Rating: 5/5 Stars Release Date: April 2, 2009
Genre: Contemporary
About the Book: Mia is finding herself faced with choices about her future. Should she go to Julliard and study Cello and leave her boyfriend and family behind? When a terrible accident happens, Mia suddenly finds herself with only one choice left-should she stay?
GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: This book is a wonderful read. Do not read this in public because this one will bring tears to your eyes-I'm warning you! That doesn't mean it doesn't have humor though, because there were many times I found myself laughing out loud. This is an intense story that will not only appeal to teens, but have a lot of crossover adult appeal as well.
Gayle Forman does an excellent job going from Mia's present to Mia's past and drawing the reader in so they truly understand her love for the cello, her family, and Adam, her boyfriend. As I was reading, I felt like I really got to know Mia and her family and found myself grieving along with Mia-the writing is just that powerful.
If I Stay is a short read, but it packs so much in and I wanted to savor every moment. At times I found myself reading slower and drinking in the words because I didn't want the story to end. The story centers around music, Mia with her cello, Adam with his band, and Mia's dad being a drummer, and Gayle Forman's writing felt lyrical. She was able to capture music and put it into a book. I don't know how to describe it but it was like I was reading a song-hopefully that makes sense!
The themes of love, loss, grief and hope are so powerful and beautifully written that this story will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
Gayle Forman has made a soundtrack for the book, which you can find on her website.
i can not wait to read this book! great review, thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat review for an amazing book! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome review. I'm reading it now...almost finished, and I agree, it's so amazing. I love it!! It's definitely something anyone could enjoy and get something out of.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
P.S. www.gettingtoknowwillow.blogspot.com
I saw Gayle Forman speak last night... I really want to read this! I think it was released today?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked it as well! Think this one will rack up the awards this year? I'm putting my money on it. :)
ReplyDeleteErika Lynn-Thanks! I hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteProphecyGirl-Thanks-it is an amazing book.
Lauren-I can't wait to read your review of this one. I'll be sure to spread your Willow blog around too.
Cupcakewitch-I wish I lived in NY so I could have gone to that reading. Yep, it's out today.
Steph Su-I would love to see this one get some award love!
People already think I am crazy so I could get away with reading it in public. I can not count the times I have busted out laughing/started crying because of a book. Now my fiance just asks me what happened. It doesn't even bug him anymore.
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