Helpful Score: 3
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
Mia has a lot to love in life. She is a cellist who could be on her way to Julliard. She has a wonderful, loving, and supportive family. And she has a boyfriend who is perfect. But as wonderful as Mia's life is, she has choices to make. Should she go to Julliard and leave everyone behind?
When a terrible accident occurs, Mia suddenly finds herself with only one choice left - should she stay?
This book is just WOW! 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! Music is such an important part of the book, Gayle Forman has included a playlist for the book on her website. I loved checking out the songs that went along with the story and listening to them when Mia did.
IF I STAY is a must-read. 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.
Mia has a lot to love in life. She is a cellist who could be on her way to Julliard. She has a wonderful, loving, and supportive family. And she has a boyfriend who is perfect. But as wonderful as Mia's life is, she has choices to make. Should she go to Julliard and leave everyone behind?
When a terrible accident occurs, Mia suddenly finds herself with only one choice left - should she stay?
This book is just WOW! 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! Music is such an important part of the book, Gayle Forman has included a playlist for the book on her website. I loved checking out the songs that went along with the story and listening to them when Mia did.
IF I STAY is a must-read. 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.
Helpful Score: 3
To me this was not a OMG, break out the tissues, bawl your eyes out, read this alone type of book. If you watch soap operas, this is old hat to you (especially if you watch Young and the Restless, when Colleen died, this is like a remake of that). So yeah, no boohoo here. It was still kinda interesting but still kinda not. You get flash backs, you get what's going on at that moment, but it's so much like a soap opera that you can predict what's going to happen and when. This book is nothing overly special. It's ok. Not great, not so horrible I couldn't read it..just ok.
Helpful Score: 2
I really liked this book a lot. It is targeted at young adults but any age can enjoy it. It was beautifully written and just such a unique book!
Helpful Score: 2
A quick read that packs a huge punch! It really tugs at your emotions and makes you think. I highly reccomend this book!
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
Helpful Score: 1
One of the best books I have ever read! An amazing, compelling, beautiful story! I could not stop turning the pages! I laughed and cried and was blown away!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is thoughtfully done. The subject matter easily lends itself to cheesy prose and obnoxious appeals to emotions (not that it isn't an emotional book....) Forman manages the subject matter expertly, making an almost supernatural plot line graspable. Mia is a realistic character, with an unimaginable choice. Yet I ended up empathetic with her and completely unable to make the choice for her in my mind. It is a book that left me contemplating: if I were to lose what she lost, would I stay?
Helpful Score: 1
This was one of the saddest, most-depressing books I've ever read. It didn't evoke a lot of tears, it was just a non-stop train of bleak hopelessness.
I can't say the ending was very good, and I can't really recommend this book. It was a fast read, and I was captivated by the characters, but I felt icky when I was done all the same.........
I can't say the ending was very good, and I can't really recommend this book. It was a fast read, and I was captivated by the characters, but I felt icky when I was done all the same.........
Helpful Score: 1
A heartwrenching story told from the perspective of a young girl in her senior year that is trapped between her family who has passed on and her family and friends who remain. Switching between the current time as she clings to life and flashbacks to her younger years, I was entranced by the story. The ultimate question remains what happens if she stays or if she decides to go.
My heart was ripped out while reading this book. I couldn't imagine sitting and watching the majority of my loved ones sit vigil by my bedside in a hospital ICU fighting to keep me alive. I absolutely felt her internal struggle as to whether to give it all up to be able to rejoin her parents and brother. A poignant book that makes you take a step back and evaluate who you hold close and what you would do to be with them at all times.
I was beyond touched by this book and although the main character was a young senior in high school, I felt as though this book could be read and impactful to any age group. I think everyone could find the heart and the meaning behind this sweet book. Now to start the sequel!
My heart was ripped out while reading this book. I couldn't imagine sitting and watching the majority of my loved ones sit vigil by my bedside in a hospital ICU fighting to keep me alive. I absolutely felt her internal struggle as to whether to give it all up to be able to rejoin her parents and brother. A poignant book that makes you take a step back and evaluate who you hold close and what you would do to be with them at all times.
I was beyond touched by this book and although the main character was a young senior in high school, I felt as though this book could be read and impactful to any age group. I think everyone could find the heart and the meaning behind this sweet book. Now to start the sequel!
It is a FANTASTIC book. Mia is such a complex and deep character. It was really was a pleasure getting to know her and her story. I suggest it to anyone.
A short but powerful little story. I do remember it being written for a young adult audience. Sweet ending.
Awesome book! Gave me goosebumps from start to finish!
I was incredibly disappointed in this book. From all the hype when the movie came out, I had an idea what the book was about but I expected it to be more compelling and emotional. I found it to be lacking in character development and I hated the abrupt ending. Reading a book that is so focused on music, without being able to hear that music, left the story feeling really hollow to me. When I watched the movie, it was a completely different experience because of the music and it's one of the rare times in my life where I feel the movie was MUCH better than the book. I would recommend skipping the book and watching the film, as to save your precious reading time for books that are more deserving.
