Introduction
Let’s explore Five Feet Apart Summary along with book details, featuring characters and book review by Rachael Lippincott with (Mikki Daughtry, and Tobias Laconis), published in 2018. Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott is a touching novel about two teenagers, Stella and Will, who both have cystic fibrosis (CF). Because of their illness, they must stay at least six feet apart to avoid cross-infection. However, as they grow closer emotionally, keeping that distance becomes more painful.
Stella is disciplined and follows her treatment plan carefully, while Will is more rebellious, tired of living by the rules. Despite their differences, they develop a deep connection, making them question whether love is worth the risk. This novel beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and the challenges of living with a serious illness.
If you enjoy emotional, thought-provoking stories, Five Feet Apart is a must-read!
Five Feet Apart Details
Title: Five Feet Apart
Author: Rachael Lippincott (with Mikki Daughtry & Tobias Iaconis)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Published: November 2018
Main Characters:
- Stella Grant – A rule-following CF patient
- Will Newman – A rebellious CF patient
Setting: A hospital where both characters are receiving treatment
Themes: Love, illness, loss, hope, and personal freedom
Inspiration: Based on a screenplay for the 2019 movie Five Feet Apart
Adaptation: Made into a film starring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson
Five Feet Apart Summary
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott is a deeply emotional young adult novel that tells the story of two teenagers, Stella Grant and Will Newman, who both suffer from cystic fibrosis (CF). This genetic disorder affects the lungs and makes it dangerous for CF patients to be near each other due to the risk of cross-infection. Hospital rules require them to stay at least six feet apart at all times, but as they get to know each other, keeping that distance becomes harder than they ever imagined.
Stella is a bright, determined girl who strictly follows her treatment plan, hoping for a lung transplant that could extend her life. She creates lists, organizes her medication schedule, and stays optimistic despite her struggles. Will, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He’s rebellious, tired of hospitals, and doesn’t believe in following rules anymore. Unlike Stella, Will has a dangerous bacteria called B. Cepacia, which makes his chances of getting a transplant nearly impossible. Because of this, he has lost hope in his future.
Despite their different outlooks, Stella and Will develop a strong connection. They share their fears, dreams, and frustrations, finding comfort in each other’s presence. As their bond deepens, Stella begins to question whether rules are always meant to be followed. She decides to take back one foot of the six feet separating them, allowing them to be five feet apart instead. It’s a small act of defiance, but to Stella and Will, it means everything.
As their love grows, so does the danger. The risk of infection is real, and one mistake could have deadly consequences. They are forced to make difficult choices – ones that test their love, strength, and understanding of what it truly means to live.
Five Feet Apart is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story about love, loss, and the desire for human connection. It highlights the struggles of living with a chronic illness while showing that even in the most challenging circumstances, love and hope can still exist. This novel is an emotional rollercoaster that leaves readers with a powerful message about cherishing every moment.
Five Feet Apart Review
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story about love, illness, and human connection. The novel follows Stella and Will, two teenagers with cystic fibrosis (CF), a condition that forces them to stay at least six feet apart to avoid life-threatening infections. Despite their medical struggles, they form a deep bond, making it harder to follow the one rule meant to keep them safe.
Stella is disciplined, always sticking to her treatment plan, while Will is more carefree, tired of constant hospital stays. Their contrasting personalities bring warmth and depth to the story, making readers feel every emotion they go through. The book does a great job of showing the struggles of living with a serious illness while also capturing the beauty of love and hope.
The writing is simple yet engaging, making it easy to connect with the characters. The emotions feel real, and the challenges they face make the story both heartbreaking and inspiring. While the ending might leave some readers in tears, it also delivers a powerful message about cherishing life and the people we love.
Overall, Five Feet Apart is a must-read for those who enjoy emotional young adult novels. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Study Guide for Five Feet Apart
1. Major Themes
- Love and Distance: Explores how love can grow even with physical barriers.
