16 Bittersweet Books Like They Both Die At The End

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silva gives us a glimpse into how someone would spend the day if they knew it was their last. How would you spend your final moments if you knew you wouldn’t see tomorrow?

This story takes place in an alternate universe where people are alerted by DeathCast that it’s their final day on Earth. Mateo receives the alert, and not long after, Rufus gets one too.

Using the Last Friend app, these two meet and have one last adventure before their final goodbyes.

They Both Die At The End was a heartwarming story. If you’ve just finished reading this novel and are looking for something similar, you’ve come to the right page. 

Today, we’ll introduce you to 16 books like They Both Die At The End.

Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks!

Need a book fast but don’t have much time? Here are our top favorite books like They Both Die At The End…

Summary of They Both Die At The End

Before we get into the top similar books to They Both Die At The End, let’s quickly recap the story. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil the ending if you are still reading!

Set in an alternate world, Death-Cast is a company that brings people up and lets them politely know that their impending death has come, and it will be within the next 24 hours.

This gives them time to say goodbye to loved ones, experience bucket list activities, or tie loose ends. In the book, we follow two lads, Rufus and Mateo, as they traverse the streets, spending the few hours they have left in the world together.

A fabulous concept and one that keeps you intrigued to the very end, even though, quite humorously, the title gives it away. It’s a must-read for something a little different. 

Books Like They Both Die At The End

Were you captivated by the story of They Both Die At The End? Here are 16 books you should read next.

1. Denton Little’s Death Date – Lance Rubin

The theme of They Both Die At The End is how the characters spend their final moments alive.

Denton’s Little Death Date has a similar theme. In this world, every person knows the exact date they will die.

As Denton’s death date approaches, he spends his final hours enjoying as many life experiences as possible. At his per-funeral party, Denton makes a decision that radically changes his final hours. 

On his journey of figuring out love and what he wants out of life, Denton also notices something suspicious happening. Will this interfere with his death date?

2. I Hope You Get This Message – Farah Naz Rishi

One of the questions that They Both Die At The End has us asking was, “what loose ends would we want to tie if we weren’t going to make it to tomorrow?”.

This is something the characters in I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Niz Rishi can relate to.

Aliens have invaded Earth, and the entire planet is in ruins. There are only 7 days left until the world end. What would you do with those seven days?

This story follows 3 main characters. Cate wants to find her father, who she’s never met. Adeem wants to make amends with this distant sister. Jesse feels like nothing matters and this alien invasion is just one more traumatic event.

While all 3 characters are on different journeys and their paths collide at just the right time.

3. Meet Me In Another Life – Catriona Silvey

Are you after more books like They Both Die At The End to add to your collection? Meet Me In Another Life by Catriona Silvey will have you hooked until the last page.

Santi and Thora are strangers who meet in a foreign city by chance. They form an instant bond as they get to know one another. However, a tragic accident prevents their friendship from blossoming.

Two spirits that are meant for each other will find one another again. But it’s not always how you think it will be. 

Throughout time, Thora and Santi meet again in many forms and many situations. When a shocking revelation comes to life they must discover the truth behind their relationship.

4. They Said This Would Be Fun – Eternity Martis

Many of the books on our list today feature characters that live their lives to the fullest in their final moments.

They Said This Would Be Fun by Eternity Martis is a true story about a young woman living her life on her terms, no matter what obstacles get in her way.

This memoir tells the story of Eternity Martis and her university experience. While she was excited about the experience, things weren’t so easy for her.

Racism, an abusive partner, and other obstacle tried to ruin her experience. Eternity didn’t let anything stop her as she reached for her goals.

**Disclaimer: This book contains some scenes of abuse that may distress readers**

5. Early Departures – Justin A Reynolds

They Both Die At The End have readers thinking about what they would do if they knew they would never see someone they love again. Early Departures by Justin A Reynolds is a story that gives people a second chance.

In this book, a new technology can re-animate the recently deceased.

However, it’s only for a short time. After Jamal’s ex-best friend dies, he uses the re-animation to get a second chance to make their relationship right. 

6. The Song Of Achilles – Madeline Miller

Are you looking for LGBTQ books like They Both Die At The End? If so, The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller should be added to your list.

This book takes place in the Greek heroic age. Patroclus is exiled by his father and must live in the court of Peleus. 

He soon strikes up a relationship with the host’s son Achilles, who’s also a demi-god. Could this bond risk the wrath of God?

7. 13 Reasons Why – Jay Asher

They Both Die At The End focuses on your actions at the end of your life. 13 Reasons Why focuses on how your actions affect other people’s lives.

Clay Jenson receives a mysterious package. The box contains tapes recorded by his friend and crush, Hannah Baker.

Hannah took her own life, but she recorded the 13 reasons before she did. Clay soon discovers that he is one of them.

