Helpful Score: 6
It's not often that a book that leaves me with more questions than answers is actually a very, very good thing.
Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver sits in my category of "I Wish This Had Been Written When I Was a Teenager." It's uncomfortable, heartbreaking, and disturbing, but with a powerful message that's rendered me speechless. While at just under 500 pages, this weighty chunkster of a novel reads quickly and pulls at your heart, along the way forcing you to look at your own life and question the whys and why nots of your own choices.
Sam is a senior in high school and is one of a group of four girls that are the most popular. If you're not in their social status, then you probably want to be noticed by them, but would be terrified if they did. Sam, Lindsay, Elody, and Ally are best friends and live their lives where drinking, flirting with teachers, and casual sex is the norm, as is ridiculing anyone labeled a "freak." How can they get away with it? There must be some rule book that to be popular in high school, you have to be just plain mean. But, tonight is Friday, and it's time for the party everyone is going to. It will be a night of drinking, picking on a couple of people, and even the tension of Sam possibly losing her virginity to the hottest guy in school won't slow them down. The night ends with all four girls leaving the party and before they know it, they're in a brutal car accident and Sam didn't make it. She died in the car, but she's actually still living. Living that very last day, each mean act, over and over again.
Well. To live each day the same as the next? That would certainly put a pretty big magnifying glass over every single final action. Living a life in analysis is a gift, but if you were mean and living the same exact day over and over and over... it would be an absolute curse. You'd be exposing some awful things, see yourself in a way you might not like, that could make you just hate yourself. What I thought was even more fascinating about this book is that it also brings to mind another thought about the whole high school dynamic - on the surface, one might be a villain, but it's also very possible that they could be just as mixed up and confused about their own lives as the ones they pick on. The bully might be a bully, but the bully might be every bit as insecure as the next high school kid. How can they unwrap themselves out of the never-ending repetition of being mean? Unbeknownst to them, their one mean action, seemingly forgettable to them at the time, could have a ripple effect that is unmeasurable.
I walked away with so many questions, specifically one we should all ask ourselves. If you were to die today, would you be proud of the way you treated others?
I would recommend this to absolutely anyone. Parents, as always though, I'd suggest you read it first before giving to your kids to read, but I would probably bet that a sixteen-year-old would completely relate to a lot of the situations in this book. Lauren Oliver isn't afraid to tap into some of the very things that are nonchalantly brushed off and taken advantage of. While capturing young life so authentically, she's made it okay to remind yourself to do the things we can so easily forget. Think about it. And make good choices.
Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver sits in my category of "I Wish This Had Been Written When I Was a Teenager." It's uncomfortable, heartbreaking, and disturbing, but with a powerful message that's rendered me speechless. While at just under 500 pages, this weighty chunkster of a novel reads quickly and pulls at your heart, along the way forcing you to look at your own life and question the whys and why nots of your own choices.
Sam is a senior in high school and is one of a group of four girls that are the most popular. If you're not in their social status, then you probably want to be noticed by them, but would be terrified if they did. Sam, Lindsay, Elody, and Ally are best friends and live their lives where drinking, flirting with teachers, and casual sex is the norm, as is ridiculing anyone labeled a "freak." How can they get away with it? There must be some rule book that to be popular in high school, you have to be just plain mean. But, tonight is Friday, and it's time for the party everyone is going to. It will be a night of drinking, picking on a couple of people, and even the tension of Sam possibly losing her virginity to the hottest guy in school won't slow them down. The night ends with all four girls leaving the party and before they know it, they're in a brutal car accident and Sam didn't make it. She died in the car, but she's actually still living. Living that very last day, each mean act, over and over again.
Well. To live each day the same as the next? That would certainly put a pretty big magnifying glass over every single final action. Living a life in analysis is a gift, but if you were mean and living the same exact day over and over and over... it would be an absolute curse. You'd be exposing some awful things, see yourself in a way you might not like, that could make you just hate yourself. What I thought was even more fascinating about this book is that it also brings to mind another thought about the whole high school dynamic - on the surface, one might be a villain, but it's also very possible that they could be just as mixed up and confused about their own lives as the ones they pick on. The bully might be a bully, but the bully might be every bit as insecure as the next high school kid. How can they unwrap themselves out of the never-ending repetition of being mean? Unbeknownst to them, their one mean action, seemingly forgettable to them at the time, could have a ripple effect that is unmeasurable.
