Monday 26 January 2015

Review: I Was Here by Gayle Forman

I Was Here by Gayle Forman
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Publication Date: January 29th 2015
My rating: 4 stars


This characteristically powerful novel follows eighteen-year-old Cody Reynolds in the months following her best friend's shocking suicide. As Cody numbly searches for answers as to why Meg took her own life, she begins a journey of self-discovery which takes her to a terrifying precipice, and forces her to question not only her relationship with the Meg she thought she knew, but her own understanding of life, love, death and forgiveness. A phenomenally moving story, I Was Here explores the sadly all-too-familiar issue of suicide and self-harm, addressing it in an authentic way with sensitivity and honesty

I was here was a lot different to what I was expecting it to be, Forman’s writing was gorgeous once again, but I think the turn of events in this book took me by surprise.

Cody ends up losing her best friend in the worst possible way she gets an email from Meg saying she’s taking her life. What’s so unexpected about it is that Meg seemed to have it all; a scholarship, a loving family (neither which Cody had), so what would make Meg want to do that? Cody is then put in charge of bringing Meg’s things back from college and what is only meant to be a day trip, Cody finds herself discovering this whole other life of Meg she didn’t know about, the deeper she delves the more dangerous it becomes, but after all the heartache everyone has been through over the loss of Meg, they all need some sort of closure.

If I was in Cody’s shoes and I had just lost my best friend, I too would want to get to the bottom of things. I could understand the way Cody had been feeling, but at times I didn’t get why she did things. I liked her as a character, but at some points I think she just frustrated me, I know she had to get to the bottom of the truth and she hadn’t had the best life herself and now her biggest anchor in life and just left her. But she was constantly angry, people who’d she just met were trying to make the effort with her, but she’d either leave them hanging, no call back, just push them away or the worst run away from them. Maybe this way was her way of coping, but I wanted her to have somebody to turn to, someone she could confide in, not feel as if she had to try and do everything herself.
So when the mysterious Ben made an appearance, I was grateful for it, okay he had a sort of shady background with Meg, but in a lot of ways too helped Cody when no one else was coming through for her. Some readers may say that he seemed full of himself, and a bit of a player, but trust me this guy could be utterly charming when he wanted to be and he did go out for Cody to help any way he could. Which guy would go all the way to Idaho, Nevada with you, and a guy you’ve only met recently without an inkling as to why? Which guy would take in a pair of kittens, so they don’t have to go to the animal shelter and did I mention Ben had a growly voice; you probably know that I can never say no to a hot guy who growls! I kind of guessed which way things would go with Ben and Cody, but I didn’t mind it one bit. Forman really worked the slight romance well into the story, she didn’t make it centre of attention, but you kind of had an inkling that it was slowly building up. And it wasn’t like Meg was ever forgotten, what I think made it longer for the characters to realise each other’s feelings was because of the constant reminder of Meg.

So whilst I wasn’t a huge fan of Cody at times, Ben certainly made up for it, also Forman was able to give us some great secondary characters in Alice, Richard and Harry. I think Richard became one of my favourites, he was a funny guy but I especially adored the scene we got to experience with him and his family. And once again all three characters didn’t know Cody that well or even Meg, but went on to show just how great friends they could be.

With I was here I wasn’t able to guess which way things were going to be, the whole reasoning behind Meg’s death I didn’t see coming at all. It was a horrible discovery, I just wished that Meg’s parents had clued Cody into things before and who knows maybe things would have turned out differently.

I was Here was a different sort of read from Forman for me, but one that I still enjoyed experiencing. It was an achy raw beautiful read at times, but with some great characters coming through when you least expected them to leaving you with some hope that even though things were dire right now they could get better.



14 comments:

Faye M. said...

From all the reviews I've read of this book, a lot weren't fans of Cody at all, so I wasn't surprised when you mentioned not being impressed by her more extreme reaction. I will need to read this for myself, though!

Faye at The Social Potato

Divergent Gryffindor said...

