Thursday, April 9, 2009

New Book: If I Stay

I just finished reading one of our new titles for the Young Adult section, If I Stay by Gayle Forman, and I thought I should tell you a little about it.


The novel centers around Mia, a 17 year old girl torn between staying in her Oregon hometown to be near her family, friends, and boyfriend, or leaving for Julliard to pursue her passion for the cello.

Mia's choices dissolve, however, when she is faced with a horrific tragedy that leaves her trapped in an out of body experience that lit-buffs like me will connect with Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones

Far from being depressing, the novel focuses on the bonds between Mia and her mother, father, brother, grandparents, best friend, and boyfriend. As Mia looks on, her family and friends try to cope with what has happened. Mia reflects on moments in her past that have defined each relationship, all leading to her choice: should she stay or should she go?

I expected the novel to break my heart, but instead it left me feeling hopeful and appreciating all the people in my life that support and love me every day.

If you're interested in this book, stop by the new book cart in the young adult section of our library and check it out. You can also take a peek at Gayle Forman's fantastic website where you can read her blog, take a look at the trailer for the upcoming movie adaptation of the novel (or at an interview with the author), and even listen to the playlist she compiled while writing If I Stay.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed reading this book. I sure hope the movie gets made it would be really great to see how it turns out. :)