The Last Day

[TamCG]

I didn't feel knowing Sam was going to die effected me as a reader - If anything it just made me understand that the book was going to be more so about the journey vs. the incident itself.

Honestly you never really think "today may be my last day" so the conversation about "Life flashing before your eyes" didn't really change my thoughts about each individual.  It's really easy to say "I'd eat a whole container of oreo's" or something totally uninspirational.  If we were all prepared for death to approach at any time we would probably have better things to say.

Sam remembers the scene with Vicky because she was effected by it.  It was something that occurred that really made her feel.  I think it is also the point that she really realized she did not want to be like Vicky.

Definitely no drinking and driving people - it just takes the one time...

[Vermontcozy]

I was very sad,and kept thinking "Where are we going from here",where is Lauren taking us.Now,to me its a glimpse into Sam,a walk with her ,talking to herself inside and wondering ,Am I dead ?Really dead,reliving her short life.  The conversation wasn't important ,it was just a statement,even though they crashed,and Sam's story begins..Sam..her awareness of her life before she was "Popular,and a follower,to Sam,"I know what I am now is not really who I am," To go back and change the events leading up to the crash,I can't,because it happened,this is real,the only way it wouldn't have occurred is if,Sam had a revelation.and never got into the car...Then this wonderful.gripping story that I am reading would be different.,and I want to continue,reading BIF,from Laurens viewpont,as a writer,and Sam's ...    .Susan

[Griffin14]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die? It makes me wonder if she can find a way to save herself from her own death.

What does the conversation about "life flashing before your eyes" just before death tell you about each of the friends in the car? That this is a touchy subject and they are hormonal teenage girls.

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan? Because she realizes what she has done to get where she is now.

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one? Sam becomes confused and focuses on Rob.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!) I am still trying to figure that out since I have not made it to the end yet.

[Vermontcozy]

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Griffin14 wrote:

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die? It makes me wonder if she can find a way to save herself from her own death.

What does the conversation about "life flashing before your eyes" just before death tell you about each of the friends in the car? That this is a touchy subject and they are hormonal teenage girls.

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan? Because she realizes what she has done to get where she is now.

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one? Sam becomes confused and focuses on Rob.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!) I am still trying to figure that out since I have not made it to the end yet.

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Vtcozy wrote..I like your answers,especially"Wondering if she can save herself from her own death".I am only going on to Chapter 4..The theme of the book is so thought provoking..Must read on...Vtc

[BaseballMomma]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

I don't think it really effected me to know that she was going to die. However, I did find myself rooting for her as she tried to change things hoping she will have a happy ending.

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan?

The way the scene was described, it seemed like it might have been the first time Lindsay said something mean that Sam laughed at and then felt bad about. I think she remembers it because that was probably a moment of her life that changed her.

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

Sarah gets the parking space Lindsay wanted, so she's not late and will still swim in the semifinals. Sam and Lindsay don't go into the Chinese restaurant and talk to Katie and Alex. Because of that they end up not fighting, are not caught by Mrs. Winters in the parking lot, and Brianna doesn't find out Alex is cheating on her. At the party Sam is really upset, and it changes her interaction with Rob. When she lets him know she really needs him to listen to her and be there for her, he ends up going off and forgetting about her.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)

The most significant change to me is when Rob tells her "5 minutes" and then completely forgets about her. That moment let her know more about what type of person Rob really is, and it really sticks with her through the rest of the book.

I do think the Katie/Alex change is significant too, but I can't really put my finger on why. I really want to know what they were arguing about on the first Friday that lead them to being caught.

By the way, our first official Friday during the discussion is Friday February 12th. Can we all promise not to drink and drive, and not to fight over ipods in the car?

That's spooky!

[quiltedturtle1]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die? It made me think of the movie Groundhog Day, and whether should could reverse it and live at the end of the story. I wondered what changes she would make to accomplish it.

What does the conversation about "life flashing before your eyes" just before death tell you about each of the friends in the car? That they are self-absorbed teenagers that think primarily of the here and now and how things effect them

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan? I think it was something that she regretted and that she had been thinking about it over the years. It also gives us a clue as to what she will be doing as she relives the day each time.

