I’m not going to deny that it took so much strength to finish this book, not because it wasn’t good but because it brought up the pain that I felt when my aunt lost her battle on breast cancer. Cancer sucks to both the patient and the family; it hurts a lot to see a loved one succumb to it no matter how hard they fought. This story tackles Cayenne’s life and fear of this awful sickness. And I can't blame her for being how she is because when you know that your family fights the same battle and disease and the possibility of you getting the illness is high, it can get depressing, and you can also be in denial. She was careless and made crazy choices, but that's how she deals with her fear. This is an inspiring and emotional story that you shouldn’t miss. It is about acceptance, strength, and compassion

here's the thing, a lot of people love this book, or really liked it. but, it honestly was just not good in my oipion. like, they went into so much detail about everything and they talked about everything that happened, which is just a pet peeve in my book. also, i'm not sure if i just don't remember this, but how is it possible that all of these woman drop dead at 35? like, there's got to be something there to make it happen, and everyone isn't just gonna, you know, die as soon as they hit 35.

I was intrigued by the flow of the story and how well written it was... It had me thinking about things

i really wanted to like this book but unfortunately it just did not  work for me..  i'm so sorry, but i hope that you pick it up and that you love it so much!!

Such a powerful and important read.  As I get older, the threat of breast cancer lingers more.  Especially after watching my best friend battle stage 4 breast cancer and kicking it to the damn curb. 

This is a story about living life.  Really, really living and not just sitting by and letting everyone live around you. 

I finished this book a while back, and still can't find the words to express how impactful this book was!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

this was a really tough book to get through, I really felt for Cayenne, it was a good read that dealt with a hard topic in a respectable way.

This was a heavy read, but so well crafted. I loved the sisters at the center of this, although I clicked more with Saffron than Cayenne who is the POV character. There's a nice growth course for Cayenne as she moves from her adrenaline junkie stunts to a deeper understanding of her loss and her choices about her own future. There's a romance element, too, but it is secondary to the personal growth parts of the story. Great family pieces in this, too. Don't miss this one!

I absolutely adored How to Live on the Edge! It is in a way both a typical YA book and something new and different. While it might be slightly predictable, it is so well written and has such a meaningful story. It tackles some serious issues, but in a really light-hearted manner. There is humor, drama, romance, death, reconciliation. Overall a really enjoyable read.

My heart melted Sarah <3

Thanks to NetGallery, Sarah Lynn Scheerger, and the Lerner Publishing Group for making this read available to review.

This read is a great YA book. Revolved around the relationships of two sisters, Cayenne and Saffron. As they go into adulthood, they are presented with a journal and videos from their mother who passed away from cancer. *enter crying here* I have to say it reminds me a lot about the movie P.S. I love you, that they have videos of their mom. 
Two different kinds of girls, Cayenne is a spunky one who lives life on the edge and has her sarcasm level always at 100. Saffron, is the analytical, responsible, realistic, emotional, over thinker. I kind of would have to say i did not enjoy her that much as she seemed to be a bit hypocritical and I would cringe every time she made things a big deal and act like she was holier than thou; and only her way was the right way.

I enjoyed that every once in a while there was something big that happened that would keep you on your toes like finding the videos, Aunt Tee having surgery, finding out about their dad, Axel turning out to be a total douche, the money, Micah <3, and of course the BRCA gene; full of drama!

Props to Sarah to be able to write about awareness in a kids friendly manner.

I had the opportunity to join @BookSparks on a book tour.  Thank you @BookSparks {#partner} for gifting me with a copy in exchange for an independent and honest review. This book is out now so go grab yourself a copy!
 
Review of How to Live on the Edge by Sarah Lynn Scheerger:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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For two generations, none of the women in Cayenne’s family have lived past the age of 37. Her mother died from breast cancer when Cayenne was four years old. Expecting her life to end early like the rest of the women in her family, Cayenne lives a life of risks, figuring that she may as well live her life without regrets. Aunt Tee raises Cayenne and her sister as her own, but she just learns that she too has the BRCA gene mutation; the same genetic marker that Cayenne’s mother had. To minimize any risks of developing breast cancer, Aunt Tee undergoes a mastectomy. At the same time, Cayenne and her sister are given a set of video messages from their late mother. Cayenne starts to question if she is living her best life and what she would do if given information that could impact her future. If you found out that you are at a higher risk of developing cancer, what would you do about it? How would you live your life? Would you play it safe or live on the edge?
 
This book dove deep into a sensitive topic that was impactful and realistic. The idea of being a teenager and having to consider your future and the risks of developing cancer. I imagine that would be tough. I had my own breast cancer scare when three lumps were found in one of my breasts, but I was 31-years old. That was hard enough to wrap my head around and consider my future nevermind being a teenager and doing so. It was clear the author did her research because the level of detail she wrote about in the MRI scenes brought me back to my scans. It was refreshing to read a young adult book that I could relate to. This book is heartfelt, moving, inspirational, informative, and was a pleasure to read. Well done @sarahscheerger!

