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Where She Went

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Gayle Forman

Where She Went

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

297

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL800L

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Super Short Summary

Where She Went by Gayle Forman, the sequel to If I Stay, follows Adam Wilde, whose rock band is extremely successful but who remains tormented by the sudden departure of his high school girlfriend, Mia Hall, now a professional cellist. Adam struggles with substance dependency and alienation until a chance encounter with Mia leads to a night of reconnection and the revelation of why she left. The book features themes of loss, sacrifice, and the aftermath of grief.

Emotional

Melancholic

Romantic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

318,304 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Gayle Forman's Where She Went receives favorable marks for its emotional depth and vivid character development, effectively resonating with readers who appreciate romance and drama. Criticisms focus on predictable plot twists and pacing concerns. Overall, it's noted for strong emotional engagement but occasionally falters in narrative innovation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Where She Went?

Readers who would enjoy Where She Went by Gayle Forman are often fans of young adult romance and emotional journeys. They appreciate character-driven narratives seen in novels like John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Stephanie Perkins' Anna and the French Kiss. This audience tends to favor stories of love, loss, and personal growth.

4.2

318,304 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Adam Wilde

The lead vocalist and guitarist for the band Shooting Star, known for writing the songs that propelled the band to fame, struggles with personal issues and is distant from his band at the story's beginning.

A talented cellist who gets accepted to Juilliard after a traumatic past; she grapples with personal changes and the impact of past relationships.

Consisting of her parents and younger brother, they are deceased prior to the story's events and are featured mainly in memories, representing Mia's past and her profound loss.

They represent traditional parental expectations and hope for a better future for Adam, expressing love and support despite the challenges he faces.

Book Details
Pages

297

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL800L

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