Thursday, September 24, 2009

Book Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I am going to do a full review closer to the March 2010 publication date, but I just have to say now I am stunned by how amazing this novel is. Definitely one for my all time favorites list.

In case you don't know the premise, it's a doozy: Popular high school senior Sam dies but then keeps coming back to relive the day of her death until she realizes she may hold more power than she ever imagined. Small changes in her routine shuffle the cards and produce different outcomes while bigger changes give her fresh insight on her family, her friends, her classmates, and which boy she should have been kissing all along.

At the beginning, Sam was so unlikeable, I was terrified I wouldn't like the book, but I need not have worried. Sam probably experiences the most growth of any character I've ever encountered, and I love how chaos theory was so seamlessly integrated, giving the story an impressive depth and enough unpredictability to make it edge-of-your-seat, stay-up-all-night perfect.

This is one of those novels that you hold close to your chest after you're done and are just thankful that you had the chance to read it. Not only is it amazingly creative, but it also makes you want to be a better person.

I'm in love.
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45 comments:

  1. CarlaSeptember 24, 2009 at 10:22 AM

    This book looks amazing. The cover is truly stunning, I mean, look at those eyes.

    I am so excited for this book to be released. Congrats on getting an early copy, you are very lucky and I look forward to reading your full review.

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  2. Beth KephartSeptember 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM

    I love it when a book captures your heart like this.

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  3. caiteSeptember 24, 2009 at 12:54 PM

    all time fav....wow, that is quite the recommendation!

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  4. Suzanne YoungSeptember 24, 2009 at 1:25 PM

    I'm so excited about this book!!!!!

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  5. AnnaSeptember 24, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    This isn't the type of book I normally read, but after your review, I definitely want to get my hands on a copy.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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  6. brizmusSeptember 24, 2009 at 1:56 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. brizmusSeptember 24, 2009 at 1:58 PM

    The cover for some reason reminds me of the British cover of "Before I Die" by Jenny Downham, which I really didn't like! And then it's called "Before I Fall." I was immediately turned off by it.
    And then I read what you had to say.
    And now I am DYING to read it!

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  8. Alissa GrossoSeptember 24, 2009 at 2:10 PM

    I agree with Anna and Brizmus. I would have passed this one up, but for your gushing words of praise. The power of book bloggers. I'm adding it to my "to read" list.

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  9. Alix September 24, 2009 at 2:43 PM

    Wow this sounds amazing, I'll definitely be adding it to my TBR list.
    Looking forward to your longer review.

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  10. Bunny BSeptember 24, 2009 at 3:21 PM

    This has been on my wishlist, and your review makes me wanna read it even more!! :)

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  11. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

    Awesome review, I'm so eager to read this one. Can't wait until it comes out. :D

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  12. ThaoSeptember 24, 2009 at 4:03 PM

    Sharon loves it a lot too. I have to grab a copy of this soon, I swear. Thanks for the lovely review Lenore.

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  13. Lauren OliverSeptember 24, 2009 at 4:20 PM

    Thanks for the perma-link, Lenore! I fixed on my blog. I have already read your review about 87 times because I keep being terrified that the next time I read it, it will say something different! Thanks so much for your generous words.

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  14. LivianiaSeptember 24, 2009 at 4:45 PM

    Now I really want to read it . . . and apparently have to wait a long time.

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  15. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2009 at 5:22 PM

    I've heard really good things about this book. I'll have to pick up a copy.

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  16. Jessica BSeptember 24, 2009 at 6:23 PM

    I usually am not one for realistic fiction, but this book looks fantastic! Thanks for the awesome recommendation.

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  17. CeceliaSeptember 24, 2009 at 6:51 PM

    Oh, now I'm hooked! How will I stand having to wait?!? Glad you liked it, and great...'tease.' :)

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  18. Jenni @ Falling Off The ShelfSeptember 24, 2009 at 7:05 PM

    Sounds like a fantastic read! I had this book hosted on my waiting on wednesday post...or was it...a friday find? lol..I can't even remember anymore! oh dear, maybe I need a nap :(

    Can't wait to read this book, and that cover is beautiful!

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  19. LorinSeptember 24, 2009 at 7:40 PM

    Sounds wonderful! And sounds like a really great boost for you.

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  20. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2009 at 7:53 PM

    Wow, I am officially excited about this book now! That's for the mini teaser review.

