33 pages 1 hour read

Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2010

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, high school senior Sam Kingston dies in a car accident and finds herself reliving the same day—February 12, or Cupid Day—over and over again. Through this experience, she navigates the complexities of bullying, self-confidence, and self-sacrifice, eventually accepting her death and discovering the importance of making a positive impact on the world. The novel addresses sensitive topics including bullying and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver offers a compelling take on the coming-of-age story with its Groundhog Day-esque twist. Critics praise its emotional depth and relatable protagonist, but some feel the repetitive plot structure can be overly drawn out. Overall, it's an engaging read that explores themes of redemption and self-discovery effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Before I Fall?

A reader who would enjoy Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver is typically a young adult who appreciates contemporary fiction with emotional depth and a touch of the supernatural. Fans of Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why and Gayle Forman's If I Stay will likely find this novel compelling due to its thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and second chances.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Lexile Level

860L

Book Details

Themes

Values/Ideas: Fate

Topics

Bullying

Grief / Death

Religion / Spirituality

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Fantasy