I even cringed at the hurt that all these characters so casually inflicted upon one another, so I guess I went back after all. I would say 5 stars to author Lauren Oliver in taking juveniles with a blatant disregard for humanity and turning it into the story of Sam who discovers the importance of humanity. Some of the thoughts that Sam would think as she would pass from one day to the next were beautifully thoughtful causing you to question how you treat and respect the people and things we have. Angsty novel tackles mature themes in thoughtful way. So, time to re-read it, I guess. Have you observed that at your school? What advice would you give someone who has been bullied? Her friend Ally also mentions she heard once that a burp can cause a thousand monarchs to take off halfway around the world (very much paraphrasing here; I couldn't find the quote online), but Sam refers back to this a few times throughout the book. The thought of a decision you made aches in the back of your head, unable to shut off the persistent and lingering judgment you’re giving to yourself. We’d love your help. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Oliver vividly draws a picture of the devastating damage done by bullying, while exploring the ease with which some teens turn a blind eye to such behavior. They are everything and everywhere all at once.They are the meaning.”, "It's too late,' she says.And I say, 'It's never too late.”. Oliver captures that teenage-centric narcissism so vividly, so much more intently than I ever understood in high school, that I couldn't help but hate Sam and feel some. It was a hearty book, full of little surprises that keep the suspense going. It reminds me of an old X-Files episode called Monday. What do you think your favorite teacher would do if you went to them about being bullied? The worst thing about this book is the language; the sex is one short scene and nothing that terrible or graphic ever happens. Add your ratingSee all 14 parent reviews. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Other Books I’ve Read By Author: None, Before I Fall is Oliver’s debut novel. "Before I Fall" is Lauren Oliver's debut novel and I think for a first effort it is pretty good. Brought you here and it feels like the biggest miracle in the world.”, “Popularity's a weird thing. "Monday" was inspired by an episode of The Twilight Zone entitled "Shadow Play" (1961). mild language, sexual content, and drug use, Reading through Sam's last day of life, I was transported back to high school with those girls who were shallow, self-centered, and unaware and thought they were cool and better than everyone else because they were shallow, self-centered, and unaware. So much time you can waste it. Reading through Sam's last day of life, I was transported back to high school with those girls who were shallow, self-centered, and unaware and thought they were cool and better than everyone else because they were shallow, self-centered, and unaware. What was the most important thing that Sam learned? Two teachers got arrested last year for having relations with students. [I have read he book awhile ago but I've never been able to fully get the symbols of it like the butterflies when she realizes that she's not falling into darkness but she is floating Instead of something like does it symbolize freedom? Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through you fingers. It’s Cupid Day of their senior year, but more importantly, it’s the day Samantha has decided to lose her virginity with her boyfriend, Rob. Lauren Oliver is the cofounder of media and content development company Glasstown Entertainment, where she serves as the president of production. Would you really see the beauty of life for what it really is? One girl smokes pot in a school restroom. I think Sam believed the last day only happened in her memory and a perfect day included a goodbye kiss to Kent, but then she bothered to give Anna that book and Izzy her necklace and save Juliet. Even after they're over they still go on, even after you're dead and buried, those moments are lasting still, backward and forward, on into infinity. Join now. I wanted to believe that last day for Sam and Juliet and Kent and maybe even a little bit for Lindsay. Families can talk about bullying and the perception that these days, more girls bully than boys. by HarperCollins. This book is about a teenager, Sam, who is a Mean Girl who trips into Groundhog Day world and is set on a path to redemption. One of my most favourite books to this day. “I think of all the thousands of billions of steps and missteps and chances and coincidences that have brought me here. Does verbal abuse or taunting do as much damage as physical bullying, or being beat up, would do? Frequent naming of brands: Victoria's Secret, Steve Madden, iPod, BMS, Body Shop, etc. Although BEFORE I FALL is getting an incredible amount of attention, the book far surpassed my expectations. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Like a lazy eye, or porn.”, “That's when I realized that certain moments go on forever. Watching one's self, or reliving death, is not a new concept in young adult literature, and here the tough issues inherent in the topic are bandied about as often as teens talk keggers and designer duds. By the end of the story Sam acknowledges that she wants to be remembered well when she dies and works to correct some her more damaging actions. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. HomeNewsOpinionEntertainmentFeaturesLifestylesPoliticsClub & GreekLeisureOnline ExclusiveAsk the Experts, About Us Contact Us Join the Outlook Staff Event Coverage Meet the EditorsPast Editorial StaffAdvertisingArchivePrivacy PolicySearch, CAMPUS LOCATIONThe OutlookJules L. Plangere Jr. Center for Communication and Instructional Technology (CCIT) Room 260, 2nd floor, MAILING ADDRESSThe OutlookMonmouth University400 Cedar Ave, West Long Branch, New Jersey07764, Phone: (732) 571-3481 | Fax: (732) 263-5151Email: outlook@monmouth.edu, Joomla module for Social media integration, Joomla Social Comments and Sharing - share and comment on Joomla site to social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedI,Vkontakte, Odnoklassniki, Volume 88 (Fall 2016) and Volume 89 (Spring 2017). Especially Kent. To see where the book really stands. I must admit that I was a bit put off at the very beginning by Sam and her friends, who appeared to be the typical popular, beautiful mean girls --- shallow characters who have been featured in way too many books, in my opinion. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. But all the other parts of the book, in order to get her point across, were rough and depressing to read. Sam and her friends frequently use mild swear words including "s--t," "Jesus," "bitch," "pissed," and  "hell.". Feb. 12, “Cupid Day,” was supposed to be a day of partying, roses and privilege for the ranking queen of the social pyramid, Samantha. Until the sound of the rhythmic alarm tone is heard in the background. Refresh and try again. I have no idea how to rate this book. How much affect do we have on the world. My thoughts: However, that is until she dies that very night in a devastating accident. I struggled through the majority of the book because of these 4 teenage girls and their behavior to others.