I Was Here by Gayle Forman

"How can you believe someone to be beautiful and amazing and just about the most magical person you’ve ever known, when it turns out she was in such pain that she had to drink poison that robbed her cells of oxygen until her heart had no choice but to stop beating?"
― Gayle Forman, I Was Here

In an attempt to find solace, reason or justification, Cody embarks on a journey to find out why her best friend, Meg took her life.

Meg's laptop holds many of these secrets and Cody uses it as an investigation tool. She uncovers aspects of, Meg's life she knew nothing about. The most troubling data Cody stumbles across is a website that Meg, frequented. It is a website to help others commit suicide.

Cody is determined to make contact with the individual with whom, Meg interacted with the most. This proves to be more difficult than she initially anticipated but when contact is achieved, Cody is determined to place full blame on the anonymous person behind the screen.

I Was Here is a fast, engaging read with some romance thrown in along the way (FYI: The story could have done without the romance). The ending is predictable yet sweet. This is a book about forgiveness, self- discovery and grief.

Suicide is a difficult subject to tackle and Forman does it with grace and understanding.

Grade: B+

If you are suicidal, don't hesitate to reach out for help. YOU matter. YOU are loved.

National Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a crisis hotline call for support. 1-800-273-TALK

You can also visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website. Click HERE for more info.

If you are LGBT and are thinking of taking your life contact you can call 1-866-488-7386
or visit the Trevor Project HERE