Name: The Day Before
ISBN: 9781442417441

Lisa Schroeder

Sixteen-year-old Amber, hoping to spend one perfect day alone at the beach before her world is turned upside down, meets, and feels a strong connection to Cade, who is looking for his own escape, for a very different reason.

The Day Before

One moment can change everything. 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.

Vicky  Nuñez 

Rating: 4.5

I remember the first time I read a book by Lisa Schroeder, I had never read a novel in verse & I was very apprehensive over how realistic the story would come through. 

But let me tell you, once you've started there is no going back, it's an emotional ride. It is an example of how important words are & how wonderful language is. They can arrange to say the most beautiful stories with such a few words. 

The Day Before has an interesting premise. Not a story after the big change, nor the day itself, but the day BEFORE a change in the characters life.

And Lisa Schroeder rocks it. She keeps us in our toes trying to figure out what the next day is going to be & what has happened before the day "Before". 

I would recommend to read this book slowly & to savor the feel of the words. You won't regret it. This is a book who deserves to be read & enjoyed. So, go & read it NOW!

Samiha Tasnim

Some mornings,
it’s hard to get
out of bed.

Sleep lures you
like a stranger
with a piece of candy.
Follow me.
It will be okay.
I promise.
You know better,
but still you follow,
because you really do
love candy.



I grab my backpack
containing
the essentials—
extra clothes,
just in case;
my drumsticks,
just because;
my camera,
just for fun;
and a box of jelly beans,
just like always.



Sometimes, love is loud.
Sometimes, love is quiet.



I lean back
into the cool leather seat,
close my eyes,
and let the music fill
all the empty spaces



Many times
when I read a book,
I want to savor
each word,
each phrase,
each page,
loving the prose
so much,
I don’t want it
to end.



In the dark of the night,
hold on to the light,
and you’ll get
back home safely.



It’s like a dream.
The kind of dream
you wish for again and again,
night after night,
because it was so good
the first time.



I see you.
The real you.
The you who flips a coin,
hoping to understand
how fate works:
this choice or that choice,
ultimately leaving you
no choice at all.



He will survive.
Get better.
Thrive.
Or so they hope.



And suddenly I get it.
There isn’t magic out there.
There is magic here.
Right here, in this place
that brought us together
the day before
we face our fears
and our lives change forever.
Magic in the jellies.
Magic in the lighthouse.
Magic in the music.
Magic in the kisses.
Magic in the glitter.
Magic in us.
What we need
will appear
right when we need it.
Just like it did
today

Amy Grieve

This was the first book that I have ever read book told completely in verse and I find it amazing that it kept enthralled and wanting more every step of the way. Amber and Cade has such an emotional impact on me with both their struggles, the style of book didn't even matter. I forgot the minute I started this book. 

The sheer beauty of this book is enough, it doesn't need any fluff and tassle to make it amazing like a lot of books out there.

Mayra Melo

Surprised.
Got up from bed and realized I had been reading for 3 hours straight.
Lisa Schroeder has definitely redeemed herself in my eyes. I'm glad I decided to read this one.
So simple. But so touching!

ashley hopkins

This was a beautifully written story

If you haven't read anything by Lisa Schroeder I recommend it. Her writing style is different. Her books are written in verse form, but don't let that stop you from reading them. Trust me I didn't think I would enjoy them so much because honestly how could you tell a story in so few words and still make it unforgettable. At the very least make it something that makes sense and hooks the reader. I was proven wrong in every way.

Here is why:
This story takes place over a 24 hour period. This alone makes me think okay, how am I going to be able to fall in love with these characters, and what they are going through if all I get with them is one day. I did fall in love with the characters though...everything about them seemed genuine. I mean sure they had their flaws, but that's what makes them wonderful.

Amber sets off early one morning to the beach to have one day to herself, a day where she can forget about her problem, not worry what other people think, and just relax. What she didn't expect to find was someone just as eager to get away from their problems, and learn that sometimes life may seem hard for you but in the end someone always has it worse. -Insert Cade here- Amber meets Cade at the Jelly Tank. (Hey at least it's not a science class) It seems as if they hit it off, and what's even better neither wants to talk about their problems they just want to live the day like it's the last. Throughout the day they leave where their going to chance by flipping a penny they found. An aquarium, a lighthouse, the beach, and food choices. The more time they spend together the more Amber is drawn to him wanting to know him, to help him, but when she tries he pushes away. So it's better left alone unless he reveals it himself.

I kept going back and forth on what could possibly be going on with him. Like Amber I shared her thoughts I kept thinking the same thing. When we finally realize what it is I'm completely torn. We learn what's going on with Amber a little sooner. I had somewhat of an idea, but I didn't know to what extent. Let's just say I could see why she was hurt after though. I could say more, but ultimately it would end up giving away to much so this is what I'm sticking with. It makes me wonder what would I do the day before if something big was to happen in my life? (I want to meet a Cade!)

Side note: I totally want to go buy some glitter and one night just go outside and throw it up in the air. Anyone with me on this? If you've read the book you know what I'm talking about. :)

Olivera Mitić

3.75 stars

The Day Before is fast, entertaining and intriguing. It reads in less than two hours, but it somehow stays with the reader afterwards and here's why: most of all, this book is warm, sweet and completely hopeful. 

While it certainly has it's flaws, I found it completely worth the time you spend on it and the story you get. The originality behind the characters was just so refreshing and Lisa Schroeder did a great job with making them quirky, but also not overdoing it too much. 

My main problem was the insta love and truly that's the only reason why I gave it a more or less low rating, while still claiming to having enjoyed it.

But I did. It was nice and lovely and it felt like being 16 and fearful of the future, because that's exactly the point of this book. Being so young and so afraid of what's to come, while also being cluttered with real life problems. 

Oh, and also, I listened to Cigarettes After Sex the whole time I was reading it and it's a really perrrrrfect combination.

The Day Before

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