First of all, what the heck is with the difference in covers between the US and the UK? I really don't get it (I've blogged about this before, but I'm too lazy to track down the link).Anyway. This is the second book on my Transworld Summer Reading Challenge. Having finished this more than a month ago, I must admit I'm much better at reading than reviewing.
Amazon blurb:
'Just listen,' Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel. I open my eyes wide now. I sit up as much as I can. And I listen. 'Stay,' he says. Everybody has to make choices. Some might break you. For seventeen-year-old Mia, surrounded by a wonderful family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend decisions might seem tough, but they're all about a future full of music and love, a future that's brimming with hope. But life can change in an instant. A cold February morning ...a snowy road ...and suddenly all of Mia's choices are gone. Except one. As alone as she'll ever be, Mia must make the most difficult choice of all. Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, "If I Stay" will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you've lost - and all that might be.
I admit to bawling like an idiot when I finished this book. I tore through it one Saturday morning, unable to stop reading. It's a beautifully written book about heartbreak and the pull towards survival, no matter the circumstances. I don't read much YA but I think this is a good read for anyone, really. And I'm finding writing this review very difficult without giving too much away!
Come back tomorrow when I'll be announcing my exciting (for me, anyway) plans for the ebook launch of The Hating Game! Whoop! And thanks to everyone who's 'liked' me on Facebook. Happy Thursday!
I find books reviews difficult too. But yours was great. It has certainly made me want to stick the book on my Amazon wishlist.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about your ebook launch!
Ooh, sounds interesting. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same, I find reading so much easier than reviewing. I tend to find reviewing books that I really enjoyed come more easily than ones I was unsure of or didn't like.
Yeah I liked this book too! And I LOVE *that* cover ;--)
ReplyDeleteI find it funny how people's tastes vary. Though I cried too, overall, I didn't like the book or Foreman's writing. I couldn't connect with much other than imagining how I'd feel if that were me.
ReplyDeleteI have a few reviews I'd like to do, but I'm struggling to find my review style.
ReplyDeleteThat cover change thing would drive me bonkers. I would think as tied in as we all are nowadays that would diminish...but I may be wrong.
Sounds like a great weekend read.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to read that you and others have trouble with reviews -- now I don't feel like such a dunce.
That does sound like a really cool book. And you didn't give too much away, I think. You said just the right amount to make me want to go read it!
ReplyDeleteSarah Rees Brennan has a few interesting posts on covers and how they differ that you might like - she's also pretty entertaining to read :)
ReplyDelete(And is Irish and was in college with me and is ergo awesome)
The focus is more on YA but it might keep you from the writing for a few minutes!
http://sarahtales.livejournal.com/149192.html
http://sarahtales.livejournal.com/155512.html
I really need to get my hands on this novel!!! I was at Barnes & Noble last night with a friend and I almost snatched it, however I have about 10 books at home that need to be read first, don't want to push it with the hubs, so I'll wait a little while longer. Ugh, I just hear it's worth it!!!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the covers, I love some of the UK versions better, but I do love a lot of the US. I suppose it's what people enjoy more in their area that makes it on the cover... Hmmm, very interesting isn't it?
Talli, I have no idea why there's always two different covers.
ReplyDeleteThos book makes me cry too...and there is a sequel coming out next year I think. Woot.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your e-book launch :)
Not sure why there are different covers between the US and the UK. But I know there are also times books are re-released in the US with a different cover. I know because I have bought two copies of the same book several times because of that. Just goes to show that I should read a book when I buy not just collect them. Looking forward to your announcement.
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Thoughts in Progress
I read this a few months ago and I agree, such a great book. I bawled a fair bit too. It was just such a devastating choice! I admit though that I found some of the flashbacks a little unnecessary, and I sort of just wanted to get back into the action of her present.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this. I thought I may put this on my book club list. They don't read YA but every review I've read says it can be for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks and can't wait to hear details.
Awwwwwww it's brilliant when a story leaves such a cathartic mark on you!!
ReplyDeleteThat's all the recommendation needed sometimes instead of words! :-)
And ooooh excitement all round for tomorrow!
Take care
x
I can't do reviews at all. Uh oh; it sounds like I've got a new addition to a reading list. And so excited for your ebook launch!! I was just telling my boyfriend about your book the other night!
ReplyDeleteI kinda like all the different covers. It's interesting to see how all the different artists from different countries interpret the story into cover.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday! :)
Thanks for the book rec, and I can't wait for your announcement tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book (actually, I never heard of the book) so I can't weigh in on the covers but any book that can make a person cry is good in my books.
