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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The oldest book on my TBR list 🎉 I thought reading a sequel at least 11 years after reading the first book would be confusing but nope, I remembered enough of If I Stay. Perfectly decent sequel and book.
Update 03/23/2012: After thinking about this one a little more, I've decided to adjust my rating of this book by half a star.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Where She Went, the sequel to [b:If I Stay|4374400|If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)|Gayle Forman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1221604709s/4374400.jpg|4422413], is told from the point of view of Adam Wilde, Mia's boyfriend in the previous novel. It's been three years since the events in [b:If I Stay|4374400|If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)|Gayle Forman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1221604709s/4374400.jpg|4422413] and Adam is now a famous rockstar, living the celebrity dream, only he isn't happy. Adam is still haunted by the ghost of his ex-girlfriend, Mia, who left for Julliard and cut all ties with him without explanation. While in New York, a chance encounter with the girl who broke his heart leads to a heart-wrenching journey of self-discovery and redemption.
I enjoyed Where She Went much more than I did [b:If I Stay|4374400|If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)|Gayle Forman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1221604709s/4374400.jpg|4422413] mainly because I found Adam more likable, relatable, and compelling than Mia. I could identify with his pain over their breakup, and I could understand his anger and frustration at her for how she ended things. I thought Adam's downward spiral due to his unresolved feelings for Mia as well as the pressures of being a celebrity were well written, although I suspect that Foreman hasn't spent much time in Los Angeles because her description of the city didn't feel right.
This novel might have been a five star read if it were not for Mia, who I still find utterly unlikable and much too perfect. Like in the previous book, Mia is still worshipped by everyone around her (other than Adam), and she's still the greatest cello player ever. Despite having lost her family, she doesn't seem to have had many struggles. While my dislike for her worked in Foreman's favor for most of the novel because the reader through Adam is supposed to dislike her, it became problematic once Adam begins to soften towards her.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I think this novel would appeal to those who are fans of Melina Marchetta's writing, particularly [b:The Piper's Son|7417780|The Piper's Son|Melina Marchetta|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1261824018s/7417780.jpg|9362085].
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Where She Went, the sequel to [b:If I Stay|4374400|If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)|Gayle Forman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1221604709s/4374400.jpg|4422413], is told from the point of view of Adam Wilde, Mia's boyfriend in the previous novel. It's been three years since the events in [b:If I Stay|4374400|If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)|Gayle Forman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1221604709s/4374400.jpg|4422413] and Adam is now a famous rockstar, living the celebrity dream, only he isn't happy. Adam is still haunted by the ghost of his ex-girlfriend, Mia, who left for Julliard and cut all ties with him without explanation. While in New York, a chance encounter with the girl who broke his heart leads to a heart-wrenching journey of self-discovery and redemption.
I enjoyed Where She Went much more than I did [b:If I Stay|4374400|If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)|Gayle Forman|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1221604709s/4374400.jpg|4422413] mainly because I found Adam more likable, relatable, and compelling than Mia. I could identify with his pain over their breakup, and I could understand his anger and frustration at her for how she ended things. I thought Adam's downward spiral due to his unresolved feelings for Mia as well as the pressures of being a celebrity were well written, although I suspect that Foreman hasn't spent much time in Los Angeles because her description of the city didn't feel right.
Spoiler
Los Angeles is known for its mild weather, not the heat. Although it can get hot in the summers in certain areas, most of the year the weather is wonderful.This novel might have been a five star read if it were not for Mia, who I still find utterly unlikable and much too perfect. Like in the previous book, Mia is still worshipped by everyone around her (other than Adam), and she's still the greatest cello player ever. Despite having lost her family, she doesn't seem to have had many struggles. While my dislike for her worked in Foreman's favor for most of the novel because the reader through Adam is supposed to dislike her, it became problematic once Adam begins to soften towards her.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I think this novel would appeal to those who are fans of Melina Marchetta's writing, particularly [b:The Piper's Son|7417780|The Piper's Son|Melina Marchetta|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1261824018s/7417780.jpg|9362085].
Would recommend as an autumn read when you've got a cup of tea and some leaves falling outside the window to comfort you, warningthis story might make you tear up.
I love love loved that this was from Adam's point of view!!! His character interested me a bit more than Mia's in "If I Stay" so having the change in perspective was wonderful. There was so much pain in this novel, mostly straight-up grief and depression but other times it was a subtle longing for friendship.
March 2014 -- I just finished reading this for the second time and am surprised at how angry I was at Mia. The first time around I think I glossed over her choices, I just accepted them and continued reading. This time, I found myself thinking more about their relationship and how it evolved/grew/dissipated any of those would work but at the same time they aren't enough to describe the anger that rose within me towards her. Now, I kind of regret it but the way Forman's writing can make me feel so differently towards a character in a matter of chapters is perfect.
I love love loved that this was from Adam's point of view!!! His character interested me a bit more than Mia's in "If I Stay" so having the change in perspective was wonderful. There was so much pain in this novel, mostly straight-up grief and depression but other times it was a subtle longing for friendship.
March 2014 -- I just finished reading this for the second time and am surprised at how angry I was at Mia. The first time around I think I glossed over her choices, I just accepted them and continued reading. This time, I found myself thinking more about their relationship and how it evolved/grew/dissipated any of those would work but at the same time they aren't enough to describe the anger that rose within me towards her. Now, I kind of regret it but the way Forman's writing can make me feel so differently towards a character in a matter of chapters is perfect.
I didn't like it as much as If I Stay, but it was still comforting to see these characters again.
slow-paced
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked If I Stay better, but it does bring "closure". I will admit I was a little disappointed until about 2/3 of the way through. Just wasn't sure where it was going.
A great sequel. If you liked the first book you'll like this one
Although the ending I got wasn't what I wanted still it was so beautiful. Arrrg. Heartrendingly beautiful that even though it had hurt so much all of it will be washed away with a little music. I was rooting for the end for them to play together on stage, but Ahhg. Beautiful. :) I liked Adam's POV though, but you will see points that this was created by one author, dunno if it's a good thing or not, but still. Beautiful. :)