Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman
From the moment I laid eyes on If I Stay by Gayle Forman, I was drawn in by its haunting premise: a girl faced with the unimaginable decision of whether to wake up and live after losing her family in an accident. The title itself is a question that lingers long after you turn the final page. As I delved into Mia’s world, I found myself caught in a tug-of-war between two personal reactions: the heartfelt warmth of Nice Natalie and the skeptical musings of Cynical Natalie. It’s a delicate dance—one that mirrors the poignant journey Mia undertakes.
At its core, If I Stay is a meditation on love, choice, and the fragility of life. Mia, a gifted cellist, finds solace in music and a deep connection with her boyfriend, Adam. This dichotomy between her two passions—romance and music—is one of the book’s strongest elements. The way Forman intertwines Mia’s love for music with her emotional experiences is nothing short of beautiful. One of my favorite quotes captures this vividly:
“And there was so much noise. A symphony of grinding, a chorus of popping, an aria of exploding…”
Such stunning writing sent shivers down my spine, showcasing Forman’s ability to evoke deep emotion through her words. However, as Cynical Natalie bluntly pointed out, while the prose is lovely, it doesn’t redeem all elements of the story.
The supporting characters are indeed well-developed—Mia’s family and friends feel like vibrant individuals rather than mere plot devices. Yet, Cynical Natalie raises an interesting point: will the central characters stick in my memory long-term? Will Mia remain etched in my thoughts after the initial reading fuzzes away? Only time will tell.
Then there’s the pacing. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the book read like an extended prologue, leading to an ending that feels more like a cliffhanger than a satisfying conclusion. After Mia’s heartbreaking journey, the story cuts off dramatically, inviting you to jump into the sequel. While it creates intrigue, as Cynical Natalie suggests, it also feels a bit like being lured into a trap of unfinished stories.
And let’s talk about that infamous scene between Mia and Adam, where he instructs her to "Play me like a cello." In the context of first love, I found some aspects charming, but Cynical Natalie and I were left laughing awkwardly at the awkwardness of it all—what was meant to be a beautiful bonding moment came off as slightly forced.
Overall, I landed at a solid 3.5 stars for If I Stay. While the book shines in its lyrical prose and character depth, it ultimately left me yearning for a bit more closure and emotional impact.
For readers who are fans of contemporary young adult fiction, especially those who appreciate stories centered around personal growth, grief, and the power of choice, Mia’s journey is sure to resonate. It might not have lingered in my mind for long, but it certainly offered a fleeting glimpse into profound truths about loss and the resilience of the human spirit.
So, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking narrative that straddles the line between poignant and perplexing, give If I Stay a chance. Just don’t forget to keep the sequel handy!
Discover more about If I Stay (If I Stay, #1) on GoodReads >>