Adventures in Polishland

Author: Adventures in Polishland

Book Review | Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

Posted on August 30, 2016August 30, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Where She Went (If I Stay #2) by Gayle Forman

Published by Dutton Juvenile on April 5, 2011

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 264

Source: Library

Goodreads: ★★★★

It’s been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard’s rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future – and each other.

Told from Adam’s point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

REVIEW

I was very excited to pick up Where She Went, the sequel to Gayle Forman’s If I Stay, as soon as I finished the first book in this duology. If I Stay ended quite abruptly, and I just had to know what would happen next in Mia Hall’s life. Where She Went is told from Adam Wilde’s perspective, Mia’s high school boyfriend, three years after Mia decides to stay. Adam is now a famous rock star, and is struggling in a plethora of ways. Fame is not treating him well, and he is dealing with the grief he feels after Mia breaks up with him when she moved away to college, and after losing her family, too.

The story begins with Adam in New York City for his band. He is about to leave for a European tour, but he decides to go for a walk in the city, and finds out Mia is playing a concert at Carnegie Hall. The two reconnect after the show, and discuss the changes in their lives since they last spoke. Where She Went is written both in the current time, and in flashback scenes as well. This format helps to shed light on the events that Mia and Adam went through since the end of If I Stay.

Right off the bat I could tell Where She Went has a different tone than the first book, and not just because Adam is the narrator. This book is definitely more raw and sad in ways that If I Stay is not. For example, Adam suffers from depression after Mia dumps him. It is heartbreaking to see how much pain he is in, and how he had no one to truly comfort him besides his parents. I really admire Forman for being able to write about such devastating topics in a realistic way.

Similarly, I think Forman does an amazing job at capturing fame from the inside. It is eye-opening to see what Adam goes through on a daily basis as a rock star. He has absolutely no privacy, and he gets mobbed wherever he goes. I think Where She Went is a must read solely for this look at how celebrities are treated in our society today.

Moreover, I also really liked how this book incorporates the setting of New York City. It is rare that I read a book in which the characters interact so much with their setting. In Where She Went, Mia takes Adam around the city to visit her favorite places. Whether you are familiar with New York or not, I think you will feel so pulled in by the city’s atmosphere while reading.

There are a few things about this book that I did not enjoy so much, mostly a few aspects that seemed a bit too ridiculous. First, despite Adam being super famous, no one knows about his relationship with Mia. The couple was together over two years, and I’m sure Mia’s accident was publicized. I find it extremely hard to believe that this could be kept a secret from the media. In the same way, Adam, Mia, and Mia’s friend Kim all turn out to be famous. Sure, it could happen that three high school friends all become famous, but it seemed a bit outlandish to me, and detracted just a bit from the book’s credibility.

Overall, I still really liked Where She Went, and am glad I read it to receive the closure I did not get from the first book. I highly recommend picking this sequel up if you have not done so yet. Forman writes so beautifully, and she creates well-developed characters that will stay with me as a reader for a long time. I will definitely be picking up Forman’s other books in the future!

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

When you buy a book through the Amazon or Book Depository links above, I earn a small commission through each website’s affiliate program. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

5 Nail Polishes for a Job Interview

Posted on August 29, 2016August 23, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! With the new school year right around the corner, I thought it would be helpful to share with you my favorite nail polishes for a job interview. Whether you are interviewing for an internship or a full time gig, or simply looking for more office appropriate shades, this post is for you! You’ve probably heard it before, but whenever you head to a professional job interview, you want to make sure the interviewer is focused on you, and not on your makeup, nails, or fragrance. I personally like to wear neutral shades of nail polish that look very clean and subdued whenever I’m in a professional environment. This post will share my top five nail polish picks for a job interview that work with all skin tones!

Quick disclaimer before I jump right into the post – make sure to use your own judgment before heading into your job interview! What polish is appropriate will depend on the job itself. For example, if you’re applying for a job at a beauty store you can probably get away with something more daring! I wanted to focus solely on the professional world in this post.

Julep – Alexandra [BUY]

First up is Julep Alexandra, an off-white cream polish. I think this yellow-toned polish is perfect because it is really understated, and not bright like a true white polish is on the nails. Alexandra’s formula is great, and I applied three coats for an even, opaque manicure. If you like lighter colors, a cream shade will work really well for you no matter your skin tone. It always looks sophisticated in my opinion!

