Tuesday, July 07, 2009

REVIEW: If I Stay by Gayle Forman



This is one of those books where I didn't realise until afterwards that there is a load of hype surrounding it. It's meant to be the next-big-thing, with the movie rights being sold and all. I'm glad I didn't know that beforehand. If I'd known, my contrarian side might have prevented me from reading this right away.

If I Stay is a very quick to read, but it packs a punch. I read it in as close to one sitting as I could with tears streaming down my face, and I still think about it even though it's been a few weeks since I finished it. It's just so beautiful, and sad, and hopeful.

'Just listen,' Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel. I open my eyes wide now. I sit up as much as I can. And I listen. 'Stay,' he says. Everybody has to make choices. Some might break you. For seventeen-year-old Mia, surrounded by a wonderful family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend decisions might seem tough, but they're all about a future full of music and love, a future that's brimming with hope. But life can change in an instant. A cold February morning ...a snowy road ...and suddenly all of Mia's choices are gone. Except one. As alone as she'll ever be, Mia must make the most difficult choice of all.

Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, "If I Stay" will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you've lost - and all that might be.



I really liked Mia. I liked her quirky rock family and that there was no family drama between Mia and her parents. I loved all the music references. I quite liked the story of how she and her best friend became her best friend. I loved reading about the early stages of her relationship with her boyfriend, Adam.

I don't want to say too much about the plot, I want everyone to read it cold and find out for themselves why this book is one of my favourite reads of 2009. It'll be worth it. I love this book so much, that I'll be giving away my hardback copy of this tomorrow. Come back then. If I haven't sold you on this book yet, then watch the trailer...



Other Reviews:

dovegreyreader scribbles
My Friend Amy


(did I miss yours? let me know)

Have you read this book? What did you think? Is it just me that love tear-jerkers like this?

5 comments:

  1. Totally now wanting to read it!!!

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  2. I had heard this mentioned a few times, and put it on my wish list after reading your review, then I watched the trailer and have been put off! Now I don't know what to do! Does that trailer make you want to read it?

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  3. I want it now. This sounds like my kind of book.

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  4. farmlanebooks - I didn't actually watch the trailer until after I'd read it. It's harder for me to be objective of it after I've read the book and love it so much! I do like the cello music in it though..

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  5. I gotta sit down and read this! I don't like to cry in front of the boys though and I've been home alone with them a lot this week, or had company.

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