If I Stay by Gayle Forman
In a single moment, everything changes. In the book If I Stay, by Gayle Forman, 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... My impression? It was good. Not fantastic, but okay. Decent. Tolerable. But I'm a bit irritated with this book right now, because it is one of those books that has been ridiculously overrated. Yeah, it was sad. But not 'devastating'. Not 'heart-wrenching'.This book was fine, but I honestly think that if I had read the first chapter and then read the last chapter I wouldn't have missed much. Yes, her parents were both beautiful people who will be missed. And I have to admit the whole story of he brother's life and death tugged at my heartstrings. But at the end of the book, I found myself feeling more bored than anything. This book wasn't new, or original, or groundbreaking. It was a way for me to kill time while I waited for my Mom to pick me up from school. I've seen stuff like this novel a million times before, and most of them were a lot more sad. Sorry Forman, but I'm not impressed.
Reviewed by Iren H., grade 10
Glendale Central Library
Comments
Opinion: This journey is a life or death decision. I found it fascinating how she watched everything going on while she was in a coma. I didn't like how it was similar to The Lovely Bones but both books were well written and loved. I recommend it to those girls who like fictional stories but with a little thrill.
Reviewed by Karla S., grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Overall, If I Stay was a really touching book. It wasn't as heart-wrenching as I expected it to be because I thought that I would be crying from beginning to end. But I still loved the concept of Mia having a choice in her life. The best part of the book was the way it was written and how it switches from present day conditions of Mia in the hospital to flashbacks triggered by visitors. I really like the concept of her choices in which she can decide to survive, which would cause her to endure emotional and physical suffering, or choosing to die which would cause all those remaining close to her to be heartbroken.
Reviewed by Nayri T., Grade 11
Casa Verdugo Library
My opinion on this book is that it is a very difficult and tough des ion for Mia in my opinion. I would feel terrible if I were on her shoes. I liked that Mia knows whatever choice she picks will come with a consequence. To me this book was kind of like a thriller. I didn't know what she would chose and what would happen next. I enjoyed reading this book. This author makes really good books as well.
Reviewed by Jacqueline, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
This book had the potential to be a great piece of literature. The choice between life and death is an intriguing topic, that with the aid of complex characters and vivid literary tools could have been one of the most spectacular teen books. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The author failed to affect me at all, not achieving the ultimate goal of writers- to achieve the intended impact on readers. When a book does not move me, there is an obvious flaw in the plot, because I am one of the most emotional people on this earth. It just seemed that the author was trying a bit too hard in order to create deep themes in the story, making the parts that were intended to be “sad” seem very cheesy and unrealistic.
In addition, it was very difficult for me to be able to identify with the characters, who were incredibly dull and one dimensional. Before the crash, they seemed to be creating their own problems and confining themselves in a self made jail. There was no effective character development.
I did not care for the writing style, either. It was very sloppy and definitely needed more revision. The story was essentially a list of memories stringed together, constantly jumping from past to present. The author seemed to be writing the story aimlessly. This could have been the author’s intent, to try to give us more character insight. However, if this was the case, it was not executed well. My final thought on this book is that it should have been a short story instead of a novel.
Reviewed by RO, Grade 10
Casa Verdugo Library
I loved that it was in first person and that she was having flashbacks.I also enjoyed that it revolved around music,since I love music.i also enjoy classical music like Mia,so I can relate.I recommend this book to females who are teens or adults.Mainly females because it is a chick flick.It was so sad at first,I was like what!!!!I could not believe that that had happened Mia had everything in her hands and it started disappearing in an instant. I am really exited on reading the second book.The second book is based on what happens on Mia's decision and what comes out of it.I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did.When you are done go watch the movie because I still have to go watch the movie.
Reviewed by Andrea V., Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
If I Stay was a remarkable and emotional book. The writing is elegant and beautiful and the characters are so lovable. You can't help but root for Mia, and I teared up so many times while reading the book. I would recommend this book to teenagers and young adults who are looking for an emotional and inspiring book and I would give it an 8 out of 10.
Reviewed by Rebecca S., Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
If I had to use star ratings on this,I'd give it a 5-star rating. The thing that I liked about this novel is that the story involves a protagonist making very big decisions especially when it could involve your life. What I also liked is the different types of feelings that the characters felt in the story. Ranging from devastation to joy in the story,these different types of feelings give me a definition of what a good book is. What I didn't like about the book is that I think that the author put so much detail into the book. Having too much profanity in the book was also something that I didn't like. If this was meant to be a teen's novel,meaning ages 13-17,it shouldn't have too much bad words. This could also be an adult's novel. I think many people would like this novel such as my friends,family,teachers,and possibly the government. This fictional novel is a very good book to read. People could learn from this like learning to make better decisions in life. I highly suggest if you are a teacher trying to find your students a book to do an assignments on or a bookworm,then you should read this. I know you would love this book and it could you make you read it over and over again.
Reviewed by Hannah Rachel, Grade 8
Downtown Central Library
This book really opened my eyes to how truly difficult it is to make decisions. Mia faces the toughest decision of her life that I don't think any teenager should be able to or have to make. It also made me acknowledge the fact that true love, while it is strong, has many difficulties that make it almost not be enough. It is not like your everyday teen novel that portrays a love that's something easy and something that you can hold onto forever. I would highly recommend this to any young adult reader who wishes to truly feel something through a novel.
Reviewed by Ani Samikian, Grade 11
Chevy Chase Library