I really enjoyed this book about the ways that sisters Cayenne and Saffron cope with facing death in their lives. Cayenne is the daring one, always looking for risks and tempting fate, while Saffron is more of a serious care taker. The book was told from Cayenne’s viewpoint, but you get to know Saffron as well.

Raised by their aunt and uncle, Cayenne and Saffron are faced with their own likelihood of having the BRCA gene mutation when their aunt tests positive for it as well. I was able to feel their emotions as they decided whether to get tested for the gene mutation. I really liked their relationship with each other, as well as with their aunt and their younger twin cousins.

It was inspiring to see Cayenne grow and change throughout this book and I really appreciated the look at their mother that was revealed through her journal and videos that she made for the girls.

This is a YA book but I recommend it for older readers as well!

For the most part this was a well done book. The book has a very interesting story and it’s very informational. You can tell the author is very informed and passionate about learning and teaching about the BRCA gene, which is the gene that causes cancer. The book has great pacing as well.

Trigger warning: Cancer, Cliff jumping, Train dodging, Car accident, Mastectomy.

“I’ve cheated Death once again. Nothing makes me more alive.”

How to Live on the Edge revolves around the two sisters named, Cayenne and Saffron Silk who lost their mother at a pretty young age due to breast cancer, and that made Cayenne see their life as cursed. She then tries to defy death many times so she could just feel alive and distract it hoping that would spare the other women in her family. Could she really distract Death? Is there really a way for them to escape this curse even if its already etched on their DNA?

How to Live on the Edge gave me a complete rollercoaster of emotions. It made me cry, it made me laugh, and it made my heart swoon. It broke me in every good and bad way possible and I really enjoyed minute of it. The author placed me perfectly on Cayenne’s shoes. Her pain was my pain, her humor was my humor, and her happiness was my happiness. The story was that realistic that I was able to feel all those things while reading it. I love how the story progressed and it really made me connect with the characters. I loved Cayenne’s strong personality, I can actually see myself in her. She may look reckless or irresponsible because she do things such as not wearing her seatbelt while driving, but the fact that she ‘plays’ with death to save her sister, cousins, and her aunt shows how great her love can be. She is willing to give up herself just to keep the ones she loves the most safe. I also love how the author injected vital societal issues in the story dealing with women in the form of Saffron’s wisdom. Her maturity was not defined by her age. She is smart, critical, and caring at the same time. Even though her ideals were sometimes not aligned with her sister, she still loved her unconditionally. And it showed the realness between siblings that no matter how much they disagree, siblings will always stick together.

How to Live on the Edge was written lightly but the emotions it carries bring the depth in it. It is a story of reconciliation, hope, love, bravery, and celebrating womanhood in all forms. And it doesn’t just give us a simple story, it also raises awareness about BRCA – how we can find options to battle it and how we can find a support system that will help us get through it. Which I found very relevant to everyone because it does not just affect women alone but men can have it as well.

Now the question is, if I loved it so much then why did I gave it a 4-star rating instead of a full 5-stars? My answer to that is because I wanted to see more from Saffron. The last chapters seem to happen so fast and it left me hanging with a few unanswered questions. How did Saffron react when Cayenne let her read her journal notes? Was she glad? Was she overwhelmed?  I also wanted to know how Cayenne would get through this new battle. I’ve learned a lot from her journey into knowing their past, remembering their mom, and placing the pieces of their life back together, but I also crave to learn how will she overcome this new chapter and challenges in her life.

How to Live on the Edge is a story I never knew I needed, I really learned a lot from it and I would totally recommend it to anyone who searches for something that would make them feel a different rush of emotion on every turn of the page.

How To Life On the Edge was a very deep book that pertains to family dynamics, the genes we carry, and how we face difficult moments in our lives. It was wrenching to see these two young women going through the loss of their mother years after her passing and coming to terms with the BRCA gene that is in their blood. The author carries forth the topic of cancer, and the aftermath it has on surviving families, with a great deal of dignity and sensitivity.

How To Live on the Edge is a thought provoking novel that encourages the reader to think about cancer, grief, and the chance to prevent the disease. The novel references the BRCA gene mutation for cancer and explores the option of preventative surgery by having a mastectomy. The suggested surgery is controversial and the novel does acknowledge this.

When I read the first few chapters of this novel, I was reminded of the book P.S. I Love You because Cayenne and her sister watch the videos that their dying mother had left for them to view. As in Ahern’s novel, Scheerger explores the grief experienced by the loved ones who have been left behind. In How To Live On The Edge, however, the manifestation of the grief is explored many years after the actual death.

I found this novel to be an interesting read – even though I did not appreciate Cayenne’s reckless behaviour. I could understand, though, the reasons for such behaviour. During the novel, I saw a growth in Cayenne’s character as she realised some of the reasons for her behaviour and the fact that she was pushing her loved ones away. I also appreciated the topic of breast cancer – a topic that is often seen as taboo. I like that this novel tackles the subject head-on and explores the preventative treatment suggested for this type of cancer.

