How to Live on the Edge

Eighteen-year-old Cayenne barely remembers her mother, who died of breast cancer when Cayenne was four. The women in her family have a history of dying young. Cayenne figures she'll meet the same fate, so she might as well enjoy life now, engaging in death-defying risks like dodging trains and jumping off cliffs with her boyfriend.

When Cayenne receives a series of video messages her mother made for her before dying, she isn't sure she wants them. Her aunt Tee has been her true mother figure. But then Aunt Tee tests positive for a BRCA gene mutation—the one that doomed Cayenne's mom—and decides to get a mastectomy to reduce her chances of developing cancer. As Cayenne helps her aunt prepare for the surgery, she finds herself drawn to her mother's messages, with their musings on life, love, and perseverance. For the first time, Cayenne starts to question what it truly means to live life to the fullest, even when death might be written into her DNA.

“"Told with humor and truth, this story of a young woman navigating loss, devastating secrets, and the reality of her own mortality is made richer for the unique and hopeful bond she shares with her sister, the unfamiliar love she discovers with a family she thought she understood--and the strength she needs to save herself."--Jennifer Longo, author of Six Feet Over It and Up to this Pointe”

"Readers will root for Cayenne despite the many mistakes she makes."—School Library Journal

"[A]n interesting, informative narrative whose focus on the BRCA gene mutation marks it as an important addition to young adult literature."—Booklist

"An engaging tale of vulnerability and control."—Kirkus Reviews

"Burgeoning with questions like Can we love after we've lost? and Can we fight fate?, this powerful story answers yes!"—NoNieqa Ramos, author of The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary and The Truth Is

"Sarah Lynn Scheerger creates fearless, compassionate, empowered sisters who, in figuring out what kind of women they want to be, love on the edge."—Gaby Triana, author of Wake the Hollow, Cakespell, and Summer of Yesterday

"A stirring story filled with heart and soul, and one that will dare you to rethink what it truly means to be brave and alive!"—Mary Rand Hess, New York Times-bestselling author of Solo and Swing

"A headlong page-turner."—Sherry Shahan, author of Skin and Bones

"A gift to young readers."—Catherine Linka, author of What I Want You to See, A Girl Called Fearless, and A Girl Undone

"Told with humor and truth . . ."—Jennifer Longo, author of Six Feet Over It and Up to this Pointe

Sarah Lynn Scheerger is a clinical social worker who works with "at-promise" youth, helping them figure out who they are and who they want to be. She started writing as a convenient excuse to avoid laundry, and admittedly has gotten a little carried away. She writes picture books as well as middle-grade and young adult novels. She lives in southern California with her husband and children. To learn more, check out her website at

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