March 10, 2010

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver




Young Adult
Pages: 480
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: March 2, 2010

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.

Fortunately, 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.


This is one of the best novels I've read lately. This book is extremely powerful, an emotional roller-coaster that will take your breath away. And yet it's not a dark book. The plot kept twisting and untwisting, flowing beautifully, leaving you engaged, wishing to inhale the book in a few seconds. The ending left me speechless, with a vague sense that I should fix my life just like Sam fixed hers. A knot in my stomach from a sudden realization of how we take things for granted, when we never truly know how much time we have left, and we don't realize how one little decision affects everything around us. Genius.

I must admit that Lauren's writing blew me away. She has the perfect writing recipe for a YA book: just enough humor, add an utterly powerful message, some edgy-sarcastic dialog, the right amount of description spiced with delicious imagery, throwing in some easy-to-relate-to back-stories and some shocking OMG moments... AND, of course, a yummy topping of the not-popular yet not-geeky adorable boy... Oh, Kent. Perfect bitter-sweet YA treat right there! That's what it feels like to read Before I Fall: a well-deserved gift to yourself.

The characters were incredible. Specially Lindsay's and Kent's. She has a gift for characters. This is definitely the best debut novel I've read since Graceling in 2008, and now it's also one of my favorite books. I am really excited to read more 2010 debuts! If they're half as good as this one, they're pretty much amazing. This is by far THE book you must not miss this year. In fact, if you haven't read it yet, you're missing out.


8 comments:

  1. Everyone says this book is perfect. I MUST read it ;)

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  2. I cant wait to read this book, I picked it up recently but have not had time...I think I need to make time! Wonderful review.

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  3. Love your review..I enjoyed this as well

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  4. AWESOME REVIEW! Seriously, this is going to be one of the best books in 2010 - no question about it!

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  5. I agree it's definitely an emotional rollercoaster. I'm still struggling to write my review, and put everything into words.

    An amazing debut!

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  6. I am on the wait list at the library! I can't wait!

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  7. Loved this book. LOVED it. So glad you feel the same. :]

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  8. This book sounds amazing. I can't wait to read it.

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