If I Stay by Gayle FormanPublisher: Dutton JuvenilePublished: April 2, 2009Pages: 201 pagesReceived: listened to audio book version from libraryBuy Now: Amazon | Book DepositoryIn 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 heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice Mia commands.
I picked this audio book up from my local library to listen to on the long drive home - little did I know that it would make me cry. I don't even think I read the synopsis, I just knew a ton of my bookish friends had read it and that it was about time that I did too.
Mia is a gifted cellist with a promising future, a loving family and boyfriend, and an amazing best friend. What more could a girl ask for? Her only real issue is having to decide whether to move to New York to attend Julliard or stay close to home to be with everyone she loves.
After a complete accident, her choices are taken away from her. Her only decision is whether to survive or give up? Mia is in a state of in between, limbo some would say. She can hear everything happening around her and can see how things are affecting everyone. She has a great decision to make and is weighing all of the things people around her are saying along with her own thoughts of what her future might be like after this accident. Will she decide to stay? Will the love from her family and friends be enough for her to want to stay?
This was such a heart wrenching story filled with love and loss. It honestly made me think about what people go through during such times - do they honestly hear everyone around them? Do people watch what they say around someone who is gravely ill in the hospital, or do they filter their comments? I remember thinking about my Mom while listening to this audio book and wondering if she truly heard all of my whisperings in her last moments and after reading this book, I'd like to think she did and that my words might have helped her understand a little.
I look forward to reading Where She Went, to find out more about what happens. If I Stay ends in a way that you can take it as is or hope for more. I want more.
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I really want to re-read this one! It's definitely so emotional and tough to read in parts, but so gorgeous too.
ReplyDeleteYou said it perfectly: "so emotional and tough to read in parts, but so gorgeous too." :)
DeleteOh my gosh...I've seen this title everywhere but I rarely read blurbs...and now that I have...how heart wrenching! Wow...I may need to add this to my wishlist now!
ReplyDeleteIt was such an amazing story though.
DeleteI read this not too long ago and loved it! I like the cover with the girl the best. It seems to be more related to the story.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the cover choice - the one with the girl makes more sense. :)
DeleteI listened to this on audio recently as well and absolutely loved it. I quickly followed it up with the audio book version of Where She Went, which was just as good, if not better, so you have a lot to look forward to! I'll be checking out Just One Day and Just One Year soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that Where She Went is just as good. I hope my library has it on audiobook as well. :) Can't wait to see what you think of Just One Day and Just One Year - they are on my wishlist now.
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