If I Stay

By: Gayle Forman

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.©2009 Dutton Juvenile; (P)2009 Penguin

Critic reviews

"Beautifully written."—Entertainment Weekly

"A beautiful novel."—Los Angeles Times

"A do-not-miss story of love, friendship, family, loss, control, and coping."—Justine Magazine

"The brilliance of this book is the simplicity."—The Wall Street Journal

"A touching and thought-provoking novel."—Romantic Times

"Every moment I spent reading Forman’s masterpiece drew me in more."—NPR.com

"Intensely moving, the novel will force readers to take stock of their lives and the people and things that make them worth living."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Mia’s story will engage readers willing to suspend their disbelief that the future can be seen in the present."—Booklist, starred review

"The author endows the narrative with as much humor as poignancy and lays bare the challenges Mia has encountered in each of her relationships as well as the breakthroughs, leaving readers in suspense until the final bars."—Shelf Awareness

"Forman excels at inserting tiny but powerful details throughout . . .which will draw readers into this masterful text and undoubtedly tug at even the toughest of heartstrings."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Music"

As a musician I almost quit listening to the book when it came to the "music" that was played between chapters. For a book about a classical musician, that mentions several very famous musicians and composers it is a cardinal sin to use MIDI computerized strings to add "music" to the listening experience! It would have been better to leave it out all together.

Amazing and a Half

I loved this book. I loved the relationships and the story line and how the author told the story of her characters by going back in time and throughout the novel created these characters from the ground up. As soon as I was done listening to it, I immediately wanted to download Where She Went. *spoilers* I can't wait to see Mia on her new adventure, being the all-star cellist she was meant to be, and her reconnection with Adam. Simply fabtabulous (so fabulous it needed a new word).

Great!

This was a great book, you really have to pay attention though as it does bounce.

Great

Would you try another book from Gayle Forman and/or Kirsten Potter?

Yes, I would try another book from Gayle Forman and/or Kirsten Potter. Both were great.

Seeing herself outside her own body

I like how the story kept you on your toes. I also really like the cello playing scenes

not for the faint of heart

not easy to get into. my teenage daughter stopped reading it as the narrator sounded to old for her age. I continued because I wanted to know where it was going. it was interesting but hard to connect with the characters in the beginning and once you finally connect its almost over and the characters are gone.
I wish there was more something.... I'm not really sure what it was like something was missing like I jumped into the middle of a book with no way to go back and start over.
I will read the next one in hopes Adam's view is more detailed

That’s it?! It’s over?!!

I loved listening to this book...until the end! It just cut off...I couldn’t believe it was over, I felt robbed!! It was a short book to begin with so easily could have been longer. UGH!!

Leaves you hunting for a sequel.

And it is "Where She Went". Sad story that leads you to looking for the next book. Will read more of her books.

Delicate but so good!

There is nothing particularly mind-blowing or new about the story: teenager with a happy family gets in an accident that changes her life. However, the words used by the author to describe her feelings and how she portrays the dynamics of family and love is amazing! Very well written, emotional and thought-provoking

crying

this book was so cute loved the story and the narration was beautiful. thank you.