Book Buzz: Last Chance Live! by Helena Haywoode Henry
Last Chance LIVE’s premise was inspired by real-world death penalty reform efforts to raise the minimum age for capital punishment. Last Chance LIVE’s protagonist, Eternity Price, was inspired by a little girl I met during my undergraduate years at the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, I volunteered in Head Start classrooms in a West Philadelphia public school, and met a fouryear-old girl whose vivacious spirit deeply impacted me. I spent years contemplating how she was growing up in an impoverished neighborhood right next to an Ivy League university, but she would likely be unable to access most of its privileges and resources—and the trajectory of her life would likely be very different than the lives of most Penn students. To my knowledge, that little girl has not experienced or done anything like what Eternity has, but she and Eternity both grew up in the shadow of power and privilege. My hope for this young girl, and all children, is that they have what Eternity never did—confidence in who they are and what they are worth, and a community that reinforces this truth. I hope seeing America’s reflection in Last Chance LIVE! helps us ascribe more value to these children, and less value to “great television.”
― Helena Haywoode Henry, Author Q&A
What booksellers are saying about Last Chance Live!
- I have been reeling from the ending of this book since I finished it, and it’s going to be with me a long time. We meet Eternity Price, who is on death row for reasons that are unclear at first, as she is given the chance to vie for her life on reality TV in exchange for giving up any chance at future appeals. Eternity is competing with nine other inmates, one of whom is voted off each week. The last competitor standing is freed and given a chance to start fresh. We know that not everyone will make it, but each goodbye is heart-wrenching nonetheless. Henry is going to be huge – her debut promises many good stories to come – if we can forgive her for breaking our hearts (spoiler – we can). This debut is stunning and gorgeous, and not just for young adult readers!
― Andrea Richardson, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia | BUY
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Last Chance Live! is a deeply complex novel that explores social justice, the prison system, and the treatment of death row inmates. What I especially liked about the book was how you didn’t find out what Eternity’s, or any of the other contestants’ crimes were until after you knew them as characters. The books’ commentary and its detailed and diverse cast of characters makes it a very compelling read. I would definitely recommend it to people interested in conversations about social justice.
― Ashton Ahart, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina | BUY
- Push for a new generation. In this speculative world, not so far off from our own, Eternity competes on a reality show with other death row inmates, fighting for her freedom. How far will she go to win? Speculative fiction with real-world importance, this novel doesn’t shy away from complicated characters and topics. A fun, fast-paced read with a message that will stick with you.
― Sarah Cottrell, Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky | BUY
About Helena Haywoode Henry
Helena Haywoode Henry is a mom of three and a former attorney living in the Raleigh-Durham area. Helena graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and from NYU School of Law. Last Chance Live! is her first novel.
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