Press

What the critics say

This sensitively written story of the power of love and loss presses all the right buttons . . . The intensity of feelings and tragic suddenness with which life changes will strike a chord with teenagers and the young at heart. Read it, as they say, and weep
- Daily Mail

This is a wonderful, beautiful book; so gripping, so wise and oh, so heart-breakingly painful
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A compulsive read
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For the first few pages, If I Stay comes across like a light hearted story about a teenager, her love life and her kooky family, but from the moment Forman hits you with the devastatingly detached description of the aftermath of the crash, you know you've picked up something special
- The Bookbag

This is a haunting and heartbreaking novel reminiscent of The Lovely Bones . . . Impossible to put down
- Bookseller

It reminded me very much of The Lovely Bones. I found it uplifting and satisfying
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You really care about the characters and it makes you question what you would do in the same circumstances. My heart was in my mouth at the end of it
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Beneath this dramatic storyline, which will resonate with older teen readers, Gayle Forman cleverly explores the fragility and uncertainty of life. She does so in an emotive and thoughtful manner that will persuade even the most cynical reader of the importance of friendship, family and love
- Waterstone's Books Quarterly

The author endows the narrative with as much humor as poignancy and lays bare the challenges Mia has encountered in each of her relationships as well as the breakthroughs, leaving readers in suspense until the final bars
- www.shelf-awareness.com

Intensely moving, the novel will force readers to take stock of their lives and the people and things that make them worth living
- Publishers Weekly (US)

Forman excels at inserting tiny but powerful details throughout . . . which will draw readers into this masterful text and undoubtedly tug at even the toughest of heartstrings
- Kirkus (US)

This cleverly constructed novel will have, deservedly, widespread popular appeal, especially, perhaps, with young female readership
- School Librarian

A beautifully written book with moments of real sadness, hope, laughter, tragedy and joy, which make you appreciate all the little things you love, as your eyes brim with tears
- Booktrust online

A beautifully-crafted, heart-breaking look at love and loss
- Western Daily Press

Another must is If I Stay by Gayle Foreman, which deals with deep, universal emotions and unpicks the truth about moving on after unspeakable loss - a fresh and compelling piece of work
- Irish Independent

A heartbreaking and beautifully written novel that should be a must-read for everyone. I doubt anyone who reads this will get to the end dry-eyed. Stock up the tissues!
- So Little Time for Books

If I Stay makes you appreciate what you have, all that you've lost and all that might be
- Shout

A beautifully written book with moments of real sadness, hope and joy
- Sainsbury's Magazine