If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay #1
Published by Speak
Published on: April 2 2009
Genres: Young Adult
Pages: 213
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.
I open my eyes wide now.
I sit up as much as I can.
And I listen.Stay, he says.
Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?
Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters.
If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.
This is the first time I’ve reread If I Stay . . . and I’m happy to report that after five years, it’s still a fantastic book.
It’s amazing to me how, in just a few short pages, Forman is able to make you care about the Hall family. REALLY care. REALLY feel it when Mia begins to watch from outside herself, as her life, her world, is completely destroyed.
My dad smiles and taps on his pipe. He started smoking one recently as part of this whole 1950s Father Knows Best retro kick he is on. He also wears bow ties. I am never quite clear on whether all this is sartorial or sardonic—Dad’s way of announcing that he used to be a punker but is now a middle-school English teacher, or if becoming a teacher has actually turned my dad into this genuine throwback. But I like the smell of the pipe tobacco. It is sweet and smoky, and reminds me of winters and woodstoves.
And just as Mia is never certain about which her father is being—sartorial or sardonic—I’m never certain on which Forman is being either. It’s been so long that I can’t remember what my first impression of this book was, but when I started reading this time, I was worried . . . worried that this older-and-wiser me was going to hate the book that I previously loved, b/c several times Mia and her parents come across as nothing more than pretentious hipsters, who are too damn cool for everyone, but as I continued reading, more and more insights into Mia’s perspective and preoccupation with her own (lack of) coolness were revealed, and instead of being irritating, in this one, singular situation it made sense.
Mia’s parents really are that cool. It’s not pretense. It’s not affectation. Her mother has moxie, her father is geektastic with a formerly punk twist, b/c he played drums for a punk band, not b/c he listened to it on the radio. Her seven year old brother has “verve,” and says things like:
“I’m gonna be eight in December. Then I’m a man and you’ll have to call me ‘Ted,'” Teddy reported.
And Mia . . . well, Mia plays cello.
Not that there’s anything wrong with playing the cello . . . but comparatively . . . it could give a teenager issues. Especially when her father makes jokes about Mia being switched at birth, b/c she doesn’t even look like the rest of her blonde-haired, blue-eyed family. AND b/c Teddy was born at a birthing center where a mix up was impossible—neither intended to be in any way hurtful to Mia, but come on . . . you remember what it was like . . . scrutinizing off-hand comments, psychoanalyzing conversations . . .
If I was the brunette counterpart of my Arian family, and my parents refused to let my kid brother be born in a hospital, I could definitely see myself wondering . . . if they were wondering . . .
The point is despite the inherent coolness of Mia’s family, it’s a real family, and Mia’s recounting of them is full of bittersweetly recognizable truths.
And in this story . . . one of those truths is that Mia has to decide if she will stay.
That decision is a painful process. I’m not going to lie, I sobbed audibly while reading this book. But Mia’s story is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking, as hopeful as it is bleak, and I would not give up getting to know Mia and her family for anything. This is one of the books that will stick with you for years.
So please . . . do yourself a favor and read it before going to see the movie when it comes out on Friday. You won’t regret it.
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon or liking it on Goodreads!
My name is Jessica and I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m trying my hand at writing, but mostly I read. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, and the YA versions of those genres, but if there is a book of a different color getting lots of buzz, I’ll read it too, just to be informed. If I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably on Goodreads or Pinterest or baking blueberry pies because I love them.
I really loved this one too! I could definitely see it as a book to be read over & over again — and I’m sure I will!! Fantastic review! Thanks for sharing!
Tricia recently posted…Gemini Moon (A Lella York Mystery #1) by Maria Grazia Swan
Thanks, Tricia! I’m glad you liked it too 😉
It’s funny. Because the whole time I was reading it, I was astounded by how I cared about Mia, Adam and her family. And I agree, it’s a true testament to Gayle’s affective writing. Though I wasn’t a fan of her Just One Night duo-logy, I’m anxious to read more of her work.
