If I Stay by Gayle Forman tells the story of 17-year-old Mia who is faced with the most crucial decision of her short life; should she live or die? 

One morning, everything seems normal as the gifted cellist goes for a drive with her parents and little brother, Teddy.  However, the calm morning soon turns into tragedy when a terrible car accident occurs, sending Mia and her family to the hospital in critical condition.  What Mia finds most fascinating is that she can hear everything going on around her, but appears to be in a coma.  Her mental self can even walk in and out of rooms; it is then that she learns of her parents’ grave fate and that her brother is fighting for his life.

As Mia sees her family and friends rush to her side, she cannot help but wonder what would happen if she did wake up.  Mia would be left an orphan; her dream of being a cellist is also most likely shattered.  The sadness and loneliness of her life would be too horrible to bear. 

Before the accident, Mia faced decisions about her future career, her boyfriend Adam, and her best friend Kim.  Now she is faced with a completely different, more important decision.  What Mia does not know initially is that she can control her ability to survive.  With each heartbreak and tear shed, Mia notices that her coma-self begins having medical problems and almost dies.  Mia now realizes that she is in control of her fate and must decide whether the pain of living is worth returning to. 

If she dies, Mia would join her parents and brother.  She would be the final victim of a fatal car accident.  If she lived, Mia would see her friends and extended family once more, but be left with an emptiness inside.  She would be seen as a miracle survivor, but the loss of her family would never be considered a miracle in her eyes. After recounting various memories of her childhood and teenage years, Mia finally comes to her decision. 

A compelling read from beginning to end, If I Stay is difficult to put down once it is started.  Many readers will be left questioning what they would do in a situation like Mia’s.  Would they choose to live or die?  The weight of this decision is difficult for many to consider, but this novel truly makes one rethink the choices made in life. 

Mia is a highly relatable character.  The flashbacks to her youth are gracefully presented; they relate young readers to their own lives and their important decisions regarding future careers and blossoming new relationships.  Beautifully conceived and written, If I Stay is a must-read.