Before I Fall

by:  Lauren Oliver

published by:  HarperCollins

What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

I picked up this book from the library in anticipation of reading Delirium, Lauren Oliver's upcoming novel.  I was pleasantly surprised.  I really enjoyed this book.  I ended up waking up really early Saturday morning and I read this book all the way through that morning. 

Yes, the premise is pretty much like the movie Groundhog Day and the story progresses pretty much like Groundhog Day.  One day she's angry about having to repeat everything, one day she seems kind of playful with it.  However, it's much more serious than that movie.  The subject matter is fairly heavy, I guess in the world of teenagers. 

I really enjoyed the character progression in this book.  Mainly that of Sam, the main character, she went through a lot of changes throughout the book.  Dying does that to you I suppose, but the way she viewed her friends and her boyfriend and even her family changed a lot and I appreciated those changes. 

While some of the ideas in this book aren't new, they're presented in an interesting way.  I liked it and I think if you like teenage dramas then this one would probably appeal to you too.