If I Stay reading response by clare topping

Over the summer I read "If I Stay" By Gayle Forman. The book is about a 17 year old named Mia, who is in a tragic car crash, killing her whole family. After the accident she realizes she can see everything going on around her injured body, even herself. It's just as if she's telling her own story, but during the story she is faced with a choice, to leave or to stay. If she chooses to die, she'll be with her family, but if she stays, she will be with her loving boyfriend Adam. During the book, Mia goes back and fourth between the present and the past. Overall the book was amazing but had obvious flaws.

      First of all, I loved how romantic the two characters were with each other, especially Adam. The character Adam is so quotable. For example when he is asking her to stay alive he says "I'll let you go if you stay". That is only one line from a truly beautiful speech he gave her while she was in a coma. I did shed a tear, because at that point in the book it seemed as if she was going to choose death, which any reader would not want. It's obvious that Adam is an amazing guy who would do anything for Mia, they have this amazing love story. Also the book has so many heartbreaking moments, like when she sees her dead parents and describe it in detail. Also when she tells stories about her family, and it sounds like she talking about them as if they are still alive. Overall this book is a tear jerker

        At the same time the book was really flawed. It seems like the only reason the author made it so Mia could see herself was so she could tell the story around her but also add all her personal thoughts about what was happening. I think i would have liked the book a lot better if the author did not write it in that style, overall it was extremely unnecessary and makes little sense. It actually makes so little sense that it's frustrating. Also the book is so tragic and some what realistic in the beginning but then it just gets absurd. The fact that someone famous shows up to help Adam get in to see Mia is ridiculous. Also the fact he happened to know a women who works there to let him in instead of just letting security throw him out, along with Mia's best friend. as you can see, the book has its flaws.

      in the end the book was amazing and one of my top favorite books of all time. i suggest it to anyone who loves romance novels.