I walked away with so many questions, specifically one we should all ask ourselves. If you were to die today, would you be proud of the way you treated others?
I would recommend this to absolutely anyone. Parents, as always though, I'd suggest you read it first before giving to your kids to read, but I would probably bet that a sixteen-year-old would completely relate to a lot of the situations in this book. Lauren Oliver isn't afraid to tap into some of the very things that are nonchalantly brushed off and taken advantage of. While capturing young life so authentically, she's made it okay to remind yourself to do the things we can so easily forget. Think about it. And make good choices.
Helpful Score: 1
Sam Kingston, one of the popular girls at her high school, dies in a car accident and must relive the same day every day until she gets it "right." This is a Groundhog Day meets Mean Girls type of story. I loved it. Really shows you how your actions, no matter how small, really do have consequences. Read it in 2 days.
Helpful Score: 1
I think this book was a great concept to teach readers what an impact our decisions and treatment of others can make. I however would not let my "youth" daughter read this, as it talks of teenage drinking, sex, drugs, etc as if there is nothing wrong with it and is the "norm" for teens. I do not think they need any more encouragement:) It is disappointing I cannot let me children read it, because it is a powerful message about how we should treat others. I, as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed the book and I would recommend to any adult
Helpful Score: 1
This story is well done. It was somewhat difficult in the beginning because the protagonist and the high school clique she was a part of are just abhorrent, but that is part of the point of the story. As she experiences the same day with different actions and consequences, she begins to grow and change. The chapters are long, because each one is the whole day (chapter one is day one, chapter 6 is day 6, etc.). I loved what she found in her search for herself in the end. Unique and moving overall.
It's hard to believe that this is Lauren Oliver's debut novel, that's how excellent this book is. This 470-page novel is smoothly written, wonderfully developed, and never ever dull, enthralling all the way through.
From the first page, Lauren Oliver's assured writing sucks you in and never once lets go. The transformation from writer to character is effortless: Samantha and all her friends are pitch-perfect teenagers, without any of the try-too-hard fakeness often exhibited by YA mean girls. Instead, every character has their good and bad points, and even though these girls may not necessarily be nice, we still are interested in them, and care for them, because they are just like us, or our neighbor, or our friend, or that girl in our class.
Each time Sam relives her last day, she gets to know different people differently, learns something new about herself. It says a LOT about Lauren's writing skill that the book never gets dull. The pages fly by in smooth reading, and Sam's development from mean girl to, well, not-so-mean girl is so subtle that you'll find yourself falling for her and/or cheering for her even as she messes up or reveals unlikable aspects about her character.
Even if BEFORE I FALL is not action-packed, it's full of such careful observations about teenage nature and our ability to change that it's literary gold: you'll treasure the first time you read through it, and if you're anything like me, you'll want to pick it up and read it again immediately after you finish it. It's not often that a debut novelist instantly becomes one of my favorite authors (I usually give it two books before I call favorites), but Lauren Oliver's incredible novel has made me a fan of hers for life. I'll read anything she writes from now on, even if she chooses to write about zombie/werewolf mutants--because she has the power to make fiction REAL.
From the first page, Lauren Oliver's assured writing sucks you in and never once lets go. The transformation from writer to character is effortless: Samantha and all her friends are pitch-perfect teenagers, without any of the try-too-hard fakeness often exhibited by YA mean girls. Instead, every character has their good and bad points, and even though these girls may not necessarily be nice, we still are interested in them, and care for them, because they are just like us, or our neighbor, or our friend, or that girl in our class.
Each time Sam relives her last day, she gets to know different people differently, learns something new about herself. It says a LOT about Lauren's writing skill that the book never gets dull. The pages fly by in smooth reading, and Sam's development from mean girl to, well, not-so-mean girl is so subtle that you'll find yourself falling for her and/or cheering for her even as she messes up or reveals unlikable aspects about her character.
