I have only read one other of Gayle Forman’s books so far (If I Stay) so I already knew she could write beautifully sad well. I expected good things from I Was Here and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s very well written, both sad and funny, with characters I absolutely loved. Cody was a great narrator and Gayle Forman’s depiction of someone grieving felt incredibly realistic. She did a wonderful job of turning Meg into a full fledged character even though we don’t really meet her. The book was very dark and sad, and dealt with suicide in a way I haven’t seen in other books. I was incredibly sucked into the story almost immediately and was definitely crying at the end. This was so emotional and cathartic and just... heavy. Gayle Forman has a way of reaching right into my chest and ripping my heart out and then I'm sure she dances all over it as I lay in a puddle of tears. In this story we meet Cody who has been best friends with Meg since they were kids. Cody has grown up knowing every difference between her and Meg. Always believing that Meg was the better half. Meg ends her own life and Cody is left in shambles. She can't understand why Meg who had a loving family, a scholarship to college, a chance to be someone - all things that Cody does not have - why would she commit suicide. As Cody tries to piece together why Meg did what she did, she uncovers a sinister online forum who encourages and supports those who are thinking about ending their lives. Cody feels that this is the reason Meg ended her life, and she needs to find out just how far this forum is willing to go to have someone kill themselves. Even if it kills her in the process.I have many reasons why this story just broke my heart apart. Aside from the obvious, I was sucked in by the online forum storyline. I know that such things exist. I have heard from a family member who has battled suicidal thoughts and joined such forums that these people just get in your head and know exactly what to say to get you to believe that ending your life is the right thing to do. I have never been brave enough to look and after reading this I don't know that I ever will even though I want to join and somehow convince those who are contemplating suicide to get help.Thanks Gayle Forman for helping me verify that my mascara is indeed waterproof.***Thanks to Viking Juvenile and Edelweiss for providing an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Not really sure how to rate this book. I can't say I really liked it, but I can't say I didn't.
—Dinz
A beautiful story about overcoming loss and finding yourself along the way.
—kyra2010
SOLO HE LEÍDO LOS TRES PRIMEROS CAPÍTULOS, Y YA LO ESTOY AMANDO.
—zookapi
OMG THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS ARE AMAZING
—Roushii95
Wow. Review to come soon.
—smilejkl
