Optimists Die First Book Review

Optimists Die First Book Review | Susin Nielsen YA Novel

Author: Susin Nielsen
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Mental Health Fiction
Publication Date: 2017

Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Overview

Susin Nielsen’s Optimists Die First is a heartfelt YA novel that combines humor and heartbreak in equal measure. This optimists die first book review looks at how Nielsen balances themes of grief, guilt, and resilience with her signature wit and relatability.

Spoiler-Free Summary

Petula De Wilde, once a carefree teen, now sees danger in every corner after a family tragedy leaves her wracked with guilt. Forced into an art therapy group, she meets Jacob, a boy with his own heavy past. Their tentative friendship, sprinkled with awkwardness, sarcasm, and honesty, becomes the novel’s heart—showing how connection can slowly rebuild lives fractured by trauma.

Writing Style & Craft

Nielsen writes with clarity, humor, and compassion. Her prose is accessible for teens but layered enough to resonate with adult readers. Quirky details—like Petula’s obsession with crafting and morbid safety facts—add charm and authenticity to her voice. The pacing is brisk, making the book easy to devour in a single sitting.

Characters & Development

• Petula De Wilde: A protagonist defined by guilt and fear, whose journey toward healing feels both painful and believable.
• Jacob: Witty, charismatic, but deeply scarred. His dynamic with Petula provides both tension and hope.
• Therapy Group: A collection of teens each carrying their own burdens, offering humor, support, and conflict in equal measure.

Themes

• Grief & Guilt: How tragedy reshapes identity and behavior.
• Friendship & Healing: The role of connection in processing trauma.
• Hope vs. Fear: The balance between cautious pessimism and daring optimism.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths: authentic teen voice, balance of humor and heaviness, relatable exploration of mental health.
Weaknesses: some plot beats feel predictable, side characters could use more depth.

Verdict

Optimists Die First is a poignant yet entertaining YA read, tackling difficult themes with empathy and levity. Nielsen proves once again that stories about grief can also sparkle with humor and hope. Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Further Reading

For more perspectives, see reviews on Goodreads, Kirkus Reviews, and Publishers Weekly.

Related Reviews

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