Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: October 25, 2010
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Review:
I don’t read much YA contemporary but after hearing such stunning things about Before I Fall I Fall, and having absolutely loved Lauren Oliver’s Delirium I decided to pick this one up and overall it was a good story.
The novel centers on Samantha Kingston and her “mean girl”
friends. The beginning really drew me in I enjoyed reading about Sam’s day and
the events that lead up to her death. I found myself relating a lot to Sam
because I was more like her back in High School then I care to admit. I was
always ok with my friends treating others bad, so long as they included me and I
fully admit to being an absolute bitch to those not in my social circle. There
was actually one girl who I don’t even remember being rude to who told my younger
sister what a bitch I had been to her. The worst part is I don’t even remember
the girl, that just how I acted toward everyone. That is exactly how Sam
Kingston and her friends are.
What I loved the most about this book is the transformation
of Sam from “mean girl” to a strong independent individual who really grows up
in the 7 days following her death. The character development in this book is so
rich and heartbreaking that I almost couldn’t believe that this is Oliver’s
debut novel!
I also really liked the layout of this book each chapter
represented a day in Sam’s life following her death. Each day Sam tried to
change what happened to her and her friends and the final chapter, I mean you
knew what was going to happen but I didn’t stop me from wishing for a different
ending.
Overall, this was a good read. I enjoyed it more then the
other contemporary YA novels I have read but I still only liked it not loved
it. I actually liked Delirium a lot more and will be giving contemporary YA a
bit of a break for a while.
Great review, Emily! I have this sitting on my shelf and I'd like to read it soon. I'm always happy to know that a characters manages to grow over the course of the story.
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ReplyDeleteHi Emily! Great to know that you've liked the book. But I agree that Delirium is way better ;)
ReplyDeleteJust followed you! Do drop by my newly created blog too! bookaworld.wordpress.com
-Alicia
I've read Delirium, but I haven't read this one...I loved Lauren Oliver's style of writing in Delirium, though, so I think I'll give this one a try and hope that it I like it at least ALMOST as much as I liked Delirium...
ReplyDeleteCatherine ;)
A lot of people that read this book have the same issue with it: they like it but didn't love it. It kinda scares me since I own the book but I haven't been able to read the it yet. Normally, I really love the book or I hate it. So it has certainly made me hesitant in reading the book. But thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I agree about her transformation. That was probably my favorite part of the book as well :)
ReplyDeleteI have seen a lot of not so good reviews on this book. It made me skeptical about buying her Delirium series, but I ended up succumbing and I got it recently for my early bday presents. I had first really wanted to read this book I loved the cover, but after seeing so many mixed reviews I believe that I will just stay away from it. Thanks for sharing.
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