Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

So. I just finished Where She Went. I don't think I can form coherent thoughts. But I'll try.

It was amazing. While If I Stay sucked me in to Adam and Mia's story, Where She Went held me there. Told from Adam's perspective and dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy that took Mia's family - and, in another way, Mia herself - away, it was a fascinating take on grief, depression, music, celebrity, loneliness, loss and love. At first I was frustrated with the angst-riddled Adam, thinking, "Really? I know she's the love of your life, but SUCK IT UP. Just a little." But then as the story unfolded, and we're told in flashbacks exactly what happened for Adam to get this way, I understood more, and thought, "OK, you're entitled to your pain."

Then there was Mia - like Adam, oh, I was so angry with Mia. Well, not so much angry, more frustrated and confused. The person who cut Adam off without so much as a goodbye definitely didn't sound like the same girl who desperately yearned for him in If I Stay. But she had her reasons, too, and again, once they're explained, it all makes sense. I wasn't such a fan of the more supernatural elements of the book - which is strange, I know, considering the first one is pretty much told from the perspective of a ghost - but this one just had a differnt tone (rightly so) that those parts just didn't seem to gel with. For me, at least. But I loved all the answers and explanations we got, and the sense of closure at the end. Plus, I'm a sucker for all-nighter type stories and secret tours of beautiful cities. So romantic!

Rating: 4.5/5

(Spoilery) Talking Points

• My favourite scene in the whole book had to be when Mia gave Adam his guitar, and he looks around the room and sees that he IS still there, still important in her life. Then Mia describes Adam as her parents' gift to her, like the cello was at her first recital. Such a powerful moment. It definitely made me tear up.
• Another thing that made me tear up - Teddy, of course. I liked how Adam described his reaction to Teddy's loss - how he felt "gutted". Sums it up perfectly, I think.
• Ahhh, the ending - it made me so happy. I wanted MORE. More happiness! More love! More of the old Mia and Adam, please!

Eye Candy
As I mentioned in my review of If I Stay, I pictured Emma Stone as Mia and Darren Criss as Adam. Here's an excuse to post Darren Criss pics a reminder:

Fine Print

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Doubleday

Published: 2011
Get It: Book Depository

Related
While googling Darren Criss, I came across this piece of adorableness. My heart just about burst (in a good way). So. Darn. Cute.