- Illness and Mortality: Highlights the struggles of living with cystic fibrosis.
- Freedom vs. Control: Shows the contrast between following strict medical rules and the desire to live freely.
- Friendship and Family: Examines the importance of support systems during tough times.
2. Character Analysis
- Stella Grant: A rule-follower who wants control over her illness but learns to take risks for love.
- Will Newman: A rebellious and carefree patient who struggles with hope and responsibility.
- Poe Ramirez: Stella’s best friend, who also has CF, offers a different perspective on life with the disease.
- Dr. Hamid: A caring but strict doctor ensuring the safety of her patients.
- Barb (Nurse): Protective of Stella and Will, enforcing hospital rules for their well-being.
3. Discussion Questions
- Why does Stella feel the need to control everything in her life?
- How does Will’s attitude toward his illness change throughout the book?
- What role does Poe play in Stella’s journey?
- How does the “five feet apart” rule symbolize their relationship?
- What message does the ending of the book send about life and love?
4. Symbolism in the Book
- The Six-Foot Rule: Represents both safety and the painful reality of their illness.
- Pool Scene: A moment of emotional freedom and connection.
- Will’s Sketches: A way he expresses himself and his feelings for Stella.
- Snowflakes: Symbolize uniqueness and fleeting moments in life.
5. Writing Style and Tone
- Simple, engaging, and emotional.
- Alternates between Stella and Will’s perspectives, making it more personal.
- Mix of lighthearted and heartbreaking moments, keeping readers emotionally invested.
Adaptions
1. Movie Adaptation
- Title: Five Feet Apart
- Release Date: March 15, 2019
- Director: Justin Baldoni
- Screenwriters: Mikki Daughtry & Tobias Iaconis
- Main Cast:
- Haley Lu Richardson as Stella Grant
- Cole Sprouse as Will Newman
- Moises Arias as Poe Ramirez
- Kimberly Hebert Gregory as Nurse Barb
- Plot: Follows the same story as the book but with slight changes in dialogue and character development.
- Reception: Well-received by audiences for its emotional depth and strong performances.
2. Differences Between the Book and Movie
- Some scenes are altered or added to increase emotional impact.
- The book provides more internal thoughts from Stella and Will, while the movie relies on visual storytelling.
- Certain side characters get more or less screen time in the movie adaptation.
3. Cultural Impact
- Raised awareness about cystic fibrosis and the struggles of patients.
- Inspired many discussions on love, illness, and the importance of human connection.
- Led to an increase in donations to CF foundations.
What happened in the Five Feet Apart book?
Five Feet Apart follows Stella and Will, two teens with cystic fibrosis who must stay six feet apart to avoid infection. Despite the rule, they develop a deep connection. Stella decides to break the rule by reducing the distance to five feet. As their love grows, a medical emergency forces them to face reality. In the end, they must choose between love and survival, leading to an emotional and bittersweet conclusion.
What is the main message in the book Five Feet Apart?
The main message of Five Feet Apart is that love, connection, and human closeness are essential, even when physical distance is necessary. It highlights the struggles of living with a serious illness while emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment. The book also teaches that sometimes love means letting go for the sake of the other person’s well-being.
What happens to Will in Five Feet Apart book?
In Five Feet Apart, Will has cystic fibrosis and initially resists his treatment. He falls in love with Stella, but his health worsens. Eventually, he undergoes a life-saving procedure, learning to accept his illness and the risks of love.
Is Five Feet Apart sad ending?
Yes, Five Feet Apart has a bittersweet ending. While Will undergoes a life-saving procedure, the couple faces the reality of their health struggles, leaving readers with a mix of hope and sadness.
What does Five Feet Apart teaches us?
Five Feet Apart teaches us the importance of love, human connection, and living in the moment, even when faced with difficult circumstances. It also shows that sometimes, the greatest acts of love involve making tough choices for the well-being of others.
