Tuesday 31 May 2011

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman


Name: If I Stay (If I Stay #1)
Author: Gayle Forman
Publishers: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated

Summary: 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...

Review:  I had heard a lot of great comments about this series and was finally able to go through my stack of books and begin to read If I Stay. I was drawn in right from the beginning. The author does a fantastic job at creating a visual picture of the scenes written in the book. If I Stay has such a deep emotional tie, that it is hard not to want to continue reading!

  The characters in this book are very likable. Mia, the sole character of the book has very fun, hip, supportive parents; I enjoyed reading the sections where Mia would describe her mother and father. During the dialogue it was great to see the difference between her parents personalities and their daughters- Mia may be the oddball, but I couldn't help but feel the warmth, acceptance and encouragement she received from  her family. In fact, Mia has everything any teenager could possibly want; She is being considered into Julliard, Adam her rocker boyfriend has the sweetest personality and who couldn't enjoy reading about her silly younger brother Teddy who always looks up to her. 

Gayle uses a writing style that I don't normally like; she switches back and forth between past events/stories and the present. Sometimes I feel as though that can either be confusing or interrupts the book. But I never felt that way while reading If I Stay; the emotions, feelings that I had while reading transferred over.

I believe this book was a reality check, it makes a person look around and think "Wow! My whole world could easily turn upside down in the blink of an eye." Gayle writes from the patients (Mia) perspective which is something that a reader doesn't always get to experience. The emotions and feelings that Mia has are believable, heartbreaking, and real. She is telling the story how she sees it as an observer of her own life, watching herself lie in the hospital. While watching these events unfold, hearing what her loved ones have to say, Mia has to make some valuable decision- one that won't only change her life but those around her. While reading I could help but put myself in Mia's shoes & wonder what my choice would've been. As well as what path I believe Mia should take-Should she stay or should she go.

Overall, I truly enjoyed reading If I Stay. I am excited to continue onto the next book, Where She Went. I would recommend this book for anyone- especially if you are looking for something quick to read. If you are a sappy reader like myself, then I advise having a few tissues close ;-) 

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didnt care for this book much. But your review is awesome!:)

Anonymous said...

I loved this book and agree with you! Had some very good personal stories that helped you bond with the characters and get a perspective as if you were Mia. The ending was just amazing! Great book :)

rush essays said...

From this review it has been sure that it seems to be an interesting book for me to read for the first time. There are many other books which I have also got from this website.

Anonymous said...

Readers of the books can get useful information with read of this review that describes basics of the writers. For reading of reviews of latest books follow of this australianreviewer.com site is very helpful for people.

I found the best Ford 7.3 Powerstroke Injector said...

If you haven't read IF I STAY and WHERE SHE WENT yet, I highly recommend picking them up! They both instantly made me a Gayle Forman fan for life and will always hold a special place in my heart.

Sophie Grace said...

This is a fantastic website and I can not recommend you guys enough drama wiki

Rachel D. Castagna said...

My husband and I wanted to divorce, but we could not agree. Moreover, we could not agree on any issue. It was some kind of nightmare and we decided we needed help. We have read this information https://dcriscuolodivorceattorney.com/focus_areas/collaborative-divorce.html. And they turned to lawyers. Now we will all together resolve issues related to our real estate, children and other things.

Post a Comment

 
Imagination Designs