Tuesday, September 16, 2014
About four years ago I was starting to revise my first manuscript, which had topped out at a whopping 189,000 words! I knew I needed to pare it way, way down so the words that were left could really shine. I was struggling with that whole concept of "less is more" when I read Gayle Forman's novel, IF I STAY. And then I understood.
IF I STAY was such an emotional read, and Forman achieved it by choosing just the right amount of material--and just the right material--to make her readers feel deeply for the characters. With straightforward but poignant prose, Forman made the lives of Mia and Adam feel authentic and brutal and intense... for me, the book was both inspirational and educational.
The other night I saw the movie version of IF I STAY and it was so moving that I cried through the whole thing. The adaptation, pacing and casting were great and the storyline stayed true to the book. Even though there is a lot of tragedy and heartache involved, it's ultimately a hopeful story about following your dreams and falling in love.
If you have a chance, go see it! And then come tell us what you think.
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Stephanie, Ingrid, Sarah & Kristan — we read, write, discuss and celebrate Young Adult lit.
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4 comments:
I'm so happy to hear that the adaptation was satisfying! The trailers look really good. I can't wait to get to the theater myself.
It was definitely a good movie! Probably one of my favourite YA adaptations. I was surprised I didn't cry more... I was sniffly, but then the scene with her grandpa talking to her? Gah! I couldn't hold it in then.
Probably one of my favourite scenes was the singing around the campfire. <3
Get to a theater, Kristan!
Ashley...I was bawling during that scene with her Grandpa! And the campfire scene was so bittersweet. I also loved when she was watching Adam singing in the garage, and when she auditioned for Julliard, and when she snapped at her dad and Teddy came to the rescue... I could go on and on.
Omg just watched it today and the Grandpa scene was the kicker for me too!
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