Review: Where She Went (Forman)

Title: Where She Went
Author: Forman
Genre: Fiction, Music, Romance, Relationships. Grief
Pages: 258
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

This is the long-awaited sequel to "If I Stay," where a tragic car accident forced Mia to weigh whether to follow her family in death, or remain and deal with her grief at losing them. This was one of the best books that I read in 2009 and I highly recommend reading it. In fact, if you have not read it yet, stop reading this review right now, get your hands on a copy, and come back when you have read it!

That being said, I don't think that it is 100% necessary for you to have read the first book in order to understand this sequel. (I think that it just makes this second book more meaningful).

"Where She Went" takes place three years after the devastating accident that destroyed Mia's family, and is told from the point of view of Adam, the boyfriend who's love saved Mia. It has been three years since Mia came back to him...and three years since she walked out of his life.

Now, Adam is a rock-n-roll star with every tabloid wanting to tell his story, while Mia is a rising classical music star at Juilliard. One evening, a chance encounter offers the opportunity for the two to catch up before life takes them in opposite directions. Will they make the most of this opportunity? Will they ask the questions that need to be answered?

Readers learn right away where both Mia and Adam went after the conclusion of "If I Stay," so this book is really more about how they got there, and why. Forman delivers the narrative using the same style as in the first book...a flashback sequence alternating with present day/time. The characters have grown up, they have flaws, and their lives are complicated. And both are still dealing with their grief over the accident that killed Mia's family. This is such an honest and emotional look into their lives that it will resonate with readers long after they have finished it. All I can say is...WOW!

By the way, the book will be released in April. I read an advance copy. It has already been nominated for BFYA this year! I can't wait to hear what you think...