Even if BEFORE I FALL is not action-packed, it's full of such careful observations about teenage nature and our ability to change that it's literary gold: you'll treasure the first time you read through it, and if you're anything like me, you'll want to pick it up and read it again immediately after you finish it. It's not often that a debut novelist instantly becomes one of my favorite authors (I usually give it two books before I call favorites), but Lauren Oliver's incredible novel has made me a fan of hers for life. I'll read anything she writes from now on, even if she chooses to write about zombie/werewolf mutants--because she has the power to make fiction REAL.
A compelling book!
Reviewed by Andrea for TeensReadToo.com
What would you do if you knew it was your last day to live? What if you had the chance to do it over and over again? Would you change your actions and your way of thinking?
In BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver, Samantha Kingston has the chance to do just that. She is killed one night in a car accident, but wakes up the next morning, only to find that the day is happening all over again. She soon learns that just one little change in her actions can alter how the rest of the day goes, not only for her, but also for those around her.
When I read the summary of BEFORE I FALL some time back, I knew instantly that I wanted to read it. And once I got the book, I couldn't wait to start. But I quickly started thinking that I made a mistake. I didn't like Sam, the main character, AT ALL! I thought she and her friends were self-centered, and annoying, and not at all what high school was like. I was about to stop reading the book, which I never do, when I decided to go read other reviews online. Many of the other reviewers mentioned how they didn't care for Sam, either, but continued on and ended up loving the book. So I decided to continue reading. And thank goodness I did!
Throughout the story, we see Sam do a complete one-eighty and turn from an annoying, selfish, immature teenager into a young lady who realizes that she can help change someone's life. I loved how each day, Sam figured out how just one small action would cause a completely different reaction. And I really liked Kent. He seemed so sweet and was always there for Sam.
The ending of the story really pulls at your heartstrings. It's sad but in a happy way, if that makes any sense. This novel makes you realize that life is short, and your actions regarding yourself and others have consequences that you might never imagine.
What would you do if you knew it was your last day to live? What if you had the chance to do it over and over again? Would you change your actions and your way of thinking?
In BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver, Samantha Kingston has the chance to do just that. She is killed one night in a car accident, but wakes up the next morning, only to find that the day is happening all over again. She soon learns that just one little change in her actions can alter how the rest of the day goes, not only for her, but also for those around her.
When I read the summary of BEFORE I FALL some time back, I knew instantly that I wanted to read it. And once I got the book, I couldn't wait to start. But I quickly started thinking that I made a mistake. I didn't like Sam, the main character, AT ALL! I thought she and her friends were self-centered, and annoying, and not at all what high school was like. I was about to stop reading the book, which I never do, when I decided to go read other reviews online. Many of the other reviewers mentioned how they didn't care for Sam, either, but continued on and ended up loving the book. So I decided to continue reading. And thank goodness I did!
Throughout the story, we see Sam do a complete one-eighty and turn from an annoying, selfish, immature teenager into a young lady who realizes that she can help change someone's life. I loved how each day, Sam figured out how just one small action would cause a completely different reaction. And I really liked Kent. He seemed so sweet and was always there for Sam.
The ending of the story really pulls at your heartstrings. It's sad but in a happy way, if that makes any sense. This novel makes you realize that life is short, and your actions regarding yourself and others have consequences that you might never imagine.
This book was OK. I did read it in one night, though I skipped over some of the "woe is me" parts (which crop up a lot).
Halfway through, I figured out the ending - pretty much to the last detail. So, there really wasn't any lead up or suspense for me.
Generally, I found the main character rather annoying. It's hard to really love a novel where you don't like the main character. But, the other characters were interesting. So, I kept reading - mainly to find out what happened in the lived of the other characters.
Also ... I don't know if I just zoned out throughout my entire high school experience, but I couldn't relate at all to the high school experience in this book. I either went to a really amazing school, or (as I said) went through high school totally oblivious to what was going on.
I give it 2.5 stars - because it kept me reading, and was fairly well written.
Halfway through, I figured out the ending - pretty much to the last detail. So, there really wasn't any lead up or suspense for me.
