If I Stay

Beautifully written and shows what we all think and feel when a tragedy such as the one the main character went through. It's a battle within your own mind that you have to fight and truly make a final decision so as to face the harshness of the brutal world, but also see and feel the love of what's good in your life.

The story was captive. And I felt "first person", without getting too bored or overwhelmed. It was a wonderful and tearful ride. Personally, I wish novel writers would bleep out more curse words... I understand their placement, but it's harder to share their art with my children. That being said, this is a masterpiece of written emotion, and a treasure.

A heartwrenching story told from the perspective of a young girl in her senior year that is trapped between her family who has passed on and her family and friends who remain. Switching between the current time as she clings to life and flashbacks to her younger years, I was entranced by the story. The ultimate question remains what happens if she stays or if she decides to go. My heart was ripped out while reading this book. I couldn't imagine sitting and watching the majority of my loved ones sit vigil by my bedside in a hospital ICU fighting to keep me alive. I absolutely felt her internal struggle as to whether to give it all up to be able to rejoin her parents and brother. A poignant book that makes you take a step back and evaluate who you hold close and what you would do to be with them at all times. I was beyond touched by this book and although the main character was a young senior in high school, I felt as though this book could be read and impactful to any age group. I think everyone could find the heart and the meaning behind this sweet book. Now to start the sequel!