I Bailed on the Schedule and Read the Whole Thing:

[Rachel-K]

Okay guys, here's a place to let loose! If you've read the whole novel, please use this thread to post the comments you're dying to share. Spoilers welcome.

[Vermontcozy]

Rachel,This is the Best..Thank you...Just posted to Lauren..need time to collect my thoughts..I was able to get through BIF,without a "support group",so this is the Perfect Thread for all of us who have finished and want to discuss..Vtc  Susan

[DSaff]

Thank you for posting this, Rachel. I had read the ending in a post that wasn't marked as a spoiler, so decided to finish the last chapter this weekend. My hopes were dashed when Sam died (hoping changes would work), but I have to say it fit that she died saving someone else. I loved the way she realized who she really cared about. Her time with her friends was excellent, and I cried when she gave her sister the necklace. That was powerful. I also loved the kiss with Kent! She gave everyone something good to remember her by. It was even easy to like the characters. They all had some redeeming qualities, and I pictured them all being profoundly changed by the accident that took Sam's life. I will post more as I collect my thoughts.

[vpenning]

Thanks. Love having this thread. I did make chapter notes (used the same formula I make my kids at school use LOL) so, I did record my thoughts as I was reading.

The thing I most wanted to be able to discuss as we have moved along in the schedule is the insight that I have gotten to Sam's behavior as her past, and Lindseys has been revealed. Many of the "in" crowd that students see everyday that their peers think are the perfect person, are actually filled with the same kind of strife and pain that everyone else has.

The difference is that their pain tends to strike out towards others, instead of striking out at themselves.

The contrast of Lindsey taking her pain out on others is juxtaposed with that of Juliet her previous best friend. Juliet knows LIndsey's pain, but is a friend until the end. Lindsey, on the other hand is so fearful that the truth of her shame will be revealed that she cannot see the loyalty in Juliet, and embrace the love that Juliet has given her.

In the same manner, Sam has not been able to see the love and loyalty that she had around her either. Whether it be from her family, or from Kent. It takes dying and reliving her life over and over to be able to see that what she had around her was greater than popularity.

In the beginning, she believes that to save her life she has to stop the crash, but as she starts to see the things that she has done, she realizes that to save her soul, she needs to help the others around her.

Yes, I would have liked Sam to survive. As a mother, I bleed everytime I hear a young person has died suddenly like that.

But, knowing that Sam made the choice that could send her out of purgatory, and make right what had been wronged, is an acceptable ending.

I wonder, though, if the sacrifice will be noted by Lindsey, or is she still not there yet to see how things she can make a difference.

[krb2g]

I don't mean this comment to sound like I don't appreciate the value of life, but I was really pleased that Ms. Oliver had the courage to allow Sam to die at the end. As she was going through time and time again, at times I had the lingering hope that Sam might figure out what she was supposed to do and live through this experience, but I think that an ending that allowed Sam to live would have made the repetition less meaningful. I am so sorry for Sam that she didn't get to have a lifetime of appreciating her family, of cutting through the lies to become closer to her friends, of falling in love with Kent (and possibly other equally kind, caring boys--sometimes the first love thing doesn't work out!), but I think it was more important that she realized what she was missing and, through the process of learning how to die a good death, realized where her priorities really lie. If she hadn't been able to save Juliet (and sacrifice herself), her values wouldn't have changed (so at least as I understand the logic of the story, she would still be stuck repeating the day).

Generally speaking, I am wary of happy endings. I tend to be drawn to stories where I have a sense that things matter (the Lord of the Rings trilogy, for example)--and where characters have to make hard decisions between two (or more) things that they want. If everyone gets exactly what they want at the end, then that seems to cheapen the rest of the story. So, it really rings true for me that Frodo (with Gollum's help) destroys the ring, but then can't stay in Middle Earth. Or that Sam learns about the value of life and treating people with respect and kindness, but to live up to the values that she's come to realize she holds, she has to give up the chance to continue living in that vein.

[nomadwriter]

Hooray! I've been avoiding most of the discussions because I don't want to accidentally spoil the book for other people. I'm generally not good at waiting to finish books. I enjoyed the book, and my full review is here. Did anyone else notice similarities between Before I Fall and If I Stay and When You Reach Me? I do not mean to imply Ms. Oliver did anything improper, but I noticed the similar themes, and they affected my enjoyment of the book. I really enjoyed the emotional evolution of Sam, and this novel is a testament to how much impact we can have in a day. Each day, we choose to make the world better, let it stay as it is, or do harm. 

I am curious to see if there's backlash from some parents about the book's ending. Did Sam choose to die? I don't think it's that simple. She chose to make things better, and to a certain extent, her fate was sealed. Do you think the ending (and Sam's death) will be controversial?

[jb70]

I tried so hard to stick with the schedule this time, but when I read chapters 3 and 4 I couldn't stop and finished the book.  I tried taking notes so I wouldn't give spoilers, but then my notes didn't always address the posted questions and I was afraid to give a spoiler so I haven't posted too much.  I don't have time now but tonight I'll log back in and give some of my thoughts about the book as a whole, just wanted to say I am excited this thread is here!

[DSaff]

Good question and one I asked myself. I don't think there should be any real controversy regarding Sam's death because it was going to happen - she couldn't avoid it. She knew her death was imminent and knew she had learned a lot through reliving the day. Sam also knew that she couldn't change anyone but herself and her actions. But, I also think she knew she could help Juliet - maybe give her a reason to change her mind about suicide.  Sam uses her death to save the life of another.  Yes, it's painful to see her die, but .......

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nomadwriter wrote:

I am curious to see if there's backlash from some parents about the book's ending. Did Sam choose to die? I don't think it's that simple. She chose to make things better, and to a certain extent, her fate was sealed. Do you think the ending (and Sam's death) will be controversial?

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[DSaff]

I totally agree. Good post.

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krb2g wrote:

I don't mean this comment to sound like I don't appreciate the value of life, but I was really pleased that Ms. Oliver had the courage to allow Sam to die at the end. As she was going through time and time again, at times I had the lingering hope that Sam might figure out what she was supposed to do and live through this experience, but I think that an ending that allowed Sam to live would have made the repetition less meaningful. I am so sorry for Sam that she didn't get to have a lifetime of appreciating her family, of cutting through the lies to become closer to her friends, of falling in love with Kent (and possibly other equally kind, caring boys--sometimes the first love thing doesn't work out!), but I think it was more important that she realized what she was missing and, through the process of learning how to die a good death, realized where her priorities really lie. If she hadn't been able to save Juliet (and sacrifice herself), her values wouldn't have changed (so at least as I understand the logic of the story, she would still be stuck repeating the day).

Generally speaking, I am wary of happy endings. I tend to be drawn to stories where I have a sense that things matter (the Lord of the Rings trilogy, for example)--and where characters have to make hard decisions between two (or more) things that they want. If everyone gets exactly what they want at the end, then that seems to cheapen the rest of the story. So, it really rings true for me that Frodo (with Gollum's help) destroys the ring, but then can't stay in Middle Earth. Or that Sam learns about the value of life and treating people with respect and kindness, but to live up to the values that she's come to realize she holds, she has to give up the chance to continue living in that vein.

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[Zia01]

I always try to stick to the schedule but I just couldn't this time. I had to know what was going to happen. I admit I was hoping against all hope for a happy ending but I think deep down I knew it wasn't in the cards. It saddened me but by the end of the book I think I accepted her fate. Strange how that worked itself out.

[ChArLiE_LeViTs]

Thanks for posting this! I don't have to freak out about giving to much information in the other sections!

   First I want to say I loved the book by the end! I definately didn't like Sam in the beginning but I knew she had to change by the end. And I must say i loved the ending! I mean, yes she died or at least that's what it eludes to, but it was so not cliche! I would have liked to see Sam spend more time with Kent and see if her friends changed at all but i'm glad she did what she did! and as for the friends changing... maybe a second book? just a sugestion...

   I loved the book it was amazing and I'm glad she saved Juliet and gave the necklace to her sister, and told her parents she loved them, and kissed Kent and dumped Rob and stood up for herself to her perv teacher, and gave the book to Katie. I like how all the bad things she did, and the good, throughout the days were just ways for her to figure out how to help people and how on the last day that's what she did!

I must say it was a great book!

[lg4154]

It was really hard to stick to the schedule. I  loved how Sam's character tried to make certain changes for the better, especially when she gave her sister the necklace. I guess the end was inevitable, but what a great book!

[Zeal]

'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

                                                        Alfred Lord Tennyson

This famous and quite simple quote speaks to Sam's life and experience of reliving February 12th over and over again.  In the beginning, Sam did not understand what it meant to love and be loved.  Her relationships and experiences were almost an artificial type of love.  She had distanced herself from her family and pushed away others who truly loved and cared for her...all for the sake of popularity. 

As Sam continues on her journey, she slowly realizes what it really means to love.  Her day with Izzy and her growing closeness with Kent illustrate this perfectly.  Sam's quest and ultimate sacrifice to save Juliet seals her fate, and she dies knowing the true meaning of love...even though she had to give up the most precious gift (her life).  Before she leaves this world for good, I believe Sam leaves everyone with a little bit of herself to carry with them.  From this, they will remember the Sam she was in the end instead of the selfish, uncaring Sam.

I was also glad and felt it quite a meaningful choice of Lauren's to allow Sam to die a virgin.  How sad would it have been for her to give herself away to someone like Rob...all for nothing.   

I too am usually one for a happy ending, but one in this case would have diminished Sam's journey and struggle during her all too short life.  Instead, Sam can be remembered for who she had the courage to become, and all can strive to learn from her.

This was truly a rewarding reading experience. 

