Monday 20 June 2011

Book Review: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder.

Product details:
Publisher: Simon Pulse.
Release date: June 28th 2011.
Hardcover, 320 pages.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Ages: 14+
Source: Galley Grab

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.




When I first heard of The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder, I was a little wary despite being completely in love with the premise of the book. Having never read a book written in verse before, I wasn’t quite sure if it would be to my taste. However, I’m glad to say that these fears were totally unfounded. Schroeder’s writing is beautiful, giving readers an immediate insight into the mindset of her characters. Her writing is raw, powerful, emotional and real and will enable readers to establish a deep connection with the characters in this book as they learn of the events that have led them to spend one perfect day together before their lives change forever.

I was initially drawn to this book by the synopsis which immediately reminded me of one of my all time favourite movies Before Sunrise, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. It’s a movie that is beautifully referenced in the text as “the most romantic movie ever”, and I agree that this movie, depicting an unexpected, perfect day when two strangers meet and immediately connect, is pretty special. Truly perfect days are a rare thing, filled with simple pleasures, made perfect by the people they are shared with.

Amber and Cade meet when they are both trying to experience a day free from worry, free from hurt, free from expectations. This is a perfect day book, for sure, but it has a dark ominous cloud hanging over it in the shape of what is to come next in the lives of Amber, a girl caught in a heartbreaking tug of war, and Cade, a boy who has had to make a life-changing decision, and who is living every moment like it’s his last. Amber and Cade don’t know each other, they meet by chance, or by fate, as they embark on the day before the day that their lives are set to change forever.

I went through a range of emotions while reading this book. It’s dark in places, but also funny, sweet and romantic. It’s a book that will tug at your heartstrings, but also leave you smiling as you witness the connection between Amber and Cade as they share special, once in a lifetime moments together, including perfect kisses under a glitter filled sky. Sometimes the right person comes along just when you need them most, and Amber and Cade find solace and understanding in each other as they face that dreaded tomorrow that they never want to arrive.

This book was beautiful in every way, filled with life great characters, special moments and life lessons that made me sit up and listen. As a person who is not a big fan of change, I appreciated the message that if you embrace change, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. As a quick read, this book totally left me wanting more, just like all the best books do. Maybe Lisa Schroeder will take inspiration from Before Sunset which revisited the characters from Before Sunrise almost a decade down the line and give us a sequel some time. I, for one, would love to read more!



19 comments :

  1. Beautiful review - you've really conveyed the lovely emotions wrapped in this one, and now I am itching to get my heads on it - haha, I actually have a Before Sunrise reference in my review of a different book today!

    -Linds

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  2. Great review, Leanna! Sadly, I have never seen Before Sunrise or Before Sunset! I need to fix that this summer. But I like how you connected it to that movie, which I hear from just about everyone is super romantic. I had a hard time with the verse in this one. I wanted more, but you are right when you say Schroeder's writing is beautiful. I may try a few of her other books in the future.

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  3. It's good to know that you loved this book even though it's written in verse. I'm not a fan of books written in verse, but I've loved the sound of this book since I first heard about it, so I'm planning on reading it anyway.

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  4. I just read one of this author's other books (LIVING DEAD GIRL, which is very different, but excellent) so I'm curious about her other books, too. Great review!

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  5. I am a huge fan of Before Sunrise and of books written in verse (although I've only read two) so this sounds like a must read. Thanks for the review.

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  6. I wasn't sure about the verse thing either but it seems to work well for this book. so glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the review!!

    The Cait Files

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  7. It reminded you of Before Sunrise! Now I have to read this. A book that is dark as well as sweet and romantic is right up my alley. Thanks for the review!

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  8. This book is getting rave reviews from so many trusted bloggers. I’m definitely going to have to read this one :)

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  9. Beautiful review Leanna. You definitely make me want to pick this up right now and read it :)

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  10. Great review, I've had this one on my wishlist but i think i might have to go ahead and buy it. I love the sound of Amber and Cade (I like my romance haha)

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  11. I loved this book too, it really was beautiful! I cant wait to read more by the author!

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  12. You need to read Chasing Brooklyn now too! That book made me cry!

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  13. I love the sound of this one, the premise and the characters sound beautiful, I'm just not sure how I'll deal with it being in verse. I guess I'll never know until I try though huh? Really fantastic review Leanna!

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  14. Loved this book! I like the whole escape and not worry about anything else feel to it. Nice review!

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  15. Chasing Brooklyn by the same author was the first verse novel I read...and I loved it. Really want to read this one now..great review!

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  16. Oh what an absolutely beautiful review Leanna. I've also just bought one of Lisa's books - an old one called I heart you, you haunt me and, being new to verse novels - have yet to still read it. After your raving about her writing, I'll be moving her book up in my TBR list. The Day Before sounds like a beautiful, dark and sweet read that is right up my alley and am so glad that it gets the thumbs up from you. :)

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  17. I want through sooo many emotions while reading this as well! I would love a book 2 as well! I think I also mentioned that in my review or I at least was thinking about it! Great review!

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  18. Aw, I got sucked into Before Sunset while randomly flicking through channels one day, not even realizing that it was in fact a sequel, and thought it was one of the most beautiful movies EVER! :) You're right that The Day Before book does have a similar premise and - even though I'm not convinced that a verse novel would work for me - I might just have to read this before my S&S galley expires in a few days.

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  19. oh! I really, really want to read this one. It sounds like a book I would absolutely love..

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