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  21. LaurenSeptember 24, 2009 at 9:12 PM

    I literally could not *be* more excited about this one. Thanks for this post!

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  22. bermudaonionSeptember 24, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    All I can say is Wow!

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  23. kay - Infinite ShelfSeptember 24, 2009 at 9:56 PM

    Wow, it sounds so, so great! I will have to read this one when it comes out!

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  24. UnknownSeptember 24, 2009 at 10:35 PM

    Sounds an amazing read!

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  25. ZibileeSeptember 24, 2009 at 10:41 PM

    This book sounds amazing! I will be on the lookout for it. I am glad you were so taken with it. Thanks!

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  26. KhySeptember 24, 2009 at 11:59 PM

    I'm not reading your review because I fear that if I do I will want the book even more than I already do. xD It looks AMAZING though!

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  27. Rhiannon HartSeptember 25, 2009 at 12:56 AM

    That's such a beautiful way to put it--being thankful for the chance to read it. It's such a lovely feeling.

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  28. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2009 at 1:35 AM

    I want to read this book SO bad. Great review!

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  29. MemorySeptember 25, 2009 at 2:04 AM

    This sounds amazing. Definitely one for the wishlist.

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  30. BrianaSeptember 25, 2009 at 2:59 AM

    Wow! Sounds amazing! Cant wait to read it!! Nice review! :)

    -Arielle

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  31. SadakoSeptember 25, 2009 at 3:59 AM

    I'm excited for this, too. It looks amazing!!!

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  32. Marie CloutierSeptember 25, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    Awww :-)

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  33. MelissaSeptember 26, 2009 at 12:49 AM

    You've convinced me! I must read this one...

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  34. UnknownSeptember 26, 2009 at 5:16 PM

    Wow, and this was a mini review? I'm now in love with the book!

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  35. StaciSeptember 27, 2009 at 12:42 AM

    I'm absolutely captivated by what you wrote!! Can't wait until next year for this one!

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  36. Jen RobinsonSeptember 27, 2009 at 1:59 AM

    Good enough for me, Lenore. It's going on my list.

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  37. Melissa WalkerSeptember 28, 2009 at 2:06 AM

    I'm ready to be enchanted. Awesome review!

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  38. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2009 at 9:10 PM

    Whoa! I better write down the name of this one... I'll absolutely want to grab it in the spring! Hooray!

    And that's how I felt after finishing Justina Chen Headley's North Of Beautiful -- in awe, just wanting to hug the book! And I actually did!

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  39. Joanne ♦ The Book ZombieSeptember 29, 2009 at 2:53 PM

    Sounds great! March seems a long way off, guess I'll start my spring to read list now :)

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  40. LauraOctober 3, 2009 at 9:12 PM

    I got an advanced copy in August, and I read the book in only 3 days. It was so amazing, and I never wanted to stop reading it.
    I definitely agree with this review, and all of you other commenters will absolutely love this book. It's definitely my new favorite. :]

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  41. prophecygirlOctober 5, 2009 at 1:03 AM

    I cannot wait to read this! :)

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  42. AnonymousDecember 3, 2009 at 12:36 AM

    I just started this book tonight and I am on page 44 and I just had to stop and google reviews for this book. I can not believe how much sex, drugs, and rudeness is in this book already at the beginning of the book. I was really shocked about the reference to the special ed kids with -"but it's still better than getting a straight view of the retards dribbling their applesauce. No offense." My mouth literally hit the floor. I have read many YA books that have sex and drugs in it, but the way this book is making it out to be is just, WOW!..
    I am going to keep reading after reading your review and I hope that it gets better. Did you find yourself shocked with this book at the beginning?? If you would like to discuss is my e-mail address is lovestoread0708(at)yahoo.com

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  43. ChachicMarch 21, 2010 at 2:20 PM

    Just wanted to say that I just finished reading this book and I loved this too! I echo your sentiments about Sam not being likeable at the start of the book but by the end, you'll be rooting for her.

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  44. AnonymousApril 23, 2010 at 7:53 PM

    Sorry for my bad english. Thank you so much for your good post. Your post helped me in my college assignment, If you can provide me more details please email me.

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  45. RhiannonJune 20, 2010 at 10:05 PM

    Lenore!
    Thanks again for the lovely prize copy you sent me. Seriously it's very hard to put down and really just had me thinking about it all the time. What a terrific read!
    My review is posted here:http://www.thediaryofabookworm.com/2010/06/before-i-fall.html

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