If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Book review #37
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

I just finished If I Stay about an half an hour ago, and I don't think I'm yet fully recovered to even write this review. If I Stay is one of the most touching, beautiful, heart-breaking books I've ever read. From the first page I was sucked into a whole other world-completely shutting down everything around me. I know for a fact that Mia's story is unforgettable.

The scene starts out perfectly with the whole family settling down for breakfast after discovering that it was a snow day. Mia has quite a bit on her mind-music, her boyfriend, and regular teenage worries. Little does she know those worries are nothing compared to what's about to happen next.  After breakfast, the family decides to take a drive to visit the grandparents. A few hours later Mia finds herself at the hospital, with the last thing she can picture is the scene of the accident where she found her own injured body laying on the wet snow. As an observer, together we watch as Mia narrates what's going on at the hospital, as she faces the ultimate decision-whether to keep fighting or to let go.

There were so many amazing things I loved about this book. I think I would have to say the characters would be one of my favorites. The whole cast of If I Stay are now some of my favorite characters of all time. It was refreshing and breath-taking to see such awesome characters. First of the whole family, were just wonderful. Imagine that, a main character who actually wants to spend time with her family. The parents weren't strict and mean, but not carefree and crazy- they were as close to perfect as can be. They were funny and fun to be around, but still parents at the same time.

Mia of course was my favorite. She was just different than everyone else. Her love for music was astounding.  Mia and Adam can't really be described in words. It was true love, not just some cheesy romance, mostly involving physical contact. And no their relationship wasn't perfect, they definitely went through their ups and downs, but that's what made them so good together. Adam, oh Adam, I just loved him! So much. His love for music, his sweetness, just everything about him was adorable. Even Mia and Kim had a special friendship, they understood each other and the way they became friends is just hilarious. All of the characters were very lovable. Watching them surround Mia in love and support was very touching.

The writing left me speechless. It flowed as easily as a book written in verse. The story was told through flashbacks replaying Mia's most important moments. I enjoyed every single one of them. Moments with her best friend, her first date, times with her family and even music camp. All of them made me feel so warm inside, they were all realistic. The flashbacks were a big part in helping Mia decide.

I almost forget to mention how a big of a role music was. There were so many different types of music in the book, making it oh so much more beautiful. Adam had his band while Mia had her cello, both playing a huge part in their relationship as well as their lives.
  
If I Stay is simply stunning. I cried so many different types of tears while reading this. I thought so hard, it really made me think what would I do if I was in Mia's position. While this was sad book it was balanced with love, hope, and even humor. If I Stay is definitely a book to add to my favorites. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up :)