If I Stay Review

Author: Gayle Forman

Release Date: April 9, 2009

Pages: 198 (Hardcover)

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: Borrowed from a super-awesome friend

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck... A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.
----------------------------------

I can't breathe. If I Stay has left me-quite literally-breathless.

Will I stay or will I go? That's the question Mia, the main character, has to face in If I Stay. I can't go too into it without giving anything away, but I can tell you that the circumstances, the consequences, the final choice, every part of it was heartbreaking, but made for an amazing story overall. There was not a dull moment. There were a lot of flashbacks, too, but each part revealed a new part of the story and each one was interesting.

The characters were so real. I feel like we've all become the best of friends in just a little under 200 pages and at any moment they'll come over and we can talk about music. Mia was tough, yet fragile. She had a great relationship with her family, which I loved. And you could tell why she loved them so much, they were great. And Adam was just...amazing. I loved him so much. I loved all of the characters so much.

The writing was gorgeous. You won't catch me saying that about a lot of things, but it's never been more true than when describing Gayle Forman's writing and storytelling. Every word was almost lyrical and each sentence is moving.

I also loved how much music there was in this novel. It talked about punk, classical, concerts, and the whole music scene. They were so into music and you could feel everyone's love for it. For a music freak like me that made me squeal on the inside with happiness.

The ending wasn't exactly what I'd expected, but I loved it so much. I cannot even begin to think about the choice that I would've made in Mia's position because it would be too painful to even think about. Overall, if you haven't read this yet, I highly suggest that you change that as soon as possible.


Be sure to check back tomorrow to read an interview with Gayle Forman! (And by the way, Gayle Forman has just announced that there will be a sequel to If I Stay! Let us rejoice in song! *Music starts to play, but I then realize that a song/dancing isn't in the budget* If you want more on that then you can go here.)