It’s been
three years since the devastating accident…three years since Mia walked out of
Adam’s life forever. Now living in opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard’s rising
star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to this new rock star status and
celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in 
Where She Went is the much anticipated sequel of If I Stay told from Adam’s perspective. Although it’s a
sequel, I believe it can be a standalone book. If you haven’t read the first
one, it’s okay for the plot will never confuse you.
As
opposed to the first book, I didn’t finish this one in single sitting simply
because I wanted to relish Adam’s thoughts and how he devastatingly dealt with
the aftermath of Mia’s departure.
Rock stars somehow have this haughty and tough façade but Adam totally let his
guards down and unshackled his pent-up emotions. His fury is understandable
because it’s definitely more painful to be left without any explanation and to know
that you’re unworthy of a closure.
On the
other hand, it’s an irony that while Mia’s departure wrecked him, such leaving
also prompted him to write songs which catapulted him to fame. Music
aficionados will appreciate the fact that meaningful lyrics are sprinkled all
throughout the chapters.
I’m blown
away by how raw and powerful the emotions are in this book. Adam’s sarcastic
remarks made me chuckle but more than anything, I felt every bit of his pain. I
felt his loss, his powerlessness, and his wistfulness for all the wonderful
things that transpired between him and Mia.
“You know, I thought about that a
lot these last couple of years. About who was there for you. Who held your hand
while you grieved for all that you’d lost?”
When Mia said
this, I totally lost it. I simply wanted to hug Adam! I’m likewise in awe of
Mia and how she was able to surpass the scars brought by that horrifying
accident.
This book makes
one think that regardless of how wounded two souls are, a love rekindled is
still possible. I have nothing but praises for Gayle Forman for creating characters
so believable that you can’t help but get emotionally invested in them.
Simply put, I
will never forget how hauntingly beautiful this story is.
5/5
How
can I forget you?
Memories
come and go
You’re
all I've ever wanted
You’re
all I've ever known
Can I
be happy living with your ghost?