Watching If I Stay this weekend. How about you?
Joy (Joyousreads) recently posted…Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
I started reading Just One Day, and after a few chapters of MEH, I put it back down. I’m sure I’ll read it eventually, but right now, I’m happy with being in awe of of this duology 😉
I don’t know . . . books that I LOVE that get turned into movies are rarely hits with me . . . we’ll see 😉
I will watch the movie stead, I hope the adaptation is a good one. Thanks for the insightful review, the family dynamics sounds interesting. I’m rooting for CGMoretz, she said in her interviews she wants to give the book a just portrayal, I hope she succeeds.
Braine recently posted…Loved It: Radiant by Karina Sumner-Smith
I hope so too. I probably won’t even see the movie, b/c books this good rarely translate well for me. You’ll have to let me know what you think.
Oh man, this book. Not sure I could survive a reread of this book or the movie. It would wreck me.
Amanda recently posted…The Tower’s Alchemist by Alesha Escobar {Kelly’s Review}
It would. But it would be worth it. I NEVER read books like this. I think reading this one was an accident, in fact. I don’t regret it though 😉
I so love when I reread a book and still love it just the same. I think this book is too emotional for me though.
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Stacking The Shelves #90: Uncivilized
It’s definitely emotional, but it’s also amaazeballs. Just sayin’. 😉
I definitely second that! It’s better to read the book before seeing the movie! I love Where She Went more than If I Stay but both books had me bawling my eyes out and I really do hope the movie meets expectations and does well in the box office so we get Where She Went adapted too, I don’t know why but that book just have a special place in my heart. I’ve read these books 2 years ago and have not done a reread, maybe it’s about time I finally do. Awesome review Jessica!
Amir recently posted…ARC Review: The Jewel by Amy Ewing
Thanks, Amir! It was definitely time for a reread for me. I totally checked out last Friday, and read them both back-to-back. It was FANTASTIC 😉 I hope you love the movie. I’m afraid to see it, I think . . . Books I love this much never translate well onto the big screen for me . . .
Great review and I too loved this book to. I can’t wait to see the movie 🙂 This is one of my favorites by this author.
julie recently posted…I want it that way
Thanks, Julie! I think this IS my favorite by this author. I hope you like the movie 😉
I fell in love with Mia and her family when I read If I Stay, too, and the trailers I’ve seen for the movie are pretty darned promising!
You actually made me want to do a re-read now, and that doesn’t happen very often as there are just so many new books to read! But Mia is an awesome heroine, and it’s so heartbreaking to read about how she realizes that her parents and her brother aren’t there anymore, and that she has a choice to make now – stay or not?
Beautiful review, Jessica! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this re-read with us!
Lexxie recently posted…Review: All Fall Down – Jennifer Weiner
Thanks, Lexxie! And FYI, I read BOTH If I Stay and Where She Went in about 6 hours last Friday. So if you really do want to reread them, it not time consuming at all 😉
Yay! So glad you liked this Jessica. I have heard the next book is even better but I just can’t bring myself to read it yet.
kindlemom1 recently posted…WoW Pick of the Week
OMG, how could you not?? The way that this one ended, I was DYING to get my hands on Where She Went o.O I hope you read it soon, b/c it really is fantastic 😉
It’s nice to see that after so much time it’s still so good mainly because I know our taste usually changes. I heard about it I confess but I haven’t read it in fact but I should try. Thanks for the review!
You’re welcome, Melliane, and you really should. This book is FANTASTIC 😉
*hangs head in shame* I’m scared to read this book Jessica! Everyone just loves it so I’ve been putting it off for years for fear that I’ll be the one person who doesn’t much care for it. FAIL! I also know it’s going to make me sob like a little girl, so that’s been a deterrent as well despite the fact that I love books that make me cry. I just don’t like knowing they’re going to do so going in or I get all stressed out. I’m ridiculous, I know:) SO glad this book was equally good the second time around!
