Book Teaser of If I Stay (Teaser written by Daniel Lee)

            



             If I Stay is a young adult novel written by Gayle Forman. Published in 2009, the book received  the 2009 NAIBA Book of the Year Award and was a 2010 Indies Choice Book Award winner. The book also had a film adaptation that was fairly unsuccessful. If I Stay is a very interesting book to say the least. 

             The protagonist of the story, Mia Hall, is a 17-year-old girl in high school. Mia struggles to fit in with others in school and with her family. Her mom, dad, and little brother, Teddy, all love rock, but Mia's music taste is drastically different. Mia loves classical music, but her mom, dad, and little brother were all rock-loving, enthusiastic listeners that were full of vigorous energy. However, Mia didn't really like rock. When the family listens to rock, all she can do is just stay there awkwardly. Due to this, Mia feels  disconnection between her and the rest of the family. But, Mia doesn't let this get between her and her love for classical music. Mia is an extremely skilled cello player, and she finds calm and peace through playing the cello. Within school and her family, she feels like a black swan, but playing the cello let her be in her own imaginary world. However, one single moment will change her life forever. No cello to escape reality, and she has to face the biggest decision of her life.

            On a snowy winder day, school is cancelled due to large amounts of snow. Mia's family uses this chance to go visit relatives. While on their drive, the car suddenly starts to lose control. In an instant, the car starts drifting into another lane. In moments, the car was sent flying. Everything in Mia's world went dark. 

            Suddenly, she woke up, and found herself in the E.R. being quickly escorted throughout the hospital. The doctors surrounding her were discussing the condition of Mia’s coma. What? Coma!? But wait, it was special. Somehow, it was like as if she had a second body, she could see her surroundings, she could move around, and she could hear everything around her. When she turned to look at her body, Mia could see her motionless, bloody body. 

            Her relatives and friends soon came rushing into the hospital, trying to visit her. But unfortunately, Nobody was to visit her due to her critical condition. To pass time, Mia’s relatives talk about what happened to Mia’s family, and Mia’s “ghost body” would overhear tragic news. Her mom, dad, and little brother were all dead. Mia's world collapses. She's in a coma, her family members are all dead, and her body is in severe condition. What's the purpose of even staying alive at that point? Her only source of joy was in her friends and relatives. As relatives are allowed to visit Mia one by one, Mia goes through flashbacks of joyous times. Happy sleepovers at her uncle’s house, going to concerts with her boyfriend, and so many more memories. 
           As Mia’s body heals, Mia comes to a point where she has to choose between two choices. Will she stay on this world, or will she leave it? Mia is torn apart by this choice. If she stays, her family will be gone, she wont fit in with others in school, and she’s most likely going to be handicapped for the rest of her life, but she'll be reunited with her friends, boyfriend, and relatives. If she leaves, she can leave everything behind. There’s going to be no more pain and suffering. Will Mia’s relatives and friends be able to restore her hope in life? Or, will Mia give up and let go?

Comments

  1. James YOctober 13, 2023 at 9:25 PM

    Hi Daniel, the dilemma presented here has me wanting to read this book. To be honest, if I were put in the same scenario, I wouldn't know what to do. You talked about Mia being able to see and hear, and even move while being in a coma. I think what's interesting is that sometimes in real life, people in comas are actually aware of what is happening around them. Here is an article if you want to read more about that: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/geoffrey-lean-i-was-in-a-coma-but-i-could-hear-every-word-415327.html

    I really enjoyed reading this teaser, and will definitely check this book out the next time I go to the library.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DJOctober 16, 2023 at 7:19 AM

    Wow. This summary gives me the impression that this book is a powerful read. I especially like how you and Mia both play cello and share the love for classical music. I didn't expect the dark turn in the story, but it definitely makes it more interesting. Thanks for the recommendation!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Y_Jemina_FOctober 17, 2023 at 8:14 PM

    The choice presented here seems interesting, it's a concept I've never considered before. If I had the option to, would I choose to die, since my family is dead anyway and life was never quite worth living, or would I try and find reasons to stay? In reality, having suicidal thoughts usually makes this internal debate much more complicated, due to pain and having a living family. There was a book I read last year with the quote something along the lines of "hasn't every intelligent person contemplated suicide before?" I've pondered the choice between living and dying a lot before, but I'm not sure which option I would choose here.

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