I Was Here
304
Novel • Fiction
Washington State • 2010s
2015
YA
14-18 years
HL680L
In Gayle Forman's young adult novel, I Was Here, eighteen-year-old Cody embarks on a journey to uncover the reasons behind her best friend Meg's unexpected suicide, delving into Meg's life, her online interactions with a pro-suicide group, and their complicated relationships. The book includes graphic descriptions of suicidal ideation.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Contemplative
69,352 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
I Was Here by Gayle Forman is praised for its compelling exploration of grief and mental health, engaging readers with a deeply emotional narrative and well-drawn characters. However, some reviews indicate that the plot can feel predictable at times and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s an impactful read with a meaningful message, despite occasional shortcomings.
Readers who would enjoy I Was Here by Gayle Forman are typically young adults who appreciate emotional, character-driven stories. Fans of Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher or All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven may find similar themes of grief, mental health, and self-discovery compelling.
69,352 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
I Was Here was inspired by an article Gayle Forman read about a college student who died by suicide, prompting her to explore the complexities of grief and mental health.
The author, Gayle Forman, initially started her career as a journalist, which influenced her writing style in crafting realistic and emotionally resonant young adult narratives.
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I Was Here addresses important issues such as mental health, friendship, and the impact of suicide, contributing to Forman's reputation for tackling challenging subjects in her works.
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304
Novel • Fiction
Washington State • 2010s
2015
YA
14-18 years
HL680L
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