If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Details: Paperback, 259 pgs.
Published: April 6th, 2010 by Penguin Young Readers Group

isbn: 014241543X (ISBN13: 9780142415436)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Source: Purchased 

Description:

Mia has no memory of the accident that changed her life. This inexperienced 17-year-old only recalls riding on that slippery Oregon road with her family, then, in an instant, seeing herself lifted from the twisted wreck. This affecting story of one young woman's struggle through tragedy and grieving will appeal to readers of books like Thirteen Reasons Why.

My Thoughts:
Wow!  I'd heard so many things about this book.  Heart-wrenchingly beautiful.  Heartbreaking.  The list goes on, but you get the idea.  And yes, it was all those things, but it was also about life, about living, about accepting and about family.  It's about a girl who is looking back at her life and all the wonderful, and less wonderful, experiences she's had in her short life.  It's her watching herself dying and having to make a decision whether to live, or to die.  And it is all in one day (well 24 hours).  It's a love story.  It's a family's story.  It's just so much!  And although I teared up quite a few times, I also giggled a time or two when she was remembering things.  
I read this book in a day.  It's a fast read, but it's hard to put down as well.  The characterization is perfect.  I loved Mia and I loved her family.  Her punk rock unconventional parents and her cute little brother that says the most adorable things.  Her grandmother that sees Angels in birds and other animals and her grandfather that doesn't say much but clearly loves her.  
I loved her friend Kim, who we only got glimpses of but seems to have an amazing and strong personality.  
I loved her boyfriend Adam, and the amazing things he would do, even though I felt like we didn't really get to know him enough.  But in his punk rock style and amazingly sweet personality I found a boy I could really love.
And the end of the story.  I can't say much without spoiling it, but it was beautiful how the author had things unfold.  Beautiful.  
I highly recommend this book.  It's not depressing.  It's sad, but not depressing.  Don't put it off for that.  Seriously.  Just don't.
I give it 5/5 moons!  I can't wait for book two, Where She Went (out April 5, 2011)!

You can find Gayle Forman on her website.  
You can purchase the book at your favorite bookstore or any of my affiliate links.  All commission made it used to fund giveaways here.