I Was Here (Forman) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
(Starred review.) [A]n introspective examination of the line between life and death... Beyond exploring Cody’s grief, this psychologically incisive book delves into her complex relationships with Tricia, her single mother; Meg’s more conventional family; and, most profoundly, the boy who stole and wounded Meg’s heart shortly before her death (ages 14–up).
Publishers Weekly


Cody struggles to figure out why Meg took her own life.... The distraught but determined teen begins to encrypt files on Meg's laptop.... As she goes further down the rabbit hole, Cody comes to the realization that she needs to forgive Meg, and, more importantly, herself (Gr 9-up). —Suanne B. Roush, formerly at Osceola High School, Seminole, FL
Library Journal


This novel’s strength lies in its depiction of main character Cody, a young woman torn by conflicts but sustained by her own sense of purpose. Another selling point is the novel’s investigation of teen suicide, which even when fictional is a perpetually troubling phenomenon.... [H]ighly psychological and will probably especially appeal to girls (ages 11 to 18.) —Laura Woodruff
VOYA


Part tautly paced mystery, part psychological study of suicide and its aftereffects.... An engrossing and provocative look at the devastating finality of suicide, survivor's guilt, the complicated nature of responsibility and even the role of the Internet in life-and-death decisions (age 14-up).
Kirkus Reviews