How to Live on the Edge follows Cayenne and her sister Saffron. There is a “curse” in their family: none of the women on their mom’s side make it past a certain age because of breast cancer. Their own mom passed away when they were toddlers, and they’ve lived with their aunt ever since. BUT THEN!!!! When they’re in high school, they receive a ~gift~ from their mom—she left them videos and notes to watch and read. Each sister takes this differently. After “accepting” that their mom has passed, how is this new information going to impact them? Especially when they’re in high school and still trying to get to know themselves!?!?

Sarah Lynn Scheerger is a clinical social worker, so she has strong expertise to write about this sensitive topic. This book also lists resources in the back for those that are struggling with breast cancer or has a loved one that does. I liked this book, but I didn’t love it—sometimes, the interactions between characters and even the mom’s videos seemed inauthentic. I couldn’t imagine someone in her position saying some of the things she said. Also, Cayenne’s boyfriend was super problematic in my opinion—sometimes he tried to force Cayenne into having sex because he had waited long enough (ok!!?). With that being said, this is a strong book for middle/high school age to explore how illness impacts families. The author’s expertise clearly shines through. 

Thank you so much to Booksparks and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

A beautiful story following two sisters as they navigate grief. This story takes us on a journey as they find healing and closure.

This is a great read about a young girl, Cayenne, whose family has a history of dying young due to cancer, at least the women do.  After losing her mother to breast cancer, Cayenne decides to live life to the fullest and dangerously since she figures she will die young, too.  She is given videos that her mother recorded prior to dying and at first rejects them.  When her Aunt Tee finds she has the same mutation of cells that her mother had, she decides to get a mastectomy to reduce her chances of getting cancer.  Cayenne has depended on Tee, as she is the mother figure in her life, so she is struggling and decides to watch her mother's videos.  The journey that follows will make you weep as you read.

How to Live on the Edge by Sarah Lynn Scheerger is such an emotional rollercoaster so buckle in before you start this one! It was a beautifully written book with such an emotional draw! 

Cayenne and Saffron lost their mother to breast cancer when they were young, leaving them to live with Aunt Tee. They know that the women in their family don’t live past 40. The BRCA gene mutation that runs in their DNA won’t let them. Cayenne spends her time flirting, very dangerously, with death. She stands in front of oncoming trains, jumping out of the way at the last second, and so many other perilous activities. When she is given video messages her mother made for her before her death, she finds that she doesn’t want them, but continues to be drawn to them.

This story is a deep, insightful, and inspirational story. I liked that the main character was deeply flawed, and I enjoyed the serious subject matter. It was a bit slow in spots, but overall, flowed well, providing a story that I needed to see the ending of.

The characters are so different. Cayenne is hard to connect with. She doesn’t care about her own life because she’s sure she’ll lose it early, so I had a hard time caring. She has this amazing character arc though, and I found myself deeply invested in her story as the chapters progressed. I thought the author did a fabulous job of giving her growth and understanding throughout the story.

This book is marketed as a YA novel, which usually means that the book is marketed to 12-18 year olds, and that the main character is someone in that age range as well. This book fits both of those categories, but its topic is so serious, and so relatable to any reader that I wouldn’t shy away from this one if YA isn’t usually your thing.

Overall, I enjoyed this read, and found myself looking forward to picking it back up. I liked the character growth and the uplifting possibilities in the story.

Content Warnings:
This book depicts some extremely dangerous, life-threatening actions by the MC that could be upsetting to some readers.

To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend How to Live on the Edge readers that like to get emotionally invested in characters!

Like usual, I didn't know exactly what this book was about but as the cover had attracted me,  I wanted to read it. The book started with the main character Cayenne train-jumping and living a life of defiance and never letting fear dictate what she does. She is living her life to the full as in her family, the woman has a curse. They all die in their 30's from Cancer whether it be Breast or Ovarian Cancer. It has been 14 years since their mother died from Cancer and now their guardian Aunt Tee has been diagnosed. The girls are also coming up 18 and have been presented with their mother's journal and a series of videos in which each one will present them with a gift and answer some big questions - like who is their father? Unlike in the past, these days you can be tested for the BRCA gene which if positive means you have a higher chance of getting Cancer. What happens when both Cayenne and Saffron take the test and have different views? This book was quite a touching read as coming from someone whose mother is also gone and will miss out on those big moments as my mum died coming up 7 years ago, this book tugged at my heartstrings. Unfortunately, my mother died from a genetic disease which I could have myself but as it is rare, it can't be fully tested and in my mother's side of the family - the diseases only tend to flare once you have had your first child which I still haven't had at this stage.  If you are looking for a more emotional read that will have you thinking - would you live life to the fullest, if you knew life was short? Find out in Sarah Lynn Scheerger's How to Live on the Edge.