Book Review: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

AUTHOR: Lisa Schroeder
PUBLISHER: Simon Pulse
PAGES: 307
SERIES/STAND ALONE: Stand Alone
SOURCE: Bought
CHALLENGES: Contempt Challenge
OUTLINE:
Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself. Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.
The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

MY THOUGHTS:
If you haven't read anything by Lisa Schroeder I recommend it. Her writing style is different. Her books are written in verse form, but don't let that stop you from reading them. Trust me I didn't think I would enjoy them so much because honestly how could you tell a story in so few words and still make it unforgettable. At the very least make it something that makes sense and hooks the reader. I was proven wrong in every way.



Here is why:
This story takes place over a 24 hour period. This alone makes me think okay, how am I going to be able to fall in love with these characters, and what they are going through if all I get with them is one day. I did fall in love with the characters though...everything about them seemed genuine. I mean sure they had their flaws, but that's what makes them wonderful.

Amber sets off early one morning to the beach to have one day to herself, a day where she can forget about her problem, not worry what other people think, and just relax. What she didn't expect to find was someone just as eager to get away from their problems, and learn that sometimes life may seem hard for you but in the end someone always has it worse. -Insert Cade here- Amber meets Cade at the Jelly Tank. (Hey at least it's not a science class) It seems as if they hit it off, and what's even better neither wants to talk about their problems they just want to live the day like it's the last. Throughout the day they leave where their going to chance by flipping a penny they found. An aquarium, a lighthouse, the beach, and food choices. The more time they spend together the more Amber is drawn to him wanting to know him, to help him, but when she tries he pushes away. So it's better left alone unless he reveals it himself.

I kept going back and forth on what could possibly be going on with him. Like Amber I shared her thoughts I kept thinking the same thing. When we finally realize what it is I'm completely torn. We learn what's going on with Amber a little sooner. I had somewhat of an idea, but I didn't know to what extent. Let's just say I could see why she was hurt after though. I could say more, but ultimately it would end up giving away to much so this is what I'm sticking with. It makes me wonder what would I do the day before if something big was to happen in my life? (I want to meet a Cade!)

Side note: I totally want to go buy some glitter and one night just go outside and throw it up in the air. Anyone with me on this? If you've read the book you know what I'm talking about. :)

QUOTES:
These are actually more like some of the passages that were written, but I loved them.

tell me a story-
Many times when I read a book, I want to savor each word, each phrase,each page, loving the prose so much, I don't want it to end.
Other times the story pulls me in, and I can hardly read fast enough, the details flying by,some of them lost because all that matters is making sure the character is alright when it's over.
This day is like the best of both kinds of books. (page 114)

20/20
Hidden, there behind the face of a beautiful boy, I see you. The real you. The you who flips a coin, hoping to understand how fate works: this choice or that choice, ultimately leaving you no choice at all. The you who smiles and tries to be happy because that's what people want you to be. The you who plays " it will be okay" on repeat all day, every day, to try and convince yourself that it will be. I see you. Because in you, I see me. (page 150) (So this is probably my favorite passage in the book because when I was younger and still sometimes I feel like I have to put on a smile on and tell myself that things happen for a reason and it will be okay.

-Being a friend means knowing when to push, and knowing when to pull back.