Review: If I Stay

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Pages: 234
Rating: 4.5/5

In 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 heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands (ifistay.com).


Please explain to me why I wait so long to read books.  I've had this one on my shelf for a little over a year.  Back when I had all the time in the world to read, and still it took me until now to pick it up.  But I must say, I am glad I finally did.

In a single word, this book is beautiful.  It's beautifully written in a way that will catch your attention and will stick with you.  I found myself completely engulfed in the pages, staying up way past my bed time to finish.  I couldn't get enough of it.  The words just seemed to flow off the pages, creating this amazing story that I sunk into. 

I don't want to say much about the actual story because I don't want to ruin it for those readers who have yet to pick it up.  The twists and turns of this book hit you right in the face, like a head on collision.  I don't want to rob anyone of that.  This book is so powerful and intense, it left me shaking.  As I closed the last page, I just sat, thinking of all that I had read wondering what I would have done had I had to make such a huge choice.  Would I have made the right one? 

This book is a rollercoaster.  I suggest a comfy chair, a long afternoon, and a box of tissues when reading!!