GREAT READS

If I Stay

by Gayle Forman.

Mia's life is finally taking off. She's been accepted into the most prestigious music school, has a dream boyfriend and a fantastic family she's very close to. The most important decision in her life is whether to follow her dream or her new love when "it" happens. The accident. During a family drive, she awakens to the horrifying sight of bodies all over the road and the smell of burning rubber. As Mia is rushed to the hospital, no one will tell her whether her little brother is still alive. She seems unable to communicate with her grandparents and friends who come to visit and eventually realizes she's in a coma. Mia can still see and hear what's happening, but is powerless to change it. Now her biggest decision is whether to stay or to go when everything around her has fallen apart. Although humorous at times, this story delves deep into one girl's struggle to make sense of her world and eventually brought me to tears. If you enjoyed Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, you'll definitely want to check out this novel.

Recommended by Allison Holbrook