Review: The Day Before

Title: The Day Before
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Release Date: 28 Jun. 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 320
Rated: Lovable

My Summary

In one more day Amber's life will completely shift. She has no control over the looming changes, and all she can do is take charge of her last day. She leaves her family and her problems behind for one day at the beach. There she meets Cade, a boy looking for an escape for the day, as well. They agree, no asking why the other is there, and simply enjoy the day. But, Amber starts to wonder, what is Cade keeping from her? And what has him so unsettled?

My Thoughts

Amber's situation is fascinating. I could see where her story would lead to from early on, but the information was revealed in pieces that lead to her one day at the beach. I loved the beach setting. I actually read this book while at the beach, and that gave it a nice effect. She needed one day to forget and let go before everything fell apart, and then she meets someone who needs a fun day as much as she does. I was on my toes waiting to find out what Cade was dealing with. I was hooked until I finished. I NEEDED to unravel their mysteries.

The book is written in verse. Every time I read one of Lisa's books I wonder how attached to her characters it's possible to get when you only get little brushes of their lives and personalities, and in so few words. Every time I am delighted to find myself captured by her characters. These two particular characters grow so much in a day. They are a great influence on each other and they learn from simply seeing what the other is enduring. Amber really felt for Cade. She was worried about him. It was very sweet.

Oh, and she's a drummer. Pretty neat, right?

After reading Lisa's other books I went searching for more books written in verse and I never found any that could compete with hers. The emotions are so intense. I cried nearly the entire time I read I Heart You, You Haunt Me. And, Chasing Brooklyn? Wow. Really, read her books! If you think they're too sad for you to get through... Ignore that initial thought. They are worth it!