If I Stay

Gayle Forman

‘If I Stay’ is a 2009 young adult fiction novel written by American writer Gayle Forman. The book centers around 17-year-old Mia, who after a tragic event involving her entire family, has to make a choice, a choice that will decide whether she accepts her fate and move on with life or not. With the novel written in the first-person perspective, one could feel the weight of the choice Mia has to take.

Key Facts About If I Stay

Gayle Forman and If I Stay

The idea to create the young adult fiction novel ‘If I Stay‘ was inspired by a tragedy that left an entire family of Gayle’s friends and their children dead.

‘If I stay’ follows the story of 17-year-old Mia, who has an ordinary school life, a handsome boyfriend, caring parents, and a wonderful baby brother. However, life takes a drastic turn for Mia as all the happiness she felt came tumbling when her entire family is involved in a ghastly accident.

Mia regains consciousness and soon discovers she is in a situation where she only acts as an observer to events happening around her. Soon Mia begins to weigh the effect of her choice to stay or to leave. Mia knew staying would be the hardest decision for her as her life will never remain the same again, but at the same time, she realizes she should stay because though her family is gone, she still had people who loved her dearly.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman Art
Artistic Representation of If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Books Related To If I Stay

‘If I Stay’ is a novel that provides a perfect representation of choices in dire situations. The contemporary young adult novel describes in perfect analogy the weight of having to make a choice that makes all the difference in the world. The book shows the feeling of sorrow, loneliness, affection, and love from the perspective of a teenage girl.

Books with a striking literary similarity to ‘If I Stay‘ include novels like ‘Where She Went,’ the sequel to ‘If I Stay,’ ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ by Jay Asher, and ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ by John Green.

The Lasting Impact of If I Stay

With the book reaching the number one spot on the US top best-selling book list after its movie adaptation, ‘If I Stay’ has shaped the young adult novel world. With a positive critic and audience reception, the book has proved that its refined characters, fluid storyline, and captivating emotional display make it one of the best young adult novels written.

If I Stay Best Quotes

‘If I Stay’ is a novel that shows how the uncertainties of life hit hard, with numerous quotes to back up feelings and expressionism.

If I Stay Characters

‘If I Stay’ features many intriguing characters with different personalities, lifestyles, and ideologies.

If I Stay Historical Context

‘If I Stay’ remains Gayle Forman’s best book to date. The book perfectly captures the idea of choices and how making definitive decisions can be difficult.

If I Stay Plot Summary

Considered to be Gayle Forman’s best book to date, ‘If I Stay’ gives a perfect analogy of the choices made when faced with unfathomable circumstances.

If I Stay Review

‘If I Stay’ tells an intriguing story of pain, sorrow, love, transcendence into adulthood, and choices.

If I Stay Themes and Analysis

‘If I Stay’ reflects life and choice, and the book creates an analogy of how life is when one is faced with making just one choice that would change their entire life.

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