I heard many wonderful things about this book and it made many people's top books of the year list for last year, so I was excited to listen to it. I listened to this on audio book and at 5 hrs in length, it is a quick listen. It was well done and the narrator did an excellent job conveying Mia's emotions throughout. I have mixed feelings about this book, it was very well done...but at times the characters seemed too perfect to be realistic. There is supposed to be sequel to this book called Where She Went which is going to be released in April 2011.
Mia survives the car crash that kills her family, but is in a coma. While in the hospital her, spirit (for lack of a better description), can follow around those she loves within the hospital but can't interact with them. The book takes place over a day or two and in that time the story alternates between Mia's struggle for life in the hospital and flashbacks to important moments in Mia's life. Ultimately Mia must decide does she stay and deal with her broken body and the death of her family? Or does she go on to whatever is next?
I will start out by saying this is an emotional book. So if you don't like books that make you cry then don't read this book. I personally am not overly fond of books that make me cry, that being said this book also made me laugh at points. It was a very emotion evoking book that I will definitely think back to many times. It definitely leaves a lasting impression and makes you think about your life.
There were a lot of things this book that were done very well. The transitions between the scenes with Mia's current body at the hospital and scenes from Mia's past were very well done. They never seemed awkward and flowed very nicely. I also liked that the relationship between the characters. The characters had their problems, but they always worked things out by discussing what was going on. The characters were all very mature and acted like mature adults...even the teenagers. I loved the theme of music throughout the novel and how music and the characters' love for it tied so many things together.
Mia was a great character and you are pulling for her throughout. The same can be said for all of the characters surrounding her as well.
This leads me to the biggest problem I had with this book. All the characters were too perfect. I kept thinking that if everyone in the world acted as mature as the characters in the book did "wow, what a great place this world would be!" Mia's best friend was always so thoughtful and just did everything perfect. Mia's boyfriend, is a punk rocker who is more sensitive, caring, understanding, and discerning than just about any person I've ever met. All of the characters act perfectly to every situation, and it seemed a bit contrived. Don't get me wrong for the most part it made for a good story, but at points I was rolling my eyes thinking "Oh come on, is that what they would really do in a situation like this?"
Overall this is a great read; it tackles serious issues around life and death and intersperses it with enough occasional humor to make it not too depressing of a read. That being said this book will make you cry, it is sad and touching at points. I personally am not big into books like this, so I probably won't read the sequel. I did like the references to music woven throughout though and it is a sweet and touching read with characters that are innately good. It should be suitable for all young adult and older readers, the scenes depicting the injuries after the car accident get a bit graphic but other than that it is pretty PG.
Mia survives the car crash that kills her family, but is in a coma. While in the hospital her, spirit (for lack of a better description), can follow around those she loves within the hospital but can't interact with them. The book takes place over a day or two and in that time the story alternates between Mia's struggle for life in the hospital and flashbacks to important moments in Mia's life. Ultimately Mia must decide does she stay and deal with her broken body and the death of her family? Or does she go on to whatever is next?
I will start out by saying this is an emotional book. So if you don't like books that make you cry then don't read this book. I personally am not overly fond of books that make me cry, that being said this book also made me laugh at points. It was a very emotion evoking book that I will definitely think back to many times. It definitely leaves a lasting impression and makes you think about your life.
There were a lot of things this book that were done very well. The transitions between the scenes with Mia's current body at the hospital and scenes from Mia's past were very well done. They never seemed awkward and flowed very nicely. I also liked that the relationship between the characters. The characters had their problems, but they always worked things out by discussing what was going on. The characters were all very mature and acted like mature adults...even the teenagers. I loved the theme of music throughout the novel and how music and the characters' love for it tied so many things together.
Mia was a great character and you are pulling for her throughout. The same can be said for all of the characters surrounding her as well.
This leads me to the biggest problem I had with this book. All the characters were too perfect. I kept thinking that if everyone in the world acted as mature as the characters in the book did "wow, what a great place this world would be!" Mia's best friend was always so thoughtful and just did everything perfect. Mia's boyfriend, is a punk rocker who is more sensitive, caring, understanding, and discerning than just about any person I've ever met. All of the characters act perfectly to every situation, and it seemed a bit contrived. Don't get me wrong for the most part it made for a good story, but at points I was rolling my eyes thinking "Oh come on, is that what they would really do in a situation like this?"
Overall this is a great read; it tackles serious issues around life and death and intersperses it with enough occasional humor to make it not too depressing of a read. That being said this book will make you cry, it is sad and touching at points. I personally am not big into books like this, so I probably won't read the sequel. I did like the references to music woven throughout though and it is a sweet and touching read with characters that are innately good. It should be suitable for all young adult and older readers, the scenes depicting the injuries after the car accident get a bit graphic but other than that it is pretty PG.
I wanted to read this book because I have heard so many people talk about how much they liked it. Three stars is a very low rating for me - I generally give books the benefit of the doubt and try to emphasize their positive qualities.
