If I Stay

If I Stay by Gayle Forman begins with a rare snow day in a small town in Oregon. A family of four, all home together, decide to take a short road trip to visit some relatives when the unthinkable happens. A car accident takes the lives of both parents, leaving the children in critical condition. The oldest, Mia, is thrust from her body and walks around in a state of limbo while watching the events of the day unfold around her. She overhears a nurse explain to her family that she, Mia, will decide if she wants to wake up. She has a bright future ahead of her at Julliard, a loving boyfriend and a wonderful best friend who is there for her through everything. But is it enough?

This is a story full of emotion. The main story is artfully intertwined with Mia's memories about her life and family throughout the novel. Mia is placed on a path that can take her to the afterlife, something wholly unknown, or to a life filled with pain and grief. After losing the people she cares the most about, she can't decide which she would prefer. The journey is an emotional roller coaster from the unique perspective of a girl in limbo. The women in this story are all placed into roles of strong personalities; some even classified outright as feminists. From the very beginning of this novel, the voice of the adolescent is present which gives the story the feel of none I have read to date.

This is a tear-jerker that I, personally, highly recommend.

For this novel I have included two links. The first is from Gayle Forman's website (which has more information on this book and others). This story references music most of the time and is full of people who are musicians. As such, I've included the link to the playlist for the songs that are referenced within this novel. The second is a link to an interview with Gayle Forman about the novel.

If I Stay Playlist

Interview with Gayle Forman


And here is a teaser for the book: