if I didn't write a review for this book I know I would greatly regret it, so here it is days after I finished reading.

exit through the gift shop was one of the most heartfelt yet gut wrenching books I have ever layed eyes upon.

we follow 12 year old ana, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and her relationships with the people in her life including her seperated parents and their partners, her 237 step siblings, her best friend al, and her mortal enemy turned not quite friend alyssa.

we follow the normal day to day things a preteen goes through, but always with the knowledge that ana may die at any point in time- which she is at peace with.
we see her general shenanigans with al, but also see her go through chemo and lose her hair, recieve specialised treatment in the US of A, and buy a pair of Jordans because she's always wanted a pair and her dad and stepmum gave her money for her trip.

we see ana struggle with more than cancer within this book, but we also see a charismatic and funny young person with an amazing support system, going through the trials and tribulations of living in Sydney- I don't wish that on anyone personally- and enjoying her youth as much as one can with a time limit to it.

anyway if you're on the fence, please do read this. it's endearing and fun and full of little doodles of ana, which fully transports you into her world.

unbelievably strong 5 stars.