Title: Before I fall
Author: Lauren Oliver
Genre: Young-Adult fiction
Pages: 368 (paperback)
Published: July 2010
Rating: 4.5/5- breath taking and totally unexpected
Wow.
I picked this book up off my sisters book shelf by chance, looking for something new. I didn't know anything about it when I read it but when I finished reading it I looked on Goodreads to write a quick review. What I didn't realise was how raved about this book is; I must say that I understand why.
The basic premise of this book is an enchanting mix between 'Mean girls' and 'Groundhog day'. Sam is an artificial, rude teenage girl who (in the first chapter), is killed in a drunken car accident. Throughout the 7 chapters of the book, she relives the day of her death 7 times (once every chapter.) Each new start brings new dramas, revelations and decisions that shows possible outcomes of the fatal day.
When I first started reading 'Before I Fall,' I thought it was just another dramatic chick lit. Nevertheless, towards the end of chapter 1, I had realised that actually this book was full of raw emotion and touched on some very real characteristics in human nature. It was memorable and I honestly think I'll keep some of the tragic features in the plot , with me for quite a while.
On the first couple of days I was annoyed at her feeble attempts of redemption but it reminds us that actually Sam's just a spoiled teenage girl. Don't worry though, the story leads the reader on a journey which makes Sam look at the world in a new, more appreciative light.
However, if someone was reading 'Before I fall' for a bit of light reading, not looking too deep; then, understandably the plot may get a bit repetitive.
Her friends group are not stereotypical, more recognisable. Everyone can relate to the popular, self obsessed girl group from their secondary school- whether part of it or on the receiving end of their bitching. I think it was somewhat refreshing to have a book written from the perspective of the 'popular' girl. Rather than the nerdy turned beautiful character that we are used to.
I feel like Sam was very well developed and I did sympathise or empathise with her throughout. However, I don't think that many of the other characters got a chance to be fully explored. The love interests should've been memorable but I do remember thinking at one point that I didn't really care who she ended up with. (Although the obvious preference is Kent.) My sister read this book and concluded that she couldn't relate or empathize with many of the characters. I don't fully agree but can see what she means so thought I'd put it out there for her.
I noticed a lot of touching, inspirational quotes in this book as Sam ponders on her experiences. One I highlighted on my kindle was.
"Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there's a tomorrow. Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around in it, let it slide like coins through your fingers. So much time you can waste it. But for some of us there's only today. And the truth is, you never really know."
I just thought its so interesting to find such amazingly deep and well written thoughts in what seemed at first to be a shallow chick lit.
Lauren Oliver is truly an outstanding author. She has a way words which is fluent and creates a really intriguing story. I'm not going to rave about her writing: just a few words. What I thought was interesting was how Lauren Oliver described these rather mundane activities but still kept it enticing. Rather than marvelling us with a new magical world she created, she holds the same suspense in a pretty standard high school. Her writing made me feel as if I was watching the story unfold rather than reading it.
The ending isn't as shocking as I thought, however I haven't spoiled anything yet so far so I won't start now. The ending is kind of expected but unexpected at the same time. It's not awful, and fits in with the whole feeling off the book. I felt liked the whole book was a big build up, almost a ticking time bomb, to build up to the ending. Throughout the book I was constantly thinking will Lauren do it or won't she? Will she kill her or twist it right at the end. It felt like a final attle between to important themes of the book: 'redemption' vs 'pay for what you've done.'
I have heard this book described as a 'page turner' but this would be the base of my only criticism. Due to the nature of the 'Ground hog day' like plot and delicately chosen words, it's not as fast paced as other books I have read. I think it makes up for this but if you're into fast paced, action packed (maybe more clumsily written) books, then this book might not be for you.
Overall, don't take this book for what it first appears to be. 'Before I Fall' is hugely moving and thought provoking. It's beautifully written but could be seen as slightly repetitive if you do not stick to it. It left me heartbroken and full of thoughts, whirling round my little head. I recommend you to try this book even if you're into more fast paced action packed stories; simply because it's such an eye opener.
Find 'Before I Fall' on Amazon here
Read about 'Before I Fall' on Goodreads here
I'll see you next time and keep reading...
Laura Stone x
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