The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

This was a very moving, heart-touching read. A chance hospital encounter between two quirky females leads to a deep friendship. Their resolution to paint a picture for each year of each of their lives gives Lenni, a 17 year old who is terminally ill, the opportunity to see what she knows she will not experience: the joys and heartbreaks of a long life. Most of the stories behind the pictures - told in flashbacks - center on Margot, an 83 year old hospitalized for a heart condition. This shouldn't be surprising since her stories and pictures are 83% of the project. But Lenni is the heart and soul of the story, finding stability, friendship and comfort from older adults in the hospital after a turbulent home and school life in the years before her illness. In turn, Lenni leaves her mark on all those with whom she interacts.