Zoya – Rowan [BUY]

Next up is Zoya Rowan, a taupe polish that dries to a satin finish. Rowan is a stunning polish, and I love how soft the finish is. Rowan’s formula is excellent, and opaque in two coats. It also dries really quickly if you’re in a bit of a rush. Taupe is a great color family for professional nail polish, so pick the shade that you prefer!

LVX – Cashmere [BUY]

This next polish is an interesting one, because whenever I look at the bottle I’m unsure of how to describe the color. LVX Cashmere is, according to the brand’s website, a cool grey polish. I find that it has a pink undertone, which I really like. Cashmere also has a nice formula that is opaque in two coats. If you want an off-white polish that isn’t a cream shade, then try a cool grey!

Wet ‘n Wild Megalast – Bit the Bullet [BUY]

If you would like a bit more color on your nails, go for a mauve shade. I love Wet ‘n Wild Megalast’s Bite the Bullet. Not only is it super affordable, but it has a great formula as well. Mauve is another color family where the shades can vary widely. I really like the purple-toned mauves, but if you prefer the pinks that works well, too!

Zoya – Aubrey [BUY]

Last but not least is Zoya Aubrey, a deep plum purple shade. If you really want to wear color during your interview, I recommend choosing a deep purple. This can be a purple like Aubrey, with a brown undertone, or something with more of a red undertone. I think Aubrey is a great choice, as the formula is awesome and opaque in two coats. Plus, the purple isn’t too noticeable. It’s a great, happy medium for when you want a color, but don’t want it too bright!

That wraps up my picks for job interview appropriate nail polish! I hope you found this post helpful whether you are a first-time interviewee or a seasoned veteran looking to change things up on the nails. I wish you all the best of luck on your interview!

What nail polish shade did you wear to your last job interview? Share in a comment!

Some of the products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain in Macaroon Review | $1.99 T.J. Maxx Find

Posted on August 26, 2016August 17, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I recently went to my local T.J. Maxx store to pick up a bottle of dry shampoo, and decided to browse through the beauty section to see if there were any other goodies worth purchasing. I did grab some cleansing wipes from the brand Avalon Organics to try, but on the way to the checkout I spotted some Milani products! I’ve never tried the Milani Power Lip line before, and the shade Macaroon looked really pretty. It was just $1.99, so I decided to buy it as well. Let me share my thoughts on this product with you, as well as some swatches.

Milani Power Lip is a really unique lip product that is part gloss and part stain. It is designed to have a non-drying formula that is also long-lasting. I was drawn in by the gorgeous color on the packaging, and thought it would be a nice shade to wear during the day.

Probably the most interesting aspect of this product is the applicator. This is a twist-up product with a brush at the end. I wasn’t really thrilled with this applicator at first, but I must admit the brush is really soft and the application is surprisingly user friendly. My tip in using this applicator is not cranking out too much product at once. Less is more with Power Lip!

Milani really nailed the description of gloss stain with this product! The Power Lip almost feels like a liquid lipstick, because it has an opaque yet super glossy appearance. While I did notice that the Power Lip sticks to any dry patches on the lips, the formula otherwise feels quite creamy and hydrating. If you do have dry lips, simply use a lip scrub before application.

The shade Macaroon is a true pink color. It is a bit brighter than I normally wear, and I was hoping for more of a peachy-nude undertone. However, I think the shade does look quite nice on me, and I hope to step outside my comfort zone and wear this often. I definitely appreciate how comfortable the product is during wear, and how the staining properties of the formula leave a nice tint to the lips as the actual gloss wears off throughout the day.

All in all, I’m really glad I found this Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain at T.J. Maxx! I think this is a fabulous and affordable lip product, and I am excited to wear it more. Unfortunately, the Power Lip appears to be discontinued since it is no longer listed on Milani’s website. Make sure to check out your local T.J. Maxx to see if you can score any at a discounted price! Please let me know in the comments if you’ve found anything exciting at your local T.J. Maxx or discount store!

