REVIEW: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Jen's Review

Where She Went
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!

REVIEW: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Name: If I Stay

Author: Gayle Forman

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile//Speak

Release Date: April 2, 2009 (US)

Pages: 201, Hardcover

Source: Audiobook Library

Rating: 4 Teacups

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...
A sophisticated, layered, and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

[summary taken from Goodreads]

Jen's Review

I'm so glad to say that reading If I Stay the second time around was much more enjoyable. When I read this book previously 2 years ago, I didn't like it much at all. Music? Blegh. BOOOORING. I was particularly annoyed by books about girls in comas, too. But reading it again, I feel like I understood it so much better and it was beautiful. I was so naïve back then.

GAW-JUS WRITING

Gayle Forman's writing is definitely unique and flawless in her own way. I loved it--it's lyrical and it just WORKS, kay? It all flows together and it makes reading the story really enjoyable.

UNIQUE PLOT

If I Stay doesn't follow the usual plot line. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm talking the beginning- climax- solution thing. If I Stay kind of has two stories going on, if you will. Some present day happenings at the hospital, but mostly memories of Mia's past. While the plot wasn't FAST PACED or anything, it's calm and still great. Again, it just WORKS OUT.

GENUINE CHARACTERS

I really could connect with the characters. While Mia and I have no similarities, I liked her still. Her love for music and the cello was passionate and eye-opening. Let's not forget about Mia's family and friends--I couldn't have asked for a better cast of characters. They were all so wonderful!

In all, If I Stay is a must-read contemporary novel for music fans, or heart-wrenching lovers. You won't want to miss out on Forman's beautiful writing style, exclusive plot, and authentic characters!

Audiobook review: My first impression of the audio was that the performer's voice was too old and mature for Mia's voice. But after awhile, I realized that it was perfect and soothing, and it totally made the book THAT much better. Definitely check out the audio if you can!

4 Teacups for If I Stay!