Book Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
When I first stumbled upon Lauren Oliver’s Before I Fall, the concept immediately caught my interest: a girl reliving her last day over and over again, echoing shades of Groundhog Day but laced with a teenage twist. Intrigued by the trailer my cousin shared and a longstanding curiosity nudging me from my TBR pile, I was ready to dive into a poignant exploration of life, death, and the choices we make. Little did I know, the experience would be a rollercoaster of emotions—a mix of frustration, revelation, and contemplation.
At its core, Before I Fall follows Sam Kingston, a popular high school girl navigating the complexities of friendship, image, and mortality. The book begins with a familiar yet disconcerting rhythm—Sam and her friends embody the quintessential mean girls, effortlessly prancing through the hallowed halls of high school like they’re royal characters strutting through their court. Yet, their seemingly carefree existence quickly spirals into a whirlwind of introspection as Sam finds herself trapped in a time loop. Each day, she faces her impending death and is forced to confront not just her actions but also the impact they have on others.
Initially, I wrestled with my disdain for Sam’s character. Her clique and their antics felt like a cruel parody of adolescence: the judgment, the cruelty—real bitches, as Sam might call them. It was painful to read about their self-involvement, almost akin to watching a kindergarten fight over toys. I found myself asking, “Why did it take so long for Sam to acknowledge the messiness of her world and her role in it?” There’s a certain discomfort in reading about characters who seem oblivious to the pain they inflict, which was undoubtedly Oliver’s intention. The writing painted a vivid picture of high school hierarchies and left me empathizing with those who might have been bullied quietly in the background.
However, around the midway point, something shifted. As Sam relives her last day, her character begins to deepen. The repetition is not just a punishment; it’s a transformative journey. The narrative blossomed into something far more layered. I found myself enamored by her gradual awakening—her realization that she can change her fate by changing her actions, leading to a poignant message about the significance of empathy and redemption. “I’m dead, but I can’t stop living,” she reflects, a line that resonated deeply with me. It felt like a turning point not just for her but for readers as well.
Yet, the ending stirred a pot of confusion and raised questions that lingered long after closing the book. Was the act of sacrifice truly the answer? Did Sam’s journey lead her toward redemption, or did it merely underscore the tragedy of her choices? The dynamic between life and death, self-sacrifice and personal growth felt richly explored yet left me with a bittersweet taste. I found myself pondering cultures and beliefs surrounding death—was her struggle one of enlightenment or a conscious choice wrapped in tragedy?
Oliver’s writing style is engaging, filled with vivid imagery and pulsating with raw teenage emotions. While it took me some time to connect with the characters, I’d argue that the initial resistance only adds to the depth of the experience. Through clever narrative techniques, Oliver invites readers into a reflective space, pushing us to evaluate our own lives and the choices we might take for granted.
Before I Fall is a book not only for those who enjoy a young adult drama intertwined with supernatural elements but also for anyone seeking a deeper message about the consequences of their actions. It speaks to the heart, urging us to navigate our lives with intention and care. If you’re willing to ride the waves of discomfort and reflection, this book might just surprise you with its poignant insights.
In reality, Before I Fall is more than just a story about a girl dying; it’s about what we choose to do while we still have the chance to live. And isn’t that a beautiful reminder for us all?