17-year-old Mia has a full life, a wonderful family, great friends and an amazing boyfriend. She also has a deep love of music, and some happy, if difficult, decisions to make about her future. But in an instant, one snowy morning on a family outing, a tragic car crash reduces her decisions to one: whether to stay alive... or not. The book follows Mia's decision-making, combining flashbacks to her happy life with scenes from the present, where she lies in hospital in a 'grave condition' but fully aware of events going on around her and everything her visitors say and do.
I'd heard high praise for this book before I read it, and I wasn't disappointed, not by any stretch. The characters in this book are convincing and true-to-life, and I loved the depiction of Mia's quirky parents and happy family life. I also loved the descriptions of music and the role it has to play in Mia's life - and in the life of her boyfriend Adam. My favourite scenes involved Mia's friend Kim, especially when we were shown the way Kim and Mia's friendship developed. The romance and passion between Mia and Adam is also amazingly shown.
There was a fascinating emphasis throughout the book on the importance of family, and the way family members affect each other and change each other's lives, making this an excellent book for any age group to enjoy. I found it a very quick read, but one that is memorable, powerful and real.
Great review Luisa! It's a book that really makes you think, isn't it? It might be short, but it's one that'll stick in your head. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Posted by: Jenny | 27 April 2009 at 10:45 AM
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, though I haven't heard of anyone who hasn't!
Posted by: Sophie | 27 April 2009 at 10:59 AM
YAY this book is so my pick for no 1 of 2009 thus far. I am ecstatic that you love it as I do :)
Posted by: Adele | 27 April 2009 at 12:18 PM
I really liked it, but you're right abot it being a quick read.
Posted by: H | 28 April 2009 at 11:55 AM
It is a very quick read but lovely. One reviewer didn't like - the person who reviews for Entertainment Weekly - they slagged it off and suggested we wait for the movie! I don't think they are on the same planet as normal peeps who have taste and distinction - like us!
Posted by: Liz | 28 April 2009 at 05:17 PM
Great review!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really liked it as well. I also found that the book was over quite quickly :(
A good read nonetheless :)
Posted by: Katie Pinn | 29 April 2009 at 07:16 PM
Your the second person I've read a review about this book from. The first was "About Books". I said on the other blog comment that I'm soon going to read this because her review was really awesome, but I would like to stay thanks for putting up a review also of this book because now I have seen two reviews saying it's great and life-like. I'm surely going to read it one of these days.
Do you read biographies?
Posted by: Maura | 07 May 2009 at 05:44 AM
Thanks for the great comments!
Maura, we mostly review teen fiction here, but we wouldn't rule out reading and reviewing biographies.
If you get the book, I hope you enjoy it!
Posted by: Luisa | 07 May 2009 at 07:28 AM