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!
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