Go Veggie Cheese Alternatives Pepper Jack Singles Review

Posted on August 25, 2016August 22, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I’m reviewing a food product here at Adventures in Polishland. I am a member of the website BzzAgent, and sometimes receive free products to try. Imagine my surprise when I got the opportunity to test out cheese alternatives from the brand Go Veggie just as I began eating a vegan diet! I got two coupons for a free product, and went grocery shopping right away. Go Veggie offers lactose free, soy free, and vegan cheese in a variety of styles and flavors. I could only find one vegan option at my local grocery store, the Pepper Jack Singles, and got those to try. Let me share my experience eating this cheese alternative with you!

I found Go Veggie in the produce section of my local grocery store. Unfortunately for me, the Pepper Jack Singles was the only vegan option available. I’m not a big fan of Pepper Jack cheese, so I knew I wouldn’t love the flavor of this cheese. However, I still wanted to give it a try to see what the texture was like, and get a good idea of what the Go Veggie Cheese Alternatives are like. What I love about Go Veggie products is that they are non-GMO and plant-based. Plus, the Pepper Jack Singles contain more calcium and less fat than traditional cheese. One slice is only 35 calories, but 20% of your daily calcium!

The Pepper Jack Singles are packaged just like regular cheese singles, and look like Pepper Jack, too. I tried the cheese on its own, on homemade pizza, and in sandwiches. Unfortunately, I did not care for this cheese very much. The flavor itself tastes just like Pepper Jack, which I appreciate but don’t enjoy too much because of the spicy kick. My biggest issue, however, is with the texture. It’s difficult to describe what Go Veggie feels like, but it is not like traditional cheese at all. It felt a bit grainy and stiff, and not gooey or creamy. It also didn’t melt very well. Part of the problem I had with the taste is because I was overanalyzing the cheese on all my food – I knew I was using a cheese alternative and not the “real thing,” so with each bite I had the mindset of: “Does this taste like cheese?!” If I wasn’t concentrating so hard on tasting the vegan cheese, I might have enjoyed it a bit more.

While I’m not the biggest fan of Go Veggie’s Pepper Jack Singles, I still want to try the other available vegan options if I can find them. Not only are there three other flavors of cheese singles, but there are shreds and dips as well. If you are looking for a cheese alternative, whether you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or soy free, I do recommend trying out Go Veggie to see how you like it. Pepper Jack wasn’t the best cheese for me to try, but I went for it because that’s all I had available. You can visit the Go Veggie website HERE to learn more about the available products!

Have you tried vegan cheese? Share your favorite brand or flavor in the comments!

The product in this post was purchased using a coupon for a free product. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Zoya Nail Polish Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016 | Metallic Holos

Posted on August 24, 2016August 22, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Today I am excited to share with you the six metallic holographic polishes in Zoya Nail Polish’s new Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016. You can see my full review of the cream shades HERE, which I posted earlier this week. Now it’s all about the super trendy and unique polishes that make up the rest of this line. If you are looking for some edgier polishes to wear, the metallic holos are for you! Let me share my thoughts on these six shades!

First up is Alicia, a silver linear holographic polish. Alicia has an excellent formula, but it is a bit sheer, so I applied three coats to achieve opacity. I am beyond impressed with how stunning the holographic effect is on this polish. If you are a fan of holo nail polish, Alicia is a must for your collection.

Next up is Finley, a deep purple polish with a scattered holo. Finley has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I am really loving this polish! It reminds me of Aurora from Zoya’s Ornate Collection (see review HERE), but in a purple color instead of pink. Finley also has a lot of dimension because of the scattered holo effect.

The other scattered holo in this collection is Merida, a deep green shade. Merida also has an awesome formula that is opaque in two coats. I am ready to wear this polish through to the holiday season! Merida is the perfect transitional shade from fall to winter.

Next up is Britta, a berry red metallic polish with red and fuchsia shimmer. Britta has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I do find metallic polishes a bit messier to work with, but I’m happy that there are no brush strokes visible with this one. Britta is a really unique nail polish, and one I’m sure I don’t own anything else like in my collection!

Ash is the other metallic shimmer in the collection, and is a cherry red shade with red and gold shimmer. If you are looking for a brighter version of Britta, this polish is for you! Ash has the same great formula that is opaque in two coats, and is super sparkly. I don’t wear a lot of metallic polishes, but Ash will certainly come into play during my holiday manicures!

