Before I Fall

By: Lauren Oliver

Narrated by: Sarah Drew

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death - and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Cover Art © 2016 Open Road Films. All Rights Reserved.

©2010 Lauren Oliver (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Oliver, in a pitch-perfect teen voice, explores the power we have to affect the people around us in this intensely believable first novel...This is a compelling book with a powerful message and should not be missed." ( Booklist)

Narrator made this a great listen

This is teen-age drama but the narrator had me hooked. the story reminded me of Mean Girls with and a little of Lovely Bones for the ending. I recommended this to my 17 year old. A huge lesson for readers, you just never know what a person is going thru.

An entertaining story, an annoying performance

What made the experience of listening to Before I Fall the most enjoyable?

I gravitate towards audiobooks that are light, enjoyable, and fast-paced. Before I Fall is light and entertaining. It's well written and the character development is believable. The love story is a little sappy, but fun.

The narrator does a good job reading the part of the main character. She has a young, feminine, expressive voice that matches the personality of Samantha well. However, her attempts to use different voices for other characters are silly personifications and have no change of inflection to fit the words. Lindsay has a low drawl. Elody has a seductive coo. Kent is curt. All the time. This leads to awkward moments, when the book says something like

READ THIS! READ THIS! READ THIS!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cried like a baby! I can't say too much, as t would interfere with the emotional punch of the book, but I loved this book!

Any additional comments?

My whole book club loved this book. Interesting "Ground Hog Day" feel but with teen angst.

Please read this book! You will be glad you did!

WOW! Sarah Drew is an AMAZING narrater!

Would you listen to Before I Fall again? Why?

I already listened to this twice! Such a moving story and a wonderful narration.

What does Sarah Drew bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Sarah Drew's voices for all the different characters were SPOT ON!!! She did flawlessly! This would be an excellent book for someone who has never experienced audiobooks and wanted to see if they could get into an audiobook.

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

Yes, this book was one that I just could not wait to get back into. I was counting the minutes!

I recommend it!

Loved it! Good story; flowed well and great voice over! Headed to watch the movie next! I did not love the ending though. All I could think was that everyone will up their hatred toward Juliet since they will blame her for Sam's death. No bueno!

Too many characters for on person to voice

It was a decent story but the voices of some of the characters were completely obnoxious. The narrator was good when she read the part of main character but most of the other voices were like nails on a chalkboard. Otherwise it would have been a good story.

VERY Relatable and not as clique as you think.

I absolutely love how the author takes the predictable things and manages to express it in a fun and original way.

Read before the Movie

I was interested in the premise. I will watch the movie. The story is OK. The narrator is fantastic.

Was looking for a little more.

1st time to read a YA. Probably my last. Maybe a good read for that young adult that needs a life lesson or two.

Get's my coveted Storm Seal of Approval

great performance

I honestly don't see the point of the book although it is entertaining. it's interesting yet odd. i just never got an ahha.

A Really Lovely Book

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

I absolutely would. Especially a female friend. This book really captures what high school is like, and I think it's a delightful thing.

What does Sarah Drew bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She gives phenomenal vocalizations to every character. She's really fantastic. I was so enamored with her voice during this entire book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Sam says to the reader, "You're probably thinking I deserved this" it really struck me. Because part of me WAS thinking that, because Sam is such a horrible person at the start of this book. And it really got to me, and immediately had me changing what I thought.

Any additional comments?

I HATED THE OPENING AND CLOSING MUSIC. What the heck is up with that? So loud, terrible guitars, actual singing over the narration....really poor choice by the production company. The last full minute of the book was drowned out by music.