'If I Stay' and Why It Made Me Stay!

 Hello! And Oh Goodness, I don't even know how to begin. This book 'If I Stay' was something else and I mean it. I have not written anything for a long time and when I sat down to write, I couldn't resist expressing all that this mystical book is all about and all that it made me feel. 

If I Stay

Fun Fact (according to me, obviously): Before we get into the deeper stuff, and trust me when I say that there is a lot of it, let's talk about the fun stuff. The actress playing Mia's role in the movie based on this book spent 7 months on cello training and even traveled around the world with it. Also, the concept of 'life after death' has been discussed in a totally different light which is quite interesting.

This book is so very beguiling that I just couldn't resist staying up to read its sequel 'Where She Went'.

Who Might Give This Book A Shot:

People who like Young Adult Romances, enjoy reading about music, appreciate Not-So-Common Heroine and Hero, value Fresh Magical Plots, have a thing for Old Souls love and second chance romance (in the sequel), and want a mix of soulful love, loss, and life-altering decisions (literally).

Who Might Like It: 

Almost everyone would love it and that too a different kind of love. I would suggest you to rather focus on the feel of this book than the technicalities mentioned. Also, both the books in this series are 'short and sweet' as it might be called and the people who are not in for long reads, this is for you.

Who Might Not Love It:

 If someone doesn't like it, I would think they are were put off by Kim's character that is somewhat rude, but remember that this makes the character seem more real. A 'famous singer stunt' in this book was indeed a bit childish but that's totally not off-putting as there is so much more to this book.

What It Is All About: 

The Accident

Mia Hall, the heroine, loses everything- all her family in an instant. She is on the edge of death, lost in a coma, and experiences an 'out of body ' experience. Now that she has got nothing to lose, no one to hold onto, she has to make a decision. There are two choices- give up as she has no one to live for or stay for that one guy, her boyfriend, Adam. 

The Music Connection

Adam Wilde, the rockstar hero in a college band, loves Mia and needs Mia to stay even if it means that she has to live a life with all her family gone. He knows somehow that it is her choice to make and tells her while she is in a coma, what it would be like if she stays. 

This book shows how the decisions we get to and not get to make, can prove to be absolutely life-changing for us and for others. The dilemma Mia faces in making the choice is so beautifully expressed that it is absolutely hearaching.

Which Is My Favorite Part of It: 

There are so many things in this book that I absolutely loved, but I will pick the top 3. First, I have a sweet spot for characters with old souls, and here, both the characters, especially Adam has a beautiful old soul (and you would get to know more of it in the sequel). Second, the way her grandparents talked to her when she is in coma, was quite heart-touching. Especially, when her Grandpa told her that she can choose not to stay, despite how much it would hurt him. Finally, the heart-wrenching way in which Adam asks Mia to stay made me cry a lot of tears.

Which Lessons to Learn/ Not Learn:

• To love and have lost, makes people broken but also makes them stronger.
• Life is unfairly heart-breaking at times and you can't do anything about it sometimes.

Teddy & Mia

• The choices you are asked to make sometimes can be the most life-altering things you would ever do.
• We should be kind and accepting towards everyone.
• Following your heart may not be the choice that everyone wants you to make, but it is the most satisfying and healing thing possible.

What I Rate It:

4.6/5 stars for it is the most amazing work by the author, even more, amazing than the sequel which is also enchanting.  Also, you must read the sequel after this book and I am pretty sure after you read the book, you would feel compelled to read the second one. Not to spoil anything for you, I encourage you to go ahead and read it and tell me what you felt about this book.