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Summary
This story, set in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington USA, follows eighteen year old Cody in the months following the suicide of her best friend Meg. Cody is feeling numb and can’t believe that her friend didn’t confide in her that all wasn’t well with her. As she searches for answers as to why she has lost her best friend, she goes on a journey of self discovery. Cody starts to question her relationship with Meg, and what death, love and forgiveness mean to her.
My Thoughts
This traumatic subject matter is handled very realistically and delicately by the author, but at the same time is very emotional to read. As well as suicide, there is a romantic story line which I didn’t enjoy at all. I found most of the writing about the romance and the relationship to be quite predictable and not essential to the story.
I Am Here is classified as Young Adult fiction. I’m in two minds about this. I’m not really sure if the story line is suitable for early teens. But then again, this is a topic which affects so many teenagers in modern times, so perhaps it should be brought more into the open.
Recommendation
“I Was Here was a pitch perfect blend of mystery, tragedy and romance. Gayle Forman has given us an unflinchingly honest portrait of the bravery it takes to live after devastating loss” – Stephen Chbosky, author
“Partly tautly paced mystery, part psychological study of suicide and it’s after effects….An engrossing and provocative look at the devastating finality of suicide, survivors guilt, the complicated nature of responsiblity, and even the role of the internet in life and death decisions” – Kirkus Reviews.
Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Young Adult Fiction
My Star Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
About The Author
Award winning author and journalist, Gayle Forman has written several best selling novels for young adults. She has had written essays and non-fiction work which has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Elle and Time. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughters.
Published in 2015 by Viking Juvenile. Hardcover – 270 pages
Have you read this book. If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made in the section below.
Jennifer's Best Bookish Blog 
Sometimes I find stories with younger people not quite my thing and suicide is usually something I avoid too. The romantic sections might be predictable if kept simple for a teen audience. Or perhaps the suicide needed to be counterbalanced as it was so emotional but the author did not want to make it dominate the story.
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I’m sure you’re right Fran. Perhaps the romantic story line could have lighten the tone a bit for a YA reader.
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I’ve only read Gayle Forman’s If I Stay and found the book quite emotional, her other books have been on my TBR list for a while. I don’t think I’d try this one though, considering the subject matter.
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I think the subject and age group is tough to figure out. Because I think for some it’s appropriate, and others not so much. It depends on the individual maturity, don’t you think? Not all YA readers are mature enough…
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That is exactly what concerned me. This topic I feel could be very disturbing for young minds. I would like to think there could be supervision while YA are reading it.
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