If I Stay

"The heart-breaking story of a tragic accident and then exploring the “if I stay” question from the space hovering between life and death. Unflinching in look at loss and the impossible path forward, this one is as emotional as you would expect."

"I decided to reread this series to give the books a proper review. I first read the series a few years ago, before I started upon my reading journey. I decided to listen to the audio book to give me a new prospective the second time around. If I Stay is the type of story that you read and the message stays with you for quite some time after reading. It poses questions that such as what you’d do differently and you’ll wonder the authors motives for the choices some of the characters make. This isn’t the type of story you read and get over, you’ll have many emotions while reading, and I promise it’s worth the read! Mia is a talented musician in her senior year of high school. She has the picture perfect home life; two very loving parents who know how to have a good time and a sweet younger brother that looks up to her. The Halls share a deep appreciation for music, Mia’s parents were in a rock band, Teddy, her younger brother, even at a young age shows an interest in rock, while Mia has taken the classical route. Her boyfriend Adam is also in an up and coming rock band called “Shooting Star.” Very early in the story, Mia and her family are involved in a very serious car accident. Immediately after the accident, she has an out of body experience where she sees her whole family laying on the side of the road, and she feels as if she’s stuck in a bad dream. Mia begins to narrate her recollection of the events from the time of the accident to present time. As she’s continuing to fight her life and when she realizes the outcome of the accident and the effect it has on each of her family members, including herself, she’s posed with the question, does she stay, or does she let go? Through a series of flashbacks, we learn more about what Mia’s life was before the accident. Each chapter is named either after a specific memory Mia is recalling or a time. This gives readers more insight on her relationship with her family and her boyfriend, her friendships, and her ambitions. The chapters named after a time, for example “9:23 am”, are giving real time updates as to what Mia is going through, such as the time of the accident or when she’s admitted into the ICU. This also helps the reader better understand why she is struggling with the decision between life and death. While at first you may find the story to be depressing, I promise that you’ll realize this is a story about hope. Mia’s story is definitely tragic, but you’ll also get lost in the stories she shares of her first love, her special family traditions, and even auditioning for Juilliard. Regardless of her past and the series of ups and downs, it all comes down to her choice. Does Mia push past all the struggles that lie ahead meaning she’d be waking up an orphan and have to make the decision to 1. stay close to home and be with the love of her life or 2. pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard? Or does she find all of these decisions to much to bear and decide to stay with her family in the afterlife?"

"Definitely a 10/10. One of my favorite books of all time. I was crying more than I wasn’t. It was an extremely emotional book. "

"Series, shy girl "

"kind of a slow long read wasn’t terrible but wasn’t my favorite book and wouldn’t read again "

"Not my favorite"

"it was a short read! the people and emotions were not memorable to me "

"Dark book, not at all what I thought it was about, but certainly kept me engaged."

"Love this book with all my heart! "

"This was so good!! I loved the feeling this gave a roller coaster for me!! 4/5"