It’s not ridiculous, Jenny. I rarely go for this kind of book, and I’m pretty sure the only reason I read this one was b/c I didn’t know any better. That being said, it’s worth it. I hope you do eventually read it, b/c it’s one of those books that I wish I could make THE WHOLE WORLD read. It’s just that good. It’s like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. For realz 😉
I’ve seen the movie previews for this one. It looks a little too sad for me. I probably won’t see the movie either. I like my stories, both movies and books, to be more humor and kickass.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Twist Audiobook by Dannika Dark (review)
It’s sad, but it’s okay, b/c it’s also hopeful. I typically like more snark and action-based books too, but this one . . . this one (for me, anyway) was worth the tears.
God it’s been so long since I read this book but I’m going to a showing tonight for the movie so I wanted to skim a few pages and refresh my memory. I love how you still managed to enjoy this one 5 years later, how the older and wiser you could still connect with it. I also love how you focused on the family aspect in your review, not the romance at all. While I liked the romance If I Stay was more about Mia’s family for me than anything else.
Lily recently posted…Ugly Love:Review
Me too. I liked Adam, and the relationship was definitely important to the story, but it was Mia’s family that really slayed me. I cried ugly tears over this book, and I didn’t even resent the resulting headache. SO GOOD. I’m glad you loved it too. I hope the movie is all you’re hoping it will be.
I totally enjoyed this series and I think I read it sometime last summer or maybe last fall, can’t remember. I picked it up because I think Gayle delivers truly impactful stories and this one is no exception. While I enjoyed the series as a whole, the second book really got to me. I’m not sure that I can explain why but nevertheless it did. *shrugs* But man, there were plenty of moments in the first and second book when I was a teary-eyed mess.
“The point is despite the inherent coolness of Mia’s family, it’s a real family, and Mia’s recounting of them is full of bittersweetly recognizable truths.” <– EXACTLY.
As always…fabulous review my friend! ♥
I'm not sure if I will see the movie or not…
I loved them both. But I think I liked this one slightly more. I was afraid in Where She Went. It was even more emotionally exhausting, LOL. That’s probably why you liked it more. *snickers* When it gets tough, my knee-jerk reaction is to bail. *shrugs*
Thanks, Cristina 😉 I don’t know if I want to see it either . . . it’d be almost impossible to live up to the book . . .
I haven’t read this yet, but I keep hearing how wonderful it is. I’m going to see if I can find it at my library and get to it soon!
Finley Jayne recently posted…Bout of Books 11 {Tuesday’s Updates}
I bet they do, b/c it’s fantastic, and I hope you do get around to read it, also, b/c fantastic 😉
I haven’t read this. I saw the previews and it looks like a good movie. Now this review made me want to read the book. Thanks!
Karen Blue recently posted…Blog Tour: Dom Wars The Final Round by Lucian Bane & Aden Lowe
Anytime 😉 I hope you do read it, b/c it’s so, so good.
Of course, I went to audible right away, and is there!! I didn’t know this was coming out in the theaters, or maybe I saw it and since I didn’t know anything about it I didn’t notice it. I added it to my wish list, I’ll take a listen over the weekend.
Thank you Jessica 🙂
Loupe Duffy recently posted…Twist Audiobook by Dannika Dark (review)
Yay! I hope you love it–it really is fantastic.
I’ve only read this recently for the first time, in anticipation of the movie but also as a book club book. I wasn’t as moved by it as many people seem to be. I found the flashbacks a bit much at times but I’m really curious to see how that looks in the movie (which I will see soonish with the same book club). Did you read the sequel? I liked it a lot more.
Julie S. recently posted…Ruin and Rising Review
Yes, I read them both back-to-back last Friday. I seem to be the black sheep with these book though, b/c I think I liked this one best. ALL of my friends liked Where She Went more though, so you’re not alone. I hope you like the movie! I don’t know if I want to go see it . . .