ReplyDeleteCant wait to hear the details tomorrow.
CD
Oh dear...ANOTHER book to add to my mile long list!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand either why many book covers are different in the UK than in the US. Makes it more confusing, IMO! I do read a lot of YA so I'll be putting this on my goodreads.com list. And I think it's a prerequisite in YA to make readers cry! :-)
ReplyDeleteI read this book a couple months ago. Like you, I tore through it in one sitting, and I did cry at the end as well. It was really was a great read. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never read or even heard of this novel but ...
ReplyDeleteThat blurb makes no sense, still, you make it sound pretty powerful so I may have to give it a chance ...
I am awful at book reviews. This book sounds like an emotional read.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing all your news tomorrow.
Yup, what Sangu said. The story and premise were excellent and I raced through it - but the back-story bits I raced rather more quickly over. Loved that there were no chapters as such - made the whole thing so 'immediate', as if you HAD to get to the end. What's your next book? I gave up on my fourth - didn't like it. Oh, you already know!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! And a nice review, too.
ReplyDeleteThe cover of "If I Stay" is way better in the US. Why do they do it? It's the same language and everything!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to check out this book. Thanks for the blurb.
Sorry not to duck in before - I was off bleaching my hair! A very important task. I agree about the back-story - I actually forgot about most of it when I was writing the review!
ReplyDeleteI love this cover better! The US one isn't nearly as gorgeous. I've read this book, and I really liked it. I admit that I skimmed quite a bit though... Great review.
ReplyDeleteI have this book sitting in my TBR pile and I totally need to move it up. I keep hearing wonderful things about it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review!
the cover looks great. Will be on my list to read xxx
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI used to review books professionally (get paid for it), but after a while it got so that it was all about making notes, and eventually I chucked the job. I love to read for the pleasure of reading, same reason I love writing.
As for book cover variations: something to do with different market branding - vague at best!
Have you checked out all the latest blogs - it's going bonkers in blogfest land.
best
F
Bleach is extremely important:)
ReplyDeleteThe story sounds so sad. Good review.
Love the title of your book, btw! I have to check that out.
Great review I'll have to add it to my list.
ReplyDeleteWe have the same problem down in Australia. I'm pretty sure the different art works can come around for a couple of reasons, either they're targeting a different demographic so they need a different cover, or sometimes it can be deemed obfensive or confusing to the public so they change. It's also the same with book and movie titles.
Love your review. And you are so right about the covers. So different from the US's cover. Regardless, great review!! :)
ReplyDeleteTalli,
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out why the UK & US choose different book covers. It'd be more economical to stick w/ just 1 cover!
Yeah, reading's a lot easier than reviewing! I like the excerpt you posted.
You may not like writing reviews, but you're good at them. You made me want this book.
ReplyDeleteHelen
Ooh! Will have to read! Huge YA fan and this one sounds moving. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand the different covers either - some of them look like they're for completely different genres & it's the same book!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the review front. I don't find them easy to write either. I think I'd sooner read the thing, dance a jig if I liked it, and let that be my one and only statement. I'm weird that way. :P
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ReplyDeleteI'm pretty awful when it comes to reviewing books, movies or restaurants. Apparently, 'I liked it because it's good' is not a very helpful comment! ;)
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to hear about your ebook launch! So exciting!
I've wondered that same thing. What's with the different covers? Do they market it different, too?
ReplyDeleteWow it sounds very interesting. The description was very vague but very enticing!!!! Ha and what is the diff between US and UK book covers? i've never heard this before.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, and best of luck with the launch! Glad I visited from KarenG's bbq post.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that such an incredible book? I adored it. So beautifully written. I read it in a day too and... yeah, I shed a few tears :)
ReplyDeleteThis cover is GORGEOUS! And your review just sealed the deal...it's going on my to-read list.
ReplyDeleteHi Talli .. I expect it's to do with artistic licence .. the artist cannot work in the States and vice versa ..
ReplyDeleteThe Unions' hold over their members ..
Book reviews .. I think I'd have to have a pencil in hand ..& jot notes down .. love reading them though ..
Thanks - Hilary
That was a great book to read and glad you do bawl like me when it gets so emotional and yeah the book cover thing with the U.S and UK just call it history. Been quite sick just came home from the hospital with a little procedure done so sorry am late xo :)
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