If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Review by: Lauren
http://www.ifistay.com/index.php
Check out the site for an amazing If I Stay trailer!
Amazon 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…
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.
My Review: If I Stay is a phenomenal story about choices. One of the things that I loved about this novel was how music held everyone together. Mia had her cello, her boyfriend Adam had his guitar, and her parents had the music they grew up on and loved so much.
The book goes back and forth from the present to the past, giving you a look at what Mia sees and hears as she wanders around the hospital after the accident, having to make the biggest choice she’ll ever make, as well as a glimpse into the past at all the characters that surround Mia.
Part of the novel that really touched me is when Kim, Mia’s best friend, counts off the number of people who had visited her and were even still in the hospital waiting for her to come back to them. She finishes by saying that even though she’s lost so much, she still has a family. She’s not alone. This moment was absolutely heart wrenching, as well as other moments that you’ll have to read for yourself.
If I Stay is a powerful novel that will have you thinking about your own mortality and the many decisions you have to make in life. I’m so excited that this novel is already optioned by Summit to be made into a film by Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight, Thirteen).
Even though this novel deals with hard topics, it is sure to resonate with many. After all, we all have to make choices every day, we all have family we love whether blood or not, and we all face the decision every day to live or not.
Second icon lyrics from The Clash
My song for this novel is “I Don’t Know if I Should Stay” by Alexz Johnson
So what do you think about this book? Have you read it, or are you planning too? Please listen to the song and let me know if you think it fits or believe it could fit (based on what you’ve heard of the novel) And more importantly, buy the book!
Look out for a Guest Blog from Gayle up tomorrow! It’s a different one. 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad you liked it. I LOVE hearing how so many people like the book.
I requested it from the library; it’s in transit, so I’ll be able to pick it up soon. 🙂
Steph Su: I know, right? It’s definitely an amazing, impactful novel. I hope it does very well.
Madison: Yay! That’s awesome. It won’t take long to read at all!
I got a copy of this at TLA last week, and it’s next to read for me.
I loved this one. It was a little confusing at first but I loved the ending.
I loved this one too. It was beautifully written. I can’t wait to see how it transforms to the big screen.
Janssen: Yay, I really hope you enjoy it.
Harmony: Me too, and I know it’s such an amazing book.
Sarah: I can’t wait! It’s not toooo long now.
I have to read this! I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.
Dude!!! I love Alexz. 🙂 Her music totally rocks!!!
H: It’s so good, I hope you love it.
Laina: I know! I don’t know a lot of it, but I love her song “Skin.” I’m glad you like the song though.