IF I STAY, by Gayle Forman

IF I STAY
by Gayle Forman

(Dutton)

Hallmarks of a page-turner:

1. A striking premise
(After a catastrophic highway accident, Mia's body lies in a coma while her spirit/essence/consciousness roams the hospital, watching her friends and relatives react -- until she realizes her survival is not in the doctors' hands.)

2. Suspense
(Scenes alternate between the ICU and Mia's memories until you can't choose whether you prefer the compelling present or the absorbing past.)

3. Invisible writing
(Writing that doesn't call attention to itself, that lets you forget you're even reading so you can just live the story.)

For good measure, toss in some potent personalities twining into ardent connections, and ka-bam. That's one tasty piece of reading.

(Available in April)