This book just did not resonate with me. First of all, it isn't that original. It seems like the idea of a person walking around outside their body "deciding" whether or not to pass on has been done so many times before. The dialogue was, in places, very unrealistic and irritating. In the first few scenes/flashbacks, the interactions between her and her parents almost made me put the book down - no one is that witty/sarcastic. I kept imagining her dad as Ron Burgandy. Her dad was a character that I actually liked despite all of that but her mother, on the other hand, I could not stand. I was getting really fed up with all the feminist, pro-abortion, Planned Parenthood, and atheism references. It was very difficult for me to relate to her family at all (which I think was a necessary part of evoking emotions during this story). At NO point did I feel sad for her or her family. Her relationship with her boyfriend was very strange.
Overall, a book that just flat out missed the mark. It was a quick read but not worth it in my opinion.
This book just did not resonate with me. First of all, it isn't that original. It seems like the idea of a person walking around outside their body "deciding" whether or not to pass on has been done so many times before. The dialogue was, in places, very unrealistic and irritating. In the first few scenes/flashbacks, the interactions between her and her parents almost made me put the book down - no one is that witty/sarcastic. I kept imagining her dad as Ron Burgandy. Her dad was a character that I actually liked despite all of that but her mother, on the other hand, I could not stand. I was getting really fed up with all the feminist, pro-abortion, Planned Parenthood, and atheism references. It was very difficult for me to relate to her family at all (which I think was a necessary part of evoking emotions during this story). At NO point did I feel sad for her or her family. Her relationship with her boyfriend was very strange.
Overall, a book that just flat out missed the mark. It was a quick read but not worth it in my opinion.
A family outing on a beautiful winter day turns tragic when a car accident leaves three dead and one fighting for her life. Mia finds herself outside her body, staring at her dead parents and watching as she is whisked off in a helicopter to a trauma center. What follows is her decision to stay alive or follow the rest of her family in death.
Forman has told a gripping story is such an eloquent way, readers will be thinking about this one long after they finish the last page. As Mia watches her body being worked on she remembers the important parts of her life in snippets of flashbacks. From the birth of her younger brother to her first kiss, we learn about who she is and how her family was the rock of her life. Easy to read prose tells the story in a compelling way, with grief, friendship and love woven throughout. The characters are well developed and jump off the page. They are people you would like to have in your own life. This is a story that evokes emotions and makes the reader stop and think: what would my choice be? A sequel, Where She Went, will be released in early April 2011.
Forman has told a gripping story is such an eloquent way, readers will be thinking about this one long after they finish the last page. As Mia watches her body being worked on she remembers the important parts of her life in snippets of flashbacks. From the birth of her younger brother to her first kiss, we learn about who she is and how her family was the rock of her life. Easy to read prose tells the story in a compelling way, with grief, friendship and love woven throughout. The characters are well developed and jump off the page. They are people you would like to have in your own life. This is a story that evokes emotions and makes the reader stop and think: what would my choice be? A sequel, Where She Went, will be released in early April 2011.
I was really disappointed with this book. The movie made this book seem so...incredible!I had high expectations. But really it was kind of boring, and didn't really get interesting until the very end, then BOOM! It's over, and you're expected to read the second book to find out what happens next. I don't think I can handle reading the second one if it's as lifeless as the first.
this is a very good and very well written book. Certainly one that makes you think. My book club gave it VERY high ratings.
I had previously wanted to read this, but it was a huge disappointment to me. I realize it was aimed for young adult, which maybe that was my issue with this book. I just couldn't get into it like I was hoping to do.
Loved it... Now I can't wait to watch the movie....
I liked this book and recommend it is you want a fast sad read.It was wrote for a younger group of readers and was surprised when I sat down and read the book from cover to cover in one night. It is normally not my type of reading but was glad that I did read it.
This book has depth, targeted at young adults, but perfect for any adult reader. I read it fast and found it enjoyable. I think this is a book that you have to read!
Book was okay.......saw the movie
& liked it better than the book!
& liked it better than the book!
interesting and new concept!
I think I should have watched the movie instead; I was disappointed in the book. There was too much jumping around from present to past for me in such a short book.
This book was just ok, but it has been made into a movie, and I think the movie might be better than the book, just from the previews.
The book is short and has larger print, and is an extremely fast read. Like one night read.
There were some very moving parts, about Mia's choice to stay or die. Some of the book was very graphic concerning Injuries, and blood as she describes her parents bodies in the accident and the extent of her injuries.
I did like Mia and the people in her life. I do think the characters come to life as she describes past experiences with her friends and boyfriend, parents and grand parents. The story wasnt flawed really.
BUT If you are a busy person, this really is a book to skip and spend the time watching the movie.
The book is short and has larger print, and is an extremely fast read. Like one night read.
There were some very moving parts, about Mia's choice to stay or die. Some of the book was very graphic concerning Injuries, and blood as she describes her parents bodies in the accident and the extent of her injuries.
I did like Mia and the people in her life. I do think the characters come to life as she describes past experiences with her friends and boyfriend, parents and grand parents. The story wasnt flawed really.
BUT If you are a busy person, this really is a book to skip and spend the time watching the movie.
great loved it
Was really hoping for more out of this book. i found myself skipping to the parts i wanted to read. i did finish it after i skipped some really boring parts. Id give it 2 stars.
