***Re-review*** If I Stay (If I Stay #1) by Gayle Forman

On The Back Of The Book

 The critically acclaimed, bestselling novel from Gayle Forman, author of Where She Went, Just One Day, and the forthcoming Just One Year.

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.

My Review

 I first read this book in 2011, I reviewed the book on my blog. My 3rd ever review, You can even read it here but I figure, it's been nearly 2 years and my reviewing technique has changed and I wanted to see how my opinion has evolved. So I'm re-reviewing one of my all-time favourite books.

When I finished reading this, I felt emotionally drained. Reading this takes you on a roller coaster and both times I've read this I've had no idea what to say about it. I will tell you this: In my opinion this book is flawless. While some say that there isn't much of a plot, I can tell you there's a back story. 

We follow Mia, who's in a car accident with her family. She's a sort of ghost and as she remembers what happened for her to be left in limbo and reminisces about the people she loved and lost and those that want her to stay. 

The writing is stunning, Gayle Forman has taken an idea and used her incredible storytelling talent and has moved me with this tale, not once, but twice.  As a reader you're transported into Mia's heartbreaking world and you feel so much sorrow for her. Well that's how it was for me anyway.

The characters are real and flawed and I loved them for that. I said in my first review that you need to root for Mia or the story falls apart and that's true. If you don't like her then the premise falls apart as empathy is a huge part of this. The other characters make the most perfect family and the love they have for each other radiates off the page and warmed my heart. 

This is a definite must read, not only for fans of the YA genre but for fans of good writing. What you have here is the most beautiful book and if you do decide to read it, you're gonna need tissues, LOTS of tissues. 

My Rating

  Yes - you're reading this right. This book not only keeps its original 5 star rating but has further cemented it. This story is short, sweet and as close to perfect as a novel's allowed to be. There really aren't words for me to be able to tell you that this is a book you need in your lives now and forever. 

 

Would I recommend this?

YES!!!! Now go buy it!!!