REVIEW: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Title: Before I Fall

Author: Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: March 2, 2010

Pages: 320, Hardcover
Source: Audiobook, Library

Summary from Goodreads:

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: looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last.

The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. Living the last day of her life seven times 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.

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This story was wonderfully executed. The growth in Samantha's character over the seven days that she relived her last was honest and significant. Her thoughts and actions were easy to relate to. I felt like I would have reacted similarly had I been in her shoes. A little confused at first, and then determined to change my fate. I'd probably spend a day acting on impulses too. But then I think i'd rise above it all, like Samantha did, and try to make the most of my last day, try to make a difference. The plot and pacing just kept getting better and better. It was so easy to get swept up in this story. 

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I don't really have any criticisms for this story but I did finish this book not quite sure why Samantha got to relive her last day. Did I miss something? Like I understand she altered something big but why did she get to stay to do that? I think i'm thinking to much about it. 

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I am so glad that I finally read this book. I think it is deserving of the hype and is now my favorite Lauren Oliver book. I recommend it to readers who have not yet read this one. It's a sad book in the end, but a really beautiful story overall.