I loved this story but never could bring myself to read the sequel. I don’t cry easily, but this book had me in tears. Not a feeling that I want to revisit just yet 😉 Glad you enjoyed it.
Cat recently posted…Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop (8/20 – 8/27) US
I ugly cried while reading this book. I doubt that you’d go back to it this late in the game, but if it helps, Where She Went wasn’t nearly as traumatizing. Not for me, anyway 😉
I loved this one too and I am looking forward to the movie. Great review.
Jenea recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday #100 Save Me by Jenny Elliot & Vampire Secrets by RaShelle Workman #WoW
Thank you! I hope you like the movie.
Oh man this book! Such an emotional read and such a beautiful story! Glad to see you enjoyed it, too, and I can’t wait to see the movie! This is one I’m sure I’ll reread myself in a few years. did you also read the sequel? I liked it even more!!
I did read the sequel, but I’m like the only person who liked this one more, LOL. I loved them BOTH, but this one . . . this one was the one that REALLY got me. I’m glad you loved them too, and I hope the movie lives up to your expectations!
I read this one years ago and I honestly can’t remember it very well, but I’m not surprised that you experienced it somewhat differently. I should probably do a reread too, some books are definitely worth it.
Lovely review.
Thank you! And yes, I definitely ascribe to the rereading theory 😉
So glad this was a wonderful read and experience again for you Jessica. I’m in the same boat I think as Jenny, *sad face* I’m a big chicken to cry my brains out, but I guess I should put my big girl pants on and read it anyways. It sounds as always – amazing 🙂
Kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday: House Immortal by Devon Monk
Thanks, Kim! And believe me—no one avoids books that make you ugly cry like I avoid books that make you ugly cry, but this one is SO worth it. I hope you do decide to read it sometime, but it’s just a beautiful story.
You’re like the fifth person (whose opinion I really trust) to give this an incredible review. Which is why I’ve located it at one of my local libraries, got on the waiting list and should be able to read it early September. Not like I was going to make it to the movie right away anyway – I hardly ever do! I’m pretty sure I’ll sob hard core. And I’m excited! (something must be wrong with me LOL)
Berls recently posted…Scent of a White Rose by Tish Thawer | #COYER Audio Review
LOL. Nothing is wrong with you—I’m the chicken who normally avoids books like this like the plague. But this broke through even my defenses. I can’t wait for you to read it!
I have been wanting to read this one but tears, i hate to cry
blodeuedd recently posted…The Coldest Girl in Coldtown – Holly Black
I hate to cry too, but this one–no regrets 😉
This books is really five years old? Wow. I have been meaning to read it but avoided it because I struggle with sad reads. However I listened to the audios of Just One Day and Just One Year and I absolutely adored Forman’s writing so I will be listening to this one when I get a chance.
Heidi recently posted…Review and Giveaway: A Cursed Awakened ( A Weird Girls Novella) by Cecy Robson
Forman is an amazing writer. I struggle with sad reads too, and the only reason I read this one was b/c I didn’t know any better at the time, but I do not regret it at ALL.
Oh man, I’ve had this book since it came out but I am such a chicken shit when it comes to books like this. I even bought the audio a few months ago. The movie looks good, I hope it is.
Nereyda recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday (119)!
LOL. I hope you do eventually read it, Nereyda. It really is fantastic, and trust me–no one is a bigger chicken when it comes to books like this then I am.
I have this one. I can’t read this one. I’m not brave enough. *sigh* I hate to cry and I know I’ll be balling like a little toddler. Darn it… I know I will, you make it sound worthy of my tears… but I’m still not brave enough.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Bound by Night by Larissa Ione
You will. Not even gonna try to sugarcoat it, LOL. That being said, I almost NEVER intentionally read books like this, but YES, this one is completely worth your tears. I hope you decide to read it eventually 😉
I have this book, but I can’t make myself read it because I don’t want to cry! Just not yet anyway!
