Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.
Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.
When I started reading Before I Fall, I immediately took note of two things: Lauren Oliver is a talented writer and Samantha Kingston would never be a character I liked. A few times I even felt tempted to put the book down, despite the great writing. I can only sympathize so much with a girl I would have hated in high school. But I had a few pretty strong recommendations (including this one) and tales of missed subway stops to urge me on.
So now I'm going to do the same. No matter how you feel about Sam when you open Before I Fall and read that first chapter. Don't. Stop. Reading.
Not that you'll have too much of a choice once you get a few chapters in. Before I Fall has that eerie train wreck allure where you just can't look away. You have to keep turning pages to find out if she can redeem herself. I even ended up missing my own subway stop to finish the last chapter.
And Kent McFuller - where have you been all my life?