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BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver

Your Next Must Read:



EDITOR: Rosemary Brosnan, HarperCollins

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.

***

You'll be seeing posts like these for books I love and strongly recommend.
If you've read BEFORE I FALL, please leave a non-spoilery comment with your opinion of it!

24 comments:

Unknown said...

It contains one of the best character development arcs I've ever read. I loathed both Sam and Lindsay after the first chapter, to the point that except for the fabulous voice and prologue, I probably would have put the book down. By the end, of course, I felt very differently.

Speaking of prologues, the many folks who advise never to include a prologue obviously haven't read Before I Fall.

Elana Johnson said...

I've heard nothing but good from this book. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Anna Staniszewski said...

I tore through this book in two days; I didn't want it to end, but I also needed to see what would happen. It was one of the best stories I've read in a looong time. After I was done, I immediately made my husband read it (even though it's not really his kind of book) and he really enjoyed it too. The main character felt SO real. I'm going to have to go back and reread it at some point to see how Oliver made it work.

Casey Something said...

Mike, I agree. I was just telling someone how amazing the character building is.

And the prologue is a great example of one that works 100% and does nothing but enhance the story.

The beginning didn't put me off too much, but I've heard people say they wanted to put it down due to Sam's unlikable character.

People, please DON'T PUT IT DOWN. It's amazing.

Elana, definitely get your hands on it!

Anna, I tore through it as well and stayed up way too late to finish it.

When you go back to read it again, pay attention to how much back story and history the characters have. There's a lot of it but it's carefully balanced and laced throughout. I think that's what makes them so real.

Jonathon Arntson said...

I need to get this in my hands, but it's not feasible at the moment... okay, I'll inter-library loan it. yay.

Jonathon Arntson said...

Even Bryan Bliss plugged the book and that's not a recommendation you pass off! Thanks for yours too, C, I am like craving this book now.

Valerie Kemp said...

LOVED this book! Couldn't stop thinking about it for days. In fact even now if I think about it I get emotional. Such a great book!

Casey Something said...

Get it however you can, Jon! It's worth it.

Yay Bryan! Janet Reid plugged it as well:

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2010/03/molly-oneill-must-be-stopped.html

Casey Something said...

Me too Valerie! I'll definitely be reading it again.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I haven't read this, but I will. I'd love if you recommend more books. It's a great feature.

Karen Strong said...

I read this book last month and like you I couldn't put it down. I kept saying, "Okay, I'll read ONE more day and then when I got to the end, Okay, ONE more day." I really wanted to see what would happen next.

Plus, one thing I loved about this book is that how the characters changed and how you really got to see them -- honestly, at the beginning, I didn't care much for the characters. That changed at end of the book. So for me, that was because of the author's way with characterization and words.

Heather Kelly said...

I can't wait to read this book! Keep hearing great things about it!

PJ Hoover said...

This is next after next on my TBR list. So glad you recommend it!

Rebecca Gomez said...

Sounds like something I would enjoy. I'll add it to my ever-growing list.

Lisa Nowak said...

I haven't red it yet, but I put it on my list yesterday after reading another review.

Stina said...

I loved the book, and did a review of it last week on my blog.

Yours is the second review I've seen of it today. :)

Frankie Diane Mallis said...

Best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant stop thinking about it, and if I think too much I get emotional again. It's sooooo amazing! Im going to have to read it again very soon!

Marcia said...

Okay, I've got to get this. Even though I'm looking for a change from YA paranormal, I've heard it's good and I think the premise is a real grabber.

Jill Wheeler said...

This looks really interesting!

It reminds me of a journal I did with my students once. They were supposed to write about what they'd do if they only had a week left to live. One kid wrote, "I'd go to the doctor and get a second opinion." Killed me!

Sherrie Petersen said...

I keep hearing how good this is. I'm going to have to read it. And I love that you listed the author, agent and editor. You're so brilliant!

Kate Evangelista said...

So far, I've only read reviews about this book, but from what I've read it seems like an interesting premise.

Christina Farley said...

I won this book in a contest. I can't wait to read it!!!!!!

annalisa said...

I've been hearing fantastic things about this book. Maybe I should bump it up on my to-read list.

Unknown said...

This is by far my favorite Lauren Oliver book as well. Reading this book is what got me to read her Delirium series. It's been a while since I've read this so I can't remember a whole lot that happened... but maybe you are just over thinking it? Glad you enjoyed it!

Mica
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