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one? Sam starts to make small changes that create good for others, such as allowing the swim team girl to get the parking space.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)  The most significant is that Sam realizes she can change things.

By the way, our first official Friday during the discussion is Friday February 12th. Can we all promise not to drink and drive, and not to fight over ipods in the car? Definitely, let’s also include promising not to text while driving.

[jbg78]

I think that knowing that the main character was going to die is a great hook into the story.  I did all right with the first day, but then the plot just reminded me of the movie Groundhog's Day...right down to the alarm clock.

[melisndav]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?  I was interested to see how this was going to shape the story.

What does the conversation about "life flashing before your eyes" just before death tell you about each of the friends in the car?   That none of these girls cared about any special moments in their life.  It made them appear to be shallow that the worst thing in the world is dying a virgin. 

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

The fact that the swimmer got that the parking space since the 'mean girls' were late and she could still participate in the swim meet.

[melissas]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

After reading the prologue, I was mainly curious about how she died...why would the girls be fighting over an iPod? Then of course, after reading Chapter 1 it all made sense, knowing they were drunk. Knowing she was going to die didn't earn her any sympathy, though. 

What does the conversation about "life flashing before your eyes" just before death tell you about each of the friends in the car?

Lindsay doesn't take death seriously. Ally is so insecure that her "hook-up" with a boy is the most important thing she's done. Elody doesn't care. Sam is realizing that their behavior is stupid, since Lindsay's erratic drunk driving is making her think about death in the first place.

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan?

Perhaps because instead of seeing your "greatest hits" you see your "biggest regrets". This could be the incident that led to her becoming the person she is today, someone who isn't true to herself. After all, the Vicky Hallinan incident happened in the 4th grade, and if memory serves me correctly, Sam and Lindsay became friends after the pool party prank in the 5th grade. The memory could almost be a way of blaming Lindsay for Sam's years of being a faker followed by her untimely demise.

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

The first and the second February 12 have the most subtle differences. The girls end up late, so they don't get a good parking spot, and Sarah ends up keeping her spot on the swim team. Sam leaves Kent's rose on her desk, and their following conversation is different. Sam & Lindsay stay away from Alex & Katie when going to TCBY, so nobody gets caught by the Nic Nazi, and Brianna remains clueless about her boyfriend cheating on her. The party is the same, but yet slightly different. And of course, Sam realizes at the party that the day is repeating, and is able to watch the clock in the car and see her death coming.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)

Sam realizing that she wasn't dreaming or experiencing deja vu. If she had realized it earlier in the day she probably could have changed something bigger that would have affected the outcome of the day.

By the way, our first official Friday during the discussion is Friday February 12th. Can we all promise not to drink and drive, and not to fight over ipods in the car?

Yes.

[CharlieG31]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

 The effect it had on me knowing that Sam was going to die was of impatience, I wanted to know how she died, and I read faster than usual to know how it happened. Every action Sam did , made my head go "It doesnt matter shes going to die lol" so it did make me loose inspiration in some cases but it did make want to read more in order to know what was going to happen after she died so it made the story far more interesting.

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan?

I believe she remembers that scene because it shows who in reality she really is . The not so popular girl who once was also made fun of and that is why she remembers this scene because it shows who she really is /was.

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

 The way different people around Sam took action (Brianna, Katie) this are the ones that are more subtle, and the not so subtle were the changes inside Sam and the way she talked and valued everything being in a way far more reflexive.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)

I believe the change that will change everything will be Sam's attitude towards herself and others, when she changes the way she is the situation will change.

By the way, our first official Friday during the discussion is Friday February 12th. Can we all promise not to drink and drive, and not to fight over ipods in the car?

I can promise that

[CharlieG31]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

 The effect it had on me knowing that Sam was going to die was of impatience, I wanted to know how she died, and I read faster than usual to know how it happened. Every action Sam did , made my head go "It doesnt matter shes going to die lol" so it did make me loose inspiration in some cases but it did make want to read more in order to know what was going to happen after she died so it made the story far more interesting.

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan?

