Where She Went

Where She Went by Gayle Forman (Random House)

PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 978-0-8575-3028-8

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Where She Went is a novel for teenagers and young adults. It’s a sequel to Forman’s If I Stay, which was about a high-achieving classical student Mia and her relationship with Adam, a jaded guitar player. After a turbulent accident rips Mia’s life apart, she leaves Adam to go to New York City.

Where She Went happens three years later and it’s from Adam’s point of view. He uses all his unresolved anger into writing songs for his band and they have blown up into one of the world’s biggest rock groups. Adam hogs the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and is a permanent fixture in the gossip magazines.

So Adam is in New York City, ready to embark on a massive world tour. He’s isolated from the other members who resent his overbearing rock god status. He feels trapped in the music industry bubble and is looking for a way out. He finds Mia instead. It starts out as an awkward catch up and turns into an enchanting night. Adam finally gets some answers but he’ll have to revisit his tormented past first.

Adam’s voice hooks you in straight away. Forman takes you knee-deep into the world of being in a rock group. Adam’s as insecure as any young adult thrown into the media machine. Adam’s self-deprecating humour shines but he’s utterly powerless against Mia. New York is a perfect backdrop for this story and you can make up your own soundtrack as you read. There’s a love of music that’s appreciated from both Adam and Mia that reaches out to the reader.

Where She Went is a haunting tale about meeting your ghost love and taking that second chance. Highly recommended for ages 15 and up.