Generally, I found the main character rather annoying. It's hard to really love a novel where you don't like the main character. But, the other characters were interesting. So, I kept reading - mainly to find out what happened in the lived of the other characters.
Also ... I don't know if I just zoned out throughout my entire high school experience, but I couldn't relate at all to the high school experience in this book. I either went to a really amazing school, or (as I said) went through high school totally oblivious to what was going on.
I give it 2.5 stars - because it kept me reading, and was fairly well written.
I loved this book! It tells how a girl learns a valuable lesson...if you could go back in time and change the decisions you've made, would you? I gave it 4 1/2 stars, definitely in my top 10 YA books for 2010.
Cover
To be honest, this cover doesn't do much for me. I mean, I love the photo but it doesn't scream "pick me pick me" like a lot of other book covers do. I'm a cover addict so I want an eye popping image that makes me want to read a book regardless of what the synopsis says. I don't really see how this fits the content. But still, it's a pretty image.
Characters
The characters in this book stick with you long after you're done reading. It took a while for me to get into Sam because she's your typical "I'm the ish" popular girl that runs around thinking her you know what doesn't stink. But as the story progresses I could see the transformation occurring. She is definitely one that will grow on you despite her rough beginning. She's probably my favorite character, ever. And Kent... what a breath of fresh air he was. Ugh, there couldn't be a more perfect guy for me. I mean... Sam.
Story
I am not a contemporary girl. Give me paranormal and horror any day. This was my very first contemporary read and I must say that if the rest of them are as good as this, consider me a fan. This book surprised me on so many levels. I only bought this book because it was such a great price and I was going to trade it for something more my taste. Then I accepted a challenge in which Before I Fall fit, and now I'm hooked.
This book makes you rethink your life. I have never had a book hit me on such an emotional level. Seriously, I almost don't know what to say because I loved it that much. I have read some pretty amazing books this year, but this one is by far my favorite. It hit me from out of left field and I'm still trying to get back up. I want to read it again right now. I could not recommend another book more than this one. I'd give it ten stars if I could.
Quote(s)
That's the way I feel, at least: like there's a real me and a reflection of me, and I have no way of telling which is which.
- I feel like this, a lot.
Music, I think, he makes me feel like music.
- I absolutely ADORE this line.
To be honest, this cover doesn't do much for me. I mean, I love the photo but it doesn't scream "pick me pick me" like a lot of other book covers do. I'm a cover addict so I want an eye popping image that makes me want to read a book regardless of what the synopsis says. I don't really see how this fits the content. But still, it's a pretty image.
Characters
The characters in this book stick with you long after you're done reading. It took a while for me to get into Sam because she's your typical "I'm the ish" popular girl that runs around thinking her you know what doesn't stink. But as the story progresses I could see the transformation occurring. She is definitely one that will grow on you despite her rough beginning. She's probably my favorite character, ever. And Kent... what a breath of fresh air he was. Ugh, there couldn't be a more perfect guy for me. I mean... Sam.
Story
I am not a contemporary girl. Give me paranormal and horror any day. This was my very first contemporary read and I must say that if the rest of them are as good as this, consider me a fan. This book surprised me on so many levels. I only bought this book because it was such a great price and I was going to trade it for something more my taste. Then I accepted a challenge in which Before I Fall fit, and now I'm hooked.
This book makes you rethink your life. I have never had a book hit me on such an emotional level. Seriously, I almost don't know what to say because I loved it that much. I have read some pretty amazing books this year, but this one is by far my favorite. It hit me from out of left field and I'm still trying to get back up. I want to read it again right now. I could not recommend another book more than this one. I'd give it ten stars if I could.
Quote(s)
That's the way I feel, at least: like there's a real me and a reflection of me, and I have no way of telling which is which.
- I feel like this, a lot.
Music, I think, he makes me feel like music.
- I absolutely ADORE this line.
This was a great book. It got a little repetitive in the middle, but the end made it worth it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a good story.
This was a decent YA contemporary fiction book with an element of magical realism to it. This book reminded me a lot of the Groundhog Day movie starring Bill Murray. Basically our heroine has to relive the same day over and over again; each time she figures out more about the people around her.
