A review by mountaingirl88
Before I Fall Enhanced Edition by Lauren Oliver
4.0
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as my first read-through, but I still love this book. Sam is a somewhat relatable protagonist in that she used to be considered shy and awkward, but for the majority of the book, she's one of the mean girls. I didn't find her very likable, even toward the end when she has figured out her "destiny." She realizes she needs to save Juliet, buuuuut I feel like the motivation behind it is still selfish--to free herself from the time loop. To me, it felt like everything she did from beginning to end was from a place of selfishness, but I guess I would be selfish too if I knew I was going to die. I don't know. I have mixed feelings about it. I give her props for being a dynamic character though. She is definitely not static, and I loved that the plot didn't just "happen" to her. She moved it forward. The plot literally changed as she changed.
The best part of this book was seeing Sam's transformation over the course of a week and how she moved through what are essentially the stages of grief. I appreciated how each chapter peeled back the characters' layers, showing how the ones who looked like they had it all together really didn't, and how the people who often went unnoticed were brought to the forefront. That was great structure and writing.
I have to say, though, the way Sam went on and on about kissing Kent... Ugh, just stop! Girl, I'm sorry--kissing is great, but it's not THAT great. What can I say. I'm not viewing this book through my 22-year-old eyes anymore. I am a jaded adult now! Hahaha.
The best part of this book was seeing Sam's transformation over the course of a week and how she moved through what are essentially the stages of grief. I appreciated how each chapter peeled back the characters' layers, showing how the ones who looked like they had it all together really didn't, and how the people who often went unnoticed were brought to the forefront. That was great structure and writing.
I have to say, though, the way Sam went on and on about kissing Kent... Ugh, just stop! Girl, I'm sorry--kissing is great, but it's not THAT great. What can I say. I'm not viewing this book through my 22-year-old eyes anymore. I am a jaded adult now! Hahaha.