Last but not least is Troy, a pewter shade with a foil finish and touch of black and gold shimmer. Troy has a good formula but I did find it to be a bit messy, so be prepared for a bit of clean up around the cuticles. I love this shade of polish for fall, as it pairs nicely with dark clothing and the soft texture of sweaters. It does remind me of last year’s polish called Tris (seen HERE), but contains that gold sparkle that makes it different.

All in all, the Zoya Urban Grunge Collection contains a nice selection of holo, shimmer, and metallic polishes. While I don’t wear these formulas often myself, I do highly recommend these based on the great quality. My favorites are definitely Alicia and Finley, so those are my top picks. You can shop the Urban Grunge polishes on Zoya’s website HERE. Each polish retails for $10, but keep your eye out for deals and coupons! Let me know in the comments what your top picks of the Urban Grunge collection are!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

My Top 5 Book Buzzwords

Posted on August 23, 2016August 13, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my top five book buzzwords. These are the words or phrases that, when used to describe a book, prompt me to pick it up as soon as possible. The cool thing about buzzwords is that they can fit into multiple genres. For example, you can find some of my buzzwords in fantasy, contemporary, science fiction, mystery, and more! This blog post will list my top buzzwords and provide a bit of an explanation as to why I get so excited to read books that fit into these categories. I will also share some books I recommend for each buzzword, so you can read them if you have not already.

5. Heart-wrenching Books

I love books that are extremely emotional, but it’s not enough for a book to just make me cry. If a book can provide me with well-developed characters who find themselves in really difficult situations, then I get sucked in easily.

4. Competition Stories

I will admit I’m a very competitive person, and I love to read about characters who are also battling against one another. The competition can be the central plot of the book, or one scene in a longer novel, but if there is any sort of competitive aspect advertised about a book, you bet I will give it a read.

3. Secret Societies

I am so intrigued with the idea of secret societies, whether they exist in a world like our own, or in a fantasy world. There is just something so interesting about this concept to me. Perhaps it’s the idea that they are hiding in plain sight and have so much power over mainstream society without anyone knowing it.

2. Cults / Fundamentalist Religions

Similar to secret societies are books about cults or fundamentalist religions. I haven’t read too many books in this category yet, but I love television shows and movies about this topic. I think it is fascinating to learn about people who grow up in fundamentalist religions, but I also like to learn about those who get sucked into a cult later in life. I have a lot of books on my to read list that fit this category!

1. Unreliable Narrators

Finally, my most-loved book buzzword is an unreliable narrator. I love when books are written in the first-person, and you don’t know whether you can trust the character and anything he may tell you. Sometimes it is apparent from the start that a narrator may be lying to you, but it’s even better when a plot twist comes in to show the narrator’s deceitfulness to you as a reader.

That wraps up my top five book buzzwords! I hope you enjoyed learning more about my reading habits, while at the same time getting some book recommendations from me. I would love to know in the comments if you have any book buzzwords. You can also let me know if you have any book recommendations that fit my categories of choice. I’m always excited to learn more about the books you all love!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Zoya Nail Polish Urban Grunge Collection for Fall 2016 | Creams

Posted on August 22, 2016August 19, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I am beyond excited to bring you a review of the new Zoya Nail Polish collection for this fall. Grunge is super trendy this year, and Zoya made sure to put a modern spin on this old school style with the Urban Grunge nail polish line. The full collection contains six cream formulas and six metallic holographic formulas. I will be sharing swatches of the creams with you in this post, and make sure to stay tuned for the holographic polishes on Wednesday.

Zoya describes the Urban Grunge creams as one coat polishes. I agree that these polishes are highly pigmented, but I applied two coats of polish in all of the swatches seen here. If you use a thicker coat of polish, you will definitely be able to get away with one coat. However, I prefer to use two thin coats of polish to ensure a manicure that dries evenly. Either technique works, so choose what is better for you!

First up is Mallory, a bright blue polish that is definitely my favorite of the bunch. Mallory has an excellent formula that applies smoothly, but this richly pigmented polish will stain your nails, so make sure you wear a healthy layer of base coat. Mallory looks much lighter on Zoya’s website than it does in person, so keep that in mind. I used natural sunlight when photographing these swatches to ensure I got true-to-life pictures for all of you.

