Book Review: “I Was Here”

Book twenty three of my 2019 Reading Challenge.

Gayle Forman’s I Was Here

Forman, the author of If I Stay and Where She Went, brings another coming-of-age novel to the YA genre with I Was Here.

I don’t think I will ever get out of the YA genre. Maybe when I’m in my 60s, but right now I really like reading YA and Forman is a great YA writer. I read If I Stay and Where She Went when I was in high school and really liked the books and style of writing. I Was Here is another great addition to Forman’s novels.

The novel is about Cody, a young adult, who has recently lost her best friend to suicide. She spends the novel investigating her death and coping with the fact that she never saw it coming. In her investigation she finds new friends and learns a lot about more about her best friend. And like all coming-of-age novels the main character learns more about herself as well.

I really liked this novel because Cody’s character showed tremendous love and dedication to her best friend and also grew throughout the novel because of that love and dedication. I really enjoy character development and Cody’s character developed throughout the story in many different ways. It kept me engaged and I wanted to keep reading after every chapter.

The topic of suicide is always touchy no matter what medium you’re talking through. I think Forman handled it very well considering teenage suicide is a topic that is hard to talk about in an appropriate way. She handled the overall situation with a story about what happens after someone is gone and how friends and family have to handle it. The actual suicide was only mentioned as a past event and had very little detail which I think is the best way to approach it.

Another non-plot related aspect that I really liked in Forman’s novel was the short chapter length. I think having shorter chapters keeps the reader in focus and it makes reading easier in a way. I also think it’s a great approach to YA writing.

Overall I really enjoy Gayle Forman’s novels and her writing style in particular. I recommend this book with caution of course. If you’re sensitive to the topic of suicide I’d consider another book.

Stay tuned for my next review: The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis