Thursday, February 11, 2010

Before I Fall Review

Title: Before I Fall
Author: Lauren Oliver
Release Date: March 2010
Summary (from www.barnesandnoble.com ):
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.

Rating:
Character Development: 10/10pts
Originality: 10/10pts
Plot/Story Line: 10/10pts
Ending: 8/10pts
Voice: 10/10pts
Recommendation: 10/10pts
Total Score: 58/60
A+

Age Appropriate Rating:
Cussing: 7/10
Drugs, alcohol, etc.: 6/10
Sexual Content: 7/10
Violence/Disturbing Images: 6/10

Written Review:

BEFORE I FALL is thought provoking, gripping, intense, and wonderfully written. 
In the beginning Sam was the kind of girl you hate but also secretly want to be. Her style, her boyfriend, her confidence, her friends, her ability to get away with almost anything just because she can all contribute to her popularity. But her attitude to those “below” her and her self-centeredness makes her someone you really can’t stand.  As the novel progressed so did Sam and she quickly grew into someone to relate with and feel for.  
Even before Sam matured, bits of everyone could be found in her personality.  Who hasn’t judged someone wrongly? Talked about someone behind their back? Cared a little too much about what others think? Picked friends over family? Sam had six chances to amend her wrongs but for us, it makes you realize that life is much too short to go about wishing things would change and not do anything about it.
Though most of the book was based on Sam, the other characters were just as well developed and as close to real as can be.  From the awkward but cute Kent to the “perfect” boyfriend, Rob, to the best friends who are as close as can be but still have their own slew of secrets.
Each day was the same yet completely different. It really makes you think how one thing can affect so many and how all decisions-big or small-are important. As Sam matures and realizes how even her smallest action affects those around her, she also begins to discover her purpose and what’s really important in life.
This was the shortest 470 pages I have ever read.  I couldn’t help but want to spend more time with Sam as she fumbled her way through what’s right and what’s wrong in life. Woven within the pages was the perfect blend of suspense, heartbreak, and little moments that really make you think about the meaning of life and of course little life lessons are thrown in along the way.
It’s a very overdramatized real. Sex, parties, drinking, smoking, and an insider’s look into the brutal world of high school. Lauren Oliver did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of what is sadly high school today. 
The ending was touching and sad, but also very peaceful and full of hope.  I loved every bit of this book and recommend it to everyone.  It’s a book that makes you think about your life, your mistakes, and your ability to change them.  It makes you wonder how one action can affect so many. It makes you feel all sorts of emotions from hate to love and everything in between. It makes you want to pick it up and read it again and again.  So do. And then give it to your friends and let them read it so everyone can experience this captivating novel about life in all its glory and heartbreak.

11 comments:

Robby said...

I can't wait to read this book. It sounds beautiful, sad. I'm glad you reviewed this. :]

Morgan said...

This sounds like a really cute book and an emotional one at that. I've never read anything like it. Great review!

booklover10 said...

I have read this book and everything you just said is completely true! I could not put this book down and when it was finished i wanted more. Perhaps maybe a sequel from one of the best friends point of view? This book is completely amazing and anyone who gets the chance to read it should most definetely not pass it up!!!!!!!!

Pingwing said...

I just finished this book yesterday, and wrote about it on my own blog! I agree with everything you've said - this book really stayed with me.

Anonymous said...

God is always there for u. He loves you

Somehow said...

I just started listening to this book on CD. It begins, for me, just like Richard Peck's novel, "Three Quarters Dead." It's obviously going to be different and it sounds like a great story. Can't wait to finish it!

Anonymous said...

I read the first 5 chapters and thought wow this is the best book but i cant finish it i just cant i hate reading but its a awsome book.

Katie said...

I just finished reading Before I Fall and I agree with everything you said. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. I'm definitely going to pass it on to all my friends. Thanks for the review!

Anonymous said...

i read this book and it was a page turner, but the ending made me mad x)

Anonymous said...

Loved Before I Fall, such a great story.

Check out my review of it here:
http://readingwhiledreaming.blogspot.com/2011/08/before-i-fall-review.html

Anonymous said...

Omg.. I just finished this book.. its AMAZING.. I Love all the best friends, I love the characters, plot, voice.. wow ;D I'm just not going to share it with my friends because its my special book now.