Reviews

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

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cosymilko's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book. The narration is brilliant and I was hooked within 5 pages. I thought the descriptions and feelings were brilliant and by half way I was a sobbing mess. I stayed that way till the end and reflected on what it means to make the choice to stay or go.

The characters seemed a bit perfect. I guess, when you're looking at things from a deathbed perspective that's to be expected. Her parents were a bit unrealistic although her brother and Kim were delightful.

The emotions from the characters and the nurses personalities are what reduced me to a bumbling mess. Having been in a situation similar to the family I can say that the thoughts and feelings were nailed. I found myself wondering if a similar situation took place for others.

I'm looking forward to the sequel although it definitely won't be as emotional and memorable as this was.

thesimplereader's review against another edition

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2.0

Hard to even finish. Was not a fan.

I don't understand all of the hype about this book.

bmw2024's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Writing very well

Content Warnings

gammys_reads's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

4.0

What a tragic and deeply emotional story that broke my heart 💔!!! I was completely engrossed from start to finish. If you need a good cry then this is the book for you. Truly a story that I will remember forever.

This story starts with a catastrophic car accident that involves Mia's entire immediate family. Mia is the only member of her family to survive and is now in a coma. She is some how separated from her body and is able to watch as her friends and extended family gather at the hospital to possibly say their goodbyes due to her grave condition. We follow Mia as she realizes that it is up to her to make the decision for her future. Will she choose to live or to join her parents and brother who have moved on?

Will she decide to stay?

It was shocking to me that the story started off with such a bang without really getting to know any of the characters. However, as the story unfolds it switches between two timelines that allows the reader to become fully invested in the characters.

This was such a powerful and thought-provoking read!! It makes you think about the choices we make everyday. Some of those choices are mindlessly easy and other choices are difficult. I will say to be prepared for an abrupt ending which is expected due to book two. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard"

widderwille's review against another edition

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4.0

really really liked this book. had me gripped until the end because i hadn't watched the film to know what happens at the end. very sweet and i love the characters. the film was equally great with the exception of the horrendous CGI during the cello scenes hahaha

butterreadsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Made cry. But also was kind of cheesy. But maybe thats why i cried. I dont know. Its tragic and written interestingly. I’ve never read a book in the same form. I never read books that made me sad but i read this one.