Si je reste
by Gayle Forman
- First published 2009
- 216 pages
- French
In a single moment, everything changes. For seventeen-year-old Mia Hall, a gifted cellist with a loving family and a rising rock-star boyfriend, the future is full of possibilities. But a snowy morning drive shatters it all, leaving Mia in a coma. Suspended in a space between life and death, she has an out-of-body experience, watching as friends and family gather at her hospital bedside. Powerless to move or speak, she is the only one who can see and hear everything that is happening around her and within her own memories.
As the hours unfold, Mia is forced to look back on her life, revisiting her deepest relationships, her passion for music, and the choices that have defined her. Now, she faces the only choice that truly matters. She must decide whether to wake up to a world of unimaginable grief and loss, or to let go and leave it all behind. This story explores the profound power of memory and the ultimate decision between a life that has been and a future that is unknown.
As the hours unfold, Mia is forced to look back on her life, revisiting her deepest relationships, her passion for music, and the choices that have defined her. Now, she faces the only choice that truly matters. She must decide whether to wake up to a world of unimaginable grief and loss, or to let go and leave it all behind. This story explores the profound power of memory and the ultimate decision between a life that has been and a future that is unknown.
- Where and when
- Oregon
What readers say
3.91
981K ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The book is widely praised for its profound emotional impact, with many readers describing it as deeply moving, heartbreaking, and a significant tearjerker that elicits strong feelings from laughter to sorrow. Reviewers frequently commend the author's beautiful and evocative writing style, noting its ability to create tender moments from simple details and to convey emotions with striking clarity. The characters, particularly the protagonist Mia and her family, are consistently highlighted as real, well-developed, and endearing, fostering a strong connection with the audience. The intricate relationships within the story, including those with family, friends, and a romantic interest, are often cited as a major strength. Furthermore, the seamless integration of music throughout the narrative is celebrated for enriching the emotional landscape and bringing characters closer.
Despite its strengths, the book also drew criticism from several readers. A recurring complaint concerns the perceived lack of a strong plot, with some describing the narrative as a "jumbled mess of memories" or feeling aimless rather than driven by a cohesive storyline. The frequent transitions between past and present were sometimes found distracting, leading some to skim sections. Critics also felt the book lacked originality, often citing it as predictable and filled with clichés. Character development was a point of contention; while many loved Mia, others found her to be too perfect, lacking depth, or even "emotionless." Similarly, her parents were sometimes described as unrealistic or overly idealized. A notable divergence in opinion was the book's emotional impact, with a significant number of reviewers reporting that it failed to move them to tears or left them feeling bored. Specific scenes were occasionally deemed "cheesy" or awkward, detracting from the overall experience.
Ultimately, the book emerges as a divisive read, capable of profoundly affecting some readers while leaving others underwhelmed. It is often regarded as a poignant and introspective story that explores themes of love, loss, family bonds, and the weight of life-altering decisions. The book is recommended for readers who appreciate deeply emotional, character-driven narratives and are prepared for a reflective journey rather than a fast-paced plot. It particularly appeals to fans of contemporary Young Adult fiction who enjoy stories that provoke thought about life's preciousness and the importance of relationships. However, those seeking complex plots, groundbreaking originality, or who prefer to avoid stories that some might perceive as overly sentimental, may find it less engaging.
Despite its strengths, the book also drew criticism from several readers. A recurring complaint concerns the perceived lack of a strong plot, with some describing the narrative as a "jumbled mess of memories" or feeling aimless rather than driven by a cohesive storyline. The frequent transitions between past and present were sometimes found distracting, leading some to skim sections. Critics also felt the book lacked originality, often citing it as predictable and filled with clichés. Character development was a point of contention; while many loved Mia, others found her to be too perfect, lacking depth, or even "emotionless." Similarly, her parents were sometimes described as unrealistic or overly idealized. A notable divergence in opinion was the book's emotional impact, with a significant number of reviewers reporting that it failed to move them to tears or left them feeling bored. Specific scenes were occasionally deemed "cheesy" or awkward, detracting from the overall experience.
Ultimately, the book emerges as a divisive read, capable of profoundly affecting some readers while leaving others underwhelmed. It is often regarded as a poignant and introspective story that explores themes of love, loss, family bonds, and the weight of life-altering decisions. The book is recommended for readers who appreciate deeply emotional, character-driven narratives and are prepared for a reflective journey rather than a fast-paced plot. It particularly appeals to fans of contemporary Young Adult fiction who enjoy stories that provoke thought about life's preciousness and the importance of relationships. However, those seeking complex plots, groundbreaking originality, or who prefer to avoid stories that some might perceive as overly sentimental, may find it less engaging.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- OH Editions, 2009
- ISBN
- 9782915056808
- Language
- French
Original edition Se Eu Ficar Originally published in 2009 · Portuguese · Editora Rocco









