superclea

Before I Fall



What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.


This book, by Lauren Oliver, was on pretty much every Top Ten pf 2010 YA list and since I've been making my way through the lists, it was inevitable that I got here. I read it in two days and thoroughly enjoyed it. To my mind it has everything a YA book should have-- a little mystery, a lot of horrid high school drama, real characters who are completely imperfect and frustrating (because every teen is frustrating, every damn one), and a touch of desire. And it should have all those things plus be readable, breezy, fast-moving and carefully written. Check, check, check and check. Highly recommended - I know this has been said about it, but it's hard not to compare: it's sort of Groundhog Day (of death!) meets Heathers, minus the biting black comedy, although there is comedy and it is pretty bleak. All in all, a great summer read. Looking forward to her Delirium, which is more supernatural than this one.

Lauren Oliver