The Story Siren: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Monday, March 15, 2010 at 8:00 AM

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Release Date: March 2, 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 480
Overall:

Source: Book Fairy/Publisher
Interest: Debut Author
Challenge: 2010 Debut Author Challenge

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—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

(summary from Goodreads)

WOW.

That would be my one word review for this book... WOW.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up, and to say that I was utterly unprepared for it's magnificence, would be an understatement. This book evoked such strong emotion. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I was bawling by the end of the story. For me, the stories that awaken your emotions are always the most powerful and memorable. And I don't read many books like that, so when I do, it tends to really stand out.

What's so interesting about this book is that I hated Samantha durning most of the book. For me, I need a personable character, especially the MC. That didn't happen right away with Before I Fall, actually it didn't happen for most of the story.... but I still couldn't put it down.

I thought I had this story figured out, I thought I knew what was going to happen. But I didn't. I could see Samantha changing day by day, but I never anticipated what ultimately she had to do.

Oliver didn't shy away from the authenticity of the teenage persona. It was honest portrayal, which I think teens will be appreciative of. Not to mention it has a very positive message, for everyone.

Cannot wait to read more of Oliver's novels. Unbelievable!

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View an in depth look into my Star Rating

34 comments:

The Bookologist said...: I've heard so many AMAZING things about Before I Fall! I don't think I've seen/read a negative review so far. I definitely have to read it soon. Thanks for the review! =); March 15, 2010 8:02 AM
Bookalicious Ramblings said...: Ooh, I was completely blown away by this one too! It's a very powerful read, isn't it? :D; March 15, 2010 8:04 AM
Miss Remmers said...: What a fantastic review! I'll definitely be needing to read this as soon as possible!; March 15, 2010 8:19 AM
Keri Mikulski said...: Looking forward to reading this one!! Thanks for the review. :); March 15, 2010 8:24 AM
Kel said...: Thanks for sharing. I'm looking forward to reading it!; March 15, 2010 8:47 AM
Book Crazy Jenn said...: OH WOW, I cant wait to read this one, wonderful review!; March 15, 2010 8:48 AM
Brigita said...: I just received this one in the mail. I can't wait to start it after reading your review!; March 15, 2010 9:09 AM
Just Your Typical Book Blog said...: This book was truly amazing! I love how her characters acted and felt like real people throughout the entire novel.; March 15, 2010 9:23 AM
The Book Owl said...: So glad you liked it! This has been sitting in my TBR Pile for the longest time - I really should pick it up.; March 15, 2010 9:30 AM
Emidy said...: Wow, it seems like this book is living up to all the hype! I really have to read it and see for myself.

Emidy
from Une Parole; March 15, 2010 9:46 AM
Lorielle said...: I love it when I read a book and it leaves me feeling like this. I haven't read this one yet, but I am absolutely going to have to get it now.; March 15, 2010 11:08 AM
fredamans said...: I have yet to read a bad review on this title.

Good review!; March 15, 2010 11:50 AM
Raíla said...: Your review on this book just made me feel more and more excited to read it. I can't wait for have it in my hands!; March 15, 2010 12:24 PM
naida said...: the book sounds fantastic and you have a very pretty blog!
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/; March 15, 2010 12:44 PM
Nely said...: I sooooo want this book. Your review just sold it, as the first chance I get I'm buying it. :D

♥Nely; March 15, 2010 12:53 PM
Sheila (Bookjourney) said...: Oh I was hoping it would be wonderful! Your review makes me want to read it all the more!; March 15, 2010 1:26 PM
Sab H. said...: Wasn't it AMAZING!!!??? You are absolutely right: WOW sums it all. ;D; March 15, 2010 2:09 PM
Susanne Fredrikke said...: I just love the cover! And I can't wait to read this book!; March 15, 2010 3:33 PM
Lauren said...: I've heard good things about this book - definitely want to read!!; March 15, 2010 3:57 PM
robby (once upon a book blog) said...: Definately one of the greatest books I have read in a long time. :]; March 15, 2010 4:31 PM
Kay said...: OK, I've read several other reviews of this book, but I think that yours has tipped me over the edge. I will need to read it. Thanks for the tipping!; March 15, 2010 4:40 PM
Cleverly Inked said...: Magnificent wasn't it!; March 15, 2010 5:27 PM
Patty said...: That sounds like an amazing book! I'll be adding it to my TBR pile :); March 15, 2010 5:31 PM
Hannah said...: I've heard SO many great things about this book and I'll definitely add this to my TBR list. (Which is like a mile long right now!)
Thanks for sharing!
Love, Hannah S.; March 15, 2010 6:02 PM
Swimmer said...: Oh my gosh I almost bought this but I am waiting for it to come out in paper back!!!; March 15, 2010 7:13 PM
Chachic said...: I'm looking forward to reading this! I've seen a couple of good reviews about it. I already called the local bookstore but it's still not available here. :(; March 15, 2010 8:10 PM
Victor | UPrinting said...: That would make anyone crazy knowing that you are living your last day and repeat this day 7 times. I remember the movie The Butterfly effect, it was really freaky and scary in the sense that some of us have actions that we regret doing and how we wish we can change it. However, we do not see that changing this actions will also change the outcome of your future.; March 15, 2010 9:15 PM
annie yu said...: i just finished this book yesterday and was blown away by it too. i am also looking forward to reading more of lauren oliver's books.; March 15, 2010 9:26 PM
Aths said...: Just last week, I read in someone's review that you were meant to hate some (or most?) of the characters during the first few pages of the book. I wish I could remember who's review that was. Dang! So I guess you weren't wrong to hate Samantha! I have this on my wishlist, hope to read it sometime soon! Good review!; March 15, 2010 10:29 PM
April (BooksandWine) said...: I just started this one today, or to be more accurate 30 minutes ago. I love Oliver's writing style so far, she definitely captures the teenage voice.

Glad to see you enjoyed this so much and that it blew you away!!; March 15, 2010 11:28 PM
Shweta said...: WOW from you means amazing book . And a must buy for YA book fans :) Hope to read this soon..With so many great reviews. Just can't resist; March 16, 2010 5:34 AM
Book Chick City said...: I have this for review too and after all the rave reviews I think I will have to bump it up my list!; March 16, 2010 6:42 AM
stacy said...: Shannan just read and reviewed this book as well and gave it positive reviews. Maybe I will have to read it??; March 17, 2010 12:22 AM
stacy said...: Shannan just read and reviewed this book as well and gave it positive reviews. Maybe I will have to read it??; March 17, 2010 12:22 AM