Jen's Review
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by Gayle Forman
Dutton Juvenile (HC) // Speak (PB)
April 5, 2011
Gah.
Arghh.
Meerrghhbleh.
[my
incoherent thoughts]
I
don't think any book has evoked so much emotion out of me before. If I Stay,
the predecessor to this (wonderful, beautiful) book, wasn't even close to how
amazing this one was. I liked If I Stay, and after finishing that one, I wasn't
really sure if I wanted to know what happened afterwards. I thought the ending
to that was satisfying and heartbreakingly stunning already, but so many of you
guys MADE me read Where She Went. So of course, I had to see what all of the
fuss was about.
And I
need to say, I LOVE YOU GUYS FOR PUSHING THIS BOOK ON ME. I couldn't have
been happier. Where She Went is
phenomenal, tender, so, so tender, and I'm actually mind-blown that I managed
not to cry. I know so many other people who have read this book time and time
again, and I'm happy to say that I'll be joining into that circle of Gayle Forman
fans. Everything was just spot on perfect in
this book--from the male POV, the storytelling, to the downright lyrics from
Adam's band. Everything.
I was
definitely a little hesitant to read from Adam's point of view, because I
understood Mia's character so well in If I Stay, that I didn't think it was
possible for a better narration. But of course, I was wrong. Adam's voice is
fresh, scarred, honest, and wistful, if anything. His hope and undying love for
Mia was so breathtakingly gorgeous, it HURTS MY HEART, still. I don't even have
words to express Adam's thoughts. It's like, the reader gets so involved and you just know the character
so well afterwards. Brava, Forman, for writing through a 21 year-old man's
point of view, perfectly.
We
all know that Forman's writing was influential and moving in If I Stay, but
Forman takes it to a whole 'nother level in
Where She Went. Where She Went had definitely a different quality to it; it was
undoubtedly still recognizable as Forman's, but it was much more dream-like and
metaphorical, which I adored like no other. Gayle Forman's storytelling is
truly special and one of a kind.
I
also think that it's a rarity that I enjoyed this book so much, since it's kind
of about music. Usually, books that rant on about music and bands and famous
music people bore me. To death. Needless to say, the music aspect actually
harmonized the story extremely well, and the lyrics at the beginning of every
other chapter certainly addedto the
story. Seriously, Forman should be a songwriter too, hehe.
So if
you were hesitant like me, and can't decide whether or not to pick up Where She
Went (or, if you're crazy, hesitant to pick up If I Stay), don't be. Just pick
it up, and READ THEM. You won't regret it, like seriously. I can honestly say that I'll be rereading Where
She Went again, soon, just to feel those achingly raw and delicate feelings
that Forman was able to bring out of me. Where She Went turned out to be one of
the best sequels I have ever read, and, surprise-surprise, Forman is now an
author I can refer to as a favorite.
5 teacups for Where She Went!
Posts
I 100% agree! Love this book so much! Even more so that "If I Stay" which was utterly amazing too!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it! :)
YEEEESSSS! *fist pump* I am SO glad you loved this, Jen! I was never hesitant about picking it up, but I kept laughing when I read the reviews because Adam sounded totally mopey and emo and yet was driving readers to tears. And then I read it and it all made sense because Adam is so much more than that depressed outer exterior he has on and this book...gosh, THIS BOOK. Whatever ending Forman had picked - happy or sad - would have worked perfectly and I love that Adam found acceptance with his life even before that perfect ending. I just love Forman and her find-yourself stories. Undoubtedly, they're the best.<3 Lovely review, Jen! :D
ReplyDeleteI completely LOVED this one, Jen!! So glad you did too. All the angst, heartbreak and longing built up to a satisfying conclusion. I read this but also listened to the audiobook which is fan-freakin-tastic!! I highly recommend if you loved this. Wonderful review. :)
ReplyDeleteGosh how I loved this book!! And YES I was also hesitant but it was oh so damn good!! I really want to rearead it again. oh and I balled my eyes out... *sniffes*
ReplyDeleteHehe, I agree with Keertana! *fist pump* I LOVE Where She Went so much! Perhaps slightly more than If I Stay ;) I absolutely adored Adam and Mia's moments in this book and the ending was amazing.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Jen ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!
I LOOOOOVE this book so much. I didn't think my heart could be broken more after If I Stay, but this book destroyed it.
ReplyDeleteYES. Yes. I am so glad that you loved this book Jen, I read it so long ago but I still remember enjoying it immensely. and I 200000% agree with Keertana. Fantastic Review Jen :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing review Jen!!! Now I just NEED If I Stay! It's great that this is better than If I Stay, it's always fab when a sequel is just as good (or better than!) the first book!
ReplyDeleteWHY HAVEN'T I READ A GAYLE FOREMAN BOOK YET?!?!?! No, seriously, I am asking you *stares* I will definitely try to read If I Stay soon. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I love books like this where they just make people go crazy... it is one of the best parts about reading. Thanks for the great review, Jen!
ReplyDeleteOh so weird I just finished If I Stay this afternoon! I really liked it and I heard form a few people that this one is even better and you make it sound amazeballs! I just put it on hold at the library and since I live in the middle of nowhere I'm the only one waiting so I should get it soon! >.<
ReplyDeleteNice review! Really makes me want to push my other books out of the way and get to WSW right now. IIS made me cry, and really tugged at my heart, so I'm sure WSW will, too. I love how you described Adam's voice, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you loved this book to much! I can't say I had such effusive feelings-I liked it, but nowhere near as much as If I Stay-but I definitely get why you preferred this one. The narration really is more lucid and dreamlike, which is gorgeous and fascinating, and Adam's voice is something you don't often see. Foreman did a good job with this, given the previous events she had to work with. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved this book AND Adam and Mia too! Forman has a talent for heartbreaking characters. There's just something about this story that makes it stand out.
ReplyDeleteBut if you liked this, I'm pretty sure you would like Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez too. It's one of my favorite contemporaries ever.
Great review, Jen!
Oh wow. So... I haven't actually been inducted into the Gayle Forman fan club yet myself as I have not yet read any of her books. BUT I NEED TO CHANGE THAT. How freaking gorgeous does this book sound? Your review is so well said and it's making me want to pick up If I Stay (which I already have on my shelf) RIGHT AWAY. But alas, I must get to my review books first. I just KNOW I am going to like her books as much as you and everyone else does. Just need to find the time!
ReplyDeleteConfession Jen: I have not read anything by Gayle Forman. I think I might be the only person in the world (aside from Aylee apparently *high five Aylee*) who hasn't read her books. I'm so nervous to pick them up because everyone says how much reading them makes their hearts hurt and I'm scared about my reaction to them. I know I'll love them, but knowing my heart is going to get ripped out is a bit intimidating, you know? I will get to them eventually, I need to be in the loop! So glad you loved it:)
ReplyDeleteI STILL haven't read a Gayle Forman book. I've seen it at work so many times, but I haven't picked up the courage to read it yet. I don't know why but I LOVE books that make your feel raw, vulnerable yet totally consumed by a book and this definitely sounds like one of those. Brilliant review Jen. :)
ReplyDeleteYAYYY! I'm so glad you picked this up in the end! Even better that it blew you away! :) I loved If I Stay, but there was something about Adam's voice that resonated with me more. I completely agree with your review. You make me want to re-read these books again now. :D
ReplyDeleteWow, this one sounds amazing!! I really need to grab a copy of If I Stay, I haven't read anything by this author but your praise is definitely about to change that ;)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful review Jen.