Questions About Before I Fall

by Lauren Oliver (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (75)

What's with Vicky Hallinan? Who is she specifically? In the prologue, Sam sees Vicky's face before she dies. A few things were mentioned about her in that part. However, throughout the whole book it was never clear to me. Her story was never mentioned again after the prologue, only her name. Note: I'm assuming that it is not really Vicky's face that Sam sees but her own face. But still, I want answers, ideas...

♥ Charlotte ♥ I feel like the author was using Vicky as a comparison, to show how Sam and her friends weren't just rude to Juliet. Vicky actually wasn't that influe…moreI feel like the author was using Vicky as a comparison, to show how Sam and her friends weren't just rude to Juliet. Vicky actually wasn't that influential to the plot, but was only there to add a dimension so in the beginning, you see Sam is a bit guilty and therefore has the potential to change into who she is at the end of the book. (less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Niki I always thought the mention of butterflies in the book was related to the "butterfly effect"--the idea that one little thing can change everything in…moreI always thought the mention of butterflies in the book was related to the "butterfly effect"--the idea that one little thing can change everything in a huge way. Her friend Ally also mentions she heard once that a burp can cause a thousand monarchs to take off halfway around the world (very much paraphrasing here; I couldn't find the quote online), but Sam refers back to this a few times throughout the book.

“It amazes me how easy it is for things to change, how easy it is to start off down the same road you always take and wind up somewhere new. Just one false step, one pause, one detour, and you end up with new friends or a bad reputation or a boyfriend or a breakup. It's never occurred to me before; I've never been able to see it. And it makes me feel, weirdly, like maybe all of these different possibilities exist at the same time, like each moment we live has a thousand other moments layered underneath it that look different.”

The book is about choice and consequence, and how huge of an impact your actions may have on someone (i.e. Juliet) without you even realizing the severity. When she saves Juliet at the end of the book, death no longer scares her because she knows she died with purpose, and she is no longer haunted by the mistakes she made in her life or the hurt she caused people. So in that sense, she is freed. (less)

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Was anyone else disappointed?? I mean she changed and she worked on her relationships with others but she never tried to change her friends? I just feel like now she's gone nothing will change. If she lived she could have made a more positive impact on others/changed the dynamics at school

Mommooshka You make an excellent point. Although she saved Juliet and improved the lives of several other girls in their school, I don't think her 3 best friends…moreYou make an excellent point. Although she saved Juliet and improved the lives of several other girls in their school, I don't think her 3 best friends would really understand why she did what she did and don't believe they will change. Maybe the point is there will always be bullies and those who put others down, but you do what you can to help those you can. You can't change everyone, but you can change yourself and do good even if some others don't follow your lead.(less)

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I started reading this book and really didn't like it that much. I didn't make it very far at all and I can't decide if I should finish it?

Chelsey Zhan You should finish reading this book. I promise the story is getting intense and interesting. It sort of made me cry you know. You gotta love it becaus…moreYou should finish reading this book. I promise the story is getting intense and interesting. It sort of made me cry you know. You gotta love it because it is a realyl good book.(less)

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I just finished reading "Before I fall" and i loved it but i didnt really understand the ending. Does Sam die? Does Sam save Juliet? Or does the days keep repeating?