Aianarie's Book of the Month: June

**PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.**

I read a handful of books in the month of June, so it was difficult for me to choose which I liked best. I ultimately chose If I Stay by Gayle Foreman.

Mia is a seventeen year old cellist that lives a pretty normal life with her eccentric, music-savvy parents, adorable little brother Teddy, and rocker boyfriend Adam.

But everything changes in a gruesome car accident one morning that kills her family and leaves Mia badly injured. As her body lies in a hospital bed, enduring constant surgery and beeping machines, Mia’s spirit lingers elsewhere, watching. And listening. And thinking.

Should she stay? Or should she go on with her family?

If I Stay is a heart-achingly beautiful journey to an American teenager’s world, as Mia reflects on her life and everything good, bad, and well, ugly that has happened to her. She doesn’t know where to go or what to do. She’s trapped. And it would only take one choice to make it all disappear forever. Should she go with her family to hopefully, a better place, and leave this world with its pains and suffering? Or should she stay with her boyfriend Adam and the other love in her life: music? Would she be strong enough to go through the long recovery process? Would she ever be healthy and normal again?

Gayle Foreman’s writing style is real, genuine, and engaging. The dialogue is hilariously believable and the characters positively charming. The story never drags or gets uninteresting; Foreman always pulls a rabbit to keep the reader interested. Another thing I liked about this book was the fact that it is a short, easy read. After reading far too many 450+ page books, it’s good to take a break.

If I Stay is a refreshing read. But I must note: If you’re not a crying person, prepare to be tested.

Four stars.