Saturday, April 16, 2011

if i stay, by Gayle Forman (2009)


Everyone thinks it was because of the snow.  And in a way, I suppose that's true.

Imagine one of those snow days, where school has been cancelled, your parents don't have to go to work, and there isn't so much snow as to cancel a family day out.  Mia's family is unique and original, and she thoroughly enjoys spending time together.  After all, she's a senior in high school and things will soon change. 

A gifted cello player, Mia is on the verge of finding out if she's been accepted at Juillard in New York City.  She has an awesome boyfriend, Adam, who is also into music and plays in a band, Shooting Star.  Even though she's into classical music and Adam digs punk rock, music is what brought them together.

On the snow day, Mia and her family decide to take a drive to visit Willow, Henry and the baby.  But a 4-ton pickup truck plows into the family's car, shattering Mia's life and family.

Mia is caught between life and death.  She starts to learn what's happening when she's in ICU in Portland, Oregon.  Surrounded by her family, Mia reflects on her life which has been utterly and absolutely beautiful.  Should she stay?  Should she go?  And does she even have a choice?

Rating:  8 out of 10 stars
*Some inappropriate language.

To check this book out at NOLS, click HERE!

Gayle Forman's follow-up novel: