a junior in High School. But then, she get sick. It's cancer. She's fighting hard to survive, but sometimes she wants to give up.
February 4, 2012
i will love Lurlene McDaniels for as long as i live...ive read two of her heart-wrenching novels and they are some of the most amazing, sad, inspiring pieces of literature ive ever read. 100% five stars!
August 19, 2025
I went through a phase in middle school where I binged the books from this author. I don't think I ever read this one though. It was obviously very sad but it was very formulaic and not super memorable as an adult.
Read
September 3, 2007In this book you'll find Love,Friendship,dreams,and hopes.
February 14, 2008
I love Lurlene McDanial Books so when i read this book I knew it was going to be really good. I also learn alot from her books by them being about teenagers with cancer.
September 20, 2008
helped me realize how much you have to suffer through in order to get what you really want. things don't always go easy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews