Before I Fall, Middle Chapters, 3-4

[mgarrison]

I often wonder how people would act if they knew that nothing would change and that they wouldn't get in trouble.  We all hate Sam and wish that she wouldn't act this way, but would we be any different??  She is so messed up with how she feels about herself, and the world around her that she is searching for answers anywhere she can find them.  I am shocked by what Sam;s character is allowing herself to do, but part of me feels sorry for her. 

[deannafrances]

I have never really gotten into this character,  I really do not like books anymore (as I get older)

that I do not like the characters in the story.  I feel like it is a waste of my time to  spend with someone I do not care for.  Perhaps part of it is my age, (62) Sam just seems so selfish and immature and downright stupid and uncaring for a high school student.

[Rachel-K]

I think this take on Sam's behavior is really interesting, too! Amazing the variety of ways that we've responded to her.

I thought that this must be a teenager's version of an all-out temper tantrum! Not kicking and screaming, like a small kid would do, but doing every outrageous thing you could think up in the course of a day.

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Zeal wrote:

Excellent point!  I never really thought about this, but it is very true!

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GReba wrote:  

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?  I love the diversity of characters that the author included.  You get a glimpse at the popular, the smart, the jock, the outcast, the artsy...and something in-between.  There is a character that each reader can relate to on a more personal level.

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[lisabalf]

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have? Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior?

Who wouldn't be tempted to try different things waking up on the same day after all Bill Murray did it during Groundhog's Day.  Granted Sam's riskier behavior, pot smoking and making out with her teacher.  I don't really feel that it is any more questionable than her normal behavior.  

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters? Do Ally, Elody, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior?

I think everyone pretty much remains the same although we get to see more of the real people behind the facades. Making them more genuine. 

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different? Is Sam's basic nature changing?  Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self? Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters?

I think she is building character although a bit too late.  I hope eventually she becomes more likable in the future chapters.

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?

[kherbrand]

I think a part of Sam thinks she is not really living - maybe dreaming, maybe dead - so her "risk-it-all" attitude is an offshoot of this - she doesn't care because she doesn't think it matters.

At the same time, I think she is definitely learning something - like the little things matter - Not getting there in time to take the closer parking spot let the swim team girl compete.  She is also more courageous - like asking Lindsey why she hated Juliet - and then taking it a step further when she is at Lindsey's house and looking through all the old school pictures.  I think she is starting to form some new conclusions herself.

Even though Katie is smoking pot - I still like her better than Sam's other friends - she is just herself and doesn't have to be mean or popular to make herself feel better.  I don't think I like Tara and the pugs - I think they are just another group very similar to Lindsey, Ally and Elody, but just on a smaller scale. 

[ashley558]

that is kind of gross i did not like reading that part

[amt19]

The Do Over Day

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have? Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior? Sam's stunts and actions start showing her that some people are not what she thought and maybe she doesn't want to be what she is. 

 Sam's "NOTHING MATTERS" attitude is not surprising. She is angry that she has died and doesn't know how to change things.

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters? Do Ally, Elody, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior? The only person anything seems to effect are Sam and Kent.

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different? Is Sam's basic nature changing?  Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self? Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters?

I think Sam is finding her true self. Finding that her friends and her life are not perfect and maybe not what she wants to be.

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?

[girlie0620]

I completely agree with you dbug_13. I think Sam's attitude and behaviors are reflecting her situation and state of mind. She is angry and frustrated and so she is acting out- Maybe she thinks it doesn't matter what she does as the outcome is the same. She is "living out loud"- doing things he would never really do if not for her situation. I would probably do the same-

I just hope the next day- she will come to realize that this is not the path she wants to take- whether she is going to live or die.

[dandyMW]

I would be just as frusturated as Sam, but I don't think I'd resort to the nothing matters attitude - that's just not me. But then again, I am quite the opposite of Sam personality wise.

I guess Sam is learning through these February 12ths, mostly she's learning who truly cares about her - Kent.

[meme1]

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Rachel-K wrote:

The Do Over Day

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have? Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior? I was surprised at her change from being a follower to a "leader" in the actions she takes - episode with the teacher, the "swiping" of the credit car and etc.

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters? Do Ally, Elody, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior?I think they are all confused by the change and can't understand what her motivation is.  I'm sure that Lindsay is shocked to see Sam rebelling and not following her.

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?  I think they are now in the role that Sam was previously in with Lindsay and her followers.

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[mysticveil]

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have?  Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? I am not shocked by her nothing matters attitude. I think she is doing this to see what it feels like to be like Lindsay, to not feel something when you hurt someone. Or at least this is how she sees Lindsay. I also think she is in shock by everything happening and having to relive this terrible day over and over again.

Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior? I think that both Sam's regular behavior and her new risk-it-all behavior are all part of Sam's inability to be true to herself and not worry about status or what other people think. I think that Sam's life would be different if she could be true to herself.

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters? Do Ally, Elodea, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior? I think that Ally, Elody, and Lindsay dumping Sam because she stood up to Lindsay speaks volumes about how afraid these girls are to be one of Lindsay's victims. I also think that when Sam starts to act different, she becomes more real to us and to the people that Sam ignored. It gives us real insight into how quickly you can be 'kicked out of the inner circle if you don't follow the crowd.