I’m happy that it’s a good reread, some books (and media) don’t have staying power. And I will definitely read this before I see it though!
Thanks Jessica! 🙂
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
I hope you do read it eventually, b/c it is so worth your tears. I typically avoid books like this like the plague, and probably wouldn’t have read this one if I’d known what I was getting into, but I don’t regret it. SO good 😉
I really need to read this soon. Jennifer did a guest review for me on this one and I knew I needed to read it but now I feel like I need to read it right now. In my defense I will have a few months before I watch the movie because there is no way I’m going to ugly cry in the theater. Heck, I cried watching the trailer I know it’s going to be a tearjerker and I would rather do that at home. Anyway…I promise If I Stay is getting moved up on my read list ASAP. Great review as always!
Ginny recently posted…Book Review: Miss Mabel’s School for Girls (Network Series, #1) by Katie Cross
Thanks, Ginny! And REALLY—this book is up there with Harry Potter and The Hunger Games for me. It’s one of those books that I think THE WHOLE WORLD needs to read. I don’t think I’m going to see the movie at all, b/c I don’t see how it could live up to the book 😉
Lol, you don’t seem to like Mia’s father very much. 😛 I thought he was fine, and fun for a father but I also can understand your opinion. Also, awwww you cried?? Who wouldn’t? LOL
Fab review.xx
Lola recently posted…Author Interview: Sherry D. Ficklin (Queen of Someday)
No, I actually loved Mia’s father. I don’t know what made you think I didn’t. And YES. Sobbed. Like a baby. Thanks, Lola!
Poor Mia, I can definitely relate to her. My parents may not have been in a punk band but they’ve certainly got their own coolness happening. And I played flute for a decade. At least cello is sexy! Ain’t nothing sexy about the flute (but I still love it!). I am a bit wary of re-reading this one too, since when I first encountered it I was in middle school and adored it…but maybe I’ll give it another go before I see the movie since your re-read was such a positive one. 🙂
Danya recently posted…Short Fiction Review: Warm Up by V.E. Schwab
DANYA! This is completely unrelated . . . okay, mostly unrelated, but I must impart a truth about flute players that you are most likely unaware of—you need to find yourself a nice trombone player. *snickers* I’m completely serious. I also played the flute, and my husband plays trombone, and he and his fellow trombone players discovered that nearly ALL of them, and ALL the other trombone players they’d ever met, were ALL married to flute players, LOL. Apparently the personality types drawn to those instruments mesh well. TRUE STORY. That is all.
Okay, not all, b/c this book is freaking fantastic, and completely worth your tears. You know me—I avoid heavy books. But this one . . . this one is the exception 😉
I recently just bought this one to re read it! I’m so excited for the movie, and like you, I really enjoyed Gayle’s writing.
Wonderful review, Jessica!
Marianne recently posted…Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Thanks, Marianne! I hope you like it 😉
Hmm, I don’t like the sound of Mia’s father all too much, but I’ve heard amazing, amazing things about the book itself, and that it demands tissues! I would like to read the books before seeing the movie, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Great review, Jessica!
Hafsah recently posted…PAPER THINGS by Jennifer Richard Jacobson (WoW #214)
Thanks, Hafsah. And personally, I thought Mia’s father was fantastic. I hope you do decide to read the book 😉
LOVE THIS BOOK. LOVE THIS SERIES. Well, duology. Beautifully written and, dammit, it made me cry.
Mary recently posted…Pre-Squee: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Made me cry TOO. And still I love it 😉
I am not sure I could survive reading this book. I would need a lot of tissue.
