Some thoughts on Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Recently, Lauren Oliver announced that she would be sending two copies of her forthcoming debut novel Before I Fall off on a round-the-world adventure. The copies would be sent from blogger to blogger, from state to state, country to country. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to be included. I'd heard such amazing things about this book and was desperate to read it.

When sending out the review copies, Lauren said we should feel free to write notes in it. So when I received the book, there was already a friendly note from Lauren to all of us who would be reading that copy, and a note from the awesome Jenny of Wondrous Reads with her thoughts on the book. I already felt a little moved, and I hadn't even read the first page.

After I had read it, I decided I would hold off on posting a review until nearer release date, but I did want to post something here about my initial thoughts. At first I figured I'd post the note I wrote in the copy when I sent it off on its way to Carla of The Crooked Shelf, another of my favourite blogs. Except that when I went to do that, it seemed too personal somehow. So I've paraphrased...

For anyone who hasn't read the synopsis, Before I Fall is the story of a girl named Sam who dies in a car crash one February night. The next day, she wakes up back in her own bed. She's destined to live out the last day of her life over and over. Until - well, you don't want me to tell you that. There's also a love story in there that'll melt your heart.

I originally wanted to read Before I Fall because of the reactions it inspired in others. One blogger said it made her want to be a better person. Another gave her copy away on her blog because she loved it so much she wanted to 'pass it on'.

Now I've read this beautiful book, I completely understand. I didn't find Sam unlikeable at first, despite the fact I'd been warned I would. Having been on the journey with her, I'm taking this in itself as a lesson. I need to be more thoughtful. I need to look at how I treat others. I have to thank Lauren Oliver for reminding me of that.

Before I Fall is a story I will never forget. I wish every teenage girl could read it. That would have to make school a more bearable place in itself.

Lauren Oliver is an amazing writer. I can't even imagine how she went about creating something so powerful, universal and clever! I'm just in awe.