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.