"If I Stay:" a novel by Gayle Forman

"If I Stay" by Gayle Forman is the first novel in a series about having caring friends and family.  In "If I Stay," Mia, a 17 year old girl, and her family go on a spontaneous road trip when schools and business close due to weather conditions.  Unfortunately, a tragedy occurs on the road; a car slides on the ice crashing into Mia and her family.

Mia's spirit awakens to a dire situation; she finds that her body is in a coma, and she sees the members of her family strewn onto the side of the road because of the impact. The book reveals Mia's life story through flashbacks, as she travels with her body, trying to decide whether to awake from a coma.  The main characters, other than Mia, include her boyfriend, Adam; her best friend, Kim; her mom, Kat; her dad, Tim; and her brother, Teddy.

This novel is classified as young-adult fiction, and remains a high interest story from beginning to end.  Ultimately, Mia must decide if she should wake up to face life without her immediate family or if she should die and be with them.  Mia's extended family and friends stay by her side at the hospital, supporting her spirit during this tragedy.  But, is it enough?  Will Mia stay or will she go?

"If I Stay" is an amazing, emotional story.  Gayle Forman created a powerful story as she composed this novel.  She shows that life is worth living because, no matter what, there is always somebody that cares.  This series is available here at Burton's Library for those who would like to check out these books.  Burton is very lucky to have this book series and for those who are wondering what happens to Mia, check out "If I Stay."

Written by:  Kim H.