Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman ( If I Stay #1 )

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay #1
Links: Website | Author Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Publication Date:  April 2nd 2009
Format: Paperback
Pages: 234
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Barnes & Noble | Amazon
Summary from Goodreads:
In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. 
Rating:
4.5/5 stars
Thoughts:
Starting this novel, I had no idea what to expect except for it to be a brilliant read. People on Goodreads raved about it. When I asked librarians and friends for recommendations, this book always came up. So, finally, I decided to pick it up and try my luck on it. I admit, even though I've heard great things about, I hadn't even read the synopsis, much less knew what it was really about but this was a great read nevertheless.
If I stay is told from a girl named Mia's point of view. It starts off in a normal way most mornings start but then some events take place. From then on, the reader gets to see events both in the present time and also, flashbacks of Mia's life. I felt this was a really heart-breaking novel with gorgeous writing. The relationships between the characters will really touch your heart, make you smile, and have you tear up at the same time. The novel did feel a tad slow to me in the beginning but it soon picked up.
Characters:
The characters were well written. They all had a feel around them that was both realistic yet easy to get along with and I enjoyed that. Now, onto boys; Adam was probably the cutest guy in the story! I was aww-ing and grinning when I read what he did towards the end. Mia was a really strong female character. I mean, for goodness gracious, she was in a car accident and had to make a difficult decision, stay or not.
Romance:
oh my gosh, can anyone honestly find someone as awesome as Adam was during this first novel? Uh, no. Since the novel was in flashbacks or "memories", you get to follow Adam and Mia's relationship from the moment they meet all the way to this hazardous event. Adam and Mia couldn't be any more different yet they're perfect for each other! Adam was amazing, honestly! He stayed by Mia's side--or at least tried, all throughout the book and I adored him for that! 
Recommendation:
I recommend this to anyone looking for a fantastic and original read. Be warned though, you might need tissues! It's such a brilliant yet emotional read! I simply cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, Where She Went.
First Sentence:

"Everyone thinks it was because of the snow."

Quotes:

"I heard a crash and boom coming from upstairs." 

"Should I make breakfast?" Dad and I guffaw at the same time. Mom makes cereal and toast. Dad's the cook in the family." 

Book Trailer: