Chapter 1: The Value of Time

What holds more significance than wealth? Time. This central theme is explored in "Burners," a book that captivates my interest. We are already observing a widening gap in life expectancy between the affluent and the less privileged. As we advance with costly medical innovations, particularly in the realm of nanotechnology, this disparity is likely to become even more pronounced. In the United States, the healthcare system prioritizes profit, meaning that superior care is often reserved for those who can afford it.

"Burners" is set in a dystopian future reminiscent of the present-day Puget Sound. Society has become divided into four distinct groups: The People, who remain unaware of their Death Date; the Evermores and Middlemores, who possess Death Dates but have a reasonable life expectancy; and the Burners, who face a death date around the age of 25. The title derives from Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem "First Fig." Burners are known for their hedonistic lifestyles, living fully before their untimely deaths, which culminate in a 30-day period in Heaven.

This cycle has persisted for generations, but now, Grace finds herself with only 30 days remaining until her Deathday.

At the tender age of six, Grace received the dreaded red card on Dealing Day, marking her as a Burner. In stark contrast, her twin sister, Millay, drew a white card, identifying her as one of The People—someone without a Deathday. This anomaly raises questions about the system's integrity.

For two decades, the sisters have led separate lives in different environments.

Enter Ryker, a Burner who lacks any memories of his past.

In the aftermath of the Chaos, humanity relinquished control to Dealer, a formidable computer that has regulated society for centuries.

However, uncovering the truth proves challenging, and not everything is as it seems.

The prevailing mantra is to adhere to Dealer's directives: It is what it is.

Until today.

I thoroughly enjoyed crafting this narrative because, although it is fictional, I rooted it in a wealth of scientific principles and facts. The crux lies in our tendency to accept reality without question. Yet, eventually, events occur that disrupt the status quo, compelling courageous individuals to challenge authority.

Section 1.1: A Glimpse into the Future

In this divided society, individuals grapple with the knowledge of their mortality, leading to profound reflections on life and existence.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Technology

Chapter 2: Confronting the Truth

In the narrative, the characters navigate a complex web of emotions and revelations about their fates.

The first video, "Think About Your Death - Holy Moments Alive," delves into the profound impact of mortality on our lives and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The second video, "Is There Life After Death?" explores philosophical questions surrounding existence beyond this life, prompting viewers to reflect on their beliefs and experiences.