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Book Review of Before I Fall

Before I Fall
GeniusJen avatar reviewed on + 5322 more book reviews


Reviewed by Andrea for TeensReadToo.com

What would you do if you knew it was your last day to live? What if you had the chance to do it over and over again? Would you change your actions and your way of thinking?

In BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver, Samantha Kingston has the chance to do just that. She is killed one night in a car accident, but wakes up the next morning, only to find that the day is happening all over again. She soon learns that just one little change in her actions can alter how the rest of the day goes, not only for her, but also for those around her.

When I read the summary of BEFORE I FALL some time back, I knew instantly that I wanted to read it. And once I got the book, I couldn't wait to start. But I quickly started thinking that I made a mistake. I didn't like Sam, the main character, AT ALL! I thought she and her friends were self-centered, and annoying, and not at all what high school was like. I was about to stop reading the book, which I never do, when I decided to go read other reviews online. Many of the other reviewers mentioned how they didn't care for Sam, either, but continued on and ended up loving the book. So I decided to continue reading. And thank goodness I did!

Throughout the story, we see Sam do a complete one-eighty and turn from an annoying, selfish, immature teenager into a young lady who realizes that she can help change someone's life. I loved how each day, Sam figured out how just one small action would cause a completely different reaction. And I really liked Kent. He seemed so sweet and was always there for Sam.

The ending of the story really pulls at your heartstrings. It's sad but in a happy way, if that makes any sense. This novel makes you realize that life is short, and your actions regarding yourself and others have consequences that you might never imagine.