I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator did a great job. She sounds exactly like I am imaging Sam would and did a good job on other character voices as well.
Think of this as a high school mean girl version of Groundhog Day. There is a ton of high school drama. Sam is incredibly unlikable at the beginning of the book but she grows a lot as the book continues.
This book will make you think...some. Honestly this book doesn't do anything all that creative; basically it analyzes bullying from the bully's perspective and looks at how some cruelty is just plain thoughtlessness. I did like the character growth but felt that Sam remained fairly selfish throughout. Sam changes from being mean to people because she discounts them, to trying to help them to help herself move on with life. Throughout it all her main goal is to help herself.
Don't get me wrong at times it's an engaging read and very emotional. It was an interesting change of pace for me since I read mostly fantasy. However, there wasn't a lot here that many other YA books haven't already addressed.
The ending completely sucks, although I don't think it could have kept with the tone of the story and ended any other way. I felt incredibly bad for the "nice guy" character of Kent; in the end I feel like he was the one screwed over the worst.
Overall I enjoyed it but didn't think it was anything all that special. It's definitely not a "feel good" book, so be prepared to be depressed by it. The story is engaging and the characters are decently done. It's pretty much a "mean girls" version of the Groundhog's Day movie. This is the third Oliver book I have read this month (I got them at an Audible sale) and I think I am done with her as an author. Everything I've read so far by her has been okay but not great.
I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator did a great job. She sounds exactly like I am imaging Sam would and did a good job on other character voices as well.
Think of this as a high school mean girl version of Groundhog Day. There is a ton of high school drama. Sam is incredibly unlikable at the beginning of the book but she grows a lot as the book continues.
This book will make you think...some. Honestly this book doesn't do anything all that creative; basically it analyzes bullying from the bully's perspective and looks at how some cruelty is just plain thoughtlessness. I did like the character growth but felt that Sam remained fairly selfish throughout. Sam changes from being mean to people because she discounts them, to trying to help them to help herself move on with life. Throughout it all her main goal is to help herself.
Don't get me wrong at times it's an engaging read and very emotional. It was an interesting change of pace for me since I read mostly fantasy. However, there wasn't a lot here that many other YA books haven't already addressed.
The ending completely sucks, although I don't think it could have kept with the tone of the story and ended any other way. I felt incredibly bad for the "nice guy" character of Kent; in the end I feel like he was the one screwed over the worst.
Overall I enjoyed it but didn't think it was anything all that special. It's definitely not a "feel good" book, so be prepared to be depressed by it. The story is engaging and the characters are decently done. It's pretty much a "mean girls" version of the Groundhog's Day movie. This is the third Oliver book I have read this month (I got them at an Audible sale) and I think I am done with her as an author. Everything I've read so far by her has been okay but not great.
My Thoughts: I have never read a book quite like this one! We meet Samantha Kingston who is the ideal girl, popular, has the "cool" friends, the "coolest" boyfriend, the perfect life. Until one day her world all comes crashing down! She gets in a car accident, hears the screeching of the tires, and wam she is back in her bed reliving the day over and over!!! This novel reminds me a little bit of the movie Groundhog Day but also has a lot of differences. This novel is very original. I like the lessons she learns throughout reliving the day over and over again. She has a chance to have fun and not worry about what will happen tomorrow. She has choices to make. She can either do the wrong thing or correct the mistakes she made. She is given her second chance over and over again. I especially liked Kent. I didn't really like her boyfriend but Kent (her guy friend) I definitely liked. I would have liked to see Kent a little bit more, but he is in chapters throughout the book. This novel is one of a kind and you should definitely read it if you get a chance.
Overall: I really loved this one. It is truly an inspiration and interesting novel. If you had the chance, one day to relive, and do anything you wanted, change the wrongs you made, what would you do? Who would you kiss? Who would you talk too? Would you change today?
Overall: I really loved this one. It is truly an inspiration and interesting novel. If you had the chance, one day to relive, and do anything you wanted, change the wrongs you made, what would you do? Who would you kiss? Who would you talk too? Would you change today?
