The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 320
Source: Galley from Simon & Schuster
Rating: 
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository
Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.
Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.
The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last. – Goodreads
Review:
I immediately wanted to read The Day Before once I saw the cover a few months ago. It’s pretty gorgeous, right? The summary sounded like something I would enjoy, too, so win-win. But then I read that the book was written in verse… Not exactly my cup of tea. That is to say, I hadn’t read anything in that writing style in recent memory. After that, I was hesitant to get to it, but I decided to dive in anyway, hoping for the best!
No doubt, Lisa Schroeder’s writing is gorgeous and I think the use of verse helped with the urgency of the story she was telling. The fast pace kept me turning the pages, wanting to uncover the details of the situations Amber and Cade were dealing with. On the other hand, though, this style also held me back from making a genuine connection with the characters. There are glimpses of their personalities, and the two form a very touching bond, but diving into their backgrounds left me feeling a little apathetic. For Amber there were a few letters every now and then that shed a little more light on her plight, allowing for empathy from me, but Cade was difficult to relate to. I’m used to reading so many details about the characters I’m reading about that the ones here were a little too sparse for my liking. Other readers may not find issue with the subtly of this book, but I definitely needed more to feel any of its emotional impact.
When all is said and done, I’m glad I gave this book a try! Despite any problems I may have run into, I do plan on picking up future reads that are written in verse. Reading The Day Before was an interesting experience and, who knows, maybe I’ll grow to appreciate this style separately from what I’m used to.
About Stephanie
I think I’ve only ever read one novel written in verse, which was one of Lisa’s – Chasing Brooklyn and I really enjoyed it! Beautifully written. But I don’t think these type of novels are for everything, I totally understand your need for MORE. I’m curious to see how this one matches up to my previous Lisa-experience. I hope your next shot at verse is more rewarding! :)
Yeah, novels in verse aren’t typically my style either, but I’ve been trying a couple for the challenge. I was thinking of trying a Lisa Schroeder one since I’ve heard some good things, but maybe I won’t start with The Day Before. Anyway glad you gave it a shot!
Great review! I’ve read one book by Lisa Schroeder before, and I have this one from the Galley Grab to read. I’m looking forward to checking it out. I’m not a huge fan of books written in verse either. Thanks for sharing!
I didn’t know this book was in verse! I tend to think of Ellen Hopkins books when I think of verse so it’ll be interesting to get another perspective, plus I have no idea what this is about so I’m curious lol
Lisa actually stopped by my book club for an interview. We read I heart you, you haunt me. I think her books are really a neat way to read! Go here if you want to read the interview:
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/list_group/3551.YA_Book_Club
Angie
You’re making me want to join that outside the comfort zone challenge :)