Synopsis: In a single moment everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck..
If I Stay follows the story of seventeen-year-old Mia as she relives the best and worst of her memories when struck with the agonising decision of staying or going, following a tragic accident that takes everything away from her.
The novel begins with an explosive start that dives straight into the narrative and, perhaps fortunately for the reader, the tragedy that unfolds for Mia isn't quite traumatising enough to create much of an emotional impact as you barely know the characters involved. You do however instantly connect with Mia on a certain level as you imagine what it would be like if you were in her shoes, as well as leading you to constantly question what you would do if you could see your body being taken from a wreck, knowing you've lost everything, but with the the ability to decide if you stay or go.
Within such a short period of time you come to know and love the characters of If I Stay, particularly Mia. The novel centers around Mia bouncing between the present and her view of everything going on around her and the choice she has to make about herself and the loved ones she's lost and kept, and some of her favourite and worst memories, which often relate to her boyfriend, Adam, and her best friend, Amy, in some way. The concept of reading past and present provides an interesting route for character development and adds layers to the narrative that allow you to know exactly what you would do if you were Mia.
As it is with any main character in a first person narrative, it's easy to become fond of Mia simply because you're seeing everything unfold from her eyes. Yet it is not that that leads you to become connected with her character; it's the beauty of the strength and willpower she maintains. She's so young and unfortunately loses so much in such a short space of time and yet she soldiers on and takes the time to come to terms with what has happened and the decisions she has to make. She's an admirable and independent character that doesn't let anyone influence her. Everything she does is her choice and she's willing to accept any consequences that come with those choices. It's so refreshing to read a YA novel (that isn't dystopian) with such a strong female protagonist.
Overall this novel is a great philosophical YA read that deals with a contrast between light-hearted and dark themes that pose the question of, "do we really have a choice in everything that happens in our own lives?"
I give Gayle Forman and If I Stay ★★★★
