Synopsis from jacket:
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 choices, 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.
Was This Book Worth My Time?
YES! YES! YES!
Firstly let me say that this book has surpassed my expectations. I decided to read this book based souly off the cover (I know, totally middle school of me, and I'll let you know that I do the whole "Don't Judge the Book by It's Cover" lesson at the beginning of every school year).
When I read the jacket cover, I thought .... hmmm... okay, a girl dies and gets seven chances to relive her day of death.... a little depressing, right? No question about it, it is sad. Yet, I never really felt like I was going over to the dark and depressing side. In fact, in the end I felt content.
Oliver is an amazing writer and her talent shows brightly as you read the first few paragraphs of her novel. She creates characters that are so real (so cliche, I know) that you can feel yourself sitting in the car with them, walking the hallways, or, if you're really unlucky, being the victim of their "mean girl" ways.
Don't let the plot line fool you like it did me. I was sceptical of the fact that Sam was going to relive the same day seven times (I thought it might get a little boring going back time and time again). Boy was I wrong! The day actually seems to deepen as Sam goes through her chances. To top it all off there are "ah-ha!" moments to keep you wanting more.
The book focuses on the famous question, "What would you do if you knew today was your last day" and, you know what, it made me think twice about some of my decisions. If an author can find a way to relate their story to their readers, that author is the real deal! Lauren Oliver, you're great!
What Bothered Me?
The only thing that annoyed me about Before I Fall is that I read it too quickly. I was saddened as I closed the book to know that I had to say goodbye to Sam, her friends, and her family (especially Izzy).
** Although I do have such great things to say about this novel, I do not believe it belongs in a middle school library. The topics that Samantha deals with in her relationship with her boyfriend are geared more for high school.
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