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different? I think that Sam is starting to realize that maybe Lindsay's way isn't a good way and that some of the people that they have been really awful to are people too and are not really so bad I think that she is also learning that it is okay to think for yourself and to think something other than what the 'crowd' is thinking.

.Is Sam's basic nature changing? I think we are starting to see the development of who Sam really is and who she has been hiding so she could be part of the 'popular crowd'.

 Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self? Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters? I think that Sam is both building character and revealing her true self. She see this a lot when she is talking with Katie in the bathroom, when they  switch shoes ...kind of walk a mile in my shoes...kind of thing. We also see this at the end of Chapter 4 when she is talking with Kent and talks about the tiny spark and she is not afraid anymore. I think that all along, Sam has been afraid to be herself because she has a great fear of not fitting in or being like Kent, Juliet and Katie.

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters? In these chapters, we get to know Kent and Katie a little bit better. They are people that have been really hurt by Lindsay and Sam and their gang. I think that while Sam is spending some time with them she realizes that she has no idea why Lindsay is so mean to them and no idea why she was following along. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to be yourself and not follow the crowd.

[quiltedturtle1]

The Do Over Day

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have? Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior?   Sam really changes in these chapters. Her “devil may care” attitude is how she handles what is happening to her. It is understandable that she adopts this “nothing matters” attitude since she is reliving the day over and over again without knowing if it will end.  It is questionable in that it is not really her true personality, but it is understandable that she adopts it at this point.

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters? Do Ally, Elody, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior?  Sam is overstepping the boundaries that people have set up in school; her behavior also allows others to overstep these boundaries and interact with her in ways they would not “normally.”

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different? Is Sam's basic nature changing?  Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self? Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters? Sam is finding herself and is testing what she can and cannot do in this new existence.

[BooksAtMidnight]

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have? Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior?

What Sam did was interesting and way, way too embarrassing for me, but I wouldn't say I was surprised. I felt it was reasonable because sometimes I feel the same way; if I know I can get away with something, I want to see how far I can push the envelope. I think her new attitude is actually just a step in her death. She first has to come to terms with this new "life," has some fun, then finally she'll realize how serious her immaturity. So while I wouldn't condone her actions by any means, they're justifiable, I suppose.

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters? Do Ally, Elody, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior?

I wouldn't say they're exactly "changing," they're just revealing who they've been all along. But, yes, new personalities definitely come through.

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different? Is Sam's basic nature changing?  Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self? Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters?

I feel like right now she might be going in a "worse" direction, but it'll ultimately allow her to see what's "right." So far, I don't think Sam's "basic" nature has changed, but because she has this death/life freedom, she's more willing to be her true self and take some chances. As for building character, I see her learning from some past wrongdoings, but nothing like a brain-shattering realization yet. 

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?

I don't really have a strong opinion, but the relationships seem more genuine than what Lindsay and Sam have. But I guess that's why friendship is sometimes inexplicable. KENT. <3

[MKDeanna]

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have?

She tries skipping the beginning of the day and avoiding the party, only to find out that Juliet has died also.  She then takes her anger out on Lindsay, gets involved in friends and situations she should not, and then finds that Kent is her only true friend.

Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude?  No, it seems in character with the Sam we've seen in the book so far.

Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior?

No, I think Sam's always been living for the moment, now it's just all about her rather than all about how other people see her.

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters?

It doesn't seem that way to me thus far.

Do Ally, Elody, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior?

I think Lindsay's true colors showed in her arguement with Sam.  I also think that Kent seems more genuine as Sam begins to find out that she needs a caring friend to lean on.

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different?

I think she's just floundering and doing whatever feels good for her at that time.

Is Sam's basic nature changing? 

Other than her interest in learning the secret behind Lindsay and Juliet's relationship, I see no change.

Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self?

At the end of chapter four in her moments with Kent.

Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters?

I still don't think she's found her true self yet.

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?

There still as shallow and self-absorbed as her other friends.

[Think-Im-Liste…]

The Do Over Day

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have? Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior?

Actually her nothing matters attitude makes more sense then her trying to stop it by avoiding it, or living it through again. might as well live a little before you die  

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters? Do Ally, Elody, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior?

they do act a little different towards Sam, obviously. They dont seem to care as much that she is in the 'in' group

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different? Is Sam's basic nature changing?  Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self? Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters?

 She's changing and she is getting useful information. She is acting less plastic and more like how she really feels and thinks.

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?

I really like that girl she got high with. the others kind of annoyed me though

[Mel-hefollowed…]

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have? Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior?

I wasn't expecting her to act this way BUT when you think about it, it all makes sense. She was not living for what she wanted all these years, rather living the way she thought was was supposed to, to fit in. This was her act of rebellion

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different? Is Sam's basic nature changing?  Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self? Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters?

I think by reliving the day over again, Sam gets to see everything around her in a whole new light, including hereself. Yes, she is changing, but for the better. She is at that stage in life where you are evolving as a person, she now must do what is noramlly done over many years in just a few days.

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?

I <3 Kent but the others are so shallow. Lindsay is the worst, such a great character to hate & cant wait to see if we learn more about why she is so natsy. I think Lauren has done an awesome job of recreating lie in High School.

[ChArLiE_LeViTs]

In these two chapters Sam changed a lot! she did things she wouldn't have ever done just because she knew she'd have a do over the next day. she was stealing from her parents and yelling at her best friends, who, yes, deserved it. and even though all that Sam said when she was angry may have been true they were still her friends. She was smoking pot with Katie, black-mailing the staff to get out of trouble and even making-out with her seriously messed up calc teacher.

   Even though i don't like how she acted i do thinkl her character was changing, she was or is throughout the book going through the stages of grief in a way. And during chapters three and for she is more or less in the anger stage.

   None of the other characters seem to be changing. They are kinda just responding to this new Sam. They are all used to the Sam who ignores people and thinks she is better than everybody, so when she actually starts tlking to them and hanging out with them they aren't really sure how to act. Her friends just think she's gone crazy but everyone else is just bewildered that she is talking to them.

   The other kids Sam hangs out with aren't good for Sam. Although Ally, Elody, and Lindsay aren't the best influences either the kids she hangs out with on these days are worse for Sam than her friends. She smokes with Katie but when she hangs out with the pugs later it gives Sam to much power. She becomes the top of the group, like Lindsay for her, and the power she gets from it goes to her head and she doesn't know how to handle it.

[pen21]

You have made several good points here. Very good posts. Two especially made me think.

Like "They are kinda just responding to this new Sam.", this is so true. Was it their reaction to Sam that changed the days events and emotions.

Or "Although Ally, Elody, and Lindsay aren't the best influences either the kids she hangs out with on these days are worse for Sam than her friends.", I hadn't thought about that. But it is so true. Her new choices were not good.

pen21

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ChArLiE_LeViTs wrote:

In these two chapters Sam changed a lot! she did things she wouldn't have ever done just because she knew she'd have a do over the next day. she was stealing from her parents and yelling at her best friends, who, yes, deserved it. and even though all that Sam said when she was angry may have been true they were still her friends. She was smoking pot with Katie, black-mailing the staff to get out of trouble and even making-out with her seriously messed up calc teacher.

   Even though i don't like how she acted i do thinkl her character was changing, she was or is throughout the book going through the stages of grief in a way. And during chapters three and for she is more or less in the anger stage.

   None of the other characters seem to be changing. They are kinda just responding to this new Sam. They are all used to the Sam who ignores people and thinks she is better than everybody, so when she actually starts tlking to them and hanging out with them they aren't really sure how to act. Her friends just think she's gone crazy but everyone else is just bewildered that she is talking to them.

   The other kids Sam hangs out with aren't good for Sam. Although Ally, Elody, and Lindsay aren't the best influences either the kids she hangs out with on these days are worse for Sam than her friends. She smokes with Katie but when she hangs out with the pugs later it gives Sam to much power. She becomes the top of the group, like Lindsay for her, and the power she gets from it goes to her head and she doesn't know how to handle it.

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[seolmara]

What are Sam's new stunts to change the outcome of her day, and what effect do her actions have? Are you shocked by her "nothing matters" attitude? Do you think this new risk-it-all behavior is more questionable than Sam's "normal" behavior?

I loved Sam's careless chapter. She got to really emphasize her own personality and took no crap from anyone. It helped to break down the barriers that were always around her, allowing her to really get to know the other kids that her group had always criticized for one reason or another. Besides, if it were a true common occurrence (to the things right by reliving days), who wouldn't want one of those days to let it all loose, blow off some steam?

Are any of the other characters changing as Sam changes in these chapters? Do Ally, Elody, Lindsay or any of the school kids Sam has always ignored seem seem more genuine or different in response to Sam's new (sometimes bizarre) behavior?

I didn't;t see a change in them as much as a piecing together of what their lives are really like and why they act the way they do.

Is Sam learning anything at all as we go through each of these February 12ths, or is she just floundering in new and more awful directions with every attempt to do something different? Is Sam's basic nature changing?  Are there ways that she is either building character (an old fashioned phrase!) or revealing her true self? Which, if any of these, seems true for you in these chapters?

Sam is always learning, that's the whole point, but she may not be making the correct conclusions about the way things are meant to unfold. i think Sam's character was always there the she buried under a facade to blend in.

How do you like the other kids Sam hangs out with in these chapters?

The other kids are just your average teenagers whose individual issues have been magnified by an overly critical group of "cool kids".

[MaggieMcKickBu…]

I m not really surprised by her new change because she is kind of guessingthat she will do it all over the next day... I think she just wants to play around and see what it’s like to be totally different than who she is.

Sam is starting to realize how ignorant her friends can are. I think she just doesn’t want to believe it. She just wants to find herself now and see who she really is.

　

I feel as though Sam’s trying to change and be different. But no matter how hard she tries, everything keeps going wrong. I don’t like the fact that she tries to change into a “bad” person. Its just not her...