Next up is August, a grey polish with blue undertones. August also has a great formula, and I think this grey shade will work well with many skin tones. Sometimes grey can be difficult to wear, but the blue undertones bring August to life. I can also see this paired with a glitter polish to dress it up a bit!

Another one of my favorites is Wyatt, a Hunter green shade. Wyatt has an amazing formula that is super smooth and shiny without a top coat needed. I absolutely love this polish color for the fall and winter months. It goes with all of the earthy clothing I’ll be wearing very soon!

Next up is Courtney, a deep burgundy polish. Country’s formula is a bit different from the rest of the Urban Grunge creams, and is more of a “crelly” (cream and jelly) formula. This shade is perfect for fall, and will work for nearly every situation. Courtney is great if you want a twist on the traditional red manicure.

Tara is up next, and this is a deep purple shade. If you are looking for a richly pigmented plum, you should definitely check out Tara. The formula is excellent, and it looks beyond gorgeous on the nails. I think Tara will look stunning on everyone, and I can’t wait to wear this one again.

Last but not least is Noah, a warm taupe polish. Noah has a good formula, but I did find it to be a bit tacky. I recommend thin coats with this polish so you can achieve an even finish. If you work in a professional environment, or simply love neutral polishes, Noah is a great option for you.

All in all, I am really loving the cream polishes in Zoya’s Urban Grunge collection. You all know I am a huge fan of cream formulas, and Zoya has done it again with this line. I know I will be wearing Mallory and Wyatt quite often, plus I need more Tara in my life! Honestly, I recommend all of these shades, and am loving the rich pigmentation. You can purchase the Urban Grunge collection on Zoya’s website HERE. Each polish retails for $10, but keep an eye out for sales and coupons! Let me know your favorite polish in the Urban Grunge Collection in the comments!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

$300 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Posted on August 19, 2016August 19, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I am so excited to announce my participation in an amazing collaborative giveaway with fellow bloggers! This time it is for another $300 Amazon Gift Card, and I couldn’t be more excited for you to enter. Whether you’re buying textbooks for school, food for your pantry, or a treat for yourself, this gift card will give one of you a nice shopping spree. Please remember to read through the rules below, and best of luck!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $300 Amazon Gift Card

Co-hosts: Jenns Blah Blah Blog // Coupons and Freebies Mom // Pretty Thrifty // A Better Me // The Mommyhood Mentor® // Taffeta & Tulips // Top Free Mmorpg 2017 // SWEETHAUTE // Surviving Mommy // Lauryncakes // A Wandering Vine // Novelstyle // A Labour of Life // It’s Naptime Somewhere // Bill Hiatt’s Author Website // It Girl Accessories // Heartfully Heather // Misadventures with Andi // Purple Patch DIY // The Sophisticated Life // Fashion Fairy Dust

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 9/16 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MAKE Beauty Product Reviews | Face Primer + Molten Shadow in Bronze

Posted on August 19, 2016August 24, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to review for you two products from the brand MAKE Beauty. I’ve tried a few products from MAKE in the past, and have really enjoyed them. I find that the beauty products offered are quite unique, but I also enjoy the company’s mission. MAKE is created in New York City, and donates 10% of sales to the We See Beauty Foundation, an organization supporting women-led and worker-owned cooperative businesses in the Americas. MAKE is also a cruelty free brand that offers a selection of vegan options. It’s always great to find a company that creates quality products, but is also focused on doing good in the world! Without further ado, let me share my thoughts on the Face Primer and the Molten Shadow in Bronze.

Face Primer

First up is the Face Primer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30. This primer is formulated to correct your skin’s imperfections while protecting against the sun. It can be worn alone, or used as a base before applying foundation, and dries to a velvet finish. I really like this primer for its sunscreen benefits. I noticed that the product does have a slight sunscreen scent, but it’s not too strong and I can’t smell it once I’ve completed my makeup. My skin does appear more even after applying the primer, but I do wish it smoothed out my skin a bit more. I have large pores, and typically use a pore-filling primer to smooth out the skin. With the MAKE Face Primer, my pores are still quite visible under my foundation. Thus, while I love using this product as an everyday face sunscreen, I do wish it aided with smoothing out my imperfections a bit more. I recommend this for those of you who are looking more for an SPF than a perfecting primer.

