Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman (If I Stay, #1)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 stars)
When I first picked up If I Stay by Gayle Forman, I anticipated a journey both heart-wrenching and illuminating. Our protagonist, Mia, finds herself in a life-altering situation following a devastating car accident that changes everything in an instant. The premise is captivating, immediately drawing me in with the emotional stakes at hand—will Mia stay in this life after the tragic loss of her family? This weighty question hooked me, and I was ready for a rollercoaster of feelings.
As I delved into the story, what struck me most was the profound blend of music and memory woven throughout. Mia, a gifted cellist, has her love for music intricately tied to her identity and relationships. The writing, at times, was nothing short of lyrical. I was left in awe by how Forman crafted moments, such as when Mia reflects on the cacophony of sounds during the accident:
"And there was so much noise. A symphony of grinding, a chorus of popping, an aria of exploding, and finally, the sad clapping of hard metal cutting into soft trees."
This passage encapsulates the beauty and brutality of life that underpins the narrative, evoking a spectrum of emotions. Nice Natalie might say that it’s writing that sends shivers down your spine, and I wholeheartedly agree.
However, Cynical Natalie raises valid points that led me to ponder: while the characters—Mia, Adam, and even her parents—are indeed fleshed out, I found myself questioning their lasting impact on my memory. After finishing the book, it felt like a flash—a vivid experience but one that faded quickly. Mia’s poignant moments juxtaposed with her romantic and awkward interactions left me both charmed and a bit bewildered. The intimate groping scene between her and Adam was both sweet and slightly cringeworthy, leading me to feel it was more awkward than endearing.
I also grappled with the pacing. A significant part of the novel feels like a prologue, a montage of memories leading up to a final decision that seems to stretch just a bit too long. Cynical Natalie’s observation that it felt like a ploy to entice readers into picking up the sequel resonated with me. After all, while the emotional journey was real, it felt like a long setup to the main event, leaving me slightly unsatisfied.
So, did I cry? Did I feel a deep pang of sorrow for Mia? To be honest, no. My emotional compass didn’t quite reach the depths I had hoped for, despite the themes of grief and resilience. But this is not to say the book lacks merit. It’s a touching story with moments of beauty that many readers will connect with deeply—it’s just that my connection skated on the surface at times.
If I Stay may not stick with me like Harry Potter’s escapades or the humor of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, yet it does offer a profound exploration of love, loss, and the choice of whether to live amidst it all. I would recommend it to those who appreciate stories about young love intertwined with deep emotional resonance, as well as fans of contemporary YA who adore beautifully crafted prose.
In the end, this reading experience reminded me of the delicate dance between life and art, an exploration of what it truly means to stay—if only for a moment.
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