This is a strange book and not an easy one for me to review. I'll keep this short. Sam isn't a character that would win any awards. I'm not sure I even liked her much at the end. But I personally don't think I know a soul who couldn't relate to her. Oliver captured high school and what goes on perfectly. I felt like I was 15 again and I didn't like it.
I'm not the type of person who needs to love the characters I read about and I'm definitely not the type who needs a happy ending. A lot of the time I prefer a more realistic ending actually. This fit with both of those patterns.
I was able to hate Lindsay and feel for her at the same time. That takes great skill on the part of the author. I love, love, love, love, Kent's character - love him. I know a Kent too. And I just recently met up with him again (thanks FaceBook!)
You'd think a book that takes a character living the same day over and over would get boring. I still don't know how Oliver kept that from happening but somehow she did.
Now, I'm not sure I even want to admit this but I'm not exactly sure how Sam really redeemed herself. She didn't seem to IMO. Maybe I'm just judging her more harshly than I should? Either way the book leans toward outstanding.
The cover is absolutely stunning also!
I'm not the type of person who needs to love the characters I read about and I'm definitely not the type who needs a happy ending. A lot of the time I prefer a more realistic ending actually. This fit with both of those patterns.
I was able to hate Lindsay and feel for her at the same time. That takes great skill on the part of the author. I love, love, love, love, Kent's character - love him. I know a Kent too. And I just recently met up with him again (thanks FaceBook!)
You'd think a book that takes a character living the same day over and over would get boring. I still don't know how Oliver kept that from happening but somehow she did.
Now, I'm not sure I even want to admit this but I'm not exactly sure how Sam really redeemed herself. She didn't seem to IMO. Maybe I'm just judging her more harshly than I should? Either way the book leans toward outstanding.
The cover is absolutely stunning also!
Lauren Oliver has taken "Mean Girls" and mixed it in with "Groundhogs Day". She definitely takes the lives of these shallow and mean-spirited high-school girls and brings them all to life. I'm sure that everyone of us has either known a girl like that, or maybe some of you were one of those mean girls. But either way, we can all relate to someone in this story.
I started out really hating Sam and all her friends! I mean I really really hated them...lol. But, that was the point! They were horrible to people at school and all around whiny and stuck-up. They think nothing about the results that their taunting and bullying could have on others. But as Sam loses her life and has to relive that last day over and over, she will begin to realize that every action really does have a consequence. And all the threads of life are weaved together.
I eventually came to really like Sam, but I think my favorite character of all was Kent. He was goofy, yet sweet and fun loving, just my type of male lead :-) I really experienced a range of emotions with this book, the day she lived with her sister really touched me. My little brother was my shadow when I was growing up and it really made me think about what he would remember of me if I died.
All in all, this was a great concept and the writing was fabulous, my only complaint was sometimes I felt that the repeating of the day could have been cut short by a day or two.... I will definitely look forward to the next book from this author. I would give this a 4 1/2, but since I can't I'll just make it an even 4....
I started out really hating Sam and all her friends! I mean I really really hated them...lol. But, that was the point! They were horrible to people at school and all around whiny and stuck-up. They think nothing about the results that their taunting and bullying could have on others. But as Sam loses her life and has to relive that last day over and over, she will begin to realize that every action really does have a consequence. And all the threads of life are weaved together.
I eventually came to really like Sam, but I think my favorite character of all was Kent. He was goofy, yet sweet and fun loving, just my type of male lead :-) I really experienced a range of emotions with this book, the day she lived with her sister really touched me. My little brother was my shadow when I was growing up and it really made me think about what he would remember of me if I died.
All in all, this was a great concept and the writing was fabulous, my only complaint was sometimes I felt that the repeating of the day could have been cut short by a day or two.... I will definitely look forward to the next book from this author. I would give this a 4 1/2, but since I can't I'll just make it an even 4....
Samantha starts off this book by explaining how she dies. Then she wakes up and her last day starts all over again. She finds herself in a loop trying to figure out why she is reliving her last day over and over again. Although this is reminiscent of Run Lola Run and Groundhog Day, it has an original story that brings you back to high school life.
