It's a Wonderful Death

"Fun, funny, and full of life." —Kirkus

"Schmitt's smart, funny novel will keep readers entertained as they follow R.J. on her redemptive path from 'self-absorbed princess' to someone more capable of kindness, while perhaps contemplating their own actions and choices. R.J.'s sarcastic sense of humor sharply counterbalances touching moments as she learns how to live more generously." —Publishers Weekly

"Told in RJ’s snarky voice, this delightful debut encompasses elements of A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Gayle Foreman’s If I Stay (2009), while still being unique. . . . The message of standing up to opposition—whether for yourself or for others—is an important life lesson that readers learn alongside RJ. Her story compellingly demonstrates that significance comes from the quality (not quantity) of one’s life." —Booklist

"Full of snark and morality, RJ is a teen girl that many readers will relate to and enjoy getting to know. It is a story of the ultimate takedown of a popular mean girl, but it is then incredibly encouraging. Readers will love RJ’s sarcasm and will laugh out loud at some of the depictions of the afterworld. (Who knew Death Himself would be kind of cute?) A book that could have easily become preachy gives just the right amount of redemption. Even though most readers will be dissatisfied with the ending, it is a great addition to any library serving teens." —VOYA

"A snarky joyride of a book with a deep moral core; long after you've finished laughing, you'll still be thinking about RJ's journey and perhaps asking yourself: What defines a life well lived?" —Mike Mullin, author of the Ashfall trilogy

"A great mix of mirth, myth and metaphysics." —Daniel Waters, author of Generation Dead

"Just the kind of story I love—full of snark, heart, and contemplation about the meaning of life! It's a Wonderful Death will get you thinking about what you want to leave behind and how you want to live until then." —Kristen Lippert-Martin, author of Tabula Rasa

"A wonderful gem. Both snarky and uplifting, it sneaks inside you and makes you smile and cry at the same time." —Sarah Beth Durst, author of Vessel and Drink, Slay, Love

"Smart, sassy, and humorously original with clever world-building and a host of interesting characters, It's a Wonderful Death will have you laughing out loud and rooting for RJ from the first page!" —Amalie Howard, best-selling author of Bloodspell and Alpha Goddess

"RJ's witty narrative had me both laughing out loud and weeping into the pages. It's a Wonderful Death is a delightful read that questions the butterfly effect of choices made...and unmade." —Danielle L. Jensen, author of Stolen Songbird

“You know a story’s going to be good when Death shows up as a surfer! I loved every bit of this funny and heartwarming tale of second chances.” —Lisa Maxwell, author of Sweet Unrest

"For everyone who’s wished for a do-over, for the chance to take back a mean word or an unkind deed, you’ll be rooting for sassy RJ to succeed in this satisfying tale of redemption." —Yvonne Ventresca, award-winning author of Pandemic