Gayle Forman, Where She Went: A Review
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton
Date: 2011
Genre: Contemporary YA
208 pages.
Where I got it: Read on tour at Around the World ARC Tours
Challenges: None
I just recently reviewed the audiobook version if If I Stay. This is the second book in the same series, which takes the perspective, of Mia's boyfriend Adam. After Mia's accident, when she decides to leave for Julliard, she and Adam break up. Adam goes on to become a remarkably successful rock star - a label he isn't quite comfortable with- while Mia is off building her career as a musician on the opposite end of the spectrum, as a classical cellist. While preparing to go on his second world tour with his band, Adam and Mia meet at a Carnegie Hall show she is playing. The night that they spend together is the main setting of the book.
I like Where She Went better than the first installment. Although having these two uber-successful musicians from the same small town isn't super realistic, both characters are lively and realistically drawn. I like Adam's broody musician character, and his epic rise to stardom isn't so unreal in our age of instant celebrity. Of course, like in many young adult novels, the romance between the two main characters is electric. They were in love the way that only teenagers can be. My read of the book was propulsive and I finished in only a few hours. I enjoyed the book, and I think many readers of contemporary YA will as well.
I also liked this book (though not better than If I Stay), but I think you and I are the minority among reviews that I've read. What I liked about this book is its exploration of that very thin line between self-preservation and self-destruction in the face of tragedy.
ReplyDeleteI can maybe see why other reviewers didn't like it. It isn't super original, but I liked the characters and I thought it was a fun read. Thanks for visiting the blog.
ReplyDeleteI am a HUGE fan of If I Stay and I would love to read this book NOW. But it's not released in England yet. (Urgh.)
ReplyDeleteI've read a mix of reviews about this one too. You seem to be in the middle. Some reviewers have been like 'OH MY GOD THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER' probably because they liked the last one and those who absolutely hate the romance.
Oh well..I'll find out soon hopefully.
I'm glad to hear that you liked this one better than If I Stay. I read If I Stay a while ago, and I have yet to pick this one up. Thanks for the review. :)
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