I read this book back in 2010 and since then it has been one of my favorite YA novels. Compared to the movie, the book is far more better than movie. The movie misinterpreted the book and the acting was not so good at times. The book is about family love, not relationships.
The theme of If I Stay was beautiful. Gayle Forman writes in Mia's point of view during the hardest event any one could encounter, whether to choose life and death when your family has died. Throughout the book when she starts realizing the sad truth that she will be an orphan if she wakes up, Mia begins to realize that she still has family and that family does not have to be blood related.
The flashbacks in the book help you gain a love for the characters more and let you understand how Mia feels on a greater level. The flashback scenes show how great Mia's love is for her family. Also, Mia's flashback show her constant feeling of isolation from her family.
The characters are lovable and unique. You will wish you had these characters in your life while you read.
I highly recommend this book to all. The movie is not even close to how perfect the book is!!