I think this one's a tough read, and that it's not for everybody. I've been hearing mixed reviews, and I'm not sure yet whether I'm going to read the book or not.
Kim @ Divergent Gryffindor: BLOG || VLOG

Christina Reads YA said...

I heard that this one is different from most other Forman books! Ah, what you're saying of Cody and her reactions. Sort of reminds me of my reaction at the beginning of Cynthia Hand's The Last Time We Say Goodbye. I wonder if the closing off from others portrayal is a frequent one for grief? I like reading your perspective on Ben because I've heard some negative things about him and about also the idea of him and Cody getting together after what happened to and with Meg on both ends. It's definitely interesting to see someone say that Ben made up for the story where Cody lacked because I always feel like for Forman novels, I've liked her girl MCs so much more than the romantic interests :O. Her secondary characters being awesome, though -- that I am not at all surprised by! I'm glad you enjoyed the novel, Jasprit :)

Anonymous said...

I was going to read this but all the reviews have put me off honestly. I don't think I would like Cody as a character and since she's the main character I don't know if I can handle that. It does sound like Ben is a charming guy though.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Jasprit! Lovely review! :)

Carina Olsen said...

Amazing review Jasprit. <3 I'm glad you managed to enjoy this book a lot, despite some small issues :) I have heard some bad things, so I won't be reading it :p Though I haven't read any books by this author yet, hih, just don't think they are for me, as I don't like a lot of drama and heartbreak in my books. Sigh. But this do seem interesting :D Thank you for sharing about it sweetie. <3

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

Hmmm.. I think Cody sounds like she is a big struggle which takes away from the enjoyment, Still I know Forman's writing and I am sure it impresses. I am planning on reading this. Thanks for the helpful review.

Rashika said...

I've been hearing a lot of not so positive things about this book so it was nice to see that you ended up enjoying this book! :) Based on what I've heard about Cody though, I feel like I too am going to have a hard time loving her character :(

It's nice to hear that even though Ben initially seemed like a shady character he stepped up to the mark and turned out to be such a sweet heart :)

I am sad to hear that the 'reveal' at the end wasn't as awesome :( It makes me sad knowing that perhaps the whole situation could have been prevented if there was better communication though :(

ANYWAYSSss. I am glad you enjoyed the book, Jasprit! :) It gives me more hope!

Lovely review as ALWAYS

Rashika @ The Social Potato

Keertana said...

I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed this, Jasprit, as this novel seems to be a hit-or-miss with most readers. I know some who have loved it and really enjoyed the reading experience whereas others have told me that the sadness of this piece is too much to bear. I'm looking forward to it, though, as Forman's novels always open so many doors of thought, for me. Fantastic review, as always, Jasprit!

The Bookish Manicurist said...

I've been seeing really mixed reviews of this, and despite your issues with Cody, I still want to read it because I'm sure Gayle's writing is still wonderful :)

Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist

Joy said...

I'm a little worried about this one. I've been reading some reviews that touched on Cody's impulsive decisions that made her a not-so-well-liked character, but I'm still so anxious to read it. I think she's the type that needs a bit more understanding than usual, I suppose.

Great review, Jas!

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I need to read more by Gayle Forman. I'm glad you liked this one, even if aspects were a bit predictable and Cody was a bit annoying. I really like the premise of this!

Unknown said...

Lovely review, J! I had such trouble connecting to this one. :( I hated the path Cody took, though it's certainly a unique one compared to most grief books. And I wasn't feeling Ben and Cody's connection.
Glad you found it so raw and moving! I'm hoping I'll like Just One Day/Year better. :)

Mary @ BookSwarm said...

I've heard a lot of mixed reviews for this one, which makes me want to read it even more. Very curious about Cory. I can see reacting badly like that but I think I'd also be frustrated with her.

Beena said...

This popped up in your reviews, & yes, finally someone with a four stars as me. I feel so many people were let down by this novel but it's not a bad novel at all .. The romance made me cringe sometimes but I did appreciate he was caring - and the plot and concept was great overall! Fantastic review Jasprit.
<3 Benish | Feminist Reflections

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