Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 978-0-06-172680-4
Pages: 470
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.
Oh my goodness. Where do I even start? This book had it all: great plot, awesome characters and just a really fascinating concept.
Even after finishing this novel, I still don’t know which characters I like and which I don’t (except Kent—love Kent). The story took me through a complete roller coaster with things being revealed and reshaped at every turn. Things at Thomas Jefferson High are definitely not as they appear.
I love how Oliver managed to repeat the same day over and over again but make it significantly different each time. She was able to get so much across and through all the things Samantha does, we learn a little more about who she is.
The book contains lots of themes applicable to a typical high school life. Even with the out-of-world element of reliving your last day on Earth, the novel is easy to relate to.
All in all, Before I Fall is a marvellous piece of work with a fresh idea and stunning writing.
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Other titles by Lauren Oliver: Delirium
It's an interesting concept, but the reason I haven't gone near it yet is that I worry it would be morbid/depressing. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteYou mean because of the whole death thing? Not really. A lot of it is just her going through life as a regular high school girl. She's not the nicest person and she has to try and figure out what, if anything, she's going to do to change it before she dies. There definitely are some sad parts though.
ReplyDeleteI love this book,I'm 15 and I've read it 17 times already! It made me reilize how terrible people could be, and how you need to make good choices because you never know when it will all just slip away.
ReplyDeleteWow! 17 times? That's dedication :)
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