Review: If I Stay (Forman) Posted: Jan 20, 2015
AUTHOR: Gayle Forman SOURCE: eBook / Crowley Digital Library
SERIES: If I Stay GENRE: Realistic
PUBLISHER: Dutton Books SETTING: Oregon
PUBLICATION DATE: 2009 ADVISED FOR: MS, HS
PAGES: 201
SUMMARY: While in a coma following a car wreck that killed her parents and younger brother, Teddy, Mia contemplates whether to follow her family in death or continue on in life.
REVIEW: I know that this book has already been released as a movie, but I am behind the times in my reading. I have not seen the movie, as usual. I enjoyed the book and it was a quick read. After a horrific automobile accident the main focus for Mia’s next 24 hours in the hospital ICU is, of course, whether or not she will choose to stay (live) or go (die). Characters are well drawn as Mia’s spirit remembers her past. We see how the significant relationships in her life begin and change – the friendship between Mia and Kim, the romance between Mia and Adam, the relationship between her parents, even her parents’ friends. Music plays an important role in the story. The passion for music these characters have, be it classic or rock, is valued and seems like another character in the story. I liked the way religious faith was portrayed in the story. People of faith or no faith are included in drawing the picture of how individuals deal with death and life. All of these relationships and people play a part in her decision. These many elements in the story will draw in readers to a well written sort-of-romance.
BOTTOM LINE: Enjoyable tear jerker, realistic romance. We have this in our Digital Library and our Middle & High Schools
READALIKES: The fault in our stars – Green, Thirteen reasons why – Asher, Six rules of maybe – Caletti
RATING BREAKDOWN:
- Overall: 4/5
- Creativity: 4/5
- Characters: 5/5
- Engrossing: 4/5
- Writing: 5/5
- Appeal to teens: 5/5
- Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5
CONTENT:
- Language: Medium
- Sexuality: Medium – make-out scene early in the story
- Violence: Mild – the car wreck scene is gruesome
- Drugs/Alcohol: Mild – adult and teen drinking referred to, father smokes a pipe
Tech Savvy Librarian, Carol Hafer