Molten Shadow in Bronze

Next up I have the Molten Shadow in the shade Bronze. This eyeshadow is really unique, because it is a cream gel formula that can be worn in a variety of ways. The Molten Shadow can be worn in a very defined manner, or it can be blended out for a more subtle look. The trick is in choosing the right tool. I find that when I use my finger I get a defined and pigmented application, but an eyeshadow brush helps to smooth out harsh lines and disperse the product a bit more. My biggest tip with the Molten Shadow is to use the tiniest bit, as this eyeshadow really packs a punch! Plus, Bronze is a stunning metallic shade with green, gold, and bronze shimmer. Whether you’re creating a look for day or night, you can make this eyeshadow work for any occasion!

All in all, I am really enjoying these products from MAKE Beauty. MAKE is a boutique brand, so the prices are a bit higher than I typically spend, but I love to support small businesses in the United States whenever I can. You can shop MAKE on the brand’s website HERE. Definitely let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any products from MAKE, or if you plan on doing so in the future.

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Book Review | If I Stay (If I Stay #1) by Gayle Forman

Posted on August 18, 2016August 18, 2016 by Adventures in Polishland

If I Stay (If I Stay #1) by Gayle Forman

Published by Speak on April 2, 2009

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 261

Source: Purchased

Goodreads: ★★★★ 1/2

The critically acclaimed, bestselling novel from Gayle Forman, author of Where She Went, Just One Day, and Just One Year.
Soon to be a major motion picture, starring Chloe Moretz!

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Now a major motion picture starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Mia’s story will stay with you for a long, long time.

REVIEW

I was hesitant to pick up If I Stay by Gayle Forman for a very long time after hearing such mixed reviews about this young adult novel. I finally got to it during this year’s Booktube-a-thon, and I am so glad I did. If I Stay follows teenager Mia when she and her family are in a devastating car crash. Her parents die in the crash, and her younger brother is critically injured. Mia is in a coma, but is having an out-of-body experience where she can see everything that is going on in the hospital, but cannot communicate with the friends and family members who come to visit her. Mia must decide whether she should stay and continue living without her parents, or whether she should let go and die. Readers follow Mia as she reflects on this decision, and shares moments of her life from the past to help make her choice.

When I first began the book, I was a little underwhelmed. I liked the characters and the story, but the writing seemed a bit simplistic. However, as I continued reading, I quickly became emotionally attached to the characters in the novel. Forman is an incredible storyteller. She has the ability to put so much feeling into the book without needing flowery writing. I teared up several times throughout If I Stay because of how well written the book is.

Similarly, I think the back-and-forth in time format works really well for this novel. It helped put me inside Mia’s headspace more, as I could understand her feelings by going into the past and reliving her memories. For example, I especially loved Mia’s grandfather, whom she calls Gramps. He is a quiet and gentle man, but one who plays a huge role in Mia’s life. I really connected with his character, and because we got to see him interact with Mia in her memories, what he does in the present is even more meaningful. Mia has a very special relationship with all of the people in her life, and it was really interesting to see these connections through her memories.

Moreover, I liked the way music plays a role in this novel. Mia is a classical cellist, and is very passionate about the music she plays. Her parents loved punk music, and her boyfriend plays in a punk band. Not only does music help the characters strengthen their relationships, but it also helps to build emotion in the reader. I think Forman used this element well in the book, because music is something many of us can connect with on a personal level, no matter what type of music we enjoy.

As for the ending of If I Stay, I did really enjoy it, but it also stops quite abruptly. I would have really liked just a bit more, perhaps in the form of an epilogue. There is a second book called Where She Went, and I will be reading that very soon to see if I get any answers.

Overall, I am surprised by how much I loved reading If I Stay. It is a short book, but it packs an emotional punch. I did watch the movie adaptation on Amazon Prime shortly after reading the book, and I liked that a lot, too. I highly recommend picking up the book first, though, as you get to know the characters a lot more. If you liked The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Album, I think you’ll enjoy this book as well. It created the same feeling within me as a reader, and gave me an inspirational and hopeful message on life. I will definitely be reading more books from Gayle Forman in the future!

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository