Monday, February 22, 2010

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver Review

March 2nd, 2010
480 pages
Source - Publicist/Purchased
Summary(from goodreads):
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 -- looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it's her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.
Before I Fall is a stunning debut, and I'm excited to see Oliver's work in the future.

To put it simply, Sam is not a nice girl. She's mean, and follows her friends' examples, no matter how immoral it is. At the beginning, I was rolling my eyes, because I've seen her type before. Yet, somehow, I ended up liking her. At times, I even related to her. By halfway (maybe even earlier), I was rooting for her. Sam's character development is amazing, and it surprised me how quickly I began to enjoy her narrative.

The story is amazing. At first, I was worried that Oliver wouldn't be able to make each day fresh, new, but she managed it expertly. I could hardly bring myself to put the novel down. Everyday, Sam wakes up and it's still February 12th. But each day she tries to do something different in hopes of saving her life, and maybe another. With each new shocking secret Sam learns, I couldn't help but to keep reading. I laughed so many times, I was shocked, surprised, happy, sad, and angry. Before I Fall takes you on an emotional ride, and it's one I'll never forget.

Highlights: This novel made me think about myself, and my actions. Whether we think about it or not, we affect one another, perhaps more than we realize. This novel scared me, because it was so honest, and so true. Oliver's writing was also excellent, and it seemed up to par with some of my favorite YA authors. And what about that ending...spectacular. Before I Fall is definitely one of my top favorite novels now. I know I'll be happily rushing off to the bookstore, because I want a hard copy to read over and over again. This one is a definite must-read.

Lowlights: Nothing comes to mind, and I've been thinking about this novel for quite some time.

Rating: 


 

12 comments:

  1. Great review. I'm glad you liked the novel. I am really looking forward to reading this book and your review made me even more excited for it!

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  2. I'm glad you liked Before I fall, I loved it too ^^
    At the beggining I hated Sam, but at the end I felt different about her :)

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  3. Great review! I can tell how much you liked this book! Think I might have to put it on my wish list!

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  4. This book sounds excellent and I have been dying to read it. You've just made the want factor go right up...

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  5. Loved the review, I mean it makes you think about your own actions. I loved that the book has such an impact to readers! I cant wait to read this book, it sounds beautiful.

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  6. I absolutely agree with you, this is one of the best books ever! I was completely blown away by it and it really stayed with me for days and even months, I just couldn't get it off my mind! I preordred a hardcover copy too because I want to rereread this book, it was so good! :D

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  7. Great review! I've seen this one around a few blogs, and need to read it.

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  8. Great review. I really like the sound of this book. You have made me want to read it!

    Also, I have an award for you over on my blog!
    http://terraonthebookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/02/humane-award.html

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  9. Awesome review! I read this last year and having read your review I'm crazy excited to read it again. I absolutely agree with what you've said about Lauren Oliver managing to make each reply of the day fresh and new. It's an amazing book.

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  10. Awww man...I hope I win this in one of the contests I have entered. But even if I don't, I'm still going to go out and buy it! I cannot wait to read this one...great review!!!

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  11. I loved this review! I am actually reading this now, and have nearly finished it! I agree with everything you said, it really does make you think about your actions.
    If you have time, please check out my Ya Blog. http://lovelylilbookworm.blogspot.com/

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