27/08/2015

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman



If I Stay is a 2009 contemporary novel by American author Gayle Forman. It tells the story of 16 year old Mia who, after a terrible car crash that killed both her parents and younger brother, is left in a coma. However whilst in said coma, Mia experiences a constant out of body experience, flitting in between memories of her life before, and watching the scene at the hospital unfold.

She knows that if she wakes up, she'll be an orphan, but if she dies, she's leaving her doting boyfriend, and her chances at a normal, happy life.

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If I stay has been made into a movie starring Chloe Moretz in the title character. I haven't actually seen it, but I've heard its fantastic and after reading the book I think the story would probably translate better visually. Also I absolutely adore the movie version of the cover. (pictured above) It reminds me of some cool Instagram montage from an account with an actual theme. 

Okay so onto the actual review. This will contain spoilers but honestly I don't really think there are a huge amount of gasp-worthy plot twists anyway. So feel free to read on for my opinions or go away, read the book and come back! 

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My thoughts generally are kind of meh. I have to say I was disappointed. I'd expected something super sad yet kind of cutesy at the same time with the really interesting aspect of being stuck in limbo thrown in. What I actually got was a fairly repetitive storyline with little character progression. 

I'm a huge fan of contemporary novels like 'To all the boys I've loved before' and 'Lola and the boy next door' and whilst obviously the tone of this was darker I just didn't connect to the characters. Don't get me wrong it was a fast paced read (being only 210 pages!) but the main protagonist Mia, seemed flat. Not so much in the flashback scenes but whilst at the hospital her reactions to seeing her family crying by her dying body or hearing that her little brother had died were virtually nonexistent. She was like a nonchalant passer by. And unfortunately I just didn't connect with her.

Adam on the other hand was fab. He seemed pretty cool and sassy, he played in a band, he was fun, and most importantly: he wasn't a self righteous dick like so many of the main male characters in YA. Adam (and her parents) were the best things about this story. 

Usually this is where I'd talk about the plot twists, the drama... but there literally wasn't any? Aside from the crash at the beginning nothing really happened. I hear that there's a book 2 (Where She Went) which is told from Adam's POV so I may give it a shot.

Overall I wouldn't really recommend it. For sure I'm going to see the movie, which I am excited for. I just feel that the ideas for the story were good but the plot lacked a certain something.

All in all I would rate the book 2.5 stars and 55%.

Let me know what you guys thought if you've read the book or watched the movie!




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6 comments

  1. amazing post :)
    I love your blog you can tell you put a lot of effort into it :) keep up the amazing work

    Jadiee'sLittleBlogGIVEAWAY
    Have a wonderful day
    Jade

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  2. I usually always finish books but I bought this book and got a little bit of the way through and just found it so boring! It's and interesting concept and story but I think the way it's written just isn't for me! Completely agree with you and would rate it 2/2.5.

    Love, Hannah
    www.justmycouture.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, I was so excited because the concept sounded fabulous but the actual way it was written was dull! Such a shame! Xx

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  3. I have read this book and I thought it was so good , I have nominated you for the Liebester Awards, to find out more information about it check out my most recent blog post xx

    http://vintagefleurx.blogspot.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. I mean it;s not bad! I was just a little disappointed! And thank you! x

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