Published by Speak in April 2010
276 pages
I purchased this book; I wanted to read this book so badly but the wait list at my local library was insanely long, which is a good thing.
Synopsis via Goodreads: 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 heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.
I started this book yesterday and by the time I was halfway through, not only was I tearing up, I mentioned to Jaime of The Perpetual Pageturner and The Broke and Bookish that I was certain that I was going to be haunted by this book for a very long time, no matter how the book ended. This morning I put the book down because I was crying on the kitchen floor, ten pages from the end. TEN PAGES. I even emailed my boyfriend to tell him about it. Finally, this evening I read the last ten pages. My first comment? "I have no words." I have cried over quite a few books in my time, but I was sobbing over this one. It was so intense.
I loved the family in this book. I think that's one of the things that will haunt me. The parents were unconventional, but loved their children dearly and were raising them to be true to not only themselves, but to pursue the things that made them happy. The grandparents are more traditional, but just as wonderful. It was a moment with the grandfather that started the tears for me as well.
I'm not going to give away any of the plot, because I want you all to go into it kind of blankly (if you can) because I did and it was so worth it. I will say that if you're even remotely thinking about this book, DO IT! DO IT NOW!!!
I really truly don't think that I've read a book like this before. I was so deeply moved. The pacing of the novel was a little jumbled, which usually turns me off, but with If I Stay, it really seemed to work. The novel is divided by segments of time. Part of the novel is what's happening in the moment, and the other part is flashbacks interspersed throughout the novel that show events leading up to what's happening in real time. You learn so much about the characters in each format so it was a wonderfully used technique.
The sequel Where She Went comes out in a few days. I'm going to buy it the day of it's release, but I may need a few additional days to recover before diving into the sequel. I'm not sure my emotions could take it. But I NEED to know what happens!!
I give IF I Stay 5 dog-eared pages and a box of tissues.
It sounds like we had the very same reaction to this book!! I was just sitting there bawling at the end. I felt such a special connection to the family and was wholly invested to the point where it really tore me up inside. Great review! I cannot wait for you to read Where She Went!!
ReplyDeleteThis is why I've been avoiding this book - it's been in my TBR pile for awhile, but I just don't know if I can handle feeling devastated!
ReplyDeleteWow, it sounds really intense! But sounds like it's good for some nice catharsis! I think the only book I've really ever sobbed at is The Green Mile, because I just can't handle the injustice- might have to give this a go too though!
ReplyDeleteJamie- I felt so connected to the family too. I kept having verbal reactions even though I was alone. I'm not sure how I feel about Adam though. He seems likable, but I don't know if I do.
ReplyDeleteBelle- I have a feeling you will feel devastated, but I think it's completely worth the read. As long as your prepared to be blindsided. I know that's an oxymoron, but it's the best description I can give.
Laura- I saw the movie of The Green Mile and cried so hard that I haven't been able to read the book. But I've tried to pick it up like 5 times. Have tissues if you read If I Stay, and try to read it all in one sitting, I kind of wish I had. I cried two days in a row. It was awful. (The crying, not the book.)
Jenn! We have the same background! OBVIOUSLY you are a brilliant and creative mind.
ReplyDeleteI have heard wonderful things about this book but will pass. Still it truly is a rare book to make most who've read it sob.
Christina- Yay for having the same background. I thought about changing the color scheme when I saw the design at first, but I'm really loving the orange. It makes me think of the Beatles for some reason.
ReplyDeleteObviously I am not offended by your passing on If I Stay, I know you're reading S&S and if you read the post I did on that the other day, you know how much I love that book. I hope you're enjoying it too! :)