[Vermontcozy]

It took me after Chapter 5 to accept the inevitable.Of course I was holding out as well that she would wake up,but I knew deep down that wasn't going to happen.It does however give me Hope that during her brief time trying desperately to make everything that she thought she could change for the better.I think she did.I think however brief it might be before one passes over,see's the light,and somewhere in Lindsay's,Ally's,Elody,Izzy"s,Mom,Dad subconscious did feel Sam's presence..Juliet was lost,Sam could not change that.Sam did the very best she could,and took us with her.The pendent she gave to Izzy,,that was the clincher for me,now she wears it,to remind herself of of Sam.Kent was her savior,he quietly understood in his mind,she needed that.I will never forget how change through acceptance and release,can change the course of events,however small,but relevant to me as a reader,Lauren knew how to do this in her writing,its very powerful..VT  Susan

[myalternaterea…]

Being brand new to First Look and also finding this book extremely hard to put down, I finished the book before any discussion started so I am grateful for a place where it won't matter if I say too much.

Did anyone else wonder about the following quote on p.324 (day 5):

Julie turns to face me then. She's smiling, but it's the saddest smile I've ever seen.

"Maybe next time," she says. "But probably not."

When I read that part, I wondered if Juliet was relieving the same day too. Almost like she'd had already played out this scene before.

Also, anyone else think that if Sam could save Juliet she might get to keep living? Or wonder why at the end of day 7 Juliet got to escape her fate yet Sam still met hers? I realize Sam died a heroic death and had finally come to grips with who she was and what truly mattered in life and perhaps Juliet had more to learn before she died. I was mostly curious to see if anyone else was thinking along these lines.

[Vermontcozy]

Vtcozy wrote: I always carefully read your posts,you have so much to offer here.I was especially touched when you mentioned "How Lauren let Sam die a virgin.".That in itself is a great message.As you stated..I totally overlooked that..It does add another dimension to the book..,Thanks...Susan..

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Zeal wrote:

'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

                                                        Alfred Lord Tennyson

This famous and quite simple quote speaks to Sam's life and experience of reliving February 12th over and over again.  In the beginning, Sam did not understand what it meant to love and be loved.  Her relationships and experiences were almost an artificial type of love.  She had distanced herself from her family and pushed away others who truly loved and cared for her...all for the sake of popularity. 

As Sam continues on her journey, she slowly realizes what it really means to love.  Her day with Izzy and her growing closeness with Kent illustrate this perfectly.  Sam's quest and ultimate sacrifice to save Juliet seals her fate, and she dies knowing the true meaning of love...even though she had to give up the most precious gift (her life).  Before she leaves this world for good, I believe Sam leaves everyone with a little bit of herself to carry with them.  From this, they will remember the Sam she was in the end instead of the selfish, uncaring Sam.

I was also glad and felt it quite a meaningful choice of Lauren's to allow Sam to die a virgin.  How sad would it have been for her to give herself away to someone like Rob...all for nothing.   

I too am usually one for a happy ending, but one in this case would have diminished Sam's journey and struggle during her all too short life.  Instead, Sam can be remembered for who she had the courage to become, and all can strive to learn from her.

This was truly a rewarding reading experience. 

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[lau05]

I'm totally agree with the last post. I also thought that if Sam saved Juliet's life, she would live. But when I finished the book, the final was very surprising for me. Anyway, I liked the book and then I thought, it has a different final compared with any book of its genre.

Above the quote, I imagined it referred to the phrase of the rose, but yes, for me it doesn't make sense because Juliet can't know that the same day it's repeated on and on.

Another thing that it was the only one that I didn't understand was Sam didn't realize the second day was exactlythe same day that the previous one. I had realized in the morning with the second or third detail, not when the day is finishing.

[kimmyblair]

One thing I am not good at is being able to put books down. Once I pick up a book I usually end up reading it straight threw, so I knew there was not a good chance I'd be able to stick to the schedule. Sure enough I said  to myself "I'll only read the prologue" but before I knew it, I looked at the clock and realized it was 1 AM and I had just finished the book. Great book.

I agree with others that I was hoping Sam could live, but agree that she had to die. To me her sacrifice meant more with her death. Although it seems a bit odd, for me it meant more to me that she made these changes knowing she was going to die. If she made these chances hoping to stay alive it takes away from the huge sacrifice that she made.

[momofprecious1]

I'm guilty! I couldn't keep to the schedule. Once I pick up a book if I like it I tend not to put it down unless it's absolutely necessary. I was a bit bummed out that Sam died at the end, for some reason I thought she was going to be able to change the ending. I really liked this book & want to thank Ms. Oliver & B & N for giving us the opportunity to read it.

Tuscania

[vpenning]

Did anyone else wonder about the following quote on p.324 (day 5):

Julie turns to face me then. She's smiling, but it's the saddest smile I've ever seen.

"Maybe next time," she says. "But probably not."

When I read that part, I wondered if Juliet was relieving the same day too. Almost like she'd had already played out this scene before.

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Yes, I did! Esp. since in chpt. 6 Juliet also says "It isn't all about you..." The quote that was from the rose was maybe next YEAR, not time, so it made me think just that...it was Julie reliving the same day.