Buy The Day Before
Special: $10.49(Regular price: $16.99)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Hardcover
Reviewer: Melissa on July 7, 2011
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Amber’s life is swirling out of control, so in The Day Before, she sets off for 24 hours of “me” time at the beach with only her iPod to keep her company. When she meets Cade, who also seems to need a day away from it all, they decide to spend it together. The idea of no questions and no discussions of their pasts, futures, or what they’re running from is a welcome distraction for Amber. However, as the day moves to night, Cade’s darkness continues to concern her. Why does he keep acting like today will be his last day?
In Lisa Schroeder‘s recent release, The Day Before, the author takes readers on a journey with little twists and turns that change the way we understand the narrative. Rather than tell us directly what it’s the day before of, she slowly gives us glimpses into Amber’s and, later, Cade’s lives to give us an understanding of what they’re going through. While I don’t want to give any spoilers like some GoodReads reviewers did, I will say that for Amber, it involves some letters from Jeanie and Allen, who say they want to meet her very much. While I thought I had a handle on what Amber’s story was, there were at least six different times in which the things that Amber or the letters from Jeanie and Allen changed my interpretation in both big and small ways. Schroeder constantly peels back layers of meaning, giving readers the chance to unravel one part of the mystery, only to find that there’s more to it again and again.
If you’ve read anything about this novel or the author, then you probably are aware that she writes verse novels. I’ve only read a few of these, but I have to say that The Day Before was one of the better ones. Schroeder’s novels appeals to your desire for an emotional, swoon-worthy read, and while I appreciated her use of poetic language and structure, those who are uncomfortable with poetry need not worry that they won’t understand it.
Two of the most significant types of poetic language used in this novel are repetition and allusions to pop culture, making Schroeder a writer who has a connection with postmodern literature. In this case, the repetition is often a word or phrase that is repeated in slightly different ways within a particular poem or in the larger context of the novel. Most of the allusions are written as a game between Amber and Cade where they make one another guess what movie their current situation is like. However, there are also allusions to Amber’s favorite bands as well as lines by Schroeder that imitate those of canonical literature. Whole one certainly doesn’t need to feel uncomfortable with Schroeder’s free verse, those who appreciate poetry and literary analysis will have plenty to work with here.
Reading this novel was really enjoyable, and I, for one, am a new convert of Lisa Schroeder’s writing. I have a feeling that if you pick up The Day Before, you’ll be a convert, too, always reaching for the next book she publishes and reading through her backlist.
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Melissa has always been a voracious reader of fiction and has an M.A. in English Literature to prove it. Like many other adults, she got caught up in the young adult crossover fiction phenomenon. Now, one of her great joys comes from sharing her love of YA lit on this popular review site. Come with expectations of intellect, magic, and honest reviews, and you won’t be disappointed.
