Review: Nice Story, but Felt Flat
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 05 12, 2014
From the moment I saw If I Stay, I've been anxious to read it. Tamara Morgan is an author whose work has come highly recommended to me. As much as I anticipated this book, though, I had a hard time connecting with it. To be honest, I can't even pinpoint why that is. I don't think it was a mood issue, because I was anxious to dig in. I liked the cover, the premise. It could be that the story felt as if it were opening mid-scene. I didn't know these characters, but felt as though I were meant to. I did get my bearings on the "who's" and "what's" after just a bit, but never felt that I settled into the story.I did like Ryan and Amy, and sympathized with what brought them to Montgomery Manor. They were both kind and yearning towards one another. Amy was a sweetheart, very plucky (never thought I'd say that word). Ryan was a bit aloof and gruff, but melted a but for Amy's charms. They both had interesting backgrounds, and I liked that the story explored where they came from, why they landed at Montgomery Manor, and what they wanted from life beyond there.If I Stay seems to set up for a love triangle in the beginning, but didn't push it heavily. For those who're triangle averse, there's no contest between Ryan and Jake.  Jake is never a serious, or even minor contender for Amy's heart. He was such a sleeze, but eventually became sort of endearing. The plot focused more on Amy's connection to the Montgomerys and Ryan's longing to return to his former career. Their story had a very nice resolution.Despite my lack of overwhelming enthusiasm for If I Stay, it was a nice story. I wouldn't discourage anyone from giving it a try.Favorite QuoteHe was lucky to be around people who cared enough to change their plans to suit his weaknesses. Luckier to have a job. Even luckier still to be alive. That had to count for something.One of these days, he'd figure out what.