I believe she remembers that scene because it shows who in reality she really is . The not so popular girl who once was also made fun of and that is why she remembers this scene because it shows who she really is /was.

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

 The way different people around Sam took action (Brianna, Katie) this are the ones that are more subtle, and the not so subtle were the changes inside Sam and the way she talked and valued everything being in a way far more reflexive.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)

I believe the change that will change everything will be Sam's attitude towards herself and others, when she changes the way she is the situation will change.

By the way, our first official Friday during the discussion is Friday February 12th. Can we all promise not to drink and drive, and not to fight over ipods in the car?

I can promise that

[Wrighty]

By the way, our first official Friday during the discussion is Friday February 12th. Can we all promise not to drink and drive, and not to fight over ipods in the car?

This is a good reminder for everyone, not just teens. I lost my 17 year-old nephew 6 years ago in a car accident. He was drinking with friends and they were out late driving around on back roads. For some reason they let a 15 year-old unlicensed driver take the wheel. He was driving too fast, lost control and struck a tree. None of them were wearing seat belts and my nephew was thrown from the car and killed instantly. The owner of the car was partially ejected and died before help arrived and they weren't found for hours. The driver survived but is now in a wheelchair. He has suffered severe emotional trauma and guilt and hasn't done well over the years. As an aunt I was devastated. As a parent I am always worried about my kids and their friends.

We also live near the town of a horrific accident that occurred a few years ago. Five girls had just graduated high school and were driving to a lake house to celebrate. They were texting on their cell phones and while they don't know if the driver was texting her phone had been used just 30 seconds before they crashed. All of the girls were killed.

I know these aren't the only accidents that have ever happened but ever single one is a tragedy and most could have been prevented. I don't mean to be up on my soapbox here. My point was that this happens to real people not just strangers on the news.

[jb70]

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Wrighty wrote:

By the way, our first official Friday during the discussion is Friday February 12th. Can we all promise not to drink and drive, and not to fight over ipods in the car?

This is a good reminder for everyone, not just teens. I lost my 17 year-old nephew 6 years ago in a car accident. He was drinking with friends and they were out late driving around on back roads. For some reason they let a 15 year-old unlicensed driver take the wheel. He was driving too fast, lost control and struck a tree. None of them were wearing seat belts and my nephew was thrown from the car and killed instantly. The owner of the car was partially ejected and died before help arrived and they weren't found for hours. The driver survived but is now in a wheelchair. He has suffered severe emotional trauma and guilt and hasn't done well over the years. As an aunt I was devastated. As a parent I am always worried about my kids and their friends.

We also live near the town of a horrific accident that occurred a few years ago. Five girls had just graduated high school and were driving to a lake house to celebrate. They were texting on their cell phones and while they don't know if the driver was texting her phone had been used just 30 seconds before they crashed. All of the girls were killed.

I know these aren't the only accidents that have ever happened but ever single one is a tragedy and most could have been prevented. I don't mean to be up on my soapbox here. My point was that this happens to real people not just strangers on the news.

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I won't even answer my phone when I am driving.  There are enough distractions out there.  Younger drivers don't seem to have a clear enough concept of the dangers they are engaging in because they feel invincible.  I think along with not texting we should also aim to not use phones in the car at all, what is so important that it can't wait until you have the car parked?

[Kourt]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

I kinda liked the idea of the story letting us know that Sam has died. It keeps me wondering what is the point of all this! LOL  

What does the conversation about "life flashing before your eyes" just before death tell you about each of the friends in the car?

 You find out that everyone is sooo different. We all have these little scenerios of what we think is going to happen when we die! 

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan?

I think this scene serves as a reminder to Sam of what life was like proir to Lindsay! 

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

Sam is more reckless and confused.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)

 I think pretty much any change would make a difference in how the day ends. She could skip the party, she could not be mean to Juliet, she could talk to Kent and not be a witch-with-a-b about it.

[kpatton]

Thanks for the excellent summary of the changes. 

