NPR is a life savior when I drive – it is also a demon as makes me add books to my to-read list. This was one book I heard about and it immediately went to my to-read list

This is young adult book but honestly it is a book for all. It is a deeply emotional and strong book and please do not be like me and pick it up on a wrong day. I have mentioned before that I get really involved with books (try being away from this book as you read it). I pick the emotions of the book and let them affect me badly. On a normal day I can *mostly* handle the emotions of the book but on a day when I am undergoing an emotional turmoil, I end up very drained. This book drains you emotionally as you follow the journey.

The book is not a 800 pager. It is a young adult book so the language is simple and the words flow. It does not involve too much thinking about the words but what the words convey make you think. It is a young adult book, so expect first kisses and romance.

The book is about Mia – a 17 year old student with a love for classical music. Her days revolve around her cello, best friend Kim, boyfriend Adam, baby brother Teddy, and her parents. She is not a teen rebel. She is not a girl into what most teen girls are into these days. She is just another silent musicians and her life is good. Her biggest worry as the book starts is how she will handle her relationship with Adam if she gets into Julliards. But life changes drastically for Mia.

A family trip to meet some friends ends up horribly wrong. As Mia is airlifted and operated on, she faces the toughest decision – should she stay? Honestly the pain the book shares is so powerful. It is about love, hopes, family and decisions. I admit I cried all through the book. There is family and then there is extended family. Mia’s life revolved around her family who are now no more. She is 17 and her boyfriend is waiting.

Her decision is the story. Gayle Forman writes a powerful story of life and the choices we are forced to make. Lucky for me, I never had to make such tough choices and the next time I complain about the choices I have to make in life I will think of Mia and be grateful that I never have to face such a situation in life.

Some aspects of the book I really liked were – Mia and Kim’s relationship, Mia’s dad and his transition from a guitar wielding musician to a teacher, Mia and her Grandpa’s trip for the audition,and the touching scene when Mia’s granddad visits her in the ICU.

I am not sure if I will recommend this book. I loved it. I will never re-read it. Infact, I stayed up late so that I can get this book done and out of my life. It is too emotional and powerful a book but then if you can handle it please read it.