Published in 2009. 201 pages.
Summary of plot (from Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Data): While in a coma following an automobile accident that killed her parents and younger brother, seventeen-year-old Mia, a gifted cellist, weighs whether to live with her grief or join her family in death.
Personal response: If I Stay is a quick but powerful look at family, love, and what matters most. I hope no one was watching me cry while I read during lunch at the sandwich shop!
Thoughts of other bloggers: Natasha at Maw Books Blog said, "Gayle Forman is able to pack in a wallop of a storyline and character development in just a few short pages." For Suey at It's All About Books, the "bottom line" was "I loved it, even if it did make me quite weepy." Melissa at One Librarian's Book Reviews had some issues with the book, although she thought the ending was "beautifully done." At The Book Nest, Corinne said, "I liked the feel of love that just sort of radiated out from all the relationships in this book." Darren at Bart's Bookshelf called If I Stay a "powerful story about loss and love in all its meanings."
Up next: Where She Went is the recently published sequel. It's definitely on my to-read list!
2011.56
Me at Yallfest!
3 weeks ago
I gave the book a 10 out of 10 rating: http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2011/05/armchair-bea-best-of-2011.html
ReplyDeleteBonnie: I'd missed that post, so thanks for the link. If I Stay really is a great book, and I'm very glad I finally read it. Have you read the sequel? I've heard some say it's even better than the first.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, The Invention of Hugo Cabret is one of my few "5 star" books this year. I adored it!
No, I haven't read the sequel, but I see you liked it. "Six-word review" is an interesting idea. http://books4alison.blogspot.com/2011/10/six-word-review-of-where-she-went-by.html
ReplyDeleteBonnie: I really did enjoy the sequel!
ReplyDelete