I have read a few books since last posting. One of which, is a sequel to the first. Here is my report on both books!
Title/Author(s): If I Stay... Where She Went, Gayle Forman
Genre: Fiction
Year of Copyright: 2010 & 2012
What is this book about?
The first book is about a very talented teenage cellist, Mia, whom resides unconscious in a hospital bed due to a serious car accident that took both her parents as well as younger brother. She is unconscious, but tells her story of her love of music, family, and boyfriend, Adam. The book is all about the choice she has to stay in the world, or die.
*SPOILER ALERT*
She stays. Which leads into the next book!
Where She Went picks up a few years later when Mia is becoming quite the popular musician graduating from Julliard early an about to embark on a very prestigious path, playing all over the world. She tells her story of what happened in the years leading up to her accomplishments after the accident, but we also hear from Adam, the boyfriend from "If I Stay," whom also has become quite the heartthrob and famous rock musician. The book goes back and forth with each chapter, both reliving what happened between them and the relationships and friendships they've had since Mia's accident.
Share a favorite part:
First I will say that Where She Went is, in my opinion, much better than it's prequel. I'm also a sucker for happy endings so that probably had a lot to do with it :P My favorite part of the first books, however, was the beginning courtship of Adam and Mia. The story there is typical (cute guy notices nerdy, quiet, music girl), but very cute as Mia's parents welcome him into the family. My favorite part of the second book happens when they both come together for a night of reminiscing, remembering, and sharing the true feelings they had when they parted ways after the accident.
What did you like the most?
I liked that the first book jumped from the goings on in the hospital in one chapter to Mia recalling her life before the accident int he next chapter. It kept the story alive and not slow. Also, I like that the second book had both points of view when it came to storytelling. You get inside both character's heads.
What did you like the least?
I guess if I had to pick, I'd say that at some points I just wanted to read more about one point of view or one scene more than a chapter. It did keep the stories alive, but it was so frustrating at times to have to switch back to the accident, or (in the second book), back to that other person's point of view.
Describe this book in 3 words: Cute, Teenage-y, Sad
What was the overall message, you think, the author is trying to give?
That you have a choice to live and to try to make your life the best life you can... As well as not give up on the people that truly love you and that you love.
Do you recommend this book?
Sure, if you don't want a serious read. These passed the time wonderfully! A good bed time read.