Saturday, January 3, 2015

Book Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Title: Before I Fall
Author: Lauren Oliver
Enjoyment Rating: ****
Source: Kindle
Content Alert: Swearing, lots of underage drinking, violence, suicide, talking about sex

It's February 12, the last day of Samantha Kingston's life. The first time Samantha lives through February 12th, she self-involved and cruel at times, reveling in her popularity and her circle of friends, and when she and her three best friends speed off, drunk, in an ice storm, their deaths feel somehow deserved. But Samantha gets a second chance, and a third, and even a sixth and seventh, not to escape death, but to live a meaningful last day of her life.

The premise of Before I Fall isn't that unique-- it's a Groundhog Day story. Samantha has one day to make things right in the world, which is a tall order. Each time she relives the day, she gains insight into her own life, her actions, and into making peace with her existence. The book is an interesting exploration into the life of teenage girls, popularity, and into the idea that the choices you make in a single day really can make a difference.

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