I was warned about this book by two people. One said they couldn't even finish this book because they were so angry and the other told me that they went to a book convention or something like that, where the author explained how you were supposed to hate the main character. However, I didn't feel hatred for the main character at the start, but pity and compassion and figured there would be a transformation.
I actually felt a lot of emotion while reading this book. I was drawn to the characters and wanted to learn more. I was so interested the whole time, that I read the first 100 pages one night and had to finish the rest of the book the following day (I took some breaks after each very long chapter).
What I didn't like about the book was the language and the sexual stuff. Yes, it is very shallow at times, just as many teenagers act. It definitely reminded me of how people acted in high school though (1998-2002 for me).
This book was so well written, really. I didn't think I'd enjoy it this much and was nervous, though I had been wanting to read it for a few years (before Delirium came out - which I did read those books). Well done, Lauren Oliver, well done.
I was warned about this book by two people. One said they couldn't even finish this book because they were so angry and the other told me that they went to a book convention or something like that, where the author explained how you were supposed to hate the main character. However, I didn't feel hatred for the main character at the start, but pity and compassion and figured there would be a transformation.
I actually felt a lot of emotion while reading this book. I was drawn to the characters and wanted to learn more. I was so interested the whole time, that I read the first 100 pages one night and had to finish the rest of the book the following day (I took some breaks after each very long chapter).
What I didn't like about the book was the language and the sexual stuff. Yes, it is very shallow at times, just as many teenagers act. It definitely reminded me of how people acted in high school though (1998-2002 for me).
This book was so well written, really. I didn't think I'd enjoy it this much and was nervous, though I had been wanting to read it for a few years (before Delirium came out - which I did read those books). Well done, Lauren Oliver, well done.
I read this book in about two days. It was that riveting.
The premise is that the narrator, Sam (short for Samantha), has pretty much the perfect life as a high school senior who is part of the popular crowd, with a great boyfriend, headed for a good college. Then she dies. As she relives her last day over and over again, she begins to realize that her life (and the people in it) were not as perfect as she thought.
It's definitely YA fiction, with a pretty accurate view of high school life (and before, through flashbacks).
The premise is that the narrator, Sam (short for Samantha), has pretty much the perfect life as a high school senior who is part of the popular crowd, with a great boyfriend, headed for a good college. Then she dies. As she relives her last day over and over again, she begins to realize that her life (and the people in it) were not as perfect as she thought.
It's definitely YA fiction, with a pretty accurate view of high school life (and before, through flashbacks).
Does make you think about living life a bit differently...
So excellent I am keeping
I loved it! Sam (Samantha) is a popular teen who often is not so likable. At the end of the first day she is in a car wreck with her best friends and Sam is killed. Now she has to re-live that day over and over until she gets things right. She is just your typical teen who now is made to mature quickly so she can move on. It is really touching to lie that day over and over with her while she comes to understand her short life better and accept her death.
Good YA fiction, with interesting plot twists and believable, psychologically realistic teen characters. Worth reading,
Sam is a teenager who has it all - she's one of the most popular girls in school, has the most-drool worthy boyfriend and two awesome best friends and is invited to every cool party out there. And then she dies in a car accident. It's not the end of the story for her though because she gets a second chance, seven second chances to be exact, to figure out what's really important.
I should preface this review by saying that I'm not a fan of the "groundhog day" scenario and this spoiled the story for me in a way. It was very well done however and I think that this is an excellent read for those who are entering the "must be cool" stage, regardless of age.
From the very fist pages of the book I didn't like Sam and her friends. They were so jaded despite their youth, so shallow and mean, even to each other, not caring in the least about how their actions and words made the other kids feel. So by the end of the chapter where Sam realizes that she's dying I didn't have much sympathy for her. Had the writing not been great and voice very appropriate for the setting and the characters and had I not hoped that Sam wasn't really as rotten as she appeared (there was a glimmer of a real person in there, beneath all the glitter and lipgloss) I would've set the book aside and moved on to something else. I did keep reading though.
