Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

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 New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future-and each other - Goodreads

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

“Only You” by Matthew Perryman

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?