Kathy

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melissas wrote:

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

The first and the second February 12 have the most subtle differences. The girls end up late, so they don't get a good parking spot, and Sarah ends up keeping her spot on the swim team. Sam leaves Kent's rose on her desk, and their following conversation is different. Sam & Lindsay stay away from Alex & Katie when going to TCBY, so nobody gets caught by the Nic Nazi, and Brianna remains clueless about her boyfriend cheating on her. The party is the same, but yet slightly different. And of course, Sam realizes at the party that the day is repeating, and is able to watch the clock in the car and see her death coming.

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[kimmyblair]

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Rachel-K wrote:

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

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Usually when I read a book I want to root for the character, however when you know that the character is going to die it makes it harder to sort of get attached to them, as you know they aren't going to stick around. I started perhaps wondering if it was possible for the character to change enough to somehow find a way to change the outcome of the story. Overall I think that It is hard starting a book knowing the main character is not going to survive the book, however I think in this case the author deals with in a great way.

[michelleerin]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

I've read a few books with main characters I know are going to die and I think it's the same effect as re-reading a book where you know the main character dies. You know how it's going to end, but you can't help hoping something will change this time.

I also think it makes the story more about how she grows than about what actually happens to her.

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan?

I think it's meant to show her that what she feels is the most important things in life may not actually be the most important.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)

[Annette94]

Guys, today is February 12!!! Be safe and be careful! Don't drink and drive!!

[Beguile_Thy_So…]

I just thought her last day seemed like a lot of people's last day:

you don't know you're leaving so you don't even say goodbye, don't even pay attention, you're just in a mad rush to get through life because you dont expect to lose.

[Beguile_Thy_So…]

I just thought her last day seemed like a lot of people's last day:

[Beguile_Thy_So…]

you don't know you're leaving so you don't even say goodbye, don't even pay attention, you're just in a mad rush to get through life because you dont expect to lose.

[Bonnie_W]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

 I want to know how she dies and why she is able to re-live her life again and again.  That was one of the things that intrigued me the most about Before I Fall.

What does the conversation about "life flashing before your eyes" just before death tell you about each of the friends in the car?

 It shows their views on death, what types of things are most important to them, and what they think about the concept of dying.  It's weird that they have that conversation right before Sam dies.  Must have had a sixth sense about the matter or something...

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan?

 I'm not sure, really.  Perhaps it was because the Forces-That-Be that put her last day on repeat wanted her to reflect back on when her life first started to change as she befriended Lindsay and began to shed her outcast skin.  Perhaps they wanted to draw her attention to it so she could reflect on it.  Perhaps not.  I'm not really sure.  I'm not sure that I would recall something like that myself, but who knows?

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

 There were times when Sam deliberately did/said something different and things changed a little, but for the most part, they were very similar to one another.  For example, she was really cruel to Kent, which made me sad, especially because the rose sounded so beautiful and he put so much thought into his cartoon.  

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)

 I think the example I mentioned above with Kent felt the most significant.  In another post, Lauren Oliver said that she wanted us to dislike Sam at first, so I think this is a significant moment for Sam.  In order to like her as a person, she must become less cruel.

(Haha, Friday night and still here!  Hope you all are as well ^_^)

[pengy]

What effect does it have on you as a reader to start the story knowing that Sam is going to die?

It makes me wonder if she'll change by the end of the story. Part of me thinks she'll drop her friends and start going out with Kent (this is what I had in the beginning but now that I'm done with the book I'm not saying anythinggg)

What does the conversation about "life flashing before your eyes" just before death tell you about each of the friends in the car?

It made me think about what i would want to flash before my eyes

Why do you think Sam remembers the scene with Vicky Hallinan?

I personally really don't know and I just spent like 20 minutes trying to figure this out but ummm I don't know...

What are the subtle and not-so-subtle changes from the fist Friday February 12,  to the second one?

 She thinks she is just going crazy and all she needs to do to so she won't die is not getting in the car.

Which of those changes feel most significant to you? What change do you think would make a difference in how the day ends? (Please guard against spoilers!)

 I really want to say but I can't really cause its kinda in the middle of the book so I will wait to say later in the discussion!

By the way, our first official Friday during the discussion is Friday February 12th. Can we all promise not to drink and drive, and not to fight over ipods in the car?

I can't drink and I can't drive but I promise not to fight over the Ipod in the car! xD