Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver


Before I Fall
by Lauren Oliver

I have to say that my initial reason for picking up this book is a current fascination with debut authors...it didn't disappoint!

How to describe it? It appears that all the pertinent adjectives have already been used up in all the posted reviews...

Heartbreaking, compelling, raw, beautiful, emotional and complex - Before I Fall is all that!!!

In her debut novel author Lauren Oliver manages to find a "teen" voice that is so real I felt like I was sitting at Starbucks at 3pm! ...of course that could be because Oliver is just barely beyond teen herself.

So - you have probably already gathered that this is a "groundhog day" style telling of the life and death of Samantha Kingston...you know this girl. She is the girl that hangs with the "cool kids", has everything yet doesn't appear to appreciate any of it.

The compelling nature of Lauren Oliver's writing takes you from disdain and revulsion to Samantha working through the process of understanding what is truly important and through 7 efforts - to change her outlook.

My one problem with the book was that Oliver does such a great job of developing Samantha's character that I seriously didn't like her and didn't care...but the writing is so good and the story draws you in...all I can say is trust and read this book all the way through to the end.

Product Review From Amazon:

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.

Then 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.

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