Felicia S. ( recently posted…Read It File It Audio Review: Dash of Peril by Lori Foster
LOTS of tissues. But so very worth it 😉
Okay…this is awkward. I am SUCH the black sheep when it comes to this book – it’s not even funny. However, I am SO glad to hear you liked it Jessica! It is definitely a tear-jerker, and I’m glad you felt the effects of that! 😉 Thanks for sharing Jessica, and BRILLIANT review! <3
Zoe recently posted…The Body in the Woods
I did love it, and thanks, Zoe 😉
An epic, WELL-WRITTEN and a tearjerker YA that impressed Jessica? I’ve seen these books around but never really paid much attention, I may have to take a look now 😀
This one completely sneaked up on me. If I had known, going into it, that it was a tearjerker, I probably wouldn’t have read it. But I didn’t know. That being said—NO regrets. It’s right up there with Harry Potter and The Hunger Games for me.
I LOVE it when a book can suck you in so completely and your emotions go on a rollercoaster ride! When I cry while reading a book I know I am enjoying it and it shows how good the author is! Great review Jessica!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Naomi recently posted…COVER & BLURB REVEAL/GIVEAWAY ~ Follow by J.A. Huss
Thanks, Naomi! And I completely agree.
Can you believe that I am absolutely scared of reading this book? I don’t know why I am… I just know that this is supposed to be quite enlightening and heart-breaking and I’m scared I might not survive. This is the reason why I still haven’t watched TFiOS yet… I don’t want to go through all the drama and emotional turmoil a second time.
Faye recently posted…ARC Review: The Jewel by Amy Ewing
Wait a minute . . . you’ll read 50 Shades on camera, but you’re too afraid to read this book . . . ? Pfft. I don’t believe that for a second. And this is completely different from TFiOS. You know a Bad Thing is coming, and you’re terrified and bracing for it in TFiOS. In this one—a few pages into the book a Bad Thing happens, and the rest is . . . the rest. It’s beautiful, and completely worth your tears, Faye. I hope you decide to read it some time.
Yup, at least with 50 Shades I can laugh at it all day long and that’s easier to handle 😛
Faye recently posted…ARC Review: I Want it That Way by Ann Aguirre
FINE. Same and not the same 😛 Geez . . . A girl has to try, LOL.
Wow this really sounds like a great read and I am happy to hear you enjoyed it just as much the second time round 🙂 Its wonderful when great books stay great even when our tastes change. Great review!!
Chanzie recently posted…Book Blast: Guardians ~ The Girl: Book 1 by Lola StVil
Thanks, Chanzie! And yeah, I think this is going to be one of those timeless books. It’s that good.
You’re SO right about how much Foreman makes the reader care for Mia’s family! At the beginning of the book, I was wondering how much I would really like all the flashbacks. But the book wouldn’t be the same without them and the reader wouldn’t love Mia’s family as much! It’s great to hear that you still loved the book the second time around. Is reading the sequel worth it?
Lina recently posted…Review: ‘Of Poseidon’ by Anna Banks
YES. Reading the sequel is so worth it, and IMO, is not nearly as harrowing. It’s still a very emotional read, but I cried less, hoped more, and got the resolution I was desperate to get. You should definitely read Where She Went 😉
Could you believe me if I tell you I didn’t know about this book…. I know… sometimes I live in La La Land.
After reading your review I know I have to read it. Don’t know if I’m in the mood for an emotional book, but I’ll get it all the same to have it ready when the moment comes.
No, I can’t believe it, LOL. *turns over rock*
You know how reluctant I am to read emotional books, but this one . . . I will never regret the ugly tears I cried 😉
ooh, I want to read this. I thought I was done with a good tear jerker for the year after reading TFIOS. But I think I’m ready for another one. Great review.
angela carr recently posted…Author Override: Cecy Robson
If you’re ready for another one, then I hope this is it, b/c AMAZING.
*lifts hand for a high-five*
Okay, well, I wasn’t a big If I Stay fan, but book two was amazing and I was at lost for words–my room flooded with my tears, Jessica!
Aimee recently posted…Let’s Party! (15 Recommendations + INTL Giveaway!)
