If I Stay REVIEW

Dear You,

I recently read If I Stay and I noticed parts of the book that I never have before. 

In most books, even young adult books, the vocabulary is advanced. I can tell you from grading peer work, almost no teenagers write at the advanced level of an author. But that's expected because authors go to school for years to learn how to write with correct grammar and how to use a few superfluous words (does anyone else love how much of a superfluous word superfluous is?). 

While reading If I Stay I noticed a downgrade in the level of vocabulary that my super-reader mind has grown accustomed to. I'm all for originality in writing and considering the book was in first person, the writing was closer to that of a teenager than most other YA authors have used in the past. However, it bothered me. 

I'd like to say that it was fine because the author enveloped a character and wrote with that character's probable voice in mind however, as a reader, I love the advanced vocabulary and beautiful metaphors that no reasonable teenager would write but brilliant authors would. 

Anyways, aside from the writing level I would grade the book rather average. It was an interesting take on a realistic fiction story however some parts of the books were dry and I started skimming the pages, it was only 200 pages but it still lost my attention after about 40 pages. I read the book in two sittings and the 2nd time I was just trying to get to the ending. I've been told that the second is more interesting throughout than the first and have promised I'd read it so I'm hoping it's true. 

My biggest praise for this novel is the ending. I loved the emotion put into the ending scene of the book, I cried which rarely happens for me in books. The ending was extremely well written, though I wish the rest of the book had the same quality as the end. There is one part at the end that I think could have been more well explained but explaining it would give it all away so I'll just keep it to myself ;)

One other compliment I have for Gayle Foreman is the vivid picturing throughout the book. It was very well explained and well articulated in that way and I think the book (if the producers stick closely to it) will make a beautiful movie and I'm genuinely excited to see it. 

I have this problem with movies where if it was based on a book, I am incapable of watching said movie without reading said book. I still haven't seen Divergent even though it's one of the best YA-fantasy series, ever because I was stubborn enough to need to read the book first. (It's released on Redbox the day I post this so you'll find me at Ralph's this morning :)

Anyways, like I said there were things I thoroughly enjoyed in the book and parts I would have preferred differently but overall it was an enjoyable book and I'm excited to go see the movie coming out soon!

Have an Amazing Day!

Mia B

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