Plot Summary

I Was Here

Gayle Forman
Guide cover placeholder

I Was Here

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015

Book Brief

Gayle Forman

I Was Here

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington State • 2010s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.0

69,352 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I Was Here?

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.

4.0

69,352 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

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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Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington State • 2010s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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