If I Stay by Gayle Foreman (First review by Linda)

March 24th 2009, Dutton Juvenile
259 pages, Paperback
Personal Copy
First in If I Stay series
Young Adult

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 heart achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make?and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

Opinion:

I got this book not knowing what I was about to read. The shock of the tragic accident gave the book an even better element of surprise. Plus, I thought the suspense would kill me.


Because of the accident, Mia is not herself, literally. She’s a ghost that will follow the people she loves as they try to save her. But she knows only she can decide. What if she doesn’t know what happens either way? What happens if she can’t chose?


Gayle’s characters were so relatable. I could really see inside a teen’s head. Mia feels like she was the odd one out even in her family who truly supports her. Her boyfriend and member of a rising band, Adam, gives a new meaning to YA romance. Music also played a big role in her decision. What brought them together will rip them apart as their future leads in two opposite ways and she must decide if it’s all worth it.


If I Stay is the beautifully written story of love and family. It makes you rethink life and death and the paths you can take.

Rating:

Categories: 5 stars, Contemp, Forman, If I Stay, Linda, Review, Young Adult