My favorite characters here were the outsiders constantly picked on by Sam's clique. They were kids with real interests, considerate of others, people worth knowing. Kent and Izzy stood out especially because they marched to their own drum and were just themselves, without trying to fit in with any particular group. I guess they had to be there to contrast with the mean girls and I was glad for their presence and for how genuine and accepting they were, despite Sam's ill treatment of them and others. I'm still not used to the customary practically absent parents in YA and can't wrap my mind around how it's possible for kids to live in a world where parents appear to have little to no importance. I wished that Sam's parents had more of a presence in the book but I guess that's just one of those things that come with the genre being YA.
Sam's evolution was a bit painful to watch, especially in the beginning - it was like watching a blind person stumbling in a maze, looking for the way out. Over the course of 7 days she made some choices I couldn't agree with but she had to make them and they really weren't so outlandish that I couldn't see her making them (props to Ms. Oliver for keeping things believable in the middle of a totally fantastical scenario). It was very satisfying to see her make the right choices, although I couldn't help but wonder what would happen with the story when Sam did everything right. By then I kind of didn't want it to end. And I really hoped that she would make one more choice that to me seemed to be made and was a bit disappointed that she didn't even seem to consider it. Won't tell you what it is though, you'll have to see for yourself.
I started this review thinking that I didn't particularly like this book. Now I think I liked it more than I realized. So if you haven't read it yet - there's no better time than now!
I should preface this review by saying that I'm not a fan of the "groundhog day" scenario and this spoiled the story for me in a way. It was very well done however and I think that this is an excellent read for those who are entering the "must be cool" stage, regardless of age.
From the very fist pages of the book I didn't like Sam and her friends. They were so jaded despite their youth, so shallow and mean, even to each other, not caring in the least about how their actions and words made the other kids feel. So by the end of the chapter where Sam realizes that she's dying I didn't have much sympathy for her. Had the writing not been great and voice very appropriate for the setting and the characters and had I not hoped that Sam wasn't really as rotten as she appeared (there was a glimmer of a real person in there, beneath all the glitter and lipgloss) I would've set the book aside and moved on to something else. I did keep reading though.
My favorite characters here were the outsiders constantly picked on by Sam's clique. They were kids with real interests, considerate of others, people worth knowing. Kent and Izzy stood out especially because they marched to their own drum and were just themselves, without trying to fit in with any particular group. I guess they had to be there to contrast with the mean girls and I was glad for their presence and for how genuine and accepting they were, despite Sam's ill treatment of them and others. I'm still not used to the customary practically absent parents in YA and can't wrap my mind around how it's possible for kids to live in a world where parents appear to have little to no importance. I wished that Sam's parents had more of a presence in the book but I guess that's just one of those things that come with the genre being YA.
Sam's evolution was a bit painful to watch, especially in the beginning - it was like watching a blind person stumbling in a maze, looking for the way out. Over the course of 7 days she made some choices I couldn't agree with but she had to make them and they really weren't so outlandish that I couldn't see her making them (props to Ms. Oliver for keeping things believable in the middle of a totally fantastical scenario). It was very satisfying to see her make the right choices, although I couldn't help but wonder what would happen with the story when Sam did everything right. By then I kind of didn't want it to end. And I really hoped that she would make one more choice that to me seemed to be made and was a bit disappointed that she didn't even seem to consider it. Won't tell you what it is though, you'll have to see for yourself.
I started this review thinking that I didn't particularly like this book. Now I think I liked it more than I realized. So if you haven't read it yet - there's no better time than now!
I bought this book based on the strength of Lauren Olivers follow up novel, Delirium, knowing that people really love this book. Personally, I both loved and hated it. Loved the beauty of it, the story that it took me through. Hated that these people are so common place, we all know them, and thinking about how unfair it all is.
The first thing that struck me very early in the book is just how horrible Sam and her friends are. They are just the epitome of that popular high school girl, the Plastics, if you will. Anyone who didnt know these girls in school was one of them. Because even if you werent directly targeted by that group, their behavior inevitably affected you.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=3128
The first thing that struck me very early in the book is just how horrible Sam and her friends are. They are just the epitome of that popular high school girl, the Plastics, if you will. Anyone who didnt know these girls in school was one of them. Because even if you werent directly targeted by that group, their behavior inevitably affected you.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=3128