I was the opposite, LOL. I liked Where She Went, but it was this one that had me crying ALL THE TEARS 😉
I remember really liking the book but I am not rereading until after I see the movie with my mom next week. It was one of my first after Twilight and everything was amazing then and I have honed my preferences since then, so great to hear it was great after all that time
That’s probably a good plan. Anytime I reread right before a movie, I hate the movie. But I’m not planning on seeing this movie . . . 😉
Nice review. The plot is rather unappealing to me but that you say it’s well written is appealing. I might have to give it a try – though I won’t be seeing the movie. I have no interest in that but this review makes the book look better.
Jessica Cooley recently posted…The Fire Wish Review
I have no interest in seeing the movie either–books this good never translate well on the screen for me.
black bird or sheep of the family huh. I might have to consider having a look at this – I mean you loved it but I don’t know I’m so blah about YA right now LOL. I think I heard there’s a movie but I’m not one of those “I must read the book then watch the movie” folks.
Plus I don’t dig sad books. I don’t want to go into it knowing I’m going to be made to be sad. Mogsy and I were just talking about those types of books they don’t usually work for us – for different reasons.
Tabitha (Not Yet Read) recently posted…Gasp! I DNF’d it – Where Silence Gathers, Evil Librarian & more
I’ve been really blah about YA too, LOL. And I’m not necessarily that type of person either, but for THIS BOOK, I am.
I don’t dig sad books either, usually, but when I first read this, I didn’t know any better. I do not regret it though. That is all 😉
Now you’ve made me want to re-read If I Stay, Jessica. I’m very curious as to whether or not I’ll look at it differently than I did 5 years ago. I’m glad that you found it just as fulfilling as you did before. And I really want to go see the movie. Thanks for the touching review.
Thank YOU, Brandee 😉 And yeah, I’d be interesting in hearing if you still liked too. I wasn’t as thoroughly enamored with it as I originally was, but I think that has more to do with the reading-critically mentality than being older and questionably wiser, LOL.
I too adored this book. So much so that I’m reluctant to see the movie. I make that decision after someone else has seen it and reports back. Have you read Where She Went? I just couldn’t get into it. Is it worth it to push through?
Leila recently posted…Introducing Hot Scot Saturday – Meme Hosted by LeilaReads
I don’t think I’m going to see the movie either. I just don’t see how it could live up to the book. And yes, I have read Where She Went, and I’m one of the only people who liked this one more, so believe me when I say it’s worth it. I thought it was anyway, but I NEED resolution. Especially after everything Mia went through.
I’ll definitely reads Where She Went and avoid the movie then. I’m really not a fan of this new trend of seemingly turning every single YA bestseller into a movie. Drives me nuts.
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Ohhh Jessica! <3 I'm so glad to see you posted a lovely sobbing review of your re-read. As you know, I loved the IF I STAY movie and immediately put it on my nightstand when I got home to reread it, but I have to admit I was afraid of doing it, too–what if it didn't live up to my memories? But you've reassured me that all will be well, even if I cry my heart out.
If you ever do end up seeing the film, I would be really curious to see what you think of it.
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Oh well, I already have plans to go see the movie whenever it comes out here with one of my besties, since she loves more emotional drama movies and chick flicks, so she’s my go to whenever I feel like doing so!
I guess I will have to read the book before going to see the movie, and be sure to have tissues nearby when I do… Even if I’m not entirely sure my emotional state can handle many heartbreaks like these! Very happy to hear that you loved it as much this time when you were re-reading!
Fantastic review Jessica! I’ll probably end up tweeting you all caps if I end up sobbing my eyes out with this one, be warned!
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Hold me, Jessica. Hold me now. *sniffles* I loved this book, I bawl at the movie trailer, and now your review has my eyes doing the Niagara Falls thing. After this gorgeous review (you captured her family so perfectly), I am willing to risk dehydration and do a re-read. Those quotes… I’m broken! Broken! Really gorgeous review, my friend. Pass me the tissues, won’t you?
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I am going with Julie to see this today actually. We read the book for book club. I liked it, but wasn’t wowed. The movie looks beautiful though.
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