Book Review(4) — 還有機會說再見Before I Fall by Oliver Lauren

“Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you, there is a tomorrow and so much time you can waste. But for some of us, there is only today. And the truth is you never really know.” This is the highlight of the first page, which expresses the track of this journey.

The Book’s prologue starts with the beeping sound of Samantha Kingston’s alarm in the morning. Samantha is a high school girl who seems to have it all: beauty, popularity, and a fairytale life. However, this perfect life shatters when she and her friends are involved in a car accident on their way home. However, The twist is that Samantha doesn’t die, she’s forced to relive the same day over and over until she uncovers the mistakes she made in the past. The story vividly explores her struggle with death, self-discovery, and her eventual acceptance of it.

As an adult who has experienced the challenges of adolescence, I can easily relate to Samantha’s insecurity and her internal conflict. On the other hand, I find it admirable how Samantha overcomes her anxiety and internal struggles and becomes a more compassionate and selfless person. That is not a comfortable adjustment every grown-up can accomplish smoothly. The story resonates with teenagers and adults alike and brings an inspiring reminder that every day is an opportunity to create something special in your life journey.

On a personal note, reading the book forced me to reflect on how we wait for a better tomorrow and it comes but we decide how to make it for us. In a way, tomorrow becomes an illusion, and we end up wasting our lives waiting for the perfect moment. The book reminds me to live each day as if it were my last. As Gary Vaynerchuk wisely says, “Stop whining. Start hustling.” It is about time to realize that life can come to a halt at any moment. We need to live every moment to its fullest, not wait for things to happen but take action to improve ourselves and our lives.