If I Stay
By Gayle Forman
(Dutton Juvenile, Hardcover, 9780525421030, April 2009, 208pp.)
The Short of It:
A short but riveting story about the importance of family, the ability to let go and the impact that change can have on one girl’s life.
The Rest of It:
After surviving a horrific crash, Mia finds herself in an “in between” state. As she hovers between life and death, she reminisces over the life she’s lived thus far.
In just a few pages, Forman has you walking in Mia’s shoes. My heart was in my throat the entire time. You know the injuries are serious, and you know that she might not make it, so the suspense alone has you turning pages but at the same time, you sort of don’t want to know the outcome. The implications of her staying, are explained to a degree but what you imagine is far worse. I can’t say more about the plot because I would be giving the story away.
Beautifully written, with just enough detail. This is easily a YA book that will appeal to adult readers as well (such as myself!)
While reading it, I was told that there is a sequel. It’s called Where She Went and it’s out now. So if you want to read them together (and you will), you can pick both of them up.
Source: Borrowed from the library.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
Rhapsody Jill has been working on me to read these. I actually have the second book on my shelves from SIBA, but I need to get my hands on the first. Just sit down one day and knock them out!
This one has been on my Kindle forever…I just need to read it…I love the way you write you reviews…
If I Stay was one of my favorites last year so I am glad you got a chance to read it. I read the sequel this year and thought it wasn’t nearly as good as If I Stay. But, I still liked it
It’s so rare for the sequel to be as great as the first book. I didn’t even know there was a sequel until another blogger mentioned it to me while I was reading book one.
I thought the sequel was even better!
This is one that I really liked, and I’m still on the hold list at the library for the sequel. Hopefully I’ll get it sometime soon! 🙂
I’ve seen this one mentioned several places. At first it reminded me a bit too much of The Lovely Bones but your review has me adding it to my TBR list.
I thought of Lovely Bones to a degree too, but this one has no dark elements to the story. It’s a close family, mature girl, etc.
I keep telling my younger cousin she needs to read this one!
So if there’s a sequel, she must live. Right?!?
Oooooh, I love these kinds of books. I’m going to see if my library has them.
I’ve been thinking of getting the 2nd one for my Kindle..can’t wait to read his story!
This one sure sounds fabulous, the more reviews I read of it. I should add it to my wishlist for my next library trip!
I absolutely loved this book! I also read Where She Went and wasn’t sure it would live up to If I Stay standards but it was also amazing.