Navigating the Feels: My Take on ‘Before I Fall’ – A Heart-to-Heart Book Review!

Lauren Oliver

This one is a beautifully, tragic read.

Synopsis

Samantha Kingston, a prominent figure among the popular crowd in school, finds her world centred around the approval of her friends and boyfriend, especially on her favourite day of the year, ‘Cupid Day.’ However, her life takes a tragic turn when a fatal car accident claims her life. To her bewilderment, she wakes up the next day, completely unaware of her demise, only to relive the same day seven times. By the end of this haunting cycle, Cupid Day loses its charm, becoming a day she’d rather forget.

My Thoughts

This one really tugged at my heartstrings. It threw me back to high school, making me ponder the idea of reliving a single day repeatedly. I couldn’t help but reflect on what aspects of my own life I might choose to change, especially in how I handled certain situations. The narrative had this uncanny ability to make me realize how easy it is to become so self-absorbed, missing out on the world around us. It’s like a wake-up call, prompting you to glance at everyone else and wonder about the unique experiences playing out in their lives while you’re stuck in the same loop on the surface. “Before I Fall” is more than just a story; it’s a poignant exploration of perspective and the profound impact our actions can have on those around us.

Author

Lauren Oliver, born Laura Suzanne Schechter on November 8, 1982, hails from New York. Renowned as a New York Times bestselling author, she has made a mark in the Young Adult literature scene with notable works such as Replica, Vanishing Girls, Panic, and the Delirium trilogy: Delirium, Pandemonium, and Requiem.

Prior to this encounter, I hadn’t stumbled upon any of her literary creations, but after diving into this one, I’m definitely adding more of Lauren Oliver’s works to my reading list. Both Panic and Vanishing Girls have now secured spots as must-reads for me. There’s something about the way Oliver weaves her narratives that has piqued my interest, and I’m eager to explore more of her storytelling prowess.

Conclusion

Okay, so here’s the scoop on why I gave it 4 stars. Lauren Oliver’s got this amazing vibe in her writing, and the story had me hooked. But you know how it is when you finish a book, and you’re like, “Hmm, it was good, but…” I just found myself wishing for a bit more. Maybe a deeper dive into the characters or a little more complexity in the plot twists. Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally a fan now, and Panic and Vanishing Girls are already on my to-be-read list. It’s just that extra sprinkle of magic that would’ve pushed it to a solid 5 for me!

Alright, so wrapping up my thoughts on Lauren Oliver’s “Before I Fall” – it’s like that rollercoaster you don’t want to get off. I mean, the storytelling is chef’s kiss, and I was totally in the zone. Got to be real, though, that 4-star rating is my way of saying, “Hey, Lauren, you’re awesome, but I could’ve used a tad more something-something.” Still, she’s officially on my radar, and Panic and Vanishing Girls are queued up. So, while it might not be a solid 5, it’s definitely a book that stuck with me, making me ponder life’s twists and turns long after I closed the pages. Can’t wait for the next Lauren Oliver adventure!

Buy Here – Amazon.co.uk