Finished audio 9-6-09, rating 4/5, YA, pub. 2009
I don’t read many young adult books, haven’t since I was a teenager, but I saw so many positive reviews of this one I thought I’d give it a try. I’m so glad I did! It is the wonderful story of Mia and her very cool family and friends.
Mia is in the car with her family on a snowy Oregon morning when the unthinkable happens. She wakes up on the side of the road looking at the wreckage of her life. Then the reality of her new life is and memories of her past collide and she must decide if she stays.
It is easy to get pulled into this story. Mia’s family is so fun and loving and supportive. Aging rockers, her parents are the sort that every kids wants growing up. And Mia’s boyfriend, Adam, is the perfect boy for a first love. Music is the main thread through the book highlighting its healing power and the ability it has to bring people together.
It really is hard to describe this book without giving too much away and I don’t really want to spoil it for anyone. I loved the heartfelt story and the compelling and accessible characters. A great YA book that many will appreciate. I did.
Stacy's Books 
I love YA and I’ve heard all good things about this book. I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
I too avoid YA books but liked Alvor which I read last week.
This sounds good too!
You’re right – everyone would love to have aging rockers for parents. The book sounds wonderful. I’ve only recently started reading YA books and have enjoyed most of them that I’ve read.
I have this on my TBR List and hope to get to it this year. I’m really surprised and pleased with the quality of YA books these days. 🙂
This looks great. One more to my TBR list!
Hello, Stacy! I love YA, so I think I’m going to like this one. Thanks for giving us your insights on this YA novel.
I too have heard great things about this book! I’ll have to be sure to add this to my list.
I always feel like such a dope reading YA out in public – I’m always worried people will think I haven’t gotten beyond a chapter book reading level! They are nice guilty pleasures – and I like to revisit the ones I remember fondly from my youth.
This is one of my favorite YA of the year. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this one. I thought it was beautifully written and I loved every moment I spent reading it.
Like you, I’ve read many great reviews of IF I STAY (now, including yours). I didn’t realize that music played such a role; this sounds like it would be even more impactful on audio because of that.