**Disclaimer: This book contains some scenes of abuse and self-harm that may distress readers**

8. The Sun Is Also A Star – Nicola Yoon

They Both Die At The End shows readers that every moment matters. This is something the characters learn in The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon.

Daniel and Natasha are strangers in NYC who meet through a twist of fate. Yet, neither of these characters believes in fate. 

Daniel’s dealing with family stress, while Natasha’s family is about to be deported. Throughout it all, they realize that some things are meant to be.

9. Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead – Emily Austin

One of our favorite LGBTQ books like They Both Die At The End, is Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin.

A mistake in a meeting results in Gilda being hired to replace a recently deceased receptionist at the church. Since Gilda has always been awkward, she didn’t correct the mistake and took on the job. 

This situation has Gilda in over her head. She’s secretly hiding her new girlfriend and impersonating the dead receptionist through email, so she doesn’t have to be the one to tell people the lady has passed.

Will Gilda learn to speak up and set things right?

10. We Are All The Same In The Dark – Julia Heaberlin

We enjoyed They Both Die At The End because it redefined how we look at things. That is something we also enjoy about We Are All The Same In The Dark by Julia Heaberlin.

Wyatt Branson has been an outcast in the community since his sister went missing. Things change when he finds a lost girl in a dandelion field. 

His sister’s best friend Odette is now a cop. She’s determined to help this lost girl while solving Tru Branson’s cold case. However, once she uncovers the truth, things in town will never be the same.

11. Heartstopper – Alice Oseman

We love the connection between LGBTQ characters in They Both Die At The End. That’s why we couldn’t get enough of Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.

Charlie was outed at the beginning of the school year and experienced a lot of bullying. Nick has always noticed Charlie but never had the opportunity to meet him. He thought he would never have the chance to meet or be with him.

Fate has a way of bringing people together. This is a classic tale of opposites attracting that we couldn’t put down.

12. Red, White, & Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston

When we asked about more LGBTQ rom-com novels like They Both Die At The End, Red, White, and Royal Blue was recommended. We’re glad we took this suggestion.

Alex is the first son. Henry is part of the royal family. For many years they were each other’s biggest nemesis. Alex gets the perfect chance to sabotage Henry. However, he’s beginning to realize that all these hard feelings could be an attraction. 

If you’re after opposites attract story, Red, White, and Royal Blue will have you hooked until the last page.

13. Noggin – John Corey Whaley

One of the aspects we enjoyed about They Both Die At The End is the different reality the story takes place in. That’s part of what makes Noggin such a fun story.

In this world, characters can have their heads frozen after death. Travis dies of illness at the age of 16. Many years later, his head is placed on a donor body. He’s back, but his world is different. 

This science fiction book keeps readers glued to the pages as Travis adjusts to his new life.

14. Both Can Be True – Jules Machias

Unexpected romance stories always brighten our day. If you’re the same way, you should add Both Can Be True by Jules Machias to your to-read list.

Ash struggles with their identity. While they were born a guy, Ash is sometimes more comfortable being a girl. A chance encounter brings them to Daniel, where the 2 bond over saving a dog. 

They have a great connection, but there’s only one problem. Daniel thinks Ash is a girl.

To make matters worse, Ash doesn’t know how to be open about their gender fluidity. But, could this friendship help Ash come to terms with their identity and learn that it’s okay not to fit in?

15. History Is All You Left Me – Adam Silva

For more books like They Both Die At The End, you should check out more of Adam Silva’s work. History Is All You Left Me was one book we couldn’t put down.

This book shows us how things can change in an instant. Griffin is away at college and is casually seeing a classmate, Jackson. However, he does not doubt that he will end up with his first love Theo. That is until Theo tragically dies in a car accident.

Things are blurry for Griffin as his world has come crumbling down. Yet, throughout it all, he realizes that Jackson is the one person that can help him make it through. Will Griffin be able to pick up the pieces of his history to rebuild his future?

16. The Invisible Life of Addie Larue – V.E. Shwab

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is about a young girl who is not satisfied with the idea of dying and being forgotten.

When given the opportunity to live forever, she takes it, knowing that it would mean everyone she knows and loves would perish and she will live on alone.

300 years passed, and all is well until she meets a man from her past in a bookshop. All is about to change…

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue explores concepts of death, remembrance and love. It’s gorgeously and poetically written and is full of thought-provoking messages.

If you’re looking for a book similar to They Both Die At The End that’s captivating and songful, then you’re going to love this book.

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Final Words On Books Like They Both Die At The End

We love a book that reminds us about the importance of living your life. There are many great book recommendations for people that loved They Both Die At The End. 

We only had time to cover 16 today but if there are other books we didn’t mention, tell us about them in the comments below!

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Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Louisa