If I Stay

By: Gayle Forman

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

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

"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)

Fantastic book!

I wish the story continued. I was very absorbed in the story and want to know what happens next.

Beautiful Story

Where does If I Stay rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Story is beautiful, have a box of tissue near when you listen to it. However I had a hard time picturing the character as a high school girl the voice was more suited to the grandmother... although she is clear and can portray emotion It was hard to believe at times.

Simply beautiful

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book, it is simply written but with great detail. The story line is well written and the author makes sure that it is simple to follow along this rocky life that the main character is living through.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Due to the plot of this book, you really only get to see the perspective of the main character. For that reason she is my favorite and well you learn that she is a very intellectual and mature.

Any additional comments?

If when you finish this book, you say to yourself I really enjoyed myself then you must read the continuation book. Where she went.

A Journey through a young life

The ending was predictable but the way that this audio book was formatted with the added music, I felt like I was actually witnessing Mia’s life with her. A version of your life flashing before your eyes that is hard to put down and walk away from. It makes you consider what you would do in the same position when you lose so much and yet have so much left to live for.

Wow...Wonderful.

Saw the movie previews and heard the reviews but thought 'YUCK!' This just has to be a bunch of mindless drivel written for the 'texting', gum chewing, generation who will watch or read any old tripe that have 'good looking' Tweenies trying to make a name for themselves!

I was so wrong. My daughter loves to tell me (again and and again) "Do NOT judge a book by its' cover" and as usual she was correct!

I am not saying that this is the great 'American Classic'. However on the other hand I do not think that was Gayle Forman's intention. Perhaps Ms. Forman wants us, her readers, to have a open mind about life and what happens at that moment when we are at the brink of death.

Beautifully and sensitively written. If you are wondering whether this is a religious novel or even an attempt to 'convert' you, well.....you could not be further from the truth.

Kirsten Potter gives us a superb performance. So thoroughly engrossing.

The end took my breath away. I do hope that you take the opportunity to enjoy it.

Inspiring

Narrator was great. Story has lots of happy but at the same time the crisis leaves you understanding Mia's sense of enormous loss. Finally the joy of living reasserts itself through love. Just plain awesome!!!

Beautiful.

The story is sad, but beautiful. Books don't usually make me cry, but I couldn't help it with this one. Loved it!

Great YA Read

What made the experience of listening to If I Stay the most enjoyable?

It had a good story line, and realistic characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of If I Stay?

The ending :)

What about Kirsten Potter’s performance did you like?

She was a good match for the main character telling the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I read during my commute, and I looked forward to listening on the drive.

Any additional comments?

Good book, and I am going to get the second book.

Written with a Great perspective

This book was written with an awesome perspective on life and death. I actually cried and felt Mia's emotions!

Voice Too Old

Where does If I Stay rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Not really sure

What was one of the most memorable moments of If I Stay?

The story

What three words best describe Kirsten Potter’s performance?

Her voice is too old for this book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

I wish the voice would have been younger. This one was probably in her 40s speaking for a teenager. Just made it difficult to get into it.